How To Buy A New Car & Get A Great Deal | Bankrate (2024)

If you’ve spent the past few months dreaming of a new ride in your driveway, you’re probably looking at models, comparing deals and evaluating what add-ons you can afford. Buying a car is a big investment; you’ll need to think about the cost, financing options and negotiating tactics before heading to the dealership.

7 steps to buying a new car

When you’re ready, follow these seven to make the most of the car-buying experience and walk away with the vehicle of your dreams at a price that won’t break the bank.

1. Figure out what you can afford
2. Decide whether you want to buy or lease
3. Research
4. Determine the true cost
5. Lock in financing before visiting the dealership
6. Test drive
7. Negotiate

1. Figure out what you can afford

You may have your heart set on a specific car, but you won’t be able to take it home unless you can afford it. Consider the monthly payment along with other vehicle ownership costs.

A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 20 percent of your monthly household income on a new car. This figure should include your monthly car loan payments and all other expenses, like fuel, car insurance, maintenance, repairs and registration fees. For the monthly payment alone, Edmunds suggests that you should aim for no more than 15 percent of your income.

Use Bankrate’s auto loan calculator to get an accurate estimate of what you can expect to pay each month and in interest over the life of the loan. It’s equally important to check your credit as it will determine the interest rate you receive.

2. Decide whether you want to buy or lease

Do you want to drive the car as long as the wheels can stay on? If so, buying is the way to go, and you’ll have the ability to trade or sell the vehicle when you want a fresh set of wheels. However, if you want a new car every three years, consider leasing.

Leasing means that you might get a more upscale car for your money as they often come with lower down payment requirements and a more affordable monthly payment. But you won’t own the car outright and you’ll need to look out for specific lease terms, such as mileage restrictions and wear-and-tear fees, to avoid hefty penalties.

Consider the vehicles on your radar and weigh the pros and cons of buying and leasing one of them. Bankrate’s calculator can help you estimate potential cost savings of buying or leasing so you can make an informed decision.

3. Research

After you set your budget and determine the right type of ownership for your driving habits, start researching the vehicles that have caught your eye. First, visit automaker websites and independent auto information sites to assess the features that are important to you. Note MSRPs (manufacturer’s suggested retail prices) and invoice prices. Then check local inventory listings to see what is available in your area.

Also research any possible discounts. Many automakers offer discounts to students, military members and even members of certain credit unions. These discounts can be stacked and combined with any cash-back rebates on the model, which should be deducted after you negotiate the price. Check the automaker’s website for these incentives before heading in.

4. Determine the true cost

The cost of car ownership is much more than just your initial payment. Use websites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book to get a general idea of gas, insurance, repair and maintenance costs in your area — though these numbers will depend on your driving habits.

For even better accuracy, do your own calculation for fuel based on the number of miles you drive annually and get an auto insurance quote on the cars you are considering. You’ll need to give the insurance agent the exact model, trim level, engine and add-ons to get an accurate quote. It’s important to remember that fees, like sales tax, registration fees and documentation fees are not included on the sticker price advertised by dealers.

Bankrate tip: Consider fees, like sales tax, registration fees and documentation fees not included on the sticker price advertised by dealers. Request a detailed price breakdown of the quote so you can know what fees to expect

5. Lock in your financing before visiting the dealership

Dealers don’t just want to sell you a car — they want to coordinate the car loan too. Dealers typically receive a flat fee or a commission on the auto loans they facilitate, regardless of whether the loan is from the manufacturer or a local lender.

Instead of having your dealer do the work, compare auto loan rates at banks and credit unions and get a preapproved offer before heading to the dealership. Getting preapproved by a bank, credit union or online lender doesn’t mean you have to take that deal, but it can help you determine which financing option is cheapest. It can also potentially give you negotiating power if you present the preapproval to the lender and they offer to beat out the rate to earn your business.

To secure a preapproval letter, you’ll need to provide your personal, employment and income information to the lender. They may also inquire about other outstanding debt obligations you currently have to determine how much of an auto loan you can afford.

6. Test drive

Most car shoppers keep their new cars for around six years, so take your time with the test drive. Make sure that you really love the car, especially if you drive a lot for work or travel.

Don’t hesitate to ask for more time behind the wheel. Spend time in the car while it’s parked to adjust the seats, experiment with the controls and determine whether passengers would be comfortable and if your regular cargo would fit well.

7. Negotiate

Once it’s time to sit down and talk about pricing, come prepared with the research you’ve done. See if other dealerships are offering better deals on your vehicle and seek a price match from your salesperson.

If you’re looking to trade in your current car, save that discussion for after you negotiate the sale price of your new car. Having those conversations separately will help you get a better deal on your current car, and you’ll fare even better if you’ve done research on your current car’s value online.

Before you sign the final contract, go over all the details carefully. Examine any proposed fees and check that everything you negotiated verbally is also spelled out in writing. You should also be prepared to say no to those nice-to-have extras that you might not need or to the entire deal if it doesn’t work for you and the salesperson isn’t willing to budge.

Current state of the new car market

Buying a brand new car today requires some additional considerations. New vehicle average transaction prices (ATPs) hit record highs, above $48,000, for the fifth straight month in August of 2022, according to Kelley Blue Book. The high prices you will likely be met with are caused by a simple issue of supply versus demand.

With less vehicles available on car lots, due to lingering supply chain issues, and drivers still needing vehicles, prices are higher. On top of supply and demand, choices from the Federal Reserve to quell inflation has made the cost to borrow higher too. This increase is reflected clearly in the amount drivers are financing, an average of $40,290 in the second quarter of 2022 versus $35,587 in 2021, according to Experian.

This all means that you should prepare to spend a bit more on your new car.

Next steps

Buying a new car is an exciting process, and there is no better feeling than driving off the lot knowing you got the best deal. But before you start your search for the perfect ride, ensure your finances are in order and your credit score is up to par. It’s equally important to assess your spending plan to determine how much car you can afford.

Once you have ironed out all the financial details, shop around to find the best deal on financing so you can negotiate with confidence. Going to the dealership prepared will help you find the most affordable option that works for your budget.

Learn more

• Top car-buying mistakes
• Current auto loan rates
• How to calculate car affordability