Abc News Car Buying Tips -

: Contact 5 to 10 dealerships and have them bid against each other to drive the price down.

: Be wary of 72-month or 84-month loans. While they lower monthly bills, they increase total interest paid and keep you "underwater" (owing more than the car is worth) for much longer. abc news car buying tips

: For used cars at a dealership that aren't already certified, you may be able to negotiate for the dealer to certify the vehicle in exchange for a slightly higher price, which often includes a stronger warranty. Timing and Inventory : Contact 5 to 10 dealerships and have

: Request a vehicle history report and check the VIN at safecar.gov for open recalls or title issues. : For used cars at a dealership that

ABC News offers a variety of car-buying tips focusing on negotiation strategies, budgeting, and inspection to help shoppers avoid common pitfalls like overpaying or taking on unmanageable debt.