Its far to easy and tempting to purchase the hottest looking car on the car lot but you really should resist this temptation and ask yourself these questions.

1. How will you be using the car.

2. What gas mileage will it get. Remember the current higher gas prices and their sure to keep going up. So you really should go for the car with the best possible gas mileage.

3. Will you like this car as much 3-6 months down the road. Will it work for what you need.

Remember your budget. What can you really afford to pay on a monthly basis for a car payment. Be careful not to over extend yourself. Decide before you go how much you want to spend on a monthly car payment. And stick to it. Don't let a high pressure salesman talk you into something you really can't afford.

Always remember if your going to trade in a vehicle on your new car purchase not to tell the salesperson up front. If they ask you if your going to trade in your vehicle tell them no. When they give you the best deal you think your going to get then ask them , Well what if I did trade in my car. What would that get me.

Before you buy from a car dealer especially a used car dealer ask around. Talk to family and friends and see what they know about that dealer. And if its a used car dealer call your local Better Business Bureau and ask about the car dealer. They can be very helpful.

And remember don't be pushed into a new car purchase. Make sure you carefully assess each move that you make. If you do these things you will find you will be much happier with your car purchase and you should end up with a vehicle you will be happy with.

In todays high tech world you can most likely apply for your car loan online and get a quicker answer than you would if you went into the car dealer and filled out the papers and applied in the old fashioned way.

When you do apply for a car loan there are several things you should keep in mind.

1. Get all your information and paper work together and put it in a folder. You will need your drivers license, your social security card, employment records including your payroll check stubs or a letter from your employer stating your weekly and monthly gross income. You will also need to have your bank information and you will need to know how much you owe on credit cards and what your monthly credit card payments are. When you get all this information together it will also let you know how much you can budget monthly for a car payment.

2. Do you know your credit score. If not you need to know before you go car shopping. You really should check your credit report at least once a year. Be sure you check carefully for mistakes or information that isn't true. If you have poor credit you may still be able to find a company willing to make you a car loan but be prepared for higher interest rates.

3. You should compare rates and check out deals the various car dealers are offering especially if you are buying a new car. If you shop around carefully you can some times come up with some great money saving deals and some times even some great rebates. Resist the urge to purchase the first car you like. Spend a few days or even a week or two checking all the car dealers out.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Make a list before you go car shopping. And if a car salesperson gets pushy walk away. Be polite but firm. Don't be pushed into doing something you may regret next week. Just keep in mind that all those pretty cars will still be on the car lot next week.