Now, let's do a little research before you go shopping. Once you know how much Available Cash you have, you next need to know the hard facts about vehicles that fit your Available Cash figure. For instance...

Several sites can help you get answers to some of these questions. The CUDL AutoSmart and Edmunds web sites have much of this information. Remember that Edmunds is paid for by auto dealers that participate with their sales program, so be careful. NADA Guides can help you price used vehicles. Simply do research at this point and don't buy! When you've done your research, come back here for some very serious buying tips.

The ConsumerReports.org™ web site provides independent test results of most vehicles. There is a subscription fee to access information.

You should also visit the The Center for Auto Safety web site to check the safety record of cars you're considering. It's free.

Your first visit to a dealership or web site poses the maximum danger to your pocketbook. Those new cars look so good. And you've waited so long. Whether on-line or in person, sellers know how to turn up the fires of your enthusiasm and singe your reason. So put your emotions aside. Be wary. Slow down. Save the emotions for the moment you finally drive away in your shiny new car on budget for a change. With an extra thousand dollars or two in your pocket. Now that's something to get excited about!

Buying used is one of the smartest things you can do because you'll pay less over all. Plus someone else gets to pay for that big drop in value when a new car leaves the lot for the first time.

But buying used can also be expensive when people don't understand the specific problems used-car buyers face – on the web or at a dealership. For instance, did you know some dealers and on-line lenders charge you 20% interest on loans for three year-old cars?

Our rates are always far less because our loan rates for used cars are the same as for new. We don't think you should pay more just because you prefer a used car. Here's an example of the difference...

*Actual DCU rates are determined by your personal credit history and are subject to change.

That's why, as a used-car buyer, you need more information than a new-car buyer. So what should you do? Finish reading this on-line guide, even though it deals primarily with new vehicles. The information here is priceless. And then, after reading the rest of this, click on the special StreetWise Used Car icon on the last page of this guide.

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