Be careful! Even the most upstanding dealers will try to take advantage of your good nature. Don't let them! Follow these tips from Public Citizen and review some of the other material on our site before you sign on the line.
- Obtain financing independently of the dealer;
- Refuse to sign any arbitration clause;
- Never sign blank financial forms;
- Remember that dealers make money from extras and add-ons; and
- If financing is unavailable except from the dealership, never drive a car off the lot before all financial transactions have been agreed upon by the lending institution.
Whatever you do, don't drive the car home until all of the paperwork is finalized, especially the financing.
Here's something else to consider: You will need much more money to support yourself in your old age than you may think. Buying a modest car and putting the savings in the bank or a mutual fund can make a huge difference in your net worth.
Give serious thought to buying a modest, used, mid-sized car. Take it easy on the upgrades; they line the dealer's pocket and empty yours. Lastly, don't fall into the trap of thinking an expensive car is "better" than a cheaper one. Expensive cars are very expensive to maintain and don't necessarily hold their value any better than any other vehicle.
