It seems like we're always on the go these days. Whether
traveling across the country (or the world) or across town,
there are ways that you can get more travel out of your
transportation dollars.

Airline Fares

Undeniably, the airlines are both the fastest and the most
expensive way to travel far distances. You may lower the
price of a round trip air fare by as much as two-thirds by
making certain your trip includes a Saturday evening stay
over, and by purchasing the ticket in advance. Many airlines
divide up the seats on their flights into price categories.
The cheapest ones sell first so it pays to shop early. To
make certain you have a cheap fare, even if you use a travel
agent, contact all the airlines that fly where you want to
go and ask what the lowest fare to your destination is. Be
flexible, if possible. Consider using low fare carriers or
alternative airports and keep an eye out for fare wars.

Car Rental

Since car rental rates can vary greatly, shop around for the
best basic rates. Ask about any additional charges (extra
driver, gas, drop-off fees) and special offers, such as free
upgrades. Rental car companies offer various insurance and
waiver options. Check with your automobile insurance agent
and credit card company in advance to avoid duplicating any
coverage you may already have.

New Cars

You can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a car
by selecting a model that combines a low purchase price with
low financing, insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and repair
costs. Ask your local librarian for new car guides that
contain this information. Having selected a model, you can
save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping. Call at
least five dealers for price quotes and let each know that
you are calling others.

Most car dealerships and their salespeople have quotas and
deadlines to meet, often on monthly and quarterly schedules.
You'll probably get a better deal on the last day of the
month than on the first day. September can be a great time
to buy a current year model because the dealerships want to
make room for the coming year's vehicles. December is also
great because it's the end of the year and, in colder areas
at least, car sales are usually in a slump.

Finally, remember there is no "cooling off" period on new
car sales. Once you have signed a contract, you are
obligated to buy the car.

Used Cars

Before buying any used car you need to compare the seller's
asking price with the average retail price in a "bluebook"
or other guide to car prices found at many libraries, banks,
and credit unions. If needed, ask for help in deciphering
the information. Next, have a mechanic you trust check the
car, especially if the car is sold "as is." You don't want
to be driving away with a cracked head gasket, or something
even worse! Consider purchasing a used car from an
individual you know and trust. You are more likely to get
the car for a lower price and have any problems with it
pointed out to you.

Auto Leasing

Don't decide to lease a car just because the payments are
lower than on a traditional auto loan. The leasing payments
may be lower because you don't own the car at the end of the
lease. Leasing a car is very complicated. When shopping,
consider the price of the car (known as the capitalized
cost), your trade-in allowance, any down payment, monthly
payments, various fees (excess mileage, excess "wear and
tear," end-of-lease), and the cost of buying the car at the
end of the lease. Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide,
published by the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Trade
Commission, is a valuable source of information about auto
leasing.

Gasoline

Did you just about die from sticker shock the last time you
filled up? You can save hundreds of dollars a year by
comparing prices at different stations, pumping gas
yourself, and using the lowest-octane called for in your
owner's manual. Pay cash at stations that charge extra for
credit cards.

Don't top off the gas tank. First of all, it's dangerous!
Second, too much gas will just slosh or seep out. Why waste
those extra pennies? Tighten up that gas cap. Make sure it's
on securely. Buy a new one if your current cap doesn't fit
snugly. Gas easily evaporates from the tank if it has an
escape.

You can save up to $100 a year on gas by keeping your engine
tuned and your tires inflated to their proper pressure. Get
regular tune-ups and follow through with routine
maintenance. A well-tuned engine burns less gas.
Underinflated tires waste fuel and wear out the tire tread.
Also, check tires regularly for alignment and balance.
Remove snow tires in good weather. Deep tread and big tires
use more fuel.

Clean out your trunk.  Excessive weight in your trunk causes
your car to use more fuel. For every extra 250 pounds your
engine hauls, the car loses about one mile per gallon in
fuel economy. Carry only the basic emergency equipment and
items you really need.

Buy a fuel-efficient car. When pricing cars, factor in
long-term fuel costs. Keep in mind that, though you may like
the wind blowing through your hair, sunroofs add to wind
resistance, lowering the mileage per gallon. Also, be smart
with the air conditioning. Air conditioning can lower your
fuel economy by 10 percent to 20 percent. On the highway,
closed windows decrease wind resistance, so run the air
conditioner. But in stop-and-go traffic, shutting off the
air conditioning and opening the windows can lighten your
fuel use.

Car Repairs

Consumers lose billions of dollars each year on unneeded or
poorly done car repairs. The most important step that you
can take to save money on these repairs is to find a
skilled, honest mechanic. Before you need repairs, look for
a mechanic who is certified and well-established, has done
good work for someone you know, and communicates well about
repair options and costs. Asking friends, family, and
coworkers who they use is probably the best way to find a
good mechanic. In addition, preventative maintenance is the
operative phrase here. You know the saying: "An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure." Take care of those
minor problems before they become major ones!