[Weelok]

I try not to get emotional on a car and easiest tactic is to check out all the dealer websites in a 60 mile radius and look at the Internet sales. The advertised price on a car is as good a deal as you can get. Call around and ask if the advertised car is available and if so, say your coming in to buy that car.

If your looking for just any car in a price range, check Edmunds or Consumer Reports on the ratings for the car in particular maintenance. After that, refuse all options except alarm if you want an alarm as the factory alarms are tied to the car and enabled by factory modules so after market alarms can be a pain.

Get pre-arranged financing through USAA or a credit union BEFORE you buy unless the advertised deal comes with a great rate then finance away.

The car salesman is just your first negotiator and the finance guy is second. Refuse the first offer on the extended warranty and say your not interested. The second offer is equal to the same one that would be mailed to you by the factory in a year anyway. The extended warranty depends on model, brand, and make but expect $1500 for the second offer. If you don't plan on owning the car more then 5 years, tell the finance guy no to EVERYTHING.

Bring a lunch, some phone games, and every time they leave, eat, game, relax and be prepared to say no when they come back. Part of the strategy they use is nerves and they will literally say, "I have to see my manager" and go smoke a cigarette killing 15 minutes while you fret.

So, pre-approved financing, advertised Internet sale price, and just No, No, No, No.

That is my approach. Bring in advertised prices on the same model from other dealerships and call them to make sure the car is available on their lot.

Do NOT impulse buy if you want the lowest price.