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For Classic Car Collectors: What You Need to Know

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/03/09 in Auto Collection with Comments Off on For Classic Car Collectors: What You Need to Know

Classic cars have become a very hot item for people to collect. Of course, this is a hobby that takes a considerable amount of money to get into. There have been many classic cars that have sold for well over $1 million at an auction. Collecting classic cars has become a very big business. Many companies have been created to satisfy the needs of the people who collect these cars. Some of these companies specialize in searching the entire planet for their clients in an attempt to find specific cars that are very rare. Other companies focus on buying classic cars. What makes a classic car desirable? Here are a few of the top things that collectors look for.

1. How many were made

The production number is always a huge factor in the world of classic cars. Obviously, the value of a car will not be very high is they are easy to find. Therefore, the serious collectors tend to gravitate towards the cars that were produced in very limited quantities. Collectors may also be interested in cars that may have been produced in large numbers and are now hard to find simply because they are so old. It all comes down to a simple case of supply and demand.

2. Condition

Finding a rare car is a difficult enough task. However, finding it in excellent condition is often impossible. Collectors want a car to be in outstanding condition if they are going to be paying top dollar for it. As you might expect, it is very difficult to find certain cars in great condition when they are more than 50 years old. This drives up the prices of the cars that have been well taken care of to amounts that few can afford. Collectors will pay premium prices for European classic cars with no rust and most of their original parts.

3. Manufacturer

There are certain car companies that have developed a reputation for excellence over the years. Therefore, the collectors tend to seek out cars made by these companies more than the ordinary manufacturers. Ferrari and Mercedes are two brands that always see very high prices when some of their rare models go up for auction. However, the price that a collector pays for a car often comes down to personal preference. The person may be willing to pay more than a car is worth if he has been looking for it for a long time.

Car Shopping: Tips and Tricks to Get You on the Road Fast

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/27 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Car Shopping: Tips and Tricks to Get You on the Road Fast

Car buying isn’t always an enjoyable process. Some salespeople won’t even let you get out of your current car before they are trying to sell you another one you don’t want. Going to the dealership with a plan in place will smooth things out and allow you to find the car you can truly be excited about buying.  This is something that most people desire when they buy a new car.

Test Drive

After searching online for the type of car you want, you need to test drive it to make sure it is as good a car on the road as it is on paper. Narrow down the field to two or three prospective cars you’re really interested in so that you have an organized plan.  When buying a car, you need to be shrewd, as in, picky. Test drive all of the cars to see how they handle different road conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, braking quickly, and acceleration. You should also think about how expensive they are to maintain. You might get a good deal to start with, but if it needs uncommon parts and requires lots of repair, it might be more money than it’s worth.

Pre-Approval

Once you have determined your budget for the monthly payments, it is a good idea to get pre-approval from a few lenders. If you have a less than perfect credit history, try to find a bank that is more lenient on their criteria. There are lenders out there that are willing to work with people who need a second chance to get a new vehicle. Having the pre-approval before you go to the dealership will provide you with some negotiating power.  Credit reporting data is an aspect of business that is integral to auto dealers. For instance, NCC Direct, Inc. realizes that the more accurate the data, the more sales and higher profit margins will result.  This makes it easier for auto dealers to help their customers.

Time of Year

Towards the second half of the year, dealerships are looking to get rid of the older models to make room for the new ones. They are more amenable to working out a lower price when it is prudent for the car to get off the lot. You can also get a great deal if you go at the end of the month any time of the year when the salesperson is trying to meet their monthly quota.

When you decide it’s time to get a new car, it shouldn’t be met with a groan. Getting a new car should be a pleasant and happy experience. Doing your due diligence at home to get the best car loan for you, going to the dealership at the right time of month and year, and testing out your top picks will increase the odds that you leave in your fresh new car with a smile on your face.

The Best of Both Worlds: Why You Should Consider an SUV Crossover

by Anica Oaks on 2016/02/03 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on The Best of Both Worlds: Why You Should Consider an SUV Crossover

Otherwise known as a crossover utility vehicle or CUV, the crossover SUV is one class of automobile that’s exploded in popularity recently. Dozens of models from a slew of manufacturers have shattered sales records over the past few years. Here are some of the reasons why the crossover SUV is an appealing option for consumers.

Flexibility and Utility

A crossover is by its very nature a more versatile vehicle than a simple sedan. Many come will all-wheel drive, which enables access to places that vehicles with low clearances can’t go. Furthermore, a CUV like the Buick Encore at Quebedeaux Buick GMC boasts nearly 50 cubic feet of storage space while a Honda Accord has under 15 cubic feet.

Admirable Fuel Economy

Despite the fact that most CUVs come with a good 180 horsepower or more, many manage to deliver surprisingly solid fuel efficiency. Since so many crossovers have four-cylinder engines, they’re usually pretty good with gas when cruising for long distances. Some are capable of up to 35MPG if you drive conservatively.

Superior Safety Records

During the 1990s, the Ford Explorer gave SUVs a bad name due to its reputation for rollovers. CUVs are far more stable thanks to their low center of gravity and technologies like Electronic Stability Control. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, crossover SUVs are safer than sedans when it comes to crash fatalities.

