As U.S. automakers work to clear out inventory, most are offering big discounts and special financing options - Big 3 fire up incentives. Maybe that's got you thinking about a new set of wheels. I just scaled down from a giant SUV (affectionately deemed "the bus") to a station wagon. Am Carmax fan. Whatever your scenario & wherever you buy, it's a good idea to log on before you roam the lot ... Here's some topline resources & tips ....

TIP #1 – DO YOUR HOMEWORK

According to Jupiter Research, 82% of car buyers start their search online on sites like www.autotrader.com or www.autobytel.com. The last thing you want to do is go into the dealership "cold," not having done your research. Arm yourself with information you can print out and bring with you to the showroom.

Car buying 101:
Know the invoice price (it's not always exactly what the dealer paid, but it's a good reference point). Know the price of options, the car's safety ratings ... and this is a biggie, check the fuel economy. That big SUV they just sold you might not be such a great deal when you're paying $80.00 a week to fill it up.

Know the latest dealer incentives:
The big three are currently offering 0% financing on most models, though interest free financing is mostly limited to 36 month terms.

GM Transform Your Ride Sale - 0% APR, $1000 Cash Back

Ford Vehicles - 0% Financing on All Cars
Some specials end July 9, others offers run through August 31.

Chrysler - Zero Plus Special Offers

Special offers run through July 31.

Check dealer inventory:
Do this by going directly to the dealer's website. Now you know how many they have in stock. If they've only got two left, you could be at a bit of a disadvantage. If they've got 50, you can be sure they're ready to deal because they have to move those vehicles.

TIP #2 – REQUEST A QUOTE ... IT CAN'T HURT

A no obligation quote:
The big car buying sites all work pretty much the same way. They allow you to request a no obligation quote. You pick the car, the options, the color you want, trim line, etc. The site sends that information on to a dealer in your local area. They'll e-mail you a price quote, usually within 24 hours. And the quotes are normally pretty good. They want you to show up at the lot, so they're not likely to send you a figure that's way out of line.

Make that quote your worst case scenario:
Now that you know you can get that price, make that your worst case scenario. Chances are, with good negotiation, you can beat this price. And don't just get a quote from the dealer down the street. Type in another zip code ... maybe a town two hours away ... see what they'll offer you. It may be worth the drive or skip the trip & ask your local dealer to match it.

Most auto dealers have an Internet department ... They've staffed up to handle requests from car buying sites. The sites generate leads for the dealers and the dealers pay the sites a fee for each lead.

TIP #3 - NEGOTIATE ONE THING AT A TIME
Stick to getting the lowest price on the car:
Your salesperson might try to mix financing and trade-in negotiations together. Only after you've settled on the price of the car should you discuss financing or a trade-in. Stick to getting the lowest price on the car.

Speaking of trade-ins: That's part of your homework before you leave the house. Know what your trade in is worth. The old Kelley Blue Book is completely digitized and online at www.kbb.com.

You're free to walk: Remember, you're in charge and can leave at any time. If you head for the door, you might be surprised how quickly the tone changes. Suddenly, you're getting a lower offer.

A great tip from Consumer Reports:

Sales incentives may discourage you from haggling. Many buyers believe or were told that the dealer wouldn't bargain because of special financing on the vehicle. But haggle you must. Rebates and financing offers come from the automaker. They don't affect the dealer's profit. For a dream deal, you should aim to get the lowest price on the car and the incentives. ConsumerReports.org - Cars

Sites for Women Drivers:
80 percent of female car shoppers get nearly all of their automotive information online, according to Jupiter Research. Below are sites that cater to female car buyers:

www.askpatty.typepad.com – Car experts field e-mail questions from women on all aspects of car buying and ownership, and help guide them toward "female-friendly" dealers.

www.edmunds.com/women - Information on the best cars, tips for dealing with dealers, family safety and more with the women editors at Edmunds.com. The site features The Driving Woman Blog.

www.motherproof.com - Real-life moms test drive new vehicles and write reviews, answering important questions, like "Will the sippy cups fit?" Log on to find out how your ride stacks up.

We've got a video posted in the Top 11 Videos on front screen. The specific offers are little dated, but the overall tips hold true. Click to view: buying-a-car-watch-this-first

Hope helpful.