All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Bucking the “Scam” Trend: 5 Reasons to Buy Used Cars from Dealers

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/09/23 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Purchasing a used vehicle is quite a different process than purchasing a new vehicle with variables such as the current status of the title, miles on the drivetrain, unseen mechanical issues, and cosmetic problems. While it may seem appealing to haggle down prices with a private seller, there are some compelling reasons that car dealerships are selling more new and used vehicles per year than ever before.

Rigorous Inspections

Finding a vehicle that is safe and mechanically sound should be a buyer’s priority. Unlike purchasing a vehicle from a private party, used car dealerships must adhere to strict laws when it comes to inspecting a vehicle and notifying the buyer of any mechanical issues. This means that you will have a much smaller chance of being cheated or sold a lemon.

More Options

Contacting and meeting with dozens of private sellers can turn into an expensive and time-consuming affair. Instead of only looking at one car at a time, dealerships give buyers the opportunity to look through a wide variety of cars within their price range before making a final decision.

On-Site Financing

Heading into a local bank or credit union to get pre-approved for a loan or financing plan is just one more unnecessary step in this process. Instead, buyers can browse through the cars at the dealership, like Autobank of Kansas City, and be approved for a loan or financing on the spot. Many dealerships offer loans no matter one’s credit score.

Instantly File Paperwork

Figuring out the paperwork when buying or selling a used vehicle is not always an easy task. Many private sellers will simply sign the pink slip and then assume that the buyer will take care of everything else. It is in a dealership’s best interest to make sure that all paperwork is completed before the buyer drivers off the lot.

Warranties

Once the pink slip has been signed over, private sellers have almost no obligation to ensure that the vehicle continues to work properly. Dealerships, on the other hand, typically provide at least some type of warranty on new and used vehicles so that buyers can be confident in their purchase.

Finding the perfect used car will generally be much easier when going through a dealership. Those that want to get the most out of every dollar they invest in their next vehicle must ensure that it is carefully inspected, backed by a warranty, and from a reputable dealer.

Six Things To Look For In Car Dealerships Before Buying

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/08/24 in Auto Buying Tips with 1 Comment

Many people go to car dealerships to buy a car without looking for anything specific in terms of what the dealership has to offer. This is a common mistake that many make. Here are six things to look for when going to car dealerships before buying.

A Negotiable Salesman or Dealership

Regardless of whether you are buying a new or used car, you want to get the best deal possible. The only way you will get a good deal is by being able to negotiate with either the dealer or car salesman present. Usually, car dealerships are mostly focused on turning over inventory. Meanwhile, salesmen are interested in hitting their quotas, which will bring them more money. Some more expensive cars and junk cars may not have much wiggle room in terms of price, but in many cases, one can lower the price simply by negotiating. If the dealership you are at doesn’t allow you to negotiate, you can almost certainly be assured that another will.

Reviews

Do your research before purchasing from any given dealership. Many dealerships have Yelp or Google pages that can help you in seeing if the dealership is good. Talk to others in the area who have worked with them and read online reviews.

Being Able to Get an Appointment with the Sales Manager

Meeting with the dealership’s sales manager shows to them that you are serious about purchasing the vehicle in question, and you know what you’re doing. Ultimately, it will also help you with getting a better deal on your next vehicle.

They Do Credit Checks

Serious car dealerships will do a thorough and reputable credit check through a company like NCC Direct, Inc. You will want to know your own credit history, as a less reputable dealership may try to rip you off by saying your credit is not worthy of a better interest rate.

Coupons

Many dealerships will accept coupons, most likely obtained online or in a circular. Even if a specific dealership doesn’t accept coupons, it doesn’t hurt trying.

Competitive Prices

Although this ties into coupons, it deserves its own category because you absolutely do not want to overpay. A good dealership will have competitive prices, whether that is reflected in the sticker price, or a policy such as price matching.

These are six effective ways to evaluate whether one should visit a specific car dealership. While thorough, this list is by no means exhaustive, and you should do all your research before buying a car.

What to Look For When Buying a Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/05/13 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Used cars are a great option for the drivers who love saving money. However, you must take extra caution when purchasing a previously-owned vehicle. Here are five tips to keep in mind when shopping for a used ride.

Do the Proper Research

Although a particular vehicle may initially capture your heart, you still need to do the proper research. After reading through the various online reviews, you may find out that the car has a common flaw. For example, some vehicles are prone to experiencing premature paint fading. Remember, the cost of a new paint job can exceed $1,000. Not only do you need to research the vehicle’s projected reliability, but you also need to find out the car’s current market value.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

When shopping for a used vehicle, do not be fooled by its beautiful appearance. There could be plenty of problems going on beneath the surface. After starting the engine, keep an eye out for the presence of exhaust smoke. Unsurprisingly, a smoky engine is never a good sign. If you need help, do not hesitate to ask an experienced car person to tag along. Before finalizing any paperwork, be sure to obtain a vehicle history report.

