All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Buying A Used Car? Six Tips To Get You The Best Deals

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/09/11 in Auto Buying Tips with 1 Comment

Finding a good deal on a used car can seem like a daunting task. These six tips can help you find a car that should stay problem free for as long as you need it.

1. Set Your Price And Expectations

Consider brands and models you might like, how much you’re willing to spend and what features you need a car to have. When you go to a dealership or car owner it’s easy to get talked into something that doesn’t truly fit your needs or budget if you aren’t prepared before you show up. Be sure you don’t go over your budget no matter the circumstances.

2. Research At Home

Most dealers list the cars they have on a website now. Search for cars you want in your area over the Internet before you go anywhere. When you go into the dealership to look at something in person, be prepared with how much that car is actually worth before negotiating.

3. Check Out The Car’s History

Check out a car’s vehicle history before you buy. With a car’s history you’ll be able to find out if it has been in any accidents or had any ongoing issues. You can get instant access to a car’s vehicle history by using a site like InstaVIN.

4. Be Prepared To Walk Away

If you want a specific car more than the dealer wants to make a sale, you will always walk out with a bad deal. Look at cars before you buy, and be prepared to go home empty handed. When you negotiate a car’s price you can stay in control by remembering that there are other cars you can choose.

5. Secure Financing Options

Getting financed in the dealership can be a great deal for new cars, but used cars aren’t often bundled with low interest financing options. Secure financing offers from banks, credit unions and Internet sources before you talk to the dealer. Having options available will help you avoid spending too much on interest.

6. Bring A Knowledgeable Friend

Some mechanical problems are easy to spot on a test drive if you bring a friend who knows cars. Pay attention to warning signs like rust, water damage and signs of a leak under the car. Make sure the tires don’t look damaged, and let your friend check under the hood.

With these simple tips, you can find a used car that will live up to your initial expectations. Simply shop with care and you’ll end up with a car you love.

The Six Most Common Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Current Vehicle

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/08/27 in Auto Buying Tips, Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on The Six Most Common Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Current Vehicle

When your car begins to age and deteriorate, it can be easy to hold onto the vehicle due to attachment or the savings that are involved. Although older cars can still be reliable and make for easy transportation, they can still be a headache to own with the maintenance and repairs that are needed. If you’re considering upgrading to a new car, there are a few signs that it’s time to make the change.

1. Frequent Repairs are Needed

When you’re investing more money into the vehicle than the car may be worth, then it may be time to upgrade to a new model. Older vehicles can easily become a money pit and make it difficult to have an affordable vehicle to drive. Once one thing is fixed, another part breaks, and it seems like a never-ending cycle. At this point, it’s much more expensive to keep fixing the vehicle.

2. It’s a Gas Guzzler

Older models of cars are known to have low fuel efficiency, making it expensive to travel in the car and possibly costing more than the expense of upgrading to a new vehicle. You may notice that your gas mileage has gotten a lot worse, even with higher quality gas. This could also be a sign that the car has other problems.

3. Your Safety is at Risk

If the car is damaged or the seat belts don’t work, then it’s time to sell the vehicle and find something that will offer protection in the event of a collision. It’s important that all seat belts, airbags, breaks, steering and more work properly to protect everyone in the car.

4. It was in a Flood

If your car was submerged in water during a flood, it goes without saying that it’s time to upgrade to a new vehicle. Although the car may run well after the water dries, the damage to the engine and upholstery won’t be worth the cost needed.

5. The Car Failed Emissions Tests

Vehicles that continuously fail emissions tests likely have underlying problems with the vehicle that will easily take most of your paycheck. Avoid using a car that has a negative impact on the environment and has frequent issues that you may not be aware of.

6. It’s Held Together with Duct Tape

If your car is in one piece simply because you’ve secured it with duct tape, then it’s time to move on to a new vehicle. With parts that are falling off or breaking on a consistent basis, it makes for a car that is no longer functional and not worth the energy to repair it.

By trading in an old vehicle and obtaining a new model that has good insurance, it means having peace of mind when on the road. You’ll know you’re safe in an upgraded vehicle and can enjoy the benefits of more luxury and convenience with a car that runs smoothly.

Informational credit to Steers Insurance Limited.

New Car Smell: Tips for Your First Time at the Dealership

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/09 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on New Car Smell: Tips for Your First Time at the Dealership

The scent of a new car is one that many list as their favorite. Not only does this smell remind them of their own first vehicle, but it also is a symbol of a brand new purchase. Buying a vehicle is expensive, but knowing how to negotiate can reduce some of the cost. Take a look at these tips to see how you can save money at the dealership next time.

Know The Average Selling Price

When you go to the dealership, you need to know what the average selling price of the car is in the condition that it is. Brand new cars are going to go for top dollar; while the older vehicles will decline in price based on exact age and condition. Researching online is the best way to see what the vehicle is selling for at other dealerships in the area. Once you see how the car is, you can also use your phone to quickly conduct research. 

Negotiate with Paper Copies

Even if you’re planning to check out prices on your phone while you are there, you should bring along paper copies of price quotations from other dealerships. These can be quotations you received when visiting the dealership, but you should also print out information from reputable websites that tell you the price of cars. When you are negotiating with the salesperson, ask if the dealership is willing to come down to match the cost the other entities are offering. While you should not be rude, you can say that you’re planning to buy from the dealership that gives you the best price.

