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If you've made it through this whole guide and you intend to follow the recommendations, there's no doubt you're going to kick butt when you enter the minefield that is new-car buying. In case it hasn't been evident so far, here are a few parting thoughts on what helps and hurts your cause.

You'll Get a Better Deal If You . . .

• prepare.
• shop multiple sources for the car, the financing, the insurance and the buyer for your current car.
• wait for a rebate offer and, overall, take plenty of time.
• remain as emotionally detached as possible and hide any excitement from the dealer.
  keep the various deals separate.
• are flexible — with regard to make, model, trim level, color, equipment, etc.
• accept that the dealer deserves some profit.
• dress modestly.

You'll Get a Worse Deal If You . . .

• don't prepare.
• use dealerships alone to learn about the cars, financing, and all other related products and services.
• are in a hurry.
• reveal that you're in a hurry.
• roll all of the deals (trade-in, financing, service contract, etc.) into one.
• want a low-supply, high-demand vehicle, or you're inflexible regarding make, model, trim level, color and equipment.
• are combative in negotiations.
• dress in a manner that isn't consistent with what you tell the dealer.