History

• First get your financing in order. Factor in insurance premiums to the total cost of the car.
  
  

Significance

• Check out magazines such as Consumer Reports, Road and Track or Motortrend (see resources, below) for specific information on fuel efficiency, average price, safety features and performance.
  Also find out the reputation of your dealership by contacting the Better Business Bureau (see resources, below). The better the reputation of the dealership, the better car-buying experience you'll have.
  
  

Function

• Impulse buying will undo all your hard work and preparation. A good dealer or sales agent will understand that you have options and want to look around a bit. Be up front and don't make any promises you don't intend on keeping. Hit the other dealerships and take your time.
  
  

Types

• Go on test drives. Drive on highways, city streets, curves and hills and in parking lots. You should also be comfortable while driving and have excellent visibility.
  
  

Time Frame

• Once you've settled on a single car, it's time to negotiate. Dealers receive incentives from the manufacturer to sell their cars, so the price should be flexible. Be firm but polite while negotiating. If they dealer won't match your request, ask to see the manager. If the manager won't meet your price, consider leaving the dealership and moving on to your second choice.
  
  

Features

• Once your price has been met and the paperwork is being finished up, you will be offered "gap insurance." This is an insurance policy that covers the gap between the price you financed your car at and the Kelly Blue Book value (see resources, below) that your car is actually worth. Gap insurance is sometimes required by your financing company or the dealership.