All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Time For A New Car? How To Get The Best Deal For What You Need

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/09 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

When looking to get a new car, most people are overwhelmed by the process and have a hard time choosing. While this is often the case, you can still find a great price and get the vehicle you need. With this in mind, here is a short guide on how to get the best deal for what you need.

Choose a car

Above all else, when you want to buy a vehicle, you should know what you want before coming into the dealership. A smart buyer should head online and research his or her favorite vehicle options. Not only that, when coming up with a car to buy, you should make sure to choose two or three ones. With this, you will not fixate on one car and overspend. Remember, with this, you can choose the car ahead of time and make the decision once you talk to the dealer.

Go at the end of the month

Next, you should try to head to the dealership at the end of the month. Ideally, you should wait until the end of a quarter. Either way, when walking into the situation at the end of a month, you can talk the company down one even more as salespeople want to close sales and get the biggest bonuses. Not only that, if the end of the month happens to be a bad weather day, you certainly should head out the dealership immediately.

Prepare to walk

Now, when you work with a car dealership, you should never all in love with the car or deal you get. No, instead, you should, at any time, never fear walking away from the transaction. By the time the seller is filling out paperwork, he or she is salivating at the fat commission check. To take advantage of this, a buyer should ask for a little more and look for freebies such as mats or free oil-changes. Remember, towards the end, the salesperson will want to complete the sale quickly, and you must exploit this by asking for free stuff.

Get multiple quotes

Finally, if you have the patience, you should obtain multiple quotes form a few sellers. With this, you can find the best deal on a new car. To take this further, a buyer should get them to compete with each other. Either way, with multiple quotes, you can land a bargain. Dealerships like the Findlay Auto Kia dealership in St. George are great places to start for getting quotes.

With this short guide, you can find the best deal on a new vehicle.

Performance Vs. Style: Five Cars That Give You The Best Of Both Worlds

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/04/30 in Auto Buying Tips, Auto Design with Comments Off

When selecting a new car, drivers don’t have to compromise on style and performance. Getting the car you want doesn’t have to cost a fortune or require you to sacrifice something else you love about the vehicle. The following five cars offer the best of both worlds so you can have the vehicle you’ve always wanted:

Nissan Juke

With a distinct sporty design, the Nissan Juke has one of the sleekest exterior profiles in the crossover SUV class. The aerodynamic profile of this model is inspired by a compact hatchback. The Nissan Juke is loaded with a turbocharged 1.6 Liter engine that delivers up to 188 horsepower.

Dodge Challenger

A true All-American muscle car, the Dodge Challenger has a design inspired by this model’s early years. The iconic exterior includes traditional style double round headlights and striped decals. The side mirrors are inspired by a classic bullet shape design of the 1960s. The tremendous capabilities in the Dodge Challenger are possible thanks to a 5.7 Liter 8 cylinder engine that yields 375 horsepower. A six speed TRAMAC manual transmission offers smooth handling of this classic Dodge sports car.

Cadillac CTS-V

Inspired by stock car racing, the Cadillac CTS-V combines sporty styling with luxury. A center mounted exhaust, red Brembo brake calipers and fender mounted air extractors are some unique exterior features of this Cadillac coupe. The double honeycomb front grille cannot be mistaken for anything but the work of Cadillac. The CTS-V coupe is capable of running at a whopping 556 horsepower thanks to the supercharged 6.2 Liter V8 engine. In exactly four seconds, the awesome engine block can accelerate this Cadillac from zero to 60 mph.

Mazda3

The 2014 Mazda3 is introduced as an affordable four door sedan that’s loaded with premium exterior and interior features. The aggressive sporty stance in the Mazda3 results from the extra long hood that creates a dramatic visual contrast with the short trunk. A signature 2.0 Liter SKYACTIV engine block generates 155 horsepower and an impressive fuel economy of 41 mpg on the highway.

Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy has a contemporary four door sedan design that’s appealing as a family car. This affordable Subaru can be customized with premium leather upholstery and power moon roof. Standard symmetrical All Wheel Drive in the Subaru Legacy is combined with a signature 2.5 L or 3.6 Liter Boxer Engine. The Subaru Legacy offers a fuel economy of up to 32 mpg on the highway.

