You are in the market for a new car and have visions of shiny new models, the smell of the leather, and taking several prospects for a spin.  Car buying is an exciting adventure, right? Well, yes and no.  Car buying is an adventure, but it isn't exactly all fun and games.  In fact, car buying can be down right frustrating and even a little confusing.  

There is no reason to go into this purchase without all the necessary information.  You should, for example, know how much car you are able to afford and get your financing lined up well in advance of heading out to the car lots.  The first step in getting financed is to get your credit report and know what your credit score is. After you have lined up your financing you will want to do some searching online to compare prices on makes and models, as well as available options.  You can visit sites like carsdirect.com or vehix.com to do some online comparisons.

You might also want to take a trusted friend or family member along with you to look at cars and offer a second set of eyes and ears to watch for potential problems or sketchy sales techniques.  Be prepared to spend some time visiting several dealerships during your search and comparing services, prices, and models.  When you consider how much cash you will be sinking into this purchase, you will understand the importance of taking your time to make the right choice.