Any car buying tips?

So I'm beginning the process of buying my first car!

My dad bought me a 15-year old car for $800 a couple years ago, but it's really going downhill. I've had my eye on the Honda Fit for quite a while, and I think it's pretty much the perfect car for me. I also decided to go the used route because I'm not really comfortable with paying 20k+ for a car yet.

So I found a 2009 Honda Fit at a dealership 3 hours away from me. My friend is driving me there to check it out on Friday, and I'd honestly just love to get some advice to prepare myself.

They're asking 14 thousand for it, but I'd like to get them down to 12-13. Any haggling tips?

What are some good questions I should ask? Should I have insurance/financing stuff ready beforehand?

This whole thing is so totally new to me, I'd love to get any advice I can from more seasoned car-buyers.

We just bought a mazda 5. Be prepared to be there for longer than you think. Also come in educated. Know what asking prices are, and don't be afraid to ask for a discount.

Don't forget to check the cost of wearable parts, such as brake rotors and exhaust pipes. What may seem like a great deal now may change when you have to fork out $$$ for general maintenance.

Honda was offering 0.9% financing on new vehicles, so of you have good credit or can get a cosigner you might be able to get a new rather than used Fit. You WILL pay much higher interest on a used vehicle than a new one I you are financing the used car. My hubby has a Honda Fit (2011) and loves it. He got the manual transmission with some extra bells and whistles but not the sport model with the flappy paddle shifter. Anyway, I have never driven it because I don't drive stick shift, but as a passenger I can say its not a BAD ride, but I prefer the ride in my minivan (smoother ride, better seat cushions, etc). You can't beat the gas mileage without going hybrid (or Smartcar). The trunk space is pretty good, but not enough to load my FP table in without folding down the rear seats.

When buying ANY car, do not be afraid to walk away if they do no offer you the deal YOU need. The dealership will manipulate the numbers to meet their needs, so be prepared for them to offer less for a trade in to pretend to give you a better price on the car or a higher price in the car in exchange for a "better trade in number". Know the Kelly Blue Book value of the car you are buying and the car you are trading in. If you go new, know the DEALER INVOICE price before you walk in.

Good luck! :-)

Check out the carfax. Also go to to edmunds.com so you know everything you want to know, and get some "it is not, it is not" tips to give you the upper hand. On your test drive pre-arrange with a Firestone/Tiresplus close by to do an assessment (costs about $25.) so you get no surprises. If you can, go on a rainy day, as things are slower there and they need you more than you need them... Ask for & work with the senior sales rep. (Then ask him--while looking him straight in the eye, if he would recommend this car for his daughter?) I've been looking at Hondas too, the Fit is so tempting...but I want a awd/4wd...

If you are going to spend that much, you very well could get new, cheaper and easier. BEFORE you go car shopping look into financing... If you finance through a bank FIRST, you can shop anywhere. If you start with one dealer, and they get you locked in to financing, you are stuck there.

Decide what you can afford payment wise, tell them 25% less, and do NOT go over what you can afford NO MATTER WHAT. Get good at saying no.

Don't be afraid to get up and walk out.

If you are bringing a trade, only give them a single spare key when they test drive, and always get your license back before any negotiating- again, so you can just get up and walk out if needed. Getting up and walking out is your most powerful allie.

And, hate to say this, as sexist as it sounds, bring a man. Car dealers notoriously pull less crap then. Make sure whoebver you bring with you has a note pad and takes notes, and let them see them taking notes.

When you walk in, go through a side door, and ask to see the sales manager. Don't say why. When you get to see them, say you want to buy a car, and you would like them to introduce you to an honest, relaxed, patient dealer to help them. Rest assured they will introduce you to a shark, however, the shark will no assume that you KNOW the sales manager- it shifts the dynamic a bit.

I used to train car dealers- and - one of my favorite hobbies is going with people to buy cars.

Also, be realistic... If you are financing- on a new car- take the payment amount you want, multiply that by 10, and then that by 5- add anything you have for down payment and THAT is the price of the car you should be shopping for, within 2 grand or so. So, want a $200 payment.... 200 X 5 X 10 = $10,000 so... give or take look at car no more than 12K

Thanks so much, guys! This is all very useful info.

I've been keeping an eye on APR for new Honda Fits, and the lowest it's been in Ontario is 3.5%. I believe the dealership I'm going to is offering 2% on the used Fit I'm looking at, and that's actually the lowest I've seen anywhere. My bank is something ridiculous like 10%.

I'm pretty sure with fees, HST, and all that a new Fit would be around 22,000... which I could probably afford, but it still makes me a little too nervous. It seems a lot wiser to save my money and get a car a few years old.

They also have a 2009 Nissan Versa at the same dealership for just under $10,000 which very affordable for me... so I'll see if I can take that one for a test drive as well.

Just remember, those interest rates are usually for perfect credit, and with a certain amount down so, great if you can qualify.

Other thing to consider in the New Vs used debate is waranty. One of the few cars I recommend and would buy used myself are Kias because in the U.S. at least you get the full remainted of the 10 year hundred K waranty.

Wow, or should I say "leaping lizards!" thank you from me too for your advice! I need a new car (may the summer be blessed financially). Sure appreciate you sharing your insight!

PerfectlyPainted--Why not get a slightly used Fit (still under warranty, like 20-30,000 miles or less) and save a bundle?