All posts in Used Autos & Trucks

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.

Bucking the “Scam” Trend: 5 Reasons to Buy Used Cars from Dealers

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/09/23 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Purchasing a used vehicle is quite a different process than purchasing a new vehicle with variables such as the current status of the title, miles on the drivetrain, unseen mechanical issues, and cosmetic problems. While it may seem appealing to haggle down prices with a private seller, there are some compelling reasons that car dealerships are selling more new and used vehicles per year than ever before.

Rigorous Inspections

Finding a vehicle that is safe and mechanically sound should be a buyer’s priority. Unlike purchasing a vehicle from a private party, used car dealerships must adhere to strict laws when it comes to inspecting a vehicle and notifying the buyer of any mechanical issues. This means that you will have a much smaller chance of being cheated or sold a lemon.

More Options

Contacting and meeting with dozens of private sellers can turn into an expensive and time-consuming affair. Instead of only looking at one car at a time, dealerships give buyers the opportunity to look through a wide variety of cars within their price range before making a final decision.

On-Site Financing

Heading into a local bank or credit union to get pre-approved for a loan or financing plan is just one more unnecessary step in this process. Instead, buyers can browse through the cars at the dealership, like Autobank of Kansas City, and be approved for a loan or financing on the spot. Many dealerships offer loans no matter one’s credit score.

Instantly File Paperwork

Figuring out the paperwork when buying or selling a used vehicle is not always an easy task. Many private sellers will simply sign the pink slip and then assume that the buyer will take care of everything else. It is in a dealership’s best interest to make sure that all paperwork is completed before the buyer drivers off the lot.

Warranties

Once the pink slip has been signed over, private sellers have almost no obligation to ensure that the vehicle continues to work properly. Dealerships, on the other hand, typically provide at least some type of warranty on new and used vehicles so that buyers can be confident in their purchase.

Finding the perfect used car will generally be much easier when going through a dealership. Those that want to get the most out of every dollar they invest in their next vehicle must ensure that it is carefully inspected, backed by a warranty, and from a reputable dealer.

What to Look For When Buying a Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/05/13 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Used cars are a great option for the drivers who love saving money. However, you must take extra caution when purchasing a previously-owned vehicle. Here are five tips to keep in mind when shopping for a used ride.

Do the Proper Research

Although a particular vehicle may initially capture your heart, you still need to do the proper research. After reading through the various online reviews, you may find out that the car has a common flaw. For example, some vehicles are prone to experiencing premature paint fading. Remember, the cost of a new paint job can exceed $1,000. Not only do you need to research the vehicle’s projected reliability, but you also need to find out the car’s current market value.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

When shopping for a used vehicle, do not be fooled by its beautiful appearance. There could be plenty of problems going on beneath the surface. After starting the engine, keep an eye out for the presence of exhaust smoke. Unsurprisingly, a smoky engine is never a good sign. If you need help, do not hesitate to ask an experienced car person to tag along. Before finalizing any paperwork, be sure to obtain a vehicle history report.

Check the Mileage

Ideally, you should try to select a ride that has less than 100,000 miles on the odometer. However, some high-mileage vehicles can still last for many years to come. Make sure to take the car to a mechanic like Tischer Auto before making any final decisions as they can tell you what condition the car is in better than anyone else. The key is to choose a vehicle that has been well-maintained and will last you a substantial amount of time. If you are purchasing the vehicle from a private seller, ask to see their maintenance records and see if it has ever been in an accident before. Accidents can seriously inhibit the integrity and safety of the car if done incorrectly.

Consider Purchasing a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle

Unlike the average used car, certified pre-owned vehicles usually come with a lengthy warranty. Before being showcased on the dealership’s lot, a certified pre-owned vehicle must be thoroughly inspected for quality. If a vehicle fails to meet the strict standards of the certified program, it will not make the cut. Although certified pre-owned vehicles are just a tad bit more expensive, the prospective buyers will not have to worry about purchasing a lemon.

Know Your Needs

Do not make the mistake of buying a car that does not match your lifestyle. While a sports car can be fun to drive, it is not the best choice for a person who needs to haul around their children.

There is no overlooking the fact that used cars are far less expensive. However, be sure to take the necessary precautions.

Image credit: by cool3c, on Flickr