kfx216 wrote:
if I should resubscribe to Consumer Reports OR if there are other options now. Thanks!
Here's how I buy. First, I research using Consumer Reports. Your neighborhood library probably carries it if you don't get it. Start with the April Auto issue and narrow your choices. Then go to the individual months that cover the vehicles you are interested in and read the description in detail. Sometimes I'll see something that makes me opt out right away, like not enough headroom for tall people.
The way I buy new now is to find all the dealerships nearby (I've driven 250 miles to save $500+). Then I send an email to their fleet sales department, giving a description of the vehicle I am looking to buy, including options I want and don't want, and asking for their best price. Let them know you will buy from whomever gives you the best quote and that several dealerships are on your contact list. Make sure they give you a list of the options on the car you will be purchasing.
Make sure you know if there are incentives available and let the dealership know that you know what they are. One source:
http://www.edmunds.com/car-incentives/I've saved many, many hundreds of dollars on a new car using this method. No time wasted in negotiation. You walk in, check out the car you are buying, spend some time on paperwork, and you're out the door. We've walked in, finished everything up, and walked out with the keys and seen the same people in the lobby still negotiating on a car!
If you are financing your car, arrange that through your bank or credit union (better rates often) ahead of time.
If you are trading in the old van, you might find it best to sell it yourself on Craigslist or the like. Research what the trade in value is at Edmunds, NADA, etc. Clean it up, maybe paying for a detail. It's generally best to make the sale of your old vehicle an independent transaction from the purchase of your new vehicle. Dealerships know how to shift things around to make it seem like you're getting a great deal, so be aware.
Another thing to consider is a certified used car from a dealership. Depending on the make, you can get a pretty good warranty and save yourself a bundle in the process. We actually flew to NJ to purchase a vehicle that had only 16,300 miles on a five year old vehicle. It came with a 100,000 drive train warranty. It was priced thousands less than a similar vehicle here in CO with over 50,000 miles on it. It was worth the airfare, gas, and motel costs to get it back here. Plus, we got a cross country vacation in our new-to-us vehicle!
Good luck. Personally, I like getting a new (or gently used) car, but I hate the whole process.
