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: Test driving the car salesman.
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

(Enlarge photo)
Before you head for the dealership, make sure you have selected the right car to suit your needs. (Photo by Scott Jacobs)


Buying Tips

10 Steps to Buying a New Car

Step 1: Starting out.
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
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These steps will help you to locate the specific car you want, and at a price that is fair to both you and the dealer. By now, you should have done plenty of research to determine which is the best car to suit your needs. And, you should have a good idea of what to pay for the car you want. Now you need to narrow the research even more. You will soon be finding the exact car you want to buy — with the options you have chosen — and then you will be determining a target price to pay. If you have done your homework, this will be a fairly easy process with no unexpected surprises.

Buying a car is a big investment, but it can be exciting and rewarding, especially if you feel like you got the right car at a fair price.

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