IS ZERO REALLY ZERO?

If you're lured to a car dealer's lotby 0%-financing hype, be preparedto be disappointed. Only those withgilt-edged credit qualify for the specialrate, and most loans are limitedto 36 months, which can put themonthly payment out of reach. Aside effect of 0% loans is an increasein lease rates, as more buyers buyrather than lease, which makes bargainingon lease terms a must. Don'tforget to haggle over the price of a0%-financed car either; many buyersare so hypnotized by the no-money-down,no-interest financing deal thatthey pay whatever price the dealerasks for. And take another look atused cars—red-hot new-car saleshave driven down the price of qualitypre-owned cars and they may comewith warranties.