For any car, you need to find a dealer to negotiate, and DON'T BE AFRAID to walk away... a day or two later, ALL of the time , they'll match a lower price from our experience. Good luck.
x2. very important advice. even if you think it's your dream car and you'll never find another one exactly like it (which is not true, especially since you're buying new... any new model is a dime a dozen and can be had anywhere)
My girlfriend just bought a 2010 Ford Fusion and absolutely loves it. I really like it too. The interior is very nice, has connectivity to cell phones/mp3 player, has aux port in the center console, and the instrument panel is really sharp looking. The ride is good, and the gas mileage is excellent. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a nice riding, good looking, fuel effecient, and something that's not going to cost you an arm or a leg.
You weren't very specific, other than saying you prefer to buy, and gave us your price range... but are you wanting to buy a economy type sedan (Fusion, Camry, Civic, Malibu), light truck (Colorado, Ranger, Dakota), or a small SUV in your price range (Escape, Liberty, Compass, Equinox, etc)? It'll vary quite a bit in our suggestions if you don't at least narrow it down to a type of vehicle.
In my opinion, go out and drive a ton of cars. That'll help immediately eliminate certain models and put other models towards the top of your list. And I would literally make a list... write down what you really liked about it and also what you weren't so crazy about. If you spend an afternoon going dealer to dealer and getting figures/pricing/payments/interest rates/rebates/other incentives, etc etc all afternoon... at the end of the day, your mind is going to be exhausted. Take pictures with your cell phone and
take good notes, so at the end of the day... you'll really be able to accurately review all the information (both good and bad) that you got. Otherwise, you'll be wondering who said what, and what was the best pricing, and who you liked and who you didn't.
Generally, the first price you get from the salesman will not be his best price. If you basically tell him that you've been shopping around and have seen similar priced vehicles going for less... then if he really wants to make the sale, he will come back with a slightly better offer. And as noted above... Once you walk away, it's VERY likely that the salesman will call you back in a day or two saying that he's "talked it over with his boss", and that they'll able to give you even a better price on it. Just let them know right away that you aren't bullshitting with them and that you are serious about buying one in the very near future. It'll give them an incentive to make the sale.
Buying a car can, and should be exhausting. Especially if you want the best car and best price that'll suit you, it'll require a lot of homework to be done on your end.
Good luck, it's an exciting, yet frustrating process. :thumb: