Boomers have a cash advantage when buying
When your first job dictated a cheapo economy car, you survived having to commute in a compact bucket of bolts. You lived through the humiliation of the station wagon when the kids came along, and escaped with only minor wounds when you graduated to the minivan.
Now that the kids are gone - perhaps along with your hair - all you aging boomers nearing retirement hopefully have your 401(k)-fueled nest egg to fall back on. So when it's time to buy a car you actually want, what's the best Boomer plan: Pay cash, or finance over time?
Boomers in good financial shape are at an advantage. With cars, like houses, it's a buyer's market.
Many well-heeled boomers will simply pay cash, though some have grown so used to making monthly payments over the years they may choose to keep doing so.
"The rule of thumb, no matter what your age, is that paying cash is always better," said Anthony Giorgianni, associate editor of Consumer Reports' Money Adviser newsletter. "A loan is second and leasing third. By paying cash you avoid finance charges even if it's discount financing.
"If you are paying cash and are only offered a rebate and no discount financing, take the rebate. If you are paying cash and are offered a choice between discount financing and a rebate, take the rebate to save on paying any finance charges, but if you have to finance and have the choice between discount financing and a rebate, take the rebate and arrange financing on your own through such sources as Capital One or 
