by Sandra Quevedo

Created on: June 18, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Buying a new car can be as simple or as complicated as you make it out to be. But if you choose to go the easy route [which most of us probably will] here are some basic tips you can follow in order to walk away with the best purchase your money can buy these days.

If you can manage to follow at least three of the five tips, you car buying experience will be a breeze.

Tip # 1: Buying a new car is definitely an emotional procedure, and the sales people know just what buttons to push. So watch out and remember to bring your head and your wallet but leave your heart at home. Let's face it, who doesn't love getting a new car - having that new car smell - - but in this case the less emotional you can appear, the more leverage will have to negotiate.

Tip #2: Do a little bit of homework, you will be the one to benefit from it. Know what you want before you tour the dealerships. Right now with recession bottomed out, it is a good time to shop and to buy a new car. At least have an idea of what car you want, what type of amenities you want in it and how much your car will cost.

Tip #3: Know how much you can afford. The internet nowadays is an excellent source of information. Most car brands give you access to building your dream car on-line. These web-engines will tally up everything you put on your car and will give you an approximated sticker price for the car of your dreams. Of course credit score will be factored in and it may affect your purchase; depending how high/low your credit score is the car payments can fluctuate drastically. It may be a good idea to know what your credit score is before hand. You may obtain a copy by contacting a free annual credit report entity. Also, if you are shopping for a car and happen to be undecided on your purchase, don't allow all the dealers to pull your credit report as this will bring your credit score down every time someone does a hard inquiry on your credit.

Tip # 4: Don't get overwhelmed by dazzling offers. Dealerships are hurting for business these days. They [naturally] are on survival mode and prey on any unsuspecting victims. Don't get stuck with a real expensive car you will end up loosing to the repo man down the line because you couldn't afford it to begin with.

Tip # 5: Be financially responsible. Remember the state the economy is in and plan for any unforeseen hardships down the line - even when you may not get to use them. You may want to research some of the brands/dealers who generously offer hardship packages, so in case you happen to loose your job (income) you are prepared. If it doesn't cost you extra and it is something that will give you piece of mind, take it. Just make sure you read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.

Happy hunting!

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