May 7, 2010

“Car buying is, or should be, a calculated decision,”says John Mondin, an auto travel counselor with AAA. The complex and sometimes frightening process of car buying is demystified in a comprehensive guide that covers: How to choose the right car, new/used car-buying strategies, getting a used car bargain,avoiding the pitfalls of leasing, how to shop for insurance.

In addition, Strategies for Smart Car Buyers includes several appendices and a variety of new material to complete the buyer’s research process, including: The acclaimed investigative series, “Confessions of a Car Salesman,” relating insider secrets in an entertaining account of two car dealerships, monthly payment charts and monthly leasing payments, expanded financing section detailing crucial contract dos and don’ts, plus additional commentary throughout text from undercover car salesman Chandler Phillips.

Online new car buying is a quick and easy way to look for a car in the privacy of one’s own home without the pressure of rash buying. Online car buying is a reality now because of the many excellent sites where you can find the car you’ve been looking for. See all the buying and selling articles you can find on avoiding scams and post-sale problems. As most of us know, used-car buying is a business wrought with scams. One of the best innovations in used car buying is the CARFAX website.

Tips

Educate yourself before buying a car, no negotiating prices without going for a test drive! Do you buy nice clothes without trying them on. Arm yourself with knowledge,with these tips, you can confidently walk into a car dealership, ready to be confronted by eager salesmen. More dealers are better: The more dealers you have in your area, the more competition for your business, the higher your odds of getting a good deal. Some helpful guidelines and car buying tips can be found at the Federal Information Center, as well as a wealth of other money related issues.

Information

The good news is that with the advent of the Internet, a world of information — never available to our parents and grandparents — is just a click away. Walking onto a dealer’s lot with no information is like walking into the lion’s den. And relying on a dealer for information is just slightly better. It levels the playing field by giving accurate information to the consumer.

You can also read up on the latest car reviews by browsing the Web as there is literally a wealth of pertinent information available online. Never discuss in a dealership what you can afford on a monthly basis; dealers can use that information to structure a car loan to meet or slightly beat your monthly-payment requirements, without addressing the more important issues: the total price of the car and the terms of the loan. To negotiate on price, you must be armed with information about the true value of the car you want with all the options you demand.

A variety of Web sites now offer detailed consumer information comparing the dealer’s invoice cost, what the dealer paid the manufacturer, against the MSRP printed on the window sticker. Important information about automobiles and fuel economy should always be considered. Some helpful guidelines and car buying tips can be found at the Federal Information Center, as well as a wealth of other money related issues. Check it out, you’ll be surprised at the valuable information you’ll find there. They combine extensive industry knowledge, dealership experience, and the power of the Internet to empower the consumer with the information they need to negotiate the best deal. They offer valuable research and information about used cars. You can find out about rebates online whereas before, unless you ask the car salesman, he wouldn’t volunteer the information to you.

Loan

You will get greater flexibility and savings by getting pre-approved for a car loan before shopping for a new or used car. And,if you decide to finance the car, find out what your monthly payment should be by shopping for a car loan before going to the dealership. You may discover that getting a loan will cost less than financing directly. If you do find a loan that you like, it’s recommended that you get approved for it before buying the car. The question you really must ask yourself at this point isn’t how much car you can afford but how much car loan you can afford. That determines how much car loan you’ll be able to cover comfortably every month for the next three to four years. The next step is to talk to your bank or credit union to find out what rates they’re currently charging on new-car loans for 36 and 48 months. There are many ways to find the best loan for you regardless of your credit standing. The prospective car buyer can also look into current interest rates on car loans ahead of time and determine which way they should proceed with regard to financing the vehicle. So be sure to follow these steps; do your research on the car, research available loan rates and programs online, check your impact on your insurance, and then reach a dealer about the car you want.

Final Thoughts

The world of car buying is changing rapidly. Online new car buying is a quick and easy way to look for a car in the privacy of one’s own home without the pressure of sales people pushing you into rash buying. The key to successful car buying is to meet your wants and needs within your budget.

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March 16, 2010

Salesmen are more willing to haggle prices to close the deal when in the holiday season, as most people are too busy to think about buying a car at that time.

