Both buying and selling cars can seem daunting to many people. It has been said that in the US, the purchase of a new car can be one of the most stressful and dreaded purchases of all. However, it can be fun and rewarding if done properly.Ever since the US financial crisis began in 2008 and the credit market crashed, car financing has been difficult for both dealers and buyers. And in the US, where savings rates are among some of the lowest in the world, very, very few people have the cash to spend to buy a car outright. This has but a major drag on the car industry in the US. Read more about the economic conditions on the autonomics page.Listings of new and used cars can be found both online and in most daily newspapers. Many cities have "auto traders" which are weekly or monthly magazines that list used cars for sale, with photos.A trip to your local dealer is the obvious way to actually see the cars up close, and maybe even get to drive one. However, you should be totally prepared before visiting a dealer. Because the dealer's main goal is to sell you a car as soon as possible, here is what will likely happen (at least in the US):

1. They will quickly find out what type of car you are looking for.
2. They will get you in the car as soon as possible and probably insist you drive the car. This is the most effective way to get a buyer excited and interested.
3. If you are a husband and you bring your wife, the salesmen may likely try to appeal to your wife as much as possible, as it is often said that the woman makes the final decision.
4. The salesman or his manager will ask for your driver's license and have you sign a form to get you to authorize a credit check. Do not agree to this unless you are ready to buy. Too many credit checks and no purchases can actually hurt your credit as it implies you have been declined for some reason.

Buying a carThere are many factors which a buyer must take into consideration. They include:

• Price
• Brand or make
• Style or design
• Type of car (sedan, sports car, SUV, mini-van, pick-up truck, convertible, coupe, four-wheel-drive, or a combination)
• Reputation for quality and reliability
• Warranty offered
• Performance
• Dealer network and ease of servicing
• New or used
• Whether to finance or pay cash
• Duration of finance

Selling a carSelling a car