Using Your Negociator Skills To Buy A Car
Mar 5, 2010 Uncategorized
Whether to buy a new car or buy a used car is often times the first decision that needs to be arrived at before you can actively begin perusing purchasing your next vehicle.
Let’s take a look at some tips, pros, and cons when it comes to making this decision.
First of all, having been in the automotive business for many years, I almost always lean toward finding a good used car that fits what I am looking for. For me, I believe that used cars offer the best value for your dollar. In most cases, you’ll find used car departments are much more used to and willing to negotiate the price that they have posted on the car. From a negotiating standpoint, most used cars won’t have all of those superfluous dealer ‘add-ons’ stuck on the window either that will just never do.
In the automotive market, used cars will most certainly come with a lower initial price tag than a comparably equipped new car. And not only will the price be lower, you may also find that so is your cost to insure the used car as well as the tags, and taxes. Depreciation being what it is; means that with a car a couple of years old, the biggest depreciation hit has already occurred. And from a tangible perspective, you may have a better chance of getting those upgrades you’d like to have on the used car that you couldn’t otherwise afford going with the new.
Yet, with all of this, buying a used car isn’t for everyone. Finding a used vehicle that fits one’s entire car buying criteria can be a tough exercise in balancing what you want with the value versus risk inherent when it comes to used cars.
Not so many years ago, reliability was a major concern when purchasing a used car… and rightfully so. Today however, reliability problems are a fraction of what they used to be. Today’s vehicles, when properly maintained will easily go for 100,000 miles and it’s not uncommon for vehicles to be motoring along as they approach 200,000 miles or more. And with all of the information now available online, the risk factor is again reduced even a bit more.
Even though more reliable today, buying a used car for people means buying a car that is probably out of its original bumper to bumper warranty. This alone, is enough to repel many potential car buyers back to the new car side of the dealership.
As you know, if you are looking at buying a used car, you are probably looking at a car that is outside the factory warranty or at least would have very little remaining. With no warranty you’ll be on the hook to pay for any needed repairs out of your own pocket. However, the biggest expense for most all cars today are the things that aren’t covered by any manufacturer’s warranty anyway; items such as brakes, tires, alignment, batteries, etc.
Of course nobody can guarantee that you won’t encounter a lemon. No matter what the make and model, no manufacturer can produce a vehicle that can withstand years of neglect and/or abuse. Always, always, always give the used car a thorough inspection both by yourself and a qualified mechanic; doing this will catch most problems that may be looming on the horizon.
When it comes to financing the purchase of a used car, you find that the going interest rates will typically be higher than new car rates. This is definitely a piece of the puzzle you’ll want to check out. There is no rule of thumb as to what the difference in the interest rate will be between the two because there are just too many determining variables involved such as; the economy, rebates and incentives involved on the new car side, your credit, length of financing, and even the type of used car you’re looking at. Be sure to crunch the numbers for both sides.
With used cars, insurance can save you some money as well because you’ll typically pay less for your insurance on a like model from a few years past. The reason is simple; less cost of replacement for the insurance company and used cars are generally not high on the stolen lists.
And finally, (the latest) safety features could be a concern if you’re looking at used car (particularly if you’re going back a few model years).
All in all, if the touch, feel, and smell of a new car, isn’t a top priority for you, I think you’ll find that a well thought out used car purchase you can get more car and features and still be within your budget.
Tags: auto, automobile, cars, More Saving, vehicles
Automobile Liability Insurance For Your Protection
Jan 29, 2010 More Saving
The state laws of every state in the USA require that you carry Car Liability Insurance on your vehicle. This coverage pays for damage that you cause to persons or property in an automobile accident when you are at fault. The laws regarding this insurance are determined by the individual states. This means that the requirement varies by state. In some states you will find that the state minimums are lower than in other states.
In addition to being required by your state’s laws, liability insurance also protects other properties that you may own. When damage is done or injuries are caused in an accident, if your insurance coverage is found lacking, you can be held personally responsible and your personal property can have liens placed against it. These liens can prevent your from getting a loan or must be satisfied before the property can be sold.
