February 3rd, 2010 by Hal Moses
The decision to lease or buy can be a difficult one. Motorists should consider more than just their budget. Typically, leasing tends to be cheaper, but it also leaves drivers with no equity after the contract is up. There are some important factors to keep in mind when making this important decision.
First, it is necessary to look at the cost. Consider four factors when you’re thinking of leasing. These are the leases length, the payments monthly, the mileage restrictions, and the down payment. If you exceed the restrictions on the mileage you could ring up big fines. Also, if you hold onto a lease for more than three years you will often have to replace tires and pay for other maintenance.
Next, look at your budget. Leases are almost always cheaper for short-term because there isn’t a down payment and the monthly costs are low. However, leases end up being more expensive than buying a vehicle that you are going to keep for a decade. This is assuming that you purchase an auto warranty with your car so that you don’t end up paying unnecessary expenses. But if drivers prefer to have a new car every three years, leasing is the way to go.
Also consider your life plans. If you are going through life changes, such as moving far away, or starting a family, you are going to benefit from leasing. This will provide you with the flexibility that you need.
Consider these factors and make a decision to buy or lease based on your needs. Just remember, if you buy, you want to be covered with an auto warranty to save you money in the long run.
February 3rd, 2010 by Hal Moses
When determining the amount of money you can pay for a vehicle you must consider your credit. Yet, experts say that consumers should shop around at various dealers to make comparisons on special deals on financing.
To help with your car shopping experience, request a copy of your credit report by going through a credit agency. This will give you knowledge when it comes time to talk to a dealer about your financing.
You can look at some web-based tools for help. For instance, go to AutoTrader.com to find a credit center designed for people trying to purchase a car with poor credit. This is one of the few websites that doesn’t require personal, confidential information. In fact, you are only asked general questions that allow you to have privacy.
After filling out the questionnaire you will receive a credit level of excellent, good, or fair. Then, you can search the car dealerships in your area that will be able to help you with your needs in regards to financing.
Look to websites to prepare you with information that will help you when you go to the dealership. You can learn about the prices of cars, credit scores, and an auto warranty. This will allow you to get the best deal possible.
February 3rd, 2010 by Hal Moses
Often motorist get sticker shock or experience buyer’s remorse after buying a new car. However, you can avoid this by considering the expenses that you will encounter in the future.
According to experts, most consumers anticipate the price of the purchase, registration and taxes. However, many people forget to factor in the price of insurance and new car warranties. Fortunately, by doing your homework you can get good deals on insurance and an auto warranty.
To control car costs drivers should consider these tips. First of all, decide before you get to the dealership the amount of money that you can spend. Also, decide on what type of car will suit your needs. It is also beneficial to get quotes from several dealers, because then you are in the position to negotiate. Finally, check insurance and auto warranty prices on the vehicle that you want to purchase.
You don’t have to go broke purchasing a new car. But, be smart and consider all of the costs involved. It isn’t just the purchase price that you will be paying.
January 30th, 2010 by Hal Moses
One of the most expensive hobbies is collecting cars. But, here is a twist. Purchase a new vehicle now that will become a valuable collectible in years to come. The best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to purchase a value-appreciating car. The following cars are on the road now, but will be regarded as nostalgic in 15-20 years.
First on the list is the Cadillac XLR-V Roadster. This has a hand-built 4.4-liter V8 engine that puts out 443 hp. This vehicle is a serious roadster and it competes with the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Mercedes SL-Class.
The Lotus Exige S is also on the list. For practical purposes, this car is miserable; after all you wouldn’t find it ideal for grocery shopping. However, research shows that people admit their hearts beat faster when thinking about this ride.
Finally, the Mustang Shelby GT 500 KR is sure to be a collectible. This car takes the GT500 in a bare bones form and makes it into a muscle car with540hp. This car is a tribute to Carroll Shelby.
If you’re a car enthusiast, purchasing a current vehicle that is sure to be a collectible in the future is a smart financial move. However, make sure that you purchase an auto warranty for these gems. After all, the point is to keep these cars for many years.
January 30th, 2010 by Hal Moses
If you’re purchasing a pre-owned car you need to find out as much history as possible about it. The car may have problems that are not apparent from a visual inspection or a test drive.
A car history report is a good way to find out what you’re getting. This is a report prepared by a third party that is a compilation of information from DMVs, RMVs, and other sources. A car history report will give you an overview of what the car has been through.
When getting a car history report look out for the following things. This is not to say that you shouldn’t buy the car based on these issues, but certainly ask questions.
If a car has had a lot of owners, chances are it hasn’t been cared for lovingly. These cars have probably endured more abuse.
Some areas of our country are easier on cars than others. For example, extreme winter conditions are tough on vehicles, as are flood areas and extreme heat.
Make sure the name and description of the car match up with the actual car. Read the description carefully to avoid vehicle fraud.
Car history reports, such as those from CARFAX are comprehensive and can save you from purchasing a lemon. Also, to protect yourself, purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road.
