All posts in Auto Buying Tips

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

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

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.

Five Things to Consider When Buying Your Family Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/11 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

For most people, purchasing a vehicle is one of their most important financial investments. If you have children, purchasing a family-friendly vehicle should remain a top priority. Due to the fact that not every family is the same, it is very important to choose the best vehicle that suits the needs of your household. Here are five things to consider when buying your family car.

Cost

Family sedans range in cost from $14,000 to upwards of $100,000 or more. Ideally, the expense of owning the vehicle should not exceed 20 percent of your monthly income. Although the price tag on a particular vehicle may be seem affordable, it is very important to factor in all of the other costs associated with car ownership. Some of the additional costs include fuel, insurance, maintenance, and taxes.

Size

Family vehicles vary greatly in size. If you choose to purchase a small family sedan, make sure that your children will not outgrow the rear seating anytime soon. Do not forget to also consider the total cargo capacity. Items such as strollers and sporting equipment can take up a great deal of space. Some sedans actually have more interior room than a SUV.

Extra features

Although creature comforts add to the total cost of a vehicle, they may prove to be very valuable in the long run. The children will certainly benefit from features such as a built-in entertainment system and rear-seat air conditioning. A USB port will come in handy for hooking up various electronic devices. Some of the available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, a rear-view camera, and lane departure warning.

Fuel efficiency

Most big, powerful SUVs usually have a relatively poor fuel economy rating. There are several family vehicles on the market that deliver over 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway. Diesel-powered cars and hybrid vehicles usually get better fuel mileage than a traditional gas engine.

Safety rating

While some vehicles are very safe, there are others that have distinct weak points. Before selecting a new ride, always check the safety data that is collected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Purchasing vehicles that have been nominated as a “Top Safety Pick” will give you an extra sense of security.

Although a racy sports car may sound exciting, it will never make the best family vehicle. If you use sound judgment, you will be able to find the perfect ride for your household to enjoy.

Information credit to Diamond Honda of Puente Hills, a Los Angeles used car dealerships

Image source: By imagerymajestic, at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Ticket to Ride: 5 Ferociously Fast Cars for Under 35,000

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/05 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Fast cars and affordable prices are a tough combination to find. However, as technology advances in automotive engineering, more cars are being made not only faster but cheaper. Not only are cars getting more affordable and faster; but they are becoming more and more stylish. When you are in the market for a ferociously fast car for less than $35,000 there are plenty of great models from which to choose.

Ford Mustang

The All-American classic, the Ford Mustang can often be purchased for just over $30,000. Redesigned to showcase a sleek, powerful body and a 5.0 liter V-8 engine, a driver can use the 6-speed manual transmission to go from 0-60 in less than five seconds. The 5.0 also has a compression ratio of 11:1 and cylinder heads designed to enhance airflow. Every part under the hood, including the high-energy coil- on, plug design, is designed to work in harmony. This lets the muscular engine breathe efficiently and deliver 100 percent exhilaration every time you hit the gas.

Subaru Impreza

When thinking of fast cars, Subaru is not usually the car that comes to mind. However, the company has recently put a greater emphasis on speed and power with many of its models, and the Impreza is definitely impressive. With a sticker price of just under $32,000 a buyer can get lots of power for their buck. The 2.5 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine can go from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, more than fast enough to impress anyone.

Chevrolet Camaro

Another power car from days gone by, the Camaro has been redesigned by Chevrolet to provide a sleek, aerodynamic body that is built for speed. New styling cues add to its aggressive appearance and performance. This is not your father’s Camaro. This Camaro features an updated design that is a guaranteed head turner. The V-6 engine can go from 0-60 in just under six seconds, making it very fast for the money.

Mazda6 Grand Touring

Another of Mazda’s vehicles built for speed and reliability, the Mazda6 Grand Touring is a bargain at just over $29,000. With a 3.7 liter V-6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, a driver can go from 0-60 in 6.4 seconds. As with many Mazda vehicles, the Grand Touring is becoming a popular choice of young professionals seeking a reliable car that still gives them a feeling of power under the hood and behind the wheel.

Honda Accord Coupe EX-L

Another company known more for reliable cars than fast ones, Honda joins the ranks of fast, affordable cars with its Accord Coupe EX-L. With a 3.5 liter V-6 engine, it reaches 60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds. Complete with a 6-speed manual transmission and dynamic blend of aerodynamics, it sells for $31,450 to those wanting style and speed.

For anyone who is on a tight budget and still wants to buy a car that gets them around town with lots of power under the hood, any of these five vehicles can get the job done.

Author Bio
Karleia is a freelance blogger. She recommends a quality dealership like Sawyers Chevrolet, if you are searching for an affordable, but fast new car.

Five Reasons to Fall In Love with a Hatchback

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/03 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

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In the United States, the most common type of car seems to be the sedan. However, you will come across plenty of people that swear by hatchbacks. Hatchbacks are continuing to gain a lot more traction in the United States. Why is that the case? Here are five reasons why you should also fall in love with the hatchback.

5. Practicality

Hatchbacks are known for their practicality. The rear seats can be folded down and this allows for a lot more cargo space than a sedan. For people that have families but don’t want to deal with the mileage costs of an SUV, hatchbacks are becoming very practical choices. Despite their relatively compact size, they have a tendency to offer a lot of space on the inside. For example, the Mazda 3 offers a whopping 43 cubic feet of cargo room. This is comparable to SUVs that take up more space and don’t get as good gas mileage.

4. Size

Generally speaking, hatchbacks are more compact than sedans and small SUVs. Since a hatchback doesn’t have an actual "trunk," it’s a lot easier to maneuver in and out of traffic and to squeeze into small parking spaces. As mentioned before, these cars still have plenty of space on the inside. Therefore, you are getting a smaller car without compromising too much when it comes to space on the inside.

3. Style

Sedans have gotten fairly run of the mill. You’ve seen one Honda Accord, you’ve seen them all. Frankly, sedans are boring cars. Hatchbacks are gaining a lot of popularity because they are stylish. Some of the most fashionable cars on the market are offered only in hatchback form: Scion xB, Nissan Cube, Kia Soul, and many others.

2. Versatility

One huge draw when it comes to buying a hatchback is how versatile they can be. For those that want a spacious hatchback for the family, they can get a Mazda 3. For those that want a compact and sporty hatchback, they can get a Honda Fit. For those that just want something completely different, they can get a Nissan Cube. No matter what you’re looking for in a car, there is a hatchback that will fulfill that need.

1. Gas Mileage

As gas prices continue to go up, having decent gas mileage has become a very important criteria for those buying new cars. The rear door of a hatchback tends to give them a wedge shape; this makes hatchbacks more aerodynamic and get better gas mileage. This is the reason why a lot of hybrids are also hatchbacks.

All in all, a hatchback can be an amazing choice no matter what you’re looking for. They combine style and practicality better than just about every other type of car out there.

About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. This article was cowritten by the automotive experts at www.overlandparkmazdacx5.com.