All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Five Tips to Make The Car Buying Process Less Stressful

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/17 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Five Tips to Make The Car Buying Process Less Stressful

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

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 on Shop Smart: Five Tricks for Trading In Your Car

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

New Or Used? What To Know When Shopping For Your Next Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/24 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on New Or Used? What To Know When Shopping For Your Next Car

Many states now have a lemon law in effect, which means that you have a certain amount of time after buying a used car before you can return it. The law ensures that you don’t find yourself stuck with some old beater or junker because an unscrupulous seller wanted to take advantage of you. While the lemon law might protect you when it comes to buying a used car, you can save yourself some time and money when you know what to look for when buying a new or used car.

Resale Value

Did you know that a car depreciates with each mile placed on the engine? This means even though you just dropped $25,000 on a new car, the car is no longer worth $25,000. The resale value refers to how much you can sell that car for after you buy it. When looking at a new car, you want to consider how much it depreciates in the first few years of ownership, and with a used car, you need to look at the fair market value of the vehicle and decide if the selling price is a good one.

Cost of Ownership

The money that you spend upfront is only a drop in the bucket compared to the total amount that you’ll spend on that car. Most experts refer to the cost of ownership as the total amount you payout in the first five years after you bring home that car. This includes maintenance, gas, repairs and insurance. The cost of ownership can reach more than $30,000. Before you take your dream car off the lot, consider whether or not you can afford to pay an extra $5,000 to $6,000 or more every year.

Sticker Price is for Suckers

The only people who pay sticker price for a car are the ones who think the dealer is their best friend. A car dealer only makes money when people buy cars, and the more you pay, the more the dealer earns. You can’t even rely on the "invoice price" on the car either. Some dealers will tell you that this figure refers to how much the dealer pays for that car, but it’s usually just another markup. Let the dealer or seller know exactly how much you can afford, and if the seller balks, walk away. No matter how much you love one specific car, you won’t love it if you pay too much.

Tricia is a mom and a blogger from Beverly Hills. She recommends Diamond Honda of Puente Hills for your used or new car needs.

Check Different Details of Choosing a Car of Substance in 2014 Speed Decision

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/12 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Check Different Details of Choosing a Car of Substance in 2014 Speed Decision

At the core, the choice of a car essentially reflects your addiction with velocity. You like the control of speed in the luxury of a car. Carmakers continue to comply with your expectations in delivering the new range of models every year. 2014 has been no exception. Major manufacturers are offering the latest variations of velocity hookup in their newest products. You need to check on the different aspects of the new speedsters. Start by researching at the review sites. Also, consider getting in touch with a professional car dealer website for expert opinions. Form your opinions in looking up what the dedicated drivers are saying on the new vehicles to hit the roads.  

The design preference

The fascination of momentum includes every minute detail of the automobile. It should feel cozy and snug while you delight at the controls. You have several areas of prioritization options. It depends on your personal preferences. Some drivers start their selection with an assessment of the four-wheeler design. Choose whether you want a muscular car or an elegant one. Look up the color palettes offered by the manufacturers. Do you want a brand new black car in 2014? Check the options to see if it is available. You might need a swanky red car to house in your garage. Check out the different models in finding the design fluidity matching your preferences.

Check smart alternatives

You may also look for alternatives to petroleum vehicles. The trend of electric cars is returning significantly. With the certainty of the price of fuel never coming down ever, many car owners are shifting gears to electric units. It is an extremely budget-friendly move besides erasing your transport carbon footprint. It is only a popular myth that the ECO vehicles cannot keep up with the optimum speed requirements. Consider looking up the car manufactured by 25-year old Croatian inventor Mate Rimac. This super-car drives on an engine packing in 1018 HP. It takes only 2.8 seconds to reach from 0 to 62 mph in this savvy ‘Green Car.’ Almost all major automobile manufacturers are releasing an electric line. Find whether there is any available in 2014. 

The user experience aspect

You can also prioritize on the experience of driving the new cars. Dedicated drivers put up their experiences into test-driving the newest wheels on the block. You need to be a little discretionary though. Companies often sponsor test drives as marketing strategies. There may be exaggerations in the description of the experiences. Try to verify the reviews from multiple sources. The best way of course is to discuss the matter with a professional car dealer. Find a trustworthy ‘buy my car’ service. You need to sell your old automobile to make garage place for the new one. The experts’ suggestions can be highly effective in selecting a roadster of substance.  

The budgetary perspective

Many people also use the budget perspective in choosing new transport. You must have an assigned money limit. See the new cars available within the milestone. Visit the dealer website on finding the contact details. Send across a correspondence explaining your preferences. You can also call them up or visit the store in person. A personal visit is the best option because you get a chance to test-drive the units. Look up the minute details of the car interiors. Check the embedded security aspects in the automobile’s mechanism. See whether the unit is suitable as a family vehicle. Decide on your priorities primarily in reaching the best decision.

Your car is an extension of your personality. As you are keen on buying a new vehicle, it plainly implies you are making a fresh start in life. Make it a good one. Do not compromise on meeting your personal quality expectations. The journey of 2014 awaits you in your new car cocoon. Drive like a King/Queen on the Highway of Freedom. 

Author Bio: Nathan Matthews works part-time as an automobile tester with a leading website. His job description includes trying out the new wheels on actual road conditions. He says; 2014 is a great year to buy a swanky new car. He suggests selling your old unit with a suitable ‘buy my car’ service fast in hooking unto the new velocity experience.

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