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Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com
M AY 2 0 1 2 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N
Tips for getting the best deal on a new car By Jessica Anderson You probably love getting new wheels, but hate the feeling that you and the dealer are playing a game you can’t win. Knowing how the game works, however, can help you sidestep potential pitfalls, command better treatment and get a fair price. Before you step into a dealership, find out what the car cost the dealer and what other buyers are paying. You can find invoice prices, cash incentives, financing deals and average transaction prices at www.truecar.com.
Call several dealers in advance and ask for an Internet salesperson or manager to negotiate prices over the phone and get firm offers via email. When you go to the showroom, take printouts of the pricing details, especially if dealerships are touting special offers. Not up for haggling, period? Try a car buying service, such as CarBargains or TrueCar. The best time to shop is at the end of the month, when dealers try to meet sales goals and qualify for month-end bonuses.
BEACON BITS
Apr. 21
LEGS FOR LIFE SCREENING
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a hardening of the arteries in the legs and arms that can be effectively treated, and save a life if diagnosed early. The national Legs for Life screening program is designed to detect peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a common vascular condition that causes leg pain, swelling, poor wound healing, and that can put you at risk for heart attack. Attend this free screening, sponsored by Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, on Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Towson Town Center Mall, 825 Dulaney Valley Rd.
Ongoing
SCREENINGS FOR UNINSURED WOMEN
The Baltimore County Department of Health and the Women’s Cancer Protection Program provide free mammograms, clinical breast exams and PAP tests for income-eligible women between 40 and 64 who do not have insurance. A cancer treatment program is also available. For more information, call (410) 887-3432, or visit www.baltimorecountymd.gov/go/cancerprogram.
Senior Apartments LIVE WELL FOR LESS Roland View Towers
Trade-in tips
Ask for discounts
Got a trade-in? Used cars are in short supply, so you’re in a great position. You’ll get the highest price if you sell your old car yourself. Check prices on AutoTrader.com to gauge the market, and stop by CarMax to get a quote. When you hit the lot, wear your poker face so you don’t tip your hand that you really, really want a particular car. A dealership will often gang up on a customer by sending two salespeople or a salesperson and a manager to make the deal, so it can help to have someone with you who’s got your back. If a salesperson asks you what your target monthly payment is, don’t take the bait. There are many ways to lower the monthly payment that will cost more over the long haul — extending the loan term or switching to a lease, for example. Keep the discussions focused on the total price.
Be sure to ask for a “loyalty” discount if you’re buying another vehicle of the same brand as your last. If you’re new to the brand, ask for the “conquest” discount. Both of these come from the manufacturer and range from $500 to $2,000. And don’t be fooled when the salesperson steps into another room to “get approval from the manager” for the price you’ve offered. Stay firm on a fair price and be ready to walk. A good chunk of dealer profit comes from the finance-and-insurance office, so bring financing from your bank or credit union to compare with whatever you’re offered. And don’t forget to mention the customer satisfaction survey — every buyer gets one, and high scores mean bonuses for dealers. Jessica Anderson is an associate editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. © 2012 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance4
BEACON BITS
May 8
FUNDAMENTALS OF HEALTH
Learn what causes disease and how many of today’s chronic diseases may be underlying causes of cognitive dysfunction at this workshop sponsored by the Edward A. Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd. on Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (410) 358-6856.
SERVING
THOSE WHO
SERVED AND THEIR ELIGIBLE NON-VET SPOUSES
• One- and Two-Bedroom as well as Efficiencies • Rents from $443-$744* Utilities Included! • 24/7 on-site Maintenance and Reception Desk • Beauty/Barber Shop on premises • Rooftop Restaurant • Bus Trips and Social Events and many more amenities!
Mention the Beacon for First Month’s Rent FREE! For your personal tour contact Arthur or Laura Ruby at
800-522-VETS www.charhall.org
410-889-8255 St Mary’s Roland View Towers 3838/3939 Roland Ave • Baltimore MD 21211
www.smrvt.com *All residents must meet specific income guidelines.
skilled nursing // assisted living // rehabilitation // alzheimer's care // respite care