Buying a car is a decision you shouldn't make quickly, least of all on impulse. It is important that you consider every option in the market so you can buy the vehicle that adapts to your needs and fits your budget.

Making a mistake when buying a car can be a blow to your personal finances. Even more so if the car is brand new from the dealership. This type of cars devalue very quickly, especially compared to buying the same car second-hand. In this second case we would lose money, but only in terms of paperwork, insurance and other legal procedures. If you are looking for tips on how to save money on your next car, this guide will show you how you can do it.

New car? Buy it at the end of the year
Dealers often register cars to keep them in stock, but they don't always sell. When the year is over, they need to sell those cars before devaluation to meet the sales quotas the brands impose.
When the summer ends, the fall and winter sales begin. This is the perfect moment to negotiate the purchase of your car. It will be easy for you to save a good amount of money, around 10%.

Avoid buying a car in the spring and summer
Everyone buys cars in the spring and summer. Dealers know this, and following the law of supply and demand, this is the time when new cars are the most expensive.
In addition, brands take advantage of these times to launch new versions of their models (restyling, new bodywork...), so it is normal for prices to rise. Unless you need the car urgently, avoid those months and wait to buy your car at the end of the year.

Use price comparison sites
On the Internet there are many services that allow us to compare car prices at different dealerships. Some are pay-per-use, others get a commission from the dealer if we end up buying the car.
You should not be afraid to buy your car in a city that is 300 kilometers away from your home if the offer is worth it.

Negotiate with dealers
When you buy a car, you are free to negotiate the price with the dealer. The prices they offer you are not fixed, so you are free to cut part of the budget if you are tough in the negotiation.

Don't buy a luxury car if you can't afford it.
You probably love that Audi, a Lexus that just went on sale or that Acura model that you're going to be the envy of all your friends. But... can you really afford the maintenance?
High-end cars use more expensive tires, have more expensive overhauls and can last many more years if you take proper care of them.

Value the annual maintenance´s cost
Look out for information about the car in forums: how much do users pay to keep it in condition per year? If you have an SUV in mind, try to find out how much it costs to change the tires, what is the oil consumption or what is the fuel consumption.
On the other hand, there is routine maintenance, such as changing the water pump or replacing the timing belt. This operation can cost more than $400 every few years or when it reaches a certain mileage.

There are cars that do not need this maintenance since they do not run on a belt, but on a timing chain. You can save a lot of money if you buy a car with this technology. We recommend you take a look at this website that we have discovered that has a complete list of car models that have a timing chain.

Don’t forget to compare car insurances
Depending on the car you buy, its size, weight and features, your insurance premium may go up. Every time you change your car you should consider whether it is worth changing your insurance as well, or at least negotiate a new price so you don't pay more for the new vehicle.