All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Auto Finance: Making The Most Of Your Trade-In

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/19 in Auto Trades with Comments Off on Auto Finance: Making The Most Of Your Trade-In

If you have ever had the pleasure of buying a new car in the past, you may be well aware of the disappointment that is often linked to trading in a vehicle. Many car buyers feel that their trade-in is worth far more than they got for it, so this aspect of the car buying process is often filled with resentment. As you prepare to trade in your next car, you may consider following a few tips to maximize the amount of money you get for your trade in.

Get It Inspected

Through dealerships, like Young Automotive Group, you can easily get the car inspected before you take it to the dealership for a trade-in. If your car is given a clean bill of health, you can take the corresponding paperwork from your mechanic to the dealership to ensure you get top dollar for the trade in. If work is needed on the car, you can make the decision about which repair items to tackle before you trade it in to get the best value possible.

Research the Value

You can use your choice of online car valuation websites to research the actual value of your used car. These sites typically have a resale value and a trade-in value. Dealers offer a lower trade-in value so that they can mark up the cost to the resale value later to make their profit on it. With this in mind, you may get a better deal when you sell your car on your own. However, if you choose to go through a dealership for a trade in, use your online research to avoid being cheated out of money.

Keep the Numbers Separated

Some dealerships try to work the numbers of the trade in and the new car purchase together. For example, they may say they can give you so much on your trade in if you pay so much for the new car. Avoid getting caught up in this situation, and hold firm that you want to work out the trade in numbers before you talk about buying the new car.

Get Multiple Offers

Finally, avoid jumping at the first offer you get. It can take time to shop around with various dealerships, but this ultimately could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Identify at least three dealerships to get quotes from before you make a final buying decision, and let all three know that you need their best offer because you will be shopping around.

While it can be disappointing to learn what the true value of your trade in, you can minimize your resentment when you follow these steps. These steps will help you to get the most out of your trade in for your financial benefit.

New vs Used: Why a Used Car Will be Easier on Your Finances

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/12 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on New vs Used: Why a Used Car Will be Easier on Your Finances

Shopping for a car can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. Whether you are upgrading to next year’s model or putting the old car to rest, buying another car can be a tough experience when you don’t know what to look for.

There normally are two options: buying new, or buying used. Buying new usually involves taking out loans, getting credit approved, and signing a lease for the next several years. While this process works for some, there are several reasons why buying a used car is better and easier financially in the long run.

Used Cars Are More Expensive For No Reason

While the phrase "you get what you pay for", normally rings true, it is not always so when buying a new car. The price of a new car is inflated tremendously compared to used cars, even in just a few years difference. When looking at the cars side to side, there is hardly a difference to constitute thousands of dollars in price, so why buy new, other than to have the latest and greatest for show.

When comparing the features between model years, there usually are only minute differences in trim or design. It is a safe bet to say that used cars still contain these features, just without the flashy, extraneous options of a new car. A used car will run a fraction of the price for just as much car. Another factor to consider is insurance. The cost of insurance for a brand new car is more than any other comparably priced vehicle.

It is much cheaper to invest in a cheaper, used car, paying less money for the car itself and for insurance over the next several years. When looking for a vehicle, dealerships like Milton Ruben Toyota have a large selection of certified used vehicles fit to save you money and provide you with safe transportation.

Used Cars Have More Documentation

Most manufacturers guarantee their new cars to be almost flawless and lack problems in the warranty span, but a new model year vehicle with different options has a different formula for how the vehicle operates. It may undergo rigorous testing in the factory, but it is unknown what problems it will obtain in its span of life. Used cars have had their problems documented over time, and people have been trained in ways to recognize potential problems before they come.

Cars will eventually need servicing, whether it is new or used. It is safe to say a used car has more actual usage information on it than a new car. After the warranty runs out on a new car, the repairs are much more expensive than older cars, due to the new technology used on the car. It is wiser to invest in a less expensive, older vehicle, and spend the required money to bring the vehicle up to appropriate maintenance standards.

Used cars are an excellent way to save money in daily finances. The cost of insurance combined with new car payments can sometimes be overwhelming. Shopping used can save you money in the beginning and in the long run of your vehicle ownership.

Old Buys: How to Find the Perfect Used Car Just for You

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/01 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Old Buys: How to Find the Perfect Used Car Just for You

Even a used car can be a major investment, and your next vehicle is sure to be a vital component of your daily life. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to end up with a lemon that requires new parts and expensive repairs. Here are a few steps you can take to find the perfect used vehicle at a great price.

Look Beyond the Initial Costs

One of the most common mistakes that buyers make is neglecting the maintenance costs. This is especially common among those who are buying slightly older vehicles that often have a lower sticker price. Before making an offer, you should take some time to research each model and consider how much you are willing to spend on oil changes, new parts, gas, and all other upcoming expenses.

Speak With an Experienced Mechanic

If you do not have a family member or close friend who knows quite a bit about cars, then you should consider speaking with a local mechanic. A friendly and reputable mechanic will be able to give you basic information on what you should look for and what to avoid. Once you have narrowed your choices, you can then ask them to look over the vehicle before you make an offer.

Consider Your Must-Have Features

When buying a used vehicle, there is a very good chance that you will have to make at least a few sacrifices. While it might be ideal to have every upgrade, you should take some time to consider what features you absolutely need. That might include options such as a Bluetooth connection, great gas mileage, GPS, seat warmers, or an extended warranty.

Research Recalls

Unfortunately, many car dealers and private sellers try to get rid of vehicles immediately following a major recall. No matter how good the deal might seem, you should never choose a model that might not be safe or mechanically sound. If there does happen to be a recall on a car you like, then you should make sure it is still under warranty and the part in question can be replaced.

