How to Compare Car Prices

When your old car has reached the point when costs of repair are more than payments on a newer car, it is time to look for something better. It is important to look at several different areas, such as warranty and trade-in values, from an objective viewpoint when it is time to buy a new or used car.

Instructions

1

Determine how many people the car will be carrying around and where the car will be driven. The kind of car you buy will need to carry this many people comfortably, be able to be driven on the terrain and for the distances you will be driving.

2

Determine what kind of mileage you want the car to get. Look at your budget to decide what you can afford. A new car that gets less mileage per gallon than your old car may earn you a government rebate, if you meet the qualifications.

3

Figure out how much can you afford to spend. Not only will you need a down payment, but you will need to pay the company that finances your car from $200 to over $1,000 per month. Decide what your payment limit is.

4

Make a list of all the qualifications you have decided on in the car you want to buy, starting with how many passengers your car needs to carry, how big the motor should be and how much money you can afford to spend.

5

Resist sales spiels. Car salesmen are good at finding a customer's weaknesses and playing on them. If you feel you are overwhelmed by a salesman, make an excuse and leave the store, promising to return. This will give you time to clear your head and think about what you are doing.

6

Keep your goals in mind and refer to your list from while shopping, so you will not be distracted from the car you are searching for by the glitz and glamor of special deals and extras. A cupholder may be nice, but it doesn't mean you should buy a bigger car than you can afford.

7

Take your time. Take at least a week to decide which car you want. Even though you may see a desirable car the first day, it may not be as good as the car you will see a week from then. Many cars are similar. If one kind of car appeals to you, look at the comparable model in a car by another maker which may be lower in cost or have a better engine.

8

Compare the different cars you find with the prices listed in the Kelley Blue Book and discuss your needs and limits honestly with the car dealer. Do not take the sticker price to be the final price you will have to pay. Most of the time a dealer expects to bargain with you over the price of the car, so offer a lower price to begin with.