All posts in Auto Buying Tips

The Most Common Costly Mistakes People Make When Buying A Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/23 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on The Most Common Costly Mistakes People Make When Buying A Car

Shopping for a car can be both a stressful and exciting experience. A smart purchase involves the right preparation. Here are blunders people make that can dent a buyer’s wallet.

They don’t consider a used car

A new car will lose much of its value in the first year of ownership. A vehicle goes through a meticulous inspection to qualify for certification. Manufacturers evaluate physical condition, mechanical quality, and mileage. Cars chosen are less likely to need repairs down the road. A new car warranty ends at a certain age or mileage. Conversely, a certified warranty extends coverage beyond an original warranty’s expiration. If you buy a used car, consider the fuel economy, extra safety features, and look for cars with less mileage.

They forget to factor insurance costs

People often lose sight of this necessity in the car-buying process. However, insurance will add to your total cost. Call your insurance agent once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few different makes and models. You may be able to save money with a particular trim level or engine size. The car size, make, and model can dramatically impact insurance premiums. A more expensive car is likely to render a higher premium. It also pays to comparison-shop auto insurers.

They don’t conduct a thorough test drive

DME Automotive reports that one in six buyers doesn’t perform a test drive. Roughly 30 percent take only a 10-minute stint around the block. However, this doesn’t provide a complete demonstration of the car’s overall behavior. Consider how you intend to use a car and whether a particular vehicle will meet your needs. Make a checklist of "must-have" features, and run through it during the test drive.

They omit doing vehicle research

Many people approach car shopping with vague ideas of what they want and how much they can afford. Using the internet to glean information equips you with bargaining power. You’ll have the buyer’s advantage with an online comparison of makes, models, reviews, road tests, and pricing. If you’re aiming to buy a used car, doing a VIN search is vital. A Vehicle Identification Number is your ticket to obtaining histories regarding title, accidents, leasing, mileage, and maintenance. You can quickly get a car history report on Instavin.

They succumb to sales pressure

It’s common for a salesperson to leave the negotiating table and speak to a manager, supposedly to get you a better deal. Upon returning, you may be told that a price reduction is only possible with an on-the-spot commitment. If you’re subject to this tactic, consider it a warning sign. If you’re confronted with mounting pressure to buy, tell the salesperson you’re uncomfortable and get up to leave. This will save you from being intimated into making a deal that you need to sleep on.

Save money, time, effort and stress by avoiding these car-buying blunders. It’s important to do your own research and know your budget before making a decision on car.

Five Of The Best Cars You Can Buy Used

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/11 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Five Of The Best Cars You Can Buy Used

Although new cars can be very tempting, pre-owned vehicles are a lot more affordable. Most of today’s consumers understand the importance of saving their hard-earned money. Here are five of the best cars that you can buy used.

2009-2014 Honda Accord

For more than three decades, the Honda Accord has remained one of the most dependable family sedans. Due to its low-maintenance design, the Accord is perfect for the drivers who are on a budget. Models equipped with a four-cylinder engine are especially fuel efficient. If you want a sportier look, the Accord is also available as a two-door coupe.

2004-2011 Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 is a versatile ride that offers an abundance of cargo space. While the regular version will save fuel, the high-performance MazdaSpeed edition delivers a thrilling performance on the road. The hatchback’s refined styling helps it to age like fine wine. In terms of reliability, the Mazda 3 is a well-built car that requires very few repairs.

2012-2014 Buick Verano

If you are looking for a compact luxury sedan, the Buick Verano is a solid choice. Its four-cylinder engine is responsive and efficient. When traveling on the highway, the car’s well-insulated cabin keeps road noise to a minimum. Meanwhile, the Verano’s athletic handling makes a joy to drive on a daily basis. Some of the available features include a touch-screen display, a USB port, and Bluetooth technology.

2004-2008 Nissan 350Z

If you have a need for speed, the Nissan 350Z is an excellent option. The Japanese sports car is fun and reliable. With a total output of nearly 300 horsepower, the award-winning V-6 delivers a great deal of excitement. The 350Z is especially fun to drive on the open road. Due to its limited production, the track-tuned Nismo model could be a future collectible.

2005-2011 Toyota Corolla

It is not uncommon for a Toyota Corolla to rack up more than 350,000 miles. The compact car’s legendary reliability makes it a top pick. It is definitely a good option for the drivers who need to commute to work or school. Equipped with a high-revving engine, the sporty XRS model is truly exciting. The Corolla’s gas mileage is also very good.

All five of these used cars are great alternatives to a brand new ride. Drivers can ride in style without getting into financial bind. With the proper maintenance, you will have a dependable ride that will last for many years. To find the best deals on used vehicles, check out Quebedeaux Buick GMC.

Five of the Best Cars for a Frugal Family

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/09 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Five of the Best Cars for a Frugal Family

Due to today’s economy, most families understand the value of sticking to a budget and cutting back. When shopping for a new ride, it is especially important to spend your money wisely. Here are five of the best cars for a frugal family that will keep you on the road and your maintenance expenses down.

Honda Civic

Based on its superb reliability ratings, the Honda Civic remains one of the most dependable sedans on the market. A well-maintained Civic can easily last for more than 300,000 miles. Not only does the Civic offer adequate room, but it is also quite fun to drive. The standard four-cylinder engine produces just the right amount of power. In terms of fuel efficiency, some models can deliver nearly 40 mpg.

KIA Soul

For good reason, the KIA Soul has become a very popular crossover SUV. It is a practical family hauler that won’t break the bank. Due to the KIA Soul’s boxy design, it offers far more room than the average compact vehicle, and families will definitely appreciate its five-star safety rating. Some of the available features include satellite radio, heated seats, and Bluetooth technology.

