Buying a new car can be a very stressful experience. There’s a lot riding on the outcome: even an inexpensive car can be a significant financial investment. Ideally, you and your car will be together for a long time, so there’s a lot of pressure to choose the right one. In addition, buyers, particularly first-time buyers, find themselves bombarded by information. This car costs less, but might be more costly to run, while another might be more expensive but help you save money over the long run. How do you sort through all the available information to find the right vehicle for you? Fortunately, there are a few ways to reduce some of the stress of buying a new car.

Decide what you’re looking for

Knowing what you want in advance can save you a lot of stress before you get to the dealership. A lot of the stress of car shopping comes from uncertainty; it’s much easier to decide what you want and then see if a dealership has it than to decide what you want while a salesman is trying to pressure you. Consider your budget and the features you need. Don’t just consider the car, but other factors such as insurance. Choosing the right car can not only save money on operating costs but also keep the price of new drivers insurance down.

Do your research in advance

Once you’ve decided on the features you want, research cars in your price range before you go looking to buy. Comparison sites are a great way to learn about the features of different cars, and often include estimates of fuel costs and other expenses. Consult with friends about their experiences with similar cars. Once you’re done with this phase of the plan, you should know which cars satisfy your requirements.

Use teamwork

Like many other things, car shopping is less difficult if you don’t do it alone. Taking a friend along on the hunt can help relieve some of the sales pressure and make the experience a little less trying. It’s easier to keep yourself focused on the things you need – rather than what a salesperson wants you to want – if you have a little moral support. Additionally, a second pair of eyes may spot something you miss when evaluating a car. If nothing else, having else to talk to can make a long day of slogging from car dealership to car dealership less frustrating.

Trust your instincts

Worrying about decisions you’ve already made is one of the most stressful parts of the car-buying experience. To avoid this, always trust your reservations. If after a test drive you feel like there’s something unsatisfying about the car, don’t go for it. If you’ve prepared in advance, you should still be able to find alternatives without too much difficulty.

Preparing to buy a new car can seem difficult, and a certain amount of stress is unavoidable. However, it’s possible to keep the stress and worry to a minimum, mainly by preparing thoroughly. Stress in buying a new car, like stress in other activities, often comes from uncertainty. The better you understand your own needs and the type of car you’re looking for, the better able you’ll be to shut out the pressure and distractions of a car dealership and choose the car that’s right for you.