1/ X . X J °" ' Last ~ U 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