Archive for April, 2010

Buying a New Car

Author: admin
April 30, 2010

Buying a new car is one of the largest purchases most people make in their lives. Therefore, it is worth taking care and making sure the deal you get is the best possible.

Financing

If you need to obtain credit to fund the purchase of the car, you should be aware that the financing offered by the dealer is often not the best deal you can get. If you shop around for loans you may get financing at a much better rate. You should compare the annal percentage rate (APR) as well as the length of the loan and the amount of monthly repayments. Always look at the total amount repayable and compare this to the price of the car to see the cost of the finance.

Sometimes, dealers will offer you a very good financing rate on specific models that qualify. It may not be possible to negotiate on the price of these models and you should check to see if this is cheaper than buying another model that can be negotiated.

Make sure you have a copy of the contract and before you leave the lot, evaluate whether the repayment terms in it are affordable. If the dealer asks you to buy credit insurance, you should add this into the price and see if the car is still attractive. You should also check your existing insurance policies as you may be covered already under another policy.

If you are considering a trade in, bring it up only after you have already negotiated the best possible price for the car you want. You should also research the value of your old car so that you know what it is worth. This information will help you see what the dealer is effectively offering you for your old car and if it is a fair price.

If you are considering a service contract you should be clear on what it offers. They have many exemptions and you will already have some cover from the manufacturers warranty which is included in the cost of the car. You should certainly ask the following questions:

  • What does it offer over and above the warranty?
  • What repairs are covered?
  • Is routine maintenance recovered?
  • Will they pay for parts, labor or both?
  • Who performs the work?
  • How long does the contract last and what are the cancellation and refund policies?
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  • April 29, 2010

    Buying a New Car: Its Time We Are as Vigilant as Ever

    It seems as though everyone is out to get our money. Costs are skyrocketing and more and more products and services are out vying for our attention. Media is focusing its attention on “rear attacks” by directing its advertising on our children, our needs, our fears and emotions. Okay, well, that part’s not new, but it’s certainly more effective.

    Brand recognition is critical for highly competitive retail items and customer service and reputation is the variable that either makes or breaks the deal.

    So, why hasn’t any of this competition changed the way we buy cars?

    Remember back in the 70’s? The good old days when buying a new car meant strolling down to the nearest cheesy car lot, getting battered by a slick, fast-talkin’ dude all decked out in his disco best.

    How is it that, even though the attire and cheese-factor have changed, the slick, fast-talkin’ dudes still exist? And seem to be doing better than ever.

    Today’s car dealerships boast increased customer support and service; touting special employees that are there to serve only you. They preach their employees are very customer-focused and are there to serve your every need.

    But are they?

    As consumers, we really have developed a false sense of security when it comes to car dealers and buying our cars. Surely things can’t be the way they were just a few decades ago. Companies that don’t adhere to the growing customer-is-always-right mantra are certainly companies that don’t last long.right?

    Well, I’m here to say that the wolf has certainly stepped out of the disco-70’s garb.and is now wearing a clean white dress shirt, slacks and tie. Folks, the wolf is alive and well and is waiting for you to come fall victim to his fake loyalty to you.

    How did they slip through the cracks? How did they manage to maintain their huge profitability through all of society’s demands for increased customer service? How is it that we still have to endure the experiences we do when we go to buy a car?

    I’m here to say, the auto dealers have adapted quite well. No longer are they wolvesnow they are lions.

    Our generation of car buyer has been given a false sense of security due to the internet. We think that simply by knowing what the internet says the dealer invoice is that we have some sense of power over them. Well, actually, all we know is what they supposedly paid for the vehicle. That doesn’t mean they are going to gnash their teeth and say, “Oh darn it, Frank and Betty Smith found out our hidden secret invoice amountnow we HAVE to sell it to them for that!”

    Not at all, my friend.

    Sure, the dealer is motivated to sell cars. If they don’t sell you a car, they don’t make any profit. But, if they don’t make and profit, they don’t sell you a car.

    The myths surrounding the dealers still exist; the secrecy is what has kept them so profitable through the turn of the millennium.

