Archive for November, 2009
Every year in the UK over 7 million used cars are purchased, with many of these cars being purchased privately direct from the owner. Whilst this can often be the route to achieving the best bargains it can also become very expensive in cases when it emerges that the car has a number of problems or a previously unknown history. In order to reduce the likelihood of being caught out weve put together the top tips when buying a car privately:
The first step is to do some research about your desired car. Check classified ads and trade guides to get a good idea of prices. Parkers.co.uk is an excellent site and contains a free used car valuation tool and thousands of reviews and ratings.
Once youve decided on which car youd like to buy and have found a possible seller always go and take a look at the car in daylight.
Take a friend along with you. If problems occur in the future its very useful to have a witness available to validate what was said.
Check that the car has not been clocked. The average mileage is 12,000 miles a year. Have a look at the tyres to see whether this looks right or if the car has new tyres ask the owner for details of its servicing history.
Always go for a test drive. However, make sure that you are insured to do so and if the seller says that he has cover ask to see his policy.
Carefully check the log book, officially known as the V5 or registration document. In particular look for the chassis number, known as the vehicle identification number (VIN). This will usually be located on a small plate on the drivers door or in the engine bay. The absence of a VIN number strongly suggests that the car has assumed the identity of someone else, probably because it has been stolen at some point in its past.
You could also consider purchasing an AA Car Data Check. Importantly this will include a full description of the car, including engine size and date of first registration, so you can be sure of what you are buying. It will also tell you whether the car has a finance agreement recorded against it, if the car has been written off, and whether the car has had any number plate or colour changes.
The chances are that at some point youll enter into negotiations over the price. Have a highest price and target price in mind before entering into negotiations. If your two offers are some way apart you try not to say anything. Car salesmen use this tactic all the time as people find silence uncomfortable. Try this and the seller will often suggest meeting half way, at which point you can propose meeting half way between your offer and the new offer, getting yourself a better deal.
Finally, if interested in the car consider having it independently checked by a reputable garage. Reputable sellers will understand this so be wary if the owner of the car is against having it checked.
Tags: Aa, Absence, Bargains, Buying A Used Car, Car Data, Car Tyres, Car Valuation, Cars Direct, Chassis, Chassis Number, Classified Ads, Likelihood, Mileage, Purchasing Car, Registration Document, Tool, V5, Vehicle Identification Number, Vin Number, WitnessRelated posts
While we all like to think we wont be conned when buying a used car, thousands of people are every single year. The majority of these people have bought their used car from one of the popular free ads papers and have known very little – if anything – about what to look for in a quality car. If you fall into this category, then simply follow the top seven car buying tips outlined below.
First of all, look out for signs that the car may have been involved in a serious accident. Points to watch out for include slight gaps between the body panels and car doors that drop or that fit badly on their hinges.
Always give the gearbox and clutch a through test. To do this, make sure that you have the engine running then press down on the clutch. If there is any change in the sound of the engine then this could indicate the bearings are worn.
The gearstick should move smoothly without any crunching sound.
Make sure the brakes are in top order by breaking as firmly as you can without the car skidding.
When you start up the car make sure the exhaust fumes are white – any other colour could indicate problems.
Check the panels to make sure there are no lose screws. If there are this could indicate that the odometer has been tampered with and the car has done more mileage than it states.
Finally, always go over the cars paperwork thoroughly to make sure the history is correct. Generally the more history a car has then the better. Or invest in a vehicle data check, a service which can instantly check your proposed new cars history, including whether it has ever been stolen or involved in an accident or whether it has any outstanding finance on it etc.
The service does not cost a lot and could save you a fortune – as well as any headaches in the future.
Tags: Bearings, Body Panels, Buying A Used Car, Car Buying Tips, Car Doors, Cars History, Clutch, Exhaust Fumes, Free Ads Papers, Gaps, Gearbox, Headaches, Hinges, Mileage, New Cars, Odometer, Outstanding Finance, Paperwork, Quality Car, ScrewsRelated posts
The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you’ll find that the subject of car insurance rate is certainly no exception.
Looking For the Best Car Insurance Rate?
You dont need to go places, meet lots of agents or drop by headquarters of different car insurance companies.
