Car buying is very complicated, and for many people it’s unpleasant, and for good reason. New cars are pure purchase and assured depreciation, except in the rarest of circumstances. On top of it, car loans are weighted so you pay mostly interest initially, so you don’t have much equity in the vehicle for a long time. So of course it’s intimidating, but you can do it with our help. The secret is understanding where the dealer’s profit comes from, and knowing when it’s time to forget about all that and shop as you would for a good deal on any product.
Though the process can be difficult, buying a new car shouldn’t be thought of as a war between buyer and seller; instead, it’s a business negotiation – nothing more, nothing less. The sooner consumers recognize this, the better off they will be.
As you begin preparations to buy a new car, realize that getting the best possible deal requires a good amount of research and plenty of time. You may need to do a cost-benefit analysis that weighs your time and effort versus the difference between the invoice price and suggested retail. Without investing any time in research or haggle effort, expect to pay the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the vehicle and possibly more for financing and add-on items.
You should peruse all of this comprehensive guide before you start shopping. Seriously, all of it. It is detailed and big – because it needs to be. Thanks to Cars.com, this guide costs you nothing. If you can’t bother to invest the time in reading the whole thing, you’re off to a rotten start in the car-buying process, and your results will be predictable. Remember that this guide, or at least the part about dealer costs, applies to new vehicles only.
Before Negotiations Start
Before you interact with the dealer at all, decide which vehicle you’re interested in and how you’re going to pay for it. This chart can help get you started, as well as help you avoid confusion later.
Determine Which Vehicle You Want to Buy
Buying Guides: Use them to compare vehicles in a particular class (minivans, passenger cars, SUVs, etc.).
Research: Find detailed pricing and technical specifications in our Research channel. Knowing what each car has to offer, as well as its sticker and invoice pricing, is the first step toward getting a good deal.
Car Reviews: Get our expert impressions and observations about new cars. See how they fare in real-world testing.
Focus on Financing
Finance Channel: Once you’ve narrowed your vehicle options, focus on each car’s financing specifics. Peruse current rebate and financing offers; see which vehicles retain the most and least value; read our financing advice to learn about various payment options; and finally, run the numbers with our payment calculators.
Find cars for sale near you
Listings: Now you’re ready to start shopping. Search used inventory on Cars.com, or build a new car and start shopping in your area.
Dealers: Check out dealer inventory, location and see what real consumers have to say about their experiences on the lot.
