A New Way to Save Money Buying a New Car

Just ten years ago, the thought of buying a new car sight unseen would seem like an unwise purchase. But the explosion of the Internet has even reached car dealers and potential buyers. Before you buy your car
Whether you buy online or drive to your local car dealer, you want to research. Ask yourself these questions:

How much can I afford?

What type of car do I want-SUV, sedan, sports car, etc...

What options do I want-CD player, satellite radio, GPS, cruise control, etc...

Is color important to me?

Do I want an automatic or manual transmission? What about engine size?

What type of warranty do I want?

Once you know what you want, you can earnestly begin your research. One of the well-respected sites is www.consumerreports.org. Their opinions make news every year they are released.

Many car dealers proudly boast that their vehicle is the "Motor Trend Car of the Year." Their website is www.motortrend.com. This is another great resource to use when you are researching a new car.

You can also research in your neighborhood. Do you neighbors, family or friends have a similar car? Are they happy with their purchase?

How to buy a new car online

There are many websites that feature new cars. Many will link you to a dealership in your local area, so you many want to Google your local dealership and see if they have a website with new car listings. If you want to search within 100 miles of your area for the car of your dreams, several websites will accommodate you. The websites include:

www.cars.com

www.NewCar.com

www.carsbelowinvoice.com

These websites offer you a chance to fantasize about your dream car without leaving your home. You can chose the make, model, color (both interior and exterior) and other features. You will get an estimated price and be able to view a picture of the car.

Once you have found the dream car, you will be able to contact the dealer who has the car in stock. In some cases, you can order your car from the factory if what you want is not available. Be warned-this can be expensive and not a good idea if you are trying to save money on your car purchase.

Tips on buying a new car

If you are buying a new car, remember you will get a better deal in December, when car dealer are trying to get rid of last year's new models. And you will also find more eager salesmen if you buy toward the end of the month, when salesmen are trying to reach their quotas.

Because many car dealers can use unscrupulous tactics, many states have "Lemon Laws" which protect consumers if they buy a "lemon." The federal Consumer Action website (www.consumeraction.com), has these tips for anyone wanting to purchase a new car.

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 (www.consumerreports.org) and Motor Trend (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.