Speaking of financing, check your own credit rating through the Federal Trade Commission web site (I think it’s called annualcreditreport.com) to make sure that there are no “blemishes” on your credit and to have that credit score in your back pocket.

Also remember: DON’T fall in love. This is a hunk of metal, plastic, wood, rubber, fluids, etc., and it can’t love you back! Be open to a few possibilities and, if necessary, play the different makes off against each other. It is good to see that Toyota has been forced to eat humble pie; they deserved it BIG TIME.

If you are buying a used car, make sure to have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic. This “certified” business is so much marketing, and I am not totally convinced that such cars are really superior. You are probably better off buying a used car from a new car dealer of the same make. In any case, have the car checked out anyway.

If you are really interested in a car, maybe rent it for a road trip to see if it is really comfortable for you. You do not want to drop five figures on a car and find that you get chronic backaches from it.

This about your future. Two door coupes look cool, but if you are thinking about having kids, loading a car seat in the back is a real pain in a two-door. I know, BORING!

Good luck to everyone. We have two aging cars and are hoping for increased cash flow before the vehicles give out.

The most important thing to remember when buying a car is “This isn’t the only place you can go – walk away if you don’t think it is a good deal or you feel pressured!”

The first car I purchased by myself was a Honda Civic. I went in and looked, picked out what I wanted and walked away. The next day, the saleswoman called me and told me that there were people there looking at the car I expressed interest in and they wanted to put down a deposit, so she wanted to give me “first right of refusal” (oldest trick in the book). I told her I guess I’d pass because my Dad found the same car for $1,500 cheaper than she’d quoted me and although I didn’t really want to buy a car out of town I couldn’t pass up the deal (a COMPLETE LIE). She told me she’d have to call me back, she didn’t think she could meet that price. I told her that it was fine, she could just sell the car to the people that were there and wanted it. She called back 10 minutes later and told me she’d meet the lower price if I came in that day and so I did. When I totaled that car (2 years later) I made almost $3,000!

Moral of the story: Don’t be too eager, don’t be afraid to bend the truth (for negotiation purposes only!) and don’t be afraid to walk away. They will be back!

Good luck!

Its truly important for every person not just women. If you aren’t being treated well don’t buy a car from them. Why would you pay someone thousands of dollars just to be treated like crap. On the other end, go in with a positive attitude and don’t treat the salesman like crap. I’ve seen this too and it just creates a contentious relationship. Don’t be afraid to walk away ever, its the most important thing. You are not bound to buy a car from that dealership.

My last car I almost completely purchased online. When I walked into the dealership to finalize trade-in, etc. I was very clear; “I’m excited to buy a new car but, the invoice better not be one penny over what I’ve already negotiated online.” I was in and out of the dealership in less than two hours.

Be realistic as well. If you don’t want to pay dealership prices then purchase at COSTCO or another retailer that deals in wholesale. The dealership has to mark up prices to pay their staff, etc. Its the same as anything else; it is a business and they do have to make money to stay in business. I’ve heard so many people say, that isn’t my problem. It’s not your problem until you drive down a street that used to be filled with car dealerships and now they’re empty buildings and the thousands of people who used to work there are unemployed.

Yes, you do someone a favor when you buy anything but we help no one when everyone wants something for nothing.