Walking into a car dealership can sometimes feel like diving into shark-infested waters. You never know when a dealer will “bite” with crafty sales tactics that get you to sign on the dotted line.

Buying a new car is a process that's full of exciting decisions. Should you choose the leather interior or cloth? Rear-wheel or front-wheel drive? Second-row bench seats or captain's chairs? Of course, the details of the vehicle aren't the only things you need to think about.

No one ever said it would be easy to buy your first car, did they? Chances are you've received lots of advice on your way to the dealership - not all of it helpful and much of it conflicting. So, before you take that test drive, there are some things you ought to consider.

When looking to buy a new car, chances are you still consider local dealerships the place to go. However, as the world continues to turn more digital, innovative auto companies are changing the landscape and implementing online car buying.