When you purchase a car, it can be stressful and time-consuming. It may even seem like there’s no way to make all of that headache easier.

However, if you know how and where to look, there are plenty of ways that can help you find the right car at the right price! We’re going to cover my top 15 tips for scoring a great deal on your next car purchase:

10 Car buying tips

Key Takeaways
By being informed and prepared, you can save money on your next car purchase.
Tips for getting the best deal include researching pricing, test driving different models, and being willing to walk away if the price isn’t right.
Financing options like loans, leasing, and paying cash should be evaluated carefully to determine the best option for your financial situation.
Other factors to consider include safety features, insurance costs, and fuel efficiency.
Maintaining good credit is important when buying a car as it can impact your ability to get the best financing deal.

Table of Contents

1. Research What Car You Want

Before you start looking for a car, it is important to research what type of car you want. Do some research and find out which cars are the best in your area.

Look up reviews on sites like Edmunds and CarGurus as well as other consumer reporting sites like Consumer Reports or J.D.

Powers to see which brands have the most positive feedback from customers across various categories such as reliability, resale value and fuel economy.

Once you know what type of car you want to buy, research the brand options available in your budget range that fit your needs.

Look at different styles online so that when the time comes to visit dealerships in person, they can show them all off at once rather than having each one bring something different out one by one while distracting them away from their current task at hand (looking at other cars).

When it comes to buying a car, being informed and prepared can make all the difference. Don’t miss out on these 10 surprising car buying tips that could save you thousands of dollars on your next purchase!

2. Research About Prices

When you’re ready to go in and talk with the dealer, it’s important to know what they paid for your car.

The Kelley Blue Book value is a good place to start when researching this information. If their offer is lower than the price they paid for it, or higher than what other dealers are offering, then there’s room for negotiation.

3. Know When The Best Time To Buy Is

Knowing the best time to buy a car can help you land a great deal. Here are some things to look for when buying your next vehicle:

The end of the month, when dealerships are trying to hit their monthly sales goals
After tax season, usually between April and May

Whenever there’s a big new model launch (like September or October)

Getting the best price possible when selling a car can help create more budget for your next vehicle. That’s why we recommend this ultimate guide to selling your car for the best price possible that is packed with valuable insights and practical tips.

4. Learn How You Will Finance Your Purchase

Make sure you can afford the monthly payments. If you already know that a monthly payment on a car loan is out of your reach, it’s time to do some serious soul-searching about whether or not buying a new car is really worth it.

Get pre-approved for a loan. If you’re serious about buying a car, then it’s time to get pre-approved for a loan at your bank or credit union—don’t wait until after you’ve found the perfect car!

Make sure your credit score is good enough for lending purposes (and always check with the dealership before applying).

A great way to find out if your score is high enough is by getting ‘Verified’ by TransUnion which lets users see their TransUnion Credit Report and score within seconds; this service also allows users to monitor changes in their credit report over time in addition to receiving alerts when there are changes made such as unlocking new jobs accounts or possibly opening new ones too!

5. Try To Buy A Car On A Rainy Day Or At Night

When it comes to the sales process, you can try to buy a car on a rainy day or at night. Car dealerships are less busy on rainy days and at night, so there will be less competition for you to deal with. This makes it easier for you to negotiate and get more time for test drives and other negotiations.

Take advantage of the 3-day return policy offered by most car dealerships. If you’re not happy with your purchase after working out all of the details while negotiating, then go ahead and return it within three days!

This gives both parties plenty of time to check everything over before they sign any paperwork that binds them into an agreement together

Financing a car is a significant investment, so it is imperative to get it right. Check out this guide on the smartest way to finance your next car purchase that will help you choose the correct financing option, whether it is a lease, loan, or cash.

6. Find The Dealership That Wants To Make The Sale Most Desperately

Let’s say you need a new car. You’ve done your research online and have narrowed it down to a few vehicles, but you don’t know where to go to find the best deal. So what do you do?

7. Don’t Fall For Traps And Tricks During The Negotiation Process

It’s normal to feel pressured when in a negotiation because the salesperson has probably done this thousands of times before, but don’t let that pressure get to you.

You have every right to walk away if they’re not giving you what you want, so make sure they respect that.

If they try to intimidate or confuse you by telling you there are no other options available outside of buying from their dealership, tell them that’s not true and then politely show yourself out!

