Complicating matters is the fact that you have to distinguish between new cars and cars that are several years old. For a new car, things are often simpler – after all, there simply isn’t that much data to compile and analyze. For older cars, however, you have to look at how they have held up in an historical perspective. Perhaps the car in question was great for the first three years, but then developed severe transmission issues in about 75 percent of the five speed automatic models. That’s exactly the kind of thing you can find out in the Consumer Reports publications.

Consumer Reports, as the name implies, compiles reports that it gathers from its members and consumers. That means that if something wasn’t studied – whether a model of car or a specific car system – they’ll have no information regarding it. You need to approach Consumer Reports knowing what you’re looking for, with a willingness to search using a variety of terms. Keep in mind also that the absence of evidence doesn’t, in and of itself, constitute evidence. For example, if Consumer Reports doesn’t have information about the transmission of a 2005 Whatzit, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t problems with it, just that Consumer Reports hasn’t yet studied and reported on it.

So let’s say you’re interested in a particular car that hasn’t yet been reported on by Consumer Reports, although they have reported on other cars in that class. You can still use Consumer Reports to determine which car is best in class. Find out why they chose that particular car as best in class and use those same criteria to evaluate the car you’re interested in. In this way, Consumer Reports can give you tools to use in your own individual evaluations. Think of this as being given a yardstick to use to measure your prospective car with.

In addition, reliability isn’t a single measure, so you won’t find a single report termed “reliability” in Consumer Reports. For this reason, you have to acquaint yourself with the environment of the reports. There are different ways to approach reliability – what could be reliable in one class of cars in one area might be completely unacceptable in another class. You have to understand what’s being discussed to be able to use the information given to its full advantage. For example, the reliability of a truck used around the clock for work will be markedly different from the reliability of a Prius, where a 24-hour run time is less of an issue. By understanding the metrics Consumer Reports uses, as well as what’s important for the class of car you’re considering, you’ll be able to take full advantage of this great source of information.

But how does the government get these cars? Well, they get most of them from criminals who have been involved in criminal cases or from criminals who purchased the cars with stolen or illegally printed money. Once the government has possession of the cars, they attempt to find the previous, legal owner and return the vehicle. However, that isn’t always possible, and if a car isn’t returned within a certain amount of time, it’s sent to public auction.

Most government repossessed cars are auctioned off by a private auctioning service. While these auctions are open to everyone, it can be difficult to know when and where they are. The problem is that you can’t simply go to a police station and ask them what company handles their seized car auctions. Instead, you need to look up small auction companies in your area. Many of these companies are so small that they don’t do a lot of advertising, so you may have to simply go through the local listings and call several different auction houses before you find one that deals in repossessed cars.

Once you’ve found an auction service that sells repossessed vehicles, it’s time to go visit them. Once there, you should be able to find a list of repossessed cars that are coming up for auction. Try to get as much information as you can, especially on any cars you’re interested in. Also, find out what you’ll need to bring with you to the auction in case you end up buying a car – for example, how payment is accepted, what documents do you need, and how long will you have to claim the car. If possible, go to an auction just to observe before you go to one with the intent to buy so you can see how everything works. Don’t assume these auto repossession auctions will work like estate sales or other auctions you’ve attended – you never know what special rules you’ll need to follow.

Finally, once you’ve seen how the auctions work and have found a vehicle or two you want to bid on, it’s time to jump right in and try to get yourself a great deal on a car. Remember to apply the general rules that should be followed at all auctions. Keep your maximum price in mind at all times. Don’t get caught up in a bidding war; if you do, you’re likely to end up spending much more than you wanted to. If someone bids more than your maximum amount, let them have it. If you don’t, you’ll regret spending more money than you should have.

One of the first things most people may not realize is that there are some eligibility requirements that your vehicle must meet before it’s eligible for the cash for clunkers exchange. This was done to help ensure that only cars that are high in gas consumption would be able to get the government money. If you’re interested in finding out if your vehicle will qualify for this rebate, check out the following guidelines.

