If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you may need an auto loan to help finance the purchase. However, when you are buying a car using a loan, it is easier to leave your original budget behind when you see a model or a feature you particularly like. There are some things that can really help you stick to your budget when you are car shopping. Here are some tips to consider. 

1. Get pre-approved for a certain amount. 

If you go shopping without car loan approval, you most likely will end up applying for loan through a financial institution that is partnered with the dealership. You won't be able to shop for the best rates or speak with a loan representative about your other debts and expenses to determine how much you can really afford. Some interest rates for car loans can be very high, but you won't have much negotiating power if you're going through a dealer lender.

Furthermore, if you already are pre-approved, you can set a firm budget that the dealership has to work with. They might be more willing to negotiate the price of a sale down in order to meet the approved amount of your loan, especially if they are trying to make sales to clear the lot for new inventory. 

2. Drive less expensive cars first.

When meeting with a dealership representative, explain your wish list. They might have three or four cars that suit your needs. Ask to drive them in order of the least expensive first. This way, you can begin with something that fits your needs, but with each drive, you'll enjoy newer features or other things that affect price. Instead of starting with the nicest car and then feeling that no other car compares, you'll start with a "clean slate" with each test drive. You'll have a better objectivity for which car actually is worth your purchase. 

3. Go to more than one dealership.

Even if it means taking more time, different dealerships have different promotional rates, different vehicles, and different salespeople. You might find that one company is much more willing to work within your budget, 

4. Shop at the right time.

You can get a nicer car for your money if you know when to go shopping. For example, in early fall, many dealerships cut prices on current inventory to try to make room for new vehicles for the following year. They might run better promotions or offer better incentives, such as matching your down payment with money of their own. You may also make a better deal toward the end of the month, because commissioned salespeople try to make a certain quota level of sales each month. Also, if you go shopping during the week, you'll benefit from better service and perhaps better prices, since weekend sales times are heavy and losing your business won't matter as much, since other shoppers will replace you. 

5. Say no to extras. 

Finally, after you decide on the price of vehicle and start signing papers for the purchase, you may be offered promotional deals or warranties. These may seem like a good idea, but they often have fine print and limited coverage that does not make them worth the money you spend on them. In addition, many of these deals have a mileage limit or age cut off. Cars are less likely to have problems when they are newer, and when they older, the coverage you paid for will expire and no longer be effective. If you really want some sort of protection plan, speak with you actual lender or insurance company to see what they offer.