New cars are sleek, shiny, full of impressive tech and have that amazing new car smell.
But they also come with price tags that can take your breath away and not in a good way.
Or even a lot of money.
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Then theres the when and the where of buying a car.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
However, there are certain times when youre more likely to score a better deal.
Think of the big sales that fall around holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.
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Youll get more attention from the sales team by visiting on off hours, specifically on weekdays.
DeLorenzo recommendspre-qualifying for a loanat a bank or credit union before visiting a dealership.
you might compare the offer with the dealers financing terms for better negotiating leverage.
For any car dealer you visit, do some due diligence and check customer reviews online.
If you know others whove recently purchased a car, ask for recommendations.
However, you also need to be OK with buying the vehicle as-is and securing your own financing.
And be sure the owner has clear title and owns the car outright.
If cost is your primary concern, private sellers are likely to offer a lower price.
A dealer folds overhead, repairs and marketing into its purchase price.
If you have a growing family, you might want to rethink that two-door coupe or compact vehicle.
You want to ensure theres enough room for you, Montoya said.
Take a look at the cargo area.
Take a look at how easy it is to see out of the vehicle.
Test out the entertainment system.
Everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to what theyre willing to handle.
A general rule of thumb is that a car is driven about 12,000 miles per year.
A higher average could mean the car has more wear and tear.
Check the Vehicle History Report
Sometimes just looking at a car will give you some idea of its history.
Rust, worn out pedals and a side panel painted in a different color are red flags.
But dont just assume a cars history.
you’re free to look it up easily if you have the cars vehicle identification number or VIN.
Vehicle history reports cost around $25 to $40.
Go for a Test Drive
Always, always, always take a car for a spin before buying it.
See if the steering wheel stays straight when you drive down the road.
Does it pull to one side?
Look at the tires to see how old they are.
The longer you have a car, the less its worth.
The first year of owning a new vehicle is when depreciation really packs a punch.
Those vehicles often have low mileage and are in great condition, having had only one previous owner.
Sometimes they even still retain a hint of that new car smell.
Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Former staff writer Carson Kohler contributed to this post.
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
