Yahoo's 10 Steps to Buying a New or Used Vehicle

Yahoo.com's 10 steps to buying a vehicle (without getting taken for a ride)

Are you ready to buy a new or gently used car or truck? It's a big purchase, and can be intimidating at first. So before you get dazzled by the balloons and shiny metal, make sure you follow these ten steps to get the best deal.

1. Know What You Want
This may seem like the easy question, but knowing the answer will save you a lot of running around. Think of what function your new wheels will have: are you hauling kids to school? Maybe a minivan is for you. Driving to work? An economy car might be better to save money on gas. You can do your research online by visiting sites like www.autotrader.com.

2. Know What You Can Afford
Make sure you have a set price range before you go shopping. It will keep you from driving and falling in love with cars you can't afford, and having a clear budget will save you time, too. Check insurance rates on cars you're considering, as those can vary wildly. Get prequalified for a loan before you shop. You should always end your deal with a fair sticker price and a manageable monthly payment, but also consider what the car will cost you monthly. Make sure you budget for gas, insurance, repairs and maintenance.

3. Know What Your Trade Is Worth
If you're trading in your old car, make sure you check the value before you negotiate by going to www.kbb.com and www.nada.com (values can vary, so it's best to prepare with both estimates). If you still have a loan on your trade, find out exactly how much you owe. It's important to know if you start with a deficit (when you owe more than the trade is worth), because you'll have to add that to the cost of your new wheels. Sometimes it makes more sense to drive your oldie a little longer, or sell it privately.

4. Check for Rebates or Special Financing Offers
If you're buying a new car, look up the manufacturer website for rebates and special financing. Remember: those are incentives offered by the car's manufacturer, not the dealer! They don't cost your dealer anything, so there is still plenty of room for negotiation.

5. Check Internet and Newspaper Deals
Many dealerships advertise a car at a lower cost in the newspaper or on the internet. If you walk into the dealership without the ad in hand, they'll quote you a higher price. Remember that just like supermarkets have specials on certain foods to get you in the door, so do dealerships. Keep your eye on your research and budget; don't let yourself be talked into something else once you shake the salesman's hand.

6. Don't Show Your Cards
The first thing a dealer will do is ask you a lot of questions, trying to figure out what you're looking for. You should answer honestly - a sales person is there to help - but don't tip your hand too soon. If you know they have the car you want for a good price but you're willing to spend more, don't tell. Be vague if you have to, or give a price range. There's no need to talk numbers until you're ready to buy.

7. Use Ads to Negotiate
Let's say you've found the perfect car, but you know a dealer across town is selling the same year, make and model for less. Bring the ad. Many salespeople will deal to keep your business.

8. Check the Vehicle
Have your mechanic check the car if it's used. Check the vehicle's history; carfax.com has a VIN check capacity that will tell you if a vehicle has been in an accident or has other suspect history.

9. Be Ready to Walk Away
If the dealer isn't meeting your needs, won't let your mechanic look at the car or the vehicle history is suspect, walk away. There are other cars and other dealers out there. You did your homework. Don't be taken for a ride just because you fell in love with a car.

10. Beware of "Extras"
You're ready to sign on the dotted line, and you find the finance manager talking you into alarm systems and extended warranties, priced at a thousand dollars or more. This is how dealers make their money. Unless you buy a car with a bad history most extended warranties aren't a good deal for you. Think about it: the dealer wouldn't be making any money off these warranties unless the repairs cost them less in the end. Instead of paying for an expensive warranty, budget for repairs.

The Bottom Line
Make sure you're an informed buyer, and you'll be happy with your car for years to come.

Step 11;

Check with your insurance company BEFORE you buy anything! Newer vehicle means higher rates! Well.... usually....

That is sooo true
They are making newer trucks so easy to buy now, what with cash back and 7 year financing.
and 0% and also low 4% financing. But if you can't afford to insure this truck. You'll just have to enjoy it right there in the driveway.

On top of that, most banks require you to carry Collision insurance on the vehicle because of the loan. Mucho Dinero....