Another time that is the best for getting a good deal is the period from July to October. Dealerships are trying to get rid of their inventory to make way for the new year models.

Do some research online, and get some quotes optimally along with some good rebates or incentives. Print out your results from the lowest quotes and bring it with you to your local dealer. Showing them the lower quotes might compel them to give you a better deal. If not, shop around some more.

Visit FightingChance.com This site has great advice, as well as incentives and rebate offers. You may be able to save thousands of dollars on your car purchase.

A good tactic is to bring a copy of your credit score with you to the dealership. It can lower your interest rates on your car loan.

Be suspicious of any ‘bait and switch’ tactics, such as some odd change that occurred after you initially discussed the car with the dealer. Some unscrupulous dealers will use your preference for a particular car as leverage in convincing you to stay with your choice; although, unfortunately there has been some ‘unforseen’ change in the price or deal you originally discussed. Stick to your guns and remind them that is not what was agreed. If they don’t back down,or at least give you a concession, then it is up to you if you want to accept the difference.

A rule of thumb is to never wait until your car is broken down and you are desperate not only are you not thinking as clearly at a time like that, but the salesman may sense your desperation and take advantage of you. On such a major decision, try to force yourself to take action when you realize your car has issues, but while it is still running.

Do your research before going in and subjecting yourself to high-pressure tactics. Don’t fall for any deals where you are required to make an on the spot decision. This is a big commitment and you need to be on top of the game.

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February 18, 2010

The Web is a hassle free place to shop for cars. There are many advantages to shopping cars online. First, it greatly reduces the hassle of dealing with car dealers and salesmen. When buying a car online, you dont have to listen to a dealer talk about the specs of a car. You just have to read all about it in a website. You dont have to go to a showroom, you just to have to point and click your mouse and you could browse through different make and models of cars. And if you want to take a second look at a car its very easy.

The advantage of shopping for a car online is that all transactions can be done without you having to go out of your room. After ordering the car you want and paying the price, all you have to do is to wit for your brand new vehicle to be delivered to the nearest dealer. Some dealers would even deliver the car right at your doorstep (or garage for that matter).

There are basically two types of online car shopping website. One will only get you in touch with a real car seller. This means you have to transact the traditional way. Then there are websites that would take car of everything. Some websites would even deliver the car at your doorstep. Of course this would entail a bigger amount of service fee. And deliveries are made only to nearby areas.

But before you click and buy, you must first know exactly what kind of car you want. Determine the types of car youre looking for and the price you are willing to pay for that car.

Below are some other tips on how to buy a car online.

1. The most important thing to do is to research. Dont get too excited. Check on the different packages available.

2. Make sure that the Website you go to is secure and reliable. Most sites would let you browse by car type, by price range or both.

3. If you dont want to make all transactions online then you could ask the dealer to meet you in person once you found him on the Internet. Upon meeting the dealer, negotiate with him as you would a normal car dealer and then sign the papers.

4. Its not necessary to pin the model, year and male of the car you want to buy. Just a general picture would do. Determine how you will be using your new car and the reason why you are buying a car in the first place. Ask yourself what features are important to you. Do you give much ore importance to fuel efficiency than speed or vice versa? Are you more concerned about safety features than a good sound system? After youve done all these, its time to determine your budget. Just how much are you willing to spend for a vehicle?

5. Once you have decided on a brand and model car it would be prudent t6o check on the history of the particular car line. You can easily do this by consulting consumer magazines and websites. You could also check out the website of the carts manufacturer (e.g. Ford, Toyota, BMW, etc.)

6. If you cannot afford new models, there are websites hat sells used cars. Popular search engines usually have an automotive section so this is a good place to shop. If you dont find one here you can try searching using the search string used car.

7. Check the background of the website of the online car dealer by clicking on the about us section of the site. It is advisable to buy only from websites which has detailed information about the vehicles they are selling. Ask if they have conducted inspections of each car in their lot through independent mechanics. If they have, then youll know that that website is a good place to shop for cars. Most manufacturers’ Web sites have detailed information on models, including available options, photos and MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).

