3 Top Tips—How To Get a Great Deal on Your New Car

What You Need To Know Before You Walk into the Dealership

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Buying a new car is a thrilling experience, but it can also feel overwhelming. With all the car makes, models and prices navigating the world of auto sales can seem like a real challenge. Add to the fact that you worry you aren’t getting the best deal, and the process can be very stressful.

There is something of a science when it comes to getting a good deal on a car. People often just think about negotiating. Athough it’s important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. From understanding the market to making sure to shop at a reputable dealer like the King of Cars Texas, you’ll need to read this guide for more tips.

1 – Understand the market

Nissan Maxima — **Finding an out-of-production car like this Maxima could mean finding a bargain (photo Courtesy King of Cars Texas)**

The price of a car can vary widely based on the make, model and the time of year when you are shopping. The market is always changing, and there are even more variables than those that contribute to price. It’s important to research the market and understand what affects the price so you can leverage that knowledge into getting a good deal.

For instance, many dealers will be more likely to give you a good deal when they have too much inventory. Timing your shopping day to when they have a lot of new cars on the lot will help you get a deal. Often, after the holidays, dealers need to get rid of old stock to avoid paying taxes on it for the coming year.

Next, research which cars are the most popular sellers for that year. Those will be less likely to get a deal since they are selling well. Look for slow sellers; they will often give you a bargain.

2 – Drive a hard bargain

Buying a new car isn’t like buying a sandwich. The price isn’t fixed. You have room to talk, bargain and find a price that you’re happy with. Make sure to put in some time to research beforehand. The key to a successful negotiation is preparation. Knowing how much you can afford and sticking to it is crucial.

When you’re at the dealer, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Remember, you are the customer. You hold the power. If you have an old car, consider using it for a trade-in.

Cadillac Coupe DeVille — **If you have your financing set, a dimonad in the rough like this Coupe DeVille might be closer to landing in your driveway (photo courtesy King of Cars Texas)**

3 – Explore finance options

Unless you’ve saved enough to pay the entire amount upfront, you’ll likely need some sort of financing. There are several options you could consider. Some people opt for dealership financing, where the dealership itself provides the loan. Others might prefer to get a loan from their bank or credit union.

Make sure to look around for financing because the rate you pay could end up saving you or costing you thousands. Dealership loans can sometimes offer lower interest rates, especially during promotional periods. On the other hand, a loan from your bank or credit union can give you more room to negotiate on the car’s price since the dealership sees it as a cash deal.

Armed with this info, you should feel confident heading to the dealership to get your dream car.