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Buying a newer car is probably one of the biggest investments you’ll make. As you begin car shopping, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. You look forward to finding your ideal car, signing on the dotted line and driving it home. However, you likely also feel pressure to get it for a low price, without spending every spare moment researching your options. These six tips will help you get your ideal car for a great price.

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You Don’t Have to Haggle

For many buyers, the fear of slick sales tactics is the most daunting aspect of buying a used car. Salespeople often tempt you with the promise of lower monthly payments to steer your focus from how much a car will cost you over the term of your car loan. Don’t fall for this tactic. Focus on negotiating the best sticker price or shopping at a haggle-free dealership – not the lowest monthly payment. Sure, you might be able to cut your monthly payment by $40 a month, but in the long run, you won’t necessarily save money; more than likely, you’ll simply be extending the amount of time it takes to pay off your car. Additionally, before you head to the car lot, know exactly how much you can afford to pay per month. Stick to that dollar amount and avoid the temptation to extend the loan term to lock in lower monthly payments.

Show Up With Your Financing Lined Up

Most car purchases aren’t cash purchases; they’re financed. Want to enjoy the best negotiating leverage? Visit a lender before you shop and get pre-approved for a car loan (ideally one that has a 4- or 5-year repayment schedule). The folks who approve your loan can also help you determine how much money you should put down on your car.

Take Advantage of Online Car Buying Resources

Before you step into a showroom or onto a used car lot, e-mail the shops you plan to visit and request price quotes and any additional fees they may charge. Show up to look at cars armed with these quotes. If the onsite salesperson quotes you a higher price, show them the online quote, which often will be lower. 

Research Your Insurance

Before you finance a car, ask your lender what their insurance requirements are. You may discover you’ll be required to carry lower deductibles than you’re accustomed to. If you can pay cash, you can usually save money on insurance. If you finance, make sure to figure in insurance fees when calculating how much you can afford to pay for your new car.

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Have Your Paperwork in Order

Once you’ve found the right car at the right price, claim possession quickly by having your financing pre-approved, down payment ready, valid driver license and insurance card, and title and vehicle registration for any trade-in on hand.

Look for a Certified Pre-Owned Car with a Warranty

One of the biggest tips for buying a used car from an independent car dealership is making sure your vehicle has been thoroughly inspected. In addition, any used vehicle you choose should come with a warranty to give you additional security.

Are you used-car shopping? Contact us at Deboer's Auto Sales & Service. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your potential car so you know exactly what you’re buying.

View Our Pre-Owned Inventory

Bill DeBoer

Written by Bill DeBoer

William J. DeBoer (Bill Jr.) is Co-owner and Vice President at DeBoer’s Auto. As the company’s General Manager, Bill has been responsible for bringing innovations in daily operations to the full-service, high-tech auto repair facility for 20+ years. Passionate about computers from an early age, Bill’s interest in technology gravitated to cars while he was in college. By obtaining a Certificate in Automotive Technology followed by a B.S. in Business Management from Penn State, Bill was able to fuse his interests into a car technology specialization and join the family business shortly thereafter.