Shopping for a car can sometimes seem like a daunting task. Lots of people don't know too much about cars, and others know too much so they feel like they aren't getting their money's worth. Keeping these ideas fresh in your mind helps to get the best car for you!Make sure that you have all the necessary materials when car shopping. Do you have your budget in mind? How large is your family? What are you looking for in gas mileage? Do you want a two-door car or a four-door car? Write out your wish list, and take it to the dealership with you.Do you know that it is possible to get yourself a car loan over the Internet without visiting a dealership? Part of the reason it takes so long when you buy a car is that they must check your credit score and secure a lender. If you have pre-qualified for a loan, this process will be much faster.Do your homework before you go car shopping. You will be able to get a better negotiating standpoint if you are aware of their trade in practices and financing options. Check out reviews, too.You should not buy a used car without having a good third-party mechanic look at it first. If the dealer vetoes this, veto them. To the untrained eye, it's almost impossible to determine whether a vehicle has been damaged in a flood, wreck or fire. A mechanic can identify these and other issues before you agree to buy the car.Take another person car shopping with you. They can be an extra set of ears, along with being more reasonable about leaving when hearing a deal that doesn't benefit you. This person can be anyone, from a family member to a close friend.Prior to purchasing a car, test drive it. It's important to test out the car you actually want to buy. You might find that there are some small things that are not the same or that there is something wrong.Try to plan your car shopping trip for the end of the month. Everyone has a quota to meet each month. At month's end, quotas may not have been met yet, and under-performing salesmen will be eager to negotiate.Finding and buying a new car is something that can be a lot of fun, but it can also tire you out. Shopping for great automobile deals online can save you both money and time. There are a number of websites that list car prices. These searches allow you to make the process more manageable, allowing you to get more done with less money.Plan your budget before going out and trying to buy a car, regardless of whether it is new or used. You need to have a firm idea of how much car you can afford. Find out what your budget can afford as far as a payment. Shop for a car loan before shopping for a car.Go over every inch of the car you wish to buy. Check for any dents and scratches on the exterior. Look on the inside for upholstery and carpeting issues. Keep in mind that the minute you buy, this car is all yours. That's true of any cosmetic problems too.If you are looking for a particular model, call the dealership ahead of time to find out if they have one in stock. Going to the lot may cause the sales staff to offer you other cars you don't want just to get a sale. If you really want a four door sedan and they don't have any, that's a waste of your time. Always call first.Keep in mind that all dealerships and salesmen are different. While car salespeople have a reputation for being pushy, this sales method is losing ground. The landscape in sales is changing, as a lot of salesman are becoming kinder. Do not hesitate to walk away from an overbearing salesperson. There are many salespeople who are willing to work with you.Hopefully, you feel more confident about getting the car that you want. Make your next vehicle purchase into a simple process by following the advice offered here. You will be more at ease and save some money.