Buying a new car can be an intimidating experience. Making a bad choice can cost you thousands of dollars, or leaving you driving a car that fails to meet your needs. One of the best things you can do before starting the car-buying process is to educate yourself as much as possible.
Limit Your Options
It isn't necessary to know the exact make and model you're looking for, but having a general idea of new car models that will meet your needs -- and your price range -- may help you avoid making an impulsive decision.
Do Your Homework
The more you know about a car you're considering, as well as competitive models, the better the choice you will make. The Internet offers many sources where you can get details about a car; sites such as Edmunds.com include reviews from professionals and feedback from drivers.
Buy at the Right Time
Certain times of year are better than others for getting a deal on a new car, or snatching up the model you want. Generally, the fall and early winter are good times to save, as the previous year's models are discounted to encourage sales. The spring is when new models arrive, and if the car you want is in high demand, dealers may be unwilling to negotiate on price.
Compare Dealerships
When you think you've got a good price on your car, visit another dealership and ask if they can do better. Having two sellers competing for your business can give you additional savings once you've already found a price you can live with, or at least confirm that the first deal you negotiated is fair.
Compare Warranties
Reliability is important, and a new car that ends up needing excessive repairs might not turn out to be the bargain it appeared to be on the lot. Manufacturer warranties range from a few months to 10 years, with lifetime warranties offered by some automakers on certain parts. A long-term warranty will likely save you money in the long run, even if the new car seems relatively sturdy from the start.
Use Online Tools
On an automaker's website, you can read all about a model, price out various options, see all available colors, and locate dealers. Other automotive websites, such as Cars.com, compare models, let you know how much people like you are paying for the same car, and estimate how reliable the car will be in the long term.
Take a Test Drive
It's always a good idea to take a test drive, even if all you're doing is replacing your old car with the newest model of the same make and model. Every car is different and the only way to know that you'll feel comfortable behind the wheel is to put yourself there and take the car for a spin.
Be a Skeptic
Deals that seem too good to be true usually are. If your car comes with a low-level warranty, assume it will break down and make the dealer convince you otherwise. Also, never walk into a dealership with the intention to buy a car that very day. Having the option to walk away might actually make the chances of buying a car that day, and at a fair price, even better.
Ask Questions
Dealers should be knowledgeable about the cars they sell, so don't hesitate to ask about options, how the price is calculated, and what additional costs will be included in what you pay. In the case of financing, ask about monthly payments, late fees, and other fees until you're confident that you know what the car will cost in real dollars.
Follow Up
Once you've had your new car for a while, contact your dealer to let him or her know what you think. If you have any initial problems, give the dealership a chance to make things right. To the dealer, giving a no-fee service check might be better than losing you as a customer. For the buyer, having a good relationship with the dealership can be helpful when maintenance is needed or it comes time to buy another new car.
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