Car shopping is something we all have to do from time to time, and it is something that many of us dread. It can be hard to grasp all the possibilities when it comes to options, how to get the price you want and how to win the negotiation game. These tips will help you make your shopping experience a lot more pleasant.

Don’t forget to look into the cost of parts for a vehicle before you buy it. Some cars, especially imports, cost significantly more to maintain than others. Investigate the cost of parts that wear out frequently, such as tires, brakes, and windshield wiper blades. Research the cost of alternators, spark plugs, and other engine components, too.

Do not make the mistake of focusing on only the monthly payment amount when you are car shopping. This can cause you to buy a more expensive car than you can really afford. You need to focus on the total cost of the vehicle itself and whether that is a good deal.

Before signing any contract take the time to read every line, including the fine print. If there is anything listed that you do not understand, do not sign until you get an answer that you understand. Unsavory salesmen can use a contract to insert many fees that were not discussed.

Think about both fuel economy, and how much money you have to spend, when you are out looking at cars. For instance, you may think it is wise to buy a vehicle with a V-8 engine and towing capability. This can help you to maximize on the features that you are presented with.

Take a look at owner reviews before selecting the car you want to buy. These can be found online, at many different websites. Owner reviews give you a good idea about how much others enjoy the car, and if they would recommend it to friends and family. They offer a different perspective than professional reviews, and they are very informative for anyone who is car shopping.

Watch out for the car salesman who offers you a price on a car before he visits his sales manager. The salesman will tell you anything you want to hear, but only the manager can approve the deal. Ask to speak to the manager face to face and see the deal on paper before committing to purchase the car.

Test drive more than one car before you buy it. Any new car is going to feel fantastic if you’re used to driving an old one. Think seriously about how the ride feels, where the buttons are located, and how much of the road you are able to see. Test-driving more than one car will help you realize where you want to be.

Make the right car purchase for yourself by deciding major things before entering a store. This includes things like mileage, make, model and even color. You can do a lot of research online to get an idea of prices and avoid the high pressure situations that come with a car salesman.

Stand firm on your down payment. Cars can be sold with no down payment; however, some money down will help the final cost. Be wary of sellers who ask you to increase your down payment. This extra money will typically only go into the pocket of the salesperson and dealership, and does not help your bottom line.

A certified used vehicle does not guarantee that the vehicle is in good condition. This is just a new way for car dealers to trick people into thinking that they are guaranteed a high quality used vehicle. Do not fall for it. Research certified vehicles just as you would any other to fully protect yourself.

Do not fall for the sales pitch that the deal will not be available if you wait until the next day. More times than not, you will be able to walk back into the dealership and get the same price, if not a better one the next day. If you feel that the salesman is pressuring you, walk out the door and come back the next day.

Ask to see the service records of a used car. If the previous owner was maintaining the car properly, they kept the receipts of all the work done to it. Usually you will have paper work from oil changes, tire changes, brakes, and any other routine maintenance that was done to the vehicle.

When you buy a car, you will be handed a lengthy contract. Learn what it all means before you set foot on the lot. You can find information about each element on the contract online, that way you’ll know what is being offered to you and what is being asked of you as a buyer.

As a general rule, try and purchase your vehicle towards the end of the month. While most dealers are always motivated to sell you a car, they will be particularly willing to give you a deal towards the end of the month, when they have to reach their quota.

There is one online tool that should never be overlooked when making a car purchase, the Better Business Bureau. With just a few minutes of research this organization will indicate which dealerships you should completely avoid. It can also give you an idea of which ones offer more reputable services.

If you’re considering buying an SUV, truck, or van, you’ll want to take note of the height of the vehicle. If your new vehicle is parked in a garage, you should measure how high your garage door opening is. With this information, you’ll be able to find a vehicle that will fit into your garage once you get it home.

Loving the car you buy is possible on any budget. The more you know about the process and your options, the more likely you are to find everything you want and need in a car. When you go car shopping next time, take this advice with you. You might surprise yourself with the deal you’ve been waiting for.