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