All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Exotic Appeal – The Pros and Cons of Having a Foreign Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/31 in Auto Collection with Comments Off

Many people want foreign cars because they like the idea of having something exotic. Others prefer imports because they view them as being more reliable or attractive. Whatever the reason, there are definite advantages to owning a foreign car, but like with everything else, downsides exist as well. Here are some major pros and cons of buying foreign.

Pros

Better Performance

One good reason to choose a foreign car over a domestic one is better performance. As most car enthusiasts already know, the majority of high performance automobiles come from Europe and Japan. While Americans tend to value utility over everything else, Japanese and European automakers are more interested in innovation and pushing the envelope. Some of the fastest and most powerful cars come from abroad.

Unique Looks

Reliable function is probably the most important characteristic of a car, but it’s not the only one. Vehicular aesthetics are a huge consideration when choosing a car because the driver will always be dissatisfied with a car that isn’t to his or her liking. Driving isn’t only about getting from point A to point B. It’s also about enjoying the entire experience. European cars are well known to be some of the most sleek, sexy, and stylish cars out there, but Asian automobiles aren’t lagging far behind.

It’s Something Different

Nobody wants to have the same car everyone else has. There’s just something cool about standing out and being different. The sense of uniqueness gives one more pride about one’s ride, and that alone makes buying a foreign car worth it.

Cons

More Expensive

There’s a price to pay for superior performance, alluring looks, and relative individuality–and it’s usually pretty high. Foreign cars are typically more costly than domestic cars due to import laws. Some foreign cars are only made in small quantities, and their rarity commands a higher price. Many are simply higher-end models that appeal to wealthier folks.

Harder to Acquire Parts

Domestic cars have readily available spare parts, and most car mechanics are familiar with working on makes that were manufactured within the country. Import cars must have spare parts imported into the country, and only small batches can be obtained at any given time. Since they’re imported, the parts are also more expensive. BMW M3 parts, and Porsche Carrera GT parts are going to be more expensive than Ford Focus, Chevy Blazer, or Dodge Dart parts, for example.

Not Supporting Domestic Economy

A concern that many people have about buying foreign is that it doesn’t support the local economy. Helping to keep fellow Americans employed is a very good reason to stick with domestic brands. This factor is very important to some Americans, so they will only buy domestic brands, which influences their decisions of what car they will buy.

Foreign cars, just like domestic cars, have their pros and cons. However, the buying decision should come down to personal preference. If one prefers to buy foreign for any reason at all, then that’s good enough reason to go that route. It all comes down to how happy the driver is with the choice he or she has made.

AUTHOR BIO:
This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves writing for business, finance, women’s interests, or technology. Dixie lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters . Information for this article was provided by the auto experts of subarupartsforyou.com, who specialize in Subaru Tribeca parts.

Fair Trade – 5 Things to Know if You Plan to Trade Your Car In

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/11 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

So you’re ready to trade your car in, and hoping to get a great deal? Well, if you don’t know a lot about cars (and even if you do) there are a few things you need to make sure you’re aware of before you walk into the dealership. If you’re not prepared from the beginning, you could get swindled and end up in a worse position than if you had just kept your old car. Preparation is the best tool when it comes to trading your car in, so consider these five tips before you go to the dealership.

Find out the Bluebook Value

Before you start negotiating, find the value of your vehicle. A Kelly bluebook bases the value of your car on the same make, model and year car in the marketplace and it’s the price you can expect to get from a dealer. This way, you will know if the dealer is being straightforward with you about the price when you go to trade it in. Unfortunately, many dealers know that the customer doesn’t really have a good idea of the price of their car, which allows them to swindle you out of a deal quickly. If they mention a price that is different than the price you got from Kelly Bluebook, make sure you ask where they are getting their information from and what that price is based on.

There are Many Types of Cars

What kind of vehicle do you want to buy? Look carefully at your lifestyle, work life and the types of vehicles available. A well-researched decision is one you can live with longer than a poorly researched decision. There are many types of vehicles manufactured: SUVs, sedans, wagons, minivans, hybrids, convertibles, luxury cars, crossovers, hatchbacks and more. Trading your car in could be a great time to make a change in type of car, especially if you are expecting a change in your lifestyle. Many expecting parents will come and trade their cars in for another car with better safety features. Evaluate how satisfied you have been with your car type and consider making a change—if the new car will fit your lifestyle and needs.

Find an Invoice Price

Find out the price you should pay for a particular year, make or model when it comes to the new car. Google the make and model car and add “invoice price” and the year. At places like Edmonds.com or True Car, you’ll get an invoice price, the price everybody else is paying and the MSRP, the Manufacturer’s suggested retail price. According to the auto professionals at a Dallas used cars dealership, you should get the invoice from multiple sites to really get a good idea of the price. Chances are you will find different prices on different sites, but by gathering several invoices you can find an average price depending on the make, model, and year of the car. So, make sure you check out more than one site.

Build a Car Online

Build a car online before ever discussing things with a dealer. It is a bad idea to go online and trade your car in, but doing everything else online except makes sense. This isn’t so much about researching online as it is about the following warning: The test drive is so important, you simply cannot order a car online. You must test-drive it. You could be in for a surprise if you don’t test drive a car before purchase.

Find a Good Dealer

Check out customer reviews. Our advice to you is that a good car dealer offers more than a car. They offer warranties, financing and a variety of vehicles. Some things a dealer offers are not worth the money, like extended warranties. They also add fees to the price after you have worked it out, so get a final price and a guaranty of no added fees.

The most important thing to remember when you are getting ready to trade your car in is that you don’t want to be naive. Unfortunately, at many dealerships, you can’t just take the dealer’s word for it, and some dealers will keep you from getting a deal if you aren’t careful and educated. Do the proper research before you go into the dealer and you will be able to get a fair trade.

