Any car owner can have peace of mind when taking the car to the shop for repairs and maintenance when the car is covered by an auto warranty. Auto warranties cover the cost of repairs and maintenance on the car. Here are three things to be aware of about your auto warranty:

1. Thoroughly read through the warranty so that you are completely knowledgeable about how long the coverage lasts and what parts of the car are covered by it.

2. Know where the auto warranty is coming from. Is it coming from an aftermarket auto warranty company or a manufacturer? It is important know exactly who is handling your policy.

3. Know the terms of your warranty and make sure that you perform all required maintenance on your car. Auto warranties only remain valid if you get specific work done to your car. In addition, keep a record of all repairs and maintenance performed on your car in the event that you need to take care of a claim.

Auto warranties put your mind at ease when you bring it to the shop to have work done. If you want to get the most out of your auto warranty, it is essential to be knowledgeable about all of its details.

Buying an auto warranty for a vehicle is risky if you are not aware of the regulations and rules of the warranty. It is smart for vehicle owners to hire a professional car consultant who will help guide them through the buying process of the auto warranty. If the vehicle owner decided to purchase the warranty without any help, they risk for buying a fraudulent warranty is higher.

Fraudulent auto warranties refer to warranties that come with many features and are priced very well. However, the providers of these warranties do not actually provide the services that are mentioned in the warranty. In the used car market, fraudulent warranties are common. Therefore, people who buy used car warranties should be very careful.

As a result of fraudulent auto warranties, the US administration has created a law to protect consumers. This used car warranty law is called the lemon law.

When we consider the Internet of Things (IoT) in the automobile market, most of us will think about the connected car or the Google car. Today, these benefits are consumer orientated and provide basic convenience, maintenance and safety functions. In the future, especially with the ongoing development and testing of the self-driving Google car, our entire experience with how we interact with our cars will be revolutionized. Someday, we may just all be passengers where vehicles communicate with one another, to maximize safety and optimize efficiency to get us from point A to point B.

If we then mention security, the 60 minutes piece that aired in 2015 about hacking the internet-connected Jeep most likely will be top of mind. Was it sensational? Sure, but it did highlight a potential critical flaw and security vulnerability that resulted in 1.4 million vehicles being recalled. Additionally, car manufacturers are increasingly marketing their connected features from onboard Wi-Fi, to mobile apps that control the locks and even start vehicles. In these cases, the novelty of these “cool” features often outweigh the negative impacts. So what happens when the consumer’s phone is stolen? Are there appropriate security and authentication measures in place to ensure their car is then not stolen as well? These are all things to think about.

Should we as consumers be concerned? Maybe, maybe not, as it may still be too early for these issues to turn into an epidemic. However, we should start becoming more aware of these connected features and how they can impact us, both positively and negatively. Security will need to be addressed especially as more vehicles offer internet-connected features. Our safety and the privacy of our personal information and property will depend upon it.

New Risks Facing Auto Manufacturers

For now, the people who should be really concerned about these vulnerabilities are the auto manufacturers. Negative high-profile news like the 60 minutes piece can be quite damaging to their brands and reputation. Additionally, these vulnerabilities put consumer safety at risk and significantly drive the cost of warranty replacements up when repairs are needed on potentially more than a million vehicles. Nobody wants to be associated with a story such as that and have to deal with expensive reputation repair and resulting financial losses. Fiat Chrysler has had to do a lot of damage control, including an extensive and costly recall of their vehicles. Now, if something tragic had resulted from this, the damage could have been unrepairable and affected whether the manufacturer would be able to stay in business or not.

But, issues like this may just be the tip of the iceberg of security concerns for car manufacturers. While hacking a vehicle and taking control over some of its functions gets the media attention, what happens during the engineering and manufacturing stages could be the most critical. Here are a couple of examples…

Security Concerns on the Manufacturing Floor

The automobile manufacturing process needs to be very precise and meet the highest quality standards to put a car on the road. The safety of everyone on the road depends upon the quality of vehicles being manufactured and sold. The manufacturing process is now very automated (almost fully). To further optimize the process, manufacturing facilities and the equipment are being interconnected to share and analyze important data. This is Industrial IoT (IIoT). What can be done with this data can be very powerful and potentially save manufacturers millions of dollars. However, connecting this equipment does open new vulnerabilities, which can put the manufacturer, its employees and consumers at risk.

If a malicious attack is successful at compromising a piece of manufacturing equipment or software service, serious issues can occur. If a hacker is able to gain access to a sensor that monitors the operating temperature of a piece of manufacturing equipment, how could that potentially affect the safety of the employees? Now, what if an attack is successful at making a simple modification to the software that instructs a piece equipment as to how many bolts it installs to brace the framing of the car in the assembly process? How would that impact the safety of the consumer? It’s these behind-the-scenes IIoT security scenarios that must be addressed before they become the next sensational news story.

Ensuring Firmware Integrity

Now that cars have basically become computer processors on wheels, there is a significant amount of software and firmware on board that controls many of the vehicle’s functions. The initial install of this software and firmware is carried out during the manufacturing process and generally conducted in a controlled environment. However, as the vehicle hits the road and ages, it’s inevitable that there will be software and firmware upgrades. These upgrades could be performed by certified dealers or any mechanic that has access to the vehicle. How do you know that right software or firmware is being installed in your car? You probably have no clue and your mechanic may not know either. However, if the software/firmware was signed, the integrity can be validated and ensure that only the proper updates are made and malicious software, or firmware is not installed in your vehicle.

Anyone can consider an automobile as an important investment – one that’s expected to stand the test of time as it serves to transport people from point A to point B. However, cars are as perishable as they can get – they’re meant to be replaced after years of constant usage, and wear and tear. If you’re the type who would stick with your old faithful through thick and thin, you’re expected to deal with numerous repairs as you adhere to a fixed maintenance schedule.

Now, if you wish to make your car useful for longer, you must practice ways on how to prolong its life. Check out these five tried and tested ways to lengthen your car’s lifespan, and you won’t have to worry about purchasing a replacement vehicle anytime soon.

1. Don’t miss your scheduled car service

Have your car checked regularly to ensure that even the smallest ailments can be dealt with preventively. After all, there’s nothing like dealing with the problem immediately before it happens. It’s even more economical to take on a preventive approach to car maintenance than wait for greater damages to happen, which can reduce your car’s lifespan considerably. This means going in for your oil change when it tells you to, not waiting a couple thousand more miles just because it feels like you just got one!

2. Keep your fluids in check

Check the condition of your car’s fluids so that you won’t expose it to greater chances of damage. Cars typically have transparent vessels for fluid storage, so it should be relatively easy to check whether your car’s fluids are at their right levels. Also, make it a point to conduct oil change at least every 3,000 miles or three months, so you can provide greater protection to your engine. Do the same for all other fluids as well, though make sure to consult your owner’s manual or a professional technician on when to replenish them. Technicians usually check this when you go in for your oil change…we’re serious about your oil changes!

3. Take good care of your tires

Your tires are integral to your car’s overall operation. For that, make sure to take good care of your tires. Check if your tires are regularly inflated to the right pressure and rotated accordingly to ensure smooth and worry-free drives. Otherwise, you’d expose your car to unwanted accidents due to tire blowouts or worse, crashes.

4. Go for smooth engine startups

Don’t just step on the gas the moment your engine hums after startup. Allow your car to reach suitable operating temperature after you start your engine. By letting your engine heat up after starting, you’re ensuring that the oil becomes hotter and thinner. With that, your engine won’t have to push itself too much, which in turn would ensure lesser chances of damage to your car’s other components.

5. Replace your air filter

Think of having a dirty air filter as a car with polluted lungs. To avoid having your car choke on performance, make sure to have your air filter replaced with a new one once it accumulates much dirt. You don’t need much tools or specialization to have your air filter replaced. All you need to do is to consult your owner’s manual, and you don’t even need to worry about purchasing a replacement from any auto parts store since air filters are pretty much generic in design.

CAR WARRANTY VS CAR INSURANCE

The mere mention of “car warranty” and “car insurance” brings this one word to mind: protection. Given that definition, you might be forgiven at first for thinking that warranty and insurance are the same. However, those two advocate distinctive characteristics as far as consumer protection is concerned in regards to their respective coverages. As a matter of course, you must avoid confusing between the two concepts.

Despite having seemingly similar names, car warranty and car insurance deal with a mixed variety of things. Nonetheless, what has long been established is the fact that both tools provide diverse ways on protecting you and your car the way you want it. Put simply, car warranty and car insurance come in a variety of protection packages, all of which targets specific components pertinent to you and your car’s safety.