8. Read reviews about the different make, model and year of cars. A good website must also have reviews and ratings for the cars they are selling. But you should also cross check by visiting independent car sites or sites that do not sell cars or are connected to car companies to get a more objective review.

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Instant Car Loans Making The Car Buying Process Simple

Because of instant approval car loans, many people are enjoying a hassle-free car buying experience. Purchasing a new or used vehicle is a time of excitement and frustration. Pushy salesmen and dealerships have a habit of taking advantage of unsuspecting buyers. Additionally, the temptation to buy more than you can afford is a common problem. However, securing financing before entering a dealership showroom is a great way to take the hassle out of buying a car

Understanding Instant Car Loan Basics

New car buyers and those unfamiliar with car buying tactics may pay sticker price for a vehicle and accept dealership financing without shopping around. Unfortunately, dealerships prey on buyers of this sort. Prior to buying a car, it is essential to shop around and compare offers from various lenders. To avoid a dealership scam, you may consider getting approved for an auto loan before beginning your search.

The internet is loaded with auto loan lenders offering instant approval loans. With instant approvals, you receive a response immediately. The applications are easy to understand. Simply input basic information such as income, employer, desire amount, etc. Instant approvals work two ways. The lender may either approve a stated loan amount, or determine an affordable loan amount based on your income and debts.

How to Find a Lender that Offers Instant Approvals

Various online auto lenders offer instant approvals. However, if you are hoping to compare several instant approval offers, use an auto loan broker. This is the easiest and simplest way to shop around for the best auto loan offer. Brokers are recognized for supplying multiple offers. Savvy shoppers know the benefits of this feature.

By obtaining multiple offers, you are able to compare auto loan rates, terms, and services. Choosing the loan offer with the lowest rate will lower your car payment. Even if the dealership offers you a finance package, before accepting their offer, complete an online quote request. Dealerships tend to adjust auto loan rates to benefit their bottom line.

Completing the Car Loan Paperwork

After receiving the instant approval quotes, the next step involves choosing the auto loan lender with the best offer. If using a broker, you are obligated to complete an official loan application with the lender. Upon approval, the lender will deliver a check to you. Once you decide on a car, and negotiate a sales price, you simply sign the check over to the dealership, which completes the transaction.

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December 17, 2009

Buying a new car is a major purchase with major amounts of money leaving your pocket. Ask an honest car salesman and he will tell you that he is trying to get his potential customers to buy something they dont really need. Ask a dishonest salesman and he wont tell you why. That about sums it up plus it opens the door for all kinds of scam artists to try to use tricks to get you to buy a new car. Arm yourself with all the information you can when buying a new car. Here are some tips:

There are some classic scams that car salespeople use to get you to sign the dotted line on a sales contract. Get on the internet and see what these scams are. Car salespeople are probably the most persuasive type of salesmen/women (most tend to be men) that you will come across. It is very tempting to give into their hype.

Dont be afraid to say No.

If there is ONE thing you dont like about a car dont buy it. That one thing will bug you down the road as you make those expensive car payments and the honeymoon has worn off. Often, people find the need to purchase another car than keep mending the current one, because of their poor decision making when purchasing the existing one.

Dont give the salesperson a feel for what you like and dont like. Dont get too personal with the salesperson. Scam and con artists are skilled at getting into you head and detecting something you have an emotional or preference stake in. Keep focused on buying a car and try to avoid the small talk with the salesperson.

How much is that car really going to cost you in terms of maintenance, insurance, and fuel? There are web sites where you can get this information. Another bit of knowledge to arm yourself with is knowing how much that car loan is going to cost you in terms of interest.

Check your credit report and correct any errors that may be there. It will help to get your loan approved faster.

Read reviews on various cars and educate yourself before going to the car lot. The internet has a wealth of information resources for buying new cars.

Today, there are many places where you can purchase a car. There are classifieds in your local newspapers, local car dealerships, car magazines, the internet, with a huge array of sites, also offers many great deals. Ebay is also an increasingly popular destination to find cars and not necessarily just to from it. Ebay can also be used for researching the car you are looking to buy. You can use it to gain an idea of how much cars in general go for based on your specifications and conditions. There are many, many new listings every hour that you can browse through to help find your new car.

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