Finding and choosing a vehicle can be a stressful ordeal. Suddenly, all those "fun" test drives and options become stressors as you try to get the car you want with the best options without overspending.

Go Preowned? | When Cars Cheapest | Keep Car Running

But being prepared for the hunt can help relieve some of that stress -- or at least hurry the process along.

Do Your Research

Check out Web sites and research, research, research. Finding a car that fits your budget and your lifestyle doesn't have to be difficult. Get an idea of non-negotiables -- do you need to have a moon roof or OnStar? -- that you can't live without. Next, make a list of features that you'd like, but don't necessarily need -- headlamp washers, heated steering wheel, or whatever you can dream of.

If you want a hybrid, be prepared for higher price.

"Fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles are in high demand right now," said Shawn Tucker, manager of automotive content for Auto Trader.

The same goes with luxury vehicles. Since they are so desirable, don't expect the dealer to be willing to give much on the price.

However, don't think the invoice price is set in stone. While base vehicles -- vehicles without many flashy options -- are easier to negotiate on, plan on "2 to 5 percent savings" on the sticker price, said Tucker.

"Look to dealer and factory incentives and special financing to create sway on where to start financing," he said.

Color Counts

The color of the vehicle is important to many auto drivers.

"White has a strong following. Many people believe it is less expensive because that was the case 50 years ago," said Tucker. "White cars are believed to be safer."

Want a racier look? "Silver is the new black," said Tucker.

Certain colors retain value better than others, so you're better off with a basic white, black, red and tan when you're ready to sell the car. However, sports cars are more popular in flashier colors, so if you're looking for something fast and expensive, consider red or yellow.

Avoid vehicles in orange, purple or any of those strange greenish-brownish-yellowish shades. It is more difficult to sell your car when it is a color that you can't really explain.

Options Galore

"You can get a premium option on a lower-priced vehicle that will make it more desirable when it is time to trade it in," said Tucker.

For example, you could get a power remote with two sliding doors on a lower-priced minivan if you can't afford a top-of-the-line van. You can have luxury options without a luxury price tag.

"A big negative for luxury vehicles is cloth interior," said Tucker. "If you want a larger vehicle, make sure to splurge on a larger engine, for longevity and durability."

"Sunroofs and moon roofs are the most popular keyword searches on Auto Trader," said Tucker.

Depending on how much you can afford, getting the bells and whistles can get you a more enjoyable vehicle and fetch more when you're ready to get rid of the vehicle.

There are some options that don't help resale value.

"It really depends on where you live. Undercoating could be a benefit in wintry northern states but worthless in Florida," said Tucker.

Automatic transmission is a negative in sports cars, and buyers should beware of continuously variable transmission -- or CVT -- which is less common than the transmission offered in most hybrids -- and other rare technologies and options.

Steals And Deals

The automotive industry is wrought with three-day sales, one-day sales and all kinds of gimmicky deals. Many dealerships use these supposed deals to pressure buyers into buying a car immediately, which can cause buyer's remorse.

"When it comes down to non-nationwide dealer organizations, if they are willing to sell the car to you at a certain price today, they'll do the same tomorrow," Tucker said. "If you don't feel right about any aspect of it, if you have any doubt, don't do it."

New Or Used

Pre-owned vehicles are not necessarily bad cars. Often you can score a great deal on a car that is only three years old. If you find an auto with less than 40,000 miles, there's a good chance that it is a rental return or a company car return. Many of these are certified pre-owned and have gotten routine maintenance.

"Certified pre-owned vehicles are different than used," said Tucker.

Pre-owned vehicles must pass an inspection before they are sold and often come with a short-term warranty.

Consider a pre-owned car if you want a vehicle that you can't afford new. This is a popular way for people to get into a luxury vehicle with all the favorable options without spending a small fortune.

He said 12,500 miles per year vehicles are still good vehicles, especially when the vehicle is 3 years of age or less.

Get The Most From Your Old Car

"Selling your car outright typically brings in more money, but it can be time-consuming," said Tucker.

This can become a problem if you are trying to sell a common car, especially if your car is similar to a rental car in style. When rental cars are returned to dealerships, the market can get flooded, making it more difficult to sell your auto.

Find out if you'd benefit from trading in your vehicle.

"Depending on where you live, you could be taxed on the sale of the auto," said Tucker, while a trade-in could keep you from having to pay that tax.

If you want your new car now and can't afford to pay for two cars at a time, shop around and find out which dealership can get you the best deal on your new car while also giving you the most for your old car. Keep track of offers and let dealers know what others are offering -- you could just get a great deal.

Additional Resources:

• Talk Your Way Out Of A Ticket
• 10 Things Your Gas Station Will Never Tell You