When you purchase liability insurance it the policy is often referred to in three numbers, such as 10/20/10. These numbers would indicate that the policy offers ten thousand dollars in personal injury protection for each person that is involved in the accident with a cap of twenty thousand dollars per accident. Additionally, the coverage would pay up to ten thousand dollars in property damage. While these limits seem low, there are states that actually have lower limits.
The requirement in most states is too low to give adequate protection to your personal and real property. Often you can purchase much more adequate insurance at a very small difference in price. The insurance agent should be able to give you a very good idea about the policy that would best suit your needs.
To find out how much insurance is required in your state you should talk with the state’s DMV. This department can give you both the amount of required insurance as well as the penalty for allowing your insurance to lapse. Some states are requiring that your insurance company make a report to the DMV any time that your insurance lapses at all.
States are developing very stiff penalties for persons caught driving without insurance. In some states your vehicle registration can be canceled and in other states your actual driver’s license is canceled. While the first offense may have a lower penalty, if your insurance is canceled a second or third time, it can cost you dearly. Your vehicle can be impounded for 180 days and you can be billed for the storage fees on the third offense in some states.
If you need to purchase liability insurance, request quotes by using the net. Many companies offer instant quotes for the insurance that you need. Compare the quotes to find the coverage needed for your vehicles and at the best possible price to pay for insurance.
If you want to keep the cost of your liability insurance low, learn to drive defensively. This can save you money in a couple of ways. If you drive defensively, you are less likely to get a traffic ticket. In addition, you will avoid accidents. In addition to saving money you may save your own life or the life of family members.
Canada’s largest independent insurance brokerage firms delivering car insurance Kitchener and home insurance London solutions in your community and around the world for over 70 years and offices in London, Cambridge, Waterloo and Toronto.
Tags: auto, automobile, business, car, Car Insurance, consulting, Family, financial, health, home, insurance, life, More Saving, quota
Looking For the Right Source for Car Accessories
Jan 26, 2010 More Saving
A car can be a very prized possession. In fact, many would say that their car is not only an asset but a necessity that needs maintaining or upgrading. It is not uncommon to hear that what a car looks like and how it performs tells a lot about it owner. Thus, many take time to invest on their car. In fact, many would attest that the value of the car depends on how long it has been with a family in terms of how long it has been kept in top condition and maintained.
As we all know, a good car would last a lifetime. However, for it to do so, it needs constant attention and maintaining. To keep a car running smoothly, one should pay attention to each of its individual parts. It is therefore very important to choose the right source when looking for a specific car auto accessory that has to be replaced. You have to look for an outlet that has most reliable source for automotive parts. It is good to know by word of mouth which outlet have a wide variety and a wide range of equipment that will really cater to your needs.
Look for a shop that has an extensive selection of car and truck accessories including alternators, radiators, door handles, carburetors, and many more. Does this store provide all the parts at an affordable and reasonable price? Maintenance of one’s prized vehicle need not cost one’s life savings. Does this store offer a guarantee for every part sold? This gives additional confidence to the client that all the parts sold are of the highest quality. You can also search the internet for the parts you want.
There are shops where you can just identifying the auto part you are searching for, the search engine will already generate results that will show you the parts that are available or even alternatives that could be used. One could also visit the shop itself where the knowledgeable crew would be ready to the clients in looking for the parts to match their need. One could also provide the necessary information regarding the vehicle that you own and the crew would be the one to give advice in what could be done in order to improve your vehicle. There are online sites also that have a research guide for clients which would assist clients in looking for a car part such as a car cover.
There are shops that also provide custom auto accessories for clients with a special plan for their vehicle. They are the one stop shop which provides custom car parts and accessories that will not only reflect the client’s personal style but will also protect the car and keep it at its top shape for a long time. Remember that the key to a quality vehicle is the time spent by its owner for its maintenance. This means that quality maintenance will also give you that quality service that you deserve.
It is therefore no wonder that many are now looking into Showtrix as the shop to go to when looking Aftermarket car Accessories, car interior accessories. Clients need only to visit the site www.showtrix.com to obtain the parts that they are looking for.
