- 1). Decide which make and model of car you are most interested in purchasing. Make a list of additional options like sunroof, moonroof, trim, power or heated seats and equipment packages like tow or lift kits that you want added to the car.
- 2). Research the car of your choice online at consumer sites like Edmunds, Yahoo Autos, Kelly Blue Book and Invoice Dealers. Enter the make, model, trim and additional options as well as your zip code into the appropriate search fields to return pricing information on the vehicle of interest.
- 3). Compare the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or MSRP to the invoice price, both listed next to a photo of the vehicle above the highlights, reviews and ratings of the vehicle. Understand that the invoice price, or dealer invoice, is the price a dealer pays the auto manufacturer for the vehicle. The invoice price includes destination charges.
- 4). Write down the fair purchase price, which is included on some consumer research sites and refers to the average price consumers are paying across the country for the vehicle. Understand that your city may have a lower or higher average fair price than the national average. Calculate an offer price, which you feel comfortable making to the new car salesperson, three percent higher than the dealer invoice price.
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