Car shopping can be fun. Driving around in your new car is great, and shopping for it should be fun as well. Many think this process has to be stressful, but it doesn’t. These tips can help you buy a new car and have fun looking for one too.
Before buying a used car from a dealership, ask to have it looked over by a third-party mechanic. If the dealer does not cooperate, go to another dealer. A good mechanic can provide an impartial opinion regarding any problems with the vehicle, such as signs that the car has been wrecked or submerged in flood water.
Talk to friends and family about what they have heard. Are they impressed with the cars that they have? Are they sorry they purchased the vehicle? Do they know of a car that’s really good? When you’re in the market for a car, this is a good way to get some preliminary information that you can start with.
Never buy a vehicle unless you have taken a test drive. Even if you once had the same exact vehicle, you have to be sure that this one works just as well. You might find that there are some small things that are not the same or that there is something wrong.
Don’t drive an expensive car to the lot. This type of car will cause the dealership to ignore any low offers you make, unless of course the car is one you are planning on trading.
You don’t have to buy from a dealer. Often, you can find just the right vehicle through private sales or smaller lots. Take advantage of classified ads and websites intended to help you identify sources for the car you want.
Test driving is mandatory. Even if you are sure that you want a particular make and model, take the few minutes needed to test drive it. There’s nothing that will allow you get a feel for the car like a hands-on demonstration. You might notice that the feel of the car isn’t what you expected.
Many salespeople have monthly quotas or goals. They have to sell X number of cars monthly, and knowing this puts you in the proverbial driver’s seat. Salesmen who have yet to make their expected number of sales will be eager to close another sale. This can help give you some wiggle room with your negotiating.
You might have an exact picture of what you seek, but getting it might not be perfectly possible. Your wishlist of options and features might not match your budget, or the vehicles currently available just don’t match your desires. Luxuries like heating in the seats shouldn’t make or break a deal.
When you shop for a car, try taking a friend with you that does not wish to purchase a car. They can give you a fresh perspective on the decisions you are trying to make. Also, they can point out the deficiencies of the car.
You must have an upper limit on your spending set before going to a dealer. Base this number on your budget and the research you have done about what a car should be worth.
Search online for great used car deals. You can find a car without visiting a dealership. Try looking at online classifieds or auction sites, if possible. You won’t feel pressure from a salesperson and can also save money.
Always avoid signing As-Is warranties. This can be something that you will regret in the future. They should at least offer some kind of 30-90 warranty when buying any car. If your engine or transmission is destroyed on the day that you buy the vehicle, then you are going to be the one responsible for fixing the repair.
The thought of car shopping can make many people cringe, but now you can see that it does not have to be a stressful experience. There are a few things you can do to make your experience a positive one. Get started and give yourself enough time to find the ideal vehicle.