Buying a car is a big deal. You want to make sure you make a purchase that you won’t regret.

Before you start shopping for a new car, decide on what you need. How much of a budget do you have to work with? How many people need to fit into the car? How much gas mileage should the car have? Do you want a sportier car or a family vehicle? Get it all down on paper, and bring it with you when shopping so that you don’t forget.

Before you get a used car somewhere, look it over by using a third-party mechanic. If your dealer does not want to do this, turn around and go somewhere else. Mechanics provide you with a neutral opinion on the quality of the vehicle. Know your limits.

Before you start shopping for your next car or truck, decide how much you can afford to pay, and stick to it. Don’t forget to include interest in your calculations. You can expect to pay around 20 percent as a down payment as well, so be prepared. Be flexible. While you should head to the car dealership with a good idea of what you are looking for, it can pay to have a little wiggle room.

Try to have several makes or models that fit your needs, and you can choose the best deal when you find out what is available at your particular dealer Before buying a car, consider the cost of insurance. If you are financing the car, you will probably need comprehensive coverage, in addition to liability protection.

Avoid any surprises by asking your insurance company for a quote before you sign any paperwork. Research trade-in prices before turning over your older vehicle. If you are planning on trading in your current vehicle to go towards the purchase price of your new one, be armed with the proper value ahead of time.

Also, get your credit in order so you aren’t locked into high fees for the life of your car loan. If the price of a car is non-negotiable, see if you can negotiate on other terms. Some dealerships will agree to provide several months’ worth of free gasoline or a year of free oil changes, for instance. It never hurts to ask if a salesman can sweeten the deal.

As you now know, there are many different things to consider when buying a car. If you rush into it, you are likely to make a decision you’ll regret.

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