| Buying a new or used car can prove an | | | | Also, go a bit further with your |
| expensive education if you don't do your | | | | research especially if you are |
| homework before closing the deal. Not | | | | interested in particular models. As well |
| only might you end up with a lemon, but | | | | as knowing their current worth make sure |
| you might also pay way over the odds for | | | | you are aware of any current mechanical |
| your car finance. So, make sure you | | | | issues, such as at what mileage the car |
| follow these informal tips before you | | | | would need major work, and whether it |
| launch yourself into the market, or fall | | | | has any inherent defects. |
| in love with that 'must-have' motor. | | | | Unless you are extremely lucky and have |
| First, don't aim for something that you | | | | cash burning a hole in your pocket, you |
| can't afford. Make sure you remain | | | | will also need to consider arranging car |
| realistic about how much you can easily | | | | finance if you're in the market for a |
| repay each month, and remember to | | | | new or used vehicle. Financing a car |
| include the costs of maintenance and | | | | purchase can be a long-drawn out affair |
| running your vehicle in your | | | | if you go down the high street banks |
| calculations. It may be tempting to | | | | route, but most used car supermarkets |
| think you can extend yourself to the | | | | now offer their own car finance, which |
| limit in your quest for a bigger, faster | | | | tends to be processed quickly, and |
| or more luxurious car, but before you do | | | | everything is done from the one location |
| think very carefully about whether you | | | | - making these types of car dealerships |
| really can afford it. | | | | an ideal one-stop solution. |
| Be knowledgeable about the makes and | | | | However, it is best to get some price |
| models that you are thinking of buying. | | | | comparisons rather than accept the first |
| Research current vehicle values on the | | | | offer, but if you shop around for |
| web, so that you can negotiate with some | | | | finance make sure that you only request |
| degree of confidence. Avoid being | | | | quotes and do not make applications for |
| overcharged by knowing exactly what the | | | | credit. That is because every loan |
| car you desire is worth. Glass's Guide | | | | application impacts negatively upon your |
| is a good start as it gives benchmark | | | | credit score. The more applications you |
| values for a huge range of vehicles, | | | | make the less chance you will get the |
| which will be handy if you are hoping to | | | | deal you want. |
| offer a vehicle in part exchange. | | | | |