Boost your confidence by learning these do’s and don’ts.
Buying a new car is stressful no matter how many times you’ve done it before. From figuring out your budget to finding the right car to wrapping up all the paperwork, there’s so much involved. And then there is actually paying for the car.
If you’re looking to save on the cost, these 30 car-buying tips can help you win the negotiation and save money. Before even setting foot in a dealership, make sure you’ve put yourself in a position to leverage the best car deal possible and not get suckered into paying for something useless.
- Do: Consider the Type of Car You Need
There’s no shortage of different kinds of cars for sale, so the first thing to consider is how you’ll use your car. You might want to buy a dream car but it might not fit your lifestyle. Evaluate your family’s needs, the demands of your commute and the vehicle’s central purpose before narrowing down your selection.
For example, if you have a family of six, you’re going to need a vehicle with more seating than a typical sedan. Or, if you have a long commute every day, you might need a car with better gas mileage.
Read: Cost To Own a Car for a Year in Every State
- Don’t: Neglect Your Research
The only way to figure out how to buy a car is to do your homework. Research isn’t always the fun part of buying a car, but it might be the most important. Read reviews and look into different brands, models, and financing options online before you even visit a dealer.
Keep in mind that visiting a dealer at all is likely to require an appointment, depending on dealer policy and virus restrictions in your community. Many dealers have upped their online shopper-assist and remote communication offerings, and some provide no-visit test drives where the sales rep brings the car to you.
- Do: Get Preapproved
When you get approved for financing before you enter negotiations with a dealer, you force the dealer to match or beat the rate your bank or credit union has already offered, which gives you a bargaining chip to enter negotiations.
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