When it comes time to buy your next vehicle, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. In addition to the decisions you'll have to make about the vehicle itself, you need to find out which dealership you would like to buy from.

Each dealership will have its own specialties and incentives. With so many different businesses, how do you know which one is best for you?

It helps to have an idea of what type of vehicle you would like to purchase. Carlsbad Car Country, a dealership in San Diego, California, says you'll want to make sure the business offers leasing or used vehicles if you prefer these options to buying a new vehicle. You can also research the models available from different automakers and see which one is most appropriate for your driving habits and price range.

Once you have determined the type of vehicle you are looking for, find out which dealerships specialize in these models. Naturally, it will be most convenient to find a place close to where you live. Doing so will make it easier to pay a visit to the lot, and it will also allow you to build a long-term relationship with the dealership.

Research the available dealerships to get a sense of what they offer. Automotive advertisements and the dealer's website are a good place to start, since they typically have a list of available models and their prices. The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association says you can also check to see if the dealership has been accredited, received awards, or otherwise been recognized for high quality.

Other online resources can also give you an idea of the dealership's reputation. The automotive site DriverSide says you can check review sites to see how customers describe their experience with the business. Be sure to take the number of reviews into consideration; if only a handful of customers have reviewed the dealership, it can easily skew its rating.

Some sites will have a dealer referral option. After you enter the information on what kind of vehicle you are looking for, you will be linked to dealerships in your area that will most likely be able to help you.

Another effective way to find a good dealership is to simply consult with friends or family members. Jennifer Acosta Scott, writing for the financial site Bankrate, says this type of referral should carry much more weight than an online review from a stranger.

Stop in to visit a dealership to gauge its environment. Carlsbad Car Country suggests asking for time to browse the available vehicles and observing how the salespeople interact with others. If you feel pressured or are otherwise uncomfortable with the business, you should look for another dealership.

If you have the time, it can be useful to meet with the manager of the dealership. He or she may be able to answer questions you have about how the business operates and why it would be a good choice for you.

Calling up the dealership can also give you an idea of its practices. Scott suggests that a salesperson should be willing to discuss prices over the phone rather than inviting you in to negotiate in person.

In addition to sales, dealerships also tend to offer financing and servicing. If these departments will be an integral part of your vehicle purchase, you should make sure you are satisfied with their quality.

Check to see what financing options are available, and what incentives may make it more affordable to buy a vehicle at the dealership. You may be able to get certain deals if you are a member of an organization such as AAA or a credit union.

A good servicing department can be especially useful, as they will be able to keep your car in good condition as you reach the intervals of the maintenance schedule. Many dealerships also offer perks for vehicles purchased through the sales department, such as a certain number of free oil changes or alignments.

The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association recommends checking to see if the service department is certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence or a similar organization. You'll also want to see if the service department's hours will be convenient for you, if its prices are reasonable, and if it will provide a loaner vehicle when you require extended servicing.

A vehicle purchase is a major commitment, so it is important to find a dealership you can trust and work with. If you are satisfied with the purchase, it is easy to form a long-term relationship with a dealership to help you through your loan and maintenance needs.