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Teresa Wright, a native Atlantan, is a "recovering attorney" who now is a professional gardener. A lifelong cheapskate, Teresa will help you live the life you want at the price you can afford!Email Teresa with your questions and comments. She’d love to hear from you.
Car Buying 101 |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Tuesday, 17th July, 2007 at 9:11 AM |
Organizing You can make a folder with all of these websites in them. Martha made one on her computer under favorites. It contained all of these websites in it and was called Operation Sort of New Car. She also made a paper folder to jot notes, directions, etc. so they could carry information with them as they shopped. Finance First If you’re in a credit union, great. If not, you can apply to ACU, Associated Credit Union, for $10. Right now they offer 4.9% on a 3 year loan. www.acuonline.org Also try Clark Howard’s website www.clarkhoward.com to take you through the entire process. Once you know what you can afford, you’ll know what to shop for. Homework This is where the internet is your best friend. Now that you know what you can pay, select 2 or 3 options, and then make a folder for research. First, check out the “blue book value” of the car w/the following: www.kbb.com and These estimate your wholesale and retail values. Just plug in the specifications of your dream car. Next, This costs about $30, but do it! It’s the first step you take after you spot a contender for your dream car. When you’re saying to yourself “I don’t know where that car’s been” carfax gives you an answer. It’s the history of the car for owners and wrecks. Shopping! These are some of the sites Martha used: This part is fun because you get to see what’s out there. Always call before you go see anything. Check it out! Get your mechanic or a reputable repair garage to check out your dream car once you’re excited about one. This is a must. Martha used carcheckers because the car was way out in Buford, and they make house calls directly to the car. Final tips: Ask for service records if the car is used Always ask for some kind of reduction in price, just because Don’t be pressured if you’re not ready to make your purchase Stay focused on what you want, and have fun!