Buying a car can be a daunting task, especially when you’re looking to get the best deal. Whether you’re after a brand-new model or a reliable used car, finding the best car deals in Utah requires some knowledge, preparation, and strategy. Luckily, with the right approach, you can secure an excellent deal without the stress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the car-buying process and ensure that you get the best price for your next vehicle.

1. Do Your Research: Know What You Want

Before heading to a car dealership or browsing online, take some time to figure out what kind of car you’re interested in. Consider your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Are you looking for a compact car for city driving? A family-friendly SUV? Or maybe a rugged truck for outdoor adventures?

Utah offers a variety of terrains, from mountains to deserts, so it’s important to choose a vehicle that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you plan to hit the slopes during the winter, you might want to consider an all-wheel-drive SUV.

Research the make, model, year, and pricing for vehicles you’re interested in. Websites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and TrueCar can help you get a sense of the fair market value for your preferred vehicles. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to spot a good deal when you see one.

2. Check Out Multiple Dealerships (and Online)

In Utah, there’s a wide range of dealerships, both large and small, offering new and used cars. It’s important to shop around to compare prices, especially for new cars. Many dealerships have price-matching guarantees or ongoing sales events, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better deal.

Additionally, don’t overlook online options. Websites like Autotrader, Cars.com, and CarGurus aggregate listings from dealerships and private sellers across the state. Sometimes, you can find a great deal from a private seller who is eager to sell quickly.

Tip: Some Utah dealerships offer special promotions or discounts during certain times of the year, like end-of-year clearance sales, holiday events, or during slow months like January or February when they’re trying to clear out inventory.

3. Take Advantage of Seasonal Discounts and Incentives

Timing can make a huge difference when trying to secure the best car deal. Car manufacturers often offer seasonal incentives, rebates, or low financing options. Common times for these promotions include:

• End of the Year: December often sees the biggest markdowns as dealerships try to clear out old models to make room for new inventory.
• Holiday Sales Events: Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday often feature promotions and limited-time offers.
• Month-End or Quarter-End: Salespeople and dealerships may be more willing to offer discounts at the end of the month or quarter to hit their sales targets.

Additionally, keep an eye out for manufacturer rebates or cash-back offers, which can often be applied to the purchase price of a vehicle. Sometimes, these incentives are available through dealership promotions, especially for certain models or during sales events.

4. Consider Financing and Lease Options Carefully

When shopping for a car in Utah, it’s important to think about how you’ll finance your purchase. If you’re not paying with cash, there are several options to consider:

• Dealer Financing: Many dealerships offer financing options, but the rates can vary. Make sure to check the interest rate and loan terms before committing.
• Bank or Credit Union Loans: Credit unions in Utah, such as America First Credit Union or Mountain America Credit Union, often offer competitive loan rates for auto financing.
• Manufacturer Financing: Some manufacturers offer special financing rates, like 0% APR for well-qualified buyers. Make sure to check if there are any current offers available for the make and model you’re interested in.

If you’re unsure about what financing option is best for you, use online loan calculators to estimate monthly payments. This will help you understand what you can afford before you head to the dealership.

5. Inspect Used Cars Thoroughly

If you’re buying a used car, whether from a dealership or a private seller, make sure to do your due diligence. In Utah, the climate can affect a car’s condition—salt from snowy roads during winter can cause rust, and the dry desert heat can impact the engine and interior over time.

Here are some tips for buying used cars:

• Get a Vehicle History Report: Services like Carfax and AutoCheck can provide important information about the car’s previous ownership, accidents, and service history.
• Inspect the Car in Person: Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the undercarriage and tires. If possible, have a trusted mechanic inspect the car to check for any hidden issues.
• Test Drive: Always take the car for a test drive. Pay attention to how it drives, listen for unusual noises, and check if all systems (like the air conditioning and brakes) are working properly.

If the seller is unwilling to provide maintenance records or let you take the car to a mechanic, it’s usually a red flag.

6. Negotiate the Price

Negotiating is a crucial part of getting a good car deal. Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s important to be prepared to negotiate the price. Most dealerships have some flexibility in the price, especially if the vehicle has been sitting on the lot for a while.

• Know the Invoice Price: For new cars, dealerships often mark up the price above what they paid for the vehicle. Use resources like TrueCar to find out the invoice price (the amount the dealership paid for the car).
• Start Low: When making an offer, start lower than the asking price, but don’t go too low. Aim for a price that’s still fair based on your research.
• Be Willing to Walk Away: If the deal doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t be afraid to walk away. Often, this can prompt the salesperson to come back with a better offer.

For used cars, try to get the car’s price closer to the market value as determined by resources like Kelley Blue Book.

7. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership

Lastly, keep in mind the total cost of ownership when evaluating a car deal. This includes the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and depreciation. Some cars may be cheaper upfront but have higher long-term costs. For example, a truck or SUV with poor fuel economy might seem affordable at first, but over time, it could cost more in gas and maintenance.

In Utah, you’ll want a vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, especially if you plan to drive long distances or take trips into the mountains. A hybrid or a vehicle with a good miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating can help save you money in the long run.

8. Take Advantage of Local Deals and Online Resources

Utah is home to a range of local deals and resources that can help you find the best car deals. Some dealerships, such as Ken Garff Automotive or Young Automotive Group, offer ongoing sales and promotions. Additionally, local online groups or social media pages, like the Utah Car Buying Group on Facebook, can provide valuable tips and connect you with private sellers offering great deals.

Final Thoughts:

Finding the best car deals in Utah takes time and effort, but with the right approach, you can drive away with a great deal on the car you want. By researching your options, timing your purchase strategically, comparing prices, and considering the total cost of ownership, you can ensure that you’re making a smart investment. Whether you’re in the Salt Lake City area or down as far as Cedar City or Saint George you can take this same steps to insure you do all you can to find a great deal on a new car for you.

If you are looking for pre owned specials, new vehicle specials, new vehicle inventory, certified pre owned vehicles, special offers, or just to view inventory on the lot to see what we have available, come check out Summit Auto Sales in Orem, Utah.