Deals abound, so do your homework.

Because car dealers are now moving inventory to make room for 2009vehicles, pay attention to local dealer websites, newspapers and circulars forprice cuts and special promotions on 2008 makes and models they must clear offtheir lots. Also, due to recent high gas prices, many larger cars are heavilyincentivized with rebates and cash back offers, sometimes by as much as$10,000 or more. There are plenty of great car deals out there so do yourhomework before visiting the dealership.

Be smart about car financing.

If you need car financing, be sure to check a variety of lenders, such asyour local credit union, to find rates and loan terms that work best for you.If you finance through the car dealer, check your credit score online andbring this information with you to the dealership to help determine the typesof financing programs you qualify for. Finally, making a larger down paymentcould help you qualify for financing programs for which you may not haveinitially qualified, reducing your monthly car payment expenses in theprocess.

Be flexible about the car you buy.

When it comes to selecting a car, be flexible. Research a variety ofmakes and models in the same or similar class to find comparably equipped carsat more affordable prices. You may find a second, third or even fourth choicethat costs less, without sacrificing the quality and features you really want.With the NADAguides.com side-by-side car comparison tool, you can comparefeatures, specifications, options, prices and warranties for up to four new orused cars, to assist you with your research.

Consider a used car.

The minute you drive a new car off the lot, it depreciates in value, soconsider buying a used car. Not only will you avoid hefty depreciation costsfrom the get-go, there's a good chance you'll find a great used car inexcellent condition for less money than a new car. If buying a used carscares you, check into certified pre-owned vehicles (CPO), which have gonethrough rigorous inspections and come with solid warranties for added peace ofmind. Finally, be sure to check out the 5-Year-Total-Cost-To-Own tool atNADAguides.com to learn more about specific depreciation and ownership costsfor particular models.

Pay attention to your trade-in.

If you're trading in your existing car, research its trade-in price atNADAguides.com and be honest with yourself and the dealer about its condition.Give the car a good detailing and repair any minor damage prior to visitingthe dealership. If you financed the car, know how much you owe on yourexisting loan. Owing more than it's worth will obviously offset any discountsbeing offered on your new car, but on the other hand, those new car discountsmight enable you to pay off your existing loan. Finally, don't be afraid tonegotiate a fair trade-in price, but be realistic. With the current state ofthe economy and recent fuel costs, you're likely to get a higher value on acompact versus an SUV.

About NADAguides.com

NADA Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher ofvehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks,vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic andcollectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraftand manufactured housing. The company's consumer website, NADAguides.com(http://www.NADAguides.com), offers a variety of new and used vehicle servicesin addition to valuation information. Throughout its 75-year history, NADAAppraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority forvehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensivevehicle information resource on the Internet today.

SOURCE NADAguides.com