It is a fact of life that many people need adequate forms of transportation to commute to and from their jobs. If you are like most people, your car is one of the largest expenses you will have next to your house. In all the research I’ve done on personal finance, how you go about purchasing an automobile can have a large impact on your credit and financial picture. If you go about purchasing a car the wrong way, it can put you in a financial strain which will be difficult to recover from.
Can You Afford It?
As of this writing, the average American makes about $33,000 per year. Most brand new cars cost well over $12,000. This means that the cost of a brand new automobile makes up a large percentage of the annual income made by most Americans each year. Most people cannot afford to pay $14,000 up front for a brand new car, so many choose to get car loans. When you take into consideration the interest that must be paid, it can take as long as 7 years for the average worker to pay off this loan. At the same time, the car will depreciate in value, and will be worth very little once it is paid off compared to its original value.
Job Security
It is also important to remember that most people don’t keep their jobs for seven years. Many people, especially those that are young adults, may work multiple jobs within a single year. This shows a lack of stability, and it is easy to get into a financial strain if the economy suddenly experiences a downturn and jobs become harder to find. It is for this reason that you should avoid car loans and consider buying used vehicles instead. There are many advantages to buying a used car instead of a new one.
Benefits of Getting Used
Used cars tend to be much cheaper than brand new cars. Because of this they are easier to save money for. They will often be sold by private owners instead of a company, and the owner is likely to be much more flexible. You save money because you are purchasing a car at a wholesale price. Unlike a car loan, you won’t have to pay interest when purchasing a used car. At the same time, there are some disadvantages to buying a used car. Used cars will often have a large number of miles on them, and are much more likely to breakdown faster than new cars. This could leave you having to make costly repairs.
Cant Addon
Used cars don’t have the options that you will get with new cars. The color and other accessories can’t be chosen, and what you see is what you get. While there is little you can do about this, you can have a mechanic check the used car prior to buying it to make sure there are no mechanical problems. If the transmission goes out, it could cost you well over $1000 to get it fixed, and this could put you into a financial strain. You should buy quality used cars from companies which have a reputation for making good vehicles.
Pay the True Value, Not What You Are Told
You should also check the bluebook value on any used car you’re interested in to make sure the price the owner is asking isn’t to high. If the bluebook value on a specific car is $3,000, don’t buy it from an owner who asks for $4000 unless there is a good reason to do so. Car loans should be avoided at all costs unless you have a stable job, a high income, or a large amount of savings.
Tags: Brand New Car, Brand New Cars, Buying A Used Car, Car Loans, Downturn, Economy, Fact Of Life, Forms Of Transportation, Job Security, Jobs, Many People, New Automobile, Personal Finance, Private Owners, Purchasing A Car, Seven Years, Wholesale, Wholesale Price, Wrong Way, Young AdultsRelated posts
All car owners want the best for their automobiles. Therefore, they are providing it utmost care through regular maintenance checks. The engine must be tuned-up and checked from time to time, the oil has to be changed, and spark plugs need to be replaced or repaired. This is only some of the ways you can ensure that your car is ready at all times and wont present any problems when you need it the most.
Providing your car the necessary spare parts is very important in regular maintenance check-up. Despite the limited budget for it, you are still entitled to a cheap but good quality car parts.
Brand-New Car Parts
Of course, if you own a new sports utility vehicle, you also need to provide it with a new set of car parts once it needs repair.
Before buying brand new car parts, consider some important points. First is what parts do you need to purchase? You can refer to the catalogue or instruction manual of your car and list down the right model number of those car parts.
Next is where will you buy those parts? First option you can go to is your authorized car dealer where you have purchased the automobile. They can offer the right car parts plus discounts and guarantee for it. Aside from those, make sure that the parts they are offering are new and can last longer.
Second option is the assorted car parts center. There you will find different brands of car parts. You can ask their sales staff to help you find the right parts that your automobile needs. If you are in doubt that they are selling new spare parts, you can also ask them and let them assure you that they are selling such kind.
Second-Hand Car Parts
You can also opt to purchase second-hand or used car parts. Before venturing into such options, the following should be taken into consideration:
Since you are looking for some used car parts, the reliability of its source should be considered. Try to look in classified ads for possible vendors of such old car parts, or you go around the neighborhood and ask for their location.