Traditionally, you will have to ask your trusted agent/broker about the best rates that can be offered to you. It somehow works, because the agent handles multiple accounts and affiliations with various insurance firms. And past experiences from other clients make him/her more knowledgeable about the car insurance gateway.
For sure, direct contact or transaction to car insurance companies will save you more on premiums. Why? Because middlemen are eliminated and so are the commissions paid to them. But you will surely find the task a very tedious activity.
Online processing of car insurance applications proves to be a wise move if you are after convenience and savings on gasoline and transport expenses. This mode will surely get you the best of the best rates across the Internet within seconds, and at your fingertips.
Online, you will find a lot of Web sites offering services that scout for cheapest car insurance quotes from insurance firms. The services will give you freedom to exercise your freewill and choose the car insurance company that offers the best quotes and rates for your needed coverage.
How to get the best car insurance rate?
Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.
To get a cheap car insurance premium, you will have to invest, first of all, in clean driving records. Speeding tickets or traffic violations you have committed for at least the past five years will directly affect the rates you will automatically get for your car insurance policy. If you already have tickets, adopt a self-policy that it is still never too late. Start practicing some disciple when off the road.
Get a higher excess charge or deductible. Deductible is the amount you are willing to personally shoulder in case of accidents, repairs or damages. For example, if you set a $500 deductible, the insurance company will not cover any expense if the cost of repairs from a damage will cost less than $500. Suppose the cost of repair reaches $600, you will pay $500 and the insurance firm will take the $100 bill.
The idea might sometimes be misleading. Some people fall through this trap by setting very low deductibles to make sure the insurer covers most of the expenses for repairs or accidents. The catch? Lower deductibles equate for higher premiums and vice versa.
Personal and car information are variables you cannot do something about. But they are the primary factors that get evaluated upon the processing of your car insurance application. Dont lie and sweeten your facts. Be honest. You may not get the best rates by doing so, but you will surely get the best and real quotes available for drivers of your classification if you will be open and inquisitive.
The best versus the cheapest
Best car insurance rates are not necessarily the cheapest. Best, still is a relative term, even in the car insurance jargon. For most of the industry insiders, best car insurance rates are attained if the coverage and policy purchased are comprehensive, broad and practical, even if the premium that comes with it is not that cheap.
Likewise, the cheapest car insurance rate may not be the best because certain coverage or policy clauses make them less compared to others. The cheapest car insurance rates usually lack certain provisions for various situations and accidents. Sometimes, hitting the bottom is not that ideal, especially if there are other more attractive options out there.
If you’ve picked some pointers about car insurance rate that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won’t really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don’t use it.
Tags: Affiliations, Best Car, Car Insurance Companies, Car Insurance Company, Car Insurance Policy, Car Insurance Quotes, Car Insurance Rate, Cheap Car Insurance, Cheapest Car Insurance, Direct Contact, Freewill, Insurance Applications, Insurance Firms, Insurance Premium, Middlemen, Offering Services, Speeding Tickets, Traffic Violations, Transport Expenses, Wise MoveRelated posts
North American motorists have gotten used to paying $20-$25,000 or more for their new vehicles. Long gone are the days when sub $10,000 cars ruled the highways, with few cars available for under $15,000 these days. All of that will be changing as the pending introduction of cheap cars from China as well as imports from Mexico and other third world nations will reshape the automotive landscape. Will you buy one of these bargain brands or will you stick with one of the trusted names? Lets step forward a few years to look at a radically changed automotive market and just what it may have to offer to you, the value conscious consumer.
If you follow automotive press reports then likely you have heard talk of cheaply priced cars from China being imported to the US and Canadian markets. At prices reported to be as low as US$ 6500, these cars have created a lot of buzz and have raised concern about the entire automotive industry, domestic and foreign. One big question asked includes this: how will domestic manufacturers be able to compete price wise? Well, prices wont be quite as low as first reported once certain safety and anti-pollution measures are added in; instead the final starting price will likely be in the neighborhood of US$ 8500.
Regardless of exactly where the final starting prices are set, an economic tsunami could hit in short order.
