There are things that you should do before buying a used or new car. Here are some helpful tips that can save you money when you shop for cars:

First, think about purchasing a used car. New cars lose approximately 30% of their value as soon as you leave the dealership with them. However, the value of used cars does not decrease right away.

Next, consider buying a used car that is a gas saver. There are a lot of choices for fuel-efficient cars, such as hybrid cars. With the variety of options that are available, it is not always necessary to buy a gas-guzzler.

Also, try to save up for the down payment for your vehicle. A lot people make a smaller down payment on their car. This generally results in costly payments during the first four years of owning the car. If they are able, consumers should try to put at least 20% down.

Finally, be sure to purchase an auto warranty after you purchase the car. If you decided no to purchase one, you will find yourself making unnecessary payments for maintenance and repair costs.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can save money when you are car shopping. Make sure you do your research before making the purchase.