The Car Advizor

I’ve had a few of you write in and ask some questions, and I thought that I would take the opportunity and answer them for everybody.  It is not often that one person has a question that is only unique to their situation, so here are  some of the questions and my answers.

Q:  What do I do if I’m just car shopping and the salesperson is being relentless about keeping me there?

A: Generally a short, firm “I’m only shopping to get some ideas, and I am not ready to buy yet”, should work.  Remember  always be the one in charge.  Tip: Take someone with you who knows what you are doing there for moral support.

Q:  What is the first thing I should consider when buying a new or used vehicle?

A:  Financing - Know exactly how much you can spend, how much cash you have for a down payment, how much you can afford monthly.  Always get pre-qualified, it does you no good to find a car and not be able to afford it.  Financing First.

Q:  What parts of a lease are actually negotiable?

A:  Vehicle Price- This is the only element the dealer controls in the lease, all other factors are controlled by the leasing company.

Q:  Where can I find trade-in value for my car? 

A:  Local dealer auctions- Trade-in value is related to auction prices which can vary from week to week.  Local retail is based on asking prices of the local market in news papers and “trader” magazines which are usually a little lower than local used car dealer prices.

Q:  Which is better leasing or buying?

A:  Leasing and Buying- This answer depends on your driving personality, vehicle choice, financial objectives.  For more information read the article “Should I Lease or Buy a New Vehicle” www.thecaradvizor.com?p=152

Roger Hocker, Senior Consumer Advice Editor