Driving a brand new car can be a lot of fun, but many people find that the actual buying process can be stressful and intimidating. One of the keys to a good experience when purchasing a new car is being prepared and knowing what to expect. If you plan to buy a new car from a dealership soon, use the following tips.

Establish a Budget

Before you even begin looking at cars, it is essential to establish a firm budget. The last thing that you want to do is purchase a new car that you can't comfortably afford. When determining your budget, you need to think about more than just the monthly payment -- don't forget about other expenses associated with a new car, like auto insurance premiums, registration fees, gas, and maintenance.

Have Financing in Place

While some people purchase a new car by paying in cash, the majority of people need to take out an auto loan. It is in your best interest to get pre-approved for an auto loan by a bank or credit union before you go to the dealership. Compare the interest rate and monthly payment offered by your bank to the financing offered from the dealership. Being pre-approved in advance allows you the opportunity to look at your options and choose the financing that suits you best.

Do Your Research

You should never visit a dealership without having a clue about any of the new cars for sale on the lot. To get the most out of a new car, you need to take the time to research different cars until you find a few models that have the size, features, and safety rating that you want. Being an informed consumer will make the new car buying process much easier.

Don't Rush Your Purchase

Buying a new car is a big financial investment, so you should always take your time. Don't be afraid to visit a dealership, take a test drive, and then go home to think things over before making a purchase. You may want to test drive a particular vehicle several times before you sign any papers and drive off the lot with a new car. 

Never Pay the Retail Price

When you visit a dealership, you will notice that each car is marked with a price. This is typically the manufacturer suggested retail price, but you should not to agree to pay the amount listed. Most car dealerships are open to negotiations, so take the time to work with your salesperson in order to get the best price possible.