Buying a car doesn’t have to be a hassle.

Are you buying a car? It is a pressure-heavy situation, and many people are anxious they will make a mistake. But if you have a solid plan, you can get the best car without making costly errors. Here, then, are some tips for mistake-free car buying.

Research Everything First

The cost of cars often takes people by surprise. You may look at the sticker price without considering financing, excise taxes, the cost of options you want, and other factors. So before you so much as put a foot on the lot, fire up your web browser and look at dealerships, the cars they sell, and their reputations. Call your insurance agent and discuss what you are considering and its impact on your coverage. If you are looking at a used car, run the VIN and look at its history.

And do not forget financing! You do not have to accept financing from the dealership to buy a car. Shop around for the financing that best suits your needs.

Ditch the In-Person Negotiation

While researching a dealership, you will probably discover that they have an “internet department” or “online sales” department. If you hate face-to-face negotiation, this might be the best thing you will ever read. Most dealerships will allow you to essentially engage in all the steps of buying a car, absent actually taking the test drive and signing the documents, over email or chat client. If you find buying expensive things in person stressful, this will go a long way toward making you relaxed and therefore improving your negotiation skills.

Don’t let budget troubles force you into buying a car you don’t want.

Do Not Focus Only On The Monthly Payment

Your monthly payment is important. If you cannot slot a monthly payment into your budget, then you cannot afford the car. But there is more to buying your car than just the monthly payment. The interest rate is a good example. Car loans are products, and the interest is the price you pay on the loan. How much more will that interest add to the cost of your car, and can you drive that rate lower?

Also, do not forget maintenance and insurance. How much do parts for your car cost? Do you have to go to a specific mechanic? Be sure you are accounting for all of this before you get behind the wheel.

Test-Drive Every Time

Test driving any car is an important part of the process. If you are worried about the hard sell, make it clear to the dealership you are there to test drive, and that is it. If they try to sit you down and make a deal, thank them and walk away. Which brings us to the way to avoid the most colossal car buying mistake people make…

Work With Somebody You Trust

When you buy a car, both the company which whom you finance and the dealership from whom you buy are forming a contract that means you will be working with each other for several years. If you do not implictly trust either one, or if you get a bad feeling at any point in the negotiation process, then it is best to look for a car elsewhere. When it comes to buying a car, always trust your gut.

For more about how to buy the right car for you, find more research from CarFoundMe.