How To Buy A Car (Trust Me – I Used To Sell Them)
We Americans like to buy a car at the dealership in one afternoon, and the dealerships try very hard to make us think that is possible and even smart. But its not. Realize how big a purchase a car is. And it is complicated.
Buying a car is the second-largest purchase most people make after buying a home. When you buy a home, think about all the help you have: you have a broker to help you find the best home for you, and a mortgage broker to help you find the best financing. And an inspector to make sure the house is safe. Sometimes you also have an attorney to make sure the contract is fair, and a title company makes sure the title is clear before you pay for the home. But when you buy a car, there is not one person there to help you. And the dealers want you to THINK you can waltz in to the dealership and buy a car from start to finish in an afternoon and sure, you can, but you will pay much much more if you do it that way. Here are four tips to give you an advantage:
1. Make at least one trip to the dealership JUST to look around and drive the cars. Promise yourself you will not buy that first time, no matter what. Why? So that you can go home and look up information on the internet, including dealer cost, safety ratings, option prices, and any manufacturer to dealer incentives that the dealer has certainly not told you about!
2. Know what you can afford before you visit the dealership to buy! This means talk to your personal banker or credit union officer before going to the dealership. Why? Some dealerships might actually WANT you to sign on for a more expensive car than you can afford so that you will then default on your loan and they will repossess the car.
3. Whenever the finance manager calculates something, insist that he show you the calculation. Why? The easiest place for dealerships to take more money from you is in the monthly payment. It is VERY common for dealers to increase monthly payments by just a few dollars, even $20 per month, over about a five year period is like giving the dealership $500 extra on the spot.
E.G. If you tell the salesman you can afford a payment of $500 per month, he might find a deal for you in which the payment works out to $460 per month. But instead of telling you that, he might tell you that he has great news!! – - that your payment is down to $480. What happens to the $20 difference between the lender’ $460 per month and the $480 the dealer is charging you? It goes right into the dealers pocket, and you will never know it unless you Len how to run the calculation yourself, or at least run it by your banker. How much would a dealership make, taking in an extra $20 per month for five years, on a loan with an interest rate of 3.9%? About $500. It is next to impossible to figure this kind of thing out without a financial calculator, or a friend with a financial calculator. But its worth the trouble!
4. Write down everything you learn about the car, from the internet, magazines, and especially from the salesman. Why? Doing this keeps everybody honest, and literally on the same pageYOUR page! Your salesman will see that you are writing down everything he says, and he will be less inclined to lie, or to try to change information on you later on. This tip is all about staying in control.
Tags: Buy A Car, Buy Car, Buying A Car, Buying A Home, Buying Car, Car Dealership, Cars, Dealer Incentives, Easiest Place, Expensive Car, Finance Manager, How To Buy A Car, Money, Mortgage Broker, Option Prices, Personal Banker, Purchase A Car, Safety Ratings, Title Company, WaltzRelated posts
When it comes to buying your car insurance without a doubt the cheapest deals can be found online, this is simply due to the fact that companies who sell car insurance online dont have the overheads that high street companies do or have to have large amounts of staff and so can pass these savings onto you by offering cheaper premiums and incentives.
Not only can you get the cheapest premiums but you can do so all from the comfort of your own home, you are able to shop online at a time that suits you 24/7. Along with this you can also take full advantage of being able to get almost instant quotes and also compare a huge range of premium costs with a lot of companies at the same time. By doing this you ensure that you get the policy that you need while making the most savings. Another added benefit to shopping online for your car insurance is the amount of information you can find when it comes to the many different types of policy available.
The type of policy that you buy for your car insurance covers you for exactly the same as it would had you bought it from the high street, the only difference is that you make savings. When making a comparison check for the cheapest premiums it is essential that you make sure you know what the policy involves.
Some companies throw in incentives to get to sign with them such as offering free breakdown cover for a specified amount of time or similar offers and this is where you are able to make the biggest savings.
Bear in mind that if a policy is exceptionally cheap them it will probably only cover the very bare essentials and somewhere in the small print it could state that you will have to add additional cover. This is when the cheapest isnt always the best, as having to add on cover can boost up the premium considerably.
Before making comparisons for premiums you will of course have to know what type of car insurance you require and of course what that cover will give you. There are two main types of insurance and these are fully comprehensive which is the most expensive as it generally covers just about everything and third party which covers for incidents such as the theft of your car.