You can best differentiate car warranty and car insurance respectively through these two concepts: car parts and accidents. Car warranty provides protection in the event when any of your car’s components fails without any fault from your end. Car insurance shields you from any unwanted one-time costs arising from accidents. This article discusses a comparative approach to distinguishing between the two tools.

A car warranty thus serves as a safety net against those circumstances previously mentioned. Standard coverage for vehicular damage caused by defective car parts – in the absence of any external force of course, merits the advantage of a car warranty. Essentially, automakers specify a sufficient warranty period for your car and specific car parts, which allows you to take advantage of free repair and replacement throughout its duration. In the event any of your car parts break down without your fault during the warranty period, you can use your car warranty to have your repairs and replacements done free of charge. But those warranties only last so long, which is why you should then invest in an extended warranty for your car to further your protection against unexpected car repairs. With an extended warranty, you are able to get discounted repairs, which is better than paying the full price. Less money to be spent, means that you won’t lose your mind when you get that bill.

CAR INSURANCE: ANTICIPATING THE UNKNOWN

Accidents happen just when you least expect it. Chances are, your car may be exposed to countless opportunities of being written off the more you use it for commuting. From road mishaps to damage from natural disasters, your car confronts numerous chances of encountering accidents. That should leave you with no room for complacency, given that one-time payments for repair and replacements can derail your budget in the long run.

To save yourself from the financially-disastrous effects of car accidents, consider a proper car insurance package that best suits you and your car. Through reasonable payment terms for premiums, a car insurance affords you with sufficient coverage that allows you and your car to recover as you claim what is due to you. Compared to shelling out money for expensive repairs, car insurance provides you with the convenience of having your insured car taken care of by your insurance provider, particularly in cases where your insurance package involves a specific service center. Additionally, car insurance also helps cushion the financial consequences of damaging another car in an accident, as it provides you with cover as you compensate for repairs. The fact that you cannot exactly anticipate the frequency of accidents happening to you and your car makes car insurance an essential investment.

CONCLUSION: WHICH IS A BETTER INVESTMENT?

Car ownership means so much more than purchasing your own car – it involves the need to invest in various protective instruments, as in the case of both car warranty and car insurance. Both tools allow you to have optimal protection against the financially-disastrous effects of car parts defects or accidents on the road. Depending on the scope of your coverage for each tool, you may choose to go for just a car warranty, car insurance, or both. We highly suggest having both, as you can never know what will go wrong. Insurance is a must, but a warranty is just as important for the normal wear and tear you’re your vehicle undergoes from commuting you to your various locations. Ultimately, investing on these tools makes you the biggest beneficiary, which is why your wise and informed discretion is crucial in making this decision. It’s best to be proactive and protected, because life can throw you curve balls and sometimes it throws things at your car.

When most people research auto warranties, they mainly look at the price. Everyone is looking to get the best rate possible on an auto warranty. However, though the price may be important, it should not be the deciding factor when you make the final purchase.

When you look into buying a warranty, it is important to ensure that you buy one that is great quality. In order to get the most out of your auto warranty and to make a smart purchase, here are two very important things to take into consideration when you do your research:

First off, consider the price. Price is an important factor when you make any purchase. However, when it comes to warranties, it is important that price is not the only thing that you look at.

Secondly, make sure you research the company thoroughly. Is the company reputable? Is it an established company? Are they visible online? Are their contact details easily and prominently located? And lastly, is the company accredited and does it have a high rating with the Better Business Bureau?

Any car owner can feel at ease about bringing their car to the shop if they purchase a car warranty. Car warranties can lower the cost of maintenance and repairs performed on your car. Here are three things to know about car warranties:

First off, know where the warranty is coming from. Is it coming from an auto manufacturer or an aftermarket auto warranty company? Also, know who is handling your policy.

Second, be sure to completely read through the entire warranty. This way, you will be knowledgeable about what type of coverage you are receiving and how long the warranty will last.

Lastly, know what specific maintenance that you need to have done on your car because there are some car warranties that will only remain valid if this work is done on your car. Also, make sure that you keep all of your car’s maintenance records in the event that there is a claim.

Car warranties will allow you to have peace of mind each time your car goes into the shop for repairs and maintenance. However, it is important for you to know all of the details of your warranty if you want to get the most out of it.

