Top 10 Things To Know Before Buying a Car

10. Extended Warranty, Expensive Add-Ons

After researching online, you will have a better understanding of the cars reliability and strengths. If there are many reports of issues and costly repairs, it may be in your best interest to check out an extended warranty. Extended warranties can be offered by the dealership, but be sure you understand the fine print. While some warranties cover additional parts and services not on the standard warranty, others only offer coverage for a longer period of time.

Living in a part of the country that sees heavy snowfalls? Then you should be sure to check out a set of winter wheels for your new car. Rust proofing might be a good idea too, if the area you live in uses a lot of salt or park your car out in the snow. On the other hand, those that live in sunny conditions might be interested in tinted windows they not only help the car look a bit cooler, but actually filter out some heat when you leave your car parked out in the sun.

As nice as extras can be, the dealership will try to make you agree to a price, and then begin discussing add-ons making the total price of the car jump beyond what you were expecting. This is a last ditch effort to squeeze some more money out of you, so be sure to know what you need.

If you’re thinking about buying a car soon, you can always ask the AutoGuide staff for advice directly. Each week, we take questions from our readers and choose one case to answer on Friday in a special segment called Ask AutoGuide. For a chance to be featured, send an email explaining what you need, your budget and your favorite WWII factoid to Ask@AutoGuide.com. The WWII thing is a joke, but feel free anyway. You’ll make Craig Cole a very happy guy.