Got car-buying jitters? Do the negotiating from home, this expert says. The car buying process can be such a hassle. While it’s exciting to find your dream vehicle, the fun usually stops when you get to the dealership. Here, you have to put your defenses up. Car salespeople are often referred to as 'sketchy' for a reason. They often have the reputation of doing anything to ultimately get you to pay as much as possible. For instance, one salesperson reneged on a trade-in deal they’d agreed on. Another tricked a man into signing up for an unnecessary service.

And if you’re a woman shopping alone, it can be even worse. Buying a car is often very stressful and can be particularly intimidating for women due to the manipulative tactics of some salespeople.In a viral video with more than 400,000 views, car-buying expert Billy (@billythecarkid) offered key advice. You need to stop negotiating at the dealership. 'There is absolutely nothing to be gained from going to the dealership unless you have negotiated the deal and negotiated the financing beforehand. You will be taken advantage of in every way, shape, or form,' Billy said.

When you first stop at the dealership, the salesperson relies on your high emotions. They want you to be excited and impulsive after the test drive. That’s why after the test drive, the dealership tends to offer you a higher finance rate they claim isn’t negotiable. Plenty of people don’t negotiate it or the car price because they’re uncomfortable doing it in person. Billy pointed out, 'Who wants to stand up, walk out, go to another dealership, and go through that whole process again?' 'None of you, and the dealership knows you’ll be thinking that and that you’ll probably just settle and sign,' he continues.

That’s why he suggests going this route. Here’s Billy’s step-by-step guide on how to negotiate when buying a car: 'Any dealership that won’t give you numbers over the phone and won’t accommodate you in these ways are not dealerships you wanna work with anyway. And the dealerships that will are the places that we need to put our time and energy in to keep them up and thriving,' Billy concluded.

'The most important thing is sticking to your budget & standing firm. I told them ‘I love this car but I don’t need it. My budget is more important’. I ended up paying below my budget & MSRP, saved $6k,' a commenter wrote.

'Yup I got swindled. Bought gap insurance for $799 and wheel/tire insurance for $800. Gap through Progressive is just $6 a month,' a person shared.

'I worked my deal through email, had a signed purchase agreement with OTD pricing. Walked in the next morning and was only there 45 minutes to sign paperwork and give them a check. It can be done,' another said.

The car-buying process doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Focusing on negotiating from the comfort of your home can save you time, stress, and a significant amount of money. It's all about planning, doing your research, and staying firm on your budget. Remember, the goal is to get the best deal possible on your terms, not theirs.