Credit is an important key in determining how much car shoppers will ultimately pay for a vehicle. However, experts say they should actually shop around for dealers who offer special financing programs the same way they'd shop around for vehicle type.

Whether you're in the market for a used car, truck, van or SUV, the key to finding a good vehicle involves looking into its past. That's the advice from experts who say there are a few steps people can take to be more confident that the used vehicle they buy is worth the money they pay.

Used-car buyers everywhere may find themselves getting soaked-literally-when they discover that the vehicle of their dreams has an ocean of problems.

Credit is an important key in determining how much car shoppers will ultimately pay for a vehicle. However, experts say they should actually shop around for dealers who offer special financing programs the same way they'd shop around for vehicle type.

Everybody wants a new car. You see a nice car pass you on the highway and think, "Why can't I have that?" However, financial planners say keeping your current car may help secure financial freedom in the long run.

The editors at Kelley Blue Book provide budget- and style-conscious buyers a list of the top 10 cool new vehicles that can be purchased for less than $18,000. These editors' picks deliver cool looks, smart features and excellent fuel economy, making the cars in this price range even more appealing. The list of qualifying vehicles under $18,000 was compiled using Kelley Blue Book's New Car Blue Book values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provide a more useful comparison point than the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). The editors thoroughly examined each vehicle for styling, performance and the fun-to-drive factor. Objective criteria such as safety, fuel economy, environmental impact, interior size and comfort were also taken into account. THE TOP 10 COOLEST

Many people don't know how to select motor oil that will help them get optimum performance out of their car. People often just select the oil their father used, or they may take the suggestion of a counter person at an auto parts store who may not know any more about cars than they do. There are meaningful differences in motor oils and choosing the right one can have a major impact on how well your car runs.

Some people take advice about motor oil from those who may not know any more about lubricants than they do. There are meaningful differences in motor oil, however, so selecting the right one can make a difference in the performance and reliability of your car. There is no easy way to determine lubricant quality, but price is often an indicator since the more advanced lubricant technologies cost more to produce.

Maintaining proper tire pressure is important to your vehicle's safety, particularly when cold temperatures can decrease air pressure in tires, leading to inefficient and unsafe vehicle operation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 660 people die and another 33,000 are injured annually in crashes related to tire problems. Yet a recent tire industry survey found that 85 percent of drivers fail to properly check tire pressure. In addition to improper inflation, poorly maintained and improperly used tires can be dangerous. ACDelco, a global leader in automotive replacement parts and related services, recommends that drivers keep these tire safety tips.

For do-it-yourselfers, the Internet provides a variety of valuable and readily available information. Web sites such as WebMD, Travelocity, Kelley Blue Book, Wikipedia and Goodwrench.com receive millions of hits a month as consumers seek to discover answers on their own. This trend is particularly prevalent among automotive consumers who are completing research online for both auto sales and service. A recent study by Compete Inc., commissioned by Google Inc., revealed that 75 percent of those who research parts and services indicate they are using the Web more today to research compared to two years ago. Additionally, 92 percent of consumers researching automotive service information online indicate the Internet influenced their purchase decision. The challenge for consumers is ensuring that the information they find on the Web is accurate before attempting to solve an issue by themselves.