Purchasing a new or used vehicle can be very stressful, especially with all the options that are available. How can you know what to get? Use this article as a guideline to help you decide what to consider when you go out and get your next car.

Before visiting a dealership, spend time shopping online. Don’t visit a dealership until you have a good idea of what you want in a vehicle, such as size, brand, and pricing. Do online research to find out the specifications and rating that are important to you.

Check online for deals. Searching on the Internet can literally save you thousands of dollars at times. After you find a great deal on the car of your dreams, you can visit the dealer and make your purchase. Find the closest reliable dealership to save money on gas.

Get your financing set up before you visit a dealership. This can be done at your credit union or bank. Doing so will cause you to get a much better rate of interest.

You want to stay focused on the total price, not monthly payments. You may get a great monthly rate, but if you’re paying that rate for many years, your new vehicle is going to end up costing a lot more than it’s worth. It is a better idea to concentrate on getting a great deal on the final vehicle price, including the financing. Then, you can negotiate the terms.

If you’re getting a car from someone privately, get a mechanic you know to look at it first. Think twice about buying a car from someone who refuses to let you do so. This typically means that there are issues they are trying to cover up. It can be dangerous to buy such cars without doing your homework.

Do not think that purchasing from a dealer is your only option. You might be shocked to discover that the car you want is available on a smaller lot, or even from an individual private owner. Use social networking sites and classifieds to help you find the car you want at a good price.

Car salesmen have quotas to meet. Use this against them by shopping at month end. People selling cares that haven’t met their quotas are really eager to get you to purchase a car. Doing so gives you an advantage during negotiation.

Ask your dealer to let you take the car to your mechanic. Be sure to have a trustworthy mechanic standing by. Avoid using the dealer’s mechanic. Your mechanic will tell you what is wrong with the car, and whether the price is right.

Your trade-in should be kept a secret. Wait to mention a trade-in vehicle until after you have a firm deal on the new vehicle. When a salesperson knows about your trade-in, he or she may factor it into the sales price, which can work against you.

Now you know what to search for when purchasing a car. You just have to make sure that you research your options. Never make a purchase you are uncomfortable with. Also, be sure to use this advice.