"Car buying is, or should be, a calculated decision,"says John Mondin, an auto travel counselor with AAA. The complex and sometimes frightening process of car buying is demystified in a comprehensive guide that covers: How to choose the right car, new/used car-buying strategies, getting a used car bargain,avoiding the pitfalls of leasing, how to shop for insurance.

In addition, Strategies for Smart Car Buyers includes several appendices and a variety of new material to complete the buyer's research process, including: The acclaimed investigative series, "Confessions of a Car Salesman," relating insider secrets in an entertaining account of two car dealerships, monthly payment charts and monthly leasing payments, expanded financing section detailing crucial contract dos and don'ts, plus additional commentary throughout text from undercover car salesman Chandler Phillips.

Online new car buying is a quick and easy way to look for a car in the privacy of one's own home without the pressure of rash buying. Online car buying is a reality now because of the many excellent sites where you can find the car you've been looking for. See all the buying and selling articles you can find on avoiding scams and post-sale problems. As most of us know, used-car buying is a business wrought with scams. One of the best innovations in used car buying is the CARFAX website.

Tips

Educate yourself before buying a car, no negotiating prices without going for a test drive! Do you buy nice clothes without trying them on. Arm yourself with knowledge,with these tips, you can confidently walk into a car dealership, ready to be confronted by eager salesmen. More dealers are better: The more dealers you have in your area, the more competition for your business, the higher your odds of getting a good deal. Some helpful guidelines and car buying tips can be found at the Federal Information Center, as well as a wealth of other money related issues.

Information

The good news is that with the advent of the Internet, a world of information -- never available to our parents and grandparents -- is just a click away. Walking onto a dealer's lot with no information is like walking into the lion's den. And relying on a dealer for information is just slightly better. It levels the playing field by giving accurate information to the consumer.

You can also read up on the latest car reviews by browsing the Web as there is literally a wealth of pertinent information available online. Never discuss in a dealership what you can afford on a monthly basis; dealers can use that information to structure a car loan to meet or slightly beat your monthly-payment requirements, without addressing the more important issues: the total price of the car and the terms of the loan. To negotiate on price, you must be armed with information about the true value of the car you want with all the options you demand.

A variety of Web sites now offer detailed consumer information comparing the dealer's invoice cost, what the dealer paid the manufacturer, against the MSRP printed on the window sticker. Important information about automobiles and fuel economy should always be considered. Some helpful guidelines and car buying tips can be found at the Federal Information Center, as well as a wealth of other money related issues. Check it out, you'll be surprised at the valuable information you'll find there. They combine extensive industry knowledge, dealership experience, and the power of the Internet to empower the consumer with the information they need to negotiate the best deal. They offer valuable research and information about used cars. You can find out about rebates online whereas before, unless you ask the car salesman, he wouldn't volunteer the information to you.

Loan

You will get greater flexibility and savings by getting pre-approved for a car loan before shopping for a new or used car. And,if you decide to finance the car, find out what your monthly payment should be by shopping for a car loan before going to the dealership. You may discover that getting a loan will cost less than financing directly. If you do find a loan that you like, it's recommended that you get approved for it before buying the car. The question you really must ask yourself at this point isn't how much car you can afford but how much car loan you can afford. That determines how much car loan you'll be able to cover comfortably every month for the next three to four years. The next step is to talk to your bank or credit union to find out what rates they're currently charging on new-car loans for 36 and 48 months. There are many ways to find the best loan for you regardless of your credit standing. The prospective car buyer can also look into current interest rates on car loans ahead of time and determine which way they should proceed with regard to financing the vehicle. So be sure to follow these steps; do your research on the car, research available loan rates and programs online, check your impact on your insurance, and then reach a dealer about the car you want.

Final Thoughts

The world of car buying is changing rapidly. Online new car buying is a quick and easy way to look for a car in the privacy of one's own home without the pressure of sales people pushing you into rash buying. The key to successful car buying is to meet your wants and needs within your budget.