Finally, a definitive guide to buying and leasing a car from America's most trusted source for automotive information. The SMART SHOPPER'S GUIDE TO BUYING OR LEASING A CAR brings together years of research and experience from Consumer Reports' Automotive Experts, who have developed a practical step-by-step approach to getting the right car at the best price.

With dozens of new models of cars introduced every year and an array of financing options available, shopping for a new car can make even the most experienced consumer's head spin. For the first time ever, the car experts from Consumer Reports have put together the most definitive body of advice available on how to navigate the car-buying process each step of the way, minimizing the confusion, intimidation and frustration often associated with this high-ticket purchase. The buying process can be fast and easy with the right preparation, and Consumer Reports' own experts, Rik Paul, Automotive Editor, and David Champion, Senior Director of the Auto Test Division, will help anyone be a smart shopper and satisfied buyer with guidance in the following areas:
"analyze your needs, know what you want and what you can afford
"where to get key information
"how to understand vehicle pricing and make it work for you
"how to control the negotiation and dealership experiences
"getting the best price on the new car AND on the trade-in

The Consumer Reports Difference
The amount of auto information available to consumers in the past decade has exploded. What is lacking is the credibility and depth that Consumer Reports provides. Consumer Reports is the only auto-testing publication that doesn't accept advertising or freebies. In contrast to other auto publications which borrow their test vehicles from auto manufacturers, Consumer Reports anonymously buys all the vehicles it tests from dealerships, just as the consumer does. Rik Paul and David Champion have bought hundreds of vehicles over the years, and know better than anyone how to get the right vehicle at the best price.

Buying a car can be a smart idea ? a car loses the lion?s share of its value when it is driven off the new car lot, so why let someone else take that loss?  But buyer beware:  A used car is likely to need more repairs and may come with a short warranty or none at all.    In addition, used cars may lack the latest safety features.  That is why it is so important for consumers to do extensive research so they can avoid all of the potential pitfalls of buying a used car.
 
The auto experts at Consumer Reports have done the work for you and have compiled their extensive research and report their findings into the 2007 edition of USED CAR BUYING GUIDE.  This fabulous tool will help steer any consumer who is in the market for a used car towards the better-performing and more reliable used car models and away from those models with a troubled past or substandard performance.  Before consumers set foot on a used car lot, they should read all the valuable information provided in this book so they can be armed with as much information as possible and the knowledge to make an educated choice.  Consumer Reports knows cars and offers the most detailed and revealing used car reliability information available anywhere including:
 
- Unbiased reviews of every major model from 1999 ? 2006- Lists of the best and worst used vehicles and how to avoid a lemon  - A checklist of what to look for when inspecting a used car- Best used cars for gas mileage- Tips on negotiating the best priceReliability, recalls and crash test information- Making sense of safety information -How to get the most money when trading in your current car 
 
The majority of this book is devoted to the profiles of 264 cars, minivans, SUVs and trucks, presenting all major 1999-2006 models.  Each profile contains a photo from the representative year, a write-up of the vehicle, reliability history, crash-test data, and the model years when key safety gear was added and when a major redesign was made.

The facts you need before you choose ?from the definitive authority on unbiased automotive ratings.
Get the right vehicle at the best price with this up-to-date guide to buying and leasing cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs. This thoroughly revised and updated edition includes the latest Ratings and buying advice from the car testing experts at Consumer Reports.  Each profile contains a photo, a write-up of the vehicle, reliability history, safety information, crash-test data, and test-track information.  In addition to revealing which vehicles are recommended and which are the most trouble-free, this indispensable guide will tell you:
-          How to save thousands of dollars on your next car
-          How to negotiate effectively
-          The best and worst in owner satisfaction
-          Buying vs. leasing: which one is right for you?
-          Which cars can stretch your fuel dollars
 
With easy-to-use comparison charts and ratings, and real world gas mileage for more than 200 vehicles, if you are in the market for a new car or even just considering one, this guide from America?s #1 Auto-Testing program is for you!