| For most of us, the idea of buying a new car fills | | | | internet is your friend. |
| our hearts with dread. We nervously approach | | | | Many websites offer insight into how much the |
| the salesperson. We discuss. We haggle. We finally | | | | dealership actually paid for the car - the invoice |
| walk out of the showroom with the keys in our | | | | price. This price should be your starting point for |
| hand, but we can't shake the feeling that we may | | | | negotiations. Once you know what the dealership |
| have overpaid for the car. | | | | has paid for the car, you can figure out what a |
| How do you know what you should be paying for | | | | reasonable profit would be. |
| a new car? The answer is easy: Do your | | | | Think you're done? Not quite. While figuring out |
| homework. A little bit of time spent researching | | | | the profit margin of the dealer can be a good |
| at home gives you the option of purchasing a car | | | | strategy to getting a better price on a car, there |
| with confidence. | | | | are a few other things to consider as well. |
| The sticker price | | | | Check to see if the dealer is receiving any |
| The sticker price of any vehicle is a nice bit of | | | | rebates from the manufacturer on the vehicle. |
| fiction. It is an inflated dream the dealership would | | | | These rebates are offered to dealers on certain |
| love to realize. Car salespeople tell you that the | | | | models. If a rebate is available, then even if the |
| sticker price should be the starting point of your | | | | dealership sells at or below invoice price, they are |
| negotiations. It shouldn't be. In fact, the sticker | | | | still making a profit. Most car-comparison websites |
| price bears no relevance whatsoever to the | | | | offer this information. |
| proceedings to come. Don't even look at it. The | | | | Consider the popularity of the model. If you are |
| only reason to glance at the sticker in the window | | | | trying to purchase a car that is in extremely high |
| is to determine what options are available on that | | | | demand, you may find that there is no |
| specific car if you are thinking of purchasing it off | | | | negotiation. The sticker price - or even above - |
| the lot. Otherwise, disregard sticker price entirely. | | | | may be the best deal you'll find. Thankfully, this is |
| Where do I start? | | | | an unusual situation. With most car models, there |
| Your research should be complete before you | | | | is significant room to bargain a price you're |
| ever leave the house. Begin by choosing the | | | | comfortable with. |
| perfect vehicle. All car manufacturers have | | | | Once you've gathered all your information, you |
| detailed websites that allow you to research the | | | | are ready to shop. Visit several dealerships and |
| vehicle thoroughly and even "build" an ideal car. | | | | see who offers the best price. Once your |
| Once you have found the ideal car, it's time to | | | | salesperson realizes you are armed with all the |
| find out how much the car really costs. Again, the | | | | inside info, you'll get the best deal possible. |