Airline
Fares
You
may lower the price of a round trip air fare by as much as two-thirds
by making certain your trip includes a Saturday evening stay over,
and by purchasing the ticket in advance.
To make certain
you have a cheap fare, even if you use a travel agent, contact
all the airlines that fly where you want to go and ask what the
lowest fare to your destination is.
Be flexible,
if possible. Consider using low fare carriers or alternative airports
and keep an eye out for fare wars.
Car
Rental
Since
car rental rates can vary greatly, shop around for the best basic
rates. Ask about any additional charges (extra driver, gas, drop-off
fees) and special offers.
Rental car
companies offer various insurance and waiver options. Check with
your automobile insurance agent and credit card company in advance
to avoid duplicating any coverage you may already have.
New
Cars
You
can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a car by selecting
a model that combines a low purchase price with low financing,
insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and repair costs. Ask your local
librarian for new car guides that contain this information.
Having selected
a model, you can save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping.
Call at least five dealers for price quotes and let each know
that you are calling others.
Remember there
is no "cooling off" period on new car sales. Once you
have signed a contract, you are obligated to buy the car.
Used
Cars
Before
buying any used car:
Compare the
seller's asking price with the average retail price in a "bluebook"
or other guide to car prices found at many libraries, banks, and
credit unions.
Have a mechanic
you trust check the car, especially if the car is sold "as
is."
Consider purchasing
a used car from an individual you know and trust. They are more
likely than other sellers to charge a lower price and point out
any problems with the car.
Auto
Leasing
Don't
decide to lease a car just because the payments are lower than
on a traditional auto loan. The leasing payments may be lower
because you don't own the car at the end of the lease.
Leasing a
car is very complicated. When shopping, consider the price of
the car (known as the capitalized cost), your trade-in allowance,
any down payment, monthly payments, various fees (excess mileage,
excess "wear and tear," end-of- lease), and the cost
of buying the car at the end of the lease. Keys to Vehicle Leasing:
A Consumer Guide, published by the Federal Reserve Board and Federal
Trade Commission, is a valuable source of information about auto
leasing.
Gasoline
You
can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing prices at different
stations, pumping gas yourself, and using the lowest-octane called
for in your owner's manual.
You can save
up to $100 a year on gas by keeping your engine tuned and your
tires inflated to their proper pressure.
Car
Repairs
Consumers
lose billions of dollars each year on unneeded or poorly done
car repairs. The most important step that you can take to save
money on these repairs is to find a skilled, honest mechanic.
Before you need repairs, look for a mechanic who is certified
and well established;has done good work for someone you know;
and communicates well about repair options and costs.
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