Buying a car can be slightly overwhelming if you don’t know what to look out for.  What are your best tips when shopping for cars?

Tips for Saving Money When Buying a Car

1. Research Before You Go

Pick out 1-2 cars that you’re interested in and do all of the research you can before you head to the dealership.  See what a good price on the car is so you can negotiate with the dealer when you arrive.  Ask the dealer if they’ll match a price that you found online through an online retailer.

2.  Email First

Email the internet department of the dealership before you go to see if you can negotiate before you go in.  Make sure your quote includes all of the extra costs a dealer adds in so you aren’t thrown off when you arrive to pay for your car.

3.  Visit the Lot After Closing Time

If you’re someone who makes hasty decisions under pressure, check out all of the cars after the dealership is closed so you don’t have to worry about salesmen walking up to you.  Once you have a handle on the car that you definitely want to buy, you can walk into the dealership with confidence that your decision won’t be swayed.

4.  Bring Your Own Financing

If you secure a car loan through a credit union or a traditional bank, it could save you some money in the long-run to not have to get your financing through the dealership.

5.  Buy a Pre-Owned Car

We all know that a car greatly depreciates the second your drive it off the lot.  Consider getting a certified pre-owned car to save major money.  Make sure the car has a Car Fax so you know the history of the car you’re buying.

6.  Buy the Old Body Style

If you’re really craving the new-car smell, you can buy an older body style of the car you want when the new model comes out and you’ll save a lot of cash.

7.  Shop at the Holidays

Dealerships are always offering rebates and promotions around certain holidays.  If you can hold off on buying a car until then, it’ll pay off.