Buying a car or truck is a huge investment for anyone. It can cost you much more money if you are not prepared for the shopping and purchasing of the car. Learn great tips about how to go about buying your next car while avoiding many of the scams that can cost you extra.

If you are in the market for a used car, you should always get a CarFax report. The CarFax report will let you know if the car has been in an accident. If the car has been in an accident, you probably want to keep searching and not buy that car.

If you are in the market for a used car, a great way to tell if the speedometer is correct is to look at the gas and brake pedals. If someone says the car has 30,000 miles on it, and the brake and gas pedals are worn, it is a good indication the odometer was turned back.

If you are considering buying a vehicle from a private seller, you should first ask your mechanic to go over it. When the seller says no, move on. This could mean you have to pay for problems that aren’t evident at the time. Do not purchase a car without knowing about possible mechanical problems.

If the price of a car is non-negotiable, see if you can negotiate on other terms. Some dealerships will agree to provide several months’ worth of free gasoline or a year of free oil changes, for instance. It never hurts to ask if a salesman can sweeten the deal.

Bring a spare set of keys with you to the dealership. When they ask for the keys to your trade in, give them the spare. Some dealerships will use your car keys to hold you hostage if a deal is not made. You want to avoid this, so make sure you have the ability to walk out of the dealership at any time without having to ask for your keys.

Few things are as exciting and overwhelming as the process of trying to find a new vehicle. The Internet is often your best friend in this situation. You can look up a variety of vehicles and compare prices right from your home. There are a number of websites that list car prices. That way, you can quickly narrow your list of potential vehicles in advance.

When you shop for a car, try taking a friend with you that does not wish to purchase a car. They ensure you don’t get sucked into a deal which isn’t what you want or need. Also, they can point out the deficiencies of the car.

Ask if you can have an independent mechanic do an inspection. You will want to get someone who you have faith in. Do not agree to use the mechanic provided by the dealership. He should tell you both if it’s a good deal and whether it is ready to be driven.

Walking into a dealership with the information you now have will aid you in your purchase. Take the time to learn all of the tips above you soon you will find yourself driving the car you want. You will also have the payments that you can afford to make each month.