Ready to purchase a new car? Before you sign those papers, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Get your loan pre-approved. By having your loan approved ahead of time, you can usually save several percentage points on your interest. Do some research and look for a loan that will keep monthly payments down without stretching for too long.

Research new car prices. You probably know which vehicle you want, so take some time to check out the current value and the common prices of the vehicle before you head to the car dealerships. It’s easier to negotiate if you know the true value.

Compare prices. Check different car dealerships for prices. You could save quite a bit of money this way, which could be used to add some bells and whistles to the car, if you like.

Finish the paperwork before leaving. If you head home before the papers have all been approved, you may end up getting a call later that the financing didn’t work out. This can be used to get you to agree to less favorable contracts.

Skip the extras. You don’t really need things like fabric protection, paint sealant, etc. You can eliminate these and the cost from your payments and simply find a cheaper option later.

Buying a new car may sound complicated, but it involves a lot of common sense. As long as you know what you want and stay firm on it, you’ll get good deals.