Your grandmother probably told you ?first things first?... Your teacher or first good boss probably advised you to do your homework thoroughly.

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Buying a car is much the same way. Do your homework first.

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Don�t go searching for a car loan � even if your credit is bad before you sign on the dotted line. A signature at the bank or credit union � or life insurance policy is always too quick.

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It is you, not the lender or car salesman who is going to have the headache and cost of the vehicle or payment schedule not the salesman, bank clerk or life insurance salesperson.

First of all is it the car you want � not one sluffed on you. Remember it is your purchase � stand your ground.

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If it is a family car don�t get pushed into a two door car rather than a more family friendly 4 door.

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Perhaps even a S.U.V. or a van might be a better choice for a family vehicle. Perhaps even the color is not of your choice or perhaps the color even grates you � reminds you of the color of auto that your father always bought and you never liked.

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There are plenty of fish in the sea and plenty of other cars and similar cars on other car lots or in the classified ads in your local newspapers or even on eBay.

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Next do a title search. A �Title search� will determine if the car was ever in a major accident or �written off�. It amazes people how far a damaged car can travel geographically.

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Cars that were flooded, written off for salvage value after hurricane Katrina are still showing up as cars appearing perfectly fine and well as far as away as Alaska and Edmonton or Vancouver Canada

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A simple title search will turn up the history of the car and if there is significant history that should deter you from purchasing that vehicle.