interested in, you can save hundreds of dollars by
comparison shopping. Get price quotes from several
dealers (over the phone or Internet) and let
each know you are contacting the others.
new car sales. Once you have signed a contract,
you are obligated to buy the car.
. Compare the seller's asking price with the
average retail price in a "bluebook" or other
guide to car prices which can be found at
many libraries, banks, and credit unions.
. Have a mechanic you trust check the car,
especially if the car is sold "as is".
you know and trust. They are more likely
than other sellers to charge a lower price and
point out any problems with the car.
are lower than on a traditional auto loan.
The leasing payments are lower because you
don't actually own the car.
consider the price of the car (known as the capitalized cost),
your trade-in allowance, any down payment, monthly payments, various fees
(excess mileage, excess "wear and tear", end-oflease),
and the cost of buying the car at the end
of the lease. A valuable source of information
about auto leasing can be found in Keys to
Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide, which is
published by the Federal Reserve Board and
Federal Trade Commission.
comparing prices at different stations, pumping
gas yourself, and using the lowest-octane called
for in your owner's manual.
14. You can save up to $100 a year on gas by keeping
your engine tuned and your tires inflated to
their proper pressure.