First of all, the car has to be less than twenty five years old at the time that you trade it in, and you have to be using the credit on a new vehicle. The vehicle that you’re trading in must get less than eighteen miles per gallon, which is determined based on standards that are set up and accepted by the government. However, if you drive a large pick-up truck or cargo van, you’ll want to check with the dealer to make sure that it meets the requirements, as the MPG rating on these vehicles is slightly different since they’re naturally less fuel efficient.

In addition, if you’re going to trade in a vehicle through the cash for clunkers program, you’ll have to make sure that it has been registered and insured by you on a continuous basis for at least one year prior to the trade in date. Plus, you’ll need to make sure that the car is in drivable condition, as this is also one of the requirements. The program is set to run from the first of July 2009 until the first of November 2009 or until funds are depleted. In fact, the program has already reached its funding limit once, although Congress was quick to approve more funding.

So, if you think that your vehicle may qualify for the cash for clunkers rebate and you can afford the payment on a new car, go to your local dealer as soon as possible to make sure that you’re a part of this amazing government incentive. Or, if you have further questions concerning your eligibility or the program in general, you can visit the government’s official website at www.cars.gov. This way, you can directly verify what the government considers the official MPG rating of your vehicle so that you can go into the dealer prepared. But, if this is something that you are considering you will need to move fast – there’s no guarantee how long the funds will last.

Minivans are – at their hearts – people movers. They, as a class, are smaller than traditional vans, such as the Ford E series. They have more fuel economy than traditional vans and are better adapted for personal use. And yes, in a pinch, you can haul stuff in them. But when they really shine is when you have to carry a group. They’re taller than both hatchbacks and cars, and this additional size is used to make the people comfortable.

Really, it’s the unique design of the minivan that makes this happen. The engine is mounted close to the front, maximizing the passenger cabin. Minivans are, almost universally, front wheel drive, meaning that there’s no transmission hump to take away from the passenger space. It’s no mistake that, in some parts of the world, minivans are often called people movers.

SUVs, on the other hand, are designed with utility in mind – primarily when it comes to versatility and a variety of uses. You can haul people and you can haul stuff. A good SUV design has some truck elements that make loading and unloading your cargo a breeze. In addition, there are also seat configurations that will, in a pinch, allow people to be the main cargo. Comfort may be sacrificed a bit, but plenty of people can fit in.

In addition, SUVs are generally configured for four wheel drive, adding an off-road capability. But, frankly, this is an underutilized feature in most SUVs. Inclement weather is when most of the four wheel drive models are really used. True off-roaders tend to go for a bit more robust vehicle, while the average suburban family doesn’t really go out into the mud that much.

So, which one is best for your family? Well, do you haul more people than things? That’s the first question you need to ask yourself. Do you and yours go more for the choral, drama and chess clubs? Typically, those tend to be rather light on the equipment, making a minivan a good choice for your family. Are football, baseball and equestrian sports more up your alley? Then you’re already well acquainted with the amount of stuff that needs to be hauled around. Look long and hard at the SUVs.

Of course, where you go is another factor. Scooting around town, especially in the more temperate regions, really calls for that minivan. But if you call an area with hard winters home or if you and your brood actually do enjoy off-road sports, you’re sure to find an SUV that fits your style preferences and budget needs.

The final decision comes down to a mix of what you haul, what your family likes and where and when you have to take them. Mix all that together and you’ll quickly know what you need – whether it’s a minivan or an SUV.

First, you always want to start your test drive with a car with a cold engine. Not only do you want to see for yourself how well the car starts when the engine is cold, but it will be easier to check under the car’s hood while the engine is still cold. If the engine isn’t cold when it’s time to start the test drive, offer to come back at another time. Unscrupulous sellers could warm up an engine, knowing that it doesn’t run as smoothly when it’s cold. An honest seller will understand that you want to see the engine’s cold starting capabilities for yourself.

