The less time you spend at the dealership, the better deal you’ll get.
: Secure a loan from your own bank or a local credit union before stepping foot in a dealership. This gives you a "cash buyer" advantage and a benchmark interest rate to beat. 2. Do "Armchair" Research pure car buying
: Factor in "hidden" costs like insurance (get quotes from GEICO or Progressive beforehand), fuel, and maintenance. The less time you spend at the dealership,
: Put 20% down , finance for no more than 3 years , and keep monthly payments under 8% of your gross income . Don't let a salesperson tell you what you can afford
Don't let a salesperson tell you what you can afford. Follow proven financial rules to stay in control:
Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, but you can keep it simple by following a "pure" strategy that prioritizes research and firm boundaries over emotional impulse. 1. Master Your Math Before You Shop