    Who monitors the car deals to make sure it was all handled fairly and you paid a fair profit for the car? Who watches out to make sure those people with bad credit are really put back on the right track to rebuilding their life with their auto loan?

    It’s like putting the witch in charge of Hansel and Gretel’s health regimen; the “what’s in it for her” is much greater than the “what’s in it for them.”

    The only people watching out for you when you are car buying is YOU. It is up to you to be vigilant and protect yourself, your credit, and your money. You can count on the lions stalking you when you call or go in to the lot. You can count on them wanting to still make more money off of you than you make in a month or two at your job. Count on it. And if you aren’t careful, it’ll come true.

    It’s going to take more than the internet to protect you from these predators. You will need to look at buying a car in a whole new light. A new breed of car buyers needs to emerge to keep these dealers in check and not let them bully and trick us into handing over all of our hard earned cash and credit rating.

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    April 28, 2010

    There are many things that you must consider when buying a new car. Most will have to do with the car itself such as what model to buy, the options you want to add, and the price of the car. However, there is one thing that it always pays to check out first, and that is, who are you buying the car from.

    Dealers

    Perhaps more important than the car you buy, is who you buy it from, what character they have and how they do business and treat customers. No matter what kind of car you are buying, it is possible that something will go wrong and you will need to call the dealer to fix the problem for you. If the dealer is honest and puts pride into satisfying his customers, you will have your problem solved quickly and you’ll be on the road, enjoying your new car in no time. If, on the other hand, he is only interested in getting paid and wants nothing more to do with you, then you could have a serious problem on your hands.

    Be Aware

    If you are calling a number of dealers to find out about the availability of a particular model, use the opportunity while on the phone to try and get a feel for the dealer. Ask yourself the question, ‘is this someone I want to do business with?’ If not, simply call another dealer.

    If the sales person is in anyway impatient or pushy, perhaps you should be thinking about going elsewhere. If you are not completely comfortable in the environment then there is a higher chance that you are going to buy a car you don’t want, you’re not going to have a proper chance to weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages, and you are going to be reluctant to deal with the seller again if you have a problem.

    However, if the dealer is relaxed and open, listens to your thoughts and needs and tries to help you find the car you want, there is a much better chance that you are going to leave with a car you actually want, and are not going to be pushed into making a rash purchase.

    All purchases involve a personal relationship of some type between buyer and seller and there must be an element of trust if the transaction is to be wholly satisfactory. So when you’re thinking of the car you want, the financing, the insurance and all the other things that go with buying a new car, add to your list the salesperson and make sure you are dealing with someone you trust and are comfortable with.

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    Buying a new car in Ohio

    Author: admin
    April 27, 2010

    Purchasing new car is hard enough without having to deal with the sales pressure from a car salesman. It’s no big secret that almost every car dealer can be talked down on the initial price thay want for a car.

    So if you decide to buy new car, we’ll help you determine what kind of cars is right for you and how best to negotiate a car purchase. Before you head out to the car showrooms with your checkbook in hand, evaluate your reasons for buying a new car. Find out the base price of each car you are interested in. The more you know about the actual cost of, the less you will have pay for it.

    Before entering the dealership
    Before you step foot on a dealership lot, there are several things you need to think about, including what type of vehicle you can afford, what type of car is right for you, whether you should lease or buy, and what your credit history consists of.
    Once you decide on type of car you need it is time to do your research to narrow down the choices. A number resources on this site can provide you comparison information rating the vehicles within specific categories. Compare such areas as safety, reliability, fuel economy, warranties, operating costs, theft rates, general features, and options when making you decision.

    Getting ready to buy new car
    Do your homework first and make much wiser decision before you buy new car. To determine ahead how much negotiating room you have on basic cars and extra options, draw up awork sheet for each type of new car you considering. Using updated price lists available from above sites, write down the dealer’s cost and list price, for the particular make, model and trim line.
    For each car, list the options you want, describing them with the invoice number. Also before you decided to buy new car, write down the dealer’s cost and the list price. Look up the destination charges for that car, and include this in both the dealer’s cost and the list price, since there is no murkup. The destination charge is the cost the dealer pays to get the new car to the dealership.
    Now compare the dealer’s cost and the list price for that car. The difference is your negotiating room. Do the same thing with each of the options. You may be able to negotiate on individual options before you buy new car.

