If you are thinking about shopping for a car, there is a lot you’ve got to know. There are a lot of car salesmen out there waiting to do their best to sell you their cars, but they may not be the right care for you. Take a look at these car shopping tips to get a better idea of what you must think about.

Don’t let salesmen talk you into anything that is unaffordable. A salesperson will say anything and everything to get someone in a new vehicle, and the higher the price tag, the higher commission he will earn. Remember that the salesman wants his commission!

Have a clear understanding of what those upgrades will cost you. Purchasing the fancy stereo, leather seats and DVD player might be appealing, but those options can add a significant amount to the price of your car. Take some time to think about how much you really need the upgrades, and only purchase the ones you will use the most.

If you aren’t concerned about getting the absolutely latest model, consider car shopping in November or December. During this time frame, dealerships will offer deals on the current models. They want to clear out their inventory to make way for shipments of the next year’s models. This means that you will be offered more incentives, lower sticker prices, and more room to negotiate!

Read all the documents that are presented to you when you purchase a new car. They will usually have a large stack for you to sign. Don’t feel pressured into signing anything that you do not understand. If you do not understand something, ask about it before signing. Until you sign your name to all the paperwork, you can walk out of the dealership and not owe a dime.

Check a vehicle’s overall consumer rating before you make a purchase. The great thing about consumer reports is that you can save yourself from making a bad purchase very easily. These reports can tell you how much you should expect to spend on repairs and how long the vehicle will last on average.

When purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle that comes with a warranty, make sure you read the fine print. Most warranties on these vehicles only cover power-train and don’t cover much else. There are also cases in which the warranty may not be transferable which would make it void in your case.

Always be leery of any used car dealers on the side of the road. These dealers almost always have a less than reputable reputation. The cars they sell could have flood damage, need major repairs, and are sold without warranty. Once you drive that car off the lot, any problems the car has are now your problem.

Buying a car is something that you should take your time with. They cost a lot of money and you need them to do a lot of things for you. That’s why you should use the tips laid out here to help you figure out which is the best car for you.