Many of us who've bought a car will admit how little we know about cars and the purchasing process, making us susceptible to being ripped off. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent this, so here are five secrets to buying a car that will save you a lot of money. You should skip any extras that a dealership offers you, like wheel protection, as these costs are often baked into the financial agreement, which you will pay interest on. While it is rare that a dealership will get the registration fee wrong, in rare cases, they can overcharge you, so make sure to double check the fee. If you're looking to finance a car or take out a loan, make sure you pick multiple lenders in order to compare prices and interest fees. You should also make sure you get everything in writing, especially any guarantees or warranties that the dealership offers as part of the deal. Lastly, before you purchase the car, it is important to research what the standard mileage for a car that old is and whether or not you're overpaying for the vehicle.