| Car buying is not a task to be taken lightly. The | | | | Most consumer information shows no need to |
| cost of a new car equals almost what my | | | | buy an extra contract on a new car, as it's not |
| parents paid for their first home. It's imperative to | | | | likely a problem will occur during the first months |
| do behind the scenes research to ensure you get | | | | of use.Whatever you do, always read the fine |
| a great deal.Do not be in a hurry. Car dealers can | | | | print of any contract before signing it. Ask |
| detect the scent of desperation a mile away! If | | | | questions about what certain phrases mean if and |
| you are totally without transportation, rent a | | | | when you do not understand something.Also, just |
| vehicle until you find the right car. If you rush | | | | because a car is brand new doesn't mean you |
| your purchase, you will usually end up on the bad | | | | should buy it without asking questions. New cars |
| end of the deal.You can uncover the typical retail | | | | can land in the lemon category as well as used |
| cost of a specific make and model right on the | | | | ones. Keep on your toes during the negotiation |
| internet. With a little extra research, you can | | | | process. You will enjoy both getting a new car, |
| discover the wholesale cost as well. These two | | | | AND creating a win-win situation for yourself and |
| pieces of information give you an edge when it | | | | the dealer.And what if you get stuck with a |
| comes to negotiation.It's best to work toward a | | | | lemon?By the way, a lemon is usually defined as a |
| win-win situation with the car salesperson. They | | | | vehicle that has a substantial problem which is not |
| need to make some money on the deal, and you | | | | fixed after a reasonable number of attempts. |
| want to pay a fair price. You can often negotiate | | | | What a reasonable number of attempts actually |
| a price that is $500 above dealer cost, or about | | | | means is up to interpretation. It is usually four or |
| 20% off the sticker price. Make sure you take | | | | more attempts. Some states have reduced this |
| your calculator with you when car hunting.You can | | | | to two repair attempts where the defect poses a |
| often order a car with *custom* option choices. | | | | serious safety threat.Most states have specific |
| This could save you hundreds of dollars. You | | | | lemon laws. It is best to check your particular |
| might wait a couple of weeks, but why pay for | | | | state's laws and definitions.The most important |
| options that you do not need?Always check with | | | | thing to remember in any potential lemon situation |
| the dealership to see if you can return the car if | | | | is to keep detailed records. You need to record |
| you do not like it. Many dealerships now offer this | | | | somewhere each time you bring your vehicle in |
| option. Some dealerships will give you a three day | | | | for repair, what was done, and the results. Also |
| trial period in which to try the car.It is a good idea | | | | remember to write down conversations you have |
| to wait until the end of the month to go car | | | | with service technicians, both over the phone and |
| hunting. Salespersons who want to meet a certain | | | | in person. Check on the internet and ask your |
| quota will be eager to strike a deal.Knowing the | | | | dealer mechanic about any Technical Service |
| value of your old car makes it easier to negotiate | | | | Bulletins (TSBs). They are instructions from the |
| a better price for it. Try not to talk about a | | | | manufacturer that alert dealerships to specific |
| trade-in possibility until you get a purchase price. | | | | defects or necessary repairs in certain models.If |
| Sometimes this is difficult, as most salespeople will | | | | you feel that you have a lemon, it is best to |
| ask upfront about a trade in.I took my car to one | | | | consult with a lawyer who is familiar with your |
| lot, and was told the trade in value was $1,200. | | | | state's laws. Although the lawyer may cost you a |
| Another dealership said they would give me | | | | bit of money, it may be better than continuing |
| $3,500 for the same car! So do your research to | | | | your car payments for the next 48 months. Ask |
| make sure you receive a fair price on your used | | | | a lawyer for a free consultation to see if your |
| vehicle. Stick to your guns when it comes to | | | | case may qualify for lemon law relief.Copyright |
| getting the value of your trade-in, especially if | | | | 2005 Daniel EllenwoodDan Ellenwood is a |
| you've had your car serviced regularly.A service | | | | professional educator. |
| contract will likely be brought into the negotiation. | | | | |