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
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
Must Read before Buying a Car
Purchasing a car can be an exciting experience for anyone. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle you are purchasing is a car, truck, SUV, band, or even motorcycle, the thrill of purchasing an automobile gives the buyer a feeling of being free. However, that feeling of being free can fade almost as soon as it comes if you are tied to auto financing that isn’t the best option for your situation. Car buyers can save themselves a lot of headache and hassle if they know what they need for they begin the car buying process.
Determine your needs and wants before you begin learning about getting appropriate financing for the car. If you find that you have been looking for more financing in the car that you need requires the news wasted valuable time that you can be spending on looking for your next vehicle. Once you’ve selected a vehicle that you are comfortable with to some background investigation on the car.
Research consumer report websites, as well as get other user feedback on the vehicle if at all possible. Don’t forget research on any factory recalls that may have been implemented on the vehicle. Finally, when you have decided on your vehicle, be sure that you are comfortable behind the wheel of the car and driving. A car is a large investment and you want to make sure that you will be comfortable in the years ahead while driving it.
It doesn’t matter if you are purchasing a new car, truck, SUV, van or motorcycle the act of getting a new vehicle is an exciting experience. A new vehicle can mean freedom to the owner as long as the vehicle that they did meets their needs and wants.
Before you go to purchase your next vehicle, be sure to get a few preliminary things out of the way first. That can help you avoid hassles and headaches down the road. One of the first things car buyers should do is to make sure that the car that they shop for is one that will meet their needs for the next several years. This includes making sure that they are comfortable in the vehicle and can properly handle the controls.
Never rush to test drive process as it is very imperative that you fully acclimate yourself to your new car and make sure it is one that you will be comfortable driving for the next few years. Next, research your new car as much as possible, online and by asking owners that have the car if they have any problems and how much they like having the car.
Finally, make sure all of your financing is in order before you go searching for new car. You don’t want to form an emotional attachment to a vehicle, only to find out that you will not be able to afford it later.
Be sure that your financing options are in order before selecting the car of your dreams. You don’t want to form an emotional bond to a vehicle and then find out that you will not be able to afford it. A vehicle purchase can be an exciting endeavor for anyone. However, make your next vehicle purchasing experience exciting as well is responsible by utilizing the tips above.
Tags: Adviser, Auto Financing, Automobile, Background Investigation, Car Buyers, Car Buying, Car Research, Car Truck, Consumer Report, Driving A Car, Freedom, Hassle, Hassles, Headache, Headaches, Motorcycle, New Suv, Purchasing A Car, Purchasing A New Car, WheelRelated posts
For a woman buying a car alone, the experience falls somewhere south of having a root canal on the pleasure scale. Female car buyers often have to endure a subtle and sometimes not so subtle discrimination. They find themselves being shown cute cars. Salespeople discuss the choice of paint colors rather than the gas mileage. At worst, women are asked if they want to wait for their husbands to arrive before making the big decision. So, how does a woman purchasing a car on her own defend against this sort of behavior? Education. Learn what you need to know before you head to the showroom.
First, decide on the car you want. Consider what you are looking for in a vehicle size, style, and features. Use the websites of the major car manufacturers to build your dream car.
These programs will even given you the sticker price of your ideal vehicle. You can ignore this price during real negotiations, but you’ll have a idea of the general price range of the vehicle.
Still unsure about what you should buy? Look at car comparison websites such as Edmunds and NADA Guides that can help you compare cars side-by-side as well as offer reviews and guides for car buying.
Once you have found the perfect vehicle, its time to research the price. Using the internet, you can find out what the dealers invoice price is for your car. This is the price you want to work with, as it is the actual dealer cost.
In addition, check to see if there are any incentives available on the car. These can be incentives such as low-interest financing or cash back. There may also be incentives to the dealer from the manufacturer. That means that if the dealer sells a specific model, they receive a rebate. This means that a dealer can sell at or below invoice and still make a profit on the car.
Many websites will even give you information on actual selling prices of similar models in your area. By analyzing this information, you will be able to determine a reasonable sales price for the car you want.
Now that you have found your car and know how much you should reasonably pay, head out to the dealer. You can now negotiate effectively.
When you arrive, make it clear to the salesperson that you know exactly what you want and exactly how much you are willing to pay. In short, there should be very little negotiation. Make your offer and stand firm. You will likely get the usual, I have to check with my sales manager runaround.
If the dealer will not meet your price which you know is reasonable go to another dealer. In some cases, you can even get dealers to bid against each other. With a little homework beforehand and a little persistence at the dealership, you’ll have a better experience buying a car.
