Archive for May, 2009

Buy A New Car For Less Tips

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

Some tips for buying a new car without getting carried away by the excitement. It is great fun going to a showroom and getting into the drivers seat of some of those shiny new models. The trouble is that it is normally the salesman who is in the drivers seat when it comes to negotiating a deal. It pays to be prepared.

You will have done your research before you go to visit the dealer. Of course, you will have made a practical decision about the type of car you really need and your budget. You set out with good intentions but then you smell that new car smell and see that gleaming paint job and …!

The salesman senses a kill. He has picked up on what you would really like and he’s going to make sure that you get it. He’ll convince you that the amazing deal he can get you puts it in your price range. But you’ll have to buy today.

He’ll have you sitting in a car that you hadn’t planned on or at least make some of the accessories and extras seem essential. With his great finance rate and the deal he can offer on servicing, it all seems amazingly affordable.

As you leave the lot, you are feeling pretty good. That’s because you don’t realise how you have followed the dealers carefully constructed plan. Each step gives him the chance to take more money out of your pocket.

The dealers playbook is full of psychological techniques and pressure tactics to get you to sign up today. They don’t want you comparing deals, although they make it difficult to compare like with like if you try.

A good tip for buying your new car is, don’t. You have to prepare your own strategy before you go to the dealer. Know what models would suit your needs and budget. Set limits that you won’t go beyond. It’s a major purchase and worth some effort to get right.

It is worth working on your mindset before you go to the dealer. Always be aware that the money and the buying decision are yours. The salesman will try to convince you that you only have one chance to get this deal. It’s not true. There is always another one.

If the dealer is too pushy, try telling him that you are definitely going to buy a car, but it doesn’t have to be now, and it doesn’t have to be here. That should get him to back off. And then ask for a better deal! Ask if there are any unadvertised offers and make sure he checks. I have personally saved around $700 on a deal that the salesman didn’t even know about.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Is It a Good Idea to Buy the Car You Have Been Leasing?

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

When a contract hire vehicle reaches the end of its term, the normal procedure is for the finance company to arrange to collect the vehicle. If you are interested in the car, you would need to approach the finance company for a price but will the purchase price they offer you represent a bargain?

Unfortunately it will probably not be at a bargain price. The prospective purchaser will probably think that it is an ideal opportunity for the finance company to get rid of the vehicle without any hassle, the finance company will probably think that it is an ideal opportunity to get a higher price for the vehicle, setting the value at somewhere in between the trade and retail price.

If you are interested in buying your ex contract hire car maybe for a member of your family, bearing in mind they are unlikely to do anything special on the price, does it represent a good deal? Well it does have its advantages, in that there is a lot be said for perhaps one of your children driving a car where you know the vehicle’s history from new. For example you will know that it hasn’t been in any major accidents and that any less serious body damage has been repaired satisfactorily at the main dealership.

Sometimes companies will take their contract hire cars to a local garage for bodywork repairs. This generally happens when the company wants the vehicle repaired without claiming on the insurance. If however the quality the work is not up to standard, this is sometimes spotted when the vehicle is returned to the finance company. It’s a risk that the hirer takes, because if it is discovered they will be charged to rectify the work and there are possible implications if there is an anti corrosion warranty.

How will the finance company dispose of your car if you do not buy it? Different companies have different policies when it comes to selling their vehicles, some are now using EBay, which seems to be working quite well. As a general rule, they will be disposed of through the trade most commonly at auctions.

Of course if you wanted to buy your own vehicle at a potentially lower price, which you almost certainly would if they are disposed of through the auctions, you would have to know where that particular company disposes of their cars, which would be difficult.

Although it doesn’t have the same advantages of buying the car you know, you could just go to the auctions with a view to buying an ex lease car. Of course by the time you bought it, it would probably be outside its warranty so you would have lost the opportunity of extending the warranty and you would have no idea how the car has been driven or treated over the previous three years or so.

Private buyers do buy at auctions but auctions are really best suited and geared to trade buyers, sometimes private buyers miss vital warning signs on a car that trade buyers will pick up on. Some ex contract hire cars are sold with “no major defects” which means that if it is found to have a major defect, the vehicle can be rejected but only either on, or shortly after the day of sale. Others are sold on a “bought as seen” basis. However this cannot be interpreted that there is something wrong with the car, it is just some company’s policy to sell all their vehicles in this way.

One of the pitfalls for private buyers at auctions is that they get carried away and have a tendency to bid far too much for vehicles, knowing when to stop is vital. Trade buyers know roughly what they can sell a car for and what it is going to cost them to clean it up and put a warranty on the vehicle, so significantly overpaying for a car is not an option; particularly when you take into account that as soon as the next month Glasses Guide comes out the car will almost certainly have dropped in value.

You can do a lot worse than to buy an ex lease car; you can as a general rule expect it to have been regularly serviced, the mileage to be correct and for any faults it has incurred to have been rectified under the warranty. If you can find a car that is being sold at the end of a 24 month term, it is ideal because with the majority of vehicles will still have one year’s warranty remaining.

Do make sure that you check the service history, because if the hirer has forgotten to carry out a service and the leasing company has not picked up on it, it could invalidate the warranty. Also be aware that at auction “no major mechanical defects” usually means major components like engine and gearbox etc; the vehicle could have a reoccurring electronic problem that probably would not be covered. In summary buying your own car at the end of the term is probably the safest bet.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , ,

Evaluating Car Insurance Coverage Options

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

One of the most necessary — and required — aspects to owning a car is having car insurance to cover you, your vehicle and in some cases, the other driver should you find yourself in the unfavorable position of being in an accident. Like most insurance, car insurance can be confusing and difficult to understand… especially if you have an insurance agent whose primary focus is selling, selling, selling rather than providing you with the service and coverage you need. And that leads us to another question, how much car insurance do you actually need? And, how much is it going to cost you?