Check the Mileage

Ideally, you should try to select a ride that has less than 100,000 miles on the odometer. However, some high-mileage vehicles can still last for many years to come. Make sure to take the car to a mechanic like Tischer Auto before making any final decisions as they can tell you what condition the car is in better than anyone else. The key is to choose a vehicle that has been well-maintained and will last you a substantial amount of time. If you are purchasing the vehicle from a private seller, ask to see their maintenance records and see if it has ever been in an accident before. Accidents can seriously inhibit the integrity and safety of the car if done incorrectly.

Consider Purchasing a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle

Unlike the average used car, certified pre-owned vehicles usually come with a lengthy warranty. Before being showcased on the dealership’s lot, a certified pre-owned vehicle must be thoroughly inspected for quality. If a vehicle fails to meet the strict standards of the certified program, it will not make the cut. Although certified pre-owned vehicles are just a tad bit more expensive, the prospective buyers will not have to worry about purchasing a lemon.

Know Your Needs

Do not make the mistake of buying a car that does not match your lifestyle. While a sports car can be fun to drive, it is not the best choice for a person who needs to haul around their children.

There is no overlooking the fact that used cars are far less expensive. However, be sure to take the necessary precautions.

Image credit: by cool3c, on Flickr

Work Hard, Play Hard: Top Vehicles for Maximizing Your Fun

by Anica Oaks on 2015/04/27 in Auto Collection with Comments Off

Although an old clunker will get you from point A to point B, the fun factor is virtually non-existent. Some drivers desire a tad bit more excitement on their daily commute. Here are some of the top vehicles for maximizing your fun.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat

If you are a true thrill seeker, the 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. With the use of a supercharger, the Challenger Hellcat’s ultra-potent Hemi engine is able to pump out a monstrous 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. During performance testing, this exhilarating muscle car was clocked at a top speed of nearly 200 mph. In an effort to make the Challenger Hellcat handle like a true sports car, it also comes standard with adaptive suspension dampers. A computerized gauge cluster enables the driver to easily view the car’s performance data.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

For years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been known for its amazing off-road capabilities, rather than highway performance. However, the new SRT model delivers the best of both worlds. Not only can the Grand Cherokee SRT tow up to 7,200 pounds, but it is also one of the fastest SUVs on the planet. In terms of power, a 475-horsepower Hemi engine enables the Cherokee to accelerate like a race horse. A specially-tuned AWD system enables this sporty Jeep to obtain excellent traction on the road.

Ram 1500 Black Express

Trimmed in black, the Black Express is a special edition of the 2015 Ram 1500 pickup truck. With a total of 395 horsepower on hand, the muscular V-8 engine emits a thunderous rumble. Some of the styling enhancements include 20-inch black wheels, projector headlights, and LED turn signals. This exclusive pickup truck can be seen at dealerships such as Expressway Dodge.

Chrysler 200S

First introduced to the automotive world in 2014, the new Chrysler 200 is one of the most fun-to-drive sedans on the market. In fact, the 2015 Chrysler 200 was recently named the Rocky Mountain Car of the Year. While all versions of the 200 are designed to deliver a pleasurable driving experience, the S model is especially exciting. Equipped with a sports-tuned suspension system, the 200S carves the road with precision. A variable valve timing system enables its Pentastar V-6 engine to pump out an impressive 295 ponies.

All four of these automobiles will deliver constant excitement. No one deserves to drive a boring vehicle.

Car Smarts: How to Protect A Vintage Collection

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/03/23 in Auto Collection with Comments Off

Vintage cars have a fan base all their own, and anyone who owns one or more of these collectible vehicles knows all about the passion they inspire. It’s also no surprise that protecting vintage cars and keeping them in the best condition possible is a big deal. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep your cars protected and in prime condition.

Store Them Properly

Oftentimes you can tell a serious car collector from a hobbyist just by looking at how they store their cars. Keeping vintage cars inside is crucial, so make sure you have space in the garage, or build a shop to house them. Just putting a cover over them in the driveway is not sufficient to protect them against the elements.

Use the Right Supplies

When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your classic cars, you need to make sure you are using the right supplies. This is everything from what you clean the interior with, what you use to wash the exterior, and what you put into the car such as oils and other fluids.

There are a lot of options available to choose from, so picking the right supplies can seem overwhelming. Take your time and do research on what professional car restorers use, as well as what other vintage car enthusiasts recommend.

By taking time up-front to make sure you’re using the right supplies, you’ll save yourself a lot of headache and frustration later. The wrong supplies can damage your car, and nobody wants that!

Get Professional Assistance

One of the biggest mistakes vintage car owners make is trying to do everything themselves. If you are a mechanic by trade, then you can probably do the maintenance on your own vehicles. But if you don’t know how to properly maintain your cars, hire a professional.

The same goes for things like needing a tow, or getting locked out of your car. Calling a professional locksmith service in Toronto or a tow company is a much better idea than trying to unlock the vehicle or move it yourself, especially if the company you call specializes in collectible cars. As Davies Lock & Door Services Ltd says, your car is less likely to be damaged if you get professional assistance when you encounter problems.

These are just a few of the things you can do to make sure your vintage cars are well taken care of and protected. By investing a little time up front, you can ensure your vehicles are in great shape for decades to come.