Most of us don’t think about car theft prevention until it’s too late. But the fact is, learning how to prevent a car theft is knowledge you need.

Consider this: a vehicle is stolen every 44 seconds in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While 50 percent are recovered, that somewhat encouraging figure doesn’t tell the whole story.

As a police officer, I helped reunite victims with their stolen vehicles on a regular basis and rarely was it a joyous occasion. That’s because it only takes moments for a criminal to strip down your car for parts, crash it during a joy ride, or ditch it while fleeing law enforcement. The car you get back looks nothing like the one that was once parked in your driveway.

If you don’t want a criminal sitting behind the wheel of your car, you need to educate yourself on how to prevent car theft. Drawing on my experience as a law enforcement officer, I’ve put together this car theft prevention guide as a starting point for doing so.

1. Keep track of your keys.

If your vehicle is missing, one of the first questions a police offer will ask is “do you have all the keys?” Many people make the mistake of hiding a spare key under the wheel-well or some other place under their car. The problem is, just like hiding a key under your front doorstep, criminals have caught on to this trick. Getting locked out of your car is inconvenient, but can’t touch the hassle you’ll go through if your car is stolen. Also, if you have given a spare car key to someone who no longer needs it, ask for it back immediately.

2. Secure your vehicle.

Whenever you park your car, even in your own driveway, close and lock the windows/doors to help prevent car theft. This seems like a basic security tactic, but we all know how easy it is to become complacent. Although it makes the first moments you enter your car a tad uncomfortable, resist the temptation to leave windows cracked during the summer. If there’s a teenage driver in your household, pass this valuable car theft prevention tip along.

3. Park intelligently.

Parking in a well-lit area will help deter criminals, but parking close to building entrances and near parking lot security cameras adds extra layers of protection. Parking garages are often considered safe places for parking your car so it won’t get damaged, but parking in an isolated garage could compromise your personal safety. If you do use a parking garage, try to park as close to the attendant or a security camera as possible.

4. Valuables don’t belong in your vehicle.

The number of times a victim told me they left their purse or other valuable items in their vehicle is disheartening. Take note: something like an iPad sitting on the passenger’s seat of your car is eye-candy to a criminal. Sadly, even loose change is enough for some people to break in. Once he’s smashed a window to snatch your iPad, he might just decide to go all the way and take your car. If you absolutely must leave a valuable item in your car, put it in the trunk. But beware, the bad guy may be watching you do so. Help prevent car theft by thinking ahead and leaving valuables at home.

5. Use a physical anti-theft device.

Roughly 40 percent of insurance companies offer a premium discount for vehicles that have an antitheft device. That’s because these devices go a long way toward car theft prevention. Thieves are looking for an easy target, one they can conquer quickly without drawing attention to themselves. Physical anti-theft devices include vehicle immobilizer systems that prevent thieves from hotwiring your car. California, Florida, and Texas are the nation’s leading car theft states, according to NHTSA data. If you live in one of them, researching anti-theft devices could save you some money on car insurance and spare you the aggravation of a car theft.

6. Don’t leave your car running.

You need to know that nearly half of all auto thefts could have been easily avoided if the vehicle owner took reasonable precautions, such as turning the car off when not in use. We’ve all started our car on a wintry morning, then headed back inside our home to top off our coffee. But did you know that more than a third of all vehicle thefts occur near the car owner’s residence? Leaving your car running not only invites theft, it’s also illegal in many states. If you’re not behind the wheel, help prevent car theft by turning your vehicle off.

7. Take advantage of a tech-based auto recovery tool.

If despite your efforts the worst happens, employing an auto-theft recovery tool could help you get your car back before it’s ruined. Systems like OnStar use GPS technology to pinpoint your vehicle and transmit that information to law enforcement. OnStar can also remotely lock your car’s ignition and can work in tandem with police to send a signal to your vehicle that makes it slow down safely.

Keeping your vehicle out of the hands of a criminal is easier when you outfit your home with a professional security system that includes outdoor cameras, motion detectors and even mobile security alerts. Discover the security system that will keep your car and your family safe with the system finder tool.

Chances are you’ve heard about full coverage car insurance, but you might not be fully aware of what it actually covers or where you can find it. Here’s what you should know before deciding whether it’s right for you.

What is full coverage insurance?