Two of Chinas top brands, Chery and Geely, are reportedly preparing to export cars to the US in 2008. Both manufacturers produce several lines of vehicles, but current manufacturing output is limited. Expect no more than 200,000 of these vehicles for the first few years, but maybe millions more once additional capacity has been brought online.
In India, several manufacturers have been quietly expanding capacity to serve the burgeoning Indian market. One manufacturer, Tata Motors, even has pledged to build a car starting at US$ 2000. Thats no typo two thousand dollars for a new car! The last car that sold at this price in the US was the VW Beetle. Of course, you have to go back to the late 1960s to find a new Beetle at that price.
Will Tata and other Indian automakers export their cars to the U.S.? Given the current state of the Indian auto industry, likely this will not happen for some time. Capacity is expanding, but it is barely keeping up with domestic demand. Plus, each model would have to undergo extensive upgrades in order to conform to strict U.S. emissions, safety, and quality standards. Yet, the possibility of a car that will greatly undercut Chinese models in price is intriguing.
Dont think for a moment that leading world automakers will take these challenges lying down. Ford is proposing to build a sub-$10,000 vehicle in Mexico; GM is tapping its South Korean arm Daewoo for additional low cost models; and DaimlerChrysler is shopping around for a partner to help build it own super cheap people mover for around the same price.
Toyota, Honda, and several other Asian manufacturers will be sure to respond. With factories scattered across the globe, each company can pull a model from one factory and ship it to the U.S. to compete. Already, Honda and Toyota are offering cars at around $12,000 or less and each of these models could retail for much less if they are built in countries where wage levels are very low.
So, what does all of this mean for consumers? Well, you arent likely to see an across the board drop in automobile prices, but you probably will see the end to sticker shock the phenomenon that has stunned new car buyers for the past generation. What you may find is this: $60,000 Lexus and $6000 Scions being sold side by side. A huge difference in price, but something that the North American auto enthusiast may find to be commonplace.
Tags: American Motorists, Automotive Industry, Automotive Market, Buzz, Canadian Markets, Cheap Cars, Chery, Conscious Consumer, Domestic Manufacturers, First Few Years, Geely, Highways, Last Car, Low Priced Cars, New Car, New Vehicles, Pollution, Tata Motors, Third World Nations, Two Thousand DollarsRelated posts
Used Car Auctions are the Best Deals Money can Buy
Cars have become a crucial part of life. Many people are found of having different cars in fact for many it has became a style statement. They love to keep as many as models as they can. They even dont mind to buy the used or a pre-owned vehicle. For this purpose the best place to buy used cars is through the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA is a federal agency that offers vehicles in auction. The cars are acquired through Government agencies such as IRS, DEA, FBI and the police departments through seized and foreclosure laws and auctioned off to the general public. These cars are listed and sold at up to 95% off of their original values and sometimes, these auctions may start from $100 only. The cars are sold very quickly as their storage costs are very high.
Now the questioned rose why government sell it own vehicles? And the answer to the question is that the us government sell their own vehicle due to regular change in policies or due to the financial concerns or technological changes, At these times, the vehicles are written off the books by selling out to the general public. Government Vehicles may come from several different sources. Generally, a vehicle can only be sold at a government auction if it is purchased under a federal or state government contract. To appreciate the numbers of vehicles up for the auction in this way, one needs to think of the long list of the different departments and levels of government in the US. Some of the sources of these used vehicles include the Federal Government, State Government, Local Councils organizations, Police Services / departments (incl. Sheriffs/Marshalls Dept.), Fire & Emergency Services, Religious Groups & other Non-profit Organizations, Universities & other Education Organizations, as well as Hospitals & Ambulance Services. Thousands of repossessed and seized vehicles are also auctioned off at these auctions. Moreover, Government and Police auctions are considered more authentic in the country.
A large number of approximately new cars get forfeited or seized by the financial institutions everyday from people who fail to pay their car mortgage or lease costs. These cars are also auctioned off in a hurry, because the rate of accumulating the cars compensates the banks’ ability to get the lost money back (similar to the police auctions, etc.).
These auctions are thus the best place for people with access to straight sources to acquire a used car at offers that look unbelievably cheap to an average car buyer. However, this is real and is taken advantage by many car dealers.
