Consumers often feel stressed about a car purchase. There are dozens of options, so many people feel quite overwhelmed. Use the tips in the article to make your next car purchase stress-free.

You should be ready with financing before going to look for a car. You can do this through your local credit union or bank. You may even get a lower interest rate and you will know what you can afford.

Research both your car and your dealer before negotiations. This will help you to negotiate the best possible price. Also, reading their customer reviews may help you avoid losing money.

Always test drive a car before you buy it. Do not skip the test drive, even if you have already taken another car of the same mo d el for one. There might be a slight difference or mechanical problems that you won't pick up without a test drive.

MPG plays a huge role in a car purchase. You may feel the need to buy a V-8 that can tow things. That said, if you only tow a boat once a year, you'll be paying through the nose for gas unnecessarily the other 364 days.

If you think you need a new car, give your bank a call prior to shopping for one to see if you can obtain a loan. This is just for your own security. Sometimes you can get a better interest rate through the dealership, but it's best to check through your bank too.

Look into auto shows to help you decide what type of car you'd like. Auto shows provide you with a rare opportunity to do side-by-side comparisons of various vehicles in one place. You will also have the opportunity to speak with knowledgeable people. You should leave the show with a better understanding of what's right for you and what isn't.

It is best to avoid talking about your trade-in early in the negotiations. Wait to discuss your trade-in until after you have negotiated the sales price of your new car. Revealing this information can put you at a disadvantage during your negotiation.

Spend time doing your homework on used cars before you commit. There are many online sources that will inform you of what a certain car is worth. The NADA or the Kelly Blue Book can help you determine the value. If the dealership is trying to sell the car for a higher price than what it is worth, look for a different dealer.

Sales associates and dealerships can vary. Although car dealers possess a reputation for pushy salesmanship, this tactic is becoming increasingly unpopular. Dealerships have begun to see that friendly sales techniques and satisfied clients are what bring people back year in and year out. If you come across an aggressive salesman, walk away. There are salesperson with very different styles that you will have to choose from.

Never sign an As-is warranty when buying a used car. This is a decision that you will regret. At the minimum any dealer should give you a 30 to 90 day warranty. It is important to get this in the event of an accident in the months following your purchase.

When shopping for a car, target the end of the month. The sales staff must meet their quotas, and selling just one additional car might make the difference for them. Wait a couple of days to deal with them; when the month comes to an end, you are more likely to come away with the best deal.

Understand the type of service department that you will be dealing with. First, you should seek out the opinions of others on the dealership. Call the department and see how they respond to your questions. Choose a knowledgeable dealer and this can help ensure happiness.

Consider buying your next vehicle close to the month's end. Dealerships have monthly quotas that they must meet every month. Going into a dealership right before the end of this month makes it more likely that you will get a good deal. You can get a better price this way.

These tips should help you reduce your stress as you shop for a vehicle. Remember this advice as you go through the entire process of finding and buying a car. You will be better prepared to buy a car this way.