All posts in Used Autos & Trucks

Worn Out Car? 5 Ways to Dispose of a Clunker

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/01/18 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

While it was once your dream car, now it’s a burden. If you’ve moved on to bigger and better cars, your old clunker has likely been sitting in your driveway for too long. Refresh your yard and avoid potential fines with these innovative solutions for hauling off your junky jalopy.

1. Contact Junkyards and Salvage Yards

First, get an idea of the fair value of your car; one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Use a site like Kelley Blue Book to determine the value of your car in good condition, then subtract the estimated cost of the repairs that need to be made. When you have a number in mind, call around to a few local junkyards and car salvage yards and ask for an offer on your car.

You should also find out their protocol for delivery of the car; if it’s drivable, you can likely get more money by bringing it to them. However, most salvage yards, such as U Pull & Pay, will also arrange to pick up a vehicle they want to purchase for parts.

2. Consider Online Services

Businesses will often do the work for you; simply upload a description of your car and other information to get instant offers and arrange for delivery or pickup. Also, there are numerous apps through which you can connect with others to sell used belongings, including automobiles. Social media sites like Facebook have features that facilitate this process, too.

3. Donate It to Charity

Many nonprofit organizations accept vehicles as donations, regardless of their condition. To find programs like this in your area, search for certified 501(c)(3) organizations in your town. Many of these businesses will pick your car up if you opt to donate it, and you’ll receive a receipt that can be used for a tax write-off.

4. Dismantle it for Parts

One of the best ways to get money for your old car is by taking it apart and selling the parts separately–especially if you have skill with working on cars or want to learn. Some of the parts that are sought-after by buyers include electronic components such as radios and window motors, engines, transmissions, metal body panels, tires, rims, windows, and windshields.

5. Head to the Dealership

Visit a reputable used car dealership in your area to get a price on your old car. Most will offer you at least a few hundred dollars. And if you’re looking to buy another car, you can offer it as a trade-in.

Old Buys: How to Find the Perfect Used Car Just for You

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/01 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Even a used car can be a major investment, and your next vehicle is sure to be a vital component of your daily life. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to end up with a lemon that requires new parts and expensive repairs. Here are a few steps you can take to find the perfect used vehicle at a great price.

Look Beyond the Initial Costs

One of the most common mistakes that buyers make is neglecting the maintenance costs. This is especially common among those who are buying slightly older vehicles that often have a lower sticker price. Before making an offer, you should take some time to research each model and consider how much you are willing to spend on oil changes, new parts, gas, and all other upcoming expenses.

Speak With an Experienced Mechanic

If you do not have a family member or close friend who knows quite a bit about cars, then you should consider speaking with a local mechanic. A friendly and reputable mechanic will be able to give you basic information on what you should look for and what to avoid. Once you have narrowed your choices, you can then ask them to look over the vehicle before you make an offer.

Consider Your Must-Have Features

When buying a used vehicle, there is a very good chance that you will have to make at least a few sacrifices. While it might be ideal to have every upgrade, you should take some time to consider what features you absolutely need. That might include options such as a Bluetooth connection, great gas mileage, GPS, seat warmers, or an extended warranty.

Research Recalls

Unfortunately, many car dealers and private sellers try to get rid of vehicles immediately following a major recall. No matter how good the deal might seem, you should never choose a model that might not be safe or mechanically sound. If there does happen to be a recall on a car you like, then you should make sure it is still under warranty and the part in question can be replaced.

Narrow Your Choices with a Listing Company

If you are still having a tough time finding the right car or truck, then you might want to consider using a vehicle listing website or service like Alaska Dispatch News. These listings generally allow you to narrow your search by year, make, model, and location before being presented with results. You can then bid on the car immediately or contact the seller to learn more about the vehicle.

Millions of used cars are on the market, and it can be very difficult for the average driver to wade through the money traps. Hopefully, these few tips will help you narrow your choices while avoiding unscrupulous dealers and sellers.

Bought a Lemon? 4 Signs You Should Cut Your Losses and Sell

by Anica Oaks on 2016/01/13 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

In economics, there is a principle called sunk costs. It simply means that the money you spent on a product or service is gone. No matter how many times you throw good money after bad money, you cannot get your initial investment back.

When you purchase a car, it can be a gamble. You hope you are getting a good product, but you will not know for sure until you take it home and drive it around town for a while.

It can turn out to be the most reliable car on the lot, or a certified lemon.

If you purchased a car that turned out to be a lemon, one of the most intelligent things you can do is cut your losses. Here are four signs that indicate it is time to let your lemon go.

Your Car is a Money Pit

It is understandable for you to spend money on routine maintenance costs such as oil changes and tire rotations. However, if you frequently spend more money on repair costs than your monthly car payment, it is time to find a more reliable mode of transportation.

