We all dread the sweaty palms when you go to purchase a car... the "combat" with the pushy salesperson...never really knowing if you've got a good deal or if you were an unwitting pigeon buying the "lemon of the lot."

The first thing we want you to do when you've narrowed down your choices for a new car is to check out the dealer's Service Department. Stop by the service entrance early one morning (about 7 a.m. ought to do it) and ask car owners who are in line how they rate the service department. Ask these three questions:

1. Have you needed to bring your car back repeatedly for repairs? Most new cars should need little more than routine maintenance. A mechanic - especially one that works for a dealer - should be able to fix a problem the first time out.
2. Do you get in-depth, easily understandable answers from the mechanic when you ask questions? Since you're paying big bucks for the repairs, the mechanic should make sure you're knowledgeable about the repairs being done, what the problem is and how the repair will improve the car's performance.
3. Does the mechanic always find "something else wrong" when you bring your car in? Sometimes this isn't bad. If a mechanic mentions that "the shocks seem to be wearing down a bit; you'll need them replaced within the next 3-6 months," chances are you're being told the truth. Your mechanic is actually doing you a service by helping you estimate future expenses.

But if the mechanic says, "You better get those shocks replaced today or you never know what might happen...," have second thoughts. Also, lots of little repairs, where the part costs under $10, but the labor is over $50, may be red flags.

Remember our First Commandment of smart shopping—ALWAYS get a referral.