Car shopping is one thing people seem to struggle with. This can be caused by a lack of information on cars and the purchasing process. Negotiations can be stressful, as well. Use this article to help you become an expert car shopper.

Don’t pay the sticker price on a car. This number is not an accurate reflection of what each dealer believes it can get from you. If you aren’t comfortable negotiating, bring someone who is. Before you go to the showroom, know what a good price is for the car so you will know your limits.

Bring a friend with you to buy your car. They may hear things you miss and will help make it easier to turn down a deal, should it be an unfavorable one. Ask your significant other, a friend, or even one of your parents.

If you don’t think that you can stay away from the pressure during any sales pitches, you shouldn’t go shopping alone for a vehicle. Take someone you trust to help facilitate negotiations and ask key questions. Also, talk to the person you bring about the amount of money you wish to spend.

If the car you are driving now is expensive, don’t drive it to the dealership. If you do, the salesperson will not take any low offers you have.

Don’t talk about down payments, incentives, or trade-ins until the car has a firm price you want. These options should be subtracted from the lowest negotiated price. You will get a better price by negotiating the deal first, and then discussing these “extras”.

Look at cars online. You’ll find a plethora of options there. Research vehicles you’re interested in before going to the car lot. You can find specifications, ratings, size, MPG, resell value and anything else that you want to know, all by looking online.

Keep in mind that car salesmen have some monthly quotas to meet. Use this fact to your advantage by shopping for a car toward the end of the month. If a salesman has yet to meet their desired quota, they may be extra-eager to close a particular purchase. That will put you in a better negotiating position.

Rent a car to give it a test. Look for a rental service that offers the kind of vehicle you are most interested in, then use it as a sort of prolonged test drive. Go on a long road trip to see how the car stands up to the abuse. This way, you’ll either rule out the car or be comfortable buying it.

Before purchasing a car from a dealership, ask if you can bring in a mechanic to look over things. This mechanic needs to be one you can trust. When a dealer suggests a mechanic, you never know if there’s a little inside baseball going on. This mechanic can let you know if the car is in good enough condition to drive and whether the cost is worth the purchase.

Looking online can be a great way to find good deals on used cars. There isn’t much of a reason to go to a regular car dealer in this day and age. Rather, check out classified advertisements, Craigslist and even eBay. It is possible to get a great deal and sidestep the high pressure tactics of traditional dealers.

Take the time to inspect the vehicles you are interested in. Look for external scratches and dents on the car. As far as the inside, look for stains and/or rips in the fabric. The second you pay for the vehicle, you have also paid for its problems. This includes any damage on the car.

Do not agree to as-is warranties when it comes to used cars. This is a decision that you will regret. The minimum you should accept is a 30 to 90-day warranty. Should the engine or transmission stop working once you’ve left the dealership, you are solely responsible for the cost of repairs.

Incentives need to be understood before negotiations begin. Know about rebates, loan rates, incentive programs, trade-in values and warranties. If you understand what the dealer is offering, you will be more apt to negotiate successfully.

How will you drive your car? For example, if you plan to use the vehicle to travel far to work, you would probably want to look for cars that are very efficient. If you determine what sort of driving you usually do, it is possible to get just the right vehicle.

Don’t accept a new car’s sale price based on how much you think your trade-in might be worth. Research its value before shopping. Researching the fair market value of your trade-in will ensure you get a fair price.

What are the car’s hidden costs? Cars may have different resale values, maintenance costs, insurance costs and fuel efficiency. Look into part costs, special oil change requirements, along with gas requirements. Any or all of the hidden details can have a significant impact on the true cost of vehicle ownership.

Do your homework before you go shopping for a car. There are online vehicle comparison sites and print publications that can help. This can also supply you with information regarding standard features and available options as well as ballpark price information. As a result, you can save time and money at a dealership.

When you are getting ready to buy a car and you believe you will be able to get a loan from a bank, go for it! This can save you lots of money, and you won’t need to get other lenders’ insurance rates. You will get a better interest rate from your bank.

Check into your financing options before you start looking for vehicles. This can give you the best possible deal for your situation. If you stick to your budget, you will not be tempted to buy a pricier car by going for a lower down payment or a smaller monthly payment.

Now, you are aware of what it takes to shop for a car. It really isn’t that hard; just apply what you’ve learned. When you have your new car, you’ll be pleased with your research. So get out and get shopping!