Tags: Addition Check, Behavior Education, Car Buyers, Car Buying Tips, Car Comparison, Car Manufacturers, Cute Cars, Dream Car, Edmunds, Gas Mileage, Incentives, Invoice Price, Mileage, Nada Guides, Paint Colors, Purchasing A Car, Root Canal, Salespeople, Sticker Price, Subtle DiscriminationRelated posts
Purchasing a new vehicle is a stressful chore for many people. Ask the average person what they dread most and they will tell you that price haggling is the worst aspect of negotiating a price. Few people come away from the deal believing that they got a fair shake; a significant minority will admit that they got ripped off if you press the issue with them. Besides shopping at a no haggle dealer Saturn, for example how can you avoid an unpleasant experience? Better put, can you? Lets take a look at some ways you can gain better control over the car buying experience so that you can save yourself some time, money, and a whole lot of aggravation.
Stay away from the hot sellers. Many Japanese brands are sold at full price and bargains are hard to come by. Still, if you do a little bit of research you should be able to shave several hundred dollars off of the sticker price or secure a very low loan rate should you choose to finance your vehicle. If your dealer doesnt want to deal with you, go to another Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. dealer to find a better deal.
Buy a left over. On the other hand, not all cars are hot sellers and many models do not sell out when the model year ends. If there is a particular car that you want, you should be able to realize significant savings off of the sticker price. Dont be wowed by an already reduced price touted by the dealership. Likely, they are getting a secret rebate from the manufacturer; learn what that rebate is and get as much of it as you can. Remember: you are already buying a car that is a year old. If it is a discontinued model or the latest version of that model is significantly changed, you have additional leverage.
Arrange your own financing. When purchasing a car, negotiate the lowest possible price before financing is discussed. If you come into the negotiation with your financing already covered, then you have additional leverage. If you are paying cash for the vehicle, demand an even greater discount.
Go in equipped. Consumer Reports will sell to you a print out of exactly how much a car should sell for. Purchase a report on the model you want to find out what the dealer likely paid for your car. The price you pay should be much closer to that amount than to the sticker price.
Buy through a car club. Car clubs, including those through warehouse clubs such as BJs, can be an alternative way to buying a car at a discounted rate without paying full price. Each club has their own way operating, but in all cases you should be able to pay less and leave the haggling out of the equation.
If you are the type of person who enjoys haggling, then your experience is not likely to be as bad. You know how to play the game and winning for you is simply securing the lowest possible price. For everyone else, a little outside help can save you money. Do not let your emotions tell you, I must have this car, or you are likely to pay much more than you should. Remember: dealer sob stories are just that; if they cant figure out a way to make money off of a sale, then they shouldnt be in business.
Tags: Average Person, Bargains, Car Buying Tips, Dread, Fair Shake, Haggle, Honda, Japanese Brands, Leverage, Little Bit, Loan Rate, Lowest Possible Price, Negotiation, Nissan, Purchasing A Car, Saturn, Sticker Price, Time Money, Unpleasant Experience, Whole LotRelated posts
How To Buy A Car And Get A Cheap Car Insurance Quote!
If your car is completely paid for, chances are youve dropped the full coverage car insurance your lender was requiring and now simply have your states minimum liability insurance requirement. However, theres no getting around it when you need to buy a new car, you need to buy a new car. Having your states minimum liability insurance is not worth your safety, after all; nor is it worth the money you will spend in repairs if your car is in bad shape.
The good news is its possible to get a cheap car insurance quote when you buy a new car. You just have to keep that cheap car insurance quote in mind as you are shopping for your new car.
The surest way to get a cheap car insurance quote when you buy a new car is to make sure your new car is as safe as possible; undoubtedly, the safety features of your new car will affect your decision anyway. The safety features most car insurance companies look for include those that keep everyone safe; those that prevent your car from being broken into and/or stolen; and those that are compatible with external safety features.
In order to keep yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians safe, make sure the new car you buy has anti-lock brakes, automatic safety belts, and air bags for each passenger. You may also want to look into child safety locks.
Help keep the new car you buy from being broken into and stolen by purchasing a car with automatic locks and a safety alarm system. If you cant find a car with a safety alarm system, you can always have one installed.
External safety features include child safety seats, and many car manufacturers are now designing cars that are more compatible with these seats.
When you buy a new car, put safety first in order to get a cheap car insurance quote.
