Driving a brand new car can be fun and exciting. But the process of purchasing a new car can be a hassle if you are not prepared. One of the keys to buying a new car is to be an informed consumer. Use the following tips to make buying a new car a simpler and more enjoyable process:

Do Your Research

When purchasing a new car, don't base your choice solely on the appearance of the vehicle. It is important to take the time to do some research, ideally for a couple of different models so you can compare and contrast. Read reviews from professionals and find out a vehicle's safety rating. During your research, you should also decide what features are important to you so you can buy a car that has what you want. 

Get Pre-Approved for an Auto Loan

Before heading to a dealership, make sure you are pre-approved for an auto loan through your bank, credit union, or another financial institution. Doing so will let you know how much you can afford to spend, what your monthly payments will be, and what interest rate you will be charged. Being pre-approved does not mean that you have to take out a loan with that lender. But it will allow you to compare the loan you are pre-approved for with the financing options offered by the dealership. 

Test Drive

After you have narrowed down a few models that you are interested in, make sure that you test drive all of them to see how they handle and whether or not you enjoy driving them. For example, if you have come to the conclusion that you want to buy a Subaru, test drive an Outback, Forrester, and WRX so you can compare and contrast what you like and don't like about each model. If you are on the fence, don't be afraid to leave the dealership without making a purchase-- since a new car is a big investment, you should be absolutely sure about your decision before you agree to purchase a car.

Get a Sales Price

An easy way to find out exactly how much a new vehicle will cost is by contacting a dealership's internet sales department. When you work with the internet sales department, you can request a written price report that includes the total cost of buying the car, including extra features that may have already been installed, taxes, and fees charged by the dealership. You may want to contact several dealerships in order to find the best price.

Contact a company that has a Subaru Outback for sale for more information and assistance.