Another thing you must do during your test drive is check for any signs of damage. Look for signs that the car may have been damaged and repaired. Be sure to also check for evidence of flooding. Look at the interior thoroughly and inspect the car’s trunk as well. If you find any signs of mildew or mold in a car, pass on the car. And keep in mind that any seller who doesn’t want you to thoroughly inspect the car may be hiding something.

In addition to test driving the car, you’ll want to have your own mechanic inspect the car. Any reputable seller will be fine with this. Ask if you can take the car to your mechanic or, if you have to, bring your mechanic to the car. Most sellers will allow you to take the car to your mechanic, so again, beware any seller who seems reluctant to have the car independently inspected.

At some dealerships, the car salesperson will insist on driving you around for the test drive – but don’t give in! Insist on driving the car yourself. After all, you’re the person making the decision about the car. You’ll need to drive the car on regular streets in stop and go traffic and on the highway. Notice how well the car accelerates on the highway and whether the ride is smooth and steady. Notice how much road noise you hear and how much noise comes from the car itself. Does the car have enough speed to pass when needed? And does it come to a complete stop smoothly without any grinding noises?

It’s also a good idea to get some street driving in after the highway driving. Does the car run differently after being on the highway? Take left turns and right turns. How does the car respond? Does the car make noises when turning?

You’ll also want to check the car’s brakes to be sure everything is in good working order. An empty parking lot along your test drive route is a good place to try braking sharply.

Once you’re back at the dealership, make sure the heater and the air conditioner works. Let the air conditioner run for a while to make sure the engine doesn’t overheat. Turn off the car and then crank it again a few times to make sure it cranks well when warm. Finally, let the engine idle for at least five minutes to make sure it continues to run well while idling. Once you’ve completed all these steps, you should have enough information to make a good decision about the car you’re considering.

A used police car can be one of the best bargains around. These cars aren’t particularly attractive. They are serviceable, in the best sense of the word, and they’re usually larger cars with heavier frames. These are, after all, the kind of cars that police officers can set up in a roadblock, and expect to survive.

And don’t worry that you’ll constantly be mistaken for an officer. Most municipalities no longer paint their cars – they use stickers that, when peeled off, leave you with a fairly mundane color, but a solid color nonetheless. And yes, the automobile cognoscenti will know exactly what you have the instant they see it. But if you’re buying a car for what it can do instead of how it looks, that shouldn’t really matter to you.

However, buying a used police car isn’t as simple as just calling the police department and asking to buy one. But you should be able to call the general information line during regular office hours and ask them when they’ll be having their next police auction or liquidation sale. Depending on the size of the municipality, some will have their own auctions, while others will contract with an auction house. Smaller communities will also sometimes come together for a joint auction. Regardless of how it’s set up, all municipalities will – at some point – change out their fleet of vehicles and, for the savvy buyer, this is a great time to get a car.

Once you know when the sale will be, the next thing you have to find out is whether the sale will be public or private. If the sale is private, find out who is allowed to attend – for example, you may need a dealer’s license or you may just need to preregister. Every auction is handled differently, so there’s no substitute for making the call and asking the question. If they tell you it’s a public auction, then you can move to the next step – at a public auction, anyone can attend.

In most cases, the auction will give you a period of time during which you can inspect the cars that are being offered for sale. This can vary from a period of hours to days. This is crucial, because in nearly every instance, these auctions are strictly “as is,” with no warranty whatsoever. If you miss the hole in the engine block and buy a car that doesn’t run, you’re stuck with just that – there are no refunds and no exchanges. Some municipalities may have records of maintenance and repair, while others won’t. Be sure to ask these questions before you bid.

In this same vein, you need to know both the terms of payment and the time of pickup. Some auctions are cash only. Some demand payment immediately, while others may allow you to make payment arrangements. Know before you go. In addition, you need to know how long you have to get the car home. The car you buy may not be ready to drive – it may not even have gas in it to drive it away. Whatever the situation, you may have to take that car away at the end of the auction or lose your money and your car. Again, call ahead so that you know before you go.

