Sit down and decide what type of car you want, versus what kind
you can afford. After reaching a decision on the essentials, list
the possible options that may or may not fit into your budget.
The Real Basics
- standard or automatic transmission
- engine size/horsepower
- antilock, power lock, or power-assisted brakes
- all season tires, or winter/summer
- undercoating
- extended warranty
Medium Level Considerations
- leather, heated or power seats
- wiper and/or defroster for the rear window
- power mirrors on the exterior, map lights inside
- air conditioning
The Frills
- remote starter
- sunroof
- car alarm
- audio system
Remember, that you may be looking at as many as three different
price "tags".
The base price is the bottom line. For this you get the car with
standard equipment, factory warranty and no frills. This price
will appear on the MSRP tag.
The manufacturer's suggested retail price tag lists the base
price, the price of any options added by the manufacturer, the
freight charge the manufacturer incurred, and fuel economy. By
law, this tag must be affixed to the window, and cannot be removed
by anyone but the Purchaser.
The dealer's sticker price tag, is usually the flashy one in
neon colours. It starts out with the MSRP price, then adds on
the suggested retail price of dealer added options such as undercoating,
and may also include additional dealer mark-up or profit.
Remember when you see an ad or hear an offer that a vehicle is
selling for less than invoice price, you're not necessarily getting
a great deal, even with a few extras thrown in. The invoice price
is the manufacturer's cost to the dealer. Dealers get rebates,
incentive awards, and other perks that reduce this amount significantly.
|
