Buying a car can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially if its your first time making such a big purchase. Here are some things to know before buying a car:

1. Establish a budget: Before you start researching makes and models or apply for financing, establish a budget for the purchase. This is important to know what you can afford to pay before you fall in love with a car thats not within reach.

2. Research: Much of the work in buying a new car takes place before you even set foot in a dealership. Research the vehicle you want, including what features are essential versus simply being nice to have. Check pricing, investigate financing options, and read reviews from other car buyers.

3. Get preapproved for financing: The single best advice is to get preapproved for a car loan from your bank, a credit union, or an online lender. This will help you know how much you can afford and give you more bargaining power when negotiating with the dealer.

4. Test drive the car: Test driving a car before purchase helps you to assess the vehicle’s performance and handling. Its your chance to check out the car’s technology and convenience features and make sure the vehicle meets your expectations.

5. Negotiate price first: Focus on one thing at a time when buying a car at a dealership. Start with the price of the vehicle you are buying. Once you settle on a price, then you can talk about a trade-in if you have one.

6. Avoid dealership add-ons: Dont buy any add-ons at the dealership. This makes the game too complicated, and youre playing against pros. Do your homework on add-ons before you go to the dealership.

7. Understand the total cost of ownership: Owning a vehicle costs far more than just the sticker price. Be prepared to cover additional costs, like maintenance, gas, insurance, registration, taxes, and fees.

By following these tips, you can go into your automotive deal feeling confident and ready to tackle the next steps.