When planning your purchase, be mindful that your new car expense will include more than the monthly payment. You will need to also be sure that your budget can accommodate costs for insurance, registration, maintenance and maybe even warranties.
Learn about the cars that interest you before you approach a dealer. Of course it is important to find an affordable car that is visually appealing, but you should also look for something that is dependable, offers good gas mileage and resale value. Whether you are seeking a new or used vehicle you can begin your search on the Internet. This is a great tool that allows you to cast a wide net and investigate your final choices without any dealer pressure. The World Wide Web can also save you cash. Many dealers offer Internet only prices that are thousands of dollars cheaper than those available to consumers walking in off of the street (don’t forget to print and bring your coupon complete with the confirmation code).
If you choose to purchase a pre-owned vehicle you will want to review the Carfax report, which details the history of the car including information about the title, odometer and warranties. You can save about twenty dollars if this report is available through the dealer or on the site you are searching.
Have firm figures in your head before you approach the dealer. You should not be surprised by the sticker price on your dream car. Yes, it can be tempting to get swept away in the excitement of so many shiny cars, but hold back. You need to be prepared to walk away if the figures you are quoted do not match the figures your research led you to expect.
The bottom line: Don’t approach the dealer until you have a clue or they will see you coming a mile away.