You Have to Frequently Tow Your Car

For most people, it is rare that they have to get their cars towed because of mechanical failure. If your car is a lemon, you may know tow truck drivers on a first name basis. According to the towing service experts at Sheffield towing, frequent automobile breakdowns are the primary reasons people have their cars towed. You are wasting countless hours and money by keeping a car that needs to be towed frequently.

Your Vehicle is Causing Stress

There is nothing more stressful than having to deplete your savings account in order to keep your car working properly. Financial stress can take a toll on your health. If you are constantly worried or losing sleep because of the money you are spending on your car, purchase a new car.

Your Car is Unreliable and Unpredictable

Your goal for purchasing a vehicle was to provide you with reliable transportation. When you put your key into the ignition, you want to be certain that it will start. You should not have to guess whether your car will operate from one day to the next.

At some point with your vehicle, you will have to face the fact that your car is more trouble than it is worth and move on.

Car Swap: How to Get the Best Value for your Trade-In

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/06 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Trading in your current car is one of the easiest ways to afford a new car purchase. The money you receive for your trade-in can go directly towards the cost of the purchase of a brand new car. Since you are not going to need more form of transportation, your trade-in is essentially extra money. While trading in your car is a great way to reduce your new car loan, there are still four things you need to do in order to get the best value for your old car.

Know the Value

You should absolutely never sell or trade in your car without doing the proper research. If you do not know the correct value of your car, then there is no way you are going to get a great deal. Luckily, there are several different used car resources online that make it extremely easy to determine the exact value of your car before using it as a trade-in.

Make Car More Attractive

The only way to get the most value out of your trade-in is by making your car look as best as possible. There is no way you are going to get much money for your car if it looks dirty and poorly maintained. Giving the inside and outside of your car a detailed cleaning will ensure you do not lose any value in your trade-in.

Show Maintenance Records

Used cars that have been properly maintained are far more valuable than other cars. The best way to prove your car has been properly maintained under your ownership is by showing detailed maintenance records. These records will put a potential buyer at ease because they know they are getting a car that should continue to run properly for a long time.

Negotiate Separately

It is absolutely necessary to negotiate the trade-in and sale of new car separately if you want to get the best deal. Once you get the desired amount on your trade-in, then you move to the new car deal. If you already agreed to buy a new car, then the dealer knows they can get you to agree for a bad deal on the trade-in. If you are ready to purchase a new car and want a great deal on your trade-in, then you should visit a dealership like Quebedeaux Buick GMC.

Trading in your car and buying a new one does not have to be a complicated process. If you follow the four tips on this guide, then you should have no trouble getting a great deal.

Five Of The Best Cars You Can Buy Used

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/11 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Although new cars can be very tempting, pre-owned vehicles are a lot more affordable. Most of today’s consumers understand the importance of saving their hard-earned money. Here are five of the best cars that you can buy used.

2009-2014 Honda Accord

For more than three decades, the Honda Accord has remained one of the most dependable family sedans. Due to its low-maintenance design, the Accord is perfect for the drivers who are on a budget. Models equipped with a four-cylinder engine are especially fuel efficient. If you want a sportier look, the Accord is also available as a two-door coupe.

2004-2011 Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 is a versatile ride that offers an abundance of cargo space. While the regular version will save fuel, the high-performance MazdaSpeed edition delivers a thrilling performance on the road. The hatchback’s refined styling helps it to age like fine wine. In terms of reliability, the Mazda 3 is a well-built car that requires very few repairs.

2012-2014 Buick Verano

If you are looking for a compact luxury sedan, the Buick Verano is a solid choice. Its four-cylinder engine is responsive and efficient. When traveling on the highway, the car’s well-insulated cabin keeps road noise to a minimum. Meanwhile, the Verano’s athletic handling makes a joy to drive on a daily basis. Some of the available features include a touch-screen display, a USB port, and Bluetooth technology.

2004-2008 Nissan 350Z

If you have a need for speed, the Nissan 350Z is an excellent option. The Japanese sports car is fun and reliable. With a total output of nearly 300 horsepower, the award-winning V-6 delivers a great deal of excitement. The 350Z is especially fun to drive on the open road. Due to its limited production, the track-tuned Nismo model could be a future collectible.

2005-2011 Toyota Corolla

It is not uncommon for a Toyota Corolla to rack up more than 350,000 miles. The compact car’s legendary reliability makes it a top pick. It is definitely a good option for the drivers who need to commute to work or school. Equipped with a high-revving engine, the sporty XRS model is truly exciting. The Corolla’s gas mileage is also very good.

All five of these used cars are great alternatives to a brand new ride. Drivers can ride in style without getting into financial bind. With the proper maintenance, you will have a dependable ride that will last for many years. To find the best deals on used vehicles, check out Quebedeaux Buick GMC.