All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Worn Out Car? 5 Ways to Dispose of a Clunker

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/01/18 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Worn Out Car? 5 Ways to Dispose of a Clunker

While it was once your dream car, now it’s a burden. If you’ve moved on to bigger and better cars, your old clunker has likely been sitting in your driveway for too long. Refresh your yard and avoid potential fines with these innovative solutions for hauling off your junky jalopy.

1. Contact Junkyards and Salvage Yards

First, get an idea of the fair value of your car; one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Use a site like Kelley Blue Book to determine the value of your car in good condition, then subtract the estimated cost of the repairs that need to be made. When you have a number in mind, call around to a few local junkyards and car salvage yards and ask for an offer on your car.

You should also find out their protocol for delivery of the car; if it’s drivable, you can likely get more money by bringing it to them. However, most salvage yards, such as U Pull & Pay, will also arrange to pick up a vehicle they want to purchase for parts.

2. Consider Online Services

Businesses will often do the work for you; simply upload a description of your car and other information to get instant offers and arrange for delivery or pickup. Also, there are numerous apps through which you can connect with others to sell used belongings, including automobiles. Social media sites like Facebook have features that facilitate this process, too.

3. Donate It to Charity

Many nonprofit organizations accept vehicles as donations, regardless of their condition. To find programs like this in your area, search for certified 501(c)(3) organizations in your town. Many of these businesses will pick your car up if you opt to donate it, and you’ll receive a receipt that can be used for a tax write-off.

4. Dismantle it for Parts

One of the best ways to get money for your old car is by taking it apart and selling the parts separately–especially if you have skill with working on cars or want to learn. Some of the parts that are sought-after by buyers include electronic components such as radios and window motors, engines, transmissions, metal body panels, tires, rims, windows, and windshields.

5. Head to the Dealership

Visit a reputable used car dealership in your area to get a price on your old car. Most will offer you at least a few hundred dollars. And if you’re looking to buy another car, you can offer it as a trade-in.

How to Get Behind the Wheel of Your Very First Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/21 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on How to Get Behind the Wheel of Your Very First Car

Buying a car is a major financial decision that could impact your credit for many years. That is why it is so important to do the proper research so that you can rest assured you have found the perfect car or truck. Here are some tips that will keep your monthly expenses to a minimum as you enjoy your first vehicle.

Start Saving Now

While many companies will offer you a car loan even if you have a relatively small down payment, that could cost you quite a bit of money in the long run. Most specialists suggest that drivers have a minimum down payment of at least 10 percent, but a down payment of 20 percent will drastically reduce the total amount you pay for your vehicle. Some lenders require a higher down payment if the vehicle is new or exotic.

Get Pre-Approved

Once you are getting close to having your down payment, you can then begin speaking with a loan officer. Many dealerships offer on-site lending, but they rarely look out for the drivers. Getting pre-approved through your bank or credit union will allow you to choose the terms and total amount. Once your loan has been approved, it will be much easier to bargain with the dealer to bring the final price down.

Contact Your Insurance Provider Early

Every single driver must have insurance before they get behind the wheel of their vehicle. The type of vehicle you decide to buy will have a major impact on your insurance premiums as well as your deductible, and that is why you must begin speaking with an insurance provider, such as Northeast Insurance Agency, early on. Those who try to drive off of the lot without insurance could have their license suspended or revoked if they are pulled over by a law enforcement officer or get into an accident.

Consider Your Other Expenses

After you have a rough estimate of your monthly payments and insurance premiums, you then need to begin looking at the other expenses of driving. Even if you can afford a car with a larger engine, paying for gas might be too costly. Some of the other expenses to consider include oil changes, new tires, and registering your vehicle.

Even after you have been approved and received your keys, it is important to remember that safety always comes first. A single accident or ticket could put points on your license and cause legal problems that will haunt you for many years.

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.

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