Modern cars are all about attractive styling and mechanical capabilities. Sleek exterior profiles contribute to aerodynamic designs in vehicles. Innovative engine blocks deliver efficient performance in contemporary cars. With these ideas and a little research, you can find a car that first your needs.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver and often writes about home, auto, family and business. She enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing. Informational credit to Overland Park Mazda.

Image source: http://www.saidaonline.com/en/newsgfx/man-driving-saidaonline.jpg

5 Cars That Give You The Feel of A Sports Car Without Breaking The Bank

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/29 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Everyone wants to own a sports car. It doesn’t matter if you’re 15 or 50 because sports cars appeal to people of all ages. They’re fast, fun, and generally quite eye-catching, so what’s not to like about them? The price tag. Most sports cars make buyers consider taking out a second mortgage, but there are some gems out there that can be had without making you blue in the face for depleting all of your green.

1. 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

When it comes to performance vehicles, German engineering reigns supreme. The 2014 Jetta GLI is the perfect example of a modest-looking car that packs a surprising punch underneath the hood. The GLI’s got a 2.0-liter turbocharged V4 that produces 210 horsepower. The car just about lifts off when the accelerator is pushed, but most people would never suspect that just by looking at it. For a little more than $24,000, you can have a Jetta of your own.

2. 2014 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a sporty little devil that usually slips under the radars of most sports cars enthusiasts because it technically isn’t one. However, the compact sedan has many features that they look for including aggressive exterior and interior styling, excellent handling, and quick acceleration. The 2014 model is equipped with a 2.0-liter V4 that puts out 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. With front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the agile and fuel-efficient Mazda 3 can be had for a base price of under $18,000. The hatchback version will probably be more appealing to fans of sports cars.

3. 2014 Mazda 6

The big brother of the Mazda 3 doesn’t sacrifice performance for an increase in size. The 2014 Mazda 6 drives smoothly, accelerates with authority, and feels very athletic overall. This spacious sports sedan was also redesigned for 2014 like the more compact 3, and both models look similar in a great way. A sleek and seductive body with curves in all the right places describes the Mazda 6 perfectly. Under the hood, the car sports a 2.5-liter V4 capable of 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm. Cabin design and materials are both top notch for a car of this price. Expect to pay a very reasonable $22,000 to $29,000 for this excellent vehicle.

4. 2014 Ford Focus ST

The hatchback style is synonymous with sportiness, and the Ford Focus ST is just that. Small, extremely maneuverable, and very satisfying to drive, the ST is everything a sports car lover would want in something that isn’t. A 2.0-liter V4 is standard for the ST, and this 252 horsepower engine can get you and this little hatchback around town with very little effort. It’s hard to spend $24,000 in a better way when you’re shopping for a sporty ride.

5. 2014 Hyundai Veloster

Many sports cars look like they came from the future. The Hyundai Veloster definitely fits that description. Aside from killer looks, inside and out, the Veloster drives like a much more expensive car. With impeccable handling and more than adequate speed, the Veloster and its 201 horsepower, 1.6-liter V4 engine feel like they belong on the race track. At just below $22,000, it will surely give you the feel of a true sports car without breaking your bank.

Dedicated sports cars are nice, but they’re often too spendy. You can get a very similar experience with something less costly if you know where to look. The choices above should satisfy anyone with the occasional need for an adrenaline rush.

Chaleigh is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She enjoys writing and lifestyle photography. She writes about anything from driving a mazda 6 in Kansas City to, to to how to properly how to fix your slice in golf. In her spare time she likes to take pictures, snowboard, golf, and play ice hockey.

Cars You Shouldn’t Buy That Have Bad Track Records

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/25 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Getting a new car is exciting. Most people go into it full of anticipation about owning a comfortable and reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, many people end up getting the opposite: A new car that runs into problem after problem In some cases, these cars are even dangerous. Research can be time-consuming, though, so to help you get started, here’s a list of problem cars that you can cross off your list.

Dodge Grand Caravan

Despite its popularity with the family market, the Dodge Grand Caravan is well-known for having a tendency to break down. The brakes, suspension, and transmission are all infamously unreliable, making this one a model to stay far away from.

Volkswagon New Beetle

Yes, it’s cute, but it’s also destined for problems. The older models made before 2007 are particularly bad, but even the newer ones have a reputation for problems with brakes and climate control systems. Look elsewhere for the cute car of your dreams.

