Buying a new car can be a stressful and confusing process. You may not know what is an extra and what is a necessity. Use the following tips to figure out what you require when car shopping.

If you can’t afford a car, don’t let the salesperson talk you into buying it. Many people are smooth-talked into buying sports cars because the salesman says they would look good in it. Remember that salespeople are motivated by the commissions they will make if they sell you an expensive vehicle.

Get a car loan before you go shopping. A big reason why the process of buying a car takes a long time is because they have to run your credit and find a lender. If you already have an approved loan, it will move much quicker.

Take time to look over the dealer prior to making buying offers. You will have a negotiating advantage if you understand their trade and financing practices. Read up on any customer reviews about your dealer.

Monthly Payments

When negotiating, concentrate on the final price rather than the monthly payments. Though the dealer can negotiate a monthly price for you, keep in mind that these monthly payments add up, and in the end, the cost of your car could be through the roof. That’s why you need to look at the total price and the financing on that. From there, look into the monthly cost.

Avoid shopping for a car by yourself if you feel like a pushover. You can bring a family member or friend to help you with negotiations. Let the adviser know what you need in order to budget prior to going to a lot.

If you are paying a high payment on a luxury vehicle right now, do not take that car with you. Doing so causes the dealer to think you have a lot of money.

Don’t start negotiating on specifics before you’ve got a set price on your desired vehicle. They should come out of the lowest price available. You can obtain an even better price if you first negotiate the deal, and you can then discuss the extra items.

Try shopping online. Almost any car you desire is available online. Do not visit a dealership before learning all about any cars you’re considering. With a few clicks and Google searches, you can quickly locate information on safety ratings, fuel economy, resell value and reviews.

Ask if you can have an independent mechanic do an inspection. Be sure to have a trustworthy mechanic standing by. Don’t use a dealer mechanic. He should tell you both if it’s a good deal and whether it is ready to be driven.

Don’t divulge your trade-in car immediately. Until you settle on a good price for a car you are buying, do not say you want to trade in a car. When a salesperson knows about your trade-in, he or she may factor it into the sales price, which can work against you.

You should have obtained a slightly better grasp of what to look for and what to avoid while shopping for a new car. Now the only thing you need to do is begin your research. Stay away from a purchase if you are not completely sold on it.