5 Dumb Car Shopping Moves

1. Don't: fall in love with a car - Wait until you can drive some competing models and get a sense of whether it's really all that terrific. Wait until the price comes down. Dealers often tack on premiums, charging more than full sticker price for brand new models they know will be in high demand from day one. So, if you rush to be the first one on the block with the hottest new model you may spend thousands of dollars more. Then there will just be you, the car, and those car loan payments.

2. Don't: Take that long, long, long, long loan - Super long car loans may seem like a painless way to get a new car with low monthly payments but there are 2 things to remember. First you're paying more. Secondly, if you want to trade your car in in a few years and haven't paid off a big chunk of your loan by that time, you could end up "upside down" in your current car, meaning you owe more money than the car is worth.

3. Don't: Negotiate trade - in and purchase at the same time - Negotiate the price of the new car first, getting that number down to something you're comfortable with. Then negotiate your trade in and get that number as high as you can, or if you still feel like it's not enough, take the car elsewhere or sell it yourself.

4. Don't: Negotiate in person - Most dealerships have salespeople, or even entire departments, that specialize in dealing with customers over the phone and by email. Negotiating over the phone or by email keeps you in your comfort zone - not the dealer's showroom. When you're done negotiating, ask them to fax you the deal in writing so there will be no surprises when you arrive to get your car.

5. Don't: Take a 'great deal' on the outgoing model year - Be careful about taking a deep discount on an outgoing model year car. It will be worth less as a trade in.

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