January 30th, 2010 by Hal Moses
One trick that people use to sell a used car is to detail it until it looks brand new. However, beware, a motor that is steam-cleaned won’t fix a gasket that is blown. This is why it is important to purchase an auto warranty.
Having said that, dealers that are reputable typically won’t try to sell vehicles with big issues, for fear that they’ll have to fix them down the road. If you test drive a vehicle that doesn’t make awful noises and feels pretty good, chances are it is fine. Dealers don’t like to sell junky cars.
In any case, it is still a smart idea to have a trained professional take a look at your vehicle. If the dealer claims the vehicle was inspected by it’s mechanic, request to view the paperwork. If the dealer can’t produce them, make sure an outside technician sees the vehicle.
Also important, is to check that the car has a clear title and that it hasn’t ever been in a big accident. You can tell the dealer to go on Carfax or AutoCheck to confirm this. Both of these sites have a fee to trace the car identification number for odometer and service registrations, and accidents. However, often dealerships will check the vehicles on their lot free of charge.
Typically, it is safe to buy a used car from a dealership; however, it never hurts to take these quick steps to ensure you don’t get a lemon. In addition, used car warranties will give you peace of mind in case you need repairs.
January 30th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Now, people search the Internet to purchase cars, an auto warranty, and car loans. One great resource for this is Autoopia, or autoopia.com. This is a new search engine that has revolutionized the way that people search for cars, just like Google revolutionized the way in which people make general searches. The people who created this website have made a search engine dedicated solely to cars. Also, the interface is simple and clean, which allows users to easily search for cars.
To do this Autoopia gathers car ads and online listings in the thousands. Their database is growing continuously, and it lists millions of cars. Also convenient is that the site saves people’s searches automatically, which allows people to return to the site later and use previous search results.
Consumers are pleased with Autoopia because they have a great first impression with the smooth interface, yet the extensive search results leave people coming back for more.
Another plus to this search engine is that people only get results for the specific car that they looked for, no others.
Shopping online can be a great way to buy a car, and Autoopia is a great place to look. People can find good deals on cars, and then easily search for new car warranties and car loans. The Internet has now revolutionized the way motorists shop.
January 30th, 2010 by Hal Moses
The current reality for the car industry isn’t at all bright. The economy of the country has experienced a weak dollar, a credit crisis, and soaring gas and food prices. This could mean that we are about to experience the worst year for car sales in over a decade.
But automakers are getting smart. They are building more passenger cars. In the past pickup trucks and SUV’s generated a lot of profits, but now people want small, thrifty cars.
General Motors admits that they are counting on sedans to save them this year. The company has made a shift to cars, with less emphasis on SUV’s and pickup trucks. Even though GM wants to maintain their market in trucks, they realize that they need to get better with cars now.
Chrysler LLC is promising to take an “aggressively conservative†approach in their company. This means that they will eliminate various models such as the PT Cruiser, Durango, and Pacifica.
US automakers are focusing to make sure that domestic sales don’t fall lower than projections say. Even though it is a tough market, Americans love cars and will continue to buy. Motorists are making smarter choices by purchasing small, efficient cars. This allows them to put money towards other necessities, such as new car warranties and maintenance.
January 30th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Car dealerships are going to great lengths to bring in business for servicing. This includes repainting, brightening lights, and adding new signs. And in the waiting area customers are enjoying WiFi access, flat screen TVs, workstations and coffee bars.
Dealers rely on their parts and service departments for profit. Typically half of their profits come from service, while the rest comes from sales of used and new cars.
But with the sales of new cars plummeting, most dealers lost money. This is why dealers are renovating their body shops, adding quick oil change lanes, and trying to compete with independent service shops. In a NADA survey, 29% of dealerships said they had upgraded their service shops recently.
Dealerships have also felt the squeeze because their auto warranty repairs have been cut way down and service appointments have been spaced further apart because of the improvements in car quality.
January 29th, 2010 by Hal Moses
There are hundreds of new vehicles on the market, which can make it difficult for car buyers to choose what is best for them. Many people tend to base their decision on looks alone, but this is a dangerous way to decide on a car. So, what other considerations should motorists make?
The first factor to consider is how much money you intend to spend. Figure out what your maximum amount is before going to the dealership and stick with it. Also, make sure to include everything in the bottom line, such as interest, taxes, finance charges, insurance and new car warranties. You need to factor in all of these expenses.
Also determine if you need a fuel-efficient car. Some models rate much higher on fuel efficiency and if you have a long commute to work this might be an important factor.
Consider safety features. Does the car you are looking at have side-curtain air bags, brake assist, stability control? Also, how were the scores on crash tests?
Finally, do you need a lot of space? If you have a large family you might want to think about a minivan or SUV that has ample passenger room and cargo space.
Do your homework before getting to the dealership so you know what you are looking for. In addition, make sure to get an auto warranty so you can protect your wallet in case of unforeseen repair costs down the road.