However not everyone can buy cars in this manner as this source of revenue is protected for the majority of car dealerships and not journalized. The general masses might have to go through the dealer or a classified ads routine. However, several organizations have gathered enough information and access rights to be able to let their members enjoy a multitude of the direct sources, whereby one can find their next vehicle with up to 90% savings off the book value price. Buying a car can be a difficult and stressful process but GAS makes it enjoyable and fun experience.
One just needs to go to the police or government department of cheap used car auction. Before setting his maximum bid for sale, it is essential to look at the condition of car and to do the preliminary investigation.
Tags: Ambulance Services, Car Auctions, Education Organizations, Financial Concerns, Fire Emergency, Foreclosure Laws, General Services Administration, Government Auction, Government State, Government Vehicles, Levels Of Government, Local Councils, Police Departments, Police Services, Pre Owned Vehicle, Public Government, Religious Groups, Storage Costs, Style Statement, Technological ChangesRelated posts
Some of these used car buying tips won’t be new to you. Often the trick is just to apply what you already know. On the other hand, when it comes to expensive areas of life like buying a car, one new thing learned can save you hundreds of dollars. Try some of the following.
1. Make a low offer. Okay, you knew this one. A trick you may not have used, though, is to make a low offer, and then leave your phone number with the seller. Time has a way of making sellers desperate, especially after you just helped convince them that they are asking too much.
2. Be careful with car price guides. Use the “blue book” etc, but try not to pay more than wholesale. I can’t think of many times when people I know have paid more than “bluebook,” so these “average” sales prices are doubtful.
3. Talk to people. This is one of the simplest and effective used car buying tips. Just let friends, family and others know you’re looking for a car. Quite often people would be happy to avoid the whole process of advertising and showing their car if they could just get rid of it by giving a good deal to a friend.
4. Check out the engine. Have a mechanic look at the car, and tell you what it’s likely to need in the next year or so. Then make a list, so the seller can see in writing why you are offering less than he wants.
5. Auctions. See if there is a public auction in your area. If not, maybe you can go with a dealer friend and give him a $100 to buy a car for you.
6. www.carfax.com. It’s around $25 to run vehicle background checks for a month – long enough to find your next car. They’ll show the chain of title, accident reports for the car, and even safety and reliability scores for that model.
7. “Ugly” cars. Watch for cars that sit on the lot for months. Dealers will often sell these “ugly ducklings” at a loss just to move them. Again, you may want to leave your phone number with a low offer.
8. Rental company cars. They are sold fairly cheap when they get the new ones in. Buy at bluebook wholesale or less, because they have had many different drivers, so they’ve more wear than normal.
9. Repos. Credit unions and some small banks do their own selling of repossessed cars. You usually bid on paper, maybe with a $50 deposit, and then get your $50 back if you’re not the winning bidder. If they don’t sell their own repossessions, ask where they are sold.
10. Consider gas mileage. High mileage may be better, but maybe a car that costs $500 less will use only $400 more gas in the two years you expect to own it. Do the math.
Use the tips here the next time you are shopping for a used car. Meanwhile, why not learn a few negotiating strategies. This helps in many areas of life, and is the most important of these used car buying tips.
Tags: Accident Reports, Auctions, Background Checks, Blue Book, Bluebook, Buy A Car, Car Buying Tips, Car One, Car Price Guides, Company Cars, Friends Family, Mechanic, People, Phone Number, Public Auction, Safety And Reliability, Time Has A Way, Ugly Cars, Ugly Ducklings, WholesaleRelated posts
Getting a quote for auto insurance online is easy… but finding cheap insurance can be more of a challenge. It takes diligence and knowledge.
Here are a few tips to help you find the cheapest auto insurance available.
Safety Features
Make sure your vehicle is well built and “safety” feature rich. You should get cheaper premiums for adding anti-theft devices, car alarms or a good tracking system since these items reduce the risk of your car being stolen.
Defensive Driving
Take a defensive driving class. Certification will help you in your quest to locate cheap auto insurance and can reduce your premium for up to three years.
Comparing Rates
The automobile industry is fiercely competitive. Premiums can vary by as much as 300% for the same coverage. Be sure you are comparing apples to apples on the features you need the most when searching for cheap auto insurance.