There are many other additional components when it comes to car insurance and you would be wise to check the options that are available. Of course the cover you need will depend on such as your age, type and size of car and how old the car is.
Tags: Amount Of Time, Bare Essentials, Benefit, Breakdown Cover, Buy Car, Buy Insurance, Car Covers, Car Insurance, Comparison Check, Doubt, Instant Quotes, Insurance, Insurance Online, Many Different Types, Online Insurance, Overheads, Premiums And Incentives, Sell Car, Shopping Online, SuitsRelated posts
Should I Buy From A Used Car Dealer Or Privately?
Buying a used car from a dealer or buying it privately, which is the best?
Both have their pros and cons and these should be weighed up against the other before any decision is made.
Firstly, going with a dealer you will have a wider choice over the cars on offer, certainly more than you would by going privately.
When buying from a dealer the car will have been cleaned and any faults will have been corrected and it will come with some sort of warranty. When purchasing privately you will be liable to fix any corrections and have to valet the vehicle yourself, plus you will have no comeback if something serious goes wrong within the first year.
Going with a dealer gives you plenty of time to check the car over in perfect lighting conditions; however you might feel rushed or pressured when looking a car over privately.
A dealer usually wont mind at all if you wish to bring in your own expert to look over the car as they will have nothing to hide. However when going privately it could be harder for you to get an expert to look over the car with you.
Dealers also can offer finance often with high interest charges but this still gives you the option of finance which may be beneficial to you. With a private seller, you will need to pay the money in full.
The downside to buying from a car dealer is that the car could cost you more than by buying privately. Also, you wont be able to interrogate the owner of the car through a dealer however when buying privately you have the opportunity to do so.
It really is all a matter of which you prefer as there are good and bad points either way, but the above tips will hopefully give you a better idea of which way to go when looking for your used car.
Tags: Buy Car, Buying A Used Car, Buying Car, Car Buy, Car Buying, Car Dealer, Car Dealers, Cars, Downside, Faults, Finance, High Interest, Interest Charges, Lighting Conditions, Money, Private Seller, Pros And Cons, Purchasing, Valet, WarrantyRelated posts
Buying a vehicle can be quite an ordeal. You have to find the money in your budget for the new vehicle. Often you have to decide whether you want to sell your existing vehicle outright or trade it in. Then that decision is based on if you buy through a dealer or private party. You have to decide what you like.
Should you buy new or used?
Financial advisors say that the best way to get your money’s worth is to go used. However, the decision isn’t quite so simple. There are a lot of considerations.
Start by looking at your finances. If your only option is buying used, then do it wisely. But if you are choosing a used over a new, you have to remember that there will be no warranty of the vehicle in most cases. If the car needs a lot of maintenance, repairs or other modifications, you could find that your savings by purchasing used aren’t there.
Buying a used car is a gamble sometimes. You have to make sure that the title is clean. There should be proper documentation with the vehicle. Don’t trust anyone who says they will mail it to you. Never pay for a vehicle without a title, you could be in deep trouble later.
If you test drive the car and aren’t sold on it, you should keep looking. If you aren’t comfortable with the car, used or new, after driving it, it wouldn’t be a good deal for you. Don’t just buy the only car in your price range. Keep looking for one that will fit your budget and your needs.
When you buy used, you should take the car to a mechanic and have it checked out. This doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be any problems, it just helps you from buying a junk car. You might also consider doing a online check on the vehicle. You simply need the VIN and around $10. You should get a history of the vehicle. For example, we checked a vehicle out and found out that it was in the gulf when the hurricanes hit. It didn’t say it was damaged, but warned of the potential.
Even if you aren’t choosing to buy used — you have to — you should take the time to consider the purchase just as you would a new car purchase. Test drive several vehicles and shop around. Buy car trader and truck trader magazines and search online to see what other vehicles are bringing. If you are looking at purchasing a car from a dealer that is $5,000 cheaper than you have ever seen one priced for, you should probably be a little curious as to why it is so cheap. Make sure you know what the blue book value is and understand the process of buying.
When you buy a vehicle, you are spending money that you probably will never get back in your pocket. Do it wisely.
Tags: Budget, Buy Car, Buying A Used Car, Car Buying, Car Lot, Car Maintenance, Car Mechanic, Car Price, Deep Trouble, Financial Advisors, Hurricanes, Junk Car, Mail, Maintenance Repairs, Ordeal, Private Party, Proper Documentation, Purchasing, Vin, WarrantyRelated posts
Replacing a vehicle can be a long, tedious process. With so many possibilities available to you, it can often seem overwhelming to pick one that will stay with you for years and years.
