Buying and Leasing a Car

by Drenth, Tere

• ISBN13: 9781580626965
• ISBN10: 1580626963
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-07-01
• Publisher: Adams Media Corp

Summary

An affordable series that provides a quick-fix for immediate questions, fastread "RM" is the solution for those of us who don't have all day. With its straightforward, get-to-the-point style and accessible layout and organization, readers get the facts they need to know -- in no time flat!

fastread "RM" knows today's consumer -- whether looking for investing basics, how to get online, or how to buy a car -- doesn't want to wade through tons of content.

Table of Contents

introduction	ix
Selecting the Right Type of Vehicle for You	1	(14)
Sedans	2	(1)
Compact Cars	2	(1)
Sports Cars	3	(1)
Station Wagons	4	(1)
Minivans	5	(1)
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)	6	(1)
Mini-SUVs	7	(1)
Pickup Trucks	8	(1)
Combination SUVs and Pickup Trucks	9	(1)
Hybrids	10	(1)
Luxury Cars	11	(2)
Classic Cars	13	(1)
Concept Cars	14	(1)
So Many Cars! Deciding Among Many	15	(20)
Looking at Safety	15	(3)
Establishing a Price Range	18	(1)
Buying New or Buying Used	19	(3)
Understanding Lemon Laws	22	(2)
Looking at Reliability and Longevity	24	(3)
Examining Warranties	27	(2)
Analyzing Fuel Efficiency	29	(1)
Scrutinizing Insurance Costs	29	(3)
Choosing Between American-Made and Foreign Cars	32	(1)
Creating a Vehicle-Selection Matrix	33	(2)
How Much Do Cars Really Cost and How Little Can You Pay?	35	(10)
Recognizing the MSRP and Dealer Sticker Price	36	(1)
Understanding What the Dealer Pays	37	(1)
Where to Find the MSRP and Dealer Costs	38	(1)
Looking for Cash Back and Financing Specials	39	(1)
Avoiding Dealer-Supplied Financing	40	(1)
Steering Clear of Dealer Prep Charges	40	(1)
Passing Up Dealer-Installed Options	41	(1)
Sidestepping Portions of a Trim Package That You Don't Need	41	(1)
Staying Away from Extended Warranties/Service Contracts	42	(1)
Selling Your Old Vehicle Instead of Trading It In	42	(1)
Pricing Used Cars	43	(2)
Knowing When to Buy and When to Lease	45	(10)
The Differences in Upfront, Monthly, and Long-Term Costs	46	(5)
The Differences in Maintenance Costs	51	(1)
The Differences in How Many Miles You Can Drive	51	(1)
Buy Versus Lease Calculators	52	(3)
Negotiating for Your Next Vehicle	55	(8)
Doing Your Homework	56	(1)
Steering Clear of ``No-Haggle'' Dealers	56	(1)
Timing Your Approach	57	(1)
Bringing a Friend-or Two!	58	(2)
Standing Your Ground-But Giving a Little	60	(1)
Walking Away	60	(1)
Negotiating Online	61	(2)
The Finer Points of Negotiating a Lease	63	(8)
Negotiate the Purchase Price First	64	(1)
Negotiate the Down Payment and Security Deposit	64	(1)
Negotiate the Length of the Lease	65	(1)
Negotiate the Residual Value and Money Factor	65	(1)
Negotiate the Annual Mileage Allotment	66	(1)
Negotiate Early-Termination Fees and Subleasing Options	67	(1)
Negotiate Other Fees and Conditions	68	(1)
Register and Insure Your Leased Car	68	(1)
Carefully Read and Sign All Documents	69	(2)
Taking the Plunge---Buying a Car	71	(4)
Buying a New or Used Car Through the Internet	71	(1)
Buying a New or Used Car at a Dealer's Showroom	72	(1)
Buying a New or Used Car at a Megastore	73	(1)
Buying a Used Car from the Classified Ads	73	(2)
Financing Your Vehicle	75	(4)
Accepting Dealer Financing	75	(1)
Getting a Loan at Your Local Bank or Credit Union	76	(1)
Finding Financing on the Internet	76	(1)
Taking Advantage of Finance-Rate Specials	77	(1)
Trading In a Vehicle	77	(1)
Paying Cash	78	(1)
Preserving Your Car's Resale Value	79	(10)
Buy a Popular Vehicle	80	(1)
Buy a Popular Color	80	(1)
Choose Your Options Carefully	81	(1)
Review a Potential Vehicle's Expected Resale Value	81	(2)
Buy a Vehicle with Good Bumpers	83	(1)
Touch Up the Exterior	84	(1)
Drive Carefully	84	(2)
Keep Your Mileage Down	86	(1)
Take Care of the Interior	86	(1)
No Smoking in Your Car	87	(1)
Don't Forget Regular Maintenance Work	87	(1)
Keep Track of Your Service Records	88	(1)
Becoming a Car Buff---Auto Shows and Events	89	(10)
U.S. Auto Shows	90	(1)
International Auto Shows	91	(1)
Vintage Vehicle Shows and Races	92	(1)
Museums	93	(3)
Auto Races	96	(3)
appendix a Automotive Web Sites and Other Resources	99	(6)
Cool Web Sites	99	(2)
Great Auto Magazines	101	(4)
appendix b Glossary	105	(8)
index	113