Make sure you go to more than one pricing site to get the best idea of the average price.
Whether youre buying new or used, theres no doubt that the Internet is a great tool for your car quest. If you are buying a new car, you can research the kind of car you want, the options you need, the price of the car and the price of the additional options. If youve done your homework, youll be able to walk into a dealership armed with loads of valuable information.
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Now that you know where to start looking for information, lets take a closer look at what you should know before you go shopping.
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When youre just starting out, a good first step is to go to the manufacturers Web sites to check out the cars and the available options. You can usually find local dealers and request quotes or see theManufacturer Suggested Retail Price(MSRP). Once youve narrowed your choices, you can check out an array of other Web sites for more pricing information:
One of the most useful sites on the Internet isCar Buying Tips.com. This site offers up just about everything you need to know about buying a new or used car. The tips are invaluable for anyone who wants to make sure they dont overpay for their new ride. One of the best things about the site is that it deconstructs various dealer scams. If you know the dealers agenda before you walk in the door, youll be able to spot if someone is taking advantage of you. Were certainly not saying that all car dealers are out to dupe you, but you have to be careful and be prepared. Remember, an ounce of prevention can save you thousands of dollars in the end.
Theodometerlets you know how many miles the car has driven. A used cars mileage affects its selling price. For instance, the more miles the car has logged the lower the cost of the car. Because high mileage can decrease the selling price, some unscrupulous people practice odometer fraud. Although it is a crime to try to roll back or change the odometer reading, that doesnt stop people from doing it.
In addition to using the Internet to research the car you want to buy, you can also use it to figure out yourfinance optionsand select awarrantyfor your car. Sites likeE-LoanandLending Treeoffer online auto loans. A warranty is a contract that guarantees maintenance if your car has any mechanical or other problems. Remember that warranties are another way for dealers to get more money out of your bank account, so know what kind of warranty you want and how much you are willing to pay for it.
