Where to shop

You are now ready to go check out your local dealerships.  You have done a lot of research on the cars but have you committed to research the dealerships.  Today, you have multiple sources.  Here are some.
Dealerrater.com
Google Review
Yahoo reviews
Yelp
cars.com
edmunds.com
Choosing your dealership is as important as choosing your car.  You will create a relationship with the dealership that will last well past your purchase.  Today, many dealers and/or manufacturers include free maintenance with the purchase of a new vehicle.  You will have many reasons to visit the dealership.  Ask your co-workers, your friends, your family about their experiences with specific dealerships. 

Making Lists

Good afternoon!  By now, you have decided that a new vehicle is going to suit your family best.  You need to narrow it down.  Problem remains that there are about 30 plus vehicles in your selection.  Do your research.  Narrow it down to three to five.  Ask friends, family, neighbors about their cars and listen to what they like and don't like about them.  This will help you decide.  Some are better handlers, some have smoother rides, others will have more technology.
Now make a list of the things you like about your current vehicle.  Make another list of the things you do not like about it.  When selecting your new vehicle, check them against your list.  Take your list with you when you try out your new vehicles.
Another list you should make is a list of must haves such as engine size, leather vs cloth, safety features, 3-4 color choices.  This list should be detailed.
The last list should be what I call my "it would be nice" list.  Items on this list should not decide your choice.  Be prepared to pay more for items on this list.
The goal of making these lists isn't to figure out the exact vehicle, but rather steer you in the type that will best fit your lifestyle.

Ready, Set,...not yet - slow down

There are many reasons you need a new car: your current car just died and left you stranded; your son or daughter just got into a wreck and totalled your new truck; you are having your first child and the Camaro is not going to work no matter how much you insist it will; You have a big boy truck and your commute just went from a few minutes to driving from L.A. to NYC daily and gas prices are going up; Grandma can no longer get out of her GT and needs more comfort and safety features.  Whatever the reason, think about it before you go to the dealership.  I see too many people buy a vehicle and three months later come back to see me and ask that I help them get the right one.

Mission of this blog

Before getting into car sales, buying a car was a mysterious transaction where I had no clue as to what was doing.  I was just doing it.  I wish I knew then what I know now.  I will try to explain the many steps that go into a car purchasing transaction so you may understand why getting a car is sometimes compared to an  extreme sporting event.