Full coverage car insurance sounds great, but the term is a bit misleading. “Full coverage” generally refers to policies that include collision and comprehensive insurance — which actually cover very specific risks — in addition to liability insurance.

What does full coverage car insurance actually cover?

Many states mandate that drivers buy only a small amount of auto liability insurance. If you cause a crash, this coverage helps pay for the treatment of other people’s injuries and repairs to their property. But liability insurance won’t pay to repair your vehicle or cover incidents that don’t involve crashing into other vehicles or pedestrians. Collision and comprehensive insurance fill these gaps:

• Collision coverage pays for repairs to your car if you cause a crash with another vehicle or run into an object, such as a tree or a telephone pole.
• Comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace your car if it’s stolen or damaged by a covered cause, such as an animal collision, weather, a falling object, fire or vandalism.

How much is full coverage car insurance?

Comprehensive and collision coverage give you much better insurance protection, but they also mean higher rates.

To get an idea of how much higher, Youautomotive sampled rates for liability-only policies and full coverage auto policies in three states: California, New Jersey, and Ohio.

 The price of full coverage car insurance isn’t chump change:

• Adding it raises Ohio car insurance rates by $362 per year — and that was the most affordable state we tested.
• It raises New Jersey car insurance rates by $606.

But just one comprehensive or collision claim can make the cost worth it. Replacing a stolen car or repairing your vehicle after a crash could mean paying thousands of dollars out of your own pocket if you don’t have the right insurance.

Where to buy full coverage car insurance

Full coverage is commonly available from any auto insurance company. We looked at average prices from the four largest car insurers for a policy that includes liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage and other state-required coverages where needed. State Farm was the cheapest option, on average.

Who needs full coverage car insurance?

If you finance your vehicle, your lender might require you to buy full coverage. Aside from that, comprehensive and collision are optional, although some insurers don’t let you add one without the other.

Comprehensive and collision coverage are particularly sound investments if:

• You have a new or expensive car.
• You regularly commute in heavy traffic.
• You live in a place with extreme weather, high car theft rates or a high risk of animal collisions.

However, the older your vehicle and the lower its value, the less benefit there is to have full coverage. Imagine it costs you $600 per year to add comprehensive and collision and you have a $1,000 deductible, which is the amount your insurer will subtract from a claim payment. If your car is worth only $2,000, the net value of a claim check would be $1,000 at most — so if you carry full coverage for more than a year, you won’t be able to get back more than what you paid. Checking your car’s current value at the National Automobile Dealers Association‘s website can help you decide whether full coverage makes sense.

Even with full coverage, there are other policy options you might need. For example, uninsured motorist protection, towing and labor service, and medical payments insurance all provide coverage that collision and comprehensive won’t.

How will various policy changes affect your rates? You can get insurance quotes using the Youautomotive tool and compare estimates to see for yourself.

Thinking about buying a car? Make sure you set aside some time to plan for this major purchase. After a home, a car is typically the second most expensive purchase anyone makes — and settling on a new vehicle is not a decision to make merely over a weekend.

Follow these 10 car-buying tips to make sure you get a car you can afford and will be happy driving for years to come.

1. Determine your budget

While you may have your heart set on a specific car, you won’t be able to take it home unless you can afford it. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 25 percent of your monthly household income for all the cars in your household. And this figure should include not only monthly car loan payments but all other vehicle costs, including fuel and car insurance. If you’re not sure how a new car would fit into your monthly expenses, use Bankrate’s home budget calculator to help you determine your monthly bills and necessary savings.

2. Decide: New, certified pre-owned or used? Buy or lease?

Thanks to a large number of lease returns, a wide array of used cars that are about three years old is currently on the market, making buying a used or certified pre-owned (CPO) car more attractive than in recent years. In addition, there are more inexpensive new cars available than ever before, making your choices positively dizzying, regardless of your budget.

You’ll be able to get the most car for your money if you buy used, though you’ll pay a higher interest rate, have a shorter warranty period and won’t know the car’s full history. If you lease, you might get a more upscale car for your dollars, but then you won’t own the car outright and will need to be careful about the lease terms to avoid hefty penalties. A new car for the same amount of money would have fewer features, but you’ll also have a full warranty and pay a lower interest rate, and often you’ll get free maintenance and roadside assistance.

