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magine yourself behind the
wheel of your new car... the
velvety touch of the uphol-
stery... that new car smell...
the sweet hum of the engine...
the feel of the wheel as you take
those precision turns. You're in
control, riding on top of the
world. You've got freedom-
freedom to cruise... freedom
to take that trip to the land of
sunshine and sandy beaches.
How can you make this dream be-
come reality? With a little planning
and know-how, you can develop a
strategy for buying the car of your
dreams at a price you can afford.
Use Your Research Skills
When you plan your budget for
your new car, remember to consider
not only the purchase price, but also
operating, maintenance, and
insurance costs.
Check out the track record of any
vehicle that looks promising by read-
ing automotive and consumer maga-
zines. Research specifications, stan-
dard equipment, options, fuel econo-
my, safety records, and pricing. Then,
flip to the used-car section in your
newspaper for a preview of how your
"picks" might fare in the future.
Armed with a list of four or five cars
to consider, visit dealerships in the
area to view and drive those cars.
Get Behind the Wheel
Be sure to take your test drive dur-
ing good weather and in full daylight.
Avoid the temptation to turn up the
volume on your favorite radio station.
Instead, tune in to the car's vibrations
SPRING 88/plus 5
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GABE SWART/FPG