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
If you are thinking of buying a used car then the internet can be a very useful resource to you. While you can get the car of your dreams and there are many reliable dealers out there, there are also many factors that you have to take into consideration when it comes to making the choice of not only the right car for your needs but also the right place to buy.
The choices when it comes to buying your car include buying from a private dealer, going to a second hand car dealer or looking through the many online sites that offer used cars. Of course if you choose to look online for your used car then this gives you the biggest scope and choices.
There are many sites which deal specifically in selling second hand cars, here you can select the area in which you want to confine your search, either locally or countrywide depending on how far you wish to travel.
The beauty of looking online for your used car is that all websites selling cars include photos; this of course can give you a very good idea of the condition of the car as most include more than one photo. However while this is a great starting point it isnt where it ends, there are many other factors to take into account other than the colour of the car.
By conducting an online search you are able to get a great idea of how much the particular model that you interested in is going for. Even if you dont intend buying the car online this is a great starting point for ideas on how much the car roughly costs.
Websites that offer used cars also give a lot of information that perhaps you hadnt thought about when it comes to the safety aspects of buying a second hand car. Along with this they give sensible tips on what to look out for if this is your first time of buying a used car.
After gathering all the information on the particular car you have in mind, then comes the choice of where to purchase it from. If you choose to go privately then you will have less protection than say buying from a second hand car dealer, although when bought correctly this can be the cheapest way to get the car of your dreams.
Whichever way you choose to go for your used car, always make sure you get to see the correct documentation on the cars history and if you know nothing about cars then take someone with you that does to give it the once over. Buying a used car it can be a gamble, but it can also be the cheapest way to get the car of your dreams when care is taken.
Tags: Beauty, Buying A Second Hand Car, Buying A Used Car, Buying Car, Car Buying, Car Of Your Dreams, Choices, Great Starting Point, Lot, Photos, Private Dealer, Right Car, Safety Aspects, Scope, Second Hand Car, Second Hand Car Dealer, Second Hand Cars, Selling Cars, Sensible Tips, Travel OnlineRelated posts
Best Buy Used Car Tips: When It Pays To Be Meticulous
Nowadays, more and more people are enticed to buy used cars. With so many financial choices available and cars living longer, many people just opt to buy used cars.
In fact, many smart consumers contend that buying used cars is just the same as buying new ones if the buyer knows how to buy used cars.
So, to help those who wish to buy a car but cannot afford a new one, here are some of the best tips that can be implemented when buying a used car.
1. Research
It is extremely important for an individual to conduct some research when buying used cars. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the ideal make and model to buy, the kind of performance to seeks, and the prices of used cars in the market.
Moreover, the risk of buying used cars is lessened if the buyer knows the important details to consider when buying used cars.
2. Check the cars history
The cars history will definitely provide the buyer some solid information regarding the performances, repairs, and problems of the car. So if you CAN discover some history it would be to your advantage. In this way, the buyer will be able to compare and differentiate one car from the other. There are instances wherein used cars are being sold because of some past accidents or negative experiences. Buyers might consider more if the car he or she is about to buy has a history like this one.
3. Check the safety features
What more can you expect with a used car but it does not necessarily mean that the buyer will neglect the availability of safety features in the car.
By all means, an ideal car must possess safety features, whether it is old or new. According to some reports, almost 80% of the accidents are heightened because safety features are not available in the car.
4. Buyers should be wary about the documents that are included when buying used cars.
Buyers should be sure that the car is not stolen, there are no liens on the vehicle, and that the one who signed on the Bill of Sale is the true vendor and the possessor of the property.
5. Before buying a used car, it is best to meticulously inspect the overall condition of the car first. Buyers should be wary of any rust or damage; the tires should be checked, etc.
Indeed, buying a used car can be very tedious. Nevertheless, it will give the buyer some satisfaction and assurance that what he or she has bought is a good buy.
Tags: Accidents, Best Buy, Buy Cars, Buy Used Cars, Buying A Used Car, Buying Cars, Buying Used Cars, Car Buyers, Car Tips, Cars History, Discover, Financial Choices, Ideal, Instances, Many People, Negative Experiences, Prices Of Used Cars, Risk, Safety Features, Smart ConsumersRelated posts
Youve come to the end of your lease and you like you car enough you want to keep it in the driveway. Just like buying a used car, there is some research to be done to nail a good deal.