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    Buying A Second Hand Car? 19 Tips To Avoid Getting Your Fingers Burnt.

    Do your homework. Read up about the model of car you’re thinking about. Will it perform as you will want? Be aware of any known mechanical problems with that particular model and remember to check them out when you take it for a test drive (see tip 15).

    Look up the current second hand values for the car. Try starting at www.what car .com. Also get some of the second hand car magazines and your local paper. Check out the prices being asked for similar cars.

    Car Insurance is always a major expense. How much will that car cost you to insure? It’s easy to find out on the Internet get a few quotes. It’ll just take you ten minutes.

    Also check out the car’s other running costs. We’re talking about fuel consumption, servicing and repair bills. Again www.what car .com can help. Ensure you can afford to run the car!

    When you see the car insist on seeing its registration documents and, if the car is more than 3 years old, its MOT certificate. The registration documents will also show the cars’ VIN number. Carefully check that the documents tally.

    Always ensure that the person selling the car does actually own it.

    And always see the car at the seller’s own home or business premises. Then ensure that the address on the Registration Document is at the same as the address – if not ask why. You should be suspicious.

    Examine the Road Tax disc. Is it still valid? Does the vehicle registration number on the disc match the Registration Document and the number on its number plate?

    Ask to view the cars’ Servicing Record. Usually, this will also show the cars’ VIN number and details of the first owner. If the Service record is not available, has the owner kept any of the service or repair bills? Ask to see them.

    Now look under the bonnet and look for the VIN Number (it could also be on a plate on the inside edge of one of the front doors). Compare the VIN number with the number on the Registration Document and check that the number stamped on the car has not been interfered with. This will help to ensure that the car hasn’t had its identity changed.

    It’s best to take a friend with you who knows’ about cars not only to look at the car but also to be a witness for what is said and anything that is agreed.

    Don’t pay for a car on your first visit and try not to be pushed into putting down a deposit. You need to carry out some checks before you part with any money (see 17 below).

    Ask the owner whether the car is subject to any outstanding finance. Take notes of what he/she says. Then, when you get home, get on the Internet and check out the information provided with RAC Vehicle Status Check. Go to the RAC’ web site. Click on Car Buying and then Vehicle Status Checks. The Status Check will cost you 24.99 but it will confirm whether the car has outstanding finance. Best to be safe without this Check you could find out that a finance company actually has a prior title to the car.

    Carefully examine the car in good daylight. Look carefully for signs of repairs and accident damage. If you have followed our advice and obtained a Vehicle Status Check, that Check will also notify you if the car has previously been written off.

    Try to ensure that the car hasn’t been clocked. (Clocked means that the mileometer has been wound back to show a lower mileage.) The average annual mileage is around 12,000. Be wary if the wear and tear on the car looks greater than you would expect from the mileage. The wear on the driver’s pedals is usually a give away. Then ask when the tyres were last replaced. Does the wear on the tyres look about right?

    Insist on test-driving the car for at least 10/15 miles. You need to get the car fully warmed up and drive it in varying conditions. Incidentally, don’t forget to ensure you are insured to drive it! Don’t assume that your own insurance policy will cover you for driving someone else’s car. Check your policy before you leave home. If the seller claims that his insurance covers you, ask to see his policy a bit of a pain but better safe than sorry!

    Has the car ticked all the boxes so far? Then spend some more money get it professionally inspected.

    Never pay any money until you have seen the results of the RAC Vehicle Status Check. And even then, avoid paying any money until the car is handed over to you complete with its Documents and tax disc. Always get a written receipt for any money you pay and ensure that it includes the sellers name and address.

    Last of all, make sure you’re insured from the moment you drive the car away. The Police can now impound, and ultimately scrap, your car if you’re driving it without insurance or road tax! If the car has not got Road Tax disc, call in at the Post Office on the way home and get one. You’ll need to show them a valid insurance cover note for the car and the cars up to date MOT Certificate.

