Driving a Hard Bargain: What Affects Your Car’s Resale Value

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/21 in Auto Selling with Comments Off on Driving a Hard Bargain: What Affects Your Car’s Resale Value

It’s said your car starts depreciating the second it leaves the lot. And it’s true. You could take that new car to the used lot across the highway and get offered a significantly lower price for it. Resale value is a fickle science. While it does take into account age, mileage, condition, equipment levels, model, popularity and demand, it can often boil down to who you’re talking to. Here are some of the fundamentals that either boost or minimize your vehicle’s resale value:

Brand

Nothing is going to have more of an impact. Regardless of condition, cars not known for reliability aren’t going to get the same prices as ones that are. Well-kept luxury brands will always demand top dollar. A 10-year old BMW can still cost tens of thousands, but no one’s going to pay that kind of money for a decade-old Pontiac.

Regular Maintenance

No one is interested in paying top dollar for a vehicle not given proper TLC. Oil, air filters, brake pads and tires are critical components that need regular maintenance. Taking care of these parts will extend the lifetime of a vehicle and ensure its resale value remains high. Most car owners, though, know when and how to replace these. However, according to the experts at Arnold Motor Supply, many people may not even know when they need a new belt until it snaps on half on the freeway. Pay attention to manufacturer-suggested maintenance schedules, and don’t forget the little things.

Tech

Believe it or not, having all the cool gadgets and a Star Trek dashboard doesn’t necessarily make your car more valuable. People looking at used cars are, by nature, conservative. They’re shopping the used market to save money on something reliable, not to get the latest, greatest, and flashiest tech available. Convincing them to pay for the TV in the back, DVD player or GPS capability could be a hard sell at best and a detriment at worst. Fancy gizmos may be what you want, but don’t expect it to bring in anything extra when you try to sell.

Performance Parts/Aftermarket Accessories

Sporty suspension upgrades and a customized exhaust are cool, but most shoppers won’t know or care what that means, let alone take it into account when considering value. While you may be someone that loves your $3,000 chromed wheels, odds are many will downplay them. Aftermarket performance parts and visual upgrades rarely translate into resale value, and many shoppers may even take it as a sign that your vehicle was driven to its limits, making them more reluctant to buy from you.

Exterior

The first thing about a car that impresses anyone is the look. If you’ve maintained the cosmetic condition, you’re in good shape. If you haven’t been washing it, or use dirty water with a greasy sponge— and it shows—you may have issues. Even if you detail it before showing it off, smart buyers will look for scratches in paint, swirls, and dents or dings. Regular washes and taking care of those dings immediately ensure the resale value is maximized. Lose all the personal touches you added—that Bush-Quayle bumper sticker does nothing except date the vehicle and ruin the paint—and remove any glue residue with a gentle cleaner.

 

When reselling your car, give it the best presentation you can. Take care of it, and it will take care of you. Maintenance, care, and attention can go a long way. However, you may find the most resale value in the art of the haggle. Good luck!

The Advantages Of Buying A New Car Versus An Old One

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/19 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on The Advantages Of Buying A New Car Versus An Old One

One of the most important decisions to make when buying a car is whether you want to purchase a brand new vehicle or a used one. Each type of vehicle has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, but buying a new car ultimately offers the best experience.

Customize

The primary reason to buy a new car is that you can customize it however you want. You can select the features that you want and eliminate optional features that are of no use to you and generally drive the price up significantly. You have a much larger selection of vehicles to choose from when you buy new and can get yours made to order with your preferred interior and exterior colors. When buying used, you might have to settle for something that you aren’t really a fan of or have to spend time surfing dealer’s websites and driving from one location to another on your search. It is time consuming and can be mentally exhausting.

Warranty

Another benefit to buying new is that you have an all-inclusive warranty that may cover anything that goes wrong for a specified time period. While used cars offer warranties, nothing compares to the one offered by the manufacturer to the original owner. These bumper-to-bumper warranties typically last anywhere from three years or 36,000 miles to five years or 60,000 miles, but you can also purchase extended warranties to give yourself better peace of mind.

