| With all of the turmoil in the auto industry these | | | | - Check out financing with your bank or credit |
| days (GM just declared bankruptcy) it seems like | | | | union. Get a quote that you can take with you to |
| this might be a good time to buy a new car. | | | | the car dealer. Getting pre-approved for a loan is |
| After all, they really need to sell those cars don't | | | | even better. But, also consider the financing the |
| they? Yes they do, but it is still important to be | | | | dealer may offer. It could be the best deal but |
| able to negotiate with the car dealer. What you | | | | you can only know this if you have done your |
| need to know before going to the car lot. | | | | homework. |
| - Know exactly what car you want to buy. Do | | | | - Know the dealer's cost. Do your research online |
| your research online, in magazines, etc. to decide | | | | to find out what the dealer most likely paid for |
| which car model, options, etc. you really want. | | | | the car you want to buy. You should try to start |
| This is important because the dealer may try to | | | | your negotiations somewhere between the |
| lead you away from the car you want to buy to | | | | dealer's cost and the MSRP (manufacturer's |
| the car he wants to sell you. | | | | suggested retail price) as stated on the window |
| - Decide on your budget. Take other factors into | | | | sticker. |
| consideration such as insurance and gas mileage | | | | - Trade-in or down payment? If you want to |
| when deciding how much you can afford to pay | | | | trade in your current car be sure to check out |
| for that new car. Remember when you get to | | | | what your car is worth before you go to buy |
| the dealer you need to negotiate the price of the | | | | your new car. The dealer wants to give you as |
| car and not the monthly payments. | | | | little as possible for your trade-in. |