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The first thing you should do when looking for a new car is determine the type of vehicle that best suits your needs. For example, with gas prices continuing to rise, almost everyone is concerned with fuel economy, but if you don't do much driving, that SUV or truck that you've always wanted could still be practical. Reward yourself. Besides GM makes the most fuel efficient full-size trucks on the road.

If you are a commuter and drive more than the average person, then fuel economy is a definite concern. I have a selection of vehicles that get 48 MPG on the highway.

Financing or paying cash...that is the question.

Well if that is the question you're asking, consider this: Many of the new GM vehicles qualify for 0% financing with nothing down, for up to 72 months, which will save you a lot over the course of the loan. Even if you have the money sitting in the bank, leave it there gathering whatever interest it can and take advantage of our 0% financing on many new vehicles. Another thing to think about is going to your bank to arrange financing. Due to the high volume of business we put through the various financial institutions, we can sometimes get you a better rate than you can at your bank. Check with me first. I'll arrange a meeting with our financial people and see if we can save you money.

Trade ins:

I have something very important to say about trade-ins. Keep in mind that a trade-in value will usually be less than a retail value, in terms of dollars, but there are other factors to consider. If you sell privately, you will have to advertise, certify, and emission test the vehicle, plus be around to show it to potential buyers. Your time and driveway space must be worth something. Also, you may not get the price you wanted and decide later that trading it in would've been a better choice.

Many times people have told me they've seen the same car as their's advertised on the internet for $4,000. (for example). Right away they assume their vehicle will get them $4,000. as a trade-in. There are many factors that determine price, such as mileage, condition, age, and market conditions. Also, just because that guy is asking $4,000. for his car on the internet, doesn't mean he will get it. Also consider that your trade-in is deducted from the price of your purchase before taxes are added on, so you also save the additional value of the taxes when you trade in.

You may wonder if you should fix up your car before trading it in. Although repairs may make it more appealing to the dealer, what vehicle you are trading in will determine if it's worth spending the money fixing it. If you have a 25 year old car that's only going to be worth a couple of hundred dollars, spending $500. for new tires will not raise the value of the trade-in by any significant amount. Neither will a paint job. However if your trade-in is only a few years old, and needs tires, it might be worth it in that case. It all depends on the vehicle. In any case, cleaning it up will make it "show" better and that might be your best investment because it won't cost much. Even if it doesn't add value in certain cases, it's worth a try.