Tags: auto, automobile, car, car auto accessory, car interior accessories, custom auto accessories, More Saving, vehicle
Do You Need Towing Services?
Jan 16, 2010 More Saving
Whenever an inoperable vehicle needs to be moved from point a to point b, towing services can come to the rescue. They should have the equipment to safely move the vehicle without causing further damage to it or other property. There may be situations where you need towing Toronto.
Vehicles can become inoperable when they have mechanical problems. Sometimes, it is only a small problem such as a starter motor going out that causes the vehicle to not run. Other times it may be a major problem such as a blown engine or the transmission going out of the car. In either case, a tow truck is able to lift the drive wheels of your automobile and get it from your home to the repair shop where it can be put back in running condition.
An automobile accident can result in a car that cannot be driven. Even if the auto is damaged to the point that it cannot be repaired, it can normally be loaded onto a truck and transported to a storage yard until the insurance company can make their determination and help you to get a replacement.
If you are driving in poor road conditions, it is possible that you can lose control of your vehicle and end up in a ditch or snow bank. While your auto is still operable, you are unable to get the needed traction to get that vehicle on the road. In this case, you may need winch out services to get your vehicle unstuck and back on the road.
There are also times that business owners need towing services. If you have problems with vehicles that do not belong to customers or unauthorized vehicles being left in your parking lots, many of these services offer impound towing. The service will place warning signs on your property and make regular patrols after business hours to enforce your parking policy. If a car or truck is violating the policy, it is impounded and the offending automobile will be impounded. The owner must then pay towing and storage in order to get a vehicle back.
Unfortunately, during times of economic hardship, some lenders are having to employ the services of a tow truck to repossess a vehicle when the lender is unable to keep up with the payments. While neither the lender nor the vehicle owner want this to happen, it is often the only way for the lender to retrieve the collateral on a loan.
When a vehicle needs to be transported, the safest way is often for it to be winched onto a truck so that all four wheels are safely on the bed of the truck. Most of the trucks have a bed that may be hydraulically inclined and lowered to form a ramp. Once your vehicle is on the ramp, the ramp can be moved back into position and your vehicle can be secured into place. This will prevent damage to the transmission of your car.
In an ideal world, you would not need towing services, however in the world in which we live, you will be glad that they are there when you have difficulties and need to have a vehicle moved.
Are you in Missisauga or Toronto and in need of towing services? Don’t let yourself get caught unprepared! Find out more about towing Toronto and towing Mississauga before you need it.
Tags: automobile, cars, emergency, heavy, More Saving, road, service, Towing Services, towing truck, trucks, Vans
The Driving Habits You Practice Could Save Lives
Jan 6, 2010 More Saving
If more people would pay attention to their habits while driving rather than this, that, and the other while driving, roadway fatalities would drop significantly in numbers. However, this doesn’t seem to be an option for some drivers and they will never the less have to learn the hard way. The sad thing is that sometimes learning the hard way is too late when that person dies in a car accident due to negligent driving habits.
You should never talk on your cell phone while driving. The number of accidents that have caused the loss of life due to a cell phone being used while driving is growing. Using a phone while driving has to be one of the top worst driving habits there is and the most dangerous. Thankfully, in many places all over the world, cell phone use while driving is an illegal act.
Cell phones are great for an emergency, but they are not great for texting while driving down the road. Texting takes your attention away from the road worse than talking on the phone does. Texting is considered one of the most dangerous driving habits out there and is fast becoming illegal every where you go.
It is terribly unnerving when another car is right on your tail and you have a child in the back. The worst fear for a lot of parents is for one of those infamous tailgaters to smash into the back of them when their small child is asleep in the car seat. If you have this as one of your driving habits, you need to revise and always make sure of ample space between you and drivers in front of you.
Some bad driving habits can cost you a lot more in gas. You should always pay attention to the limit and stay at that speed. If you drive over 60MPH, you are doing nothing more than wasting gas and risking lives. Going this fast won’t get you to your destination that much faster so it is simply not worth having an accident over. Driving too fast will also cause your car to use much more gas than it needs to.
