How do you get the best auto deal?

You can spend a fortune without getting the value in the car. You can also talk to dealers for hours without any assurance that you’ll get the best deal. It is their work to sell. So to ensure that you get the best deal, do your homework.

Choose a reliable auto dealership. And read the entire agreement. And I mean read everything verbatim, before signing.

If the dealers says: "Don't worry, we'll work out the details later.” The deal is no good. Drop it.

Lauren Fix and Phil Reed, consumer editor for the automotive Website Edmunds.com, also give the following illuminating advice:

Protectants: These include rust-proofing, fabric protection and paint protection.

Credit life insurance: Don't let a car dealer sell you life insurance just to cover your car loan. If you need life insurance, buy it from an insurance agent.

Gap insurance: Cars lose value fast, and insurance only pays what a car is worth, not what you paid for it. If your car is totaled or stolen while you still owe more money than it's worth, gap insurance pays the difference. If you've got a big car loan, it could be worth it, and it's often required when leasing a car.

Extended warranties: This one's up to you, but make sure you know what you're buying and what you already have. Most cars today have long powertrain warranties. The powertrain - a car's engine and transmission - is where expensive problems would happen. But most powertrain warranties already last longer than most people own a new car.

Maintenance plans: Paying up front for a maintenance plan is a matter of personal choice. The biggest reason to get one is that an upfront payment gives you a give a big incentive to get that maintenance later, which could pay off in preserving the value of your car.

Theft protection products: Again, know what you already have. Most vehicles sold today have some sort of theft-protection system built in. Assuming the car is insured against theft, that's probably all you need.

[credit: CNN]