There are times that such used parts are only available in dealerships and in a local mechanics shop. It will be challenge for you to look for them, and there is always a possibility that the part you need will not match with the part they are offering.
Always check the compatibility of the old car parts that a seller is offering. Some parts that are needed do not have to be original. There are surplus items or a compatible part from another car brand that you can use. It will be able to save you money for other things.
If you are having difficulty looking for the parts you need, browse through the Internet especially for some old parts unavailable in your locality.
Once you have found the right old car part dealer online, you can check their payment options. Be sure you are ready to accept their terms of reference of the parts that you want to acquire.
Either brand-new or second-hand car parts ensure of its quality. Because just like human beings, cars also tends to malfunction if wrong parts are provided to it. Be careful and meticulous in selecting the spare parts needed for your car.
Tags: Automobile, Automobiles, Brand New Car, Brands Of Car, Car Dealer, Car Owners, Car Parts, Car Reliability, First Option, Maintenance Checks, Model Number, New Sports, Quality Car, Right Car, Sales Staff, Second Hand Car, Spare Parts, Spark Plugs, Sports Utility Vehicle, Utmost CareRelated posts
How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers’ Dirty Tricks
How to buy a new Car
Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our life.
There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste and style, our economic status and our character. Some women even claim that a car is a mans extension of his reproductive organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they fall in love with a certain car model.
There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.
In our modern life its almost impossible to function without one and its expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.
Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a brand new car is a great feeling.
When is the best time to buy a new car?
There are two “best times” to buy a car. The end of December is a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be $1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!
How and where to search for prices:
Invoice price what the dealer pays the manufacturer has become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer’s need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere between sticker and invoice.
Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and in most cases their buying tools automatically add option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the process.
Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate summation of a car’s value, which immediately puts him or her in a stronger negotiating position.
Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various parts of the country. Search for Edmunds.com on the web.
for example, reveals the True Market Value: CarsDirect.com, which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed CarsDirect price Intellichoice.com sorts out the Best Deals of the Month.
The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:
After you made your research via the Internet, its important you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.
You would be much better off selling your old car yourself rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer will have to earn some money on it as well.
Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.
There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales courses, its called throwing a lowball, in this tactic a customer is offered a very good price on a car, Perhaps as much as $500 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out, extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows, customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice they have now made.
Then something happens. All of a sudden an error in the calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer insists on having it, then $500 must be added to the price…
The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they let the bank handling the financing find the mistake, other times the boss is not approving the deal because wed be losing money. They make it look as if its not that big mistake as its a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.
The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a different vehicle, just say “no” and go somewhere else.
If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers scams and how to avoid them go to: carbuyingtips.com/scams
Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into extras you don’t want and probably don’t need. These can include added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection, anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.
Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the car, looking for scratches or dents; anything that mars the perfect finish. If you’re not happy, get a written agreement (known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.
Tags: Best Time To Buy A New Car, Brand New Car, Buying A New Car, Car Consumer, Car Model, Car Models, Christmas Gifts, Consumer Rebates, Dream Car, Extravagance, Factory To Dealer Incentives, Flashy Car, How To Buy A New Car, Invoice Price, New Car Dealer, New Car Dealers, Own Skin, Reproductive Organ, Time To Buy A Car, Year End SalesRelated posts
Sometimes the best buys are made with pre-owned products. This is particularly true in the case of sports cars. Many people would like to have a sports car mainly for the performance but some may want to simply experience the sheer enjoyment that only a sports cars can give. Buying a brand new sports car may be too much expense for many people, that’s why a pre-owned or second hand sports car should be considered.
Here some good advice in the purchasing of pre-owned sports cars.
1. Set expectations
Many people go out to buy a pre-owned sports car with a brand new car in mind. Buying pre-owned sports cars is about getting the best value for your money. Knowing your needs and preferences is also a must in buying pre-owned sports cars.
2. Set a budget
Buying a sports car, even pre-owned ones can be expensive Researching through internet browsing or buying buy and sell car magazines can give a buyer a general feeling about the current prices of different sports car models.
3. Examine carefully
A buyer must be careful in inspecting the pre-owned car and take his time doing so. There are four essential elements of the car that should be thoroughly inspected: the interior, the body, the engine, and the papers. A well-maintained sports car is worth buying.
