Car shopping can bring dread to your heart. It could remind you of times past where the salesman took advantage of you. Stop the insanity and read this article as the advice here will keep you safe from the sales pitch of even the most advanced car jockey on the lot.
Do a little research before you enter the showroom. When you walk into a showroom, sticker prices are usually listed right on the cars. It is important to understand that all dealerships have some wiggle room from these prices. If you do your research online first, you can gain an understanding of how much the car you want is selling for you in your area. This will help you to understand how much room there is to negotiate down from sticker price, so that you get the deal you are really looking for.
Never, ever skip the test drive when you are car shopping. You have to get behind the wheel of that car and see how it feels before committing to a buying it. Make sure you try a variety of driving conditions, including surface streets and interstate driving. Do not forget to try pulling it into a parking space in a shopping center.
When buying a used car, a great way to tell if the car has been in an accident is to look into the door frames. Usually when a car is repainted, you will notice over spray in this area. This is not proof that a car was in an accident, but it will let you know it was repainted.
Have some company escort you when shopping for a new car. This person can act as another set of ears, and they might be more reasonable about walking away from a deal if it isn't in your best interest to accept it. They can be anyone from your Mom to a coworker.
Take an extended test drive. Don't just take it for a quick spin through the neighborhood by yourself. Instead, enlist everyone who will be regularly riding in the car to share their opinions. Ask the dealer for a full afternoon test drive so that you have the chance to take it on the freeway to check things like the pickup and the blind spots, and spend some time really feeling the comfort of the interior.
Plan to do your car shopping at the month's end. Most salesmen have a certain quota they would like to reach for each month. At month's end, the salesperson may still need to meet his quota, and he will be more conducive in giving you a better deal just to make a sale.
Figure out how much you can afford on a car payment before you get there. If you wait, your eyes will be big, and you will be willing to pay anything to get what you want. Start out with a firm figure and do not allow yourself to be moved by anything the salesman says.
Get a vehicle history report for any car you are seriously considering. All you need is the vehicle identification number (VIN). This report can tell you about the car's accident and repair history, as well as whether the car has been in a flood or other disaster. Some sites allow you to pay for a one-month subscription, which is handy if you will be pulling reports on multiple vehicles.
See? This simple, easy to follow guide of advice will give you the power next time you're the one negotiating for a car. Print it off and study it as you prepare for the big day and I'm sure once you own your new car you'll be bragging to your friends about what a great deal you got.
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