Right off the bat, let's clear one thing up. You will not profit from buying a car unless you intend to, or are already in the business of buying and selling cars. Depreciation will decrease the value of your car the longer you use it, no matter what. It isn't an investment, so no matter how you carefully treat it, you can never make the money you bought your car with back, much more make a profit off it.

Now with that out of the way, here are some tips to guide you in your car buying expedition, particularly if you do not intend to keep the car for life. These are tips to maintain the substantial resale value of your new car. Think of it as accepting the fate that your first car buying experience will have to end in a break-up.

- Stick with classic colors and options. A neon green car may strike your fancy, even if no one really understands why, but buying a car fit for resale entails sticking to the basics.

- Remember that setting up the car's engines, audio and detail accessories will not necessarily boost the resale value of your car. Why juice it up anyway if you know you want a more expensive car for keeps down the financially stable road?

- There are some detailing jobs that will remain classic resale boosts: a nice stereo, sun roofs and leather seats.

- Buying a car that is easily maintained helps, too. Readily available parts and a familiar engine will keep maintenance hassle

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