Newest Technology

The latest features and technology are only available in newer vehicles. A vehicle even one year newer than another can have a completely different set of features that make both driving and riding in your car more enjoyable. It’s much easier to buy a vehicle with all the features such as a sound system, back up camera, remote start or navigational systems already installed so you can save yourself the hassle of putting them in yourself.

Safety

New cars also have the latest safety features to keep you and your passengers safe. Laws continue to get stricter as safety standards change, and older vehicles don’t meet the newer requirements. Features such as front and side air bags, brake assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear view cameras, stability control and automatic tire pressure monitoring that are now being installed in new vehicles help keep everyone safer.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs are significantly low, if not free, when you buy a new car because many manufacturers include routine maintenance built into the price. It gives you a reason not to put off getting your vehicle serviced regularly since you’re not paying out of pocket for routine care. You aren’t going to need to replace tires, exhaust, and brakes or need a new battery for quite some time.

Financing

Financing rates for new cars tend to be lower than used cars because they’re worth more. The price of the vehicle might be more, but the bank has better collateral for the loan since a brand new car hasn’t depreciated in value.

Last but not least, newer vehicles have the technology to be more fuel efficient which makes them better for the environment and for your wallet with fluctuating gas prices. Buying a new car instead of a used car simply makes sense. Check out Findlay Auto to get started on finding your dream car with all the options you want.

Help Your Car Run Better in Hot Weather with These 4 Tune-Ups

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/17 in On the Road with Comments Off on Help Your Car Run Better in Hot Weather with These 4 Tune-Ups

Driving a vehicle during a heat wave can push an engine to its limit. This is why it is so important for all drivers to service their cars before the weather begins to warm up. Here is a quick look at four maintenance tasks you might want to tackle as soon as possible.

1. Recharge the AC

Many drivers have their air conditioners on nonstop throughout the warmer months of the year, and that is why it is a good idea for everyone to learn how to recharge an AC. Recharging kits can be purchased at most auto stores and are extremely simple to use. Before recharging the system, you should check the compressor for cracks or any other signs of damage.

2. Belts and Hoses

Belts, hoses, and other car parts made from softer materials tend to become damaged when the weather changes. In addition to creating loud noises, a weakened belt can snap while driving and damage the radiator fan or pulleys. Much like recharging the AC, this is another project that can be carried out in an hour or two with a few basic tools. Belts and hoses should be replaced whenever they become frayed or cracked.

3. Flush and Fill the Radiator

Most radiators must be completely flushed every two years, but you should check the fluids at least once a month while the weather is hot. Instead of using water or antifreeze, you will need a product made specifically to remove rust and grease. According to Natrad, if your radiator isn’t functioning as well as it should, this will cause your engine to overheat. Having a radiator die in the middle of a heat wave can cause an immense amount of damage to the rest of your engine.

4. Inspect and Rotate the Tires

Old and damaged tires have a very high chance of blowing out when the vehicle is at high speeds. They can also ruin your vehicle’s efficiency and handling. Every car should have a sticker on the door jam that shows exactly how much the tires should be inflated. When your tires are being rotated, the mechanic can tell you how much longer you can ride on them until they need to be replaced.

All drivers should know the basics of vehicle maintenance well before they get behind the wheel. These four projects will improve the safety of your car, increase its lifespan, and potentially prevent a catastrophic breakdown during the next major heat wave.

4 Tips For Driving Safe In Bad Weather

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/15 in On the Road with Comments Off on 4 Tips For Driving Safe In Bad Weather

Most people would prefer to be safe at home during bad weather, but nearly everyone ends up driving under poor conditions at one time or another. The good news is that there are things you can do to make sure you reach your destination safely in weather conditions that are anything but friendly.

