All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Five Critical Things to Remember When Shopping for a Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/27 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Used cars can provide great value and a solid vehicle for drivers. Buying a used car is different from buying a new vehicle. The used car has a long history that could affect future performance or maintenance costs. There are five critical things to remember when shopping for a used car.

Visually Inspect Every Area

Every area of the car should be visually inspected regardless of how attractive the chassis appears. The edges, inside of doors and underbody should be inspected for signs of rust. The area under the car should be examined for leaks. The upholstery and interior should be examined for signs of past water or body damage. Small issues like rust or a leak could make the used car difficult to maintain and expensive to repair.

Look At the Service History

The service history log provides a very detailed view of the current condition of the car. A complete service history can show consistent problems over the years that might make the car less desirable. The service history can also show whether the car sustained frame damage or water damage in the past due to an accident. Cars without a complete service history need to be scrutinized thoroughly to ensure there are no potential structural, mechanical or safety issues.

An Expert Inspection Is Always Necessary

Drivers should always have a used car inspected by an expert before making a decision. Most dealerships will allow the car to be taken to an expert before finalizing a sale. An expert mechanic can identify problems that are not visually obvious. The mechanic can also provide a detailed description about the state of the engine, transmission and electrical system. Expert inspections can prevent drivers from buying used cars with too much damage or wear.

Read Extended Warranties Carefully

Extended warranties can help to make maintenance more affordable with a used car. It is important to read the warranty carefully. Some warranties have strict rules about what is covered. Others have high out-of-pocket costs. Drivers must read and understand the warranty before deciding if it is worth the extra cost. Certified pre-owned vehicles have lower warranty costs and sometimes include a free manufacturer warranty.

Take A Test Drive

All expert dealers such as Kansas City car dealerships will allow potential buyers to take a test drive before making a decision. Test drives are very important because they can reveal comfort or handling issues with the vehicle. The test drive should include highway and city conditions whenever possible. A test drive should never be forgotten when looking at used cars.

Eight Things Every Car Collector Needs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/25 in Auto Collection with Comments Off

Collecting cars is a great way to preserve history and personal memories. Whether you have one classic car or a warehouse full of exotics, here are six things that every car collector should think about.

1. A Well-equipped Garage

Are your cars stored in a shed or leaky barn? They will lose their value if they’re not stored properly. Depending on the size of your collection, you may need to rent warehouse space or build a larger structure on your property. A well designed garage will have good lighting, plenty of room for uncluttered display of your vehicles and a full set of tools.

2. Clean Floors

If you only have a couple cars and keep them in your home garage, think about painting the floor. A painted floor is easier to clean and you’ll quickly spot fluid leaks. Choose a color that makes it quick to find dropped nuts and bolts.

3. A Personal Mechanic

You might be an accomplished mechanic, but as your collection grows you may no longer have time for regular maintenance. Find a reputable mechanic in your area and hire them on part-time. The cost outweighs the time spent keeping up your collection in its best shape. Plus, you’ll have an extra pair of skilled hands when you decide to dive under the hood.

4. A Security System

After years of work, you don’t want to lose your collection to thieves. Prevent theft by installing a security. Ensure there are plenty of motion triggered lights, alarms and cameras and your collection will stay safe. If you’re in an area that demands it, install tall fencing around your storage space and use steel framed doors.

5. Professional Photos

When you’re at home it’s easy to walk into the garage and see your collection. But, at the office or vacation home you need a reminder of it. Hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your cars. Hire models or include yourself and pick out your favorite locations for the background. And, if you sell any of your cars you’ll have a nice piece of artwork to remember them by.

6. Apparel

When you’re out on the town or on the concourse, show your collector’s pride with branded automotive apparel. You can find shirts, jackets and hats from almost every brand ever produced. It’s also a way to find other enthusiasts you can share your collection with.

7. Car Insurance

One of the biggest hidden expenses of owning a car is car insurance. For car collectors with multiple cars this can really start to add up. Most car insurance companies offer coverage that is specialized for collector and antique cars.

8. Car Enthusiast Friends

Friends make anything more fun. Friends that share your same interest make it even more fun. If you don’t have any car enthusiast friends then join a club or visit a local car show to make some.

So whether you already started your car collection or you are about to start one, these are a few things that will help make your hobby, safe, fun, and worry-free.

The Family Vehicle: Should You Buy a Crossover or a Minivan?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/15 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

The debate over whether a family is better served by a crossover or a minivan is one that is hotly contested in many circles, which makes it extremely confusing for those people that are looking for a great family vehicle. Many people arguing for the minivan will simply cite that the minivan is larger and therefore better, resting their case at that. However, taking a closer look at what different types of models of specific minivans and crossovers can offer to families allows you to decide for yourself. Understanding some of the advantages and disadvantages of both will allow the debate to be settled in your own mind.

The Debate

The minivan and the crossover are on equal footing in most cases when it comes to seating up to eight passengers, offering three rows of seating, and performing pretty well in the mileage department. These are the traditional needs of the average family. The crossover has attempted to meet these needs while also offering versatility and style as well. The reality is that crossover vehicles are closer in platform to vans than they are any type of truck or car. Although, when it really comes to shopping for your individual family, it usually comes down to some essentials. Outside of the obvious factors such as gas mileage, seating, and cargo space, there are entertainment options, cup holders, and other valuable features that can heavily weigh in.