Open the hood and examine the car’s engine. Many people may not know too much about car electronics but inspection will give a buyer a general feel of how the car has been maintained by the previous owner.
Check the inside of the tailpipe. If it is greasy, that means that there is a problem with the engine compression.
Check for scratches or dents on the cars body. Of course, do not forget to check the cars title, etc. Missing papers will cost the buyer additional money or prevent the purchase.
4. Test Drive
Before a purchase, the buyer should take the car for a test drive. This is a must for all cars, not only for pre-owned ones. An assessment of the over-all handling and performance of the car should be made during the test drive.
Buying a pre-owned maybe the best choice in purchasing a sports car, especially when one is faced by budget constraints. Pre-owned sports cars have the potential to give the same excitement and fun that brand new ones can give. Choose and buy wisely and have fun while doing so.
Tags: Best Buys, Brand New Car, Car Electronics, Car Magazines, Car Models, Compression Check, Dents, Different Sports, Good Advice, New Sports, Pre Owned Car, Purchasing Cars, Scratches, Set Expectations, Sheer Enjoyment, Sports Car, Sports Cars, Sports Models, Tailpipe, Test DriveRelated posts
Buying a used car poses more difficulties than just buying a brand new car. While there are basic common things to look out for in buying a used car irrespective of where you are residing or in whatever country you are in, there are some specific things that relate to buying a used car if you are residing in Australia.
Before you actually venture out to buy a used car, it is important for you to gather the necessary information to allow you to make a wise decision.
First, you need to know your specific needs, and what sort of used car you are going to buy, so that you can arrange for the financing or cost of the car- in essense, can you afford to buy the car? Remember that apart from this initial cost, there are related costs of getting the car on the road such as car insurance, car inspection and road worthy certificate issuance, fees for transfer of registration and so on.
One prime consideration that impacts on the price of the used car is the age of the car. So your will be looking at the age of the car with respect to the price you can afford to buy. You will also be looking at the power of the car, whether you need a 4 cylinders, 6 cylinders or an 8 cylinders engine. This is important because if you are an outgoing nature loving Aussie, you might want to use the car to tow a caravan or a boat.
The engine, accessories and car type will not only affect the power of the car, but the consumption and performance, and when you are buying a used car, the performance might not be in the top condition. So these are factors to consider initially.
Secondly, buying a used car is different from buying a new car. This is because when you buy a new car, you buy it from a dealer and you receive protection from Australia-wide(Commonwealth), State and Territory law, and generally you will get a full dealer warranty.
There are three main avenues or ways for you to buy a used car in Australia, and that is from a private sale, a used car dealer or by auctions.
Used car dealers provide different warranties which are tied with the price of the car and the make of the car.There is no warranty when you buy a used car from a private seller in Australia, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you are happy with the performance and handling of the car on the road before you buy. So you should test drive the car before you buy if possible.
The seller should show you a current registration certificate and a certificate of vehicle safety. It will be wise for you to check that there is no money oweing on the car and to do that you can check with the register of encumbered vehicles(REV) service. Get a signed receipt of payment when you pay for the car.
Buying a car from auctions and from ebay Motors online is one of the most popular and safe ways to buy a used car in Australia. More importantly, every purchase through ebay Motors and its affiliates provide you with special Vehicle Purchase Protection. Hunting for your required used car through the ebay auction format can enable you to purchase a quality used car at heavily discounted price.
In Part 2 of this article, we will uncover the insider tips on buying a used car in Australia through the ebay auction format – thus gaining all the benefits of the Vehicle Purchase Protection insurance, and getting high value and worth from a used car at a low bidded price. This method can be used for any city or town in Australia as ebay Motors and affiliates are accessible online.
Tags: 6 Cylinders, Brand New Car, Buying A New Car, Buying A Used Car, Car Dealer, Car Inspection, Car Insurance, Car Type, Certificate Issuance, Commonwealth State, Dealer Warranty, Engine Accessories, Insurance Car, Issuance Fees, Outgoing Nature, Prime Consideration, Road Worthy Certificate, Tips On Buying A Used Car, Transfer Of Registration, Wise DecisionRelated posts
What You Need To Consider When Buying Cool Cars
If you are one of those people who are planning to buy cool cars, you should make it a point to do your homework first before you head for the car dealers place. Always remember that cool cars can be quite expensive and if you are not careful with your choices, you could end up with something that is not really worth your hard earned money. To help you choose the right cool car, here are some tips for you.
