Are you in the market for a new, or different, vehicle? Ready to start looking, but dreading the process? Car buying doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little detective work and preparation, buying the car of your dreams can be a fun and exciting experience. Here are some tips to get you on the right road.

Know What You Want

What kind of car do you picture driving? Try to narrow your list down to a few of your favorites. If you know what you want, and don’t want, the process will be much easier.

Know What You Can Afford

Understanding what you can realistically afford when car shopping can save you a lot of time and money down the line. If you set a car budget before you start shopping, you’ll be less likely to get in over your head. A general rule of thumb – your car payment should equal no more than 15 percent of your pretax monthly pay.

Get Informed About Your Insurance

If you have an idea of the car you want to buy, your insurance agent will be able to give you an idea of your monthly premium. Knowing this will help you budget better.

Figure Out Your Financing

Financing at the dealership is convenient, but it might not be the best deal. Shop around. Check with your financial institution before you buy. A little research could get you a really great rate.

What else should you do before heading to the dealership? Watch this quick video for great tips to make your car buying experience go more smoothly.

You’re about to spend your hard-earned money on a vehicle that you’ll most likely have for quite a while. Make sure you’re completely comfortable with the way the car drives and feels.

Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate

The more research you do before you get to the dealership, the easier the negotiation process will be. Salespeople are expecting you to negotiate – so be prepared, be confident and go get the deal you deserve! 

This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources.