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2.0 BOOKS AND RESOURCES; AUTOMOBILE DISCOUNTS - BUYING, LEASING, REPAIRING

Since automobiles are so expensive, it really pays to study up. Car dealers are trained to recognize those people who have done their homework and those who haven't. You will automatically get a better deal and more respect if you understand how to purchase a car. The following resources are the best that I have found among the dozens that I looked at.

2.0.1 ESSENTIAL CAR BUYING REFERENCES

2.0.2 NEW CAR REFERENCES

Edmund's Buyer's Decision Guides : New Car Prices (American & Import), and New Pickups, Vans & Sports Utilities, (published three times a year), Edmund Publications. Be sure to get the most current issue. If you are going to buy a new car, get this detailed guide! It gives you a worksheet and shows you how to calculate a reasonable price for your new car. They have great advice on leasing (basically don't do it). Take this book with you when you go car shopping. Don't mention it, just let the car dealers know you've got it. They'll be impressed.

Also visit the Edmunds website for much of the same information:

www.edmunds.com

AutoWeek's Buyers Guide, AutoWeek. You can find a copy at a large newsstand. AutoWeek bills this as the "Ultimate Comparison Shopping Guide." It includes numerous reviews of each model, comments from owners, insurance costs, parts costs, depreciation, maintenance costs, etc. Be sure it has the models you're interested in. Very worthwhile.

2.0.3 USED CAR REFERENCES

Edmund's Buyer's Decision Guides : Used Car Prices & Ratings, (published four times a year), Edmund Publications. Similar to the new car book (above), it is incredibly detailed. Again get the most current issue.

The Used Car Book, Jack Gillis, HarperPerennial. This book bills itself as a "Guide to the best and worst" used cars of the last ten years. It includes sections on: Good Choices, Cars to Stay Away From, A Complaint Index, Selling Your Car, plus maintenance costs, insurance savings, and buying strategies. It is revised often; get the latest edition.

2.0.4 NEW & USED CAR REFERENCE

Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue. This issue comes out in April. It has a comprehensive summary of new cars and warranties, and estimates of new car reliability. It also has extensive info on used cars, including a top ten list of best used buys. You might find a copy at your library.

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