The art of negotiation is a tricky, possibly long drawn-out matter and sometimes you are never really sure you got the best deal even after you’ve walked away from the bargaining table.

If you are like most buyers, you probably have a good idea of how much you are willing to spend and would like to settle the issue of cost even better you go to the dealer to check out the car. Indeed, since the advent of the Internet, most companies are even willing to quote you the actual retail price sight unseen, over the phone or perhaps through e-mail. This is in sharp contrast to only a few years ago when standard practice was to lay on as many enticements as possible to the customer before the actual bargaining started.

Of course chances are, in your inquiries to several different auto dealers or through scanning of the local ads, you may have already encountered a quoted sale price on one or more cars you are interested in. Most online car dealerships in fact, will readily give you the price knowing that this is a crucial factor in your decision to purchase a car from them. What you have to realize though, is that it may still be possible to knock a few dollars off their asking rate.

You may possibly already have a pre-conceived price point at which you are confident that you have scored a great deal. Most people though, are willing to give a little leeway on this issue as long as they feel that they will get a fair price.

The best way to prepare for the inevitable haggling that will take place at your car dealership is by being as informed as possible about current market rates for your chosen car model. Ask around several different dealerships about the car you’re interested in and ask if they offer any added-on value, like free accessories or free service checkups and towing services for example. Each dealer is different but they all have the common goal of selling as many units as possible and many have come up with some interesting solutions to help you part with your money.

Finally remember that it’s not always all about paying as little as possible; you will want to buy a car that you are totally happy with, at a fair price. Take the time to do your research and you will walk away the winner in the deal.

With Gas Prices at an all-time high, how can you get to where you’re going without breaking the bank? Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up driving altogether!

1. Compare Gas Prices

The advent of the internet has made comparison shopping much easier. There are many different websites that compare gas prices in different regions. Find out what gas station in your area has the cheapest prices before filling up. A few dollars here and there can really make a difference.

2. Carpool

Instead of giving up your car completely, try carpooling. This way you will be paying at least half the gas that you did before. If there is more than one person in your carpool, you will save even more. Carpooling to work can often be the best idea because you will likely have similar start and finish times.

If you don’t want to carpool because you are worried about the inconvenience, think about the time that you gain waiting or the time that you gain when it isn’t your turn to drive. You can use that time to read, to plan, or to do whatever feels right for you.

3. Be political

Write to your local representative to explain why you feel that gas prices are a major issue. Each letter or email sent to a senator, member of parliament, or other government representative counts for many voices, because politicians know that most people are too lazy to write in. So have your voice heard by writing. Try to change the problem entirely. You can even start off an email forward or get people to sign your letter before you mail it. This will help amplify your voice.

4. Know the system

You know that gas prices normally go up before long weekends. Often, prices rise before a weekend and fall slowly throughout the week. Chart the gas prices in your area to find out when the gas is the cheapest, and schedule to buy gas on that day.

5. Watch the pump price

If the pump price is very low, fill up! Even if you still have half a tank of gas, you might as well fill up now before prices get more expensive. It is easier to keep the top half of your gas tank full than to wait until your gas light goes on and start to panic about the high prices.

6. Use alternatives

Whenever possible, bike, walk, take the bus or subway, and think of creative ways to avoid using gas. If you can minimize your gas usage, then you will minimize your expenses.

The price of gas right now is rising, and because gas is a non-renewable resource, it will probably continue to rise. Do what you can to beat the prices. You can even buy a hybrid car, or an energy efficient car. Although you might not feel that you can afford to, with a good car loan, the money you save on gas could be going straight to your new car.