Narrow Your Choices with a Listing Company

If you are still having a tough time finding the right car or truck, then you might want to consider using a vehicle listing website or service like Alaska Dispatch News. These listings generally allow you to narrow your search by year, make, model, and location before being presented with results. You can then bid on the car immediately or contact the seller to learn more about the vehicle.

Millions of used cars are on the market, and it can be very difficult for the average driver to wade through the money traps. Hopefully, these few tips will help you narrow your choices while avoiding unscrupulous dealers and sellers.

4 Tips For Finally Getting Your Dream Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/11/14 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on 4 Tips For Finally Getting Your Dream Car

Most people have a dream car. It’s that vehicle they think of for months or years and aren’t really sure how they’ll ever afford it. Many people wait and hope for some sort of financial windfall that will magically put them into their dream car with ease. Often, this is as much of a fantasy as it sounds. The good news is there is a better strategy. By putting in a little extra work and planning, you may be able to afford your dream car without any major financial changes.

Secure a Private Loan

While nearly all dealerships offer in-house financing, it is usually the worst financing deal you can make. In-house financing gives the dealer every opportunity to include other charges or mark up interest rates. Dealers tend to focus heavily on monthly payments as a way to steer customers’ attention away from the finer details of the loan. Don’t let this happen. Read the loan documents thoroughly and be sure you aren’t overpaying for the vehicle.

This can be avoided if you secure outside financing before ever approaching the dealer. A bank or credit union is likely to offer a better interest rate and loan free of extra charges. They will also help you better understand the terms of the loan and only provide what you can afford.

Use Money From Other Vehicles

Having a trade-in can be a valuable bargaining tool and help ease the burden of a down payment. You can bring your old car to the dealer as a real trade, or for a slightly better value, you sell the car yourself and use the money as your down payment.

If your car has been in an accident, there are few other things to keep in mind. First, it is important to recover financially from an accident before considering an expensive car purchase. Your interest rates are likely to be going up anyway, and a new car can push them further. If your car is totaled, however, this can be an opportunity for you. Work with your insurance company to settle an amount you can put toward your new car.

Make A Savings Plan

Many people shy away from a vehicle purchase they really want because they are sure they won’t be able to afford the monthly payment. It is actually common for customers to walk into a dealership with very little preparation or money to put down. This is one of the worst things you can do for your budget. Most car salesmen are happy to see customers with no down payment and limited research. They can manipulate those customers backwards and forwards, and they will. Often a dealer will negotiate an affordable monthly payment, but the costs in interest for a longer term loan can easy make a car many thousands of dollars more expensive than it should be. Pay attention in your negotiations, and make sure that you’re getting something you can afford.

A good rule is to walk into a dealership with no less than 20 percent of the vehicle price as a down payment. If you don’t need a new car immediately, then taking four to six months to save up this extra money can really pay off. Planning and budgeting is crucial, and the money should go into a savings account where you will be less likely to accidentally spend it.

Prepare For The Future

 It is also important that you prepare for after you obtain your dream car. Have a regular maintenance schedule with a trusted mechanic, and plan for the future. Hopefully crashes will be avoided, but you will want to have a pocket of money saved up in the case that it does happen. You will also want to have a mechanic you trust, like those found at Chehalis Collision Center, who can help you get your car back onto the road.

By having the right plan and financial preparation, you don’t have to wait until you win the lottery to buy your dream car. Even rather expensive cars can be affordable with the right planning, budgeting and shopping around for the right deal. Never go to a dealer unprepared. A real car buying plan can take months of research to prepare, but it is worth the time invested.

Dreams in Driveways: How to Find the Perfect Family Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/11/05 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Dreams in Driveways: How to Find the Perfect Family Car

One of the most important steps when having a family is choosing the right car to use to ensure that everyone fits comfortably while spending time on the road. From minivans to SUVs, there are several cars to consider to have a reliable form of transportation for several years to come. To make the process easier and more efficient, there are a few important tips to follow to find the perfect family car that suits everyone’s needs.

Bring the Family Along

Although it may be a challenge to go car shopping with your entire family, you can find the right vehicle to use by determining how much each person enjoys riding in the car. Test drive different vehicles and record how quickly everyone can get in and out of the car. You’ll get to ask the kids how comfortable the back seats are and if they have enough legroom. You will also want to consider today’s technology in the car as well. Will it be enough to keep the kids entertained on a long road trip? Will the car be comfortable enough for a long road trip, and will it be able to hold all of your luggage as well. You will never be able to answer some of the questions by yourself. So it is very important that you bring the family along to get their input to make sure you purchase the right vehicle for the whole family.

Shop Online

Look online at dealers like Rebel Ford to find used models that are reliable and are gently used. This will allow you to search through a larger inventory for more options that you can choose from. You’ll get the chance to shop for the perfect vehicle in the comfort of your home before test driving the car, making it easier to car shop.

Consider the Different Features

There are several features that you’ll need to have in your car to accommodate each member of the family, which may include plenty of cup holders or an automated door that slides open on vans. Discuss features that are musts with your new car, which can make it easier to travel together and move up from the current vehicle that you own.

Evaluate the Ratings

Read critics’ ratings on the different makes and models that you’re considering purchasing to weigh the pros and cons of each vehicle. You don’t want to invest your money in a car that where everyone is seemingly having problems with it. Your car is something you should be comfortable with. You also want to look at the safety features that are available to ensure that you can protect your family while spending time on the road. Getting a second opinion on the cars that you like will allow you to consider other factors that may not be on your radar.

When it’s time to purchase a new family car, there are several different factors to consider. By taking the time to car shop in person and online, you’ll increase your chances of finding the right fit and purchasing a model that you can enjoy long-term with your children.

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