Today, women are taking over the driver’s seat, literally. Women are not only making the purchasing decisions for everyday household items, but also for big ticket items such as cars. Caroline Grossinger, one of the owners of Grossinger Auto Group in Chicago, says that now over 50% of her dealerships’ customers are women buyers.

“All of our staff at Grossinger Auto Group recognizes the buying power of women today, but it can still be a very daunting decision,” says Caroline. Woman to woman, here are Caroline’s tips to help women make their car purchase decision.

Do your research. Many customers feel more comfortable when they educate themselves over the Internet before going to the dealership. Look into what vehicle you are looking for and the different product features that you are interested in. Dealerships can help with the specific and explain how exact features, but it is very beneficial to have an idea of a budget range that you would like to spend and also evaluate what your driving needs will be. Extra features and aesthetics can be determined from there.

Look for the value beyond just the sticker price of the car. While it’s important to find a car that works for your budget, it’s important to look beyond just the price of the car. Make sure to ask your salesperson about the convenience of service hours, if they provide loaners, different financing options and services such as taxi service or rentals for service repairs.

Come prepared with your “qualifiers”. It’s important to come prepared with a game plan of what vehicles you are interested in, but also to come prepared with the details that will help find the best fit for your lifestyle. Think of the top 4 things that you need in the car. For example, if you are working mom with three kids, tells the salesperson your lifestyle needs for the vehicle such as 1) easy to get in and out of, 2) cargo space for groceries and errands, 3) compact enough to fit in a one bay garage 4) storage options for items such as books and toys.

Don’t be afraid to talk with the salesperson. The more information about your current lifestyle that you share with the salesperson, the more likely you will be to find the right fit for your car. Be friendly and confident and look the salesperson in the eye at all times. State that you have done your research and what you are looking for. Let the salesperson know your budget as well as current car payments. This will ensure that you end up purchasing the right vehicle that fits your needs.