Is it time for you to purchase a new car? Does the idea terrify you? Read this article and you will find out that purchasing a car is not that hard after all.

Pay attention to the overall price of the vehicle and not just the monthly payments. The dealer can set the monthly payments at any amount, but this will extend your terms, resulting in a very high purchase price. Instead, focus on getting the price of your car as low as possible and then work with the financing. Use that number, then calculate the optimal monthly payment amount.

Take someone along to help you car shop. They may hear things you miss and will help make it easier to turn down a deal, should it be an unfavorable one. This company could be your life partner, a best friend or a trusted family member.

What have your loved ones heard about local dealers or car manufacturers? How do they feel about their current vehicles? Do they regret purchasing it? Do they know of a car that’s really good? Talking with friends and acquaintances is a thing to do when shopping for a new car.

If you’re looking to buy a new vehicle, try and get financing from a bank before starting your search. This ensures that you qualify for a loan. You may get a better interest rate through a dealership, but it’s best to know before deciding.

Try shopping online. Almost every make and model is available online. While online, learn everything about the car of your choice before visiting a dealer. Online sources feature information on ratings, resell value, and other things.

Rent a car to give it a test. If you really want to know how a car handles, rent it from a rental car agency and test drive it for a while. Bring the whole family along for a test drive. This is an excellent method of getting comfortable with the car prior to making the decision to buy it.

Auto shows are a great way to narrow down your options. This gives you a glimpse into the world of cars and what is available to you. You will also have the opportunity to speak with knowledgeable people. After visiting an auto show, you can know more about which cars appeal to you.

Do not give out your SS number haphazardly. Many dealers will ask for your social security number before negotiations even start. They will use this information to pull a credit report. Running credit multiple times can hurt your final deal. First have an ironclad deal before giving your SS number.

Read before you sign. Read the whole contract before agreeing to anything. The documents are legally binding contracts once signed. If reading contracts isn’t ideal at the dealership, bring it home and go over it. If the dealership will not give you a copy, take as long as you need and read it in its entirety.

You should feel better after reading this article. No price can pay for the value of these tips and using them will make car shopping positive. Share it with others you know who are thinking of buying a car. All of you can get a bit of happiness from your new purchases.