If you are sitting traffic more than you are not, this could classify as driving habits that are costing you a lot more in gas. You should try at all costs to avoid traffic jams and high traffic roads where there is even a slight chance of traffic back up. When your car sits and idles, you are burning gas that could be used moving. Always try to detour those areas that you know are heavy with traffic.
Many traffic accidents could have been prevented had someone remembered to use their turning signal when they decided to make a turn. You need to remember that those drivers behind you can’t read your mind and you are responsible for letting them know what you plan to do when it comes to making a turn. Not using your turning signal is one of the worst driving habits you could have.
One of the driving habits that you need to get the hang of repeating every time you get in your car is the one where you make sure to put on your seat belt. Even though there have numerous ad campaigns and many people have died due to not having their seat belt on during a wreck, there are still those that just don’t think about it when the get behind the wheel.
It is required by law to have auto insurance for driving. When it comes to finding car insurance quotes, you will need to provide a lot of information.
Tags: automobile, automotive, autos, cars, driving, More Saving, vehicles
Don’t Panic if Your Car Brakes Fail: How to Stop Your Vehicle Safely
Dec 3, 2009 More Saving
Drum brakes are being superseded with calliper brakes to make a better system for stopping a vehicle. Tyre construction helps reduce the pressure applied to brakes, as well. The contemporary production presents more safety for the driver. Unfortunately, there are bound to be times when a cars brakes do fail. When this happens it is imperative that you can stop safe and sound.
1. What To Do If Your Brakes Are Soft
The first type of braking problem is caused by a hydraulic leak within the braking system. Your brakes work by brake fluid being compressed when you press down on the brake pedal, which transfers this force to the brake callipers. In turn this squeezes the brake pads onto the brake disc which creates friction and slows the wheels down. The need to keep the brake fluid under pressure when the brakes are applied means that it is held in a closed loop system, so in normal conditions none of the fluid can leak out.
Should a leak occur some of the brake fluid can escape. This would influence the brake pressure, reducing the ability to stop the car. If you notice that the brake feels spongy or is soft when you step on the brake pedal, they are not working properly.
If you feel the pedal has gone soft, gently pump the pedal a few times, this will give you back some brake pressure and allow you to stop safely. Once you have stopped arrange to have your vehicle checked out by a qualified mechanic, otherwise you could eventually suffer total brake failure.
2. How to Prevent Brake Fade and What to Do if it Happens
Brake fade is a technical term to explain hot brakes. Brakes when they become hot can lose their stopping potential. This condition normally occurs on roads with steep grades where you are using your brake system more often. Normal operating situations rarely cause brake fade. However, braking at high speed or frequent use of your brakes can make them heat up. In a situation of hot brakes the fluid could actually boil.
The issue with hot brakes is not lasting. The system can be returned to normal with a stop by the side of the road to allow the mechanism to cool. In downhill situations staying in a lower gear also helps slow the vehicle on the descent, without overuse of the brakes.
3. How To Handle Total Brake Failure
Total brake failure is every drivers worse nightmare. As soon as you detect a problem with your brakes attempt to pump the pedal to restore some braking pressure, this will also ensure your rear brake light car bulbs come on, letting others know you are slowing. Quickly and smoothly change down through the gearbox, and gently apply the handbrake to help you stop.
If you are unable to slow the car down sufficiently and are faced with an imminent crash, try to keep a cool ahead and look to drive into an obstacle that will gently absorb the crash forces. To that end it is far better to crash into a parked car or a brick wall, which will stop you relatively gently, as opposed to a tree or lamp post which will stop you instantly and is more likely to leave you with significant injuries.
Alongside making sure your brakes are working properly, it is just as important to ensure that your Car Headlight Bulbs are in excellent working order and that you can see and be seen by other road users. Installing new Xenon Headlight Bulbs is an excellent way to extend your night time visibility, so you can enjoy driving in the dark.
Tags: auto, auto parts, automobile, automotive, autos, car safety tips, cars, cars - automobile, More Saving, motors, safe driving info, transport
What Are Chrome Bulbs?
