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So you’re in the market for (cue Rod Roddy voice) a NEW CAR! Below you’ll find a crash course in making an informed decision. We’ll get you a good deal. Trust us.

The Unofficial Guide to the DMV

By Joan Mitchell
5/19/08
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Whether you’re getting a car after graduation, selling one before moving cities, or are just a really precocious 16-year-old who reads this site, you’re going to want to check out The Unofficial Guide to the DMV. It's a good launching point for almost any car-related query

Buying a Car

By Julie Fishman
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Quick Tips
  1. Buying used – Look over accident history, the number of previous owners, past mechanical problems, and maintenance history. Try to find cars that are Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). Before you buy, you should ensure you have at least 30 days to make sure the car is in good condition.
  2. Buying new – Do some research online to figure out which car is the best match for you. Check out the manufacturers’ websites and read user reviews. You don’t want to walk into a dealership without knowing anything about your future car.
  3. Do your research – Do everything you can to figure out what incentives, rebates, and other deals you can get on the car you want. Call local dealers and compare quotes online. Having a sense of the right price will ensure you don't get bamboozled.
  4. Curb your enthusiasm – Show little to no emotion when you test drive. Make sure all the car’s essential features match what you want, and give yourself an hour and a half for the test drive so the dealer can show you everything. Don’t allow the dealer to pressure you into buying right after the test drive.
  5. Bargaining – Beware of sleazy car salesmen scams. Before you go to the dealership, see what the average price others are paying in the area for the same car and contact the lowest bidder. Try to opt for incentives and rebates that are just for recent grads.

Unless you live in a public transportation-friendly city, having a whip could be the only thing that saves you from losing your job and spending your Saturday nights stuck at home watching Skinemax. But before you start thinking about balling out with a Bentley or settling for a rusted-out jalopy, you should figure out what fits in your budget. The monthly

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