Over the past four weeks or so I have been in the market for a new car. It's been quite an experience and I've learned a lot... such as how car salesmen bum rush you before you get a chance to look around the lot. Or how they never give you their best offer up front. Or how they try to sell you extras before you even decide what car you'd like. Which takes me to this: I'm done with it all and have decided on the Mazda3.

In a sense, I guess I've already endured round one of this whole shebang. I resisted the painful first offers and the persistent calls from nagging salesmen and quite frankly I'm glad I can now tell them, "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't want your car." Next, however, is probably the most exciting part: working the deal.

I've done my research and know how much I can afford. I'm going to tell them what I want on the car and (a little bit less than) how much I want to pay... then we'll see how close they can make something happen. I'm going to try to avoid a down payment if I can. That way I can put the money I have saved aside for a rainy day.

So, last thing to do is head to a dealer. I do have one thing going for me: I don't NEED a car. And if they aren't willing to work with me, I'll just walk away. Simple as that.