Thinking about buying a car?  Before you vist the nearest show room, stop and prepare yourself by following these steps.  You could save yourself hundreds of dollars.

!. Do Your Research:  Before you walk into a showroom, research and decide the following:

• What cars are you interested in?
• Read Consumer Reports, a completely independent magazine that accepts no advertising and runs an annual issue on cars, both new and used.  Each model undergoes a thorough inspection and dozens of tests in the garge, on their test track, and on the road.  Used cars are rated by readers going back eight years and includes owners' rating about all main systems in the car, overall reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• What is the dealer's cost?
• Call Consumer Reports Price Service: NEW: 1-800-933-5555 (Price is $12 for first car, $10 for each additional), USED: 1-900-446-0500 (Cost is $1.75 per minute, average call is 5 minutes.)