Car Buying Mistakes To Avoid -

Just say no to the small stuff. If you truly want an extended warranty, you can often buy it later from a third party or even the manufacturer for much less.

Always have a "Plan B" car at a different dealership. Being willing to walk away is your greatest power in any negotiation. 5. Neglecting the Independent Inspection (Used Cars) car buying mistakes to avoid

Buying a car is a major financial milestone, but it’s easy to let excitement cloud your judgment. To help you drive off the lot without "buyer's remorse," 1. Focusing Only on the Monthly Payment Just say no to the small stuff

The sticker price is just the beginning. Different cars have vastly different insurance premiums, fuel requirements (premium vs. regular), and maintenance schedules. Being willing to walk away is your greatest

Walking into a dealership without a financing offer from your bank or credit union gives the dealer total control over your interest rate. Dealers often add a "markup" to the rate the lender provides.

Dealers often use the trade-in value as a "shell game" to hide the true cost of the new car. They might give you a great price on your old car but refuse to budge on the new one’s MSRP.

Get pre-approved before you visit the lot. This gives you a baseline to beat and leverage during negotiations. 3. Ignoring the "Total Cost of Ownership"