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One must first be consciously aware that the purchase of any car "WILL BE" a losing procurement . . . unless, of course, the particular auto in question is of such rare vintage, or possess' some other certain renown, that it will have that special acclaim known as a "collectible of increasing value".

As the vast majority of readers are merely average mortals of average means, it is to these whom I address my advice. I certainly am not addressing those wealthy enough to indulge in the purchase of such pricey collectibles noted above.

Therefore, I offer the following pathway, personally experienced, as to how one might logically proceed and actually save a pittance on the purchase of their next vehicle.

First one must decide a few things.

1) How much am I willing to spend?

2) Am I to trade in my present vehicle?

3) Should I buy a new or used vehicle?

4) If I buy a used vehicle, shall I buy from a private party or a dealership?

As regards #1, this you will yourself have to do the math on. This calculation will ultimately determine the target vehicle you will be looking for.

As for #2; yes it is more of a hassle to sale your own present vehicle, but if it is dollars you want to save, then this is to be your chosen route. Of course, if you are not financially able to proceed with this suggestion, then by all means do a trade in. Just remember, sales people are pros at this type of negotiation and you will assuredly not be getting the best of them.

Thirdly and fourthly; the wiser financial choice here is to only purchase a pre-owned vehicle from a reputable dealer. Buying a new car is like immediately throwing lots of money away. And it is much too time consuming to look for and buy from another private party. In the end you have absolutely no guarantees, no security, and no practical recourse of action whatsoever to follow up on should an issue of condition later erupt.

Here, then, follows the total highlights of my suggested pathway.

If at all possible, clean up, fix up, and sell your present vehicle on your own, at a reasonable price, as determined by price book and competition. If you do trade in, expect only to receive the very lowest valuation for your vehicle.

Do your research...do your research...DO YOUR RESEARCH! Take your time, do not be rushed by anyone. . . and think through your coming purchase for at least a couple of weeks. This no doubt is a very large transaction for you, one that will affect your life for some time to come.

Buy the highest quality vehicle that

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