Are you interested in shopping for a car but are unaware of how to start? Maybe your schedule is just too hectic, or you aren’t sure what you should be looking for. Use this guide to help you avoid wasting time and money while shopping for a new car. It will provide you with all the information you need.

Never let salespeople talk you into a car that is beyond your means. Salespeople will try talking you into buying a luxury or a sports car by telling you this car corresponds to your personality. When you purchase a vehicle that is not within your budget, you can be sure that the dealership and salesperson — not YOU — will benefit.

Financing needs to be in place before you arrive on the lot. The reason a car takes so long to get is because they need to look at your credit while securing a lender for you. If you already have a loan when you walk through the door, you will have a much faster transaction.

Take the time to research the dealer before you make any offer on a car. You will have a negotiating advantage if you understand their trade and financing practices. Check out reviews, too.

Ask your friends about what they hear. Are they impressed with the cars that they have? Are they regretting their vehicle purchase? What do they know about other cars out on the market? When you are shopping for a vehicle, this initial information will be useful to you.

Put the Internet to work for you. Practically all makes and models are available to you online. Before you step into a car dealership, learn as much as you are able to about the cars that you are interested in. Researching online can give you all of the specifications you want.

Shop for your new car near the month’s end. At the end of the month, dealership salesmen are usually trying to fill unmet quotas. At month’s end, quotas may not have been met yet, and under-performing salesmen will be eager to negotiate.

Visit an auto show so you can more easily determine which types of vehicles would suit your needs. These shows provide you with an opportunity to research and compare many vehicles side-by-side. It will also give you a chance to talk to many knowledgeable people all in one location. After leaving a car show, you may even have decided upon the right car for you.

Evaluate your finances and come up with a realistic amount that you are willing to spend before you start talking to car salesmen. This number must be based on what you wish to spend, along with market research on your chosen model’s general value.

Ask the dealer if the car can be inspected by a third-party mechanic. Be sure to have a trustworthy mechanic standing by. Never use the mechanic the dealer suggests. The mechanic will let you know if the car is worth what the dealer is asking and if it’s okay to be driven.

Keep the fact that you have a car to trade in a secret. Don’t disclose that you have a vehicle to trade in until you’ve negotiated a firm price for the new car you will be purchasing. If you disclose too early, the dealer can use the trade-in against you and give you a poor deal on your new car to make up for the trade-in.

Research properly when you want to buy a car that is used. You can use the Internet to your advantage when searching for a car’s value. Kelly Blue Book is a great resource to determine the value of a car. If the dealer tries to get more than what those sources say, walk away.

Armed with your new perspective, your new car is just a few shopping trips away. Above all, the vehicle must be able to satisfy your wants and needs while staying in your budget. Don’t let this opportunity escape you. Utilize the advice you’ve just learned in order to obtain your dream car.