| Unlike other consumer goods, automobiles, cars and | | | | can be gimmicks designed to inspire customers to |
| sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are non-refundable. As | | | | come in. However, it is illegal for adealer to run a |
| soon as the paperwork is signed, vehicle returns are | | | | promotion on an automobile that is not in stock. If the |
| non-negotiable. Contrary to the popular belief that | | | | information regarding the car promotions pans out, |
| there's a three-day rescinding period on car purchases | | | | proceed with caution. |
| - there is not. Buying a new automobile is the | | | | Car buying tip: When buying a new car, note that |
| second-biggest purchase following a new home. | | | | the"MSRP" is not an acronym for "manufacturers |
| As a result, the decision to buy a new car should | | | | suggested retail price." It stands for the "Monroney |
| never be an impetuous one. The price coupled with | | | | Sticker Price" - which is the highest price of the car. |
| thepotential financing should be enough for any | | | | Instead, negotiate the invoice price of the new car up |
| consumer to make an informed decision. Here are five | | | | -- because it's the amount the dealer pays |
| cleverconsumer tactics on buying a new car: | | | | themanufacturer. |
| Before you buy... | | | | Car buyer beware. |
| Assemble your checklist. | | | | Amongst car dealerships, bait and switch tactics |
| Set a budget and then prioritize a wish list of car | | | | arenot a rarity. Check out the reputation of the |
| makes, models, and features. Base the | | | | dealership. The Better Business Bureau and your |
| purchasingdecision on how the vehicle will be used. For | | | | state's Attorney General's office maintain consumer |
| example, soccer moms may consider a wagon over | | | | complaints or reports. Any dealership with an |
| an SUVfor three reasons: comfortably seats five | | | | overwhelming number of complaints bears avoiding. |
| people, generally has better gas mileage and is easier | | | | Negotiate the car deal. |
| todrive. A college student may opt for a Hyundai | | | | In-depth research pays off at the negotiating table. For |
| Accent for its price and consumer rating. | | | | instance, if a car manufacturer extends a bonus or |
| Research the possibilities. | | | | dealer rebate of $1000 on a particular model, it means |
| Obtain data from ConsumerReports.com, check the | | | | that the dealership will make $1000 from the sale of |
| automotive section of your local newspaper and | | | | the new car. Consequently, an informed consumer |
| check | | | | could haggle the "invoice" price of the new car or |
| Web sites with car reviews about the prospective | | | | amass a $1000 savings, enabling the dealer to still |
| vehicle you plan to buy. Once the new car choices | | | | pocket a decent profit. For individuals buying a used |
| havebeen narrowed down, check the newspaper to | | | | car, request that the dealership guarantee that the |
| determine if any local auto dealerships have any | | | | automobile has never incurred any damage in writing |
| specials. | | | | as an addendum to the contract. |
| Cross-reference the cost of the cars featured at your | | | | Opt out of the add-ons. |
| local dealer to the price the manufacturer charged | | | | Prior to signing on the dotted line, scour the agreement |
| thesame dealership at an online the car-pricing site. For | | | | for irrelevant add-ons. Credit life insurance is futile |
| instance, is an excellent car buyingresource because it | | | | because it only pays for if the car buyer perishes. |
| provides the national base price, manufacturer | | | | Extended warranties are generally obsolete, because |
| information, the invoice price on basicvehicle models, | | | | most automobile manufacturers offer comprehensive |
| upgrade prices, dealer rebates, customer incentives | | | | warranties. As for protective coating, it's completely |
| and more. | | | | unnecessary. |
| After you have completed all research, return to the | | | | In summation, when it comes to buying a new car, be |
| local newspaper and look for any car deals. Next, | | | | clever, take your time, exert patience and be prepared |
| verify the details of the promotion by calling the | | | | to walk away. After all, once the vehicle is driven off |
| dealership. This saves time and prevents you from | | | | the auto dealership's lot, the sale of a new car is final. |
| enduring a hard sell. Quite often, these advertisements | | | | |