Buying a Car Online
Put the Power of the Internet
Behind You

When you start spending more time under your car than in it, maybe it's time for a new set of wheels? If it has been awhile since your last car shopping trip there's good news and bad news: 

• The Bad - Prices are going up as fast as they ever did. The new VW Beetle sells for roughly ten times the price of the last old Beetle's of the early 1970s.

• The Good -  Comparison shopping between models and between dealers is easier than it ever was. The days of driving to the only dealer in town and hoping you were getting a good deal are over.

Because the increasing cost to purchase was reducing the eligible buyer pool, the industry moved first to longer loan periods of up to 60 months and then to leasing, to keep the apparent cost of ownership down. Today, even used cars are being moved out via leases instead of outright purchases.

Buying used is a viable alternative that allows you to avoid the most rapid depreciation in value, which occurs right after a new car is driven off the lot. Generally speaking, when buying from a dealer there will be some level of warranty protection on your "previously driven" purchase, while private transactions will be on an "as-is" basis.

When entering into a private transaction you must be particularly careful not to get stuck with a "lemon" or at the very least make sure you turn any downsides about the condition of the car into lemonade by negotiating a lower purchase price to account for any needed repairs. Otherwise, your good deal may end up costing more than you bargained for. 

Another thought for consideration - even if it may not look as sparkling as a new one - is keeping your existing car if it still starts faithfully every morning. Factors for consideration include:

Repair History - If you just replaced the transmission at a relatively high cost, have you gotten your money's worth in subsequent mileage? Contrary to what you might think, mentioning that fact to a potential buyer is not confidence inspiring. Future Repair Needs - If you anticipate extensive repair needs in the near future, hanging on to the car may not be worthwhile despite the current proper operation. Personal Mechanical Skills - If you can do many minor and even some major repairs, this will likely favor retaining the car for a longer period.

Those are some of the basics to consider. Also, even if you don't know an alternator from a power steering pump; whether your car is brand new or 10 years old - it's always a good idea to have a basic tool kit in the trunk to help you out with minor on-the-road repairs.  My own trunk also contains a portable 12-volt air compressor that has come in handy a surprising number of times - also good for keeping your tires properly inflated, especially with the dearth of free air hoses at the "service" stations these days.