Volkswagen Golf

For years, the Volkswagen Golf has been praised for its practical design. The Golf is certainly one of the best handling cars in its class. Despite the hatchback’s small appearance, it actually provides enough room for a family of five. Some of the newest models come loaded with a touch-screen sound system and a rear-view camera.

Honda Fit

When compared to its competition, the Honda Fit proves to be a true value. Auto banks sell the Honda Fit at incredibly affordable prices and the small hatchback’s bulletproof reliability and efficiency make it an outstanding choice. When behind the wheel of the Fit, drivers will be pleasantly surprised. Despite the engine’s small size, Honda’s VTEC technology helps it to deliver a strong performance.

Nissan Sentra

If you are looking for an inexpensive family vehicle, the Nissan Sentra could be the perfect option. The small sedan’s low-maintenance design will allow you to save a lot of money. Whether you are picking the kids up from school or commuting to work, the Sentra will keep fuel consumption to a minimum.

No longer do families have to spend a fortune in order to purchase a high-quality ride. All five of these cars are extremely inexpensive and reliable.

Check out new and used options at an Autobank of Kansas City or your local area to save even more. Most families can surely stand to save some extra cash and any of these options can help save you a bundle.

5 Important Tips to Follow When Buying Your Next Vehicle

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/11/18 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on 5 Important Tips to Follow When Buying Your Next Vehicle

Buying a car involves a major investment. By educating yourself on the buying process and its risks, you can avoid making serious mistakes. Here are five tips to help you buy your next vehicle.

Figure Out What You Need

What kind of car is right for you? You will have to look at your driving habits and at your budget. Consider factors like the number of passengers that you have on a regular basis as well as at the amount of cargo that you typically carry. If you carry lots of people and cargo, you may want to focus your search on SUVs and minivans. If the cargo that you carry is often too big to fit inside a standard vehicle, consider a pickup truck.

Keep your preferred driving experience in mind as well. Consider whether you want a car that is sporty and fun to drive like a coupe or one that offers practical benefits such as a sedan. You may be able to find a compromise between those two options. In order to simplify the decision-making process, browse the inventories of auto dealers like Chuck Colvin Ford Nissan.

Plan Your Dealership Visit

Your first visit to the dealership should be done with the intent to look, not to buy. Make it clear to salespeople that you have no intention of buying and resist any attempts to talk you into a deal. Spend some time inspecting vehicles, both inside and out. Look at the color and for signs that vehicle has more miles on it than has been stated. On the inside, consider the quietness of the cabin and the ease with which the controls are operated.

Look into the Costs of Ownership

Once you have decided on a particular vehicle, look into how much it costs to own it. The fact is that there is more to a car’s cost than the car payment.

Test Drive the Car

It is essential to get a feel for the car while it is moving. Remember that the car should be considered alongside other new vehicles and not the car that you presently own. This is because a new car is likely to be better than your present car and may cause you to be overly impressed. Consider factors like ride comfort and how the vehicle accelerates.

Get Ready to Negotiate

Before you visit your dealer with the intention of buying, you should research both the dealer and the car that you want. More information equals more bargaining power.

Given the size of a car purchase, it is important that you enter the transaction as a knowledgeable consumer. Research and planning are essential. Follow the above tips and take your time when going through the buying process.

Things You Should Know When Auctioning for a Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/11/16 in Auto Trades with Comments Off on Things You Should Know When Auctioning for a Car

The ongoing economic crisis, among other things, resulted in tightening of credit rules and eligibility. This naturally caused a decrease in number of people who are able to buy cars on credit and in return increased interest in buying cars at auctions. A cash payment usually means getting a better price, but increased interest means more competition, and in order to get the best price and be pleased with the purchase different pitfalls need to be avoided. Therefore, here are things you should know when auctioning for a car.

Types of auctions

There are two types of car auctions, a government one and a public one. What they have in common is that you cannot test a car before you bid on it, which means you have to be careful and make sure that is the car that fits your criteria and the bidding competition grows bigger every day. In case of government auctions, cars usually have a known background with honest data presented, while at public auctions it is often not the case. Miles Exempt, with shiny appearance and rotten inside are unfortunately not isolated cases anymore.  

Do not pretend to be someone you are not

If it seems that a car needs only a little repair, but you do not have either knowledge or means to do it yourself, do not lie to yourself that you will learn and be able to do it in no time. What looks simple and cheap often turns out in a lot of work and a lot of investment, making the purchase a bad one meaning loss of money, or even worse loss money and vehicle if it turns out unrepairable.

Observe everything carefully

Since test drives are not an option on either of car auction types, your eyes are what you have to rely on.  Make sure you check both exterior and interior in detail. Repaint spots, rusty corners, scored brake disks, not completely smooth sheet metal surfaces, missing parts and wet floors are just some of the common issues that need to be paid attention to in order to score good deals at car auctions.

There is much more than meets the eye

Paint covers are sometimes there to cover some minor scratches, while the mechanical part of the car is in perfect shape.  On the other hand, they sometimes cover some serious damages, especially when public auctions are in question. More than two paint layers usually mean stay away, just as any strange smell coming either from the outside or inside of a car does.

VIN

Check VIN in several locations, dashboard, driver side doorpost and front of the engine block, for example. All of them need to match. In case they do not, some serious repairs had been done to the car, usually due to crashes. You can use VIN to check the entire history of a car, from its origin, true age to all service repairs it has undergone and the number of previous owners it had. A price to pay for this service is well worth considering the amount of crucial information on a car that you will receive.

Once again, being careful and taking your time at the car auction is required in order to get a good deal. If you are uncertain about some things, make sure you take someone more experienced to help you, especially when mechanics are concerned. Happy bidding.

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