Do they really think that we're so stupid that we do not understand that the cost of the credit is really 2.9% plus $1,000? Of course they do! And we are!

The idea behind this type of advertising is to lure consumers to the lot without doing their research. They prey on people impulsively buying what will likely be their second biggest investment.

The worst part of this advertising scam is that most people won't qualify for these mediocre loan terms because the term of the debt to get that rate is usually two years, and requires 10% or 20% down. The people who respond to this type of advertising are people that can't figure out the irony in the main part of the ad. You just know there's no chance they caught the fine print in a still frame to read it! Most people who do bite, end up with a lease through which they get to pay for the vehicle for three or four years, and then can buy it for almost the new car price. They become subject to additional penalties if the vehicle has too many miles, or if there's slight damage to the body, and such.

Buying a new vehicle is something that should be planned. The best sources for financing vehicles are usually credit unions and consumer oriented banks. Most of these institutions carry something called 'The New Car Cost Guide,' and they are happy to have their Loan Officers go over what a vehicle should cost - even with options. They can pre-approve you so you know what you can afford, and you can practice making that size payment into a savings account to build up a decent down payment.

When you plan a new car purchase like this, you get to go to the dealer and negotiate a cash price on the new vehicle! This puts you into the driver's seat for the deal, and makes the driver's seat of the new vehicle just that much more comfortable!