Dreaming about owning a new car is fun, and window-shopping in magazines or on car lots can be very entertaining. Unfortunately, it’s easy to lose sight of that fun in the stress and worry of actually shopping for and buying a new car. Doing your homework ahead of time and learning a few tricks of the trade can help make your purchase less stressful and more enjoyable.

Before you go to the dealership, always start your car search online. There are many reliable websites for car information, including Edmunds, Carsdirect, and YahooAuto. These searches will let you find the strengths and weaknesses of your favorite cars and the price range you should expect to see for any particular make and model in your region. Shopping online can offer the opportunity to call several dealerships to get an idea of availability and prices before ever meeting with a salesperson. With plenty of information in hand, you will be less vulnerable to high-pressure sales tactics.

Another great way to de-stress the car buying experience is by arranging your financing ahead of time. With Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union, you can get pre-approval for a loan before you buy your car, so there’s no need to worry when the contract is on the line. By financing through WWFCU, you can avoid dealer markups and finance charges, and you can also negotiate based on the full cost of the car, rather than trying to juggle monthly payments and interest rate totals on the fly.

When you visit the dealership, try going on a weekday morning. It’s less busy then. Have a strong idea of what you’re looking for, but be flexible if you can. A little flexibility in color, trim or options can give you more room to negotiate and get a good deal. By planning ahead, buying a new car can be almost as exhilarating as driving it off the lot!