First time buying a car alone — looking at a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, need advice and price check

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in the process of buying a new car and could really use some advice. I’m hoping to get a hybrid and my budget is under $35,000. I plan to put around $20,000 down, and my credit score is 790.

To be honest, I don’t know much about buying cars. My previous car was a 2011 Nissan Rogue, and looking back, I paid so much more than I should've. I’m trying to be much smarter this time.

Right now, I’m doing a lot of research and contacting different dealerships through email and phone before visiting in person. I want to negotiate remotely first to get a sense of fair pricing.

That said, as a solo female going in to buy a car. I want to make sure I’m well-prepared and confident before stepping into a dealership.

I’m mainly interested in the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, but I’m also open to other good hybrid options under $35k.

If anyone could share:

• Tips for negotiating or avoiding getting taken advantage of, especially as a solo female buyer
• How to start the buying process the right way (what steps come first?)
• Any other hybrid models worth checking out under $35k
• And roughly how much I should expect to pay for a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. What’s a fair deal, and what’s too high to fall for?
• what’s a good out-the-door price for a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (2024 or 2025) right now?
• Any dealer add-ons or fees I should refuse?
• Should I finance through Toyota or a credit union instead?
• Anything I should watch out for during negotiation or when signing papers?

I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share.

Thanks in advance 😊