For every dealership you visit, youll receive many offers. Some will be a better deal than others. During the whole search you should always remember that price isnt the only thing to consider. You want to know the entire history of the vehicle youre thinking about buying. Its a good idea to make sure you do plenty of research.
Your first step should be to narrow down your search to the top 5 cars you would like to drive. Once you have done that task, gather as much information as you can regarding each vehicle.
Learn about the warranties for every car. Learn what is covered in the warranties. Take in to consideration the price of the car once you drive it away. Its a good idea to obtain your information from the manufacturers instead of the dealers.
If you listen to the dealerships for information, youll probably end up dealing with misinformation. You wont know until its too late. Some dealers are just interested in their bottom line, and might bend the truth in order to make a sale.
Next you should narrow your choices to the top 2 cars on your list, by using all the information you have obtained. Now that you have 2 cars to choose from, you can go deeper in your search.
Log onto the internet and google your car. Look for reviews and stories about the cars you are considering. Look for anything that might alter your decision. After you compare all of this, THEN you should take cost into consideration..
If the price looks good on your first choice, you should end your car search right there and consider it a successful mission. Now all you have to do is go and buy your ideal car, and take it on a cruise to familiarize yourself with it.
Tags: Bottom Line, Buy Car, Car Reviews, Car Search, Choices, Cruise, First Choice, Google, Ideal, Misinformation, New Car, Possibilities, Search Log, Successful Mission, Top Cars, Truth, WarrantiesRelated posts
The price that we pay for our car insurance premium is something we all complain about, however regardless of this fact it is something which we all have to purchase if we want to drive on the roads in the UK. About the only thing we can do when it comes to car insurance is to make sure that we get the cheapest deal around. Without a doubt the best way to look for car insurance is to do so online from the comfort of your own home, using a specialist broker.
The first thing you will have to consider before taking out your car insurance is the type of coverage that you need and you can do your research online. By making an online search you will be able to find what is entailed in all the different components to car insurance and this is essential in order to ensure that you are covered for exactly what you need to be.
However rather than having to go around several companies, the internet allows you to make a quick and through search for the exact type of insurance that you want, not only this but you are able to make comparisons at many sites and means that you are fully informed when it comes to understanding car insurance.
Once you have decided on the type of insurance you wish to take out then you can let your broker begin your search for the cheapest premiums for your needs. There are many companies online and while they all offer similar car insurance some companies do offer incentives and bonuses and this is where your broker can make you savings.
When it comes to making comparisons they will make sure that they consider like for like, this is because while one particular quote might seem very expensive if you take a look at what it offers when compared to a lower priced quote in which you have to add on extras, it could work out better taking the dearest quote.
There are many things that are taken into account when it comes to saving money on your insurance and the same applies when buying online. Your broker will take into consideration the size of the car engine and this is particularly essential if you are a very young driver. As a note, young drivers should always stay under a 1 litre engine.
The safety equipment on your car is also taken into account. The more safety features you have on your car then the cheaper your car insurance can be. Good quality locks, window etchings and where you park your car overnight can make a huge difference to the quote you are given.
Tags: Buy Car, Buy Insurance, Car Insurance, Car Price, Different Components, Doubt, Exact Type, Incentives, Insurance, Insurance Companies, Insurance Coverage, Insurance Online, Insurance Premium, Insurance Price, Many Things, Online Broker, Premiums, Quote, Saving Money, Specialist BrokerRelated posts
Thinking Of Buying A Car On Finance? Then Go With A Specialist
The majority of people who are buying a new car dont have the luxury of being able to pay out cash for it; they have to consider buying a car on finance. One of the best ways of ensuring that you get the cheapest deal possible on the loan for your new car is to take the advice of a specialist in car finance.
Car financing can be very confusing and there are many aspects that have to be taken into account when looking for the best deal. When comparing loans a specialist will make sure that they compare loans that are similar, this means that they will compare fixed rate loans alike and variable alike.
Sometimes there are many hidden costs in a loan such as early redemption fees if you should pay the loan up early, along with administration costs and again a specialist will be well aware of these hidden charges and avoid them wherever possible. Another factor that the specialist will be aware of and which you might not when looking to buy a car on finance, is that quotes for weekly repayments on the loan can look cheaper and are tempting, but very often work out dearer over the year when the APR is taken into account.