Nov 26, 2009 More Saving
If you’re looking to modify your vehicle, chrome bulbs are the best way to go, even though the bulbs look invisible when installed correctly. If you enjoy modifying your car and want your turn signals to look better than the originals, then installing clear corner lenses and chrome bulbs is the way to go.
What exactly are chrome bulbs? They look silver when the bulbs are off, but flash an amber color when they’re on. Because they flash amber, they are perfectly street legal and look great on your vehicle. Just by taking out the ugly tail light lenses and adding clear corner lenses and chrome bulbs will make your car look amazing!
You may see these bulbs under several other names, such as chrome bulbs, silver bulbs, clear bulbs, clear lights, stealth bulbs and many more.
When buying chrome bulbs for your car, you’ll want to get the best bulbs on the market. After doing a little research, you’ll find that there are many imitations on the market, but stealth bulbs are the best bulbs to buy. Also stealth auto creates their bulbs in the United States, so if you’re trying to find a way to buy local products, these are the bulbs to get. The bulbs have a chrome, silver look all around the bulb and cannot see through the light when the bulb is off.
The question you may be asking yourselves is why do I need chrome bulbs? Because the amber colored bulbs from the factories will most likely give your clear corners that ugly yellowish look to it.
Stealth Bulbs are the ultimate bulbs for your clear corner lenses. Many people use Stealth Bulbs for professional car shows and also for street use. These bulbs are 100% legal and meet the strict OEM specifications.
Stealth Auto Bulbs fit in every car, truck and SUV, plus can also be installed on your motorcycle too.
You’ll never find a bulb as flawless as these and will never see anything like this anywhere else. This top notch product cannot be found anywhere else but at the links below.
Find out about Chrome Bulbs. Stop by David Ostiguy’s blogs to find out all about Chrome Bulbs for your vehicle.
Tags: auto, automobile, cars, More Saving, trucks
Adding Chrome Bulbs to Your Car
Nov 24, 2009 More Saving
If you’re planning to make any modifications to your vehicle, clear corner lenses and chrome bulbs are the best and easiest way to make your car look as if it’s from the future. If you’re into modifying your vehicle and want to do something simple, adding chrome bulbs are the way to go.
If you don’t know anything about chrome bulbs, these bulbs have a silver/chrome look to them when they’re off. Once the turn signal is activated, they blink in a yellow/amber color. They are completely legal to have on your vehicle and will make your car look slick and cool.
If you do a little research and search the internet on chrome bulbs, you’re going to find that they go by several names. Just a couple examples are concealment bulbs, silver bulbs, chrome bulbs and also stealth bulbs.
If you have been planning to install these bulbs to your vehicle, it’s advised to get the best bulbs on the market. Why? Because the other knock off versions on the market still show a hint of yellow when you look at the bulbs. With Stealth Auto Bulbs, you won’t find a hint of yellow until the bulbs are turned on. Stealth Auto also creates their bulbs in the United States, so if you’re looking to buy goods from the United States, this is the way to go.
So you may be asking yourself, “Why would I want to install chrome bulbs? Because if you add any smoky lenses or clear lenses to your blinker, the standard bulb will make your modification look ugly. Stealth Auto Chrome Bulbs look almost invisible. These bulbs are approved by the Department of Transportation and have met all the specifications from the O.E.M.
Stealth Bulbs fit in every car, truck, RV and motorcycle.
You won’t find any other bulbs around as cool as Stealth Auto. Not only is this a great product, but Stealth Auto excels in customer satisfaction.
Find the bestChrome Bulbs , on the market & visit clearlights.org to check out Chrome Bulbs for your vehicle.
Tags: auto, automobile, cars, More Saving, trucks
Battery Chargers for Cars
Nov 23, 2009 More Saving
Once upon a time, the battery charger cables would be attached to the terminals of your battery, you pushed a button, and you cooled your heels for a bit. You would look at the dial from time to time to assure yourself that you weren’t overcharging the battery, and you shut it off at the exact time it was done.
