The process of car shopping can be very stressful for anyone. With the various financing options and cars out there, a consumer can feel overwhelmed. Use this advice to find the car you want without any anxiety.

Look into the vehicle’s safety features. ABS or anti-lock brakes are very important. The more air bags the car has, the better. This vehicle will be responsible for keeping you safe in case of an accident, so it is very important.

Be flexible. While you should head to the car dealership with a good idea of what you are looking for, it can pay to have a little wiggle room. Try to have several makes or models that fit your needs, and you can choose the best deal when you find out what is available at your particular dealer

Read all of the fine print that is on the contract for the car you want to purchase. Even if you think the car salesman is being perfectly honest with you about everything involved, you need to make sure you are not signing anything that you will have regrets about later.

Be wary of any dealer who is not willing to give you an extended test drive. Asking for a full afternoon to test out the car is a perfectly reasonable request. If the dealer refuses and will not accommodate the request, you should take your business elsewhere. A car is a big purchase and a big commitment, a dealer should understand that and let you get completely comfortable with the car before purchasing.

Once you know how much you have to spend, find out about the cars within that range. Learn about the car itself, its miles per gallon, number of doors, trunk space, driver’s reviews, safety record and how frequently it needs repairs on average. Assign each a rating and go for those at the top of the list.

Is there a specific feature you really want? Is it, heated seats or a sunroof? Before you even approach the lot, find out which cars in your price range actually offer this feature. This will reduce the time spent on the lot looking at cars you don’t want as the feature isn’t available.

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.

Keep comfort in mind when purchasing a car. So many people focus on the way the car looks and what features it has rather than paying attention to the comfort. Are the seats comfy? Can the seat be adjusted to fit your body? Take these things into consideration before getting a car.

When you locate a car you wish to get, go over it with a fine toothed comb. Look for any scratches or dented areas around the car’s exterior. Check the interior area for upholstery tears and carpet stains. As soon as you leave the dealership, any problems you find will be your problem. Any dents or stains found later will be your responsibility.

Consider skipping the dealership entirely. An auto broker will work with multiple dealerships to find you the best deal on the car you want. You can usually find these online, and the dealerships will pay the fees for their use. This is a good way to comparison shop without having to visit multiple dealerships.

To make your negotiations go smoothly when purchasing a new car have a minimum of a twenty percent down payment saved. By having a down payment, you will be able to lower your interest rate and payments and have leverage when discussing your trade in options. You may find that you will net more savings by not trading a car in and selling it on your own.

When a salesman makes a show of asking their manager to approve an offer, it’s safe to say that they won’t return with the best possible number the first time. Counter that second offer, and when the salesperson returns a second time from his manager, he will have the lowest offer for you. They want to finish the deal quickly, so the price they offer at that point should be their lowest.

Research is the first step in buying a car. Check out vehicle comparison sites on the Internet, and view consumer magazines in order to determine the best vehicle for you. This is a great way to get info about features, options and prices. You’ll be a better negotiator as a result.

When car shopping, do not limit yourself to only new vehicles. There are many good used vehicles that still have a warranty. Used vehicles can generally save you thousands without sacrificing safety and reliability. To get the best deal on used cars do your homework first and know the value of the used car.

You can get more money selling your car yourself than trading it in. This has always been the case, but it takes time. It can also be very inconvenient. The dealers know this and will often offer far less than the car is worth on trade. Just like the price of the car, you have to negotiate the price of your trade.

Contact family and friends for names of dealerships they used in the past. Be sure that the dealers they mention are ones they recommend. Talk to them about specifics like after sales service and the condition of their car six months down the road. When many people recommend the same lot, add it to your list.

The information that you read above will help you to feel confident when you begin to looking for a new car. Apply these tips as you begin the process of buying a new vehicle. You are sure to locate the vehicle you really want and get it at price you can afford.