We all care about cars. They're a staple of American life and American popular culture. Yes, even those of us who don't know a carburetor from a cam shaft, a Mercedes from a Mazda, we all care about cars. We all know how good it feels to cruise around on a warm spring day with the windows open and the tunes jamming, the warm buzz of the motor vibrating all around us. That's what it's all about.

Well, that's partly what it's about. Cars are fun, and cars are important, and if you're like most people, you'll probably wind up owning one in the next decade. New or used, gem or jalopy, a car may be part of your future.

But as spontaneous and exhilarating as that breezy ride with the windows down may seem, a lot of thought needs to go into picking a car that's right for you. That's why Tripod is launching it's series of Get-it-Together Guides with "How to Buy a Car," by Kaye G. Husbands. It's a topic that's incredibly important and, if you do it right, can reward you with a big big payoff (i.e., a good deal on a great car that you love). If you do it wrong, you may be paying off your mistake for a long long time.

When it comes time for you to buy a car, we want you to do it right. The best part is that learning how to do it right couldn't be easier or more fun. And since we equip you with the top strategies for deciding what you want and finding the best deals, it's easy to plunge right in and start contemplating the big purchase.

Why wait for your daddy to take the T-bird away? Somewhere out there, there's a Greased Lightning with your name on it.