Purchasing a vehicle from a car dealership can be a stressful process, especially if it’s your first time. Luckily, there are a lot of factors in your favor these days when it comes to buying a car.

From knowing what to look for and knowing what questions to avoid, it doesn’t have to be a headache to get into the car of your dreams at a price that works for you. Let’s go over some do’s and don’ts so that you can be a pro when it comes to purchasing a vehicle from a car dealership

Do Your Research Beforehand

Car salesmen know what they’re doing when it comes to having control over your feelings and decision-making skills during the car buying process. Unfortunately, not all car salesmen are honest and some will try to put you in a vehicle or pitch you add-ons that you might not need.

One of the best ways to position yourself for the best deal possible is by doing your research beforehand. You don’t need a car salesman to tell you what vehicle you need or what extra add-ons will benefit you. Before you step into a dealership, know the different types of makes and models out there and which ones offer the features you are looking for.

Some automakers have better warranties, while others have better fuel efficiency and performance ratings. Having a basic understanding of the type of vehicle you want and what your needs are will allow you to be in full control over the dance that is the car-buying process.

Don’t Let a Car Salesman Box You In

Avoid answering “if” questions. It’s a common tactic for a salesman to box you into a purchase by asking questions like; “If I can get you this car in such and such color” or “If I can get it down to such and such price” would you purchase this vehicle?

A car salesman will try to get you to commit to a vehicle even if it’s not the one you’re looking for. The best way to avoid this is by doing your research and knowing what your needs are. This will help keep you focused on your car buying goals.

If you feel like you are starting to get boxed in, don’t be afraid to remind your salesperson that you are keeping all options open and will be comparing prices to see how you can get the best deal possible.

Do Know Your Credit Score and Your Budget

No one knows your financial standing better than you. Don’t let the professionals at a car dealership pin you into a corner by telling you what you should be paying. After all, their goal is to make as big a profit as possible.

Come prepared to talk numbers with the finance department. Do this by knowing what your credit score is and having an understanding of what an appropriate rate is for your credit score.

You should also have a specific budget in mind. Come to a budget by researching the vehicle you want. Use sources like Kelly Blue Book to know the value of the vehicle. You should also research competitor dealerships to see how much the specific vehicle you want goes for.

When you have a defined budget in mind, it will be harder for you to be upsold onto unnecessary add-ons and packages.

Don’t Undervalue Your Trade-In

If you’re going to be trading in your vehicle at a car dealership to purchase a new one, don’t undervalue your trade. A car dealership’s job is to purchase your trade-in at the best rate for them, not you. To do this, they may undervalue — at times severely, the worth of your vehicle. For example, some car dealerships will try and convince you that minor cosmetic damages can bring down the value of your vehicle significantly.

The best way to position yourself for success is by knowing what your vehicle’s value is. Much like buying a car, you want to shop around with different dealerships to see what other dealers are willing to offer. Of course, always fall back on the value of your vehicle for leverage when negotiating a trade-in.

Do Haggle at a Dealership

Yes, not only can you haggle at a dealership but you should. Never accept the first offer and don’t be afraid to push back with your own offer. This is where your research will come in handy. Know what an appropriate price is for the make and model you are trying to purchase and set a hard limit of the amount you are not willing to go over.

If you are not satisfied when a salesperson pushes back with a counter-offer, make it known that you are shopping around so that you can find the best deal that works for you.

Don’t Feel Rushed

Another common tactic dealerships use is the “impending event.” You’ve seen the ads: “Act now or you’ll miss out on the deal of the year!” As you go through the car buying process, you might feel rushed to act quickly on your decision. A vehicle purchase is a significant purchase for many people. Don’t be afraid to take your time during the process.

A salesperson will have all day to convince you to purchase the vehicle they put in front of you. Don’t be afraid to wait them out, especially when it comes to the negotiation process. You can go as far as blocking out a whole day to shop for your new car. In some cases, it can even take a couple of days for you to settle on a vehicle you like and then come to an agreement on a price that works for you.

Finally, Do Shop Online For Deals and Incentives

The traditional car buying experience involved consumers going into the dealership and working with a salesperson to put them in the right vehicle. Today, the car buying experience has shifted in the consumer’s favor. Now more than ever you’ll find deals, incentives, and specials for you to take advantage of. If you know you’re going to purchase from a dealership, visit them online to see if there are any deals you can take advantage of first

You can also shop at other dealerships to see what competitive specials they have going on. You can use the specials of other dealerships as a playing card in your favor. When you walk into a dealership to purchase a new vehicle, bring up specials from competitors. More often than not, dealerships are willing to match the price if you find a better deal.