You Want the Car, so What Should Go Inside? This List Might Help

Okay, you've made your decision to support our national economy by purchasing a new car from the dealer across the street. That the dealer just happens to have the models you want is even better because it certainly saves on wear and tear and makes service easier.

If you have been following this series of short articles on car-buying and what you can do you know that you are in the driver's seat (no pun intended) right now. The car business is hurting and you can dictate just about any terms you want (in some cases a dealer will actually lose money to move a car from the lot, especially if it has been around for awhile).

So, let's say you've decided to buy the Blatmobile tandem axle sedan for stability and you've also made up your mind that you want one of the eight-cylinder engines that becomes a four under certain conditions (highway cruising where microprocessors literally shut off four of the cylinders so that your eight is now a four and mileage does increase).

You know that you also want four-wheel-drive (it's especially important in the Snow Belt, but it has to be automatic so your spouse can drive the big Blat, too. And, you know that since you have three little ones with a fourth on the way, the full-sized Blat (Boss Blat) that offers third row-seating (so this vehicle is a bit on the unique side).

And, you know that, after reading all the online material and brochures from the dealership and from your test drive and talks with the salesperson some of the items you also want to include in this mix. And, you want to keep the cost under $15,000 (since this is a new model made in Sumatra and there are nine dealers in Butte, MT, you know you can pretty much equip it as you want. The prime reason for the dealers is to get it out in the public to build demand for it and the primary reason for you is the price). So, this is really a win-win situation.

Indeed, here's a list of things you should think about including in your Boss Blat. They will make it much more livable:

• Of course, it has to have anchors for child car seats for three - soon to be four

• And, the upholstery has to be easily cleanable (little ones can do amazing things to upholstery before you even turn the key), so you opt for the prime leather package.

• Since you're in the Snow Belt, you'll probably want to make sure that the leather seats are heated (some are also air conditioned in the summer)

• Snow Belt usage also requires a remote start capability (have you ever tried sitting on leather seats when the temperature is about 9 below, it's a challenge; the same is true when the temperature hits 105 in the shade and those seats can fry eggs - then and A/C feature is a welcomed addition

• For comfort and convenience, of course, you wan to make sure that there's remote entry and that you also have power door locks, power windows, power steering, power brakes and power outside mirrors

• Some people might try to sell you a moonroof, but, unless you are really into fresh air, a moonroof is an invitation to a hot car in the summer and the depressing sight of snow or sleet in the winter. You can take a pass on that particular piece of equipment

• Since you and your spouse will be splitting the driving chores make sure that the pedals are power adjustable and that the front seats are also not only heated and air conditioned, but are also power seats with memory so that you can set your seat the way you want it and store it away and your spouse can set the seat the way she wants it and set it in the other memory. This should keep any wars limited

• Of course, you should make sure that your Boss Blat has a heated windshield to keep ice buildup down and it should be tinted enough to keep heat out in the summer (it does sound like an oxymoron but there are windshields out there that do this - don't buy the first Boss Blat you see that sort of meets your needs since your the buyer and the dealership needs to move product, you should get it the way you want it)

• If the Boss Blat offers adaptive headlights be sure you get them - these headlights have the ability to traverse about 35 degrees in front of your Boss Blat so that the road is always illuminated where you need it

• Be sure, too, that the windshield wipers are rain/snow sensitive so that all you have to do is select interval wipers on a rainy day and the system takes over and determines the best wiper rate for the given driving conditions

• On the interior, make sure that you have climate control front and rear so that your Boss Blat is comfy for the family and that if the kids need it warmer in the rear area but you need it cooler on a long trip to remain alert, then go for it, the pricing would amaze you

• Also, since you have little ones, don't forget to include the rear entertainment system with s seven- or nine-inch DVD screen/player and wireless headphones. This is the type of item that's a godsend on a long trip when your kids are bored a nudgy and there's still are hours to go until you pull into the hotel for the night. Slipping your kids' favorite DVDs into the rear system will keep things quiet, at least for five or 10 minutes

• Also, make sure that the system can play CDs with favorite music (be sure that all of the screens never intrude into the driver's area because you're going to be busy enough piloting this 3-ton beast down the Interstate-believe it or not, there are some folks out there who think they deserve to watch DVDs and movies as the drive. This type of installation is one of the sillier ones)

• Okay, you're pretty much done with what you want to include in your Boss Blat, there is, however, one that you may want to consider, even ahead of the rear entertainment system, a GPS map and locater (guy divers really do hate to admit they are wrong when it comes to directions so a GPS system with updated software is the ticket for you to arrive at your destination with a minimum of fuss and stress. You can order the factory GPS screen that also integrates the climate control and radio systems or you can order an aftermarket unit that will save you money and has some great features, but it still isn't integrated into your Boss Blat}

• Other than a tilt/telescoping steering wheel your pretty much done

Yes, it is true that this is a rather length sheet of options to put into your new Boss Blat, but, remember this, you are in the driver's seat on not only the sale, but also in the equipment that comes with it. Don't let salesman slam you into a Blat that just doesn't feel right. Remember this as you shop for your car, even if the dealership is across the street and is convenient that doesn't make it the only one you can buy the vehicle you want from. Find the dealership that has the vehicle you are looking for; state our price and then see what happens. The chances are good a sale will happen and both you and the dealers will be happy. The dealership near your house has lost the sale to another dealership, but you can still bring it there for service.

More than ever today, you should be in the driver's seat when you buy a car; don't be bullied, and don't be talked into items you may not want or out of items you do want. Be sure the vehicle you are obtaining is the one for you. There should be no problem with this at all.