It always pays to do a little research. This is equally true in all aspects of one's life, from schools, to personal and professional relationships, to holidays, let alone making big purchases. Over a decade ago, as I was struggling to make some important decision (these things don't come easy to me, I struggle, I break my head, I get sick etc.) a friend of mine told me ?You don't have enough information.

Find out more about each of your options, than it will be much easier to decide what you want and to know which option is really best.? This advice served me well over the years. Although I cannot claim that I've carried it around tenderly in my bosom, but every time I got really and thoroughly stuck, I'd eventually remember it and act upon it. This bit of conventional wisdom almost backfired when last time used. I needed a car. Or not. My budget was around ten thousand. Or twenty five. I had no idea what car I wanted, which maker, and whether comfort, mileage for gas, speed, color of the car, or safely was my priority. The more information I've acquired, the more muddled it all seemed. To make the long story short, I've eventually settled for Volkswagen. The vicious cycle began anew. Do I want financing from the dealer or not? If yes, how much was I willing (which was not the same as how much it would be comfortable for me financially) to give as a down payment?

Should I take a car loan from the bank? If so, which bank? The salesman at the dealership was awfully helpful, and made at least a dozen of honest attempts to simplify the matter by offering me to sign a contract and to let them take care of the rest. Although I was initially told that the typical annual percentage rate for a Volkswagen car loan is 6.3, after factoring in the actual amounts, including the car price, taxes, and the desired term of repayment, needless to say, the quoted APR was substantially higher. Due to the complete depletion of mental and emotional resources, I choose to be difficult, haughtily explained that I still need a word with my non-existent financial adviser, walked out, and headed for the bank. I needed a Volkswagen loan.

After visiting two banks, it finally dawned on me that walking just might not be the fastest way to do the research, and that I might have better luck online. The other option still open was settling for a cheaper car, but after hours and hours of research, my very being rebelled at such a thought. Volkswagen loan!-became my personal battle-cry of the day, Volkswagen loan!

Much faster than originally expected, I had my options lined up for me.

The interest rate the dealership was offering turned out to be not the most expensive option, yet the term of repayment remained a trifle stiff for my liking. 15000 car loan, taken out for a seven year term was available at the following interests rates; good old Abbey wanted 7.9% (read 231.02 per month), Eskimo Loans, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland conspired to accommodate my needs at a mere 6.9% (read 224.20 per month), Northern Rock's offer at 6.2 % came across as actually generous. Volkswagen loan! I've ended up accepting a loan quote offered through an on-line broker, and thankfully, when I walked back into Volkswagen dealership a few days later, it was a different, slightly less friendly, but more courteous salesman who've handled the paperwork and gave me the keys. Next time I plan to buy a car? Certainly, not for some time. While I do not intend to get a mechanic's license in any foreseeable future, thanks to shopping around for vehicles and prices, I will have a better idea exactly what should I get, where, and for how much. Volkswagen Loan!