Strategies	Description
Determine your trade-in value	Know the value of your trade-in vehicle and don’t let a salesperson undervalue it or use it as leverage to manipulate the deal.
Don’t fall for add-ons	Avoid being sold on unnecessary features such as warranties, protection packages, and special coatings that you don’t need or want.
Beware of the low-ball technique	Don’t be fooled by a low initial offer that seems like a great deal, as it’s usually a tactic to have you agree to other unfavorable terms later.
Negotiate on price first	When negotiating with the salesperson, focus first on agreeing on the total price of the vehicle, independently of your financing options or monthly payments.
Be wary of pressure tactics	Beware of high-pressure sales tactics to sign or buy on the spot, as well as counter offers that seem too good to be true.

8. Make Sure You Have All Necessary Information Before Visiting All Dealerships In Your Area

When you set foot in the dealership, the salesperson should already know why you’re there. You may think that it’s obvious since you came to look at cars, but chances are good that there was a reason for your visit and that reason should be known by the time they greet you.

You also need to have all of your financing options in place before going into any dealership. You don’t want to give them any opportunity to create an offer on their own terms rather than yours.

So make sure that when they ask if there is anything else they can help with, you say yes—but only if it means getting preapproved for financing right away!

Making an informed car purchase involves considering a variety of factors to ensure the car you buy is reliable, safe, and worth the price. This ultimate car buying checklist has got you covered with a comprehensive list of things to consider before you make the final decision.

9. Always Get A Written Copy Of Any Sales Agreement

When it’s time to sign the sales agreement, make sure you get a copy of the document before putting pen to paper.

If you don’t, there’s no way of knowing what was agreed upon or if anything was promised that isn’t in writing.

Review the terms carefully and make sure you’re comfortable with them. If not, ask for changes or walk away from the deal until those issues can be resolved.

In any case, take your time reviewing this document before signing it you may need more than one sitting to fully understand everything that’s on there! This is important because once you’ve signed an agreement like this, there are legal consequences for both parties if things go south later on (like if a dispute arises between buyer and seller), so it’s best not to rush through something so critical like buying/selling something as expensive as a car…

Make sure someone else knows exactly how much money they’ll owe after taxes and fees come out of their paycheck each month; also know how much money will be deducted each month for principal payments under an installment contract (if applicable).

10. Be Extra Careful When Buying A Used Car From A Private Party

You might be wondering: Is it really worth the risk to buy a used car from a private seller? Well, chances are you’re not going to get hit by lightning if you do. But there are some things to keep in mind when considering this option.

If the car fails inspection or breaks down shortly after driving away, there’s no one to help you out of your jam. No warranty, no guarantee—you’re on your own!

Some private sellers will try and sell you a lemon without ever mentioning its defects or problems.

If something goes wrong with their “amazing deal,” too bad for you! It’s best not just to go with your gut instinct when buying from someone who doesn’t have any sort of accountability if their product turns out faulty; instead check reviews online before committing yourself to an arrangement where they’re essentially making money off your ignorance (or desperation).

Strategies	Description
Conduct a thorough inspection	Before buying a used car from a private party, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for issues that may not be apparent upon initial examination.
Request documentation	Ask for documentation that proves the seller owns the vehicle and has maintained it well, such as service records, receipts, and the title.
Research the vehicle’s history	Use a vehicle history report service like Carfax to check the car’s history for past accidents, ownership, and maintenance records.
Take a test drive	Test drive the vehicle to evaluate its drivability, handling, and comfort. This is the best way to get a feel for the car’s condition.
Negotiate a fair price	Use your research on the car’s condition, mileage, age, and market value to negotiate a fair price with the seller.

11. Be Prepared For Anything On The Day Of Purchase!

This is a big one, and deserves its own section because it’s so important. It’s all too easy to let the excitement of buying a new car blind us to the fact that this is still a business transaction, and there are certain things that need to be in place before we leave the dealership.

We’re talking financing, insurance, inspection records…you name it! You want everything squared away before you drive off in your new car so that you don’t have any nasty surprises waiting for you down the line.

From haggling to researching, there are many ways to get the best deal possible on a new or used car. Check out these 15 insider secrets for finding the best deals that can help you save thousands of dollars on your next car purchase.

12. Beware Of Added Dealer Fees (And Just Say “No”)!

Dealer fees can be an easy trap to fall into, especially if you’re not paying attention. They often come as a surprise when it’s time to sign the paperwork, and they’re sometimes hard to spot in all of those fine print details.

Dealer fees are one of the biggest reasons to walk away from a car purchase that isn’t exactly what you want (or needs).

If a car has dealer fees on top of its price tag and other costs, then it could be more expensive than expected. You’ll find out about these fees when you negotiate the price down—and by then it may be too late!

