"How to Buy a Car"
Provided by Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury

Shopping for a new, or new-to-you, car can be one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. It can also be one of the scariest. Since a car is such a big investment, and since you will certainly be living with your decision for a while, you really want to make the best possible choice. Here are some tips to help you find your ideal ride.

• What type of vehicle best suits your needs?
Do you want something sporty or something for the family? Do you prefer the comfort of a luxury car or the practicality of something more economical to drive? Do you need a rugged SUV, a working truck, or a car to get around town? Try to keep the big picture in mind and be flexible - sometimes what you thought you wanted might not fit with how the vehicle feels to drive.

• Start with the outside.
Walk all around the car, opening and closing each door and the trunk. Does the car sound solid? Imagine yourself loading groceries, luggage, sporting or camping equipment, car seats, etc. How accessible is the spare tire?

• Seating and features.

Sit in the back seat first - will your children and other passengers be comfortable? Will you be taking long trips? Try the front passenger seat as well. Can you and others get in and out easily? Check leg, head, and shoulder space. Do the seats slide easily? Too easily? If it’s a minivan, try folding and/or removing the seats that have that option. Move to the driver’s seat and buckle yourself in. Adjust the seat, the steering wheel, all the mirrors. How does your body fit in the seat? Look around for blind spots. Can you tell where the ends of the front and rear bumpers are? Look at the dash - is it easy to read? Are all the controls (defroster, heat/a.c., sound, etc.) easy to reach and operate? Test the lights, including hazzard and turn signals, the climate control, all the power features, even the sun visors and emergency brake. Is everything comfortable? Is anything going to annoy you after the first dozen or two times you use it?

Ask the sales person to demonstrate key features and anything that may be unique to this vehicle.

• The test drive.
Here’s where your serious testing begins. Do you know what to look for and how to evaluate what you find? We’re out of room here, so we’ll tackle Part Two of “How to Buy a Car” in the next issue.

MAGGIE’S MEMO: You can buy your next car with confidence if you buy it from POHANKA AUTOMOTIVE GROUP OF SALISBURY. Their mission is to put you in the car of your dreams and keep your ride smooth with outstanding, hassle-free service. Visit their showrooms on North Salisbury Boulevard or call them at 1-877-4-POHANKA (1-877-476-4265).

MAGGIE SAYS: Our experience with POHANKA has been totally positive. From the sales people in the showroom to the folks in the service department, we have been treated with total courtesy and efficient service. POHANKA is very female-friendly (the top bosses are women) and frequently offer maintenance courses and other special events designed especially for women. Stop by POHANKA today, and do yourself and the planet some good.