    If you’ve followed all these steps you’ll have done just about everything possible to ensure the car is legally yours at the right price, and you haven’t bought a scrapper!

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    Buying a Used Car

    Author: admin
    April 25, 2010

    Before getting your own car, it pays to do some homework. Think about what you need, what the car will be used for, and your budget. Look in books and online and think about repair costs, safety tests, mileage etc.

    All this research can save you some serious money and help you avoid being ripped off.

    Once youve chosen the car you want, you have to decide how you are going to pay for it. You can pay the whole amount upfront or you can finance the purchase over time. If you do use financing, you should be aware that this increases the total cost of the car as you must pay for the car plus the credit.

    Once you have decided on how much you can put down, you can look at the annual percentage rate (APR) of the loan and the length of the loan and see how much your monthly payments will be.

    Generally speaking, the shorter the term of the loan, the higher the APR. If you are in your teens, cosigning with your parents will help you to get a better rate. You may also want to think about paying in cash for a less expensive car.

    Dealer or Private Sale?

    This is an important decision to make. If you buy from a dealer you will generally pay more. But you will benefit from knowing that if there is a problem you can return to the dealer to complain. Many dealers offer warranties and guarantee the quality of the car.

    On the other hand, buying from an individual will offer less security as the car will generally be sold as is, which means you must bare the cost of any problems that later arise. You also cannot go back and complain to an individual if something they told you turns out to be untrue. That said, buying from an individual can often offer very good value.

    First of all, they will not add a mark up on the price, which is what a dealer would do if he had bought it first. Also, if you bring along your own mechanic, or someone who knows about cars, you can have it checked out to make sure everything looks ok.

    Before you buy the car, make sure you examine it with an inspection checklist. Get a good test drive over varied road conditions and be sure to get the cars maintenance record. It is also worth having the car inspected by a mechanic if you have serious concerns about it.

    Finally, before you buy, make sure you are ready to meet all the associated costs of having the car. These include insurance, fuel, maintenance and repairs.

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    April 24, 2010

    Buying A Used Car: Why You Should Attend A Used Car Auction

    Are you in the market for a used car? If you are, have you ever thought about attending a used car auction? Although used car auctions are a great way to get affordable vehicles, it is as if they are a well-kept secret. It is time that you familiarize yourself with this well-kept secret, as it a great way for you to save money.

    When it comes to used car auctions, many individuals do not even know that there is such a thing. Those who are somewhat familiar with used car auctions often associate the cars available for bidding as cheap, low-quality vehicles; like junk. Of course, you may run into a few less than perfect vehicles at a used car auction, for the most part, you may be surprised with just how many quality vehicles you can purchase. That is why you should attend a used car auction.

    Speaking of attending a used car auction, there are many individuals who mistakenly believe that they must buy something at an auction that they attend. This is not how a used car auction works. While different used car auctions are operated in different ways, you and other bidders have the opportunity to bid on any used vehicles that you would be interested in owning. Should you not find a used vehicle that meets your interests, you do not have to place a bid. In fact, many auction attendees are actually just there for viewing. If you are unsure as to whether or not you should buy a used car from a used car auction, you may want to think about attending one just to see how the process works.

    Another one of the many reasons why you should at least think about buying a used car from a used car auction is because of the auctions that you have to choose from. No matter where you live, you should be able to find at least a few used car auctions to attend. While you can attend any used car auction that you would like, you may want to take the time to find the perfect one. This will increase your chances of walking away with an affordable used car. Many used car buyers have seen success with auctions that are open to the public, ones that are free to attend, or ones where you are able to inspect all vehicles before placing a bid.

    As previously mentioned, you may actually be surprised with the type of vehicles that you are able to find for sale at a used car auction. Unfortunately, many individuals mistakenly believe that only vehicles that were unable to sell outright, by the owner or a by a dealership, are placed into used car auctions. Yes, it is true that some of these vehicles may make their way into a used car auction, but those are not the only types of used cars that can be found at a used car auction. You should know that many used car auction houses or companies have a program is known as a consignment program.