Tags: Air Bags, Alarm System, Automatic Safety, Bad Shape, Car Insurance Companies, Car Insurance Quote, Car Manufacturers, Cheap Car Insurance, Cheap Car Insurance Quote, Child Safety Locks, Child Safety Seats, Full Coverage, How To Buy A Car, Insurance Requirement, Liability Insurance, Minimum Liability, Pedestrians, Purchasing A Car, Safety Belts, Safety FeaturesRelated posts
Each year, out of all the vehicles bought in the U.S., 41 million are used cars compared to only 16 million new car purchases.
Since purchasing a car is the next financial investment made by US citizen other than housing, it is important to determine if buying a used car is worth your money.
1) CONS – Here is a list of the disadvantages of used-car buying:
* The options of cars are limited, so the search for the right vehicle could be lengthy.
* The buyers have no idea if the car was treated. Used cars usually have worn consumables such as hoses, tires, shocks, filters, fans and clutch.
* Although used car dealers provide a warranty, it is only limited to a couple of months unlike purchasing a new car with full warranty. Certain maintenance on your purchased second-hand car could be more expensive.
* Purchasing a second-hand vehicle would offer you a lower trade-in value.
* The main disadvantage of purchasing old cars is that it has an unknown quantity. Whether the dealer has worked the vehicle to make it attractive for the test drive, the buyers are still unaware of the repair bills, economical issues, and its reliable transportation.
* It is difficult to negotiate fair financing terms on an older vehicle.
2) PROS – On the other side, buying a used car could benefit the buyer in several ways:
* The original owner of the car received the depreciation hit. The market value of the new car decreases from year to year. An average 30% of its value within three years from the time it was bought, so buying their car would save you a lot of money.
* Unlike purchasing a new vehicle with high insurance fees, you will receive a lower cost of insurance if you choose to buy second-hand cars.
* Although buying new and used cars both provide loans, lease, or money-saving the majority of dealers who sell used cars often have shorter loan terms.
* If your investment is decided based on appearance and gas mileage, choosing a used car would guarantee the value and reliability it has provided over the years.
* A used car would provide your dollar more flexibility. Compared from buying a new car that would eat all your finances, buying a second-hand car would allow you to purchase other accessories such as air conditioning that would cost approximately US$200 to $900 extra.
Buying your used car could waste your money if you fail to do your research, compare dealerships, and be aware of the cars market value. Be a wise used-car buyer.
Tags: Buying A Used Car, Buying Used Cars, Car Purchases, Depreciation, Economical Issues, Financial Investment, Gas Mileage, Hoses, Insurance Fees, Loan Terms, Old Cars, Pros And Cons, Purchasing A Car, Purchasing A New Car, Repair Bills, Second Hand Car, Second Hand Cars, Several Ways, Unknown Quantity, Worth Your MoneyRelated posts
While it is possible to get a great deal and a bargain car at an auction, buying a used car this way isnt always the ideal way to buy a car, there are better ways.
If it is your first time of buying a used car or you know very little about cars, then buying from an auction isnt advisable. Perhaps the biggest problem with purchasing a car from an auction is the fact that that you have very little cover to fall back on if there should be any problem with the car. This is usually due to the auction house issuing a disclaimer, which many do, which states something such as sold as seen.
While many goods are covered by the Sale of Goods Act, some of the cleverer auction houses can get around this by altering the conditions of the sale by taking away the buyers rights under the Act.
If you do wish to purchase a car from an auction then it is advisable to visit an auction house several times before actually deciding to bid on a car. This way you can get used to the terminology used and the way auction houses work. It is also advisable to take someone with you who knows something about cars when you do decide to buy.
Most auction houses will hold preview days where you look at the car up for auction prior to bidding. This will give you a good chance to have a look at the vehicle.
You would be wise to consider having a vehicle data check done, which is a service that checks a vehicles history. It will show up really valuable things such as whether the car has been stolen, or the mileage tampered with etc.
Finally, it is essential that you know your spending limit. Dont ever be tempted to go over that limit no matter how good a deal something may seem.
Tags: Auction Bidding, Auction Car, Auction House, Auction Houses, Bargain, Bid, Buy A Car, Buying A Used Car, Car Auction, Car Buying, Cars, Checks, Good Chance, Ideal, Mileage, Preview Days, Purchasing A Car, Second Hand Car, Several Times, TamperedRelated posts
What Do I Need To Worry About When Buying A Second Hand Car?
If you apply a little common sense when looking to purchase a second hand car, all should go well, and you could end up getting a car which will serve you well for a long time.
However, if you rush blindly into what seems like a good deal, then you could end up not even getting the car home before it breaks down.
