Shopping for a car can be tough. Lots of people don’t know too much about cars, and others know too much so they feel like they aren’t getting their money’s worth. Use the tips that follow to make sure you get exactly what you want.

Take a good look at the underside of the vehicle.

Try to keep your eyes peeled for signs of rust and erosion. A car can look great on the outside, but be falling apart underneath. If you see rust under the vehicle move on. This could mean a lot of repairs later on.

Shop around online before visiting a dealership. You should only visit a dealership after you know absolutely which make and model you want. You should look online and research the makes and models that are most suitable for you, the safety records and other information that a dealer will not discuss.

Do not buy a car without test driving it.

It isn’t about the make or model but about the specifics of the car you may buy. It’s possible that the vehicle has some defect or issue that might affect the way it handles on the road.

Watch out for the car salesman who offers you a price on a car before he visits his sales manager. The salesman will tell you anything you want to hear, but only the manager can approve the deal. Ask to speak to the manager face to face and see the deal on paper before committing to purchase the car.

Bring a spare set of keys with you to the dealership. When they ask for the keys to your trade in, give them the spare. Some dealerships will use your car keys to hold you hostage if a deal is not made. You want to avoid this, so make sure you have the ability to walk out of the dealership at any time without having to ask for your keys.

Never settle for the price that’s set for the car when you’re shopping for one.

You must be a great negotiator and try to knock a little off the price. Every car dealership knows that they’re going to have to negotiate anyway, so they make the car seem like it costs more than they’d settle for.

Set a spending limit before shopping for your new car. It is easy to get swayed by pushy salesmen or a nice leather interior, but it is important that you stay within your budget. You may like the cause of spending extra, but you will not like it when it comes time to pay for it.

You must have an upper limit on your spending set before going to a dealer. Your number should have to do with your market research as well as what you can afford.

Check out multiple dealerships for the car you desire.

Once you select which make and model you want, don’t just stick to the closest lot. If there are multiple dealers of that brand, check them all out. Don’t forget to check out used lots as well, they often offer great bargains on cars which will drive for a long time to come.

No matter how far into the purchase you have gone, remember that you are not tied down into one-car dealership until you sign papers. Even if the salesman is very friendly, it is just business. If you find a better deal elsewhere, you have no obligation to purchase from your first dealer.

If you’re worried about your credit score, you can check your credit report before you go to the dealership. It’s free to check your credit report once a year, so take advantage of that. By knowing your credit before you go to the dealership, you’ll be able to determine if you’d be able to qualify for any low interest financing offers.

Check out how much repairs on a car would cost before buying it.

You should be able to get a fair idea of what kinds of costs you will have to pay for repairs. And that’s not just for when it is under warranty. What happens when you have to pay full price for an ignition coil? Different cars cost different amounts, so find out.

Financing is often more affordable when you get it from an institution other than the dealership themselves. The rates they offer aren’t great, but they’re sometimes open to lending you money when your credit is bad, unlike a bank. Check out all of your financing options and find out how much you’ll be approved for before you approach the lot.

This article should have pointed you in the right direction as you strive to find the perfect car for your needs and budget. Use this advice to make getting a car effortless. You will come away from shopping for a car with just the right vehicle while still keeping some of your pocketbook intact.