There are entire books about buying a vehicle, but the process doesn’t have to be stressful. As intimidating as it can feel, purchasing a car isn’t complicated once you move past the fanfare.

While some pushy dealers and salespeople might not have your best interest at heart, it is vital to remember that you conduct your own price and model research. You can even shop online and have professionals deliver a wagon directly to your front door. It doesn’t get much more set-it-and-forget-it than that.

To narrow your options down from the thousands of makes and models available, you need to answer three simple questions.

What are your needs?

You’ll want to determine the size and type of vehicle you’re looking for by defining the purpose of your car. Are you commuting to work every day? Do you need extra room for carpooling to soccer practice? Will you be hauling heavy machinery all around town? This initial factor in your search is the most influential and will help quickly narrow your search.

What are your wants?

You want to love your car. Make sure to factor in your style and preferences when vehicle shopping. Whatever this means to you, don’t be afraid to apply it – from splurging for added features to buying a truck just because you like how it looks. As long as it can meet your stated needs, it’s OK to spend your hard-earned money on the vehicle you truly want.

What is your price range?

The reality is that finances play a significant role in the car you decide to buy. No matter how much you want a particular model, purchasing a vehicle should not put you in financial ruin.

First, determine how much money you can put towards a down payment. Then calculate how much of your budget you can allot to a monthly car payment. This count must be accurate, so don’t approximate your answers. Crunching the numbers and coming up with an honest, not wishful, monthly car budget will save you from headaches in the future.

Narrowing down the field

With your criteria set, here comes the fun part: picking out your car. While this used to mean several overwhelming trips to car dealerships, our modern times offer modern solutions.

Opt for online shopping

Online car shopping is a stress-free alternative to running around town and dealing with pushy salespeople. Purchasing a car online with a dealer that works with an auto transport service, you can get the perfect vehicle sent right to your doorstep. The processing is simple, and you’ll get consistent shipping updates.

The integration of auto transportation also means that you’re not limited by what your state or city has to offer. You can explore online vendors based in other states and enjoy car shipping to Texas or any other region in the country.

Websites also offer tools you can use to test-build your car online. These tools can help you better realize the point where your needs, wants, and budget intersect. Lastly, online car shopping can be a gamechanger for patrons to limit their in-person contact during COVID-19.

Go with your gut

Cars are fun. You want to buy something that you’ll love driving. That means that you should make some room for the intangibles in your search criteria. Whether you prefer a particular feature for comfort or feel a pull towards a specific model aesthetically — go with it. Your vehicle is a significant purchase, so you want to ensure that you’ll enjoy it.

How to negotiate a good deal

You want to have a game plan in place as you begin the process of actually purchasing your car. While choosing the type of car is fun and hammering your budget into place is essential, going into buying situations blind is the easiest way to have the wool pulled over your eyes.

Research your price

Unlike most consumer products, vehicle pricing is complicated. The sticker you see on the window is only the beginning of what you end up paying. Because of this variability, you’ll want to utilize the information available online before making your purchase.

Research prices like you researched potential makes and models of your car. Often referred to as the “transaction price” or “market price,” make sure that this number serves as your guiding light. Knowing what other people paid for your car will give you leverage while negotiating and help you land the best deal possible.

Get pre-approved financing

Consider the financing of your car as another purchase. Though dealers offer help with financing, this route is generally not to your benefit. Potentially, deal-offered financing could negate any earlier price negotiations that fell in your favor. A simple call to your bank or cursory online search could reveal better financing options.

Don’t be afraid to walk

Having done your research, you now know your vehicle and the price.  Your financing is secured. You have all the power. Don’t be intimidated into settling for less. You would be amazed at how much a salesperson can budge when they see you walking out the door.

Drive off happy

Do not be intimidated by pushy tactics, and don’t settle for overpriced options. With research and realistic expectations, you know precisely what is fair to pay and where to find it. This step-by-step process should take all the stress out of buying a car.