Brand New Versus Used Cars
The first thing that you need to do if you want to buy cool cars is to decide whether you want a brand new one or a used one. Both brand new and used cars have their own advantages and disadvantages so you should be able to look closely into these things before you attempt to buy your dream car. Always remember that comparing the advantages and disadvantages of brand new and used cars will help you make an intelligent decision as to which one you will buy.
Consult Your Budget
Since money plays a vital role in your selection for cool cars, you will need to take into consideration your budget. Note that brand new cool cars can cost considerably higher than their used counterparts. However, the good news about brand new cars is that brand new cars have lesser maintenance cost compared to the used cars so if you are very much concerned about your future maintenance expenses, getting a brand new cool car may be a better option for you. On the other hand, if you are more concerned about saving money on the purchase cost of your cool car, a used car which is in good running condition may be more appropriate for you.
Select A Good Brand
Once you have made up your mind whether to buy a used car or a brand new car, the next step would be to study the different brands of cars. Note that different brands of cool cars have their own special features so it would be wise to determine first what features you want in your car and then select a car brand that can give you the utmost satisfaction. To help you select the right car brand, go to the websites of these companies. You may also read reviews about the products of these companies. The good thing about reading reviews about different brands of cool cars is that you will be able to easily compare these brands.
Tags: Brand New Car, Brand New Cars, Brands Of Cars, Buy Cars, Buying Cars, Car Brand, Car Dealers, Choices, Cool Car, Cool Cars, Counterparts, Dream Car, Hard Earned Money, Homework, Intelligent Decision, Maintenance Cost, Maintenance Expenses, New And Used Cars, Saving Money, Special FeaturesRelated posts
There is nothing quite like the feeling of buying a brand new car. Most people have a few clunkers, and maybe a lemon or two as their first few cars, while they save up for a decent down payment for their dream car. Nowadays however, with every major car company allowing people to lease a vehicle rather than buying it, saving up for a down payment is not as necessary as it used to be.
Leasing dropped into the car scene a few years ago and has been viewed as a life saver to many would be car owners. When you think about it, what person wouldnt choose to pay $175 or $250 a month for a car instead of $350 or $500? Leasing prices are much lower than monthly payments, no matter how big your down payment is! Some companies offer leasing packages that almost sound too good to be true. However, they usually are too good to be true!
If you are looking to buy a new car but you are dragging your feet about paying a high monthly payment, the leasing option is probably starting to look really good to you. If you do your research however, you will ultimately find that buying your car is almost always the smartest thing to do. I would say that the only exception to this is if you have moved somewhere for a short period of time for your job, or for schooling and you need a car. In these cases, leasing would be a smart thing to do, as long as you are not planning any long road trips.
When you enter into a leasing agreement, you are basically borrowing a car from a company, with the understanding that if anything should happen to the car, you are 100% liable, and you will have to pay any damages. When you buy a car, the same applies, but when you own your car, you dont have to give it back after putting your money into it! You also get the added benefit of trading it in for another new car when the time comes.
When you lease your car, the lease agreement is usually for four to five years, after which you will have the option to give it back (once the car company has made absolutely sure it is coming back with no scratches or dents!) or to pay the remaining thousands cash down so you can own the car. Although the monthly payment for leasing a car is lower, it is still cheaper and better in the long run to purchase the car and pay a higher monthly payment.
If you own your car, you make the rules, you decide if a dent or scratch really does need fixing and if it does, you can decide where you want to get it fixed. You can also drive as far as you like in a year, and not worry about paying for your mileage. Leasing agreements usually give you 20,000 kilometers or miles per year an you will pay a lot extra to be able to drive more in a year.
Tags: Added Benefit, Brand New Car, Car Company, Car Owners, Car Scene, Cars, Damages, Dream Car, Job, Lease Agreement, Leasing A Car, Leasing Agreement, Leasing Car, Leasing Option, Leasing Packages, Leasing Prices, People, Period Of Time, Road Trips, Short Period