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It’s a car buyer’s market
Estimates from market research firm Polk state that 15 million new cars will be sold this year. With interest rates low on auto loans, this could be that year you’ve been waiting for. But before you cruise over to the dealership and kick a tire or two, here are some tips to make that car buying experience a good one:
- Start at your credit union or bank and prequalify for a car loan. Now you know what you can afford and the type of monthly payment you’ll have to make.
- Narrow your search to two different kinds of cars. Use the internet to find out about price, reliability and cost to insure. Review Consumer Reports annual auto issue for their recommendations.
- Now find the dealer cost of the automobile. Look at Edmunds.com, KBB.com or NADA.com.
- With all that information, you can shop online for instant quotes on car purchases. CarsDirect.com, TrueCar.com, Overstock.com and Zag.com are some of the more popular sites for this purpose.
- If you’d rather buy from a dealer, you can use these quotes to help bargain for the best price. Stop by the dealership to look at the cars when the dealership is closed. That way you can avoid any pressure. The best way to test drive a car is to rent it for a couple of days. Most new cars are available with low miles at car rental places.
- Many warehouse clubs now have car-buying programs. If you are a member of one of those, check it out.
- If you do end up going through a dealership, get your facts together and be prepared to walk out if they don’t agree with you. The most powerful tool you have with a dealer is your ability to walk out.
And don’t forget used cars
For the best deals, look at used cars. The most important thing there is to find out the number of previous owners, whether or not the car has been in an accident, if there are any mechanical problems and the maintenance history of the car. If you can’t secure that information, move on. There are millions of used cars for sale. Find one you can feel good about driving.
Source: Clark Howard, AutoTrader
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Poll
What does your weekly dinner look like?
The whole family dines together at home
63%
The whole family dines together at a restaurant
1%
Parents and children eat separately
4%
Whoever is around eats together
21%
Every family member for themselves!
11%
Total votes: 5755