By Tony Iorio

The following tips will help you stay focused and organized when buying a vehicle, and most of all will allow you to stay in control of the situation so you don't fall victim to the car dealer's "Selling System! "

1)  Before you enter a car dealership for the first time on your quest for your next vehicle, it would be nice to have some idea of what you want!

If you don't that's OK!  You'll just have to do a little old fashioned shopping to decide!  Of course, you can shop online, but unless you are very sure of what you want, get out there and go looking!

Just remember these guidelines before you go into a dealership:

• Don't make any deals your first time in.
• Don't discuss price with the salesperson. (Not Yet!)
• Don't discuss your trade-in if you have one.
• Don't discuss financing, or how you plan on paying.

If you do any of the above, believe me, you'll end up losing thousands of dollars!

You've Been Warned!

Now, you'll want to do some research on the type of vehicle you're considering. Information like safety ratings, fuel economy ratings, Insurance Costs and reliability ratings are all important areas that you should look into.

Just stay focused on the vehicle you're interested in.   Test drive it, make sure it has the room you want (don't forget to consider any potential additions to your family in the next few years!), make sure you like the way it handles, the way it looks, the trunk space, the way it smells...you get my drift!  Make sure you're satisfied it's what you want.

Once you've done that, write down the serial number, list of options and sticker price, get the salesperson's name and go home and do your research.

To do this go to Free Car Price Quotes & Research Information.  Visit the recommended car quote web sites there.  You'll be able to research the vehicle of your choice, get the invoice price and get some free actual price quotes.

To research used car values go to Yahoo! Autos .

Don't forget about Rebates.  This is your money, so when you make a deal don't let them include the Rebate until after you agree on a selling price.

In other words, Keep the Rebate Out of the Negotiation Process!

2)  When leasing a vehicle go through the same process you would if you were buying it.   When you negotiate the selling price it will be called the "gross capitalized cost," but it's the same thing as the selling price.

This is the price that the dealer will sell the vehicle to the lease company for, who in turn, will lease it to you.  This figure will have a direct effect on your payment, so be sure to negotiate this price just like you were buying the vehicle.

Go Here For All the Facts About Leasing!

To take a look at a great little software program that will Save You Big Bucks, and keep you from getting ripped-off in a lease visit EXPERT LEASE PRO!  This program will save you a ton of money on a lease.  It's easy to use and it's well worth the small fee to buy it.

3)  If you have a trade-in find out what the wholesale value is, because wholesale is All a Dealer Will Give You!

To research used car values go to Yahoo! Autos .

Remember, to take these book prices with a grain of salt!  There are many factors that come into play when determining your vehicle's wholesale value.  Mileage, tire wear, interior condition, appearance of the paint and body, rattles, squeaks, brakes, handling and obvious oil leaks are all key areas that are checked out when a dealer appraises your vehicle.

You'll come out much better in the end if you sell your trade privately.  It may take longer, but just this one step could save you thousands of dollars!  Go here for some Great High Traffic Classified Ad Sights where you can list your car for sale.

Why? Because you can get much more than wholesale by selling your car outright. Don't get hung up on holding out for top retail either.  Just settle for as much as you can, and it will undoubtedly be more than the dealer is willing to give you.

Have your trade professionally detailed before trading or selling it.  It will bring more money and it will be $75 to $100 very well spent.  Find a professional detail shop in your area to do this.

And For Crying Out Loud...whatever you do...make sure the oil, antifreeze, power steering fluid and transmission fluid are all filled to their proper levels before a dealer or a private buyer looks at your vehicle!   Nothing kills a sale quicker than the fluid levels being low!

For great tips on buying, trading or selling a used car visit Used Car Tips!

4)  If you are going to finance your vehicle, arrange it yourself with your bank or credit union before you make a deal.  Go here for some Great Deals on Auto Loans and General Financing Tips!

If you let the dealer arrange your financing you will pay dearly!  You may end up paying $2000 to $3000 more if you let the dealer handle it!  Go here to find out How the Car Dealer Gets Deep Into YOUR Pockets in the Finance Office!

5)  Now it's time to go to the dealer!   You've done all your homework by getting price quotes from all the Car Buying Services and Finance Sources right here on this web site!

Tell the dealer how much you are willing to pay for the vehicle you've picked out. On most new vehicles they will usually take $200 to $500 over invoice. Remember, this is before the rebate comes into play.  The rebate is your money even if you lease.

This Is Very Important: DO NOT tell the salesperson that you have a trade, or that you have your own financing in place.  Keep him or her guessing!

Negotiate the selling price of the vehicle only.  Don't Negotiate Payment or in the case of a Trade, the Price Difference.  And keep the Rebate out of it!

ONLY After you've agreed on a price, should you spring the trade on them!  And ONLY After you're satisfied with your trade-in allowance should you tell them that you have your own financing in place!

They will probably scramble around in "panic mode" trying to get you to finance through them.   Don't fall for it!   Stick to your guns!

Be prepared to walk out if the salesperson won't cooperate.  Don't let the car dealer get the upper hand.   Maintain control over the whole process and You Will SAVE Yourself Thousands of Dollars!

Go here for more detailed pointers on Negotiating a Great Car Deal!