First, you need to know the cost of buying out your lease. Read the fine print of your contract and look for the purchase option price. This price is set by the leasing company and usually comprises the residual value of the car at the end of the lease plus a purchase-option fee ranging from $300 to $500. When you signed on the dotted line, your monthly payments were calculated as the difference between the vehicles sticker price and its estimated value at the end of the lease, plus a monthly financing fee. This estimated price of the car value at the end of the lease is what is termed in leasing jargon residual value. It is the expected depreciation or loss in value of the vehicle over the scheduled-lease period. For example, a car with a sticker price of $40,000 and a 50% residual percentage will have an estimated $20,000 value at lease end.
Now that you know the cost of buying out your lease, you need to determine the actual value, also termed market value, of your vehicle. So, how much does your car retail for in the market? To pin down a good, solid estimate you need to do some pricing research. Check the price of the vehicle, with similar mileage and condition, with different dealers. Use online pricing websites, such as Cars.com, Edmunds.com and Kelly Blue Book for detailed pricing information. Gleaning pricing information from various sources should give you a fair estimate of your vehicles retail value. All you have to do now is compare the two amounts. If the residual value is lower than the actual retail value, than youre into a winner. Unfortunately, there is a good chance a car coming off a lease is a little on the high side. Dont despair though. Leasing companies know as much that residual values on their vehicles are greater than their market value and as such are always on the look out for offers. You can knock down on the price of your leased vehicle with some smooth negotiating tactics. Put forward a price that is below your actual target and negotiate hard until you wind up near that figure.
Tags: Buying A Used Car, Car Value, Depreciation, Despair, Dotted Line, Edmunds, Good Chance, Jargon, Kelly Blue Book, Lease Period, Leasing Companies, Leasing Company, Mileage, Option Fee, Option Price, Purchase Option, Residual Value, Residual Values, Retail Value, Sticker PriceRelated posts
If you have decided to buy a used car than you have made a good decision, now a days buying a used car is not so stressful experience. Search online and newspaper car classified ads and car dealers database. This is an exact way to find your used car which you are looking for within your price range.
Gets more exposure to your used car buying by using online sites, this will help you to locate and check pricing and availability of vehicles. If you are bit confused then its always good to take an experts advice.
If you are buying it from auto dealer, you may decide to go with dealers arranged finance. But comparing outside loans first, ensures you get the best deal and gives you room to negotiate. Try to put as much cash down as possible this will help you to do more lower your payments as any great rate.
Before you decided to buy, know what the car is worth. Visit online sites and get a good idea of buying used cars. If you are buying it from auto dealer then ask for a detailed receipt of sales bill. Make sure that states whether the vehicle is being sold with a warranty or “as is” along with the seller’s contact info.
Before buying take an advice of experts which will help you to know what’s required in your state to transfer title of the car. Before you purchase your used car, read online fraud awareness tips to learn how to spot a scam.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well. Currently writing for this website Best Cheap Used Car . For more details please contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
Tags: Auto Dealer, Automobile, Awareness Tips, Buying A Used Car, Buying Used Cars, Car Buying, Car Classified Ads, Car Dealers, Car Fraud, Fraud Awareness, Freelance Journalist, Lower Your Payments, News Releases, Online Fraud, Paintings, Pet Health, Receipt, Social Issues, Stressful Experience, WarrantyRelated posts
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.
Tags: Annual Percentage Rate, Annual Percentage Rate Apr, Budget, Buy Car, Buying A Used Car, Buying Car, Car Credit, Car Dealer, Cars, Expensive Car, Homework, Inspection Checklist, Mechanic, Mileage, Own Car, Parents, Safety Tests, Serious Money, Upfront, WarrantiesRelated posts
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.
Tags: Auction Attendees, Auction Car, Auction Works, Bid, Bidders, Buy A Used Car, Buy Car, Buying A Used Car, Buying Car, Car Auction, Car Auctions, Car Buying, Cars, Different Ways, Low Quality, Money, Quality VehiclesRelated posts
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.
Tags: Assessing Your Needs, Behemoth, Budget Car, Buying A Used Car, Car Mileage, Extra Money, Four Wheel Drive, Gravel Road, High Mileage, Limiting Factor, Mileage, Neon, Odometer, Oil Changes, Suitability, Suits, Warranties, Warranty, Wheel, Window ShoppingRelated posts
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!
Tags: Buying A Used Car, Car Dealership, Car Loan, Car Salespeople, Case Check, Delivery Costs, Exorbitant Shipping, Local Library, Long Distance, New Cars, Odometer, Odometer Reading, Peace Of Mind, Purchasing A Car, Scams, Sticker Price, Vagueness, Warning Signs, Warranties, Wear And TearRelated posts
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!