This will be a fun adventure. I remember the experience. I buy cars all of the time, not for myself, but for all my friends and family because I am pretty good at negotiating. I now have it down to a science where I really only spend less than 5 minutes getting the price they want. Some suggestions...
This site is not the best source of advice. Edmunds.com has an excellent information section for all people, but esp. first time buyer. They have a 10 section bit on lease vs. buy, new vs. used, pricing, warranties, and more. I would read it in completely and it should give you all the ammo you need.
here is the link:
http://www.edmunds.com/caradvice.html
2. Use their pricing guide to get general ideas then purchase CR's price estimator when you have a model picked.
3. Avoid any place that is no haggle. No haggle = we screw you plenty but still leave you feeling like a virgin.
4. My special tip... When you have a model in mind and have picked a dealer...take the invoice price you learn about from CR or where ever and email a competing dealers internet department and see if they will give you a quote. If so take that with you to your chosen dealer and when they ask how much you will pay write that number down...(I love to add cents at the end just because they do that alot...i.e. 18,054.76
) When they laugh and say that's too low reply with, "Well Dummies Cars up the street already quoted me such and such. I have it in writing just thought I would give you all a chance before I drive up there.) They will 99% of the time beat their price for you right there and you are all done.
Good luck read up on all the stuff I gave you and you will do fine.
thumbdown ), etc... Depending on your down payment you can have a payment of less than $200. And remember, the best deals will be around Thanksgiving/Christmas when nobody is thinking about buying cars, plus it's model year end.
