Car shopping can be an extremely stressful time and it can cost you a lot of money, which is why it’s important to know how to score the best deal. It’s not smart to walk into a car dealership without doing the necessary research because it’s easy to get sidetracked by all the shiny new cars that they’re so eagerly offering you; and let’s face it, there’s a real chance you could get swindled into something you can’t afford. However, there are some easy steps you can take in order ensure that you’re fully prepared to take on anything the sales person throws at you.
Most people have frustrating stories about their car shopping experiences or at the very least know someone with one to tell, so why not take a couple minutes to read a short list that will help you avoid having the same experience. Car shopping should be a fun and exciting process that doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, and it’s not as hard as it seems to get the right option for you–it’s just up to you.
It may surprise you how easy it is to get free accessories from your car dealership, but what’s really important is how much money you can save long term by following the next fifteen tips. Some of the tips on this list will be slightly hard to follow in some circumstances (number 6), but as long as you give it your best shot you won’t be disappointed with the results.
15. Pay With Cash
Purchasing a car can be a difficult thing to grapple with because of how they depreciate in value rather quickly, but for many of us, they’re necessary for transit. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to avoid interest on a loan by waiting to purchase a car until you have enough cash. When you pay a car off in full with cash, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in interest by avoiding a loan altogether; plus if you use cash, dealers are more inclined to give you a deal because you’re ready to close the sale day-of and there is no question about further payment.
This option isn’t easy for some, as it can call for a lot of cash depending on the type of car you’re buying. However, this is a good reminder to pick for something within your price range so you don’t live outside of your means. It will take some time to save up so keep the end goal in mind and make sure to pick the right car that’s good for you long-term. This may seem like hard advice to follow, but the truth is it’s easy to get sucked into buying a brand-new, fancy car because of how exciting it is; so, if you pay with cash, you can avoid making an irresponsible decision.