| As one of the "major purchases" in life, car buying is | | | | an automobile is therefore.... |
| one to be carefully considered. Your first task will be | | | | Don't buy a new automobile if you don't really need it! - |
| to determine exactly what market you're going for. | | | | Well that's simple enough, but sooner or later you're |
| New or Used? | | | | bound to need one. One thing we know for sure. No |
| There are a lot of choices to consider when buying a | | | | matter how well you take care of the treasured family |
| car. Your choices will depend on your situation. Even | | | | car, eventually you'll need to replace it. |
| the climate you live in can pay an important role in this | | | | Cars just don't last forever! Or, you may want to pass |
| decision. | | | | a still usable car to a young newly licensed family |
| Important information about cars and fuel economy | | | | member and invest in another for the main family car. |
| should always be considered. Guidelines for purchasing | | | | This is always a great way to recycle automobiles |
| a car can be found at the Federal Information Center, | | | | and save money at the same time. Plus, it'll make your |
| as well as a wealth of other money related issues. | | | | young driver happy to have their own wheels. |
| Check it out, you'll be surprised at the valuable | | | | Or, maybe it won't when they find out all the |
| information you'll find there. | | | | responsibilities that come with ownership. And I strongly |
| They even have a government site for kids at | | | | encourage that you teach them and give them that |
| FirstGov For Kids . It's kid friendly and contains | | | | responsibility right from the start. |
| everything from Arts to Transportation. Even has a | | | | Teens who are responsible for their own automobile |
| careers page! Well, not to get off track but wanted to | | | | expenses, such as maintenance, repair, insurance, and |
| make sure check out all the great stuff there! | | | | gasoline are almost always more responsible drivers. |
| Back on track....... You know my philosophy....... Informed | | | | They will develop pride in their ownership and |
| Consumer - More Savings! So. Of course your first | | | | responsibility and therefore a more caring attitude. |
| order of business is to RESEARCH! | | | | Besides, it's a good way to teach yet another financial |
| Always check several resources to get the best price | | | | lesson. |
| and the best value. | | | | Buying a used car? Know the Truth... Before You Buy! |
| Don't fall into the Keep up with the Joneses trap - | | | | - Truth is, buying a used car can be risky. How do you |
| "You are what you drive?" I don't think so. What about | | | | know what you're getting? well, if you don't have an |
| that next door millionaire riding around in the weathered | | | | expert friend or family member, you may be able to |
| family car. They're not wasting their money trying keep | | | | use an online source (some will charge a small fee, but |
| up with the Joneses! | | | | it may be worth it in the long run) to find out if the car |
| More than likely the $40,000 they wouldn't spend on | | | | has... |
| that nice fancy car is sitting in a profitable investment | | | | - hidden accident damage? |
| earning an income or interest. And I bet they're not | | | | - false odometer readings? |
| losing sleep over their huge outstanding debts! | | | | - been in a major car crash? |
| This should give you an idea how they got to be | | | | - had a car theft report filed? |
| millionaires. Not by spending their money, but rather | | | | - flood damage? |
| managing it first. | | | | - been labeled a lemon? |
| A good financial plan that allows for proper upkeep | | | | Whatever you choose, be careful out there. |
| and maintenance of your family car will payoff in the | | | | It seems shopping for the family car can be just as |
| end. Cars that are maintained properly require less | | | | hazardous as driving it! |
| repair and last a lot longer. The next rule in purchasing | | | | |