: Check with your local bank or credit union before visiting a dealer. This gives you a baseline to see if dealer financing is actually a "deal" or just a high-commission product.
Walking into a dealer with a pre-approved loan is your strongest negotiation tool.
The best way to buy a car in 2017 involves a "mobile-first" approach, where you finalize your budget and financing at home before ever stepping onto a dealership lot. In 2017, the market favored those who leveraged online comparison tools to bypass high-pressure sales tactics. 1. Set a "Total Cost" Budget best way to buy a car 2017
: Aim for 15-20% down. This protects you from being "underweight" on the loan, where you owe more than the car is worth as it depreciates. 3. Conduct Digital Due Diligence
: Total monthly vehicle expenses (payment, insurance, fuel, and maintenance) should stay below 15-20% of your monthly income. : Check with your local bank or credit
: For used cars, expect an average of $900/year in repair costs once the vehicle is over five years old. 2. Secure "Outside" Financing
Don't just look at the sticker price; calculate your . The best way to buy a car in
In 2017, data was readily available to ensure you didn't overpay. 3 Car Buying Tips That'll Save You Thousands