When thinking of purchasing a car second hand there are some points which you should give consideration to and be on the look out for when giving your potential new car the once over.
Always go to view the car in good light. Never, ever go at night or view in an area which has very poor lighting. If the seller is reluctant to show you the vehicle in good lightning conditions, consider this a warning sign.
Always spend time looking for rust on the bodywork .While a few surface blisters are usually harmless, corrosion is a totally different thing. If you see a rust blemish then gently rub it with your finger and if you hear a rustling noise this could mean there is corrosion underneath the rust.
Look for any signs that the vehicle has been in a collision previously. Obvious signs are joins where the car has been welded, or creases on the bodywork.
Where possible take a qualified mechanic with you to view the vehicle before handing over any money.
Take the car for a test drive it may be uncomfortable or have a blind spot. You can also see then just how healthy it sounds.
Finally, walk away from the deal if anything such as the owner not being able to supply you with the correct documentation happens. If the vehicle registration documents do not agree with the address where you are viewing the car, be suspicious. The car could be stolen or it could be trader posing as a private seller.
Tags: Blemish, Blind Spot, Blisters, Bodywork, Buying A Second Hand Car, Common Sense, Correct Documentation, Corrosion, Creases, Mechanic, New Car, Poor Lighting, Private Seller, Purchasing A Car, Registration Documents, Rust, Second Hand Car, Test Drive, Vehicle Registration, Warning SignRelated posts
What The New California Car Buyers Bill of Rights Means To You
Beginning on July 1, 2006, California granted its car-buying residents a new set of protections under the Car Buyers Bill of Rights. Not only will these new rights change the way cars are bought and sold in California, they’re already spreading across the country and being adopted by other states as well.
The protections under the new law apply to vehicles (cars, trucks, SUVs) purchased in California for personal use from a dealer/dealership. They do not apply to private sales, out of state purchases, commercial vehicles, RVs and motorcycles.
What are the protections?
1. The Two Day Return
Used car buyers now have the opportunity to protect themselves with a two-day return option. This is designed to help buyers who may not have had the time to have the vehicle properly inspected by a mechanic, for those who are purchasing a car “as is,” or for those car buyers who might have succumbed to the pressure to buy on the spot.
There are a few limits on the two-day return protection. First, the option only applies to used vehicles purchased through a dealership for personal use that cost $40,000 or less. Second, the dealership can charge you for this option (anywhere from $75 to $400, plus a restocking fee, all depending on the price of the vehicle). Additionally, the vehicle must be returned within two days, having been driven fewer than 250 miles, and be in the same condition as when it was purchased.
2. Trade-Ins
With the two-day return option, the dealer is required to hold onto your trade-in until the option expires. If the dealer sells your trade-in early, you’re entitled to the vehicle’s fair market value or the price listed in the cancellation agreement, whichever is more.
3. Certified Used Cars
In the past, any used car that a dealer has had inspected by a mechanic could be advertised as a “certified pre-owned vehicle.” This is no longer the case. Dealers can no longer advertise (or sell) certain problem cars as “certified pre-owned vehicles.”
4. Seller Disclosures
Under the new law, auto dealers must provide the following in writing:
a. The price of the vehicle without extra options and add-ons.
b. The specific price for add-ons, such as anti-theft devices, fabric protection, extended service contracts and “gap” insurance.
c. A copy of your credit score if you’re getting a loan through the dealership. Your credit score will range from 300 to 900, and reflect your credit worthiness as primarily determined by the timeliness of your past loan payments. If your credit score is high enough, you can often benefit from lower interest rates.
5. Limit On Interest Rate Markups
It’s a common practice in the industry for auto lenders to pay dealers an incentive for getting buyers to pay a higher interest rate than they should be paying, according to their credit history. This additional boost in the interest rate is referred to as a “markup.” The new California Car Buyers Bill of Rights limits the markup a dealer can receive from a lender to a maximum of 2.5% for loans up to 60 months and to 2% for longer loans.
The New California Car Buyers Bill of Rights is designed to make it safer for you to purchase your next used vehicle through a dealership without fear that you’re going to get stuck with something you either don’t want or something that doesn’t live up to its advertising. Knowing your rights can save you both months of headaches and significant money, but only if you take advantage of them.
Tags: Bill Of Rights, California Car Buyers Bill Of Rights, Cancellation, Car Buyers, Case Dealers, Certified Used Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Few Limits, Mechanic, New California, Personal Use, Pre Owned Vehicle, Private Sales, Purchasing A Car, Restocking Fee, Return Option, Rvs, State Purchases, Trade Ins, Way Cars