Researching before buying a car gives you a significant advantage in negotiations. By understanding the vehicle’s features, pricing, and market trends, you can confidently discuss terms and avoid falling into common sales traps. It helps level the playing field between you and the salesperson, ensuring you get a fair deal.

Start by visiting the manufacturer’s website. This will give you a solid foundation for understanding the vehicle’s specs, features, and configurations. You can also use the “Build & Price” tool to see how different options affect the price. From there, move on to third-party websites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and NHTSA for unbiased reviews, pricing insights, and safety ratings.

Some of the best third-party sites for vehicle research include:

• Edmunds: For detailed reviews, pros and cons, and real-world tests.
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB): For fair market value on new and used vehicles.
• Consumer Reports: For reliability ratings and vehicle comparisons.
• NHTSA: For safety ratings and recall information.
• Autotrader: This is for browsing used cars and understanding their market value.

Once you’ve done your research, you’ll be able to recognize a fair price and avoid unnecessary add-ons. Knowing the invoice price (the dealer’s cost), current market trends and available incentives gives you leverage to negotiate down from the sticker price. By asking specific, informed questions about the car’s features and pricing, you can demonstrate that you’re well-prepared, which can pressure the salesperson to offer a better deal.

Use tools like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and Edmunds to check the fair market value of the vehicle you’re interested in. This will give you a clear idea of what others are paying for similar models. Additionally, looking at local listings on sites like Autotrader can help you gauge current market pricing in your area.

Yes, if a vehicle isn’t as popular or has been sitting on the lot for a while, the dealership may be more eager to sell it at a lower price. Salespeople may not be as familiar with these models, giving you more leverage to negotiate. This can often result in a better deal compared to a high-demand vehicle.

Salespeople often use tactics like:

• Upselling unnecessary add-ons (e.g., extended warranties, paint protection, or fabric treatments).
• Pressure to buy immediately by claiming limited availability or a “special offer.”
• Confusing finance terms to increase monthly payments or include hidden fees.

Knowing what you want and having a clear budget will help you avoid these tactics.

Check the manufacturer’s or dealership’s website for any current offers, rebates, or financing deals. You can also ask the dealership directly about any ongoing promotions. Remember that some incentives may only apply to specific models or financing options.

Absolutely. A test drive is crucial to ensure that the vehicle meets your expectations in terms of comfort, handling, and features. Pay attention to how the car drives, the visibility, and whether any of the features that looked good on paper actually suit your needs.

Research and know which features are truly essential to you. Dealer-installed options are often marked up and not always necessary. If the salesperson pushes add-ons you don’t want, feel free to decline them or negotiate for a lower price on those extras.

This depends on your budget and references. New cars have the latest features and a full warranty but depreciate quickly. Used cars are more affordable upfront and may offer better value, especially if you find one with low mileage and a strong maintenance history. Research both options to determine what works best for you.

Look for detailed vehicle history reports through services like Carfax or AutoCheck. These reports provide information on the car’s previous ownership, accident history, and any maintenance or repairs. Additionally, check reliability ratings on Consumer Reports and consider having a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchasing.