Hot Wheels

Buying a car is one of the single most expensive purchases you will make next to your home. So| it's important to make the right decision- but we all know this takes time and can be stressful. But who needs that? Before you start considering using your daughter's two-wheeler as your primary mode of transportation| arm yourself with the right arsenal so your car buying experience can be just as fun as fattening up your shoe collection. Here are some 'must-know' car buying tips to equip yummy mummies.

Assess your Needs
Before even looking at possible vehicles available you must know what your vehicle needs are. What is the main purpose of this car? Are you using it solely for work| for pleasure or both? How many people need to fit in? Do you have a lot of supplies or equipment to tote? What is your budget? Once you've assessed your needs| you'll have a pretty good idea of the size| use and budget you'll need.

Window Shop
Just as we tend to spend hours window shopping for clothes| jewelery and shoes| it's good to spend time window shopping for your car. There are many options available to us. Learn what's out there| what each vehicle has to offer and what options you want. Some great ways to window shop include shopping online| speaking to friends and keeping your eyes open when you're out and about.

Try It On
After you've narrowed down your choices| take each vehicle out for a spin (and leave your wallet at home)! Test-drive each car and get a feel for the one you like the best. Don't let the salespeople sway your decision.

Smart Shopper
Often times manufacturers offer dealer and customer rebates or incentives. Visit the manufacturer's website to learn of any savings they are offering. After all| everyone loves a sale!

Negotiate
Be prepared to negotiate the purchase price. Never take the first offer! Keep your eye on the bottom line price and don't be sidetracked by focusing on your monthly payments. Often extra charges (like administration fees) that add up to a substantial amount are added on and hidden in your monthly payment amount. If you have a trade-in| negotiate that amount separately.

Hire a Professional
If you are not ready to negotiate for the car you want or you simply don't have the time to spend at a dealership| you may want to hire an auto broker. We use brokers for buying a home| looking for a mortgage or purchasing insurance - why not use an auto broker to buy a car? They save you time and money| which means you'll have the hot wheels of your dreams in the time it takes you to unhook the car seat and some extra cash to buy the next set of sing-a-long CDs (after all| change is good).


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