Car Buying Without a Clue?  Here’s Some Steps You Need to Do

If you are not a car salesperson, a mechanic, or know someone in those fields that can help, you might think that buying a car is always a challenge.  Whether you are looking for a new or used vehicle, finding the best car for you can take some work.  However, if you are prepared, the process can be a little easier.  Even if you are not a car expert, you can increase your chances at finding a suitable automobile by using the suggestions below.  Purchasing a vehicle can take some time, but don’t overlook the significance of these steps.

Narrow Your Choices

Have an idea of the type of car that you are looking for.  It is not reasonable to test drive every car available for sale.  Do you want a four door sedan or an SUV?  Do you need a pickup truck?  Make a list of the tasks that you would use your car for now and in the future?  Will the cost of gasoline be a factor?  Is it hard to find a parking space in your area?  Do you need to carry things around?

Also have an idea of the brand of vehicle that you prefer to purchase.  There are usually many vehicles available, even on a single car lot.  Being able to narrow your choices according to the vehicle brand is a good way to see and compare a number of vehicles on different lots.  As an additional benefit, if you start comparing brands, you will start to become familiar with that particular brand and you can better spot a bargain price.  Having an idea of a color or range of colors that you prefer, if any, will also help make the salesperson’s job a lot easier.  Having an idea of whether you prefer a domestic or foreign vehicle will also help you to determine what you can get for your budget.

All the above factors will also affect the vehicle year that you can purchase and the mileage you can get for your budget.  This will vary depending on the brand of the vehicle.  Determine which of these factors are the most important to you.  However, don’t avoid altering your choices and at least considering another car that may be a good bargain.

Check with friends and family for advice on different types and brands of cars and their dealer experiences.  You can also check online for complaints on different types or brands of vehicles, or car dealers.  This should just be one piece of information that you use along with other information in making a purchase decision.  Also, realize that sometimes the reputation of a vehicle might lag a little behind the current situation.

Determine Your Approach

Decide if you want to go to one dealer and look at as many vehicles as possible or if you want to compare a number of dealers.  If you have problems after a car purchase, having the dealer nearby is beneficial.  At the same time, comparing dealers in nearby cities might give you the best deal.  Use online sources to check price and selection and narrow your choices, such as http://www.cars.com or http://www.autotrader.com.  However, realize that using online sources is just the first step.  Some vehicles may not make it online.  In addition, you MUST inspect and test drive a vehicle in person before purchasing because there are many things that may not be evident in an online picture.  You could have someone else you trust do this step, but make sure that you trust their judgment in evaluating a vehicle.

Inspection and Evaluation

Take a close look at the body of the vehicle for scratches, dents, marks, and peeling or rusting paint, etc.  These items can affect the price and subsequent resale value of a vehicle.  They can also be a sign of an undisclosed accident.  Keep in mind that a dent does not necessarily mean an accident, but you will have to use your best judgment and take into account other factors.  If you know a car salesperson or mechanic that you trust, bring that person along to help you in evaluating automobiles.  Even another person that is not a salesperson or mechanic can help you make a more thorough inspection.

Look at the interior of the vehicle.  Its condition will also have an effect on price.  Inspect for any stains or tears in the cushion.  Check for rust or damages to moving parts.  Find out if the radio, cd player, etc. is in functioning order.  You might be surprised at how many dealers have vehicles on their lots without a functioning audio system.  Some take it out to avoid theft and others may have received it with the missing parts.  In any case, that should be reflected in the price or the dealer will usually install a new one for you at no cost.  Make sure that this has been done before accepting the vehicle.  Also make sure that the air conditioning is working.

Even more important than the physical appearance is the performance of the vehicle.  Pay attention to how the vehicle functions during the test drive.  Look under the hood even if you are not a mechanic.  You might see warning signs that will help reveal more information about the car.  Is there rust on the battery?  Are there any oil spills?  Does something look or smell strange?

Understand Market Values

If you have a particular car in mind or are trading in your vehicle, check with a car value estimating source such as Kelly Blue Book http://www.kbb.com and Nada Guides http://www.nadaguides.com.  These guides are used by car dealers and will help to give you a better idea of the value of a particular vehicle.  The previous steps will come in handy because you have to enter exact information about the characteristics of a particular car in order to get an estimation of a car’s value.  Even if you do take advantage of car value estimation guides, each dealer may give you a different trade-in value for your vehicle.  You will have to make the choice of whether to undertake selling a car that you already own yourself or taking one of these trade-in offers.

If at all possible, bring cash to the table.  You should expect to get a better price if you decide to pay in cash.  This minimizes the risk to the car dealer.  Dealers will be more willing to drop their price if you bring cash.  Cash gives you more bargaining power.

Making a Final Decision

Before purchasing a vehicle, it is a good idea to get a history of the car.  Some dealers offer them free or you can get them online from sites like http://www.carfax.com.  This is a good step for uncovering hidden problems.  Despite this, remember that some items may not show up on the car’s history for one reason or another.

You can also get a car inspection.  Again, realize that a car inspection might not find out everything that could be wrong with a particular car.  Some car inspections are just a brief examination and test drive.  This can supplement your own inspection, but you must decide if you are willing to pay extra for this service.  Other inspections lift the car and might also include compression tests giving you much more information.

Do not be afraid to walk away if this is not the right car or there seems to be some manipulation of the price.  Make sure that you can get an out-the-door price that includes all charges in writing.  Extra charges can include dealer fees, taxes, and anything else the dealer may add onto the advertised price.  You may be shocked to find out that “bargain” is not really one.  Don’t forget to consider ongoing costs like insurance and maintenance after the vehicle purchase as well.

Of course, you should shop around for car insurance and warranties.  Some types of insurance are usually mandatory, but make a personal decision about obtaining warranties.  New cars usually have a warranty included in the price.  If you are buying a used car, you need to decide if you want to get a warranty or if you have the discipline to save your money and pay out of pocket for expenses.

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