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How To Buy A New Car And Get The Best Deal In 6 Steps

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Buying a car is a major purchase and it’s exciting for some people so, don’t get caught out there.  Others may feel overwhelmed and stressed when they have to think about car shopping.

Purchasing a new car is something we all have to endure at some point in our life.  Usually it’s a very exciting time.  So, exciting that we barely think things through.  We just go to the dealership and let them talk us into a pretty new ride. 

We are so happy and tickled pink until that large car payment keeps coming in the mail every single month.  And when that price tag doesn’t fit your budget then you are really in trouble.

Prevent this scenario from becoming your reality: 

  • Have a solid car plan in place
  • have a high credit score
  • save up a down payment
  • do your research
  • visit a number of dealerships and
  • knowing how to deal with car sales agents   

I actually bought my new car with a six year payment plan and paid if off in less than 4 years using these steps.  I will discuss each in detail and how I was able to make this happen.

 

1. Have A Car Plan And Bring It With You

Ask yourself what’s most important to you in a car?  What is your price range?  Will you finance or pay in full with cash?  Will this be your main car or a second car?

If you are financing know what interest rate you qualify for before you start shopping around.  Get pre-approved at a bank or your credit union. This will help to lower your monthly payments. 

Don’t leave home without your car plan.  Having one reminds you what you are looking for and keeps you from going over budget.  It also may keep you from coming home with a car you know you really didn’t want.

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Key:  Write down what you want in a car and bring this list (your car plan) when car shopping

 

2. Work On Your Credit And Build A Good Credit Score

Everyone knows if you are financing a car your credit has to be in good condition to get the lowest interest rate and best price.  However, everyone doesn’t always fix their credit before buying a new car. 

This is how sleazy dealerships sell overpriced junk with high rip off interest rates. Don’t fall for these games.  Work on your credit.  It’s not as overwhelming as it sounds. 

Payoff or settle all outstanding debt showing up on your report, fix any other issues, and use one credit card repeatedly while paying in full every month. 

By doing this you will see your score increase to about 100 points or more.  Repeat this process for 6 months to a year before you purchase your next car.

Key:  Follow these steps to fix your credit:

  • Payoff or settle all outstanding debt showing up on your report
  • fix any other issues
  • use one credit card repeatedly while paying in full every month

 

 3. Come Financially Prepared

To help set myself up financially I had my down payment ready.  After I purchased my home I received a tax credit.  I used partially for my car down payment.  I decided on a set price that I knew I could afford.

I wanted very low monthly payments on a car in excellent/nearly new condition.  Sounds a little impossible right?  But, I didn’t deter from my thinking, my mind was made up. 

To qualify for the best deal my credit score had to be at its best.  Since, I just bought a house my credit remained in top shelf condition.  Getting pre-approved at my local credit union also helped the process run smoothly.

To pay the car off faster I made sure to get very low monthly payments that I could double up on and scale back the payment plan time.

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Key: Save down payment * know your budget/price bracket * get pre-approved with the lowest interest rate possible

 

 

4. Educate Yourself And Do Your Research

Know what kind of car you want before you start looking.  Be realistic based on your finances and lifestyle.  I was looking for something reliable and affordable with low mileage.  This car I desired had to be close to new as possible with an engine known to last with very high millage. 

Don’t just research the consumer reports for this information.    Ask around within your circle (family, friends, coworkers, etc.) to find out what others have experienced with different makes and models.  Ask the mechanic that works on your current car for advice. 

Once you have done your homework there’s a less chance of having the dealer’s sales rep talk you into something that may not be the best fit for you. 

Key:  Know the type of car you want * do your research by checking in your circle * don’t let the sales rep lead you from your car plan

5. Shop Around By Checking Every Dealership

The next step I completed, I visited every single dealership in my home town.  Most dealerships flock together on the same street. I believe every town has a similar street.  So, what I did I stopped at everyone—used, pre-owned and brand new car dealerships of all makes and models.  You never know what they will have in stock.

Just go in and ask. 

The key is—if you find a Toyota at a Mercedes dealership they are more likely to sale that car to you at a huge discount just to get rid of it.  See no one goes to a Mercedes dealership looking for a Toyota.    That car has been sitting there collecting dust and maybe even lot fees. They’d be happy you came in to take it away before it went to auction and sold for much less.

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Key:  A Mercedes dealer could sell you a near new Toyota for half the market price.  So check everywhere

 

6. Don’t Get Duped By Dealership Salesmen

Be careful when talking to car sales reps.  They will try and talk you into anything just to make a sale.  I’m not saying all of them are bad people because, I don’t know all of them.  But, those I have encountered are pushy and aggressive sellers. 

Come ready with your A game and don’t let them steer you from your car plan you so tactfully mapped out. 

You know what you can afford for your particular budget.  You know the interest rate you qualify for and how much you are willing to put down.  Stick to this without budging. 

If anything negotiate and get a lower price.  But, don’t allow anyone to talk you into buying more than you can afford.

Key:  Be mentally prepared to deal with pushy sales agents

 

Final Word

It can be an exciting or a stressful time when buying a new card.  Either way such a major purchase is unavoidable at some point in our lives. 

I hope these steps help ease the process and helps yours run a little smoother. 

 

What are some of your tips for buying a new car?

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