All posts in Used Autos & Trucks

Looking for a Pre-Owned Vehicle? 4 Steps to Find the Right Car for You

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/03/22 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Buying a car is not something many people do that often. This can leave you feeling a little nervous about the prospect. Here are some steps to help you find the right car.

Determine What’s Important

Decide if there is a model or class of car that is important to you. Determine if there are features that you absolutely have to have in your vehicle. This will help to steer you in the right direction for the car of your choosing. Write down all of these things. Look over your list again, and determine if some features are more important to you than others. Remember that this is your ideal car. Your budget may not support everything that you want. Mark items that you’re willing to compromise on.

Have a Budget in Mind

With any large expenditure, you have to have a budget in mind. Decide if this budget is something that is set in stone, or if you have a little wiggle room. This will determine what types of cars are in your price range. You may be able to search for cars online that meet your budget requirements. This can give you a good idea if your list of desired features is in line with your budget. You may have to rethink your ideal car if they don’t match.

Shop Around

Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for and a budget, go shopping. This will let you see what is available on the market. Compare prices at multiple dealerships in order to get the best deal. You might also want to take customer service into account when selecting a dealership. If the sales people are willing to work with you, this can help you to get a better deal. The experience may be just as important as the price on the vehicle.

Compare Your Choices

You may have the good fortune of being able to choose from several different vehicles. Sit down and weigh the pros and cons of each vehicle. You want to be happy with the purchase that you make. Don’t rush to make a decision. Consider sleeping on it. You may have second thoughts the next day. Buying a car is a big deal. It may be years before you’re in the market for another car. Once you have reached a decision, get the process started. You don’t want to miss out on your ideal car.

There are lots of options for pre-owned vehicles. Determine what’s important to you, and set your budget in order to find the right one.

Chevy vs Ford: 4 Things You Need to Know About Old Classics

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/10/18 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

For anyone that loves cars, buying an old classic Chevy or Ford can be an ultimate personal dream. Buying a classic car cannot only be a great and fun thing to show up and drive around, but it can also be a great investment. Before you purchase any classic Chevy or Ford, it is important that you take several different factors into consideration thank you.

Research the Seller

When you have found a classic car that you love and want to buy, the first thing you should do is do some quick research on the cellar. Most classic cars today are sold by dealers that specialize in the field. Whether you buy the car from a live dealer or online, it is important that you carefully review consumer reports to get an understanding of their experience and overall reputation.

Consider Rarity

If you are looking to buy a classic car as an investment, you also need to consider the rarity of the vehicle. Certain model years of old Chevy and Ford vehicles have more cars on the road than other model years. If you are looking to make money on the car as a long-term investment, you should focus on finding one that is rare.

Access to Parts

Another factor that you need to consider when you are looking for a classic Chevy or Ford is whether you will be able to get access to the parts that you need. Regardless of how well-kept the classic car is, there will come a time when you need to make a repair. The ability for you to make the repair well will depend on whether or not you can find the parts that you need. It would be a good idea to check with local or online parts suppliers to determine whether they have a lot of parts for the type of car you are considering.

Inspection

Finally, when you are looking to buy a classic car, you also need to have it properly inspected. Simply looking at the exterior and taking it for a test drive is not enough. Ideally, you should invest in a full inspection completed by someone that understands these types of cars. This will help to ensure that you are not overlooking a major repair that could be costly and dilute the vehicle value.

Chevy and Ford vehicles built between the late 1950s and late 1970s are often considered some of the most classic and iconic vehicles of all time. Those that are lucky enough to find one that is a good deal to buy, should do so on the spot. When you are looking for a classic car, the above advice should be considered so you can be assured that you made a great decision.

Truck Talk: 4 Tips for Buying a Semi-Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/10/01 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

A semi-truck can be a great investment, since the payments you make as an owner/operator will go towards financing it instead of simply leasing it. Once it’s paid off, it will be yours to continue using or sell. Semi-trucks are expensive, though, which means it’s crucial that you do your homework as you go through the sales process. Here are four tips that will help you find the right truck at the right price.

Match the Semi-Truck to the Job You Intend to Do

Getting a great price on a semi-truck means nothing if it can’t handle the job you intend to do with it. You need to check the specs to ensure that the engine, transmission, axle capacities and gearings all match what you plan to do with the truck. Pulling over 100,000 pounds requires a much different truck than pulling under 10,000. Flat terrain requires different gearing than hilly areas. Figure out your needs in a truck first before you start shopping.

Be Open to Buying a Used Semi-Truck

Just like with any other type of vehicle, you can get a much lower price buying a semi-truck if you get one used. This does require enough knowledge that you can determine whether the truck is in good shape and if any parts will need replacing or rebuilding soon. Consider only shopping at reputable dealers like Arrow Truck Sales or similar businesses, or with private sellers that you know personally. This can help you feel confident in the truck you get.

Conduct a Thorough Inspection

Whether you’re buying a new or used truck, you should inspect every inch of it to look for any issues, but it’s even more important when you’re buying used. Make sure you ask about maintenance records and requirements during this time. If you’re not confident in your mechanical knowledge, bring a mechanic with you to help.

Keep Control during the Sales Process

You’re making a major purchase, which means you shouldn’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want. Don’t let the salesperson rush you, either, even if they tell you a deal is good for today only. Be patient and remember that as the buyer, it’s your decision.

It usually takes some time and plenty of shopping around to find the semi-truck that feels right to you. Don’t get discouraged if you have trouble finding one. Keep at it and wait for the right deal to present itself.

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.