As an empty nester, you may find that you don’t want or need the same car you had while your kids were living in the house. For that reason, you might find that you want to buy a new car. Here are some tips you can follow to get a good deal on a new car.

Get your car tip-top shape
Having your car clean, tidy and up-to-date can help you get the best price when you sell or trade it in. Be sure that you vacuum and polish the interior and wash and wax the exterior. Also be sure that your tires have enough air, your fluid levels are where they should be and that your car can pass state inspection. Doing all of these things shows that your car is well maintained. Having a well-maintained vehicle can get you more money when you sell or trade it in than having a messy, dirty and damaged vehicle.

Shop around and negotiate price
Visiting different dealerships and comparing sales, shopping events and incentives can help you get a good deal. Keep your eye out for commercials on TV and advertisements in your local newspaper. Also keep in mind holiday specials and end of the year deals. Purchasing a car at the right time may help you get a good deal.

Another way to get a good deal is to negotiate the price with the salesperson. Negotiating can cause anxiety for some car buyers, but if you go into it with a price range and confidence, you can end up saving money. There are no set rules for negotiating price, but in general, it is a good idea to forgo the first price the dealership offers. Use the information you find in advertisements, as well as what other dealers are offering, as leverage when negotiating the price of the car so you can get the best deal possible.

Get the best deal on financing
Remember that getting a good deal on a car doesn’t just rest upon the price you and a dealership agree upon. If you need a loan to cover the cost of buying a new car, you will need to shop around for the best interest rates and terms. A great place to start is the LendingTree® website, where you can request loan offers. You will then be able to compare offers so you can find the loan that will get you the best deal on your new car.