Important steps to take before buying your next vehicle

    (ARA) — It’s that time of year – car-buying season is in full swing. Many dealers are offering great incentives to move cars off their lots to make room for the arrival of new models. Since buying a car is one of the biggest investments many of us make, it is important to be prepared so you can drive off the lot confident in the purchasing decision you’ve made.
    Despite the economic hardships the auto industry has faced, financing a vehicle is still possible. Once you’ve researched reviews and valuations, and decided on the vehicle you want to buy, consider these four tips from Experian Automotive:
    Check your credit score: Knowing where your credit history falls in the range of risk is more important now than ever before. You can get your credit report and score at www.experian.com.
    Know how much you can afford to spend on a down payment. If you are able to offer a solid down payment on a car, you will be in a better position to negotiate the final sale price of the vehicle as well as the terms of your loan.    
    Research loan options on your own: It’s a good idea to get pre-qualified for an auto loan before visiting an auto dealer. Before heading to the dealership, check with your bank or credit union to see what loan rates are available.
    Request your vehicle history report: If you decide to buy a used car or truck, you should always have a licensed mechanic physically inspect the vehicle. You should also conduct your own inspection of the vehicle’s past by requesting a vehicle history report from your dealer or pulling a report yourself at AutoCheck.com.
    Buying a car is an exciting time in everyone’s life, so before you rush out to the dealership, make sure you are properly prepared to get the most bang for your buck. Educating yourself on your financial standing as well as the current auto loan market and the history of the car you want to buy will help you drive off the lot with the knowledge that you made a sound investment.