Free Resources

---

Once shoppers find the Internet path and know how to circumvent the few possible bumps that arise, they have a truly easy way to buy a car. Rather than turning car buying into a zero-sum game, wouldn't you rather walk the nonconfrontational path to a stress-free shopping experience? Ralph Avila can help you.

Leasing enables consumers to trade up for a new car every three to four years. That means they can get the latest in advanced safety and technology features for their vehicle. They'll also generally pay less each month than they would to purchase the same car.

It seems like such a simple decision. If you have enough money to pay cash for a new car, you should do it. However, while that's often the smart choice, it's not always the right option.

Many CPO programs go well beyond just offering a warranty; they provide benefits such as roadside assistance, coverage for trip interruptions, and the ability to exchange one CPO car for another certified pre-owned model. Automakers frequently offer special financing incentives on certified used cars, which is a benefit that you won’t find with non-certified used cars.

Do you have the discipline to put a couple thousand dollars aside as part of your emergency fund to pay for unexpected repairs? If the answer is yes, you can probably skip the extended warranty. Do you put so much mileage on your car each year that you will quickly blow through the manufacturer warranty? If that’s the case, you might consider an extended warranty.

Busy car owners may prefer a pre-paid maintenance plan because it means they'll have one less thing to think about. If the maintenance is paid for, and it can only be performed at the dealer, and the dealer will notify the car's owner when it's time to have service performed, there are no decisions to be made.