The first thing you need to establish before you begin your search is what you need in a vehicle, and what are added perks that you might want.
Make a list, and then bring it to the car dealership.
When you're looking at a particular model, go through the list and see which side of the coin it falls most on.
Does it have all the speed and sound system perks you want but lacks MPG and other economical features? Or perhaps it's simply a base model that you're going to dread driving every day.
Either way, a healthy balance of both sides of the equation will produce the best results.
Makes, Models, and Open-Mindedness Chances are, even if you know what you want, and go to the car dealership with that in mind, there's either going to be some differences you didn't account for in the model they have available, or there will be another model that seems better once you've actually test driven it.
Don't lock yourself into a decision prematurely as some of the joy of finding the perfect sedan, truck, or SUV can often lie in the unexpected aspects of the vehicle that you didn't expect you'd like.
Dealers often know how to match a buyer with a vehicle that suits their needs, so if they have advice, give it a try before dismissing it entirely.
Do Your Homework It's important not to go into the car dealership completely blind.
Research the kinds of vehicles they have, and which models suit your list of wants and needs.
Next, read reviews that actual owners have written on these models and see what the pluses and minuses might be.
Dealers are quite knowledgeable about their cars, but they don't drive them home every night or to work every day.
See if there are any open recalls on the vehicle, or if there's a particular part that seems to be a common issue.
This kind of research can save you thousands of dollars down the line.
Warranty Woes Warranties are an essential part of buying a new or certified pre-owned vehicle.
Oftentimes they are loaded with perks that save you money in more ways than you can imagine.
But, sometimes they cost extra and are either part of a care package or could be part of a larger bundle.
Ask the dealer, or review their website and see what they are willing to offer you outright, and what is going to cost more.
If there's a maintenance plan available, the amount of savings you'll get by bringing it into their certified mechanics instead of paying out-of-pocket at a separate establishment is worth the additional cost.
Slick Salesmen The last thing to keep in mind is that though they are sometimes helpful and often knowledgeable, a salesman's goal is to sell you a vehicle.
Don't rush into a purchase, and don't walk into a car dealership expecting to walk out that day with what you wanted.
You're going to have to do some shopping and some "taste testing," but in the end, a well-thought out decision is going to help you sleep much more comfortably at night than one made at the pressure of a charming and effective salesman.