Archive for the ‘Buying cars’ Category

Cars: The Used and The New are Beautiful

Posted Nov 11th, 2007 5:41AM by admin

Whether buying used or new cars, both options have advantages and disadvantages that the car buyer alone would be the best person to be knowledgeable about as he or she would know what would work well as according to his/her needs, wants, preference, budget and whim.

The following are basic factors to consider in buying a used or a new car:

The price.

Those on a stringent budget would find used cars a good deal. Though there are a handful of new cars that sell for less than ten thousand dollars, the ones that cost less usually have only a few amenities, with some having none of the following: air-conditioning, stereo. Sometimes the cars come with only two doors or one of the power windows is broken, if there are power windows at all. On the other hand, the availability of three to four-year old used cars loaded with more than the bare-boned features of a basic used car – such as a CD player, air conditioning, airbags – gives the used car buyer a great deal.

But still, the pricey new cars are costly because of the updated safety features they carry: de-powered airbags as well as “smart” front and side protection airbags. New vehicles also carry whimsical features such as: beverage holders that keep drinks cool or hot.

The choice depends on you, your priorities and your purchasing power.

The warranty.

New vehicles usually are under warranty for a minimum of three years to a maximum of ten. Hyundai and Kia provide ten year warranty for their vehicles. DaimlerChrysler offers a seven year warranty for their Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. So does Isuzu.

Some eligible late-model used cars could complete their original warranty and could just as well be extended if they are protected by the vehicle certification program. If not, used car owners could shell out a few hundred to be able to extend their service warranty or contract.

The mileage.

Newly-bought used cars come with mileage already spent. New vehicles basically do not need maintenance for the first thousands of miles, and if they do, car manufacturers cover the oil change and their tune-up as well as other fundamental maintenance services.

Specially made cars

Used car buyers usually have to content themselves with as-is vehicles whose color may not be that perfect shade of red, green or blue. Buyers of new cars however, have the option of a varied range of colors or car features that used cars have not. Car dealers usually cater to the tastes and impulse of a car buyer and usually would even satisfy a customer by specially-ordering a vehicle.

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How to Estimate a Used Car’s Value

Posted Nov 11th, 2007 5:40AM by admin

When searching for a used car, one of the most important factors to consider is whether the car you are looking for really is worth its tag price. Even though the car may look like quite a deal, it is possible that you are being ripped off. Here are a few tips to help you make that decision when considering used cars.

1. Do a Little Research

When you find a used car that catches your fancy make sure you do research on that car. Find out how much that car costs if it were brand new. You should also look into whether the car is still in production and if its parts are still available. You could also try a little shop hopping to compare used car prices among cars of the same value and same age.

If a car’s price is too low, that should send you into a state of alarm. It is possible that the car is much more trouble than it is worth.

If it is too expensive, you may want to ask why that is so.

2. The Older the Car the Cheaper is Should Become

Brand new cars typically lose up to 30% in their value in 3 years, and by the time the car is 5 years old, it may have lost up to 65%. If you know the car’s original price, you may want to use this rule of the thumb for your estimation.

3. Use a Third-Party Information Service

Car Fax is a good way to find out about used car histories. They offer a service that will give you a detailed history of the car you are interested in. The information included will typically include accident history and insurance data.

Kelly Blue Book is one of the most comprehensive used car value listings around. It would be a good idea to take a peek into their services for an updated list of hundreds and hundreds of used car values.

4. Take a Mechanic with You

A car’s value is also directly related to its running condition. If you are not that well versed in mechanics and cars, you may want to take a mechanic along so that he or she can evaluate whether the car really is worth the used dealer’s tag price.

Some used car dealers will offer cars that are defective and try to hawk them by sweetening the deal. Beware of these kinds of car dealers.

Try to look for a reputable dealer. The past experience of your acquaintances will be very valuable in evaluating a car dealership.

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Find the Right Online Used Car Site for You

Posted Nov 10th, 2007 10:19AM by admin

For most people who are only beginning to use the internet, using an online service to find their dream car may prove to be a daunting task. Fortunately there are those who have been there and done that. And from their experience here is a list of online car searches and their archetypes that would make your online used car search experience a whole lot more exciting (and convenient).

Some of the More Trustworthy Sites

Here are some of the better online used car sites. This is not a definitive list of the best sites around, but a template to help you choose a site that is trustworthy, reliable, and comprehensive. When engaging online used car web sites, it would do good to take a look first at the features the following list provides. You will then have a better idea of what to expect from other online car sites.

Carmax.com – This site is a stockpile of data from most of the used car dealers in most states. This site makes it easy for users to get information on the available used cars and car dealers in their immediate vicinity and even in other states.

Auto Trader – The good thing about this website is that they are a well-established organization that has been in existence well before the internet age. They used to offer magazines and car listings in the older days. Today, they use their wealth of experience to bring what consumers want to the table over the internet.

