You have a car on your mind, so you go to the dealership. You’re ready to buy it, but the salesperson won’t let you drive or test drive it unless you agree to buy the car. This is what’s known as “buying on a whim”.

You may make that purchase without thinking of all of your options – in fact, 90% of first-time buyers never negotiate when buying their new vehicle. These are just some of the things you can do to make sure that doesn’t happen:

10 SURPRISING CAR BUYING TIPS AND SECRETS

Takeaways
Research your options before visiting the dealership.
Consider buying a used car instead of a new one.
Get pre-approved for financing before negotiating.
Test drive the car to assess its condition and features.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price.
Look for dealer incentives and promotions.
Avoid common car buying mistakes, like buying on the first visit.
Consider all the costs associated with owning a car, including insurance and maintenance.
Know what your trade-in is worth before negotiating.
Shop around for the best deal and don’t rush the process.

Table of Contents

1. The Right Weather

We’re not going to sugarcoat it: the best time to buy a car is in the spring or fall. These are seasons of fewer buyers and more dealerships willing to negotiate.

Also, if you wait until winter, there will be fewer vehicles available on dealer lots because they’ve all been sold off to people who needed them for the holidays.

The Ultimate Car Buying Checklist: What You Need To Know Before You Buy: Are you planning to buy a car? Don’t go to the dealership without checking our ultimate car buying checklist. From researching your options to test driving the car and negotiating the price, our guide covers everything you need to know to make a smart purchase decision.

2. Sunday

It’s true: the best day to buy a car is on Sunday. This is because dealerships don’t want to be stuck with inventory on a day when they’re closed, so they’re more willing to negotiate on prices.

Plus, it’s not as busy as other days when people are out driving and looking at cars, so you’ll have more time with the salespeople without having to wait in line for everyone else who stopped by before you.

And if that’s not enough reason for you to use Sundays as your preferred buying day… well… it just might be your lucky day!

3. Early vs Late

You might be surprised to learn that the early morning is actually the best time to buy a car. Most people are in a rush to get to work or school, so they’re more likely to accept an offer rather than risk being late for their appointment.

If you can just wait until noon, you’ll save yourself money! Conversely, afternoons are usually more expensive because people have fewer things on their schedule and can afford to be pickier about the price. The earlier in the day you go shopping (or even better still—during breakfast), the better chance you’ll have at finding something cheaper!

4. Buying Through A Broker

Buying through a broker can be a great way to save money on your car. You’ll find the best deals on vehicles, and they’ll help you negotiate with dealerships to get the price down even further.

They can also help you get financing when most banks won’t, as well as find warranty packages that are cheaper than what auto manufacturers offer in their own shops.

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5. Get VIN Numbers In Advance

A VIN number is a unique identifier for every car, which can be used to verify the make and model of your vehicle.

It also contains data about when it was manufactured, where it was assembled and where it was sold. The VIN number can be found on either the door jamb or under the hood of your car.

Before making an offer on a pre-owned vehicle, obtain its VIN number from its owner or from a dealer who has access to this information.

This will ensure that you are purchasing the right car and avoid such problems as buying a stolen vehicle or one with major damage that is not being disclosed by its seller.

6. Do Your Research Online First

Before you even step foot in a dealership, do your research online.

First, check the value of the car you are looking at. Sites like Edmunds and NADA can help you get an idea of what similar cars in your area are going for.

They’ll also show you how much they typically depreciate over time and how much they cost to repair or replace parts on them (which is important to know if something breaks down).

Next, use a car buying website to get an idea of what discounts are available from dealerships in your area and make sure that you ask for those discounts!

Some sites will even let you enter in all of your information about what kind of vehicle and financing amount that you want so it can look up listings nearby with those options!

Benefit	Description
Savings	You can save money by finding the best deals on cars, loans, and insurance online, and comparing prices across multiple websites, such as Cars.com, AutoTrader, TrueCar, or Edmunds.
Time-saving	Doing your research online can save you time by allowing you to compare car models, features, and prices from the comfort of your home or office. This will save you time by only visiting dealerships that have the exact car that you want.
Knowledge	The internet provides a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of automotive topics, including financing, insurance, and maintenance. You can read expert reviews, owner reviews, and car forums for real-world information and advice.
Empowerment	By being informed and knowing exactly what you want and can afford, you can be empowered during your interactions with dealership and loan officers.
Transparency	The internet provides transparency by providing competitive and transparent pricing on both new and used cars. This gives you more control over the car buying process and helps you avoid getting ripped off.

