Many car salesperson may pressure you to leave the lot with a purchased vehicle, so it’s important you’re armed with lots information about the cars you are interested in, the budget you can afford, and the value of your trade-in — if you have one. With these information, you have all the things you need to negotiate properly.
Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you get the best-quality car at the lowest price.
1. Determine What Vehicle Fits Your Needs
What type of vehicle are you looking for? Is it a sports car? Or perhaps you desire a larger car to accommodate your family?
Once you decide what kind of car you are looking for, it is time to figure out what factors are most necessary to you. Make a list of what you trully need in a vehicle such as good gas mileage, safety, etc. and focus your search on autos that meet those needs.
Then, you want to consider about what you will be using your car for: camping, commuting, hauling a boat, etc.
Once you decide what style autos best suits you, research the vehicle are makes and models available. Ensure to also read car reviews on specific models and years, to get all the inside information.
2. Review Your Loan Choices
Once you know that your credit is in great shape or improving, it’s time to consider about how to finance your car buying. Take a look at auto loan rates at your local credit union or bank and compare it to other options.
If you’re approved for a loan before visiting a dealership, it can save you time at the car dealership, and also give you the benefit when negotiating the final sale price of the car you choose.
3. Shop around
Research the autos you might be interested in, before you head to a dealership, rather than going in unprepared. To determine what type of car you desire, use resources like US News Best Cars, where you can find anything from “best cars for your families” to “best used cars under 10k.” Another resource is Autotrader, which can be used to search used and new cars in your area by make, price, body style, model, and more.
4. Compare prices
Getting detailed pricing info in advance: Price the vehicle at distinction dealerships, and use online services to get invoice and deal pricing. A reliable tool is Kelley Blue Book.
Use the site’s car value tool to research the MSRP and the dealer invoice of a car, as well as a range of prices you can expect to see at dealerships. TrueCar is also helpful to use. You can find out for and request pricing on any make, model, or year of car.
You may get a slew of phone calls, texts, and emails, from dealers immediately after, but having information from distinction dealerships can assist you negotiate prices. You should also visit dealer sites to get for rebate offers.
