Being prepared to purchase includes having all the information you need about the car you want to buy and how much car you can comfortably afford. Using online resources, you can figure out what car you want, how much it costs, how much you will have to pay monthly, and how much car loan you qualify for – all before arriving at the car dealership.
It’s not wrong to want a new Tesla Model S for the price of a used Ford Taurus – it’s just not part of an economic reality. Before approaching a dealership, educate yourself a little bit on the current retail prices of cars you like – compare their features too.
A more realistic scenario might be that you add additional features to the car and a variety of warranties. Then, you realize how much the monthly payment will be as a result. With proper expectations and thorough research, you are less likely to be charmed into buying an unaffordable car.
To help you understand what you can afford, try using an auto loan calculator online.