Complete Application
If you don’t complete the application in full, the insurance companies are not going to give you a quote for their cheapest auto insurance and you won’t find out about any of the discounts you may be eligible for. You’ll simply get a higher rate quote by default. Be sure to enter your marital status, how many licensed drivers are in your home, your car’s safety features, your zip code, the miles you drive, etc.
Increase Your Deductible
You can also reduce your rates by selecting a higher deductible. Generally the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Your savings can be as much as hundreds of dollars by increasing your deductible from $250 to $500.
Cut Back on Your Miles
If you travel less than an average of 40 miles a day, you’ll more than likely qualify for a low mileage discount. If you must travel more, car pool or use the public transportation one or two days a week to reduce the miles you drive.
Color of Your Car
Statistics tell us that red cars are involved in more accidents than any other color. If you want to find the cheapest auto insurance, avoid buying a red vehicle.
Who Drives What Car the Most?
Compare quotes with the man as the main driver and the woman as the second driver and vice versa on each of your vehicles. Always, place your younger drivers (teenagers) on the safest vehicle you own, such as the family station wagon or the family car. You’ll never find cheap auto insurance by putting your teenager on a sporty little two door vehicle.
Related posts
Cheap Auto Insurance – A Practical Solution for Reducing Car Expenses
In todays world auto insurance is a necessity for any one with a car. I believe you will agree with me when saying that having a car is an expense on its own. Not to mention the
Fuel prices these days. So what actually can be done to cut costs from your car payments?
One of the easiest, quickest, safest and cost efficient ways to save money is getting cheap auto insurance rates. Some will say that their insurance payments are relatively low. That may be true but keep in mind that over 35% of auto insurance policy holders are overpaying their insurance and dont even know about it.
The competition among insurance companies these days is huge due to a simple fact; the amount of cars in the world is constantly growing, meaning more insurance is needed. Some people insure 2 or even 3 cars through the same insurance company and arent aware that if they demand an additional discount they will easily get it and even if they dont, no worries, there are lots of other reliable companies that will give them a better rate.
There are plenty of ways of saving hundreds of dollars from your annual premium. The first step is getting a quote. Filling out a quote should be done correctly and the cheapest and fastest way to get free quotes is online. Correct comparison is the key to great rates and its needless to say you should compare quotes from at least 3 different companies (the more the better). There are organizations which provide unbiased services helping you compare 1000 of bids from different auto insurance companies with filling out just one form. These systems can come in handy and save hours of quote comparison.
Ways To Save
The following are a few tested strategies you can apply for saving $300 – $500 from your premium. The more tips you apply the more you can save, believe it or not saving couldnt be easier.
- Raise your deductibles
- Reduce coverage on older cars
- Compare male and female as main drivers
- If you havent had an accident negotiate a discount
- Take a defensive driving course and let the insurance company know that you have
- Install anti theft devices
- Ask for a discount if you have more than one type of insurance from the same company
- Check for low mileage discounts
All in all it is important to understand that there are more than enough ways to save money, all you need to do is get started and it doesnt require much effort or time. If you take a close look at what your payments are all about you will see that you could cut costs daily if you just give it a bit of time and correct calculation.
Tags: Auto Insurance Companies, Auto Insurance Policy, Auto Insurance Rates, Car Expenses, Car Insurance, Car Payments, Cheap Auto Insurance, Cheap Auto Insurance Rates, Deductibles, Different Companies, Fuel Prices, Insurance Company, Insurance Payments, Insurance Policy Holders, No Worries, Older Cars, Practical Solution, Simple Fact, Ways To Save Money, World AutoRelated posts
Its just one of those mornings. As the rain pours down and Im trying to start my mini (yes those old small ones) I decide its time to buy a new car.
Now, before I embark on this wonderful journey- there are a few stumble blocks I need to sort out. Firstly, I cant afford a new car, but Im sure I can find a nice, affordable second hand car somewhere. Secondly, I have no idea what to look for in a car.
For me its all about how cute I will look in it and that it will take me from point A to point B. I know nothing more than the absolute necessary. The engine is in the front under the hood, the spare wheel is somewhere in the back and I know where the exhaust is. Furthermore, my knowledge is very limited.
