If you are like many, your former car shopping experiences have been unpleasant. You may just want to learn more about the process so as to become a better negotiator. You will find things go much more smoothly when you go into it prepared. Use the advice in this article, and begin getting what you feel you deserve.

Go to different dealerships before settling on one. A different dealership might be able to get you a better price on the car you want, and may be running different promotions. Try three or four in your area, and even if you have to travel a bit farther, it may be worth it.

Have a clear understanding of what those upgrades will cost you. Purchasing the fancy stereo, leather seats and DVD player might be appealing, but those options can add a significant amount to the price of your car. Take some time to think about how much you really need the upgrades, and only purchase the ones you will use the most.

Don’t pay the sticker price on a car. No sane dealer believes he or she will get full sticker price. When you need help with negotiating, ask a loved one to come along. It is smart to know what an appropriate price for the specific car is in advance so that you can decide how much you want to pay.

Research the value of your trade-in. Not only do you need to research the best price for the new car you would like to purchase, but you also need to know how much your trade-in is worth. Do your homework and find out the retail and wholesale values of your trade-in. Aim to get the retail value from the dealer.

Search for your new car online before you ever visit a dealership. Searching online allows you to look at inventory from multiple dealerships, and it makes you privy to information about online only pricing. This is a great way to comparison shop and really make sure you are getting the best deal.

If the price of a car is non-negotiable, see if you can negotiate on other terms. Some dealerships will agree to provide several months’ worth of free gasoline or a year of free oil changes, for instance. It never hurts to ask if a salesman can sweeten the deal.

Never purchase a car the same day that you find it. A rule of thumb is to sleep on the decision. That way you have time to think about the pros and cons of the car and how much you think the car is for you. Do not worry that the car will be sold in the meantime as there are many more out there.

If you want to save money and find the perfect car, you have to get out there and work for it! You need to figure out how to get the deals, and how to work with salespeople and their tactics. You must be able to confront their numbers with your own. Do not forget the tips that you have read in this article when you start.