Kelly Blue Book – This site is recognized as one of the best online resources for car information and used car values. They have some of the most comprehensive and easily searchable sites around. This makes it easy for users to input certain characteristics on what they are looking for. The website then generates an exhaustive listing of possible matches in no time at all.

eBay – eBay has a popular and varied listing of cars for auctions. Users will sometimes be able to get great deals on used cars. Unfortunately, it is not scam free. You will have to look out for yourself not to get into shady deals and con artists since the transaction is basically your responsibility. But if done properly, eBay can be a great source of used car auction details.

There are other websites that offer good services on used car deals. Browsing through the above mentioned sites will give you a great idea on what to look out for and what to avoid in online used car deals.

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Tips for Searching Used Cars Online

Posted Nov 10th, 2007 10:19AM by admin

Searching for used cars online is easy and convenient. Here are a few tips on how to use the internet to search for used cars online.

1. Make use of the internet’s convenience advantage.

What’s so great about online used car searching? For starters, it means you can do most of the tedious work of canvassing for cars right in the comfort of your home. You don’t have to travel mile after mile to a car lot only to learn that the car of your dreams does not exist there. This means you have to travel another stretch to find another car lot that, unfortunately, might not have the car you are looking for as well.

This painful experience could take anywhere from a day (if you are lucky) to a few weeks (on a busy schedule). Plus you can only visit these places during the day. If these businesses have flyers, or do advertising, it may be easier on you since you at least have a list (however incomprehensive it may be) of the models they have available.

Enter the internet. You can surf for cars from dozens of car dealers in a matter of a few minutes or hours. Plus these sites will most likely have comprehensive information on their products – and this even includes pictures.

2. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable online entity, One way to do this is before seriously considering a certain online car site, look up their physical address. This means you have to jot down their address, phone numbers, and other contact information so that you can make inquiries with the local business listings and organizations.

3. Upon matching up with the car of your dreams, consider visiting the dealer. In actuality, it is possible to conclude the whole business process of purchasing a used car online through the internet. However, you may want to visit the physical address of the dealer for a physical inspection of the car you wish to purchase.

4. Make sure you understand the contract, and terms of agreement these online search companies carry. This will inform you of your rights and responsibilities when entering negotiations online.

5. Do background research on the car site and make sure you know what plans they offer. Some used cars websites offer certain guarantees and even insurance. You may want to explore these options to make sure you get the best value for you money.

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Check that Used Car

Posted Nov 9th, 2007 12:23PM by admin

A new car may not be worth all that money you are planning on spending!

If you are on a really tight budget, and don’t care too much about the prestige of having a brand new car, purchasing a used car might be the best option for you. Why do we say that might be the better option?

All you have to do is pick up a used car listing to see that brand new cars lose anywhere from 30 to 40 percent of their original price in as little as two years. That’s a pretty steep number. Here’s another number, 65 percent – this is the amount you save if you buy a used car that is five years old instead of a brand new one.

Theoretically speaking cars of this age, as long as they have been well cared for will perform just as well and are just as reliable as their brand new counterparts. In fact, they may even be better customized for daily use since it has already been broken in and properly set up.

Of course, you cannot discount the possibility that the used car you are looking at is not in the best of conditions. Therefore when surveying used cars to purchase consult the following tips.

1. Check the Exterior

The first thing to look at is the overall condition of the car’s body and finish. Look out for paint blotches and poor body fit. Also look for body filler. You may want to use a simple magnet to help you pinpoint suspicious spots. Finding any of these is evidence of a previous car collision.

Also look out if the car is newly painted. You may want to inquire why this is so. It may mean a major overhaul due to some extensive damage. Rust is a bad sign of body damage, so is dampness in the trunk.

2. Check Suspension

Go to each corner of the car and push down on them. If the car bounces more than once, you may need to have shocks installed.

Try nudging or pulling the wheels from beside the car. If the wheels can be nudged, or if they move in or out, there could be serious damage to the CV joints or the bearings.

If tire wear is uneven, this is indicative of bad suspension. If the car you are checking has new tires, you will have to exercise more caution and test the suspension thoroughly.

3. Check the Insides of the Car

Make sure the upholstery, odor, and condition of the car’s interior are acceptable and in line with the age of the car.

4. Take It for a Spin

Have a friend observe you while you take the car for test drive. The car should be stable and should not show signs of shifting from side to side. If so, there could be a major problem with the frame or suspension. If you can, have a mechanic look at it too.

The internet has changed the way everyone does business. Businesses have begun to explore how the internet can facilitate better, faster and more convenient operations. This has resulted in businesses that offer anything online - from selling clothes and shoes, to ordering pizza online and even searching for available realty. Believe it or not, you can even search for used cars online too.

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Used Car Review

Posted Nov 9th, 2007 12:23PM by admin

Buying a used car is not difficult. Here are some guidelines for you when considering purchasing a used car:

1. Window-shop around first before doing the final selection. Allot one day to visit a dealership to look around and test-drive the cars. Do not buy the first time you see a car. Once you get home, you can browse the Internet for the information regarding the car of your choice and how much it cost. Be sure to check the option prices, ratings for safety and other things that the dealer has not informed you.

2. Ask yourself how much you are willing to spend for that car before visiting a dealership. Consult first with your credit union personnel or personal banker before visiting the dealership. Tendency is the dealership might convince you buy a more expensive car.

3. Check the car before deciding on it. Be sure to have a checklist on the important things that you have to look at in used cars. Check the engine, the car body, and verify if there are transmission problems. Never buy a used car if you have not test driven it for yourself.

4. Avoid drinking coffee before you visit or when you are at the dealership. Coffee will make you too uneasy and impatient to look into details. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water instead to make you go to the restroom. This will break the tension and remove you from a situation that that the salesperson is already intimidating you.

5. Always follow your plan. Make sure that you have already decided what a fair deal for you is before you go to the dealership. If you do not have a target price, the sales representative will only declare a higher price. It is recommended that you already have an expected price of the car before going to the dealership.

6. Never make a deal if you are confused or disappointed with the car. Always think clearly since you are spending a large amount of money. There is nothing wrong with walking out if you feel that the price they gave you is not a fair deal.

7. Enjoy and have fun. Do not be stressed just for buying a car. As long as you are informed, patient and firm, then there is nothing to worry about. You will do fine and enjoy when buying your used car.

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7 Guidelines for Used Car Prices

Posted Nov 8th, 2007 5:51AM by admin

1. Know a little about pricing before you buy a used car. Franchise dealers that sell used cars add a certain percentage on the original value of the used car in the market. Markup is also added to the price of the used car at dealerships, which will make the price higher.

2. Determine the many factors that affect the used car prices. Used car pricings are affected by installed optional equipments or the location where you are buying the used car. There are areas that have a high market demand for a certain car. If that is the case, you may get a better deal if you travel outside of the zone to shop around for your car.

3. Find the used car’s true market value at NADA. National Automobile Dealer’s Association releases a copy of used car price guides every year. You may also check their web site to check the current prices of the used cars you are looking for.

4. Cheaper used cars may be found at government auctions. Government auctions happen every year and you may want to check out a checklist of the auction program. It may also offer you guidelines on finding quality used cars at lower prices. You may visit Federal Citizen Information to find out the guidelines in buying used cars from government auctions.

5. Check out the Internet. There are a lot of web sites that provide pricing guides on used cars and also guidelines in finding the right used car for you. You may compare prices; check out the features of the used car and the location where you can buy cheaper prices.

6. Determine if you have a fair deal with the price that is offered to you. Factors that affect used car prices include the age, market demand, overall condition, mileage, interior and exterior blemishes or if the car was maintained well.

7. Beware of trade tricks. Many dealers strategies on the behavior of consumers when buying used cars. Dealers know that buyers will not purchase a used car unless they feel that they are offered a price lower than the original price. Dealers tend to make the price higher than the actual amount and make the buyer believe that they are offering a discount. What the buyer does not know is that the discounted price is actually the original price of the car.

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“Get a Used Car Loan to Get Your Dream Car”

Posted Nov 8th, 2007 5:50AM by admin

So you want to own your dream car. Your finances, however, hinder you from getting behind the wheel of a brand new vehicle. You decide to go for the “second-hand, via loan” option, but of course you do not want to get stuck with an old clunk of metal.

Do not lose hope. Here are some basic rules that you should follow towards getting a used car loan and owning the right car:

>>Set a price range.

First, sit down and calculate.

Get all the other financial considerations out of the way (i.e., mortgage, food, utility bills) and work with the figure that you are left with.

Remember to add car maintenance costs such as gas and insurance to your set of figures so that you would have a ballpark amount of what you can pay for the used car loan that you plan to obtain.

A good rule is for you to use approximately 20% of your monthly income as an allotment for your car expenses.

Once you have your budget determined, make sure that you stick with your budget and not overspend.

>>Look at your options.

Once you have determined the budget, you may now decide where to obtain the used car loan from.

*Bank, Dealer or Person-to-Person? Do not look at banks as a primary option, as they will not lend you money for a used car which is more than a few years old.

A kinder option is to check out online lenders which are generally cheaper. There are a lot of web sites which offer a loan calculator. Just sign-up online and they will send you price quotes.

The third and best option is dealing with a person directly. You may want to check out used car dealers within your area. This way, you can ask a lot of questions about the financing of the car loan. Dealing with a person directly will also allow you to iron out details like deposits and monthly installments.

