When you are trying to get an honest deal when buying a vehicle, you can often be fooled into the worst deal ever. It takes knowledge of the buying process and the techniques of the salesmen in order to get the deal you need. Don’t let them fool you! Take advantage of these helpful tips!

Rather than buying a brand-new car, purchase a lightly used one that is only a couple of years old. Many cars come with transferable warranties that last for three years or 36,000 miles. You will save a significant amount over buying new, and the warranty will give you peace of mind for the first year or so.

Check online to find the best deals. Doing some online research can result in major savings. After you find a great deal on the car of your dreams, you can visit the dealer and make your purchase. If the dealership is close by, try going to save more money.

Arrange the financing for your automobile before you car shop. Check with a bank or local credit union to get this done. These institutions offer lower interest rates than what you might get if you financed a vehicle through the dealer. It also gives you a better idea of your budget.

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. A professional mechanic is going to be able to give you objective feedback about the state of the car, including signs of previous wrecks or exposure to flood waters.

If you know you are easily convinced by salespeople, you should not go shopping for a new car by yourself. You can bring a family member or friend to help you with negotiations. You should talk to your friends or family member about your budget and needs before you head out to the dealership.

Before you even walk out the door to go to the different dealerships to search for an automobile to purchase, do your homework. If you have a specific car make and model that you are considering buying, do some background research. Have there been numerous recalls for this vehicle. What do current and former owners of this make and model say about their automobile?

Bring a spare set of keys with you to the dealership. When they ask for the keys to your trade in, give them the spare. Some dealerships will use your car keys to hold you hostage if a deal is not made. You want to avoid this, so make sure you have the ability to walk out of the dealership at any time without having to ask for your keys.

Do you feel better about negotiating a deal on a car now? You should! Take the tips you’ve read with you, and learn more as you go along so that you won’t suffer the grasp of the salesman. It’s time you found the deal that is right for you and your family.