"ether n. 1. a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that burns and evaporates readily; It's fumes cause unconsciousness when deeply inhaled. 2. the upper regions of space beyond the earth's atmosphere."

This is the state of mind every car sales person dreams of putting their customers in. They do it by getting you all excited, playing on your emotions and convincing you that you want to take a vehicle home with you "today!"

After a car is sold and delivered car sales people joke with one another about how long it will take you to "come out of the ether!"

BEWARE!

If you make a rash, emotional car buying decision you will most likely have a serious case of "buyer's remorse" after you "come out of the ether." By then it's too late. Once you sign the papers and buy a car it is yours. There's no bringing it back.

If you want to avoid the ether, and make a rational car buying decision then take your time and don't buy on your first trip to the car dealership. Take some time to think the deal through, and make sure you know what you're doing.

Analyze all aspects of the car deal including the selling price, the trade-in allowance if any, and the financing. Don't just accept what the car sales person tells you your payment will be either. In fact, play it safe and don't believe anything they say to you, because it's their job to talk you into buying a car. Always verify everything.

Remember, you are in control of the entire car buying process - not the sales person - even though they strive to maintain control. All you have to do is get up and walk out. That's your control! Don't give them any money down or the keys to your trade-in until you are sure of what you are doing. Don't sign anything, and don't give them your social security number until after you have made a firm and informed decision to buy the car you're dealing on.

If you rush into a car buying decision you will regret it for years to come.