This page is dedicated primarily to the first time buyer rather than those of us who have done this before, although each purchase of a vehicle is different in one way or another.

SELECTING THE MODEL AND PRICE RANGE
The first decision you need to make is what kind of car you want and what price range you can afford. These decisions need to be made before you ever sit down to negotiate a deal -- whether it is with a car dealer or private owner.

We can probably agree on most points. We want a vehicle that is fun to drive, dependable, fuel efficient, within our budget, fits our needs, and looks great.

When selecting the type of vehicle you want, decide what is most important to you or has the most influence on you in determining the type of auto to purchase. If you need a pickup truck, that definitely rules out sports cars, sedans and motorcycles for example. Determine what type of vehicle you want - the choices are many, but you've seen them all:

• Sport Utility Trucks
• Economy Class Cars
• Full Size Cars
• Vans
• Pickup Trucks
• Luxury Cars
• Motorcycles
• Used or New

Once you have established the type and price range of vehicle you want, you're ready to start shopping.

SHOPPING AROUND
Taking your time when looking for a vehicle is one of the smartest things you can do. Find the models that appeals to you; you may discover that for one reason or another certain models and vehicles don't quite fit into your plans. Sooner or later you will find a balance. The car that you decide on should fit with-in your budget, and be dependable as well as attractive.

If you come to the conclusion that a new vehicle is what you want, then the dealer is the way to go. This also means that you will have the factory warranty that comes with the new car as well as the additional service contract that the dealer may make available to you. In addition, you have the support of the dealer's qualified service technicians. Just because your vehicle is new doesn't mean it doesn't need to be taken care of.

A used vehicle may be purchased from a private party, such as those who have posted ads here at Hawaii Automotive Consumer Guide, your local newspaper or a dealer. When purchasing from either vendor, ask if the vehicle's service contract is available. This will give you some measure of protection against unforeseen mechanical problems in the future. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect vehicle.

"Lets say you've found a vehicle that interests you, and it is with-in your price range. What do you do now?"

First, do a common sense visual inspection. Look the vehicle over for general appearance. Is it all the same color? Does everything kind of "line up?" Do the doors, trunk and hood open and shut properly? Is all the glass OK? How do the tires look? Check the fluid levels, and look for any leaks. Having to pay for repairs or new tires right away may be an expense you don't want. Does the overall condition reflect what the odometer reads? A low-mileage car should show little wear on the interior, and on the clutch, brake and gas pedals. This careful "once over" is very important before you go any further -- and you would be surprised how many people buy cars without doing it!

If you're satisfied with the visual inspection, you're ready to start the car and go for a test drive. New or used, always test-drive the vehicle. The test drive is probably the most important part of buying a car; so don't just take it around the block. Take your time, listen carefully and pay close attention to the way the car feels and sounds. If at all possible, test-drive the vehicle on a good stretch of freeway. Cars sound and perform differently at higher and lower speeds.

Buying and owning a vehicle should be fun. Hopefully these tidbits will help.

Happy Motoring!

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