3. Narrow your choices to a few cars

Start by researching the cars that have caught your eye to see if they fit your budget. Visit automaker websites and independent automotive information sites to assess the features that are important to you, and note MSRPs (manufacturer’s suggested retail prices) and invoice prices. Check local inventory listings to see what is available in your area. Choose cars that would cost at least 5 percent less than your monthly budget to give yourself some room to cover operating costs, including gasoline, insurance, repairs and maintenance. Print out or electronically save web pages that have pertinent details. Don’t, however, rush off to the dealership for a test drive just yet.

4. Assess your ownership costs

Using your short list of cars, determine if each would fit into your budget by estimating ownership costs. An auto research website such as Edmunds.com or Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com would provide a general overview of ownership costs for your area, but these numbers will vary depending on your personal situation. For better accuracy, do your own calculation for fuel based on the number of miles you drive annually, and obtain an auto insurance quote on the cars you are considering that would apply to the drivers in your household. Make sure you give the insurance agent the exact model, including trim level, engine and sometimes certain options, to get an accurate quote.

5. Secure financing — before you visit the dealer

Dealers don’t just want to sell you a car, but they want to coordinate the car loan, too. That’s because they typically receive a flat fee or a commission on the auto loans they facilitate, regardless of whether the loan is from the manufacturer or a local lender. So, secure financing from a bank or credit union in advance and compare it with what the dealer offers. Find current interest rates on Bankrate, and check with local lenders, including credit unions, which tend to offer rates that are 1 to 2 percentage points lower, on average, than conventional banks. Many community credit unions are open to anyone living in their area, eliminating the need to work at a certain company or in a specific industry to join. 

6. Don’t assume financing at the dealership is the best deal

While you may be drawn to a certain car or brand because you saw an ad for a low-interest rate, it’s of no use unless you qualify. Only about 10 percent of car buyers qualify for the zero percent or low-interest-rate deals automakers offer. Even if you do qualify, you may be better off taking an automaker’s cash rebate and obtaining financing on your own at a bank or credit union. To find your best deal, first, find the best interest rate you can get and then use Bankrate’s Car rebate vs. low-interest calculator.

7. Learn the invoice price

The research you did on independent automotive information websites should have included the invoice price (for new cars) or wholesale price (for used cars), as well as the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (for new cars) or the dealer’s asking price (for used). While invoice pricing on third-party information sites isn’t 100 percent accurate, it is a good indicator of what the dealer paid for the car, and it’s the best place to start your negotiation. Aim to reach an agreement on the sale price that is close to that number before any discounts are applied, and keep in mind that the dealer needs to make at least a few hundred dollars’ profit to cover the operating costs of running the dealership.

8. Research all possible discounts in advance

You’ve probably seen the ads promoting cash-back deals, and these incentives should be deducted after you negotiate the price. In addition, many automakers offer discounts to students, military members and even members of certain credit unions. These discounts can be stacked and can be combined with the cash-back rebates on the model. Check automaker websites for these incentives in their “Current Offers” sections.

9. Take your time with the test drive

When you’ve completed all your research, call the dealerships you want to visit and make appointments for test drives with the internet or fleet manager. You can find the name of the right person at the dealership website. By reaching out, you’re establishing a relationship with someone who might be less likely to try to strong-arm you into a deal if you decide you are ready to buy after the test drive.

Since most car shoppers these days keep their cars for five years or more, take your time with the test drive to make sure you really love the car. Don’t hesitate to ask for more time behind the wheel to ensure you like the driving experience, and spend time in the car while it’s parked to adjust the seats, experiment with the controls and determine whether passengers would be comfortable and your regular cargo would fit well.

10. Use smart negotiating strategies

When you are ready to make a purchase and start discussing a price, keep in mind all the discounts you’ve researched, and — for the moment — forget about trading in your car as part of the deal. You’ll do better if you negotiate the sale price of your new car and the trade-in value of your old car separately. Make sure you have already researched your current car’s value online so you’ll know whether you are being offered a fair price when a trade-in is discussed.

Once you’ve reached an agreement to buy, be prepared to say “no” to all the extras you may be offered. Instead, say “no” and do the research at home for whatever add-ons interest you, and contact the dealership at a later date to negotiate fair prices for those items. When you are presented with a sales or lease contract, go over all of the details carefully, making sure that you aren’t paying any unnecessary dealer fees and that everything you negotiated verbally is spelled out in writing.