How to Find The Best Car for Your Needs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/06 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Recently, you’ve been experiencing some troubles with your vehicle. On the other hand, maybe you’ve never had a car before, and you’re getting tired of the subway, cabs or biking. Whatever the case may be, following these tips can help you find the best car for your needs.

Determine Your Price Point

Before you can even begin to look at cars, you need to figure out how much overall money you are going to be able to spend on this vehicle. If you are buying a car outright, then you must calculate the total cost. When you’re planning to go into a leasing or financing agreement, you should figure out how much you can spend on the down payment and the monthly payments according to Mazda Miata in Kansas City.

Matching Your Financial Needs with a Dealership

Once you have determined the amount of money you’re able to spend on the vehicle, you’ll have to find a dealership with cars in that price range. Browsing on various websites will introduce you to the cars available. Conducting research about cars online is smart. By doing so, you do not have to take trips to a multitude of dealerships. Instead, you can go to one or two that have cars of interest to you.

Consider The Car Size

You will also need to decide if you want to have a larger car or a smaller car. By purchasing a larger vehicle, you’ll get more space, and this is great if you have a big family or go on a lot of vacations. However, you may have to pay more for the car itself, and the gas might also be more expensive. A mid-sized car might be the best option for you to ensure that all of the elements are accounted for.

Look to The Future

Remember, you don’t want to purchase a car only to find that it needs to be returned in a year. Think about your future needs. Are you planning to go on a long road trip soon? Do you think you will have a couple of kids in the next few years? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you need to consider getting a car that is able to suit your soon-changing needs.

Finding the best car for you is not something that happens in a brief moment. You’ll need to put some dedication into the research to get it right.

Five Safety Tips Car Enthusiasts Should Remember during Their Next Project

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/02 in Auto Collection with Comments Off

Repairing an aging classic car or improving the performance of a new car can be incredibly satisfying. The work does come with a number of hazards. Small mistakes or unexpected events can cause serious injuries. Anyone working on a car needs to be prepared and take steps to remain safe. There are five safety tips car enthusiasts should remember during their next project.

Use Proper Safety Equipment

Car enthusiasts should own a full range of safety equipment. Personal protection gear should include safety glasses and thick gloves to stop sparks or metal splinters from causing injuries. A respirator should be on hand when painting or working with strong solvents. A fire extinguisher rated for liquids, electrical fires and grease fires should be kept near the car while working.

Perform Electrical Work with Insulated Tools

Many car enthusiasts have been shocked by the car battery while performing basic electrical work. Something that can be very harmful is electricity from the ignition system. This can provide a shock of up to 40,000 volts. It is important to use insulated tools when working on the car. The shock can actually be transmitted through other pieces of metal in the engine like the distributor cap. Insulated tools will prevent shocks.

Always Use Jack Stands

A major safety hazard is working under an unstable car. Jack stands should always be placed under cars that are elevated. Wooden blocks or other items are not enough. The jack stands need to be attached to a structural part of the vehicle. The stands will support the full weight of the car if it suddenly drops or shifts. This can prevent serious injuries or fatalities when working under the vehicle.

Have a Dedicated Workspace

Working on a car in a shared home garage can be dangerous in many ways. Tools, sharp parts and chemicals can all cause injuries to family members who come into the area. Family items stored in the garage can get in the way of tools or cause a person to trip and fall. It is best to have a dedicated space when working on a car. One option is to rent a unit from a storage unit that is large enough to hold the car and extra tools. This will keep car enthusiasts and the family safe.

Use Ventilation Fans

Car enthusiasts regularly use chemicals, paints and solvents that release fumes into the air. These can accumulate quickly and could cause nausea, disorientation or even neurological damage. Some type of ventilation should always be used even when working with something as simple as gasoline. Ventilation fans will keep the air clean and breathable.

How To Find The Best Used Car For Your Money

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/12/10 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

With the economy still being in such bad shape, more and more consumers are starting to reap the benefits of purchasing a used vehicle. Although most used vehicles are substantially less expensive than brand new vehicles, the majority of motorists still have a desire to get the best possible deal. Here are some important tips on how to find the best used car for your money.

Do not show your hand too soon

Whether you are trying to negotiate with a used car salesman or a private seller, it is essential that you maintain a poker face at all times. If the seller perceives you to be overly eager to purchase a particular vehicle, they will be less likely to lower the asking price.

Fear the unknown

Even if the seller of the vehicle seems to be very honest, it is always best to err of the side of caution. Unknowingly making the purchase of a vehicle that has been involved in a flood or car accident could mean major trouble in the long run. The best approach is to always spend the extra money for a vehicle history report.

Consider all sources

Although a private seller may offer a lower price, some dealerships also have great bargains. Reputable dealerships such as Premier Mazda thoroughly inspect each vehicle before deeming it to be worthy of a spot on their lot. Some used cars Kansas City dealers also warranty their vehicles for a certain period of time.

Check the reviews for each prospective vehicle

When it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, car reviews become very valuable sources of information. Car reviews are important because they can alert shoppers of any red flags before making a final decision. For example, a specific model could have trouble-prone transmissions. By reading the reviews, the potential owner can be prevented from making an expensive mistake.

Monthly payments or cash

If the customer is seeking to purchase a used vehicle from a dealership, they usually have the option to pay for the vehicle in full or to make monthly payments. Although monthly payments allow more financial flexibility, prospective buyers need to pay close attention to the fine print. High interest rates could cause to final cost to rise substantially.

When searching for a used car, remember to avoid getting too anxious. If the proper steps are taken, you could end up saving lots of hard-earned cash in the process.