13. Be Strong & Be Friendly – Don’t Let Them Wear You Down!

It is important to be strong and friendly. Don’t let them wear you down!

Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if it isn’t right for you. Do not feel like you have to make a decision instantly, especially if it involves parting with your hard-earned cash.

If the dealer knows that he can count on your business, he will be more willing to negotiate with you in order to close the sale.

Don’t be afraid of saying no, even when faced with intense pressure or persuasion tactics such as “the boss wants this deal closed today,” or “we can only give discounts by selling our cars as junk.”

These are just tactics used by salesmen who want what they want without regard for your preferences or needs (whether they realize this consciously or not). When faced with these situations remember: You do not have an obligation whatsoever toward anyone else but yourself!

Strategies	Description
Stay calm and be confident	Don’t let high-pressure sales tactics intimidate or wear you down. Stay calm and confident in your decision-making process.
Research prices and features	Do your research in advance to determine fair prices and desired features for the vehicle you want to buy. This will help you negotiate with the salesperson effectively.
Test drive multiple vehicles	Test drive multiple vehicles to determine which one suits your needs and preferences best. Don’t rush into a decision, take the time you need to make an informed choice.
Be assertive, yet friendly	Be assertive in negotiating the terms of the deal but stay friendly and respectful to avoid a tense or hostile atmosphere.
Walk away if necessary	Be willing to walk away if the terms of the deal or sales tactics are not in your best interest. There are plenty of other dealerships and products to choose from, so don’t feel pressured into making a poor decision.

14. Don’t Let Them Fool You With “Fancy” Words & Phrases!

Buyers tend to be less aware of the tricks and tactics that salespeople use to get them to spend more money. While you may not have much experience buying a car, your salesperson likely has been doing this for years, so they’ll know all the tricks in the book.

They might even try to fool you with fancy words and phrases but don’t be fooled! If they ask if they can “run some numbers by you,” understand that running numbers is slang for making up numbers on the spot: there is no real information being given here; it’s just a way for them to keep talking until you make an offer yourself!

In most cases, once we’ve gotten past these tactics (and listened closely), we realize that all that talk isn’t really necessary because we already knew what kind of car we wanted and how much we were willing to spend on it.

15. Bargain Your Heart Out, But Have Fun Doing It!

Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but don’t let the dealer wear you down. The best deals are usually made at the end of the day when sales people are tired and want to go home. Never get angry or frustrated (trying being nice pays off).

When offered a deal that sounds great, ask for even more. You may not get it, but if they offer less than what you want, take it anyway!

You can always walk away from an unsatisfying deal if you don’t like how things are going—you might just walk all the way home!

Bargain with Fun

Brand	Original Price	Negotiated Price	Savings
Toyota	$25,000	$23,000	$2,000
Honda	$30,000	$26,500	$3,500
Ford	$20,000	$18,500	$1,500
Chevrolet	$27,000	$23,500	$3,500
Nissan	$22,000	$20,000	$2,000

This table shows a range of savings achieved through effective bargaining with car dealerships. By bargaining with confidence and having fun with the process, you can negotiate lower prices and potentially save thousands of dollars on your car purchase. Here are some examples of the savings achieved on top car brands through effective negotiation.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to get a great deal on your next car purchase. The key is knowing what to do and when to do it.

Once you know what you’re looking for in a car, how much money you want to spend on it and how long before you need another one, then everything becomes easier!

With patience and persistence, anyone can get into a brand new ride without breaking their bank account in the process.

FAQs

What are the key factors to consider when buying a car?

When buying a car, it’s essential to consider factors such as budget, model, make, safety features, mileage, insurance costs, and fuel efficiency.

How can I negotiate the best deal on a car?

Negotiating the best deal on a car involves doing your research, setting a budget, test driving different models, and being prepared to walk away if the price isn’t right.

What’s the best way to finance a car purchase?

The best way to finance a car purchase depends on your financial situation and goals. Options can include a car loan, leasing, or paying cash.

Should I buy a new or used car?

Deciding whether to buy a new or used car depends on factors such as budget, desired features, and driving needs. Used cars may have lower upfront costs but may require more maintenance and repairs, while new cars have higher upfront costs but come with warranty protections.

How important is it to have good credit when buying a car?

Good credit is crucial when buying a car as it affects your ability to qualify for low-interest loans and can impact the overall cost of financing the car. Maintaining good credit and improving your credit score can help you save money on your car purchase.

Hellen James

Hello friends. My name is Hellen James and I’m here to help you make good decisions when it comes to buying, selling, and maintaining your vehicles.

The Top 15 Ways To Score A Great Deal On Your Next Car Purchase