by
Carl Hampton
10/09/2006
Don't know what to look for when buying a
new car? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
is an organization that prevents fraudulent
and unfair business practices. Every year
they revamp or print publications that range
from directory scams to buying new cars. So
here are some tips on how to keep your eyes
peeled for those scams.
Before you start looking for that new car,
think about your needs and your budget. In
terms of your needs you might want to learn
about the different types of cars and their
features. Consider how much you can afford
as a down payment. Make sure your budget can
cope with the monthly payments, think about
the length of the loan. Find out what your
credit score is, this will help you to work
out what the annual percentage rate might
be.
Sometimes (most of the time) a sale price
isn't really the best price. If you shop
around you will find some dealerships or
merchants that will be willing to match, or
even beat, their competitors price. Try to
do as much research as possible on line, it
will save on time and travel. Always ask
about their refund and return policies.
Check to see if they have an exchange
policies as well. Do not take a salesman
word for anything, get it in writing.
If you purchase a used or pre-owned car, ask
the dealer for the Buyers Guide. The FTC
requires the dealership to make a Buyers
Guide for every used car they sell. The
Buyers Guide includes all the information
you would need to know about the car, from
the warranty to the major mechanical and
electrical systems on the car. Use a
checklist when inspecting your car. You can
a checklist anywhere on the Internet. But
also have a mechanic check the car as well.
Talk to the previous owner to learn more
about the car's history.
Finally, I will let you in on a little known
secret that i have used for many years.
Every dealership has cars called “program
cars.” They are new or fairly new cars
that are kept in really good condition, they
are like company cars. The dealerships use
them for you to test drive, normally one of
the staff will get to use the car on
evenings and weekends. Normally they do not
keep them very long less than 3 months, they
will have very little mileage on the clock.
Ask your dealer about it, you could score
big with a new car at a great price!
Have an opinion or a question you would like
me to answer, then write me!
http://www.CarlHampton.com
