All posts in Auto Buying Tips

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.

Five Tips to Make The Car Buying Process Less Stressful

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/17 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Venturing out to purchase a vehicle means you’ll have a lot of details to attend to, and all of this can make you feel stressed out. Learning how to balance your budget and deciding to work with reputable and friendly dealers can help to alleviate these anxieties. Here are five tips to reduce the stress of buying a new car:

Determine Your Budget Beforehand

Even if this is your first trip to the car dealership, you could fall in love with a particular model and want to buy it on the spot. Trying to calculate how much you can afford while you’re standing at the dealership is a bad idea. Chances are, you won’t add up the figures correctly, and you could end up spending far more than you really can afford to. Sit down with your spouse or co-signer early on in the process to determine exactly how much you can spend.

Research Cars Online

People who are really familiar with different types of cars have an advantage here. For those who couldn’t tell a 2014 fancy model from a beat-up car built in 1999, this process adds in another element of stress. Get to know cars online before you go to the dealership. You can find out information about safety ratings and the types of technologies that are built into the vehicle. You can also read reviews about the cars and talk to people who own them.

Choose The Right Dealership

If you walk into a dealership and feel pressured to purchase the most expensive model right from the start, then you aren’t in the right place. Do your research on dealerships too, and work with one that is known for its friendly and reputable staff members. Working with people who have your best needs in mind and who know a lot about cars will help to reduce your stress levels.

Don’t Make it a Family Outing

While bringing the entire family to look at new cars can be fun, imagine how unnecessary it is to have your toddler running through the showroom and your infant screaming because they are hungry. Hire a babysitter for the day, grab dinner after you get your new car and make a date night out of it with your significant other. This will help make sure you don’t feel rushed or make a bad decision at the dealership.

Don’t Haggle Into The Ground

When you walk into the car dealership with an attitude, you are probably going to leave feeling aggravated and frustrated. Remember, the car dealership needs to make money too. While the professionals who work there are used to haggling to some extent, you have to realize that at some point, the sale would not be profitable for the company. Having reasonable expectations in terms of the price you can get is advisable.

If you follow these tips, you can have a shiny new vehicle without all of the stress.

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. Anita suggests talking with a Premier Mazda dealer to simplify the process of buying a car.

Car Decisions: Is it Worth Buying a Car that Needs Work?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/15 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

While you are searching through the classifieds for a new ride, you may stumble across a vehicle that needs a few repairs. While your initial response may be to pass over the advertisement, the flawed vehicle may actually be a diamond in the rough. Once the vehicle is fixed, it may be able to last for many years to come. Here are some of the pros and cons of buying a car that needs work.

Cons: Fear of the unknown

Purchasing a vehicle that needs work always carries an element of uncertainty. For example, the seller may tell you that the vehicle will not crank due to a failed alternator. While this may be true, the car could also have other mechanical problems as well. Unfortunately, you will not find out until you install the new alternator.

Cons: Underestimate the cost of the repairs

At first glance, the total cost of the necessary repair work may seem very affordable. However, the damage could be more extensive than you originally thought. Upon taking the vehicle out for a test drive, you make notice that the steering is off-kilter. While the car may just need a simple wheel alignment, the steering problem could also stem from damage to the frame. Frame damage is very expensive to repair.

Pros: Leverage in negotiating a deal

Depending on the amount of work that is needed, you may be able to negotiate a great deal with the seller. Some people are in a financial bind and simply can not afford to make the repairs. This is a win-win situation for both parties. Although the cost to repair the vehicle may total $450, the low purchase price will more than make up the difference.

Pros: A new hobby

If you don’t need the car right away and are looking for something to do on the evenings and weekends, a project car may be perfect for you. Many people gain fulfillment in fixing up project cars. Often, the finished results are amazing, unique, and personal to you. There are plenty of books and websites to help you learn how to build up your new car.

You do not always have to buy brand new parts. Purchasing salvage parts can save hundreds of dollars, and may be more inexpensive than a flashier new car. For example, f the vehicle has a damaged fender, you should easily be able to find a dent-free replacement at the salvage yard.

Do not make the mistake of passing up a great car due to a few minor problems. The key is to take the time to analyze all of the critical factors. You can decide if you have the time and resources to fix up the car. You may even find a fun project.

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing about business and finance and spending time with her dog, Max. Information credited to www.salvageyardphoenixaz.com.

Shop Smart: Five Tricks for Trading In Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/04 in Auto Trades with Comments Off

By trading in your vehicle, you ensure the best deal in one single transaction. Like most large purchases, there are some do’s and don’ts to the transaction. If you are ready to trade in your car, there are some important steps to getting the best deal. Here are a few ways to avoid getting ripped off.

Don’t Say "Trade"

When you start working with a dealership, there is no obligation to state up front that you want to trade in your car. You can go there with your financing already approved elsewhere, which is recommended by many car sites such as Edmunds.com. You can listen to their sales pitch and work out a figure. Once you think you have the best deal on the table, you then say "I have decided that I want to trade." At this point, be ready with the value. Dealers will negotiate better when they do not know you are trading in your vehicle.

Know the Value

Before you go, find out the basic value of your car via a site such as Kelley Blue Book. You can find more information on your model and automaker at KBB, Edmunds, Car and Driver, AutoGuide and more. There are tangible ways to prove its intrinsic worth such as stellar safety ratings, automaker reputation for longevity, and advanced technology despite its age. Trim level, dashboard tech, and luxury features such as leather seating are other factors. This knowledge will help you keep your mind clear when a dealer argues about your car’s worth.

Demonstrate the Options

In the car ads, find cars of a similar year/make to yours. You should look at their Blue Book values versus the advertised cost. You can strengthen your bargaining position by demonstrating that you know how much used cars are worth. Arming yourself with verifiable facts will strengthen your bargaining power.

Show the Value

If you keep records on maintenance and repairs, put that together in a folder. You don’t need to show it until you have a figure. As soon as a trade-in amount is proposed, get your folder and demonstrate that this car has been well-cared for. Perhaps you have purchased tires recently. That can help you negotiate a higher trade in amount. Dealerships will appreciate this information because it will make the car easier to sell. They will be happy to work with you and your information.

Put Your Best Tire Forward

Take time to detail the car inside and out. It may be worth paying a professional for how much it will increase your trade in value. Many times old carpet can look like new after the application of a $5 bottle of carpet shampoo. Be sure to use one that is specifically for cars, and follow the instructions carefully.

When you pull into a dealership, be armed with knowledge, and do not give them your keys before you feel good about the trade-in deal.

Information credited to National Transmission, Red Deer, Alberta Transmission