As you buy a car, your main priority is likely to be good value. This is a lot easier said than done, of course, but if you put your mind to it, you can learn all the tricks of the trade. Although this can seem like a lot, it can be accomplished.

Before you start shopping for a new car, decide on what you need. You need to know your budget. Will you need to tote a big family around? How important is gas mileage? Are you a fan of four doors or a two door coupe? Write out your wish list, and take it to the dealership with you.

A car loan may be secured on the web before you even go to the dealer. Not having this information can cost you a lot of time and energy. If you already have a loan, the process will take a lot less time.

Before heading to the dealership, do some comparison shopping online. Don’t visit a dealership until you have a good idea of what you want in a vehicle, such as size, brand, and pricing. You can find information online that might not be offered by a dealership, such as reviews from current car owners, safety ratings and comparisons of similar models from different manufacturers.

Pay attention to whole price of the car, not just the price you have to pay every month. Dealers can alter monthly payments to fit your budget, but that doesn’t mean the car is costing you any less. That’s why you need to look at the total price and the financing on that. From there, look into the monthly cost.

Prior to purchasing a used car, arrange to have an impartial mechanic check it out. If a dealer will not let you bring your own mechanic, go somewhere else. You want someone who has an impartial opinion and is doing things in your best interest.

Make sure you’re able to be inside the dealership for hours when you’re car shopping. You don’t want to be rushed so you act on a deal that doesn’t really make you comfortable. Give yourself the entire afternoon to get used to your potential vehicle. If you don’t have time to finish the deal, just come back later.

Get the cost on the car in stone before you discuss trade-ins, or any other monetary exchanges. Then you can consider incentives, trade ins and down payments. You will end up with a better price if you negotiate the deal first, then discuss these “extras”.

You should shop for a car online. You’ll find almost any and every vehicle online. Find out all you are able to about the cars you are interested in before you go and look at them. By researching online, you can find specs, gas mileage data, resell value, ratings and almost any other information that you desire.

Most salespeople are expected to meet monthly quotas. They have to sell X number of cars monthly, and knowing this puts you in the proverbial driver’s seat. Due to their quota, salesmen become a lot more friendly at the end of the month in most cases. This may make negotiations easier.

Visit an auto show so you can more easily determine which types of vehicles would suit your needs. Auto shows are a unique opportunity to compare many different makes side-by-side under one roof. It will also give you a chance to talk to many knowledgeable people all in one location. After visiting an auto show, you can know more about which cars appeal to you.

After going over this article, it should be easier for you to approach buying a car in a whole new light. You’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way. Keep this advice handy and get to the dealership.