You know how much you have to spend. Hopefully you've decided on a class of car (compact, subcompact, flying, etc.) Now it's time to narrow the field.
The amount of time you have to buy a car is going to play a factor in determining how narrow you get. When we were shopping, we had to have a replacement within the week, so we had three or four model types we were considering; we needed to cast a broad net. If we'd had more time, we probably would have gotten more picky, narrowing it down to one model or even one trim level within the model.
However many you're going to consider, here's how to go about it.
1. Find reliable models within that class.
Consumer Guide Auto is a free service much like Consumer Reports. You can use it to look up scores on used cars in your desired category--it even includes a "reviewed as used" section for most models and years. You can see how the car stacks up against others in its class (this is one of the most valuable tools), and where the most common trouble areas are. Find a few that look good to you and continue on to step two.
2. Price the cars you like
Kelley Blue Book is the go-to guide for guessing price. You don't have to price every year of every model you're interested in, but it's a good idea to price at least one year per model design. When asked to put in the mileage, a good average is 15k miles per year. Eliminate immediately any cars whose blue book trade-in value is greater than your budget. If the private party value for a good car is above your budget by a significant amount, you should probably nix that, too. I find you can reasonably expect to pay a little below the private party value--sometimes significantly below, with a motivated seller. But this will give you a good idea where the norms are. (Tip: you can also download the Kelley Blue Book app for your mobile phone to take with you when it comes time for negotiations.)
If every car on your short list got axed, it's time to hit Consumer Guide Auto again and look for older models or models with ratings you can live with. But if you still have a few models you like, continue on to step three.
3. Test-drive every car on your list of possibilities (at a dealership.)
The best way to do this is to call a dealership ahead of time. Explain that you want to come in and test-drive a few different models, but that you absolutely, positively, will NOT be buying that day. All you want to do is to get a feel for how a few models handle. Ask if they have the specific models and years in their inventory. Automalls are a good resource here.
I would also ask to know when they would be the least busy, reiterating that you will not be purchasing and explaining that you don't want to keep a salesman occupied at a time when s/he's likely to be making another sale. If possible, make an appointment at this time. Either way, get the person's name, so that when you arrive you can tell whoever you're working with, "Hey, I talked to ____ about test-driving a few models. I'm not buying today, and s/he said that if I came around this time it wouldn't be too busy so I won't be costing you business." Salesmen are notoriously pushy, but most won't try a hard sell when you've gone to this much effort to establish your intent and minimize the inconvenience to them.
Most.
Anyway, get in the cars. If you have objects you need to fit into the car, take those with you (strollers, carseats, golf clubs, etc.) Ride in both the front and back seats. Take pictures with a camera of features you really liked or disliked, or take notes. By the end of this experience, you should have a list of cars you're interested in buying.
NOTE: it's tempting to skip this step, because obviously you'll be test-driving any cars you seriously consider buying. Resist that temptation! You'll save yourself so much time by eliminating models you don't like now.
If you've done your due diligence, you're ready to start shopping.
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