: Always hire a trusted, independent mechanic to check a used vehicle before buying. If a seller refuses an inspection, consider it a major red flag.
ABC News offers a variety of car-buying tips focusing on negotiation strategies, budgeting, and inspection to help shoppers avoid common pitfalls like overpaying or taking on unmanageable debt. abc news car buying tips
: Former dealership professionals suggest negotiating over the phone to keep the decision analytical. It is much easier to hang up when a dealer "plays games" than it is to walk away when sitting in front of someone. : Always hire a trusted, independent mechanic to
: This is a buyer's most powerful tool. Dealers want your money and often hate the idea of a competitor getting the sale. Dealers want your money and often hate the
: Avoid the "monthly payment" trap. Dealers often use monthly budgets to hide the true cost of the vehicle, interest rates, or expensive add-ons like extended warranties.
: Contact 5 to 10 dealerships and have them bid against each other to drive the price down.