Heed the Signs

Keep your eyes open for detour signs, warning signs and special speed limit signs. Don’t try to second-guess these signs. Authorities put them up because they have assessed the entire situation and know more about the dangers than you can see from your car’s front seat. Equally important are the more subtle signs of trouble you may encounter, such as an area of standing water or an erratic driver.

Watch the Other Guy

If you notice another driver acting unusual or driving poorly, widen the distance between you and them as soon as you scan. Even huge trucks can get into accidents because of one foolhardy driver in a sub-compact car. If you Google the phrase "Atlanta Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney,” you’ll quickly realize that even professional drivers often need help dealing with the consequences of drivers who are unprepared for bad road conditions.

Stay in Control

Keep both hands on the wheel at all times, and maintain a good grip on it. If you run into a patch of ice, a deep rut, or a heavy gust of wind, a firm grip on your steering wheel can keep you from losing control. Sudden braking, quick acceleration, and overeager turns can turn deadly in a heartbeat when conditions are bad. Making smooth, steady changes in speed or direction will help you maintain control over your vehicle. Allow plenty of time to safely manage stops, lane changes, turns, or twists in the road.

Beware of Black Ice

Black ice isn’t really black, and it doesn’t look like ice. It looks like a normal, clear road. It may even look dry. If the temperature is below freezing keep your eyes peeled for signs of invisible ice, such as ice crystals anywhere on your car’s exterior or a wet-looking road that doesn’t generate spray from passing cars. Bridges and overpasses are often the worst culprits. If you have to drive on one, play it safe and behave as though invisible ice is lurking somewhere on the surface. Don’t expect your fellow drivers to do the same, though, so watch for out-of-control vehicles as you cross.

Bad weather is inevitable, but accidents can usually be prevented. Adjust your driving to compensate for road conditions and help ensure you make it safely to your destination.

Caring for a Clunker: Tips for Your Amateur Car Diagnostics

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/13 in Auto Care with Comments Off on Caring for a Clunker: Tips for Your Amateur Car Diagnostics

If you have an old car you might be wondering what you can do to keep it running for as long as possible. Although you can’t keep your car forever, you can take steps to extend its life and get more out of your investment. You just have to know how to spot potential problems before they progress. This way you get the best possible results. Although it might be time-consuming, caring for your old car is always worth the effort if you want to prevent it from breaking down. Here are some tips for making better diagnostic estimates one your car.

Check for Leaks

As your car starts to show its age, you might notice small wet spots in your driveway. Those spots are an indication your car is leaking fluid and is an issue you must address right away. Before you do anything else, open the hood and check your car’s oil level because driving while low on oil can damage the engine. If you know what you are doing you can repair the leak yourself. If not, it might be best to get a second opinion from your mechanic.

Break Check

Your brakes play a vital role in your safety and the performance of your car. Any issues with your brake pads can cause more damage if you don’t fix them promptly. The first sign of trouble you are likely to notice is a grinding sound when you apply the brakes, and if you notice a change in the amount of pressure required to push your brake pedal down then your car is likely low on brake fluid. This is one fix you’ll not want to procrastinate on since you use your brakes every day

Check Engine Light

If you want to keep your old car out of the junkyard, you must always be on the lookout for the check engine light. If it comes on, then it’s essential you find out what triggered it so you can make the required repairs. You can buy a scanner at most repair shops that will read the code and tell you what is wrong with your car, but you can also take your car to a repair shop and have it looked at by a trained mechanic. If you have a specific model it might be worth the time to have a places like Performance Honda in Bountiful or your local Volvo dealership take a look at your model since they’ll be able to use the correct tools and parts.

Keeping your old car from breaking down for the final time can be a challenging task. But being proactive when it comes to spotting red flags will work wonders to keep your car on the road for as long as possible. Make sure you’re always vigilant about what’s going on with your car and be sure to upkeep with regular maintenance.

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