Even though it’s possible to buy a car online, you will probably need to go to the showroom to test drive the car and make your best deal. Before you go, here are the steps you should take:

• Do your homework. You should check Web sites like Kbb.com (Kelley Blue Book), Edmunds.com, and Cars.com to find out the dealer’s cost, plus a fair profit. You should also cruise the Internet for ratings, prices, and reviews. Consumer Reports is still one of the best sources of information.
• Research your credit rating.
• Shop around for a car loan before you go to the dealer. The fabulous rates they’re quoting in advertisements may not apply to you. Dealer financing isn’t necessarily the best bargain.
• Check out the safety records of makes and models you are considering.
• Check out the car’s warranty.
• Ask your insurance carrier about which makes and models are the least expensive to insure.
• Figure how much payment you can afford without undermining your financial situation.
• Research the dealer’s cost on the Internet and the value of your trade-in.
• Investigate the fuel economy and reliability records of the cars you’re considering.

When you’re ready to buy, make sure you shop around for the best price.

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