Anyone looking to buy a used vehicle should purchase a Kelly Blue Book before shopping for the vehicle. This little book is available online for under $10 at Amazon.com and lists car values. The automotive industry follows these values closely. Sometimes there are other factors that they consider, but Kelly Blue Book is a widely regarded standard in the industry.

You can take a Kelly Blue Book with you, whether you attending a vehicle auction, going onto a car lot, or responding to a private party ad. It’s difficult for anyone to argue with the values stated in that book, although it’s almost a guarantee that Car Dealers will try.

If you want to buy a new car, you don’t need the Kelly Blue Book. In this case, the phone and the Internet become your best friend. You can use the Internet to research dealers, sale prices and rebates, then call around to see who will give you the best deal. One thing to watch out for is that car salesmen will often say anything you want to hear to get you onto the lot, so it’s best to plan to visit a number of lots on the same day so your time doesn’t get wasted.