The Contenders

The Honda Odyssey LX is a vastly popular minivan that achieves 23 miles to the gallon on the highway. It is on equal footing with the Honda Pilot LX, a cross over that has the same fuel efficiency. The Pilot is all-wheel drive and offers just slightly more leg room in the front. However, the Odyssey comes out on top when it comes to cargo space and cup holders. For roughly $1,000 less, the minivan has 13 cup holders and 147 cubic feet of storage space. The Toyota Sienna SE, another popular minivan, comes in at nearly $4,000 less than the popular crossover and similar vehicle, the Mazda CX-9 sport. The minivan also gives customers more seating and more leg room in nearly every area. It also features 10 cup holders as well. Still, the CX-9 offers all-wheel drive and a more stylish look with more nimble handling.

Entertainment and Choice

In the entertainment department, nearly all new models of both kinds of vehicles offer the option of DVD entertainment and television screens that utilize separate inputs. The audio systems can be outfitted for ideal sound, making this dimension one that falls under the discretion of the buyer when they consider optional features. In light of these facts, the minivan does seem to come out on top if you are looking for raw storage space at a lower price. Versatility, style, and handling seem to go to the crossover, although, they do not edge out the minivan in gas mileage as many would assume. The most important thing for buyers to do when they visit local Mazda dealers in Kansas City is to consider their own needs and weigh them against the strengths and weaknesses of each type of vehicle.

Thus, if you need a large amount of space, and don’t really care about style, a minivan will more than likely fit your style and needs. On the other hand, if style is a big factor, and you still want your vehicle to be able to go off-road and perform in poor conditions, a crossover will probably fit better with your needs, though you will need to pay more for these great benefits.

Suggested Reading: The Practical Guide to Van Ownership

Five Tips You Need to Know when Shopping For Your First Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/11 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

There are many things that everyone values in a first car. Affordability, reliability and a good history all make a first car purchase worthwhile. A mechanically sound car with impressive economy would make an ideal first car. A first car can be attractive and sporty too. There’s no reason it can’t be fun. Use these tips when shopping at car dealerships:

Research the Car on the Internet

It’s expensive to run a car. Research the car’s miles-per-gallon on the Internet. Find a car’s MPG by entering the make and model into a Google search and check the average figure, and then the city and highway figure. A full-size car may appear to be a gas-guzzler, but the statistics may say something different. While you’re there, get an idea of the book value of the car you’re interested in.

Bring a Checklist Along When Shopping

When you visit car dealerships in Durham NC, look for cars you would enjoy owning. By test-driving it, you’ll discover whether the car you’re looking at is really a good fit. Bring along a checklist of car body and engine parts with a generic diagram you can mark to identify problems like dents in the body panels and cracks in the windshield. These checklists are available from Chilton Books and other sources.

Check the VIN Number

You never know when you’re purchasing a salvaged vehicle or a flood-damaged car. Check the VIN number at websites online. The VIN number is on the passenger’s side windshield. There are seventeen characters visible through the windshield. A VIN number can also tell you how many wrecks a car has been in, what the actual mileage is and the number of previous owners.

Get a Mechanic to Inspect It

Determine if the car is reliable. Will it start every morning without fail? If you or a member of your family knows a mechanic, show the car to your mechanic and ask for an inspection. In conversation, convey to the mechanic the price the seller is asking. Mechanics are experts in automobiles and can offer invaluable advice.

Calculate the Cost of Ownership

The cost of ownership includes depreciation, cost of insurance and the cost of financing a car. Running and maintaining the vehicle also costs money. Total these factors up and have it in hand before you buy a car.

On the other hand, calculate in fun things like sporty looks and nimble handling. By following these tips, you can get started in the search for your first car. Reduce the time and energy spent in a car search with knowledge you gained beforehand. You will be that much closer to buying your first car.

Looking To Upgrade? 5 Best Selling Cars For 2013

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/28 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

There is just something about the intoxicating aroma of a brand new car. If you are seeking to upgrade your current vehicle, there are plenty of worthy candidates to choose from in 2013. Whether you are looking for a Jeep Wrangler or a Cadillac ATS, Kansas City experts recommend doing your research first and knowing the facts.

Toyota Camry

The Camry has consistently remained one of the most popular vehicles on the planet. Over the years, the Toyota Camry has garnered a reputation for being super reliable and practical. Not only does the 2013 Camry deliver excellent gas mileage, but it can also be equipped with all of the latest amenities. While the base model effectively gets the job done, the available Camry SE V6 is a legitimate sports sedan.

Ford F-Series

No other pickup truck demands more respect than the Ford F-Series. Yet again, the Ford F-Series takes the title of being the best-selling vehicle in America. From the Ford F-150 to the race-inspired SVT Raptor, every truck in the F-Series lineup delivers power and toughness. The addition of high-tech components such as the Reverse Sensing System and the Roll Stability Control make it an even more intriguing choice.

Honda Civic

It seems that everyone loves the Honda Civic. The newly-revised Civic continues to impress car enthusiasts from around the world. Its surprisingly spacious interior and agile handling makes the Civic stand out from the crowd. The high-performance Civic SI seeks to take the crown as the best sport compact vehicle on the market.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has proven that it can withstand the test of time. The 2013 model year offers a couple of new trims. While the Accord Hybrid delivers top-notch gas mileage, the Accord Sport gives drivers a dose of driving excitement with its sports-tuned exhaust and available manual gearbox.

Chevrolet Silverado

Over the years, the Chevy Silverado has maintained a brutal battle against the Ford F-Series. The newest Silverado models offer a great towing capacity and a stout four-wheel-drive system. There are also plenty of available amenities to make the ride even more enjoyable.

Depending on your needs, all of these vehicles will be a great upgrade from your old vehicle. You will probably be gleaming with excitement when you finally take home your new ride.