Do you want a good deal on the used car you’re looking at? Of course, you do. The car you fall in love with only gets better the lower the price goes.

How can you get a great price on the vehicle you want to buy? This is an age-old question that has always been part of car buying. You want a lower price; the seller wants to get a higher price; somehow, you’ve got to meet in the middle. Let’s see if we can move that middle closer to your side of the scales.

1. Research, Research, Research

There’s no reason to avoid researching everything you can about the vehicle you want to drive. When it comes to used vehicles, this is especially true. You want to have a model of the vehicle you desire from a year that doesn’t have a lot of problems. It’s also important to make sure the car you want to buy fits your lifestyle. Take your time and do your homework; the right car is out there.

2. Stick to Your Budget

Have you ever heard of being “house poor?” It’s a situation when mortgage costs are so high that one entire paycheck goes to this item every month. You don’t want to be “car poor,” so create a budget and stick to it. You’re only getting a good deal on a used car if you can afford that vehicle. Sure, a $100,000 Ferrari might sound like a steal, but can you afford to part with that much money at one time? Create a budget for your car and stick to that amount.

3. What are Your Car Priorities?

This is where you might begin to circle between this item and the first one. Answer some questions regarding the vehicle, and you’ll get a better idea of what you want, which might send you back to the research phase. Three questions you must ask are:

• How will you use the car?
• How long will you own the car?
• what features do you need?

Notice, that the last one talks about needed features, not desired items. These should be two separate lists with your needs met first.

4. Secure Your Financing

If you aren’t approved for the amount you need to borrow, will you go back to step one, or will you try to come up with the difference? This is an important part of understanding how to get a good deal on a used car. Also, if you already have financing in place, your negotiating position is much stronger when you visit a dealership. Get your financing from your bank or credit union if you can; these places typically charge less for interest.

5. Visit the Dealership to See the Car

Some car deals are being done strictly online, and without so much as a test drive from the buyer; this is not a good idea. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and have a seller that’s telling you everything, but even the most conscientious person might forget something. Visit the car location and check it over. Even if you’re not a mechanic, you can see rust, damage, and know if something doesn’t seem right about the car. It’s important that you put your hands on the vehicle and get to know it a little.

6. Take it for a Test Drive

This might not be part of getting a good deal on a used car, but it is part of the car buying process for every vehicle. You need to drive that car. If you can, leave the salesperson at the dealership so that you can drive the vehicle where you want and check out every nook and cranny of the car. If the dealer rep goes with you, drive the vehicle where you want and tell the salesperson they need to go along for the ride.

7. Get the Used Car Inspected

Unless you still have some of the factory warranty on a low-mileage model or you’re buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, an inspection should be part of the process. Take the car to an independent shop to be checked over before committing to buying the car. This will help you have a stronger negotiating position when you return because you’ll know what’s wrong with the vehicle and could ask for some money off before buying.

8. If You Can, Buy at the Wrong Time

What’s the wrong time to buy a car? Typically, this means buying something off-season. You could buy a convertible in the winter or a heavy-duty truck in July. This tactic can often result in you receiving a good deal on the used car you choose. Of course, to do this, you’ll have to plan months ahead and be extremely patient. It might be difficult for you to buy at the wrong time, but you can try.

9. Don’t Talk About a Trade-In Until You Lock in the Price

If you tell the dealer you’re trading in your current ride, they calculate that into the price right away and won’t budge later on. You’re not required to tell them you have a trade until after the price for the vehicle is locked in. This is a great way to ensure you get a better price. Once there’s an agreed-upon price, tell them about your trade and make sure they give you fair value for that trade.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away

Car dealers know that buying a vehicle is an emotional experience for shoppers. Some customers won’t walk away from a vehicle, regardless of the deal. If you can’t get the price you want, the financing you desire, or the trade-in value you’re looking for, walk away. There are hundreds of thousands of other cars in the market that you can buy. Put the pressure on the salesperson to bring you back in and make them give in more if you do turn around and come back.

Use these ten tips to help get a good deal on a used car. Your budget will thank you in the end.