Check out different vehicles. Several Internet sites can help you compare features and prices on new motor vehicles. Visit www.where-can-I-buy-a-car-online.com for links to these sites. A scorecard reports on the features of each site including whether quotes are free, the availability of financing, and site security. Two magazines offer information in print and online concerning vehicle performance, service and safety: Consumer Reports at www.consumerreports.org and Motor Trend at www.motortrend.com.
Research the dealer's price for the car and options. It s easier to get the best price when you know what the dealer paid for a vehicle. The dealer invoice price is available at a number of websites and in printed pricing guides. Consumer Reports offers the wholesale price. Lower than the invoice price, this figure factors in dealer incentives from a manufacturer and is a more accurate estimate of what a dealer is paying for a vehicle.
Find out if the manufacturer is offering rebates that will lower the cost. Two websites that offer this information are www.carsdirect.com and www.autopedia.com/html/Rebate.html.
Get price quotes from several dealers. Find out if the amounts quoted are the prices before or after rebates are deducted.
Avoid high-profit, low-value extras such as credit insurance, extended warranties, auto club memberships, rust proofing and upholstery finishes. You do not have to purchase credit insurance in order to get a loan.
