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ATLANTA — Though women are commanding more of the auto purchasing power these days, they are more likely than men to find the whole vehicle-shopping process stressful. With that in mind, AutoTrader.com has unveiled a new guide for female shoppers to confidently navigate the ins and outs of auto buying.

AutoTrader.com created the Roadmap to Car Shopping Success with Courtney Hansen, who hosts the Powerblock show on Spike and wrote The Garage Girl's Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Your Car.

The site indicated that roughly a quarter of women cited car buying as "stressful" and only 15 percent of male shoppers said the same. Just 25 percent of female shoppers said they are "certain and confident" when they step onto a dealer's lot, versus 44 percent of men who claimed they felt that way.

However, Hansen stressed that even for consumers who don't grasp a strong "automotive know-how," car buying process can still be made to be "fun and rewarding."

"Long gone are the days when making car purchases is a man's role. In fact, women influence over 80 percent of all automotive sales," she stated, referring to data from CNW Research.

"Doing your homework on sites like AutoTrader.com and arming yourself with a few simple tips will help anyone in the market for a new car feel more satisfied with the purchase in the end," Hansen added.

Among Hansen's tips are the following, as listed by AutoTrader.com: 

Researching and Planning 

—Determine what vehicle features — like passenger seating, storage capacity, fuel costs and other options — are essential to your lifestyle.

—Compare vehicles, research prices, look at videos and photos, find specials and access local inventory on sites like AutoTrader.com. Bring this research to the dealer or seller.

Visiting a Dealership or Private Seller

—Ask questions to show that you're prepared and knowledgeable. 

—Get up and take a walk if you ever feel uncomfortable.

Test Driving and Inspection

—Bring a friend to the test drive and to help you fully examine the body, interior and engine.

—Conduct a thorough visual inspection after the test drive.

Considerations and Precautions

—Get a Carfax history report before buying any pre-owned vehicle, based on the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number.

—Review government and insurance company crash test ratings for any vehicle you're considering.

Negotiating 

—Go to the dealership armed with the best interest rate that you can locate on your own.

—When negotiating a monthly payment, focus on the actual price of the car. 

—Ask the dealer or seller to explain how the cost breaks down and get it in writing.