Get the facts before buying a car

A significant longterm investment, such as purchasing an automobile, is no time for succumbing to whims. When car shopping, take time to research the options. It won't lengthen or complicate the car-buying process; in fact, doing the homework can help save time and find a car that better satisfies personal needs.

Many of today's vehicle options may not have been around the last time most buyers stepped into a car dealership. For example, ever heard of a crossover utility vehicle? It's a new automobile class that combines the advantages of a car and a truck. CUVs get good gas mileage and have the passenger and cargo space of an SUV. Internet sites such as AutoTrader.com have trend centers with the latest industry news, including key information on crossovers, alternative fuels and long-term value retention.

For someone thinking about either a new or used vehicle, there's another option. Certified pre-owned vehicles are used cars that go through a rigorous inspection and often come with an approval seal and warranty from the original manufacturer or dealer. There are many websites that post guides to simplify the process and can assist in selecting a new, used or certified pre-owned vehicle.

The research is done. Now find a dealership that has the right car. At AutoTrader.com, shoppers can search for the dealership closest to them and print out a map when they're ready to go. Shoppers can search for dealers by services important to them, such as financing options, whether the dealership has a service center and loaner car availability.

Finally, make sure to take all the homework to the dealer for reference during shopping. Print detailed vehicle brochures and valuations of a tradein that include a third party's estimate of the vehicle's worth. A shopper will have more confidence in the list price and in what they'll accept for their current car with this information.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.