Buying a car can be a stressful process, with so many factors to consider. This episode is chock full of practical tips and tricks to make your car buying (and selling!) experience smooth. We break down just how to do your research on financing, warranty, and give you critical information on when and how to get the best value for your money.

In this episode:

• No right or wrong choice in leasing or buying a car [1:30]

• One way to tell if a car is a good deal [6:00]

• Another secret tip to get a good deal [7:30]

• First thing is to know your budget and take care of your credit [8:30]

• Allow yourself the pleasure of test driving everything you want in the class you decide on [10:30]

• Know your options, packages and trim level before going to the dealership [12:30]

• Before they sell it to you, they have to go check with the finance guy in the dealership[13:30]

• Know approximate maintenance costs before going in and have budget for that [14:00]

• A quick calculation that explains why not to trade your car in [15:00]

• Buying new is thought not to be a great value, but sometimes that’s not the case [19:00]

• The sweet spot in terms of age for a used car [20:00]

• Why souping up your ride will not show a return [21:30]

• How to get maximum value by knowing what’s in demand [24:00]

• What to do instead of buying certified pre-owned [25:00]

• How to determine real long term value of a vehicle [29:00]

• It’s important to know what your insurance rates will be before purchase [34:00]

• Separate price versus financing of the car [36:00]

• Why you want to finance the car on your own outside the dealership [38:00]

• To understand how to get the best deal, you need to understand financing on the lot [39:00]

• Why patience is your best friend in the car buying game [42:00]

• Key pieces to remember while at the dealership [44:30]

• How everything is negotiable and ways to get around “no-haggle” dealers [47:00]

• How refinancing your car saves you [48:30]

• How to separate financing versus price of the car [53:30]

• Why to sell your car to a private party [58:00]