With more car models available than ever and more information at the average car buyer’s fingertips, it seems like it should easier than ever before to purchase a car. But that’s typically not the case. As many find out the hard way, it’s all too easy to walk out of a dealership without getting the car they want at the price they need.

So whose fault is it? It’s tempting to blame the dealer. But sometimes the person who needs to change their approach is the person staring back at in the mirror. Sure, this is a difficult concept to swallow, but it is also a major driver of deals falling through. Read on to find out what mistakes you might be making at the dealership that are preventing you from driving home in a new car.

Failing to Do Research First

If you come in not sure of what is available, not sure of what you might like and uncertain as to what you’ll dislike, it will be difficult for a salesperson to find a model to suit your needs. In fact, it will be very difficult for the salesperson to even ascertain what your needs happen to be. Obviously, you don’t need to drop everything you’re doing and figure out every little thing about potential car models, but it can help to at least do baseline research into what type of car might be best for your lifestyle and which you should cross off the list. This can give your salesperson a great head start in finding your perfect vehicle.

Concentrating Too Much on Monthly Payments

Having a budget is a good idea and it is helpful for salespeople to understand where you’re coming from in a financial sense. But focusing solely on the monthly payment is not the best strategy. Your monthly budget doesn’t tell your salesperson how much you want to spend overall, nor does it tell the salesperson what kind of car you want. Value is a key issue for many buyers, but simply knowing what you want your monthly payment to be doesn’t offer a true assessment of what you consider to be a valuable automobile. As a result, you’re leaving your salesperson in the dark.

Being forthright. You expect the salesperson to be honest with you, and he or she expects the same. Remember, a reputable salesperson is there to help you, not hinder you. Knowledge is the salesperson’s power in finding you your dream vehicle…but they won’t know what that is, unless you tell them.

A name synonymous with luxury, Lincoln Motor Company has been churning out fresh, intriguing models that rival higher-priced vehicles of the same caliber. If you’re in the market for a 2014 Lincoln, consider the specs and benefits of the entire range before deciding on the perfect model for your family.

Sedan Options

2014 Lincoln sedans consist of the MKS and MKZ. The MKS is Lincoln’s full-sized luxury sedan with a starting MSRP of around $40,000. This refreshing design boasts both performance and efficiency. In addition, it is available in two trims: the base sedan and the EcoBoost. Depending on the trim, the MKS gets 17-19 MPG in the city and 25-28 on the highway. It features a spacious interior, exceptional standard features, and has been top-rated in crash test scores, making it both a safe and stylish choice. The 2014 model also saw an addition of power from previous models, which is a major benefit cited among reviewers.

The MKZ is the mid-size luxury sedan that features a sportier look. The starting MSRP for the 2014 model is around $35,000 and is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Enjoy a fuel-efficiency of 22 MPG in the city and 31-33 on the highway. Reviewers for this model favor its unique styling, over-sized panoramic roof, and quiet ride, but claim that some drivers may not like the touch-sensitive control panels. Many drivers, however, find it better suited to their driving style than the dash-mounted touchscreen available on the 2014 Mazda3, but this is simply a personal preference and not a drawback for either the Lincoln or the Mazda.

Crossovers

The 2014 Lincoln range also offers two CUVs, or crossover utility vehicles, namely the full-size luxury MKT and the mid-size MKX. Starting at about $43,000, the MKT Wagon features heated seats, Bluetooth, navigation, and other high-tech options that set it in a class by itself. A fuel-efficient turbocharged V6 option is available, and the model’s MPG is 16 in the city and 23 on the highway.

The MKX seats five and currently starts at around $38,000. Being smaller than the MKT, the MKX achieves 18 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway, which is a point to consider before deciding which CUV suits your needs. It is well equipped with a comfortable interior and boasts a smooth, quiet ride, which is something for which all Lincolns in the 2014 range are known. A Limited Edition package is available and offers a fresh design from previous models. New for 2015, however, is the compact MKC, which could rival the MKX in popularity, so be sure to consider this new addition to the line of CUVs.

Sport Utility Vehicles

Lincoln’s popular SUV is the Navigator, which is available in four configurations: the base model, the base model four-wheel drive, the luxury model, and the luxury four-wheel drive, with the Navigator L featuring an extended wheelbase. This versatile SUV has a starting MSRP of approximately $56,000 and gets an estimated 13-14 MPG in the city and 18-20 on the highway. This four-door design features a flex-fuel V8 engine, heated seats, and three rows of comfortable seating. The third row even boasts power-folding capabilities. This plush ride is generally less expensive than comparable luxury SUVs, making luxury more affordable than ever.

No matter your driving style, Lincoln has something to offer everyone. For expert luxury, functionality, precision, and affordability, the 2014 Lincoln range stands up to its most popular rivals with poise and elegance. Test drive your favorite model to ensure it is the best fit for you and your family.

2014 has brought a few changes to Ford’s Sedan line. Before you drive your new sedan off the lot, here is a rundown of what this manufacturer has to offer this year.

Fusion Energi

The Fusion Energi is the most energy-efficient model of the Fusion midsize Sedan line. Its plug-in hybrid technology means it can run for approximately 19 miles on electricity alone before shifting into hybrid operation. With an EPA combined rating of 88 miles per gallon (MPG) equivalent, this five-passenger extended-range sedan is comparable to the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius.

Two trims, namely the SE Luxury and Titanium, are available for the Fusion Energi. The Luxury includes automatic headlights and fog lights, heated mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a trip computer and an iPod/USB interface. The Titanium trim builds on the Luxury’s features, adding options such as remote start and a rear-view camera.

This sedan offers a wealth of optional and safety features, including the MyFord Touch. It is comparable to the Focus in many areas but a little higher on the price point.

Focus

The 2014 Focus sedan features excellent fuel economy at 31 miles per gallon combined for city and highway, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s estimates for the automatic transmission. Its energy-efficiency equivalent rating is 105 MPG combined, making this an economic choice for drivers who don’t want to waste money on fuel but still wish to have a car with modern features.

Three main trim levels, the S, SE and Titanium, are offered for the Focus in addition to a high performance package, the Focus Electric. The “S” sedan comes with a variety of features, including keyless entry, 15-inch wheels, auxiliary audio jack, a four-speaker system with a CD player and power windows, locks and mirrors.

The SE trim includes more features, such as a trip computer, and there are other specialized packages available at this level, including the Sports and Appearances packages. The Titanium builds on the SE trim level and adds features from the Winter, MyTouch and SE Appearance packages. The traditional Touch package adds electronic devices, including an 8-inch touchscreen display and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The Focus is a solid model with a lot of optional features available.

Fiesta

The Fiesta is available as a four-door sedan in the S, SE and Titanium trim levels. The S trim has 15-inch wheels and basic features, such as power locks and mirrors, while the SE adds options such as keyless entry and a trip computer with 16-inch alloy wheels. The Titanium is essentially a combination of the SE Appearance and Comfort packages with a different type of 16-inch wheels than the SE trim.