| The cost of a new car nowadays equals about what | | | | As far as trade ins go, do your research here, too. |
| my parents paid for their first home. It is not a | | | | Knowing the value of your old car makes it easier to |
| purchase to be taken lightly. You want to do | | | | negotiate a better price for it. Try not to talk about |
| everything possible to ensure you get a great deal. | | | | a trade in possibility until you get a purchase price. |
| Never rush your decision. If you are completely | | | | I researched the value of my little red Corolla and |
| without transportation, rent a vehicle until you find | | | | found that it was 3500 dollars. One dealership offered |
| the right car. When you rush a purchase, you usually | | | | me 1200 dollars because they would have to repaint |
| end up on the losing end of the deal. | | | | it. Another dealership offered me 3500 dollars and |
| Thanks to the Internet, you can uncover the typical | | | | complimented me on taking such good care of the |
| retail cost of a specific make and model. With a little | | | | engine. Stick to your guns when it comes to getting |
| digging, you can find out the wholesale cost as well. | | | | the value of your trade in, especially if you have had |
| This information makes you a powerful negotiator. | | | | your car serviced regularly. |
| You want a win win situation with the car dealership. | | | | You may want to advertise your older car and sell it |
| They need to make some profit, and you need to | | | | privately. Typically you can get a better price this |
| feel you paid a fair price. It is fair to negotiate to a | | | | way, but it may take a little time. |
| price that is 500 dollars above dealer cost or about | | | | A service contract will likely be brought into the |
| 20 percent off the sticker price. So take along your | | | | negotiation. The consumer information I have read |
| calculator when you shop. | | | | discourages buying an extra contract on a new car, |
| If the only cars on the lot have expensive options | | | | as it is not likely a problem will occur during the first |
| you do not care for, you might want to order a car | | | | months of use. |
| to your specifications. You might wait a bit, but will | | | | Whatever you do, always read the fine print of any |
| save money on options you do not need. | | | | contract before signing it. Ask a bazillion questions |
| Check with the dealership to see if you can return | | | | about what certain phrases mean if you do not |
| the car if you do not like it. I did this once. The car I | | | | understand something. |
| purchased ended up less comfortable than my old | | | | Simply because the car just rolled off the factory line |
| car, so the next morning I took it back for my check | | | | does not mean you should buy it without asking |
| and my trade in. Many dealerships now offer this | | | | questions. Keep on your toes during the negotiation |
| option. | | | | process. There is nothing like the thrill of getting a |
| You may have heard the advice to shop the last day | | | | new car and creating a win win situation for you and |
| of the month for better deals. It's true that you | | | | the dealer. |
| might get a better deal from a salesman then. | | | | |