Above-Average Longevity

If you’ve ever worked on a truck like an F-150 or a Silverado, you know how pristine their engine bays remain after years of abuse. Since they’re higher off the ground, rust and road salt don’t do as much damage in the long run. Modern CUVs have the same advantages and won’t deteriorate as quickly as sedans.

Reasonable Repair Costs

A crossover SUV is essentially a large sedan with a better frame and a tougher suspension system. Consequently, they’re not as expensive to fix as big trucks like the Dodge Durango or the Toyota Tacoma. Oftentimes, brake jobs and shock replacements for a crossover SUV cost little more than the same procedures performed on a mid-sized sedan.

Crossovers Are Here to Stay

At this point, it’s obvious that crossover SUVs are more than just a fad. They’re beyond popular with the general car-buying public for all of the reasons mentioned here and more. The only major downside to crossover SUVs is that there are so many quality models out there to choose from.

Urban Thinking: Best Compact Cars for Surviving City Life

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/22 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Urban Thinking: Best Compact Cars for Surviving City Life

A big, full-size SUV can be hard to maneuver in busy metropolitan areas, and urban dwellers need a small vehicle that does not burn a lot of fuel. Here are some of the best compact vehicles for surviving city life.

Fiat 500 Abarth

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The Fiat 500 Abarth for is for the commuters who desire an extra measure of performance. Featuring Fiat’s exclusive Multi-Air technology, the hatchback’s turbocharged engine produces a satisfying 160 horsepower. Meanwhile, a sports-tuned suspension enables the 500 Abarth to deliver sports car-like handling. The vehicle’s race-inspired styling makes it even more appealing. In terms of gas mileage, drivers can average up to 34 mpg.

Honda Fit

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The Fit is a fun-to-drive hatchback that offers a lot of versatility and tends to sell very fast. The car’s quick-revving engine makes it a joy to drive on an everyday basis, and although the Fit may look small, it actually offers a family-sized interior. If you need to transport extra cargo, the rear seats can be easily folded down.

Nissan LEAF

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With a maximum driving range of more than 100 miles, the Nissan LEAF is an ideal electric vehicle. Drivers can cruise around the city without spending any money on fuel. When attempting to park in a tight spot, the LEAF’s tiny size will certainly come in handy. The best part is that Nissan offers a convenient home-charging system. Up to five people will be able to tag along for the ride.

Toyota Prius C

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Over the past few years, the Toyota Prius C has become very popular. The urban vehicle’s combined gas mileage of 50 mpg will intrigue a lot of drivers, and an Entune audio system provides constant entertainment. Owners will definitely appreciate the Prius C’s low cost of maintenance.

Honda CR-Z

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This is one of the few hybrid vehicles that actually offer a manual gearbox. The sporty two-seater is perfect for the people who don’t need to haul around a family. Honda’s renowned Vtec technology helps the CR-Z’s hybrid engine to develop an exciting 130 horsepower. If you desire a quick burst of performance, you can press the nifty Sport Plus button. Exotic paint colors such as Milano Red and Aegean Blue make the CR-Z stand out from the crowd.

Every vehicle on this list is perfect for navigating the urban jungle. However, only you can decide which automobile best suits your particular lifestyle. For low cost or used options, don’t forget to check out the Autobank of Kansas City to see tons of different models.

Bought a Lemon? 4 Signs You Should Cut Your Losses and Sell

by Anica Oaks on 2016/01/13 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Bought a Lemon? 4 Signs You Should Cut Your Losses and Sell

In economics, there is a principle called sunk costs. It simply means that the money you spent on a product or service is gone. No matter how many times you throw good money after bad money, you cannot get your initial investment back.

When you purchase a car, it can be a gamble. You hope you are getting a good product, but you will not know for sure until you take it home and drive it around town for a while.

It can turn out to be the most reliable car on the lot, or a certified lemon.

If you purchased a car that turned out to be a lemon, one of the most intelligent things you can do is cut your losses. Here are four signs that indicate it is time to let your lemon go.

Your Car is a Money Pit

It is understandable for you to spend money on routine maintenance costs such as oil changes and tire rotations. However, if you frequently spend more money on repair costs than your monthly car payment, it is time to find a more reliable mode of transportation.

You Have to Frequently Tow Your Car

For most people, it is rare that they have to get their cars towed because of mechanical failure. If your car is a lemon, you may know tow truck drivers on a first name basis. According to the towing service experts at Sheffield towing, frequent automobile breakdowns are the primary reasons people have their cars towed. You are wasting countless hours and money by keeping a car that needs to be towed frequently.

Your Vehicle is Causing Stress

There is nothing more stressful than having to deplete your savings account in order to keep your car working properly. Financial stress can take a toll on your health. If you are constantly worried or losing sleep because of the money you are spending on your car, purchase a new car.

Your Car is Unreliable and Unpredictable

Your goal for purchasing a vehicle was to provide you with reliable transportation. When you put your key into the ignition, you want to be certain that it will start. You should not have to guess whether your car will operate from one day to the next.

At some point with your vehicle, you will have to face the fact that your car is more trouble than it is worth and move on.

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