How To Buy A Car

Discover The Secrets Experts Use When They Buy a Car

Buy a Car...The Finances

When you Buy a car it is one of the most important purchases you may make. If you prepare yourself and do your research in advance, you can make the buying process much easier. One of the first steps is to evaluate your finances.

Some people may be able to purchase a car with cash, however most people must finance the purchase. Take a careful look at your budget to determine how much you can put down when you purchase your a car. Remember to calculate your monthly payments and the cost of insurance before you make your purchase.

Buy a Car...Features and Options

After you have determined how much you can spend when you buy a car, evaluate your lifestyle to determine what type of vehicle best suits your needs. Make an itemized list of what optional features you want and need. Here are a couple of questions to help you get started.

Do you frequently have passengers? ...Maybe you should buy a car with four doors, or a Mini-Van.

Do you frequently haul packages, suitcases, groceries etc.? Once you may need a mini-van or SUV.

Look at the options or features closely...they all add to the purchase cost and they can also add to the cost of repairs.

Some important features that you should include... Air Conditioning, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, power door locks, and tilt steering wheel.

But...do you really need the sunroof or fancy stereo or even power windows? I recommend against Power Windows on used cars...they often go bad.

Buy a Car...Safety

Consider Safety when you buy a car. Make sure it has drivers side and front passenger front and side air bags. If you will carry small children make sure you have built-in child safety seat belts. Make sure you check out the US Department of Transportation's crash test results.

Buy a Car...Choosing Your Car

When you're ready to buy a car, do not narrow down your choice to one car...choose three or four that suit your needs and your pocketbook. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to fall in love with a particular car. Talk to your friends first...see what they like, cruise the dealerships and used car lots, check out the newspaper ads, run a search on-line etc.

Buy a Car...The test Drive

Here's a check list for the test drive...

Visibility - Can you see the end of the hood and the trunk? Are there any blind spots?

Steering Wheel Placement - Are you comfortable behind it? Can you adjust it to fit you? How about the seat and
and mirrors - can you adjust them from behind the wheel?

Entry/Exit - Is it easy to get in and out?

Seating - Check all seats for leg and head room. Check out the seatbelts in all seats.

Instruments and Controls - Can you easily see and operate them? Make sure you include The Stereo and Climate control instrument.

Trunk - Is it big enough for your needs? Is the spare tire accessible?

Engine - Check smoothness of operation and passing power.

Transmission - If it's an automatic, does it shift smoothly? If it's a manual, check for ease of shifting between all gears. Check the clutch for slippage.

Ride - Is it smooth enough for you? How responsive is the car?

Noise level - With Windows closed, check the wind noise and engine noise...is it quiet enough for you? Make sure you do this test at slow speeds, when you accelerate and at highway speeds.

Exterior - Check for rust, dents, and body work. Is the paint finish glossy? Are the body panels evenly aligned? Is the trim secure?

Buy a Car...Negotiating

Negotiate all aspects separately...do not combine the steps. Each of these is a separate issue.

Trade in... How much will they give you for your car without you purchasing a car from them?

Warranties...Do not let then be lumped in with your purchase, negotiate them separately.

Options, how much is each one costing?

Compile a list of prices and features. Take it to each dealer, show it to them. Let the Dealers compete against each other for your business. Do not buy a car just because the salesperson is friendly...buy a car because it's the one you need at the best price.