SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
Got Shafted?
Fight Back if Your Car is a Lemon!
( 27 pages )

Avoid a Lemon: Car Buying Checklist

Check out this list before you buy your next car:

• Before you start shopping for a car, you should already know what you want, what your budget is and what the bank's interest rate is on new and used cars. Get pre-approved if you can because this makes the buying process all the faster.

• Beware of introduction only ads that you see on television or in newspapers. A tiny disclaimer will give you a stock number. This stock number will let you know if that car will either be gone when you get there or will be a so-so car that has no options or options no one wants. Most dealers use this type of advertising to get you sucked in.

• Shop on your own time and not the salesman’s. For the best results, you will want to negotiate and buy during the last two days of the month and the last two working hours of the dealership. This is always rush time for the dealers.

• Don't spend any money preparing your car for a good trade-in value. Swap out new tires, radios and trailer hitches with friends for extra cash so that you can decrease your losses.

• Don't go to the dealership alone. Take someone with you because this will give you an edge with the salesman.

• Don't get too attached to a car before you buy it because you might learn that you can’t afford it later.

• You should always buy used cars from lots that are connected to new car dealerships. They keep only the best trade-ins.

• Get new and used car prices from the library, bookstore or another dealer. Otherwise, you should insist on seeing the dealer's invoice. Remember, the dealer can survive selling his new cars at his invoice.

• Ask competitive dealers about rebates and any and all incentives before you try to make a deal. Keep these rebates out of your negotiation process and deduct them from the bottom line at closing time.

• Don't buy a used car from anyone without having it thoroughly checked out by an independent mechanic first.

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