All posts in Auto Buying Tips

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.

Five Things to Ask a Private Seller When Buying a Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/13 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Five Things to Ask a Private Seller When Buying a Used Car

The purchase of a vehicle is one the the largest investments you will ever make on a single item, so it is crucial to have a good understanding of the car or truck you may have in mind. While there are advantages of buying from a private seller, there are no warranties, so it is important to ask five crucial questions when buying a used car from a private seller.

Reason for the Sale

Behind every car sale from a private owner, there is a logical reason why the transaction is taking place. The first question you should ask a private seller is what their motivation is for the sale. If they are selling because they purchased a new vehicle, this means they want to sell quickly, and this can be advantageous for you. Some owners will be completely honest and admit that the vehicle is not economical, reliable, or fuel-efficient, which is important to know.

Past Owners

Once you meet with the seller, it is time to inquire more about the car’s history. Make sure to ask them where they bought the car. If they are the original owner, this is a good sign. They should be able to provide all of the maintenance records. If they cannot provide an adequate record of the vehicle’s history, a specialist from a used car dealership in Utah recommends that you walk away. An incomplete car history could be hiding parts replacements, repairs, and illegal ownership—none of which any new owner would want to deal with.

Condition of the Vehicle

This is a question that can be asked over the phone prior to the first meeting. Ask the seller how they would describe their car’s condition. Terms such as "excellent", "good", and "fair" are all positive responses, and it could be worth the time to check out. At the same time, be wary of hesitation or unwillingness to provide pictures of any part of the vehicle.

Independent Inspection

After you have taken the vehicle on a test drive, ask the seller if they mind if you get an independent inspection done. If they are at all hesitant to agree, this should be a huge red flag that something is not right. An inspection performed by an unbiased third party is your best chance at receiving a complete and accurate evaluation of the vehicle’s condition and should be performed on any used car you consider purchasing, especially from a private seller.

Oil Type

A clever way, recommended by experts from used car dealerships in Utah, to discover how well maintained the vehicle has been is to ask what kind of oil it uses. A seller able to quickly answer this question likely did oil changes themselves and took care of the vehicle. If hesitant, it is a good idea to have a mechanic look over the vehicle.

Getting the Best for Your Money

Buying a used car from a private seller can be a bargain, but there are bad apples in every barrel. By asking these five questions, you can rest assured in your decision. A car is a major purchase, and a used car can be quite a gamble, but by standing your ground and employing the tips discussed above, you can ensure the vehicle you buy is in good shape and priced fairly.

Vehicle Price Haggling: What to Know before you step onto the Lot

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/12 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Vehicle Price Haggling: What to Know before you step onto the Lot

Buying a vehicle is not at all like buying a pair of shoes or a bunch of grapes. You are going to be paying for this object for the next several years and will need it to last for as long as possible. Therefore, it is critical that you do not pay more than your desired vehicle is worth. What are some ways that you can haggle effectively to get the right price on your next car?

1) Know What You Want Before Going to the Dealership

The easiest way to spend too much on a car is to have no idea what you want before you go to the dealership. The goal of the dealership is to maximize profits and get you to spend as much money as possible. By knowing what you want ahead of time, you can skip the sales pitch and go straight into negotiating the price. For example, if you know that you want a Hyundai Elantra, you won’t be duped into buying a Porsche for $20,000 more.

2) Negotiate Price, Trade In and Then Talk Payment

Whenever you negotiate a car deal, you want to negotiate the price of the car first. This is because a salesperson may try to get you to pay more by offering a lower monthly payment or by guaranteeing more for a trade in. However, your monthly payment and the value of your trade in mean nothing if you are still paying too much for the car. Remember, you want a 60 month loan if possible because you pay the least amount of interest without breaking the bank for the monthly payment.

3) Never Be Afraid to Walk Away

Whether you are dealing with a private seller or a dealership, you should never be afraid to walk away. When a customer walks away, it represents a lost sale and a potential commission out the window. Therefore, do not be afraid to exercise your power as a consumer to get the best possible deal.

4) Have Alternate Financing Available

When you start to negotiate a deal, make sure that you have financing lined up in case the dealer tries to play games with you when it comes to paying for the car. Some dealers may try to tell you that your credit score is lower than it is to hike up your interest rate or tell you that you can only qualify if you have a cosigner. This makes it necessary to only go to credible dealerships. Your local credit union may be able to get you a new car deal with an APR of 2 percent or less.

Know ahead of time what you want, check your credit and get financed before you start shopping if you want the best deal on your next car. When tens of thousands of dollars are at stake, you want to know that you have spent your money well.

Author Bio:
This Article is written by Erika Remmington in connection with a Lansing, Michigan Car Dealer. Erika is a recent graduate from the University of California, Berkeley in linguistics and a minor in business. Erika enjoys spending time with her family and rock climbing in her spare time.

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