8 Car Buying Tips YOU MUST KNOW (Kevin Hunter The Homework Guy)

8 critical things every car buyer MUST DO before buying a car…
And actually, this includes first-time buyers and more experienced car buyers, too! So, everyone should pay attention here, especially if you want to avoid the traps that car dealers love to set for you, presented by Kevin Hunter The Homework Guy


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Kevin Hunter, The Homework Guy, provides a buyers guide to avoiding common dealership tricks. Learn how to negotiate a car deal effectively and protect yourself from scams. Don't fall for avoidable errors, get the best possible deal!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://thehomeworkguy.com
JOIN US ON OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomeworkguy/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TheHomeworkGuyZ

HASSLE FREE CAR BUYING SERVICE Available now! Click here to get started: https://thehomeworkguy.com/thg-team-car-buying-service/

🚨 1. Know Your Budget – And Stick to It
Don’t start shopping until you know your maximum monthly payment, including insurance, gas, and maintenance.


Avoid the dealer trick of “stretching the term” to lower the monthly payment.


Use the 10–15% rule: Your total car expenses shouldn’t exceed 15% of your monthly income.
🔎 2. Get Pre-Approved for a Loan
Shop for financing before visiting any dealership.


Credit unions usually offer better rates than dealer-arranged financing.


Having a pre-approval puts you in control — and keeps the finance manager from inflating your rate for profit.
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Get Pre-Approved for a Car Loan
Check Your Credit Score (Before Applying)
Use free tools like Credit Karma, your bank app, or AnnualCreditReport.com.


Most lenders offer the best rates to buyers with scores above 700, but many will still approve you with a 620–680 score.
🧾 3. Know the Out-the-Door (OTD) Price — Not Just the Sticker Price
Always demand an itemized OTD price before stepping foot on a lot. Do this over the phone from the comfort of home.


OTD = car price + taxes + title + license + EVERY fee.
🧠 4. Understand What You Actually Need in a Vehicle
Make a list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves (e.g., AWD, third-row seating, backup camera).


Don’t let a salesperson upsell you into features you’ll never use — those can add thousands.


✅ Tip: Research comparable models. Sometimes a different brand offers more value.