Credit counselors, contrary to popular opinion, don't just push debt consolidation plans. In my career I offered free seminars on credit use, money management, using coupons, identity theft, predatory lending, surviving the holidays, and a lot more. The free seminar I offered that was my favorite was auto buying.
I relied on Remar Sutton's "Don't Get Taken Every Time", and I've long recommended that anyone who is in the market for a new car buy his book and read it. For around $12, it will save you thousands on your next car purchase; definitely worth every penny.
A few years ago, I helped a friend buy a car with a "Fax Blast". That involves faxing multiple auto dealers seeking quotes, essentially stating "this is the car I'm looking for, and I'll be buying from the lowest bidder." It takes the pressure off of the buyer and puts it on the dealer.
Edmunds.com offers this article about the process (they call it "Blas Fax" car buying), and I found this website that offers a comprehensive package including a "Fax Attack" service for around $35. Remember, you're going to save thousands on the car, so that seems to me to be a fair price.
One of my college professors had an axiom that has served me well over the years: if there's one person you can't abuse enough, it's a car salesman. Do your homework before you buy a car, and consider a "fax blast" next time you're in the market. And good luck!
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