The new car mentality

We've all had it, just as winter comes to an end and the weather starts to change, flowers start to bloom. Suddenly this feeling comes over you. I sure would like to have the new car I saw on tv yesterday.

That all sounds fine up to the point where you actually take action and to into the dealers showroom. This place has more pitfalls than an Indiana Jones thriller. There is danger lurking around every corner, from the pushy car salesman who doesn't care what you drive as long as it shows up on his commission check.

Then you have all the different models and features, and of course if you buy this beauty you want to protect it with rust proofing, clear coat and that nice extended service protection. Guess what, you just made your local car dealer lots of money. But what did you get out of the deal?

First you got a new car that will depreciate thousands of dollars as soon as you drive off the showroom floor.
Second most new cars have adequate rust proofing from the factory, in fact adding after-market rust proof if not done properly can actually accelerate the rust process.

Then you have that nice big expensive service contract. Sure you may need service other than scheduled maintainence. But if you read the fine print there are stipulations and conditions that come with the extended warranty.

As I said in one of the earlier posts, the best weapon you can take with you to the dealership is knowledge. Knowledge of what the new car you looking at cost the dealer, look at reliability of that model (this can be done by going to consumer reports or even some of the car sites on the internet).

Don't just walk in unarmed because they will run the profit flag up to the top of the pole thanks to your lack of knowledge.