When going with a specialist when buying your car on finance take into account the fact that some lenders will add on what is called payment protection. Payment protection ensures that if you should come out of work then the car repayments would still be paid as you would have a sum of money coming in each month. While the cover can be a good thing, if it is included in with the loan it is the most expensive way of buying the cover and you can buy it independently. Ask the specialist looking for your car loan to make sure that payment protection isnt included in the quote for the loan.
Tags: Administration Costs, Advice, Buy A Car, Buy Car, Buying A Car, Buying A New Car, Car Finance, Car Financing, Car Loan, Car Quotes, Finance Car, Finance Quotes, Hidden Charges, Lenders, Looking To Buy A Car, People, Rate Loans, Redemption Fees, Repayments, Sum Of MoneyRelated 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
Looking for the cheapest car through buying used cars is a smart practice. However, when the buyer is truly saving and is on a tight budget, buying a used car should not be immediately decided upon and should take a lot of deliberation. This is to avoid throwing away your hard-earned money.
Therefore, for people who already know something about buying used cars but wish to know when not to buy them, here are some pointers that may help people in their decision-making:
1. Buyers should be wary of buying used cars from owners that do not have complete and pertinent documents.
This could mean a lot of negative things and the buyer is the only one who will be at the losing end. Documents are crucial especially if the car is second hand. It is the only solid guarantee that a buyer can get hold of when buying used cars.
If this is the case, then, the buyer might as well not pursue the deal.
2. Buyers should consider their budget
If the reason why the buyer is opting to purchase a used car is the budget, then it should be the same reason why the buyer should be careful and meticulous in choosing a used car.
Hence, if the car needs a lot of maintenance, repairs, and other modifications, it is best not to buy that used car.
3. If the buyer is not comfortable after test-driving the car, then, it is best not to buy it.
There are instances wherein some people tend to opt for used cars because of the model of the car being sold. It is their dream car and there is no other way they can purchase them but to buy them second hand.
However, if the buyer was not comfortable with the car after test-driving it, then, it would be better not to pursue the deal, even if it means the world to the buyer to have that car.
The bottom line is that buying used cars should never be the sole alternative to people who cannot afford to buy new ones. This means that people should value the process of choosing a used car like what they would do when they buy a new car.
After all, it is their money that will be put to risk that is why it is extremely important to consider all the factors in order to have the best buy ever.
Tags: Bottom Line, Budget Car, Buy Car, Buying A Used Car, Buying Cars, Buying Used Car, Buying Used Cars, Car Buying, Car Maintenance, Deliberation, Dream Car, Guarantee, Hard Earned Money, Instances, Maintenance Repairs, New Car, Pertinent Documents, Pointers, Smart Practice, Tight BudgetRelated posts
If you are looking to buy a quality used car then you have plenty of choices of where to look. Your local car dealer will often offer a range of quality used cars which will have all the necessary paperwork up to date and would have been tested. This is perhaps the safest way to buy a used car but often one of the most expensive.
A more popular choice especially for those who know a little about cars, is to purchase from a specialist magazine or free ads paper offering used cars. Another way you can take advantage of buying this way is to use the internet.
Besides the wide variety of free ad papers being available online there are also specialist sites who offer huge ranges of quality used cars. The beauty of these sites is that they all include photos of the cars which can give you a good idea as to whether the car is a really good deal or whether it is in need of a good paint job!
Of course, buying this way can be a little risky as there is always the possibility of the car having been stolen, having been tampered with (such as the mileage having been adjusted) or if you dont know anything about cars, then you could end up with a banger.
The solution would be to get a Vehicle Data Check, which is a low costs service that instantly checks out the history of the car. This will show whether it is stolen, whether there is any outstanding finance on it, whether it has even been involved in an accident etc. This will save you making a costly mistake.
Whichever way you choose to purchase a used car, never rush into anything. Always make sure the car comes with the appropriate documentation and make sure it is 100% genuine before committing yourself.
Tags: Banger, Beauty, Buy Car, Car Show, Choices, Costly Mistake, Free Ads Paper, History Of The Car, Local Car Dealer, Mileage, Necessary Paperwork, Outstanding Finance, Paint Job, Paper Cars, Photos, Quality Cars, Quality Used Cars, Rush, Specialist Magazine, Tampered