Welcome,  


NAVIGATION
Introduction
Step 1: Starting out
Step 2: Using incentives and rebates
Step 3: Pricing the car
Step 4: Finding the exact car you want to buy
Step 5: Internet vs. Traditional Car Buying
Step 6: If you are trading in your old car...
Step 7: Negotiating for your lowest price
Step 8: Closing the deal
Step 9: Reviewing and signing the paperwork
Step 10: Inspecting and taking possession of your new car
Checklist

PHOTOS

Buying a New Car
(Enlarge photo)
Your search for a new car can be an exciting process -- if you are prepared with good information and accurate pricing. (Photo by Scott Jacobs)


Buying Tips

10 Steps To Buying a New Car

Introduction
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
Email

The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the car you want. If you follow our suggestions the car buying process can be fast and enjoyable. But more importantly, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you got the right car for you at an excellent price.

Furthermore, there are other key advantages to following our 10 Steps:

  • You'll be able to decipher the complicated pricing system used by dealerships.
  • The True Market Value of a car will be revealed.
  • You will find available incentives and rebates to reduce the price of the car.
  • A non-negotiating system will be presented to eliminate conflict.
  • Extra charges in the Finance and Insurance (F&I) office will be eliminated.

In other words, the 10 Steps covers what you need to know and in the order you will encounter it. This quick guide can help you save thousands of dollars. It will also give you a great feeling of empowerment, putting you in charge of the deal-making process.

But first things first: You need to decide what car you want to buy. If you haven't done that yet, please check out our 10 Steps To Finding the Right Car for You, then head back here once you have chosen the car you want to buy.

next


Advertisement

Advertisement





    More Buying Articles
Passat
10 Steps to Buying a New Car
The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the car you want.
Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles
10 Steps to Buying a Used Car
The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the used car you want.
Cars
10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You
The following steps are devoted to helping you select, price, locate and test drive the vehicle that is best for you.

Confessions of a Car Salesman
What happens when a veteran automotive writer goes undercover as a car salesman? We sent our own Chandler Phillips to work at two Southern California dealerships and he came back to tell about it.
Used Cars
How to Get a Used Car Bargain Part One
In the second part of this series, we'll discuss Steps 3 and 4: how to locate your target cars and how to test drive and evaluate them.