5 tips for buying that new car: expert advice from David Champion, Director of Auto Testing and The Consumer Reports New Car Price Service.

1 Learn the lowest cost

Get the Consumer Reports Wholesale Price

Here's the real key to your deal: you must find out what the dealer paid for the car so you can negotiate the price you'll pay for it. You have to find out this information for yourself and you have to be sure it's up-to-date and correct!

The best way to do this is to make a quick call to the Consumer Reports New Car Price Service. You'll be glad you did. New car buyers who use the service save $2,200 on average. For a fee of just $12, you receive a report by fax or mail that includes:

* The Consumer Reports Wholesale Price, including current national rebates, unadvertised incentives, and holdbacks;

* The "invoice" price (provided by the manufacturer to the dealer);

* The "sticker" price (what the dealer wants you to pay);