| By :
Molly Wider
With domestic automakers like Chevrolet offering a $3,000 cash-back incentive on their Chevy Cobalt coup and Toyota's zero per cent financing offer, now may seem like a great time to buy a car. However, considering the constant rise in gas prices and Toyota's recent nine million-car recall, maybe now is not a good time to buy. For those of you who are still considering a purchase and are on your way to the dealership, there are a few things you should know before making any decisions. First of all, many of these cash-back incentives only apply if you are using dealer financing. You should do as much financial research as possible before accepting their financing offer. Also, as a consumer, you stand a better chance of getting a deal at the end of the month instead of at the beginning. Here are a few words of professional advice from established companies to help consumers avoid car-buying mistakes. The most common error for people buying a vehicle is buying one that they think they may eventually need instead of buying a car that is suitable for their current needs. An example is a couple that thinks they will have children someday, so they buy a large SUV now. Another example of an inappropriate purchase is someone who wants to own a boat one day and today, they buy a new full-sized pickup truck. Not only are these people spending a lot more money on fuel than they need to, they have purchased vehicles that simply do not serve their current needs. Instead, they could be driving smaller, more economic vehicles. It's easy enough to upgrade when the time is right. Another very common car-buying mistake is to buy at the beginning of the year when the new models are released. During the first few months of the year, dealers have all year to meet sales goals and clear their inventory, so a deal is less likely. However, at the end of the year, dealers want to clear out the older, less desirable models and make room for new inventory. It also pays to know the market. Using resources such as Kelley Blue Book, Cars.com, AutoTrader and NADA Guides can prove to be invaluable. They can provide a working knowledge of the street value of the car you are considering. This will help arm you with additional information on what you can afford and how much you should be paying when you do find the car you want. It also helps to have a list of what you're looking for in a new car to avoiding being vulnerable and falling for an impulse purchase.
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