| Â | | | | damaging your credit rating. A poor credit rating and |
| Along with buying a house another major investment | | | | you may well find that you cannot get the sum of |
| that many people face today is purchasing a vehicle. | | | | money you want in order to purchase the car of |
| Certainly with the cost of fuel on the increase buying | | | | your dreams. |
| a car that provides everything that one needs but is | | | | Â |
| also economical is crucial today. In this article we | | | | Tip 6 - Take The Car for a Test Drive - Although |
| offer the top ten tips on car finance so that you get | | | | you may think you don't need to, it is sensible to |
| the best deal possible when purchasing a new or | | | | take the car you are considering purchasing whether |
| used vehicle. | | | | brand new or used for at least a 20 minute test |
| Â | | | | drive. This way you can not only be sure that you |
| Tip 1 - Set a Budget - Once you have decided just | | | | will feel comfortable when driving it but will also be |
| how much you are willing to spend on your dream | | | | able to handle it as well. Plus it gives you a chance to |
| vehicle then you need to make sure that you stick | | | | see if there are any problems (especially with used |
| with it. It is important when setting your budget you | | | | cars) that may well end up costing you more to get |
| make a list of the features that you want your car | | | | repaired in the future. |
| to have. Do you want one with a large boot? Do you | | | | Â |
| want one that provides ample room for all the family | | | | However, before you take it for a test drive then |
| to be seated in it comfortably and safely? Are you | | | | get the bonnet up and check the engine when cold. |
| after a diesel, petrol or a hybrid car? | | | | It is also crucial that you test drive the car from cold |
| Â | | | | as this will help you to clearly identify any future |
| Tip 2 - Do Some Research - The internet is the best | | | | mechanical issues. Plus after testing it and you have |
| place to look for information on the kinds of cars you | | | | returned to the starting point make sure that you |
| are considering buying including what sort of price | | | | test that all components within the car such as |
| you can expect to pay for them. This information | | | | electric windows, heated seats, radio etc. are |
| can also be found in magazines but by going online | | | | working. |
| you can do it for free and it can all be done in the | | | | Â |
| comfort of your own home. As you do carry out | | | | Tip 7 - Buying a Car Online - If you intend to |
| your research look for information relating to any | | | | purchase a car through an online auction site then |
| manufacturers recalls on a vehicle. Plus check out | | | | make sure that you ask the seller for as much |
| when certain tasks need to be carried out such as | | | | information on the vehicle as you possibly. If they |
| the changing of the cam belt as this can prove to be | | | | state they have a complete service history then ask |
| a very expensive repair. | | | | them to provide you with proof of such. Most will be |
| Â | | | | able to e-mail or fax the information that you want |
| Tip 3 - Speak to Friends - If your friends or someone | | | | to you. Also carry out some research into the seller |
| else you know has the car that you are considering | | | | also. Look closely at the feedback they have |
| buying then ask them for their opinion on it. Ask | | | | received previously. |
| them not just how well it does in relation to fuel | | | | Â |
| consumption but how reliable the car is also. | | | | Tip 8 - Warranties - If you are purchasing a new or |
| Â | | | | used vehicle from a dealer then see what warranties |
| Tip 4 - Compare The Prices - Along with looking | | | | it comes with. It is crucial that you actually look at |
| through local newspapers search online so that you | | | | the documentation relating to the warranty so you |
| can compare the prices of the cars you are | | | | know exactly what and what isn't covered under it. |
| interested in. If you are going to be purchasing a | | | | Â |
| used car then avoid those which have high mileage | | | | If you are buying a used car and the dealer offers |
| on the clock as they tend to need a lot more time | | | | just a basic warranty package for the vehicle, see if |
| being spent on maintaining them. Plus if the vehicle is | | | | for paying a little more that they can upgrade it to |
| no longer in production then it may well prove difficult | | | | something a little more substantial. Although you may |
| to get replacement parts for it. Another way of | | | | have to pay an extra few dollars for such it may well |
| comparing prices if you have time is to spend time | | | | save you money in the future. |
| going around a few local car dealers close to where | | | | Â |
| you live. | | | | Tip 9 - Getting Everything Documented - It is crucial |
| Â | | | | when buying any car that you get everything put in |
| Tip 5 - Getting Your Car Finance Arranged - It is | | | | writing in relation to the warranty agreement and any |
| important that you spend time checking out several | | | | work that needs to be carried out prior to you |
| different sources for obtaining the finance you need | | | | getting the keys. Otherwise if you don't you won't |
| to purchase your car. If you are purchasing a brand | | | | have any recourse should you find that what was |
| new vehicle it is not always ideal to go with the | | | | meant to be done hasn't been. |
| financing that the dealer can offer, sometimes | | | | Â |
| through arranging your own you can actually haggle | | | | Tip 10 - Getting The Keys - The majority of modern |
| with them to get the price you actually pay for the | | | | cars today will come with central locking that is |
| vehicle brought down. | | | | operated by an electronic remote control or key. |
| Â | | | | When you finally do take possession of your vehicle |
| Although you may look at several different places to | | | | then make sure that you get both sets of keys for |
| obtain your financing for the car from it is important | | | | it. Remember to keep the second set safe and |
| that you don't apply to them all as this will end up | | | | secure at home. |