Note: We recommend relying on reputable websites such as the official websites of car manufacturers, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports for accurate information and pricing research.

7. Check The Service Records

It’s important to check the service records of any used car before you buy it. You want to make sure that the car has been getting regular maintenance, as well as finding out whether there are any problems that need to be addressed before they become too serious.

If there is not a record of recent maintenance, ask why not and ask for proof of any necessary work being carried out by a third party if you don’t trust the seller’s word on it.

The Top 15 Ways to Score a Great Deal on Your Next Car Purchase: Saving money when buying a car is a top priority for many people. If you’re looking for tips and tricks to get the best deal, our guide on how to score a great deal on your next car purchase has got you covered. From timing your purchase to negotiating the price, we share our top 15 strategies to help you save.

8. Know Your Car’s Value – Inside And Out!

Another way to save money is to make sure you know the value of your car. While many dealerships will provide you with an appraisal, it’s not always accurate.

The best way to find out what a car is really worth is by using the Kelley Blue Book, which provides online estimates for the value of vehicles based on the model year, mileage and condition.

If you’re purchasing a new vehicle and trading in your old one, another thing to consider is getting an appraisal from both sources before going into negotiations with the dealership.

This way, if there are any discrepancies between their offer and yours (or even if they refuse), then at least both sides have some type of reference point as far as what each vehicle was worth before finalizing any deal.

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9. Get Pre-Approved For Financing Before Hand

As a buyer, you will feel more confident in your ability to buy if you know exactly how much money you can borrow and what the monthly payments will be.

You’ll also find it easier to negotiate a lower price when negotiating with the dealer because they know that if they offer too low of a price, then another dealership will have no problem making an even better offer.

Benefit	Description
Savings	Getting pre-approved can help you save money by securing a lower interest rate or a better loan term.
Convenience	You can save time by getting pre-approved for financing online or over the phone, and then simply visit the dealership to finalize your purchase.
Control	With a pre-approval in hand, you’ll have more control over the car buying process and can negotiate from a position of strength.
Confidence	You’ll know exactly how much car you can afford and won’t have to worry about being denied financing at the dealership.
Flexibility	A pre-approval can give you more flexibility to shop around for the best deal, and may even allow you to negotiate a lower price with the dealership.

10. Always Be Willing To Walk Away With Out A Purchase

Being willing to walk away from the deal is one of the most important things you can do when buying a car. No matter how much you love that car, don’t hesitate to take it off the table if the price isn’t right or if there are too many red flags.

You’re not obligated to buy a car just because you see one you like the same holds true for negotiating a lower price or even walking away entirely.

If a dealer won’t give you what they promised, then leave! And remember: no matter how much time goes by, there will always be another dealership somewhere who would love to sell you their cars at an affordable price with great customer service.

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Conclusion

We hope this post has helped you better understand some of the ways to save money on your next car purchase.

It can be tempting to spend a lot of money on a new vehicle, but there are many ways to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

If we had one last tip for you though, it would be this: don’t forget about our blog! We have lots more information that could help with making more informed decisions when buying or leasing a car.

FAQs

What should I consider before buying a car?

Before buying a car, there are several things you should consider, such as your budget, your lifestyle needs, your credit score, and the type of car you want. It’s also important to research your options, test drive the cars you’re interested in, and negotiate the price.

Should I buy a new or used car?

There’s no right answer to this question, as it depends on your personal preferences and financial situation. New cars are generally more expensive but come with a warranty and the latest features, while used cars are more affordable but may require more maintenance and repairs. Consider your budget, your needs, and your long-term goals before making a decision.

How do I get the best deal when buying a car?

To get the best deal when buying a car, you’ll need to do your research, negotiate with the dealership, and be prepared to walk away if necessary. Consider shopping around, comparing prices, and timing your purchase during a sale or promotion.

What should I look for during a test drive?

During a test drive, it’s important to pay attention to how the car handles, accelerates, brakes, and responds to your inputs. You should also check the interior and exterior features, such as the sound system, climate control, and safety features.

What should I do if I’m not happy with my purchase?

If you’re not happy with your car purchase, you should reach out to the dealership or the manufacturer to discuss your concerns. Depending on the situation, you may be able to return the car or negotiate a different deal. It’s important to act quickly and be assertive in expressing your needs.