Buying a car? Read this first!

By: Doc Phillips

Cars - Too Bad They're A Necessity

Okay - that old car you've been driving for the last 17 years is
finally on its last legs. This is a bad thing! You haven't had a
car payment in more than 10 years. This is a good thing!

Now, it's time to replace that old car so you can get to work,
the grocery store, drop the kids off at school, take the spouse
out for a night on the town, go see Grandma 300 miles away...
well, you get the idea. You have to have a dependable car to
accomplish these ventures. Now what?

Before You Buy, Line Up Your Ducks

First, arm yourself with the information that will keep you from
making a bad deal. If you simply go to the dealer, find the car
you want and pay the price on the sticker, you're cheating
yourself!

It's going to take some time and effort, but knowing what you
need to know puts you in a much better position to negotiate.
Believe me, it's a position you want to be in. You can save
yourself literally thousands if you're prepared.

Pick out the vehicle and model in which you're interested.
Better yet - pick out 2 or 3. This way you won't just go from
dealership to dealership "looking for the best deal". You CAN
get the car you want and at a price that won't necessarily break
the bank.

Now, check the Blue Book value of the car (if it's used) or the
factory invoice (if it's new). Don't expect to pay low Blue Book
value, either. You should be prepared to pay somewhere between
the loan value and the retail value. Car dealers and those that
sell cars for those dealers are never - let me repeat that -
NEVER going to lose money on a deal, regardless of what they
tell you. It's also important to keep in mind that dealerships
are still businesses. And, as such, they are entitled to make a
profit. However, because they work on commission, the more they
can sell you the car for, the more they make.

Do I Need All These Extras?

Next, be aware of those "needed" extras, many if not all of
which you do not need. At least you don't need them for the
price they're going to charge you. Once you and the salesman
have agreed on the car deal, you'll be re-directed to the F & I
guy. He will attempt to sell you insurance coverage, extended
warranties, and finance your deal with "the best rates
available". NOT!!

Get pre-approved through your own financial institution prior to
car shopping. This will not only save you a lot of headaches,
but money as well. YOUR hard-earned money.

It Ain't Worth What You Paid For It Once You Drive It Away

Another important factor to keep in mind is that automobiles
depreciate the minute you drive them off the lot, whether the
car you buy is used or new. I have yet to see a car increase in
value, unless, of course, it's a classic and in like-new
condition. Please do yourself a favor and keep this in mind at
all times when car shopping.

"No" May Not Be Popular, But It's Necessary

Lastly, and this is of utmost importance, learn to say, "No"!
Learn to say it with conviction. Go to the mirror, look at
yourself and say, "No"... repeat... repeat again for however
many times it takes to convince yourself that you mean business.
It's a good word. It belongs in your vocabulary.

Cars are money pits. But, they're absolutely necessary. Say,
"No"... until you've made the deal YOU want.

It will make you feel as though you triumphed when purchasing
your next car.

© Doc Phillips Productions All Rights Reserved

About the author:
Doc Phillips is an internet entrepreneur who currently has 4
websites online which he designed, built and maintains. His
latest site is called "Buying a car? Read this first!" and can
be found at http://carbuyingtips.docphillips.com . You may also
want to see http://www.docphillips.com and
http://www.agiftrack.com two more of Doc's sites.