When you begin the process of purchasing your new car, it is necessary that you are aware of the obstacles you are facing. While there are a number of honest dealers out there ready to do business with you, the greater majority are out to get the most money from you that they possibly can. If this process is new territory for you, here are a few things for consumers to look out for when purchasing a new vehicle.

Many financial experts recommend that you try to keep your monthly payment between 12%-15% of your total monthly income to avoid not being able balance it with your total monthly bills. Monthly payments are very important to car buyers because in many situations it can greatly effect your ability to purchase a car... and your dealer knows that. Unfortunately, dealers will take advantage of your financial situation to scam you out of more money in the long run. When discussing the cost of the car, it should send up a red flag if the first question they ask you is about what kind of monthly payment you are looking for. In many cases, a dealer will try and work out a low payment for you only because it means more money and interest for the dealership in the long run asit stretches the life of your loan. Your best bet is to negotiate only on the total price of the car and discuss monthly payments during the financing process.

Despite what the sales people will tell you, the price they are offering you is NOT as low as it can get. In the majority of car sales you will find a number of fees hidden in your invoice that are completely unnecessary-- and you can dispute them. Most of these fees are for car luxuries, additional cleaning, rust proofing and VIN etching all of which will cost you hundreds on your invoice. Simply tell your salesman you don’t want them, especially the ones you can do yourself -- like the VIN etching. An etching kit at your local auto store will run you between $20-$30 and takes very little time and effort to complete, whereas the fee on the invoice for this same service may run you hundreds of dollars. The key here is to be wary and read over your invoice before signing it. Look at ALL the fees and if there is one you don’t understand or seems ridiculous... speak your mind. The dealer is hoping to get you to sign without you noticing what you’re paying for. Your diligence can save you hundreds of dollars on the cost of your new vehicle. 

If you’re planning on buying a car, be sure to check your credit before you begin. Your credit score will be very important during this process because it will affect not only you’re interest rate but also the monthly payments. Many dealers will try to tell you that your credit is less than desirable, even if it is acceptable. They do this in hopes of getting you desperate enough to agree to a less than fair deal. The best way to prevent this is to know where you stand. Know your EXACT credit score and do a little digging online and with other dealers to see what kind of interest rates and options SHOULD be available to you. If the dealership is way off from your research, tell them you feel they are in the wrong and why. If they are unwilling to change the terms of the agreement and you feel like you are being gouged, walk away from the deal and report the dealership to the Better Business Bureau.

As an avid consumer, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are getting the best deal for your car. It is important that you take charge of the situation and be wary of the potential scams and tricks that dealerships have up their sleeve to trick you into paying more for a vehicle than necessary.