Shopping for and purchasing a new or used vehicle is one of the most stressful things you can do. There are endless numbers of vehicles to consider, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Use the following advice to help make car shopping less stressful.

When you are going to buy a car, you need to know ahead of time which features are essential for you in the car. Have a clear picture of what you want, so you can search for the right price as well as the right car for your needs.

Do not be turned off from a car because it is used. Most people would like nothing more than to buy a brand new, shiny car. But, is this really feasible for your financial situation? Many used cars are perfectly fine and will not break your back nearly as much as a new car will.

Do your research before you even step foot on a car lot. You want to have an educated position when it comes to such a large purchase. It is a good idea to know what models you are interested in, and what the fair price is for those specific cars.

Bring someone with you when you are shopping for a car. Bring along a friend or relative to help you negotiate prices and ask important questions. Talk to this person ahead of time, and make sure they understand how much you are willing to spend and what you have to have in a car.

Search for your new car online before you ever visit a dealership. Searching online allows you to look at inventory from multiple dealerships, and it makes you privy to information about online only pricing. This is a great way to comparison shop and really make sure you are getting the best deal.

Be wary of any dealer who is not willing to give you an extended test drive. Asking for a full afternoon to test out the car is a perfectly reasonable request. If the dealer refuses and will not accommodate the request, you should take your business elsewhere. A car is a big purchase and a big commitment, a dealer should understand that and let you get completely comfortable with the car before purchasing.

Don’t start negotiating on specifics before you’ve got a set price on your desired vehicle. These items should all be subtracted from the rock bottom price. Also, you will typically end up with a better overall price if you negotiate the deal from the onset.

Demand a safety report and vehicle history report from the dealer. Any good car dealer will have these items available for any vehicle on the lot. This is information that will tell you how safe the vehicle is as well as any major accidents or work that has been needed on the car.

Now you’re ready for car shopping battle! Remember these things throughout the entire process. Find the car you really what at a price you can afford.