With my boyfriend out of town and my time relatively limited, I need to find some or other guide to help me. A guide for people who knows nothing about cars, something written for dummies, a buyers guide for second hand cars.
Obviously, the best and first place I look for this Used car buyers guide for dummies is on the Internet. I, of course, find quite a few irrelevant results that just show me lists of car dealers.
Eventually I stumble across a very in-depth used car buyers guide that gives you twelve different things to look out for when buying a car. I had to read it twice to understand everything, but eventually I got the hang of it.
Firstly, they give some helpful advice regarding the purchase of the used car. Then they chat about registration and documentation and give some useful information- mentioning things like the Vehicle Identification Number and where you need to look for it!
Furthermore the buyers guide supply the reader with tips on what to look out for when they are viewing a second hand or used car. They even mention the appearance of the car- and no this is not just the outside of the car!
They give little tidbits to look out for when you start-up the engine. Apparently, when you test-drive the car, you should drive it at various speeds- this will give you an indication of the condition of the engine.
The bodywork of the used car must be inspected and you should look out for any accident damage to the car. Make sure to check out the interior and the upholstery- lift seat covers to see if the seller isnt just hiding damaged seats!
Half of these things I would have never even thought to look at! Other tips include information about the gearbox and clutch, brakes and suspension, radiator and cooling system, as well as more general things like steering and tyres.
Must say, after reading this guide, I will definitely be able to pick out my new second hand used car with more confidence! For those women and other dummies out there that know nothing about what to look out for when buying a second hand or used car- get yourself a buyers guide! It really does help.
Tags: Appearance, Buy Car, Buying A Car, Car Buyers Guide, Car Buying Tips, Car Chat, Car Dealers, Different Things, Dummies, Irrelevant Results, One Of Those Mornings, People, Rain, Second Hand Car, Second Hand Cars, Spare Wheel, Time To Buy A New Car, Vehicle Identification Number, Wheel, Wonderful JourneyRelated posts
Home equity loans are a great way to borrow, and although many homeowners use them for home improvement projects, they can also be used for other purchases, like car buying. Equity grows as the value of your property rises, and many consumers take advantage of the gains in the real estate market without having to actually sell their house, by using convenient home equity loans.
Whereas a home equity line of credit operates much like a credit card, an equity loan is more like a typical bank or credit union loan the kind of loan consumers prefer when looking for a longer repayment schedule and more competitive rates. If you want to borrow a set amount of money with a fixed interest rate over a period of a few years, the home equity option is an appropriate choice. For example, rather than borrow money from a car dealership at a high rate of interest and with relatively unfavorable terms you might be better off borrowing against the equity in your home. The savings over the life of the loan (thanks to a lower interest rate and some potential tax deductions) can be considerable. And as your property continues to increase in market value, the otherwise untapped equity will work for you, to help make needed purchases along the way.
Consider, for instance, a homeowner who bought a house for $200,000 a few years ago and now realizes that the same property is worth $260,000. If the home appreciates in value at a rate of just 6 percent per year for the next three years, it will be worth over $300,000. With an increase in value of more than $40,000, the built-in equity is more than enough to offset the expense of a new vehicle in three years time.
Rather than sell the house to gain access to those funds, however, the homeowner can simply use an equity loan that is paid back at a fixed interest rate over a period of years. Once the loan is repaid, the homeowners untapped credit is once again available for other purposes. And at tax time, the interest paid on a home equity loan may qualify for an itemized deduction.
Consult a tax planner and your mortgage company or bank before you begin shopping for your next automobile. With a convenient home equity loan, you may be able to drive away with a great deal without ever having to put a dent in your savings account.
Tags: Amount Of Money, Borrow Money, Car Buying, Car Dealership, Car Loans, Consumers, Equity Line Of Credit, Equity Loan, Fixed Interest, Home Equity Line, Home Equity Line Of Credit, Home Equity Loans, Home Improvement Projects, Interest Rate, Rate Of Interest, Repayment Schedule, Tax Deductions, Tax Time, Typical Bank, Unfavorable Terms