Chapter 1: Getting startedBefore you go car shopping, do your homework. Know what you want and how you plan to pay for it. Then put on your happy shoes and go shopping!Begin with a budgetCheck your credit firstBuying new vs. usedBuying vs. leasingHow much can you afford?Finding the best car for youChapter 2: Shop till you dropFrom auto dealers to auto brokers to the Web, here's what you'll need to know to track down the best vehicle at the best price.Researching vehicles onlineNew-car shopping on the WebValue of rebates and incentivesUsing an intermediaryUsed-car shopping on the WebLine up your financingDecision time: Buy or lease?Check insurance costs firstChapter 3: The buying experienceYou know your budget and did your shopping. Now it's time to bargain with the seller.Buyers' biggest mistakesMeeting the dealer head-onWhen haggling pays offTop 11 dealer tricksBogus advertising slogansExtended warranty or not?Chapter 4: The leasing experienceLeasing a vehicle makes sound financial sense in certain situations and for certain people. For others it's a money trap.Actual cost & residual valuePros and cons of leasing10 must-ask questionsTop 10 leasing booby trapsLeasing laws you should knowChapter 5: Financing the dealGet a grip on the financing process as we help you shop for a loan and spell out many key questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line.Where to get the moneyAsk these 9 questionsLoan options and rebatesHow to find the best rateThe cost of 0 percent financingSizing up your down paymentChapter 6: Insuring your vehicleBuying a new car, or a substantially different one than what you now own, will mean a change in your insurance costs.ABCs of auto insuranceLowering insurance costsWhat's no-fault insurance?Credit score & insurance costsInsurance terms and definitions advertisementRelated Links:Auto rates for Sept. 16, 2010How to find the best car loansTranscript: Frugalize home maintenanceRelated Articles:Lender extend car loan?Repo man wrecks creditAuto loan rates
A little research could save you BIG on interest.