If You're Thinking of Buying a New Car, but Don't Know Jack About it...

[Gawain 0]

This is outstanding reading. It's long as hell, but worth the investment of your time before you go to a high-volume or no-haggle style dealer.

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/42962/article.html

While being able to pay cash is ideal, the real world still does not live/die by that "Dave Ramsey" cornerstone. So, remember, if you do your homework, you can still get an honest deal, the dealer still makes a living, and the salesman doesn't come off as "pure evil".

The depth of the work this guy did to write the column is phenomenal.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[Krip 2]

Hi G

We bought a new car 4 yr's ago thru a dealer via the net. No fuss no muss, no BS, no wailing or flailing. Deal was made over the met.

Went to the dealership to pay and pick up our new car, and was immediatly surrounded by a pack of sales people before we got out of our car.

Asked for the nice sales folks for the internet dude sales people immediatly left like whiped dogs

I think I've seen the book before, but it was written pre internet.

When in doubt surf the net to research the types of cars you think you want, and go to the closest dealer for a test drive to narrow your choices.

Then go back and email a couple of dealers in your area for the best price.

[skydiver30960 0]

You're right, long but good.

Like me...

No really, a good article for a "from the other side of the fence" viewpoint. If you are planning to buy a car and don't have time to read, stick to the last chapter and the glossary.

The part about different salesmen's ploys hit pretty close to home: a couple weeks ago the gf went to the dealer to get her Honda Civic Hybrid fixed, and it was (as expected, based on the problem) a pretty hefty repair bill. The salesmen descended on her like a pack of dogs, talking about how she should ditch the moneypit and get a brand new car with a shiny new warranty. She came home with a demo and a quote on an insanely high monthly payment on a 60 month loan. Fortunately she hadn't signed. Once I had recovered from the brief period of asystole brought on by looking at the sticker price of the "working man's car" the dealers had sent her home with, we discussed it and decided to get the work done and pass on the new vehicle. Definitely the right call; we agree about that now.

And thanks again to Billvon for providing some information that made us even happier about our decision. Go Bill!

Elvisio "hybrid=long miles" Rodriguez