Throughout this website I’ve discussed the car buying process, tips on buying a car, how to get your best car deal, and mistakes to avoid.

Quite a lot of information for you to take in and remember.

With that in mind I thought I would give you a crib sheet or review.

For next few articles let’s take a look at some of the must know, must do important highlights.

1. Know your credit score.

Especially if you may have had some problems in the past. Some car dealers and salespeople may tell you that you won’t qualify for competitive rates. Many do this to desensitize you to the higher interest rates that you may have to pay. Although, this may be true if your credit is dinged up; but remember car dealers make nice profits off of people in their finance department by bumping the rate even higher. Don’t be misled. Know your credit score. Here is a good place to start. Equifax

2. Buying a car is NOT a single transaction.

I can assure that the car dealer doesn’t view it this way and nor should you. Financing is one (as mentioned above). The new car and its price is another and your trade-in is yet another.

In essence, you have three deals to negotiate when you hit the dealer’s lot not just one. It does you no good to craft a good deal on the new car then get less for your trade than it’s worth, then top it off by going into the finance office and paying too high of an interest rate. If this happens, you lose and the car dealer wins. You need to be in control of all three areas. Do your research.

3. Never, never, never negotiate based on a monthly payment.

And never tell the sales person at what monthly payment you’ll be comfortable. NEVER! Focus on the selling price of the car! You are working on getting a good price on the car. If you have done some easy homework and know your what your monthly payments will be based on the amount you finance, you won’t have a problem.

Car Buying Review- Sticker Price next…