Buying a car can be an exciting yet stressful time in life. From the make and model, and the style you desire to the budget you intend to stick to, there are so many factors to be considered. The decision to buy a car should never be rushed or made on a whim. It takes patience as well as research to ensure that you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Once you have decided on the type(s) of car(s) you are interested in purchasing, a good starting point would be to dig in and do some serious research. Find out the average going rate for the vehicle based on the car’s specifics such as its year, make, model and mileage. If you chose to buy a used vehicle, make sure you get a full car history report to see if the vehicle has been in any accidents or has had any major damages in the past. Having this information could prevent you from dishing out hundreds or even thousands of dollars unexpectedly in the future for repairs. It’s also a good idea to test drive the vehicle, and if possible, take a trusted mechanic with you to inspect the vehicle.

If you are purchasing a car from a dealership, don’t make any hasty decisions. Shop around, and visit multiple sites before settling down. Many times you can find the vehicle you want at a lower price just by being a little patient. Be mindful of small dealerships that offer in-house financing. They may hike the price of a vehicle up to cover their own financing fees. This act can easily be overlooked once dealerships stress that you won’t have to finance through a bank.

Honestly, financing may not be the best option. In the long run, the interest and principle rates could cause you to pay more for the car than what it is actually worth. Consider taking the time to save up the money and pay cash for your purchase. Paying cash for your vehicle may not seem like a realistic option, but the end result is great. You drive away with no monthly payments, no interest rate and no debt.

A great alternative to buying from a dealership is to buy from another person. Check your local newspapers or websites advertising vehicles for sale by owner. Many times you will find amazing deals on trusted cars this way. Unlike dealerships, owners typically have no negative motives to selling their cars, and are less likely to falsify information concerning the car. And with no hidden fees or interests rates, you’re sure to find an outstanding deal. Buying from an owner also allows more flexibility with negotiating. Owners often times are desperate to sell or need cash quickly so will be more likely to bend on the listed price. It is important to always remember that no price is set in stone. So go on, negotiate and talk that price down. It’ll make the drive home that much sweeter!

Kenneth blogs about car tips on a daily basis. His experience ranges from buying cars to helping people sell cars