You should know that a standard dealership is not the only place where you can buy a car. There are a number of websites you can check out. Many dealers display cars on their web so you can check them out online before you shop. Another place you should check is the newspaper. The classified ads often have cars listed by individuals who don’t want to deal with local dealerships.

For Buying a Car: Part 1 and information on financing and down payments, click here.
It is very important to know how to handle buying from a dealer even if you do not buy your car from one. Here is what you need to know before shopping.

1) Initial Price - You know that price written on the windshield? I can almost guarantee you won’t pay that price. If the salesman is open to negotiation, you’re either going to be able to get a discount from that price (it’s called the sticker price). Still, you could pay more over time because of financing and add-on fees.

2 Add-ons - When you shop at a dealer and come to an agreement, a few extra purchase options will be presented usually after your price is negotiated. These options may include things like extended warranty and there will be more options if you’re buying a new car rather than a used one. You may want to consider these add-ons, but remember that they all cost more money. The value that they add to the car can be less than what you pay. For example, an extended warranty that covers more items and problems on the car may be convenient and helpful, but ask yourself what it would normally cost to fix the car. Often, unless several different car problems arise at once, it is cheaper to pay maintenance costs when the problems occur.

3) Be Bold - This may surprise you, but when you go car shopping, you don’t have to buy a car. You can walk away. I can’t stress this enough. If you feel like you’re paying to much or cannot find a car that suits your needs, you don’t need to necessarily buy a car.

4) Shop around - Check other places. Look online, search the classifieds, but know that your visit to a dealership does not mean you must walk out of there with a car.

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