Step1
Decide what you intend to use the car for, such as daily commuting, recreation, weekends and evenings out, carrying things, towing a trailer, carrying more than one passenger, driving in the city, suburbs or country.
Step2
Consider factors that are important to you, such as fuel efficiency, reliability and safety features.
Step3
Check into the resale value and repair history of past models in this car line, such as by consulting Consumer Reports magazine or its Web site (see Resources).
Step4
Come up with a realistic budget, based on what you can afford (consider the monthly payment and cost of upkeep). If you're considering a trade-in, check the Kelley Blue Book value of your current vehicle. The Blue Book is a catalog of new- and used-car values, available at libraries, banks and online at www.kbb.com. Factor your car's trade-in value into your total budget.
Step5
Locate a town or an area near your home with several car dealerships, check Sunday newspaper advertisements and the yellow pages. Choose one or more dealerships to visit and set out early, preferably on a week-day, remember to bring your driver's license so you can test-drive. You can also shop online.
Step6
Find a car that interests you and check the stickers on the window. The first (and sometimes only) one is the factory sticker, which lists the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price), and the second is the dealer's sticker.
Step7
You'll see that the factory sticker lists the car's features and its fuel efficiency rating, the number of miles per gallon expected for city and highway driving. The MSRP on this sticker includes the sum of the vehicle's base price, any additional options and the destination fee. The MSRP has a built-in profit for the dealer, often around 10 percent.
Step8
Understand that the second sticker, if there is one, reflects a higher price. This price is set by the retailer for options and services it has supplied apart from the factory. Examples include an undercoating (to protect the car's underside exterior), dealer prep (washing, waxing, interior cleaning), interior and exterior treatment (sealant for the interior, no-wax finish for the exterior) and extra items (specialty wheels, for example). The second sticker price may also include additional dealer profits.
Step9
Tell the sales representative that you'd like to have a look inside the car, or just hop in if it's unlocked. Adjust the seat and mirrors, and check leg room in each part of the car.
Step10
Ask to take a test drive. Start out on city streets and then head out to the highway. Pay attention to steering ease, turning radius, braking response and acceleration. Adjust the mirrors and radio while you're driving to test convenience.
Step11
Return to the dealership and thank the dealer. If you like the car, ask for a business card and say you will return later.
Step12
Head to the next dealership and investigate other car models as described above. Ask dealers which car most closely resembles the one you previously test-drove, providing the make and model and explaining which features you liked. Test a number of models until you decide on a car, and compare these prices with those at other dealerships.
Step13
Inquire about availability and delivery time, especially if you're interested in a popular model or want special features.
Step14
Factor the dealership and its sales staff into your choice. A dealership you can trust, especially one with a competent service center on site, is worth more than money in your long future with the vehicle. You can, of course, have your car serviced at any dealer authorized by your new car's warranty.
Step15
Start negotiations on polite and friendly terms. Comment on what you like about the car and ask questions. The intent is to make the seller comfortable.
Step16
Remember that the dealer's second sticker lists options, not requirements, regardless of whether those services have already been provided. Ask for the factory wheels back, for example, or order a car that has no undercoating.
