by MJ Miller

Created on: November 16, 2006   Last Updated: November 07, 2008

Buying a car can be a traumatic experience for a lot of people. Even people that enjoy shopping and buying new things can be put off by the car buying experience. I think a lot of it is the reputation of "used car" dealers and the fear that a lot of people have about getting ripped off or stuck with a "lemon" and losing a lot of money. Well, here are a few tips about buying a car that may make the experience a little easier.

First you have to decide if you are going to buy a new car or a used car. Buying a new car definitely eliminates a lot of the worry about getting a car with some sort of major problem but you pay a lot more than buying a good used car. While some go into a dealership and pick out a car and pay what is on the sticker, far more people haggle to get a lower price. This is the part that most are uncomfortable with. It makes people feel embarrassed or guilty about asking the salesperson to lower the price. Don't feel squeamish about this as they are used to it and even expect it. There are a few dealers that will not haggle at all but they will tell you that up front and even advertise it so you will know.

If you decide you are going to try and get a lower price, you can gain a little advantage before going to the dealership by checking out the actual list price for the make and model of car you intend to buy. There are several websites including Edmunds.com that will give you this information. You can get the actual invoice price and the cost of any options you are considering so you can calculate approximately what the car cost the dealer and you can try to negotiate the price as close to this as possible. Don't be afraid to walk out and go to another dealer if they won't come down enough to satisfy you either. Some will lower the price more than others, so you may get a better deal at the lot down the street. Salesmen don't want you to walk out the door. It loses them the sale and it looks bad to their manager that they let you get away. It may just be the nudge they need to come down that last few hundred bucks you want to make the sale.

Here's a TIP: Shop for a car at the end of the month. A lot of dealers will make you a better deal if they can get one more sale on the books for the month.

The amount the dealer will come down in price can depend on several things also. A lot depends on the car you are buying for one thing. If you are buying a high demand sports car, or right now the hybrids are hot, they will not deal as much on these cars.

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