Fortunately, the charging operations have become significantly faster than they once were. Nearly every car has a 12 volt battery, and so do marine batteries and power sporting equipment. You must use a battery charger that is suitable for your battery to extend its life and save money in the long run. If you neglect to use the kind of charger that is recommended by your battery manufacturer, the warranty you have on your lead acid battery, AGM, or gel cell may be null and void. Using an incompatible charger can damage your battery.
To determine which battery charger is the best one for the sort of battery you have, there are some things you must know. First of all, find out what kind of battery is in your automobile, and find out how much storage capacity it has. As your car battery is typically just utilized when starting your automobile, for lighting, and for your music system when your car isn’t operating, and the battery recharges when the car is running, you may not feel that storage capacity is that important.
The regular automobile battery can hold approximately 50 amp hours, while a marine battery may store 100 amp hours. Both kinds of batteries provide 12 volts of electricity; however, if entirely dead, they will recharge for different amounts of time with a charger that carries 10 amps, say six to eleven hours, respectively. Be sure that the automobile battery charger you are purchasing has sufficient charging power to satisfy your requirements. If a charger has more power, the time that it will take to get your battery up to speed will be more brief.
Now that we have thrown all of that at you you, let us make it even simpler. All your really going to need to be doing when you finally get a car battery charger home is connect it to your car battery, plug it in and walk away. We got a little technical there just so you could see how things are working. Some of you wanted to know I am sure.
Taylor writes to us today about Car Battery Chargers and also some the types of car batteries.
Tags: automobile, automobiles, car, Car Battery, car battery charger, Car Charger, car electrical system, cars, More Saving
Get the Best Deal with These Car Loan Tips
Nov 23, 2009 More Saving
Before buying a car, you should consider your financing. There’s more to getting a car loan than just getting a lender. You need to consider a great many factors before deciding upon which loan is right for you, and which loan will best help you get the car you want. With these tips in mind, anyone can get the best car loan for their car.
Car Loan Tip #1: Know In Advance What You Can Afford
Keep in mind how much money you are able to spend when looking for your car loan. Remember, take into acount not only your ideal monthly payment, but the total amount you’re willing and able to spend on your new car. And think about how long you want to be paying off your car and your loan.
Car Loan Tip #2: Figure Out the Down Payment
Using a trade-in or making a down payment is important in getting the right price. However much you are able to put down on the car is that much less you need for a loan, and that much less you’ll have to be paying back. Ideally, you want to put down as much money up front as possible to make your financing as low as you can.
Car Loan Tip #3: Remember to Research
Well before you consider any loan offer, it’s imperative that you take the time to do a little research. If you have a trade-in to offer, for instance, you should discover how much it is worth. If you were selling the car, how much could you get for it? Once you have this information and go to a dealer, you’ll know if the amount they offer for the car as a trade-in is a fair price or not.
Research is also important where buying is concerned. If you don’t know for certain what kind of car you’d like to purchase, try to narrow it down to a specific type of car. Shop around to see what dealer has this car available and for what price.
Car Loan Tip #4: Shop Around
Many people make the mistake of jumping at the first offer for financing they receive, usually the one offered at the dealership. It’s a much better idea to shop around for loans. Take a look at several different lenders to see which one can offer you the best car loan.
Car Loan Tip #5: Try to Get Extra Deals
When it’s your money on the line, there’s no point in being shy. Try to get any extra deal you can before finalizing anything with the dealership. Many times they’ll offer discounts or rebates; they might even throw in some free maintenance. Anything extra they offer is good, and try to get as much as possible so that you get your full money’s worth.
Car Loan Tip #6: Keep Up With Your Payments
Once you have finalized everything and have your car loan, make sure that you stay current on your payment. Falling behind will cause you a lot of problems. You will end up with fees and penalties, possible damage to your credit and even the chance of losing your new car.
When trying to get a good deal on your car loan, use these six car loan tips. A car is a major purchase, and not one to be taken lightly. Be smart, do your research, and don’t rush into the first car loan that comes along.
Sample video clips for car dealers syndicated by TopSeekInc: Honda Tracy and Mesa Honda
Tags: auto, automobile, car, financing, More Saving