Set Reasonable Price Goals

If you walk into the dealership and imagine you are going to chop thousands upon thousands of dollars off from the cost, then you are likely setting yourself up for failure. Once you see how much the car is selling for elsewhere, you should expect that your sale price is going to fall somewhere around that cost. The dealership needs to make a sale just as much as you want to save money. 

Call in Reinforcements

While you do not want to demand excessive reductions from the dealership, you do want to be sure that you are getting a fair deal. Not everyone is a master negotiator, and some people need to take time to hone their price-reducing skills. Ask someone who has purchased a car or two before to come along with you and to take a front seat when it comes time to discuss the price of the vehicle. 

Knowing what is reasonable and how to negotiate will help you to get a good deal on your new car. Take these tips with you on your next car hunt.

Foreign vs. American – Which Cars Are The Best For Your Money

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/24 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Foreign vs. American – Which Cars Are The Best For Your Money

If you are buying a new car, you may be stuck in wondering whether to purchase a foreign or American vehicle. You may be attracted to the design of Smartcars, but you may feel guilty for straying from the classic design of the American automobile. You may feel a sense of patriotic duty to support the auto industry in America. Whatever the case, your decision may come down to purchasing the vehicle that offers the most value and has the best quality. Here are some factors to consider in determining whether an American or foreign vehicle is best for you.

Quality of the Car

Foreign cars are known for their great quality. While American manufacturers have been racing to catch up to their competitors in other countries, the fact remains that American cars are still sub-par in quality to foreign cars. In the last couple years, however, American cars have made great improvements in their quality as compared to previous years.

Price of the Car

If you are looking for the cheapest car to purchase, you will want to consider an American vehicle. American cars tend to be less expensive than foreign cars. It can also be expensive to have a vehicle shipped from another country.

Style and Fuel Efficiency

Foreign cars are known for their modern and sleek designs. They also have technological features that cannot be found in American cars. Foreign cars are also known for achieving better fuel efficiency than American cars. The Smartcar is one example of a foreign vehicle that has great fuel efficiency. On the other hand, a Mercedes look great while not being so fuel efficient.

Size

American cars tend to offer more room than foreign cars. The Smartcar can only fit up to two people inside of the vehicle. If you prefer to have a small car, then you may be attracted to foreign vehicles. If you require a car with space for your family members, then you will likely want to choose an American car.

Reliability

The Smartcar and other modern foreign cars have yet to prove how reliable they are. Only time will tell whether these vehicles can last for the number of years that a Honda Accord or other American classic cars can last. American cars are known for their reliability and ability to provide a driver with many years of use.

These are the top factors that a person should consider in comparing foreign and American cars. The car that is better will depend on the facts of one’s particular case. Both American and foreign cars have great benefits to offer drivers on the road. Doing your research and knowing what you want ahead of time can save you money and time when buying your next car.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about home, auto, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys spending time with her family when she isn’t writing. Informational credit to G & G Autohaus.

Factors Which You Need To Take Into Consideration When Buying A Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/20 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Factors Which You Need To Take Into Consideration When Buying A Used Car

Buying a car is a daunting task. A used car is comparatively cheaper than a new car. You can save a great deal of money if you opt for a used car. An HPI report will inform you about the car’s history and the repairs which have been done on the vehicle. At a lower price you will be able to buy a nicer model. Registration fee for a used car is lower than that of a new car. Insurance for a used car is cheaper than insuring anew and expensive vehicle.

In this primer some vital tips are shared which will help you to buy a used car.

  • If the car which you intend to buy has run for 15,000kilometerrs to 50,000 kilometers it is a good buy. Check the car for signs of accident. A reliable dealer will conduct tests which will help you to ascertain the history of the car. Door panels can show signs of accident.
  • It is important that you check the engine. Check the petrol consumption and air conditioning of the car. Check the exterior of the car for scratches and damage. Make sure that the model year mention in the registration papers matches the year of manufacturing. You can use a second hand car for at least 3 to 4 years.
  • When you buy a used car you can maximize your savings. If you have set your mind on buying a used car make sure that you opt for a popular model which is in presently in production. A popular model will be easy to sell and depreciate much lesser over the years. Buy a used car from a large manufacturer who provides strong back-end service.
  • Do your homework well before buying a used car. Before you make the purchase read on the recent trends in the auto industry. Plan a budget and figure out how much you want to spend on the car. It is a wise idea to survey the market before buying a used car. This will give you an idea of which vehicle you will be able to afford within your budget.
  • It is essential to check the history report of the car. Conducting an HPI check is very important. It will provide you information on the correct mileage and background of the car. Make sure that the paperwork of the car is up-to-date and complete. This will be of great help when the car is transferred to your name.
  • Conduct a test drive is very important. You can learn about the used car by carrying out a test drive. Check out for unusual vibrations in the car. Ensure that the brakes are smooth. Go for a drive on a bumpy road to make sure that there are no unusual vibrations and noise in the car. Take the car to a mechanics and inspect the underbody of the car.
  • Check all pros and cons before finalizing the deal. If you are not happy with the price you can walk out. Do not fall into traps of a Teflon coating or purchase accessories which the dealer may try to sell to you. After the deal is closed drive away with a car which is insured. All repair work must be carried out before the car is delivered to you.

When buying a used car your goal should be to find a well-maintained car which is in good condition. Value of a used car will depend on its condition and certain other factors. A car with strong reputation and reliability will not lose its value quickly. You must check the mileage and safety ratings before purchase.

Author Bio: Camille Gomez works in a private bank and wants to buy a used car. She has contacted a dealer who is offering an HPI check free. Before buying a used car she has decided to survey the market and check the trends.

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →