Is now the time for you to get a new car? Does the process scare you? Keep reading to find out some great advice and to help you in the process.

Have some company escort you when shopping for a new car. He or she can give you another perspective on a vehicle, and may be more willing to leave if you are not offered a good deal. They could be a parent, a friend, or a spouse.

Ask your friends for tips and advice. Do they have a car they love? How well would they say the car has held its value? What have they heard about other models? When you’re in the market for a car, this is a good way to get some preliminary information that you can start with.

Determine your maximum budget before you set foot on the lot. When shopping for a vehicle, do not look at vehicles above your price range. He doesn’t have to pay the bill!

Don’t buy without test driving. This will give you a feel of how good the car drives. It’s possible the car has problems that can only be uncovered by driving it.

Don’t assume that you have to only buy from dealerships. You may be able to find what you want from a private seller or a smaller dealership. You should use your newspaper or sales pad to find a car from a private owner.

Car salesmen have quotas to meet. Use this against them by shopping at month end. Salespeople who have not yet made their quota will be more willing to negotiate in order to seal the deal. This allows you a little bit more wiggle room in your price negotiations.

Try planning car shopping trips near the end of a month. Salesman are often struggling to fulfill quotas at this time. The sales staff may be behind and need your sale to meet their goals.

Make sure that the car you purchase has been inspected fully. The mechanic you use should be trustworthy. The mechanic should be someone that you hand pick personally. A good mechanic can help you determine whether or not the vehicle is priced reasonably and free of defects.

Research properly when getting a used car. You can even learn online about a car’s value. Use NADA or Kelly Blue Book to find out what the vehicle is worth. If the dealer sells for too much, try to find an alternative dealership.

Before visiting a dealership, feel free to call in advance and ask them if they have the specific car model you are interested in. If you go to them, the person selling the car will try his hardest to get you to buy the car. You’ll just be wasting your time if they don’t have the car that you want. Call ahead and find out what the story is.

Don’t sign the warranty that reads “as-is” when purchasing. If you do, you will be sorry. Any competent dealer will offer warranties that cover a 30 to 90 day time frame. You will have no recourse of a major repair is needed immediately after you drive away from the dealer’s lot.

Salespeople simply want to maximize their profit. Therefore, exercise good judgement when making a deal. Beware the extras and add-ons that can get tacked on at the end of a sale. Even bargain cars can increase by hundreds or thousands.

You should feel better after reading this article. The advice found here is invaluable and will ensure that you will have a good experience when you shop for a car. Pass the information on to loved ones that wish to buy a vehicle that they’re happy with.