Purchasing a new or used vehicle can be very stressful, especially with all the options that are available. Do you know which features you need or how to negotiate for a better price? Use what you’ve read here to guide you as you consider your next vehicle purchase.

Prior to going shopping for a new vehicle, you must be aware of your needs. You need to know your budget. How large is your family? What gas mileage are you looking for? Are you a fan of four doors or a two door coupe? Make a list of what you want in a car.

Do not allow yourself to get talked into a car you can’t afford. Some salesmen can talk you into an expensive car you cannot afford. Know that the person selling you the car is interested in commission, so when they sell a pricy car, they get paid more.

Try to avoid showing up at the dealership in an expensive car. Once they see what you are driving, they will be less likely to make any deals with you.

Plan to do your car shopping at the month’s end. Most car dealers have quotas for their salespeople that they are trying to meet at this time. A salesman may be a bit behind on their monthly quota and be more desperate to make a good sale.

You should only provide a social security number if you are seriously considering making a purchase from that dealership. A lot of dealerships will ask you for this information so that they can run your credit. Having your credit checked for no reason can hurt you when it comes to getting financing. Iron out a deal before you let anyone run your credit.

Ask the dealer to let you have the vehicle inspected by the mechanic you have. The mechanic you’re cool with should be fairly trustworthy. You should not use one that the dealer employs. Having a mechanic there isn’t to drive the price down or to intimidate the dealer. It’s only to ensure that the car is worth buying.

Make sure you read what you’re signing. You will have to sign a contract at the dealership, and you should read it carefully. If you sign, you’re bound to the agreement. Feel free to request to take the contract home with you to look at it more closely before you sign it. If the dealership will not give you a copy, take as long as you need and read it in its entirety.

Research properly when you want to buy a car that is used. This can give you a better idea of what you should be paying. Find out the value of your car from the KBB or the NADA book. If your dealer is offering prices higher than the blue book value, you should go to a different dealership.

Once you have identified a prospective vehicle, make sure you give it a thorough inspection. Check for any dents and scratches on the exterior. Look inside for carpet stains or damaged upholstery. Remember, once you make that purchase, the car is yours. This means to look for any and all damage

The goal of a salesperson is to make the highest commissions. It might be obvious, but you might forget if the salesperson knows how to sell. Don’t be thrown by all the potential add-ons. Even a base model can become pricey if saddled down by these fees.

Take fuel economy into consideration before purchasing a vehicle. While a cheaper model might set you back a bit more in the short run, it might also allow you to save thousands in fuel expenses over time. Keep this in mind as you choose a model.

If you feel pressured or intimidated, leave the premises. They may ask you to stay, but don’t. Make up an excuse if necessary. Get the heck out of there! You have other choices, so there is no reason to stay if you feel uncomfortable.

Find out about all potential dealers’ customer service. Find out what other customers have to say. You could also call the service department and ask them for advice for a problem you know the answer to. Select a dealer that has a competent staff so that you have a good source to turn to when the need arises.

Now you know what to look for in a car. You just need to conduct some research and get going. Buy when you’re comfortable to ensure a great purchase.