Everyone has to shop for a car sometime, and this can be a stressful time for many. It is not easy to learn about all that is available in the auto market, information on the best prices and negotiation techniques. Read on to find out how to get all that and more.

Search the Internet for great deals. Doing some online research can result in major savings. Once you know which vehicle you like, you can drive over to the dealership to purchase, or arrange for your local dealer to obtain it for you. If they have one close, go there, or have the dealership order it for you.

Prior to purchasing a used car, ask an independent mechanic to have a look. If the seller or dealer declines, take your business elsewhere. A mechanic can offer an impartial opinion about the vehicle. He can determine whether the car has hidden damage from previous accidents or being submersed.

If you are purchasing a car from a private party, have your mechanic take a look at the car before you buy it. Think twice about buying a car from someone who refuses to let you do so. There could be expensive, hidden problems that affect the value of the car. Make sure that you understand this before making a purchase.

Always do a test drive of the car you want before buying it. This is true even if you’ve driven another car of the same model. It’s important to know how this exact car handles. There could be something slightly different about it, or a mechanical defect that you would never be aware of without driving it.

If you are in the position to buy a new car, you should think about the vehicle’s gas mileage, as that will affect your overall budget. A V8, with the power to tow your boat, may seem quite attractive. But think about how often you truly require the additional horsepower provided by a V-8 engine and how frequently you will use the towing feature.

Do not bring your fancy car to the dealership. If the staff see that car, they’ll think you’re made of money. Borrow a car if you have to.

Never discuss down payment amounts, trade-ins or incentive offers until a price point has been firmly determined. These are costs that should be taken off of the final price of the car. You can get the best price this way.

An auto show is a great way to understand the type of car that you desire. This is a great way to view many cars in a short amount of time. This also gives you the opportunity to talk to knowledgeable folks. This will give you valuable information that you will need to make your decision.

Don’t give out your SS number quickly. A lot of dealers want you to give them your social security number, do not do it. If you don’t want to buy there, having multiple dealers do a credit check can harm your chance to get the best deal. No one needs your personal information till you’re absolutely ready to buy.

Have a firm price in your mind before you set foot in an auto dealership. Factors that should go into this number are the value of the vehicle that you are interested in, your financing options, as well as your income.

Try to avoid an as-is warranty at all costs when car shopping. If you do, you will be sorry. At minimum, a dealer should provide you with a warranty of 30-90 days upon purchasing any vehicle. You are the one responsible for the car after you leave the lot.

Fuel economy is an important factor to remember while comparing your options. While it may cost more to purchase a fuel efficient vehicle, it will be worth it in the long run. Think about the long-term when deciding which car to buy.

You should contact your insurance agent and get a quote for the model you are interested in. You may think a certain car is affordable for you, but there may be high premiums attached to it that you aren’t aware of. Find yourself a vehicle that strikes the right balance between car price and insurance rates you can live with.

Try to stay as flexible as possible when you are going to the dealership. Bit-name car companies should have vehicles that correspond to your needs and budget. If you want to purchase a compact car, consider the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic or the Toyota Corolla. If you spend some time researching options, it is possible to get a car with more options than you may have thought possible at a price you can afford.

Ask friends, family and colleagues about what dealerships they like and have used. Ask them about their experience and whether or not they would recommend this dealer. Ask questions about the customer service and whether or not they are satisfied with their vehicle. You should try a place that has several good recommendations.

Find the value of your trade-in before you arrive at the dealership. If you know how much you can get for your car, trading it in can lower your final price. You’ll be able to use this information to haggle for a better trade-in value.

Discovering the best car for your needs is hard. Knowing what you’re doing before going car shopping helps a great deal. Keep this information in mind as you shop. You may be surprised with the kinds of deals that are negotiated in showrooms.