Buying a car: what to do before going to the dealership

Looking into buying or leasing a new or used car in the near future? Here are some things you should research before setting foot on the dealer's lot.
How many times have you walked onto a dealership’s lot and left with a new car or got very close to leaving with a new car? With dealerships offering great incentives like 0% financing, no monthly payments for a year or cash back allowances, it is too easy to get involved in a new or used car that you had no intention of buying or leasing when you first walked into the lot. Sure, you may tell yourself that you will simply look around, but, unless you are made of nerves and a will of steel, you will at least end up in the financial office at one point in your visit. Before walking onto any car dealership lot, you will need to do a little of your own research so that you can make a rational and logical decision based on facts as opposed to emotion and whim.

You must have a solid idea of what type of car or SUV or truck you are looking for. If you know you want a certain sized car, research the different models and manufacturers that you are interested in. You will also want to research other manufacturer’s sites to get a good comparison of features and styles. Make a list of the specific features you want (or need) and those features that you can certainly live without and then stick with that list. For example, you may know that you want a 4-cylinder engine, power locks and windows and a decent sound system. However, when you walk onto a lot, the salesman will whisk you straight over to the higher-end models that have a V6 engine, sun roofs, moon roofs, leather seats and the advanced sound systems. Bring this list with you and do not let them steer you to a model that is more expensive. Show them the list and let them know exactly what you want.

There are many sites where you can check an automobile’s safety rating. You may want a car that looks really sharp, but it may have a sub par safety rating; this is not a car you will want to invest in. Look at models similar to the one you have your eye on. You may find that another manufacturer has a car that is better overall in safety features and ratings.

Go online and find out what the value of the specific automobile you are looking into purchasing is worth. You will be able to enter in different specifications of the car you are seeking and find out the value of the car you desire. Now, when you walk onto the dealer’s lot you have some leverage to haggle. Having this knowledge will give you insight into what kind of deal you are really getting yourself into.

When buying a car, a dealership will automatically try to get you financing with their manufacturer’s finance company. Before even walking onto a lot, research other options for financing, including your own bank. You may find you can get pre-approved for a car loan and, if it’s better than the deal they are offering at the dealership, you will be much better off.

Finally, when making a decision about where to purchase your automobile, look around at the different dealerships. Different dealerships will offer different deals. Do not feel bad for finding out what kind of deal a salesman is willing to give and then taking it to another dealership to see if they can do better. After all, you are the one who is going to end up paying for the vehicle, so you always need to look out for your best interests.