Some people are car experts and know what every car is worth. Others, however, don’t really know what’s going on, especially in regards to how much things are worth. Don’t feel ashamed if you need help. Start by using the tips from this article.

Go to different dealerships before settling on one. A different dealership might be able to get you a better price on the car you want, and may be running different promotions. Try three or four in your area, and even if you have to travel a bit farther, it may be worth it.

If you can’t afford a car, don’t let the salesperson talk you into buying it. A lot of people end up purchasing sports cars because they fell for the dealer’s slick comments about how good they look driving it. Remember that salespeople are motivated by the commissions they will make if they sell you an expensive vehicle.

Think ahead when you are planning on making a car purchase. Do not make the mistake of buying a car without thinking about whether it would be practical for future use. Buying a sports car will not make much sense if you are planning to have a family anytime in the near future.

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.

Be aggressive and assertive. You will inevitably end up negotiating the price of your vehicle, so don’t be afraid to push a little. Be prepared to walk away from the dealership if you aren’t making progress. Leave the offer alone for a day or two, and then contact the salesman again. If they know that you are willing to walk away, they will be more likely to accept your offer or to counter-offer with a more reasonable price.

When overbearing salespeople are difficult for you to handle, take someone with you when you shop. It could be a friend or a family member, as long as whoever you take has some knowledge of the process and isn’t a “pushover.” Let the adviser know what you need in order to budget prior to going to a lot.

If the price of a car is non-negotiable, see if you can negotiate on other terms. Some dealerships will agree to provide several months’ worth of free gasoline or a year of free oil changes, for instance. It never hurts to ask if a salesman can sweeten the deal.

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.

Now you can relax a bit. It will be easier to make an excellent decision if you know more about car shopping. If you don’t spend too much on your vehicle, you’ll be happier when driving it. You can now enjoy shopping for your new car!