Informed shoppers have the edge when negotiating a price. Make sure to get the best deal by planning ahead! Narrow your choice to a few cars that fit your needs. You might consider finance and insurance, for your budget as well.

Get as much information as you can about the car you would like to buy including the invoice and retail cost and if buying a used car, you will need the wholesale cost.

• Compare prices between dealers in the area. Remember "extra options" cost more and can get complex.
• Do not be in a rush to buy - regardless of what the dealer says about "specials for today only."
• Get a written price quote that is good for at least a week "not just for today".
• Always remember that you do not need to put down a deposit to receive a written quote.

Check the supply and demand on the type of car you would like to buy. Sometimes a good deal on a model that is slow selling is more in line with the amount you would like to spend.

Consider the resale value. How much will your car be worth when you want to sell it?

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1. Actual Kelley Blue Book value
   The trade-in value found at kbb.com is not the same as wholesale value found in the trade publication mailed to the Industry. The trade publications are intended for use by the wholesale industry and represent vehicles that have been thoroughly reconditioned to manufacturer specifications, completely safety checked and warranted by the dealer. The value contained in the trade publications is widely used by dealers as a starting point to estimate a vehicle's value, depending on its overall condition.
   
   
2. Supply and demand for this type of vehicle
   The supply and demand of a vehicle is simple to understand. If there is a large supply of the same model of cars, the price is kept low by competing sellers. If there is a small supply of the same model of cars, the price is high because the seller knows this car has a limited supply. Example: A 1967 fully restored mint-condition Camaro will get a higher price than a 1992 Toyota Camry. Why? Because there are many more Camrys to choose from, than the vintage classic Camaro. Look and compare. Area and location may also be a factor.
   
   
3. Actual asking prices in local newspaper classified ads
   Local newspaper ads are often a much better source to determine what you will pay for a used car, or what others would pay for your car. Since automobile values set by the Kelley Blue Book are determined by dealers, statistics, and costs, the prices in local papers are a closer, more realistic estimate of what people are paying and/or charging for their specific cars. It is also recommended to check online classifieds. The Internet is a great source for mass research.
   
   
4. Appearance condition
   Excellent
   "Excellent" condition means that the vehicle looks great, is in excellent mechanical condition and needs no reconditioning. It should pass a smog inspection. The engine compartment should be clean, with no fluid leaks. The paint is glossy and the body and interior are free of any wear or visible defects. There is no rust. The tires are the proper size and match and are new or nearly new. A clean title history is assumed. This is an exceptional vehicle.
   
   Good
   "Good" condition means that the vehicle is free of any major defects. The paint, body and interior have only minor (if any) blemishes, and there are no major mechanical problems. In states where rust is a problem, this should be very minimal, and a deduction should be made to compensate for it. The tires match and have substantial tread wear left. A clean title history is assumed. A "good" vehicle will need some reconditioning to be sold at retail; however major reconditioning should be deducted from the value.
   
   Fair
   "Fair" condition means that the vehicle probably has some mechanical or cosmetic defects, but is still in safe running condition. The paint, body and/or interior need work to be performed by a professional in order to be sold. The tires may need to be replaced. There may be some repairable rust damage. The value of cars in this category may vary widely. A clean title history is assumed.
   
   Poor
   "Poor" condition means that the vehicle has severe mechanical and/or cosmetic defects and may be in questionable running condition. The vehicle may have problems that cannot be readily fixed such as a damaged frame or a rusted-through body. A vehicle with a branded title (salvage, flood, etc.) or unsubstantiated mileage should be considered "poor" because of potential problems and should be independently appraised to determine its value. This category is not recommended by Autonetdirect.com.
   
   
5. Mileage and mechanical condition
   The exact nature of a mechanical problem is difficult for a layman to diagnose. Even the experts can't always be sure of the nature or the magnitude of the problem without at least partially disabling the part. If you are in doubt, have a reputable repair shop give you an opinion of the problem and an estimated cost of repair. To verify mileage, you should compare the wear of the brake pedal cover for a guide to mileage accuracy. Compare this with a few vehicles. This will give you a good guideline for mileage.

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