Buying a new car is both an exciting and bewildering experience. You want a good vehicle you can afford, but you don't want to get in over your head financially. Follow these tips to find the best automobile at the right price.

1. Take Time To Educate Yourself

Your car is an extension of yourself and one of the most important purchases you'll make besides your home. Educating yourself is crucial. Just as you would learn as much as you could when buying a home or finding the best fat burners for men as well as other supplements, you also want to do your research on different cars before you visit an auto dealership.

Look at the Kelley Blue Book to determine the value of different cars. Also, read Consumer Reports to see what they say about different models and years.

2. Get Approved for a Loan

There's no point in looking for a vehicle if you can't get a loan for it. You can obtain a loan from either a bank or a car dealership. Check with both to see which one offers the better rate. The lower the interest rate, the more extra payments you can make, and the sooner you'll own that car outright.

3. Never Settle for the First Car You See

Dealers aren't likely to offer you the lowest price for a car unless they think you're about to walk out of their dealership. Make it a point to visit at least two car lots before deciding on one to buy.

Also, be careful not to buy an automobile impulsively. If you buy a vehicle without thinking things through, you might end up with payments you can't afford or a car that's a lemon. Take the time to research the right one for you.

4. Search for Cars Online

Thanks to the internet, there's a far wider range of cars to choose from than people had a few decades ago. Shopping for a car online is a great way to avoid pushy salespeople and find a car at a better price than from a dealership.

5. Consider Buying a Used Car

A new car depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot. While it's tempting to buy a new car, some used cars hold their value and can be a better deal. Do your homework to determine whether the make and model are reliable. Run the car's vehicle identification number through a title search service to make certain the car hasn't been salvaged. As long as the car is in good shape, you can save money when buying a gently used car.

5. Get an Affordable Car

Whether you decide on a new car or a used one, make sure it's something you can afford. The fastest way to get in over your head is by taking on too high payments. If you haven't done so, come up with a budget and determine how much you can pay before looking at cars.

6. Remember the Insurance Premiums

Lenders require you to carry comprehensive coverage if you have car payments, so be sure to factor those monthly premiums in when determining the amount of car payment you can afford. If you don't think about insurance costs, you could get in over your head financially.

7. Never Mention a Trade-In Until You've Closed the Deal

A dealer who knows you have a trade-in won't offer you a rock bottom price. Instead, he'll offer the rock bottom price in exchange for the trade-in. Your final purchase price will be lower if you don't mention your old car until the deal is closed.

8. Don't Buy Extras

Don't pay for extras, such as a GPS system. You can add what you want later at a more affordable price. Also, don't buy the extended warranty. They usually don't cover repair costs or other expenses and are a waste of money.

Remember these tips, and you'll find the best car at a great price.