Ditching your Gas Guzzler – Tips for Comparison Shopping on New Vehicles

For many people, buying a new vehicle can be stressful. However, it doesn’t have to be. If you have a game plan in advance, you will less likely fall for any car dealership ploys and stay within your means – both emotionally and financially. A new vehicle is a costly investment and one that you should not make lightly. There are a few things you should keep in mind and determine before even talking with a car salesman. Decide what is best for you and your family by researching a number of vehicle models. Ask yourself these questions: What can I afford? What is the purpose of this vehicle? Should I count on a trade-in value? How safe is it?

Defining your desires and needs in a vehicle is the important first step when comparison-shopping for a new vehicle. Once you know what qualities you want, then you can start to research the types of cars, trucks or SUVs that would fulfill your needs. Refer to industry publications or websites to garner the latest information about vehicles. Which models and car manufacturers have the highest safety ratings? What about gas mileage and fuel efficiency? Would a smaller car or even hybrid fit your lifestyle? If you have family, are child locks, built-in safety seats and side airbags options that would make or break your decision?

Think about how often you would drive the vehicle. Would it become your primary means of transportation? Or would it be a second family car or be for a new teenaged driver? Depending on what the vehicle is and how it is used will dictate your insurance rates. Are operating costs of the vehicle an important factor in your decision? If so, choose something with a great warranty and excellent gas mileage. What about options for your vehicle? Do you need the latest and greatest gadgets like GPS or satellite radio? What about air conditioning? The climate where you live can dictate whether or not you need that feature. If you are purchasing a truck, will you need a towing package or special bed liner?

Once you have a good idea of what you want, narrow down your choices. Don’t focus on just one car in particular. Be aware that a number of vehicles have similar counterparts; depending on what class you are wanting. For instance, a normal middle-class family might choose a Toyota sedan for their needs. If that family has a little more money to spend, they might upgrade to the Lexus. Both are Toyota made except one is designed for luxury and the other for more practical use. By the same token, there might be several cars that are similar in style, but have different engines. Having several options to choose from will give you more bargaining power at the dealership.

Do your homework when it comes to local vehicle dealerships. Ask your friends and family about where they went to buy their cars. Did they get a good deal? Who offered the best service? Talk with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any of your local dealerships have complaints against them. Look up the manufacturer’s price on several vehicles you have your eye on and see how they compare to the local sticker price. Doing this will give you an idea of how much negotiating room that you have as well as your local dealer. This keeps the price fair for all parties. Don’t forget that options for your potential vehicle are also sources for negotiation.

Test-drive the vehicles you are interested in. Many people will buy a car or truck without getting behind the wheel before buying. This would be a major mistake. You want to get a feel for the vehicle. Are the seats adjustable so you have optimal visibility when driving? Are they comfortable? Do you like the placement of all the gauges in the instrument panel? Are you pleased with the steering capabilities? Are the brakes and/or accelerator pedal sensitive to the application of your foot? Does the car or truck handle smoothly? What about legroom and the appearance of the vehicle? These are just a few of the aspects to consider when choosing your vehicle.

After selecting the vehicle you would be most happy with, it’s time to negotiate a fair price. Know what you can afford and determine what type of financing you will qualify for. Sometimes, having your own bank finance the vehicle is not always the best deal. Often, bigger dealerships have their own finance companies that will offer you a better interest rate. Of course, the opposite also can happen as well.

Be sure to keep your bottom line in mind when negotiating the payments as well as the options and other extras. Ask about the warranties and scheduled maintenance checks before signing on the dotted line. Are there hidden fees or taxes you weren’t aware of? Again, ask about them before committing yourself. Finally, before driving that car off the dealership lot, make sure that it is the exact one that you wanted with all the options you agreed on! There have been times where people get home only to realize that some feature they wanted and negotiated is not on their car. You are the ultimate boss – take your time and get what you want in your new vehicle.