Before You Shop Know Your Wants and Needs or You Could End Up with a 
on Wheels
Ask yourself (with pen and Paper), "Which manufacturers, size, models, makes and equipment fit my budget? And what options are a MUST?" If you enter a Superstore with a huge selection, your emotions could take over and you're then shopping for things like appearance, style, color, etc.. rather than the things you need.
BUYING USED " Franchise dealerships are second to none "
Your best used car buys will be vehicles 1 to 4 yrs old. Anything older generally requires more costly maintenance.
A well maintained used car that's less than 4 years old will give you the same satisfaction as a new car...for about half the price.
If you're shopping in car lots with an open mind and test driving several vehicles to find that magic car, don't let emotions rule your logic. Do some homework and if the car isn't there tomorrow, then it wasn't meant to be.
If you're financing, the rule of thumb is to make a down payment of around 20% on a used car. In most cases, that will cover the depreciation value of the first year. Should you want to trade, you most likely won't be in a negative situation
BUYING NEW "Know the bottom line before entering a dealership "
There is no catch and it's Free! Dealers compete for your business online and I assure you that the prices quoted will be the lowest. When you enter a dealership you'll be one step ahead of the salesperson, who will try to swindle you for profit without knowing you have the final price in your back pocket. 5 mintues of your time will save you hundreds of dollars!!!
Edmonds.com and Automotive.com are the leaders providing the lowest car quotes on the internet, get a free quote from both and be armed when you enter a dealership
• "Best of the Web" by Forbes
• "Best Site" for shopping for a new or used car by The Wall Street Journal
• "Best Car Research on the web, Hands Down" by Forbes.
Free Price Quotes at Edmunds.com
LEASE - Dont Let Emotions Overide Your Signature
You must FULLY understand the contract when leasing a vehicle. Whatever terms you agree to and sign, be 100% sure you will want to keep it for that term and fully understand the fine print. If you went to jail for 3 or 4 years, you would most likely be released early based on good behavior. Not so with a lease! There is no parole without severely hurting your pocketbook.
How Are You Paying for Your New Purchase
If your shopping at a dealership and inquiring about available financing, you're considered a 'payment buyer' and you could end up with the short end of the stick.
The educated buyer will have a secured loan amount in place (be it from the bank, credit union or established line of credit), and goes shopping with that amount. However, you must still consider if there is a better deal to be had. Automotive.com is one of the leading providers of auto loans online (whether the vehicle is new, used, refinanced or a lease buyout).""Looking For an Auto Loan? Apply Now""
How to Save When Buying Used
Let's pretend you're a buyer who has seen an advertisement for a specific vehicle and you want to visit the dealership.If you arrive at the dealership without having done some very simple research, you won't be in a position to negotiate.
There are many sites that offer the value of a vehicle. Your first step is to investigate if the same type of vehicle is available elsewhere in your area.
To compare the value, go to AUTOTRADER.COM (or Autotrader.ca in Canada). Submit your zip code, year and model of vehicle and allow a 100 mile distance from your zip code. You will more than likely find a good selection of the same vehicle you're interested in so either print out or make notes of the mileage, options, price, etc... on all the comparable vehicles.
When you arrive at the dealership, don't discuss price or instantly display the information you have. If the car suits your needs, sit down with the salesperson and ask for the best price. At this point, if you have a better figure, show it to the salesperson. The dealer will do better. Salespeople will try to justify why their vehicle is worth more money but stay firm! Remember that you're in control and you've done some homework that will save you money!
