Thursday, May 16, 2002

More Bang for Your Buck: Saving on Cars

Reported by:

Beatriz Canals

Producer:

Susie Falero

Archived Reports:

All More Bang for Your Buck

Shopping for a car usually requires plenty of wheeling and dealing. The last thing you want is to feel like your negotiations are stuck in reverse. Fortunately, there are ways to save besides reading consumer reports.

(WSVN) Shopping for a car usually requires plenty of wheeling and dealing. The last thing you want is to feel like your negotiations are stuck in reverse. Fortunately, there are ways to save besides reading consumer reports.

They're brand new, shiny and ready for the road, but if you're looking for a new car, get ready for some revved up prices.

"Of course I want to get the best prices, anybody would," says Gary Brown. He was on a mission to save as much as he could on a new set of wheels. His biggest pet peave: he didn't want to deal with dealers. He says, "They come back and they play this whole game with you and then when you finally have settled on a deal you know instinctively that you haven't gotten the best deal that you can possibly get."

Surprisingly, people like Gary do have choices when it comes to saving on a new car.

First - there's the net. These days it's as easy as logging on, selecting the car you want and voi-la! You have your discounted price.

Now this may sound crazy, but you may want to investigate prices in different cities.

Experts say there are dramatic differences from one city to the next. Just do you're research and prepare to negotiate over the phone.

Jack Gillis is the author of The Car Book. He says, "I've been advising consumers for over 20 years on how to buy a car and even I don't go in and do it myself."

Gillis suggests trying an auto pricing service. They give dealers in your area one chance to name their best price. Carbargains is one of them -- they charge $190 -- but could save you much more.

Just ask Gary.

"I saved, I would say, at least $1,000 maybe $1,500."

Hopefully, these tips can help you too drive away with the perfect deal.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1-800-475-7283

(Copyright 2002 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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