I bought a new car today — a cute little Honda Civic in a fun blue color.

I always dread the car-buying process, so this time I did a ton of research. I wound up getting a price better than I’d been budgeting for. In fact, when I went into the dealership today, the manager said: “You done wore me down.”

I thought I’d share some tips that worked for me in case you might be in the market for a car soon.

BREAK UP THE PURCHASE
• Don’t do everything in one day. Test drive and purchase on different days.
• Don’t accept an out-the-door price. The new car purchase price is one thing. Your trade offer is another. Financing is a third. Have the dealer detail each price separately.

TAKE EMOTION OUT OF THE EQUATION
Don’t buy based on emotion — buy based on research and facts.

FIRST
Choose the cars you’re interested in and do test drives. Do not buy the car that day. Take all the sales pressure off by telling the salesperson you will be buying later (in 2 weeks, at the end of the month, whatever). If they ask why, be vague (as in: I have some things to figure out first).

SECOND
Decide on your top vehicle(s). Go back for a second test drive, and ask for a quote for your trade at that time. Get multiple trade quotes — and get them in writing. Remind them that you will be back in 2 weeks/at the end of the month to buy. Do not buy the car that day.

>> Watch this: “2 Pro Tips to Make You the Best Car Negotiator” (Chevy Dude)

THIRD
When you’ve decided on the exact car you want, research dealer invoice, holdback, and incentives to calculate the dealer’s true cost:

Dealer invoice
– Holdback
– Dealer incentives
= Dealer’s true cost

Take the dealer’s true cost an add the percentage of profit you’re willing to offer (I offered 5%).

>> Read this: “How to Figure a Fair-Profit Offer on a New Car”
[autocheatsheet.com]

While you’re at it, research finance options. Know what specials are being offered by the dealership and what credit score you need to qualify. As a backup, get preapproved financing from an external source.

FOURTH
Contact several dealerships using electronic means (phone, text, email). Tell them the exact car you want and offer your price. They already have your trade offer on file, so they can’t finagle you there. Get every offer in writing — they will (try to) play games. Once you have the new car price, trade offer, and total amount financed agreed upon and IN WRITING, only then should you go into the dealership to close the deal and sign the paperwork.

FIFTH
Be prepared for heavy sales pressure to buy extended coverage at the dealership. Know before you go if you want it or not. They will play on your emotions and try to scare you. If you don’t want it, stand firm with: “I’m fine with just the manufacturer’s warranty.” You can buy coverage much cheaper from sources outside the dealership.

RESOURCES
Determine the worth of your trade
[kbb.com]
[edmunds.com]

Find dealer invoice pricing
[edmunds.com] (scroll to Build & Price a New Car)

Find dealer holdback
[realcartips.com]

Brands offering cash incentives
[carsdirect.com]

Determine “true cost to own” any car
[edmunds.com]

Access myriad facts about your car, including 0–60 and 0–quarter mile rating
[carindigo.com]

Car loan calculator
[nerdwallet.com]