Before buying a new or used automobile, it is advantageous to do your homework. As they say, ‘Chance favors the prepared,’ and sometimes buying the right car involves luck and some skill. With many cars, there are trusted websites and car reports. Chances are you are sold on looks first with comfort and reliability to follow. Knowing what you want in a car before negotiating gives you an edge. If you have time, don’t rush into a decision. You never know what may roll into your life. For new car buyers, you’ll have better luck with automobiles that are in their second year of production or later. Chances are, any possible defects or flaws will be remedied. It also gives you a chance to see the testimony and advice from car reports or just from word of mouth. If you are in the used car market, the ‘car fax’ type reports are great. If you are negotiating with a dealer, you can request this information be provided upon purchase for that ‘peace of mind’. Anything to keep dealers and previous owners honest, but it doesn’t mean these vehicles can’t be worked on without the associated paperwork. That’s why ‘certified’ cars have become popular among those who desire reliability. Another way to trust a car isn’t going to be a lemon is just the history of particular makes or manufacturers. I never felt a reason to fear a problem with the practical and reliable Toyota Camry I bought in 1995. Low and behold, it needed a new transmission after 80,000 miles. Something you might expect from an American-made vehicle. It was rare, nonetheless, showing you just never know. You really can do a lot of research on the web. You can look at dealership inventories or go to places like Cars.com with all the listings they offer. Once you’ve figured out what you are interested in, you can see what kind of a market you have. Blue book pricing is intended as a guide. You can always get a car for less, if the circumstances are right. Best time to hit dealerships is at the end of the month, when they need to meet sales goals. With layoffs or when a recession hits and you’re not hurt for cash, you can have leverage. It’s not so difficult to take advantage of dealers trying to stay in business. It may take someone with little emotion to try to get a steal from their neighbor. If you should chance buying direct from an owner, it helps to know what their motive for selling is. Many just don’t like what dealers offer on trade (or how it factors in their sales quotes), and I find this a refreshing answer from anyone who is honest about it. You can meet them somewhere in the middle between the trade and retail price (offered at a dealership) of any used car so both parties can part ways satisfied. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil