Buying a new car can be a complex process. These easy-to-understand steps will provide you with new car buying tips and help you make the best decisions on buying a new car.

1. Which New Car is For You?

   
   Before you start shopping for a new car, it is important to decide what kind of car you want to get. Do you need a lot of passenger or cargo capacity? Do you prefer a manual or automatic transmission? Do you need a four-wheel or all-wheel drive? What safety features are most important to you? Are you interested in used cars or buying a new car? Would you consider a lease? Make a list of all of the new car features that are most important to you. This should help you determine the class of vehicle that you need. Once you know the class of the new car to buy, for example if you have decided you need an SUV, search online for the new cars available in that class. Websites such as Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, CarSmart.com, InvoiceDealers.com, AutoBargains and Edmunds.com allow you to read official research and consumer discussions of most new cars before you make your decision.
   
   

2. New Car Prices - Decide What Is in Your Range

   
   New car prices vary widely, so how do you know what you can afford? Determine whether you want to pay cash when you buy a new car or whether you prefer to seek financing. If you want financing, look at your budget to determine how much of a payment you can afford to make each month. A variety of online payment calculators are available to help you determine the range of car prices you can afford. HouseholdAuto.com offers a free online payment calculator with every option you would need to determine the new car price you can afford. If you plan to seek financing, this is also a good time to check your own credit report so you know what to expect when you try to get your car loan.
   
   

3. Test Drive New Cars

   
   Once you have researched the class of new cars you need and decided on a new car price range, you are ready to take some test drives. If you are looking into buying a new car, find local car dealers that carry the models you are most interested in. Drive all of the contenders before you sit down to talk about buying the car. Make sure you select the new car that is really comfortable for you. This is the point where you should start to consider the options and trim that you desire, as well.
   
   

4. Research New Car Pricing

   
   Once you have determined the specific new car model you need, it is time for in-depth research into new car prices. Sites such as Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, CarSmart.com, Cars.com, Autos.yahoo.com and Edmunds.com will allow you to easily research new car prices, providing the information on new car invoice prices and MSRPs that you need to make sure you get the best price when buying a new car.
   
   

5. Get New Car Financing

   
   If you plan to finance your new car buying venture, it is wise to secure your own financing before you are ready to buy. This allows you to shop around, comparing terms and interest rates. Several online lenders, including RoadLoans.com and CarCredit.com allow you to apply for financing with quick online forms. While a new car dealer may offer you financing, by negotiating your own car financing ahead of time, you will have something for comparison.
   
   

6. Contact the car dealer, auto broker or private party

   
   Once you know the new car you want, you have the means to pay for it and you know the new car price you can afford, it is time to take a major step in the new car buying process. Visit local car dealers, consider buying a new car online, enlist the assistance of an auto broker or meet with a private party that has a new car for sale. Make sure the seller has the new car you want, with all of the appropriate options for sale and tell them you are ready to negotiate. Before you enter the dealership, you will contact them by phone or email and negotiate for the car. Once you have your email from the dealer detailing the terms and conditions of your new car pricing deal, take it with you to the dealer and go directly to the finance manager to sign your paperwork.
   
   

7. Buying a New Car - The Last Step

   
   Before you sign the paperwork to buy your new car, review everything. Ensure that the price you have agreed upon and any additional terms are properly represented in the paperwork. Check the car to make sure it is delivered in the condition you expect. And finally and most importantly...enjoy your new car.