    A consignment program is where a used car auction house or company assists a car owner with the selling of their vehicle, for a reasonable fee. Instead of spending time fielding calls from potential buyers and spending time on marketing, many car owners now choose just to let a used car auction house or company do the work for them. What does this mean for you? It means that you could get a like-new vehicle for half of its value at a used car auction. In all honesty, you never really know what types of vehicles you can find at a used car auction. That is why it is advised that you at least think about attending one.

    If you are interested in attending a used car auction and you live in or around the Chicago area, or are willing to travel to the area, you may want to checkout North Shore Auto Auction. By visiting their online website, which is located at www.publicautoauctionnst.com, you can find updated information on upcoming auctions, as well as the vehicles that will be available for bidding in those auctions.

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    April 23, 2010

    If you are buying a used car, you probably want to save some money. This means that you need to prioritize what is most important to you in a car. This article will help you assess your needs and your wants, so that you can find a car that suits you perfectly.

    Cost

    Look at the cost of a car. There is no point in window shopping at fully-loaded $40,000 trucks if you will only be able to afford a $4,000 truck in the first place. When you are establishing your budget for your car, be sure to account for how much the insurance will likely be, how much gas you will be spending (although this figure does change, it is best to go in having at least an idea), and regular maintenance. To budget for maintenance, you will need estimate the costs of 4 oil changes a year, plus some extra money just in case. Used cars are, well, used: they arent new are generally not under warranty. If you want a warranty, consider buying a used car from the dealership, who can often offer warranties even on used vehicles.

    Suitability

    What kind of driving do you do? You probably dont need a four-wheel drive behemoth of an SUV if you do mostly city driving. Conversely, if you live on a gravel road, you might feel more comfortable driving in winter if you have something larger than a neon. For most drivers, the way that you drive a car will mean that you are open to many options. However, if this is a limiting factor, it is important to take into consideration.

    If you are a commuter, then you will have to take other factors into consideration. You might not want to buy a car with a very high mileage, because you will be adding the miles to that odometer. You might want to find a car that has very comfortable seats to make your ride go better. Things that could be less important, like the stereo, become much more important when you spend a lot of time in your car each day.

    Look

    Some people would rather have a car that looks good or prestigious. Its okay to admit that you are one of those people. For instance, for $3,500 you might be able to buy a 6 year old Honda civic; this same money could also buy you a much older BMW. If you value appearances, dont lie to yourself when you are shopping. You want to get a car that you will love, and theres no point looking at Ford Focuses if the only thing that will spark your delight is a Ford Mustang.

    Load

    How many people do you normally travel with? What is the most number of people that you have taken in your current car at once? If you dont already have a car, estimate the number of people you will have with you on a regular basis. If you only drive around 7 people during the hockey tournament once a year, you can probably skip buying a minivan. However, if you normally drive three people around, it might be a pain to get a two door vehicle. For truck drivers, you will want to consider the amount of load that you generally put in the back of your truck to help you judge your purchase.

    Your Loan

    Not only do you want to get the right car, you want to get the right car loan. It is wiser to have your financing lined up before you go to a dealership. You can set up used car loans at any bank: but one often overlooked type of used car loan is to go to a credit union, where you can generally get lower interest than at a major bank. For more information on loans, (and we wont even try to sell you a loan!) visit www.theguideto-carloans.com.

    In the End

    You will be the one driving. Make the decisions based on your needs and what you feel is right. Though it is great to get lots of advice (and sometimes it helps to take someone savvy about mechanics along with you to check out the car), considering these facts will help make you capable of choosing the right car.

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    April 21, 2010

    There are a few things that you should always look for if you are buying a used car. Here are the tips that you will need not to get a lemon.

    1. Warranty Facts

    You can sometimes get a car that is still under warranty. If this is the case, check with the warranty (perhaps call the number in the warranty book) to ask if there is anything that you need to do to keep the warranty when you buy the car. This often just involves sending out a letter with the purchase information to the dealership.

    If you buy from a car dealership, you can often get warranties on used cars. If you want peace of mind when purchasing, consider this option for sure.

    2. Warning Signs

    If the odometer reading doesnt match the wear and tear of the car, then you should definitely ask for some records.

