Consumers should view the car-buying process as three separate transactions: negotiating the best price on the new car, getting the best loan and getting the most money for your trade-in. Follow these tips to get the best deal on your new car.

Do your homework before you buy. Consult the Internet, the yellow pages, local newspapers and your bank for the best available prices on new and used cars.

Decide how much you can afford. Set a limit and stick to it.

Focus on the lowest possible car loan interest rate, not the monthly payment. Finance managers can pull strings to meet your monthly payment limit, but you may pay more in the long run if you don’t keep the overall interest rate down.

Find out what your trade-in is worth before you start shopping. Your bank, the Internet and the Kelley Blue Book can provide both the retail price and the trade-in value.

Sell your current car yourself. A salesman’s goal is to pay the lowest price possible for your car, then turn around and sell it for the highest price possible. You'll do better on your own.

Know what your monthly payment includes before you sign anything. Read the loan papers and make certain the purchase price, down payment, trade-in value (if you don't sell the car yourself), and interest rate are what you agreed upon.

Note that car dealerships offer a variety of "add-ons" such as an extended warranty, credit life insurance or a security system. Decide if you want these items before you buy a car.