Are you currently in the market for a new or used car, truck or SUV? Is the process scaring you? Just read the following piece and use these tips to ensure the car shopping process is a cinch.

Figure out the financing options before you even look at a car. You should do this through your bank. You might get a better deal through your bank than through the dealer.

Take the car you want for a spin. Do not skip the test drive, even if you have already taken another car of the same model for one. The car you choose could have something wrong with it that you would be unaware of until after you have purchased the vehicle unless you test drive it first.

If you are not confident in your ability to resist high-pressure sales pitches, do not shop for a car alone. Bring a relative or friend along to help negotiate prices and remember important questions. Tell this person what you want and how much you can spend.

Before you head out car shopping, check with your bank to ensure that you qualify for a loan. This is just for your own security. Usually the dealership’s finance department can find a better rate for you than a bank, but it can help if you find what interest rate you’re looking at prior to shopping.

Refrain from bringing up incentives or down payments before negotiating. These monetary exchanges should reduce your cost. It is to your advantage to lock in your deal prior to discussing any extras.

Never purchase a car without taking a test drive first. While you may know which car you want, a test is imperative. Hands-on knowledge of the car is essential. You may find the car doesn’t handle as you would like or isn’t as smooth as you expected.

You can test out a few different vehicles by renting them. If you need to know what a car really feels like, go to a rental place so you can test drive it extensively. To make sure this is the best car for your family’s needs, go on a road trip and really test it out. This is an effective way to get acquainted with that type of car before you make the commitment to purchase.

Few things are as exciting and overwhelming as the process of trying to find a new … Read the rest