Audi Q5

You’d think a car this expensive would be guaranteed to be great, but that’s not the case. Introduced in 2009, the Audi Q5 is a crossover vehicle that looks fantastic but has become notorious with mechanics for having issues with both the cooling system and the power equipment.

Mini Cooper S

The turbocharged version of the Mini Cooper base model is popular with people looking for a small, stylish car with a lot of power. Unfortunately, the extra power comes at a price. Transmission and fuel systems are both fraught with problems, and that turbocharged engine itself is also an issue.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Despite its rugged reputation, the Grand Cherokee isn’t as tough as it looks. The power windows are particularly likely to break, but major systems like the brakes and drive components are unreliable as well.

BMW 330i

This is another luxury model that just isn’t up to par. Since 2007 they’ve had problems with the fuel system as well as the body hardware and some engine components. Other models in BMW’s 3-series are certainly worth buying, but stay away from this one.

What to Do if You Get a Lemon

Avoiding cars with a bad history is a great first step, but even car buyers who do all the research can sometimes end up with a bad car. You should know that you have options if a problem car is costing you money. Many makers will replace the vehicle, but if they won’t make it right, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. In the worst situations, problems with crucial systems like the brakes can even be deadly. In that case, a lawyer should be your first stop. Specialized law firms are a good bet, but even general law firms will be able to tell you your rights and options.

Getting the wrong car doesn’t have to be a personal or financial disaster. To avoid problems, do your research, avoid notoriously bad models, and most of all, know your rights if you run into problems.

Savannah Coulsen is a freelance writer. She lives in Raleigh. Savannah loves to read and write and she hopes to write a novel someday. Savannah also loves learning and is a self-proclaimed health guru. Savannah got information for this post from car accident attorneys Stewart, Humpherys, Molin, & Griffith.

Fixer Upper – 5 Reasons Buying a Used Vehicle is a Smart Move

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/18 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Buying a brand new car can break the bank for most people and the only option that they have is to buy a used vehicle. If this is done right you can purchase a vehicle that will last you many years and be a great investment. A used vehicle eliminates the hassles associated with the expenses of new vehicles. So if you are considering purchasing a new car you should consider going with a used vehicle for these convincing reasons.

Eliminating Expensive Loans

One of the best advantages for purchasing a used vehicle is that they can be purchased directly from an auto dealership or an individual without the hassle of an high-rate loan. There is no need to apply for any extended loan that comes with high interest rates as you can purchase a cheap vehicle quite easily. In fact, used cars can be bought with cash, personal check and credit card if necessary. If a loan is needed to make a purchase for a used automobile, then most financial institutions and banks may offer low interest rates for sums below $10,000.

Reducing Extra fees and Surcharges

New vehicles come with specific surcharges and fees such as for delivery. By contrast, a purchase of a used car involves payments for the title, registration and applicable taxes. Surely, there aren’t any down payments involved with a used automobile. The bottom line is that an older vehicle is sold in "as is" condition and with a negotiable price tag for the most part.

Optional Maintenance Costs

Older vehicles do not need to be maintained and serviced as frequently as new vehicles that come with specific manufacturer’s guidelines. For example, multiple expensive services are usually done the first 15,000 or 30,000 miles of a car. When a used car has more than 50,000 miles on it, the maintenance is done on a as needed basis and not really according to a perfectly scheduled guideline. Additionally, owners of used vehicles may be able to bear some slight mechanical problems.

Fixing Older Cars

These days, an old car can be upgraded with auto parts that can be found online or at used car stores everywhere for cheap. The entire powertrain, drivetrain, electrical system and chassis can be updated or completely replaced with OEM parts. Owners of used cars can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on online auto parts that can be brought to a local repair shop and used to get an older vehicle back on the road.

Lower Insurance Rates

Used vehicles may come with lower auto insurance premiums compared to new vehicles. For example, the deductible for an old car cannot be high because insurance companies don’t pay more than the actual value of an insured vehicle. Additionally, older cars do not need to be covered under certain policies that are mandatory for most leased or financed new vehicles.

Used cars can be restored for a relatively minimum investment and also do no come with any extra fees and interests rates. Because of this, buying a used vehicle can be the right decision for any person looking for a inexpensive way to get around.

Meghan Belnap –
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. Meghan recommends using cheap parts that can be bought online from Taronis Used Ford Parts for an inexpensive alternative to repairing your vehicle.You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.