317578548

I'd like to meet:

CHOOSING A VEHICLE

So you have decided that it is time to buy and now you need to figure out exactly what it is you want and/or need in an auto.
This is very important before you hit the lot. I'm not saying that you have to have a closed mind about it, but you really should have a pretty good idea as to what you want.
As simple as this sounds, you have no idea how many people hit the lot looking for a Toyota Corolla and then jump to a Ford Explorer and leave in a van of some sort.
Decide on some simple factors: do you need two or four doors? Do you need for or six cylinders? Will the auto be for family or for work? Who will do the driving, you or your spouse? What do you want to be paying per month? What sort of down do you want to do?
Obviously the size and style of the car will depend on your needs and personal tastes. But, with that said, you want to stay away from an impulse buy because you will be stuck paying that note for the next five years. You want to love the car you buy.
With regards to a four or six cylinder auto, I recommend driving one of each and making a choice then. As a matter of fact, no matter what sort of auto you might want, you should drive a couple just to compare anyway.
When it comes to driving, the person who will be behind the wheel should make the decision on the auto. I've had people who love a car let their friend or relative talk them out of it before a deal is done. This is too bad as the person driving has to live with the choice.
As for the payments, know what you want to pay per month. Also know that for the most part, if you tell a sales person you want to pay $300, he or she will show you cars that may be more than that. It is up to you whether you want to step up or stick to your original figure. Also keep in mind that the more you put down, the less your payment will be per month. There is no magic to this, it is simple economics.
My feeling is that if you are going to spend a large amount of money over five years on an auto, you should not only get something that you want, but also something that will still be worth something at the end of the term.
Oh, yeah, you should still enjoy driving the auto while you are paying for it. This will make those payments a lot easier to swallow.

Bottom line is that if you know what you want going in, you will save yourself thousands of dollars coming out.

Good Luck!