Sometimes buying a car can be difficult, but the Boston Globe has come up with nine simple steps to help people make that big purchase.
Firstly, be sure to shop around. Check out the base price, then visit a site like Edmunds.com, which gives buyers the market value of the car in the zip code they live.
Always follow the rule "if it doesn't feel right, walk away from the deal." Also, remember there are several fees that are not included in the listed price such as sales tax along with registration and title fees.
If buyers plan on selling their old car, be sure to check out the Kelley Blue Book to decide the value of the used vehicle. "That way you can figure out the numbers for each transaction," David Rosenberg of Prime Motor Group says.
Most dealers have better rates on financing than local banks or credit unions, so consider using them for that service.
Make sure you take the car for a test drive, paying attention to how you like the feel of the car and how you fit into it physically. Test acceleration - no one wants to take 15 seconds to reach highway speeds.
Other things to check are the brake systems, ride quality and the dashboard.