10 things that every car buyer should know

Buying a car needs not just investment but deep thought. The market is filled with choices and temptations. Buyers need to think about what kind of car and I can afford?

Think, what do I need transportation for right now and what do I need two years from now? I want a car as a status symbol or as something that makes life easier? Will the car be a commuter vehicle, or to transport children? It would be a truck with cargo space and high clearance be better suited for a growing family? If the car being a unit with two wheels or four wheels? What kind of terrain I ride in most of the time? Go through car magazines and consumer reports to get a clear picture of the car world.

1. Work on your finances and determine what you need to spend each month on transportation. A car should not cost more than 10% of your net salary per month. If longer, then consider leasing a car instead of buying one.

2. Before finalizing anything, find out what the price is. Four figure discounts are available almost all brands.

3. Never sign an arbitration clause or blank financial forms. Try to get funding from a separate source, a bank or financial institution.

4. Haggling will get a good deal apart from shopping around for finance. The market is competitive, be sure to check dealer boyfriend, high street, lenders on the internet, as well as other options.

5. Try to ensure a large deposit thereby reducing the loan to be paid. Calculate your finances and the choice of the car so that the duration of the loan is for the shortest period.

6. Find out what incentives are on offer to purchase. These vary from audio systems to cash back offers, and 0% financing. Ask what extras and add-on cost in addition to the price of the car.

7. Be sure to evaluate your old car no matter if you are considering a trade in. Pay attention to 'cost to change', the difference between what the cost of new cars and what the old man's worth.

8. Discover the guarantees, tax and insurance. They can eat into your budget.

9. Vet the contract well. Read the fine print. Make sure you repay the loan before that time will not bring any penalty.

10. Check out at least 3-4 dealers to assess what the best offer.

Test drive the vehicle before finalizing the agreement and go through page by page booklet of the machine to understand everything that the manufacturer needs to tell you. Be clear about what is under warranty and what is not.

Never choose a vehicle based on a picture or a dream. It's not how you look in the car that is important, but how well the car will meet your needs. Be practical and sensible: do not buy a model because the dealership offers a vacation for two or a pattern of low interest. Identify a vehicle that suits your needs before subjecting yourself to attack marketing.