>>Research and do your homework.

If you have already determined your budget and where to get the loan from, you can now choose the car that you want to drive home. Consider your own needs, or your family’s - if you have one - in determining the car model that you want to own.

>>Choose.

Check out everything that you need to know about the vehicle that you want to own. Consider the speed of the car, the model and the price. Once you have narrowed down your options and considered everything, you may now proceed and obtain that used car loan and get behind the wheels.

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“A Guide to Comparing Used Car Loan Rates”

Posted Nov 7th, 2007 11:50AM by admin

If you want to get the perfect car loan that fits your budget, it is foolhardy to just sign-up when you have not determined all of your available options. Before doing so, you might to consider first the figures that you will be working with.

Once you have determined the model of the car that you want, where you will be getting the loan from, and your monthly allowance for the used car loan payment, you may proceed with signing up. Then you will be on your way to owning the vehicle that you want.

There are a lot of web sites online which offer auto loan rate calculators.

These rates vary by state and city. There are also online lenders who offer a cheaper rate, as compared to getting car loans via banks who - more often than not - deny your loan application, especially for used vehicles.

Research online and visit the used car dealers in your area. Collect the price quotes first to determine the current rates for the used cars available in the market.

You can also ask around for the rates. You are bound to get more results by word of mouth, especially if you know car enthusiasts.

Take the following as an example of the current used car rates:

In California, three lenders who offer used car loans are the Bank of America, Capital One Auto Finance and Wells Fargo Bank.

For a used car loan, the Bank of America offers 20% down payment and an 11.2% rate. You would add to this a $75 fee and a .25% discount with auto debit.

The second lender, which is Capital One Auto Finance, offers a 6.25 % rate and a 20% down payment. There are no application fees and prepayment penalties.

Wells Fargo Bank offers an 8.88% rate and a 20% down, a $50 application fee and a .25% discount with auto debit.

At the end of the day, just compare these three rates and determine which offer would fit your budget.

Also consider the distance, mileage and the final asking price.

One more thing that you should consider when comparing rates is the number of months for you to make the payments.

There are several options. Some lenders offer a 36 month used car loan. For higher asking prices, longer payment terms are available.

For a 36-month used car loan, for example, the rate offered is 8.31%. This rate increases as the number of months increase.

After researching and looking through all of your options, choose the lowest rate that you can get and remember not to overspend when you have already reached a certain target budget.

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The Used Car Lemon Law: The Used Car Buyer’s Best Friend

Posted Nov 7th, 2007 11:49AM by admin

You’ve just bought yourself a used car. The car was cheap and you left the used car lot with the feeling that you managed to come out reasonably well. Then the car conks out - what happens now?

Under other circumstances, you would probably have no choice but live with your choice. Fortunately, there is a law that would help you. The used car lemon law is the most useful law for any person who buys a used car. The law provides a legal remedy for those buy or lease used cars that turn out to have outstanding mechanical difficulties, those which are better known as “lemons”.

The law has used car dealers give their buyers a written warranty. The warrant requires dealers to repair any defects found in the car, free of charge. The dealer can also choose to reimburse the repair costs of the repairs to the buyer. It also notes that if the car isn’t repaired after a number of attempts, the buyer is supposed to receive a full refund of the purchase.

For the law to cover your purchase, check your local state laws. Usually, these four conditions should be met for the lemon law to be invoked:

1) The car was purchased, transferred or leased after either a) eighteen thousand miles of use or b) two years from the original release; and

2) The purchase or lease price has the value of at least one thousand five hundred dollars; and

3) The car has been driven less than or equal to a hundred thousand miles at the time of lease or purchase; and

4) The car was used for non-commercial purposes i.e. personal use. This means the car should have been used for household or family purposes. This includes personal transportation to and from work and household errands. The car could have been used for a mix of business and personal use but it still should have been used predominantly for personal use.

The law can also be used to cover motorcycles; however some states exempt other vehicles from the used car law. Note that the transfer of ownership of a used car is also covered by the law; however a private purchase from a private individual is not protected by the law. You can choose to consult a lawyer to see what sort of action you may take.

Remember the law and check with your state before you buy a used car. If your state has such a law, you should feel safe about your purchase when you leave the used car lot.

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Archive for the ‘Buying cars’ Category

Cars: The Used and The New are Beautiful

How to Estimate a Used Car’s Value

Find the Right Online Used Car Site for You

Tips for Searching Used Cars Online

Check that Used Car

Used Car Review

7 Guidelines for Used Car Prices

“Get a Used Car Loan to Get Your Dream Car”

“A Guide to Comparing Used Car Loan Rates”

The Used Car Lemon Law: The Used Car Buyer’s Best Friend