Short Checklist for Buying a Car

Before you dash out to buy your next car or even click and buy online, did you know that there are often ways to get a better deal? For example, many auto manufacturers run cash rebates specials, and many dealerships and online sites offer dealer, employee and other types of discounts.

To get your best deal, online or off, here are some helpful guidelines to follow:

1) Websites like Kelley Blue Book offer current pricing details on new and used cars. Check locally by entering your zip code for comparisons on used vehicles.

2) Determine a budget before you car-shop. If you'll be financing, find out what you qualify for: rates, payments, etc. to make your shopping experience smoother. Hint: consider a line of credit to use on all major purchases. Then as you pay it back, you can re-use it without re-applying.

3) Look out for bait-and-switch tactics. Often the super deal in a print ad is only for one vehicle in the entire USA or so it seems. So be prepared to face sticker shock with much higher prices.

4) Shop at your leisure without being hassled by a salesman until you know what you want, or have something in mind. This means shop online for car info to find makes and models to suit your needs. Plus shop price ranges online to get a reality-check before you head out in person, if you shop offline. In-person, you often get better deals at the month's end, when dealers need to move vehicles. Don't go in during the last couple hours of any day, though, regardless of the time of the month. These folks work long hours and want to go home. It's in your best interest to arrive with plenty of time to wheel and deal.

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5) If you have a vehicle to trade, try to sell it on your own either in local classifieds, car magazines or online at Craigslist.com. Otherwise, you'll get a low offer, if any, from a dealer.

These are only basic items to look for when car buying. For even better deals, stay tuned for more tips down the road :)