The thing you have to know going into it is whether you’re looking for your dream car – where the car has to be the perfect car – or whether you just need a car that meets certain criteria, like “holds a family of four,” “is reliable,” and “gets decent gas mileage.” If you want that dream car, then price probably isn’t an object for you. But if you just want a good car, you’re better off falling in love with the deal first and the car second.

The first tool you should enlist is the one no one ever thinks to use when buying a car – your mechanic. Unless you’re buying a brand new car that comes with a complete warranty, you’re going to need to have that car inspected by a mechanic you trust. Fortunately, good mechanics are easy to find and most are happy to inspect a car for you for little or no money. Ask your own mechanic if he’s willing to do an inspection or ask your friends to recommend someone. If you don’t already have a relationship with a mechanic, this can help you develop one which will serve you well as you go forward. After all, no matter how good of a deal you get, every car eventually needs some time of servicing.

The next person to talk with is a car dealer. When you’re able to get a car dealer to stop talking about his new cars, ask him about fleet cars or test drive cars. Different dealers call them different things, so you’ll have to ask around. What you’re looking for are the cars they use for test drives and to allow the salespeople to get a feel for the cars. Every major dealer has these and they will be sold either with a decreased price or an increased warranty – or some combination of the two. In this case, you can get what is essentially a new car at a reduced price.

Another tool you can use is auto auctions – especially auto auctions that liquidate corporate cars or fleet cars. Know, however, that when dealing with an auto auction, you’ll get cars “as is” with little or no warranty and little or no information about their maintenance and repair history. If you can, it’s a good idea to bring your mechanic with you to take a look at a car before you place your bid. If you run into an auction that won’t allow you or other potential bidders to inspect the cars before the auction, take your money elsewhere – these people aren’t selling cars, they’re selling junk. Be sure to inquire about the policies of the auction ahead of time. They may only accept cash and the amount of time you have to remove the car may be limited to days or possibly hours.

Finally, social networking can help you find a car. If you want to find one of those legendary “grandmother only drove it to church on Sundays” cars, this is how you find it. These kinds of sales don’t appear in the newspapers – you find them through friends, or friends of friends. Spend some time looking around Twitter or Facebook – you can get some really good deals this way.

There are a number of consumer incentives that come from the manufacturers and pass through the dealerships. These include offers of low APRs on financing, cash rebates and low lease payments. These are good selling points and are usually widely advertised. They’re most likely to be offered on cars that aren’t selling well, either in a particular region or on a nationwide basis. If a car is new, expensive or in demand, don’t expect to see these kinds of incentives, because – quite frankly – those types of cars tend to sell just fine without them. Think about it – when was the last time you saw Porsche or Lamborghini offering a cash incentive to boost sales?

It’s the other kind of incentive – manufacturer to dealership incentives – that you don’t see advertised. However, a little sleuthing on the Internet can turn up information on these types of incentives – the Edmunds.com website is a popular choice. Additionally, you may want to search dealer forum websites for the specific brand of vehicle you’re thinking about purchasing. Dealerships don’t talk about these kinds of incentives because they can add up to substantial income for them, as much as $100,000 a quarter or more.

Incentives can be based on reaching a certain level of sales or on customer service surveys. This means that if a dealership is short on its sales goals, they’re more likely to accept less profit on your particular sale so that they can get the bigger payback through the manufacturer. Sales quotas are often tallied at the end of the month, which is why buying late in the month is more likely to get you a better deal. This is another reason that two different dealerships can offer you two different prices on the same car –it always pays to comparison shop!

How many cars a dealership sells in a specified time period also determines how many cars the dealership will receive during a future time period. Consequently, more sales now means more opportunities for sales in the future. This is especially important, as most people are wary of buying cars from a dealership that has a mostly empty lot. However, use this newfound knowledge to your advantage. Request price quotes from multiple dealers – including those with quieter lots – to find a dealer who’s motivated to make the sale at a better price. You may be lucky enough to find a dealership that’s low on its quotas and desperate to make the sale to you.

