Going to a car dealership can be an overwhelming chore. People are understandably worried about getting the best deal possible on their vehicles, as they know that car dealers are just as concerned about making as much money as possible.

Of course, car salespeople also want to make the customer happy, and in doing so, they’ll be more than happy to help create a more inexpensive car buying experience for you, as long as you’ve done your homework. With that in mind, there are some steps you can take before you even arrive at the lot that will help you improve your savings at most dealerships. Here are a few of them:

• Wait. You’ll often find that certain parts of the year or holiday seasons offer the best deals on cars. If you know that you want to purchase a new car, you’re best off waiting until one of these times comes up to maximize your savings. This will also give you the chance to save up more money.

• Improve your credit score. While you’re waiting for the opportune moment to purchase a vehicle, you should get a credit report and figure out what you can do to improve your rating, if necessary. The best place to start is paying off old debts.

• Compare prices. If other dealerships or online dealers are offering cheaper prices, be sure to bring them up. Dealers might match the price or at least throw in extra incentives to make you want to purchase.

• Look for separate financing. Loans you take out through dealerships may have extra fees tacked on to them. Investigate financing options at your credit union to see if you can save some money.

• Consider used vehicles. You might prefer the new option, but certified pre-owned vehicles can save you a ton of money while still providing you with a quality car.

Going to the dealership doesn’t have to be a scary experience. By taking some of these steps, you can head to your local car lot with the peace of mind in knowing that you have what it takes to save yourself a good deal of cash.

Do you have any other tips on ways you can save money at the dealership?