All posts tagged car buying

Makes and Models: How to Decide Which Kind of Vehicle is Best for You

auto buying, car buying

When shopping for a new car, you might feel like you’re in over your head. There are so many different models to choose from. The advantages of one vehicle could quickly be outweighed by its disadvantages. You can’t just buy a new vehicle without doing sound research and soul-searching. Here are four tips for deciding which kind of vehicles is best for you.

Decide between New and Used

Even before you start to narrow down what model of car you want, you’ll likely be debating between new and used. While used cars cost less than new ones, they have disadvantages. They can be less reliable, thanks to not having the same advanced safety features of new cars. Some companies, like Hoover Mitsubishi, know that due to having more mileage, you might have to get rid of a used car sooner. There may also be maintenance issues that don’t immediately present themselves but affect you soon after.

Consider How Much You Drive

Some people drive 100 miles a day. Others live in pedestrian/public transit-friendly areas any only need their cars for things like out of town trips. When shopping for a new car, think about how much you’ll need it. You don’t want to sink too much money into a vehicle that will stay in your garage for weeks at a time. Consider your transportation needs and choose one that will work with them. If you need to transport equipment, a high-quality truck is your best option.

Consider Your Environment

Do you live in an area that gets heavy snow and rain on a regular basis? If so, you need a vehicle that can handle all kinds of terrain and weather. You need to make sure that your car is properly maintained and ready for any kind of emergencies that could happen. You should also know how to drive in hazardous conditions.

Consider Your Budget

The cars you should consider will be narrowed down by your budget. Hopefully, it won’t be narrowed down too drastically. Take a look at your finances and see if you are severely limited by the vehicles you can purchase. If you don’t have enough, just wait a bit longer and save up.

The perfect vehicle isn’t going to magically jump out at you. It requires taking the time necessary to learn about different kinds of vehicles to determine which would suit you best. If you’re having trouble deciding between several cars, choose the one you believe would be the best choice long-term. Give yourself plenty of time for making important decisions like this.

Car Decisions: Is it Worth Buying a Car that Needs Work?

While you are searching through the classifieds for a new ride, you may stumble across a vehicle that needs a few repairs. While your initial response may be to pass over the advertisement, the flawed vehicle may actually be a diamond in the rough. Once the vehicle is fixed, it may be able to last for many years to come. Here are some of the pros and cons of buying a car that needs work.

Cons: Fear of the unknown

Purchasing a vehicle that needs work always carries an element of uncertainty. For example, the seller may tell you that the vehicle will not crank due to a failed alternator. While this may be true, the car could also have other mechanical problems as well. Unfortunately, you will not find out until you install the new alternator.

Cons: Underestimate the cost of the repairs

At first glance, the total cost of the necessary repair work may seem very affordable. However, the damage could be more extensive than you originally thought. Upon taking the vehicle out for a test drive, you make notice that the steering is off-kilter. While the car may just need a simple wheel alignment, the steering problem could also stem from damage to the frame. Frame damage is very expensive to repair.

Pros: Leverage in negotiating a deal

Depending on the amount of work that is needed, you may be able to negotiate a great deal with the seller. Some people are in a financial bind and simply can not afford to make the repairs. This is a win-win situation for both parties. Although the cost to repair the vehicle may total $450, the low purchase price will more than make up the difference.

Pros: A new hobby

If you don’t need the car right away and are looking for something to do on the evenings and weekends, a project car may be perfect for you. Many people gain fulfillment in fixing up project cars. Often, the finished results are amazing, unique, and personal to you. There are plenty of books and websites to help you learn how to build up your new car.

You do not always have to buy brand new parts. Purchasing salvage parts can save hundreds of dollars, and may be more inexpensive than a flashier new car. For example, f the vehicle has a damaged fender, you should easily be able to find a dent-free replacement at the salvage yard.

Do not make the mistake of passing up a great car due to a few minor problems. The key is to take the time to analyze all of the critical factors. You can decide if you have the time and resources to fix up the car. You may even find a fun project.

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing about business and finance and spending time with her dog, Max. Information credited to www.salvageyardphoenixaz.com.