By Remar Sutton, President
The Consumer Task Force for Automotive Issues

1. SLOW DOWN: Speed in the automobile transaction is a very dangerous thing.
2. JOIN A CREDIT UNION: Negotiating skills aren't needed at most credit unions. You generally receive the lowest price you qualify for on automobile loans.
3. BUDGET BEFORE YOU SHOP: Know what you plan to spend on a car before you begin to shop.
4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK: Sellers can't tell you if the cars they sell are unsafe or mechanically unreliable. Use non-commercial sites like the Center for Auto Safety.
5. DON'T DEAL WITH DEALERSHIPS THAT REQUIRE YOU TO SIGN A MANDATORY ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Call dealerships before you visit them.
6. DON'T BUY ON YOUR FIRST VISIT: All dealerships want to sell you the first time you're there. Why? They make more if you don't shop.
7. NEVER LEAVE A DEPOSIT UNTIL THE SELLER HAS AGREED TO YOUR PRICE: Sellers want your deposit so you can't leave.
8. DON'T FALL FOR "SPOT" DELIVERY: You know, take it home "on the spot," the first time you've seen the car. Spot delivery means your emotions, not your pocketbook, are ruling the transaction.
9. STOP THE TRANSACTION IF YOU FEEL PRESSURED OR CONFUSED.
10. REMEMBER THAT THE PRICE OF THE NEW CAR ISN'T WHERE SELLERS MAKE MONEY: Many dealers will sell you a car for "cost" but can still make thousands on you.

Websites with further information 'Don't Get Taken Every Time' Consumer Task Force for Automotive Issues Center for Auto Safety