Does every car you see lately except your own make your head turn? If so, perhaps it's time to do some car shopping. But, before you jump into that new vehicle, it's important to do your homework.

Before heading to the dealership, consider these savvy car-buying tips:

It's all about timing. Experts suggest shopping at the end of the month, when the sales force is eager to reach sales goals and may lower prices. Also, you're likely to get a better deal if you shop in the evening a few hours before closing time, and in rainy or snowy weather.

What goes up must come down. One common mistake among car buyers is trying to talk the salesperson down from the sticker price. Instead, find out the invoice price beforehand, then negotiate up from that. You'll find invoice prices in various consumer magazines and books, such as Complete Car Cost Guide, or even here through LaSalleCars. Generally, 2 percent to 5 percent above invoice is considered a fair price.

There are other fish in the sea. When you visit different car lots, carry brochures from other dealerships. This will let salespeople know that you're shopping around.

Steer clear of dealer add-ons. Many dealers will try to sell you extra services, such as rustproofing. However, most new cars are made from rustproofed materials, so you can probably skip this expense.

Check out your trade-in. You'll save more in the long run by checking consumer guides to find the value of your used car. Then, wait to discuss your trade-in until after arriving at a purchase price.

Leasing vs. buying
Leasing has become a popular way to acquire a new car. Leasing can be tempting -- it offers several benefits over buying, such as enabling you to drive a newer car with lower monthly payments and a smaller down payment. But leasing isn't for everyone. One significant disadvantage of leasing is that you're putting money into a car that you won't own. And, you may face higher insurance and penalties if you decide to end your lease early.

LaSalle auto loans may be the key
When purchasing a new automobile, there's a lot to consider. But one thing you needn't worry about is how to afford it. We can help make the process painless, with easy loan applications, a wide array of flexible terms designed to fit your needs and affordable interest rates. With an auto loan from LaSalle Bank, there's no prepayment penalty and simple interest is calculated only on the unpaid balance, so the sooner you pay back your loan, the less interest you'll pay!

Let us do the math
Before heading to the showroom, it's wise to have a rough idea of how much you can spend. To determine affordability and payments, test drive our Auto Loan Calculators.

We can help put you in the driver's seat of your dream automobile. For more information, visit or call your local LaSalle branch today.