1) Step one: Your history teacher was right: do your research.

There are a gazillion websites ready and willing to help you sort lemons from peaches, offering tips on reliable vehicles with the best track records for the least amount of cash. The most popular are Cars.com and AutoTrader.com. Check them out, then move on to the Kelley Blue Book – the granddaddy of used car information – and NadaGuides. These resource have collected data on cars for decades and are known for their trustworthy information. Don’t be shocked if you compare data from all four sources and find that it differs. Each uses different sources to compile and produce their information. Bottom line is that you’ll feel better about your search if you check out more than one of these.

2) Step two: Line up your financing.

If you belong to a credit union, you might not have to look further for cash. Credit unions have traditionally offered members top-of-the-line car loan rates. If this isn’t an option, contact your bank and get the skinny on financing with them. Many clubs have signature financing (e.g. AAA, gas company groups) and if you belong to a professional association, loan sourcing may be one of the perks of affiliation. Touch bases with your insurance company; some agents offer financing or will put you in touch with financial sources. Unless you are in such dire straits that none of the above will consider your application, don’t turn to short-term solutions like cash stores with sky-high interest rates. Yes, you will be offered financing by the car dealership you choose, but why not arrive to shop for cars loaded with information on alternatives?

3) Step three: Shop ‘til you drop.

These days, your search can start in your living room! Reputable used car dealerships will help refine your selection by giving you a virtual tour of what’s available in your area. Understand up front that franchise dealers usually get the pick of the crop when it comes to the best used cars because they come directly from dealerships as trade-ins or former lease cars, so they control a bit more of the history of these vehicles. You’ll be able to retrieve quite a bit of the information you need to make an informed buying decision on both Carfax’s or AutoCheck’s websites if you can get VIN numbers on your picks from the dealership. It can’t hurt to find the most recent April issue of Consumer Reports magazine to see what car owners have to say about the make and model(s) you’ve honed in on. Now, you, the fully informed buyer, can head out for the test drive. Feeling powerful? You should. Your due diligence might just impress your folks so much, you could get the loan they said they’d never again offer!

Article Copyright © 2008 www.UsedCarSavings.com

Automotive advice, news and reviews, for buying, owning and evaluating vehicles. Includes New and used car tips, advice, insurance, and financing information for consumers.
http://www.usedcarsavings.com

In Detroit: General Motors has recently announced that it will be providing consumers with a fully transferable five-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductible, on all GM Certified Used Vehicles—the industry’s top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand.

According to Troy Clarke, GM Group Vice President and President, GM North America, “Last fall, GM unveiled the best new car and truck coverage of any full-line manufacturer in the nation, letting customers know that every one of our 2007 light-duty vehicles delivers a superior level of quality. We’re very pleased to now offer that same level of confidence with every GM certified Used Vehicle from Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac.”

The new GM Certified Used Vehicles five-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductibles covers all 2002-2006 GM Certified Used Vehicles effective from the vehicle’s original in-service date. The said warranty will cover more than 900 components related to engine, transmission, transfer case if applicable and final drive assemblies on all GM Certified Used Vehicles sold in United States. As to warranty related to other auto parts like GM AC condenser it was not stipulated on the warranty coverage.

GM Certified has also extended its 24-hour roadside assistance plan to 100,000 miles traveled or five years. The warranty also provides a three-month/3,000-mile bumper to bumper comprehensive limited warranty, vehicle history reports, a stringent 117 point vehicle inspection and a 3 day, 150 mile customer satisfaction guarantee on all GM Certified Used Vehicles.

“This is another proof point that GM’s turnaround is gaining momentum, and a clear sign of our confidence in the quality and value of our cars and trucks. Our GM Certified Used dealers have been asking for this because it adds a real point of differentiation for our program. GM Certified Used does an outstanding job of bringing in new customers, and this enhancement will only add to that,” said Brian McVeigh General Manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.

Likewise, the new GM Certified 5-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductible applies only to GM Certified Used Vehicles such as Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac brands. For the Saturn brand it will also announce a similar program later this year.

Cadillac, Hummer and Saab have also their particular warranties—Cadillac Certified pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles and Hummer Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles –Each of these programs offer a 6 year/100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty effective from the vehicle’s in-service date.

To further encourage more consumers to its Certified Used Vehicles, GM will also be adding Cars.com, one of the leading automotive websites to their online listing program. The addition of the said site will effectively double GM Certified’s Internet footprint when it comes to online vehicle listings.

Interested consumers can log on to gmcertified.com for more details on GM’s Certified Used Vehicles. Plus they can also locate the closest GM Certified dealer or search the industry’s largest available certified pre-owned inventory with over 60,000 plus vehicles.

About the Author:
Noah Scott is a 30 year old native of New Jersey, writer, and car fan – having grown up with both parents being auto enthusiasts. He works for an automotive consultancy firm and regularly contributes articles to car magazines.