First, consider who will be using the car. If you’re single and you’ll be the only one driving the car, you’ll have fewer considerations than a family that’s buying a car. If you’re buying a family car, it will need to work for all of the people who may be driving it, and it will need to accommodate all of your family members. If your children are young, the vehicle will need to fit their car seats securely. Or, if your kids are older, is there enough room for carpooling to soccer practice? Do you have any physical considerations? For example, are you taller or heavier than the theoretical “average” driver for whom most cars are designed?

Now that you know who’ll be in the car, why will they be in it? If this is a car that will be used for commuting to work every day, then fuel economy is going to be a major consideration. Or, if the car will be mostly used for travel, storage space may be a more important consideration. If you take frequent long trips, comfort may be a key issue. Again, if the car is used primarily for a family, then things like cup holders, DVD players and ease of cleaning may be more important considerations.

Another consideration is where the car will be used. If you do a lot of driving off road or in snowy or icy conditions, you may want to have all wheel drive, for example. If you live in a fairly mild climate, you may not consider air conditioning a necessity, while someone who lives in Florida would certainly have another point of view.

Are there any options you consider essential? If you drive to a lot of new places, you may consider a navigation system crucial. Or, if you can’t drive a manual transmission, an automatic transmission upgrade option is a must.

Do you need a used car or a new car? When you’re buying a used car, you can usually get more car for your money. However, new cars often have better warranties, and some newer cars even include the cost of routine maintenance for a certain period of time. Only you can determine which works best for you and your budget.

When you consider these things together, you can begin to develop a picture of the kind of car you need. But before you start shopping, you also need to consider your budget. When you’re figuring out your budget, consider how much you have to spend on a car, including payments, insurance, and operating and maintenance costs. How much of your budget you’re able and willing to apportion to your car is definitely another lifestyle factor to consider.

Once you know what kind of car you need and how much you can afford to spend, it’s time to begin comparison shopping. There are a number of different review sites online that can help steer you towards the right kind of car. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few models, it’s time for some test drives. Maybe you’ll find the perfect car on your first trip out or maybe you’ll need to keep looking. As long as you consider how this car fits into your life – as much as you consider how you and yours will fit into the car – you’ll surely make a choice you can be happy with.

The very first thing you must convince yourself of is that you are the customer and the car dealership wants your business. It is really as cut and dry and this; every salesperson in that dealership realizes that you can decide to go anywhere to buy your car. From the moment you step past the balloons and through the entrance of the showroom, you are the boss and you absolutely have the upper hand. The key is keeping that upper hand and not letting the well trained salesperson bluff you into throwing away all of your power.

Before you make that fateful walk into the showroom, where you will be making one of the biggest purchases of your life, you need to know exactly what you want and what you are willing, and able to spend; on the down payment and the monthly payment. You also need to be ready to stand firm on these points and, more importantly, be willing to walk out of there if you are not able to close a deal that is acceptable to you.

One of the things that can shake your resolve to leave the dealership without a car is your unwillingness to leave with a perceived loss. Sometimes a salesperson’s desire to hit their goals and make the sale on their own terms causes them to play the game of back and forth with you. They will use their experience to get enough information about you to determine how badly you want the car, and then keep you on the hook with the hope that you have a chance of getting it if you only wait for them to convince their manager to accept your offer. The back and forth game can, literally, go on for several hours.

If you let this happen, you now have something invested in that car; your time. To most people their time is valuable to them, and with it now invested in a certain car, they are reluctant to leave with nothing to show for that investment. You must be ready to do just that if you do not get what you want. You will get over the time you wasted there by the next day, but you will have several years to regret not walking out if you don’t.

Just as important as keeping focused on your bottom line is staying aware of what you are being asked to sign. Often times the minute you walk into a dealership already knowing which car you want, the salesperson will slide an application across the table for you fill out and sign. You will marvel at small and easy it is to complete, and will get the feeling that this is going to be easier than you thought. Most of the time this application gives them permission to run a credit report on you. Do not let that happen until you are satisfied with the deal they offer you and you are ready to go forward with it.