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You've just arrived at your new duty station and you can't wait to start exploring the local area. All you need is a car.
For some people, getting a car as soon as possible is a major priority. You'd think buying a new or used car, truck or van would be fun, but it can be time consuming and frustrating if you're unprepared. Vehicles are so expensive these days it's worth planning and researching to get the right one -- at the right price.
According to David Van Sickle, director of automotive and consumer information for the American Automobile Association, there are many factors in deciding which type of vehicle you want:
Once you have a loan and know the general type of vehicle you want, you can narrow your choices to a few makes and models that fit your needs and budget. Whether you decide on new or used wheels, the next thing to do is figure out the best price. Your tools are the same ones sellers use.
Virtually every dealer offers rebates or super-low interest rates at some time in the year, but many also trumpet special promotions just for service members. Some sales are real and others aren't, but they're all bait -- know the deal before you bite.
"You can find vehicle price lists at local libraries," said Van Sickle. "The prices are listed in the Kelley Blue Books or the Red Books. These books provide the average price for each make and model for a particular year." Many credit unions and banks also keep these references.
The World Wide Web is an ideal resource for information on buying cars. Any Web search engine can pinpoint countless helpful sites. For example, you'll find tips, shopping strategies and other articles at the Consumers Union site, www.consumersunion.org. Other examples include Auto Trader at http://vision.traderonline.com and the Center for Auto Safety at www.autosafety.org. Edmund's Consumer Information, http://www.edmund.com, is an example of a commercial site that provides auto pricing information free.
If you don't like haggling, consider using an auto buying service. Your installation credit union or bank may be affiliated with one, or you may find one in the phone book or by searching the Web. For a fee, these services shop and bargain for you and guide you through the sale. You are still entitled to any manufacturer rebates, discounts and special offers available. The service may waive its fee if you get your loan from its affiliated financial institution.
"Another good price source is the classified car section of your local newspaper," Van Sickle said. Note the asking prices and compare them with the highs and lows of the Kelley Blue Book.
"Automobile sellers' magazines are another good source of information. Most include pictures of vehicles as well as short descriptions. This will save time by helping you narrow the list yet again. After seeing a picture, you may decide the vehicle is not what you need," he said.
You can also go to used car lots to see vehicles and check prices. Exercise caution. If you don't know cars, take along someone who does.
Whether you want to buy a used car from a dealer or an individual, ask to take the vehicle to "your" mechanic before you buy -- then find a good one and do it. A $50 inspection fee could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. If the seller says no, be prepared to walk away from the deal.
If you're buying from an individual, Van Sickle suggests asking the following questions:
Van Sickle offered other shopping tactics as well:
Story by Lisa E. Stafford, American Forces Press Service
| Date Taken: | 11.16.1998 |
| Date Posted: | 07.04.2025 00:31 |
| Story ID: | 529426 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 0 |
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