Car shopping can bring dread to your heart. It could remind you of times past where the salesman took advantage of you. Stop the insanity and read this article as the advice here will keep you safe from the sales pitch of even the most advanced car jockey on the lot.
Do not buy a car just because it is a good deal. You have to live with this car after you take it home, so it needs to be something that you really like and that works for you and your family. You also need to make sure you can really afford it.
If you are in the market for a used car, a great way to tell if the speedometer is correct is to look at the gas and brake pedals. If someone says the car has 30,000 miles on it, and the brake and gas pedals are worn, it is a good indication the odometer was turned back.
Never turn over your trade-in keys to the salesperson before the deal is finalized. Some pushy salespeople will hang onto them in an effort to pressure you into hearing them out, even after you have turned down a deal. Keep the keys in your possession and only hand them over when the deal is done.
Rent a car to give it a test. This will give you a chance to spend some time driving the vehicle. Try going on a type of road trip with your loved ones to see if it works for you. This is an ideal way to determine if you’re comfortable with a vehicle before buying one.
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.
Do not be so free in giving out your SSN. Some dealerships want this information so they can ruin your credit. Multiple credit report requests can damage your overall chances of getting a low interest rate. Wait until you have a solid deal before you give them a Social Security number.
One important thing to keep in mind is the overall average value of cars in your country. By knowing the general value, you can see if the car lot where you are shopping is overcharging or not. If you feel all their prices are too high, simply move on to the next one.
It is a good idea to do plenty of research on cars before you ever go to a dealership. The more you know about a particular model, the better you can judge whether it is right for you. There are many online resources that let you compare different brands and models.
Be on the lookout for year end specials. These specials generally start in the fourth quarter of each year and feature manufacturer set deals that remain unrivaled when compared to other deals in the year. These deals exist due to the new year and new model year, which means newer cars taking the place of older ones.
Watch out for dealership advertising fees. These are often tacked on to new car purchases, and you should not have to pay them. Car dealerships have to advertise as part of doing business, and many shoppers who challenge this fee will win. If your salesman will not remove this fee, ask to speak with a manager.
See? This simple, easy to follow guide of advice will give you the power next time you’re the one negotiating for a car. Print it off and study it as you prepare for the big day and I’m sure once you own your new car you’ll be bragging to your friends about what a great deal you got.