    If there is any vagueness about getting the service records for the car, you might want to walk away.

    3. Getting a Good Price

    Because the cost of new cars is going up, there is more of a demand for used cars. This means that some dealerships believe that they can take more money than the car is worth. There are a few things that you need to do to get a good price.

    Do your research; check online and in used car guides (often available at the local library) to find out what the prices of cars listed online to sell are. If you are uncertain about buying a car online, then dont. Often purchasing a car online means that it will come from a long distance, and as such, you will have to pay exorbitant shipping or delivery costs, which will not be worth the money that you are saving off the sticker price.

    4. Making the Payments

    Instead of getting a car loan from the dealership and paying the dealer or the seller monthly payments, consider taking out a loan from the bank. You will often get better interest (or financing, as it is called with cars) rates. Go to a bank or credit union before you go shopping for your car. Salespeople will try to talk you into going with the dealerships rates; you will be better off if you already have your financing set up. Credit unions can sometimes offer even better rates than banks on loans and are an often-overlooked choice.

    5. The Information to Get

    In Ontario, and in some states, you can ask to get the used vehicle information package. This will have the details of the previous maintenance and ownership history of the car.

    Always do a complete visual inspection of a car. Even if you are buying a car from the internet, buy one from your province or state so that you can go and check it out first. Alternatively, agree with the seller that you have the right to return the car for a full refund (including shipping) if it does not meet your standards.

    6. What not to Trust

    Dont judge the use of a car by its brakes; a dealer can buy new brake pads for less than $10, which is often an easy fix for a car.

    If a car has rear-door-hinges that are very worn, it might have been used as a taxi, and you should probably find another one. Check the roof of the car to see if there have been any holes filled in; this could have been a sign for a delivery vehicle. They also often have been used a lot.

    Be careful if a car looks like it has been freshly painted. This could mean that it has been in an accident that is trying to be covered up.

    7. And finally

    Buying a used car can be a great deal for you. You can save money on the car itself, and you can get a safe means to travel. Remember, the condition of the car is more important than if it has had multiple owners, or even the odometer reading. Good luck shopping!

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    April 20, 2010

    If you feel purchasing a new car is tricky, then buying a second hand car can be quite trickier. But don’t fret just yet–with these guidelines to keep you on track, that used car could be one of the sweetest deals you’ve ever had.

    Where to Look
    Snoop around. It pays to be on the lookout for owners wanting to shift to a newer model, and thus wanting to sell the car of your dreams. This is where your friends and family come in. Aside from referrals, they could more or less ensure that the price is reasonable and the car’s ownership history is satisfactory.

    Asking the Right Questions
    Why are the owners letting the car go? Make sure that they are not selling due to any major problems.

    How long have they owned the car? Given proper maintenance, a five to seven year-old car would generally be in good condition. What repairs have been done, or are currently needed? How’s the mileage? The lower the mileage, the better. However, a used car with more miles could be satisfactory, too. In this case, ask about the vehicle’s use. Was it a family car limited to city driving? Does the car come with a warranty?

    Take Note of the following:
    Body rust or holes are difficult to repair. A body panel rusting through is to be replaced. Different paint shades from one panel to another, peeling and cracked paint, or smudges on other car part indicates a poor re-paint job, which needs to be re-done. Threadbare tires, chipped or cracked glass, the electrical work and what’s beneath the hood should be given proper attention, too.

    Going Out for a Test Drive
    If it’s a manual car, the clutch shouldn’t slip. If the clutch slips, instead of being steady as it accelerates, the motor will be revved up as when using neutral. If this happens get yourself a new clutch! Is the exhaust not chugging out excess smoke and noise? The car may need some good motor repair, or some of the exhaust system parts replaced. Do the pothole test. Overly shaky rides could indicate a suspension problem, an alignment problem and or a tire problem. Always have a trusted mechanic or a car aficionado friend to thoroughly go over the car with you.

    The Turn Over, at Last
    The number of previous owners, registration details, applicable taxes, and insurance papers – should all be properly documented. With the paperwork done and the payment terms agreed upon, you’re ready to hit the road, and enjoy the ride!

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