You definitely want to sit down with an insurance agent in order to determine the right amount of coverage necessary for your vehicle since every state has different laws that apply to what is required when it comes to insurance coverage. However, you can receive a car insurance quote — either online or by phone — in order to find out the approximate monthly out of pocket cost that is going to apply to you.

It is important, from a basic business point of view, for you to do your homework where the cost of insurance is concerned. This will prevent any unscrupulous insurance agent from taking advantage of you by charging you too much for whatever insurance coverage it is you need. Too, by searching for car insurance quotes, it may also be possible for you to find an insurance company that is reputable, but has much lower prices than their competition. This is probably one of the main reasons people request car insurance quotes in the first place. Once you have narrowed down your search to two or three insurance companies, you can schedule an appointment with each of them in order to determine what type of coverage is required in the state in which you live.

If you are just searching for the minimum coverage you can purchase, you will certainly need to find out exactly what that minimum will not cover in the event of an accident. Fortunately, the minimum required car insurance that is required in one state is often similar to that of other states, though specifics — such as dollar amounts — may be higher or lower. Typically, all states require bodily injury and property damage coverage, but some also require you to carry uninsured (or under-insured) motorist coverage as well.

When you are seeking your car insurance quotes, it might be beneficial for you to include this coverage as well, especially if you plan on traveling to a state that requires it. Once you have scheduled your appointments, prepare a list of questions and you will be able to choose your insurance agent, and the coverage you need, with confidence.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

How to Save on Car Insurance

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

When you think about car insurance, what do you think of first? Which aspects of car insurance are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.

Get the free auto insurance quote at car insurance rates so you can compare the auto insurance providers available, and then you can determine your choice. Car insurance agencies also have web sites and advice all over the net. Almost everyone now has connection to a computer.

Car insurance rates can change quite seriously and you can save upwards of hundreds of bucks a year by comparing costs between companies. Car insurance companies actually determine insurance premiums depending on several factors. An affordable car insurance premium may be possible if you fall in any of the exceptions in determining insurance premium affordable.

Car insurance is very important for those who have cars. Maybe you have known that car accidents are so close to those who drive their car. Car insurance company rate the amount of risk a person will likely pose for the company. And depending on that rating, some insurance carriers will decide on whether they will take you as under their care and how much car insurance premiums you will be charged. Car insurance providers like to reward loyalty by encouraging their customers to stick with them for the long term. More importantly, car insurance providers like to reward good driving skills.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding car insurance, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

Compared to a senior driver, a teen is three times as likely to get in a crash. That alone cranks up the cost of insurance coverage. Compared to a senior driver, a teen is three times as likely to get in a crash. That alone cranks up the cost of insurance coverage. Compare the ‘meerkat’ shows how an excellent TV ad can be made to maximize brand awareness online. It is a rare example of a financial marketing campaign that gets the modernity of today.

Companies will determine your vehicle’s average retail value before the accident occurred. The company must use an official used car guide approved by the West Virginia Insurance Commission to determine this. Companies offer these discounts not only because they want all of your business, but also because it is easier for them to insure individuals they know which reduces their risk. Industry statistics show that individuals and families who insure more than one car have better than average claims experience.

Car insurance quotes in Texas can be obtained either by visiting each and every insurance company’s office and personally asking them for all the car insurance quotes which they are offering to their customers. Car insurance rates is a website providing you the fast way to buy the cheap auto insurance with lower premium rates, lower deductible rates, and other quality services and coverage.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Financing a Used Car Successfully

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

Car financing is a big business to the car manufacturers as they must help the dealership move their inventory. The car loan business is as competitive as any other financing business and several options may be provided at the point of purchase to allow the customer the ability to drive away with their purchase. It is then left to the customer to choose from the offers presented.

It doesn’t matter if the cars are being sold from the showroom or the sales lot, the terms and rate of the loans being offered are usually fairly competitive between the various loan companies. The customer is always free to find another financier if not satisfied with what is being offered so there is a lot of competition between lenders for the business.

Loans for used cars are not as competitive as for new cars. Terms and rates are usually different from one company to the next as it is more up to their discretion.

Therefore, it is advised that before taking or choosing a loan the customer should properly research the rates that are prevailing in the market. He or she should not jump at once to grab a loan merely because the rate offered is low. There are bound to be companies which offer better rates. The customer should go through all the programs and then apply for a used car loan that suits him the best. And if no loan suits his interest then he can always go back to the first loan that was offered to him at a low rate of interest.

It is possible to apply for a loan online or physically fill out the necessary papers. But one must first find out the terms and rate of the loan being applied for. Online research for current market loan rates is possible as well as directly asking the local lender. In this manner the borrower has an idea of prevailing rates available to him. One thing to keep in mind is the length of the loan repayment schedule.

It is possible to find online finance companies who will provide loans for used cars at low rates of interest. Possibly even lower than the rates offered by local banks. They may not have as strict guidelines for used car loans as the banks do.

Thus we see that a customer should do a complete job of research regarding the rates offered, to pick up the best offer.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

Car Insurance Quotes Made Cheaper

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

We would all love to save as much money as we possibly can and it is nice to be able to do so with items that we absolutely must have. Car insurance is one of these items. Often times car insurance can be expensive. However, the cost of your car insurance will vary from company to company, so it is important that you receive as many car insurance quotes as possible before making an informed decision on your coverage.

Given that car insurance is a required purchase all across the United States, it would be highly beneficial for you to do your homework before settling on an agent and buying your car insurance. For instance, many people are not aware that insurance companies can sometimes offer substantial discounts on car insurance for various criteria you may meet. All you need to do is talk with your insurance agent about what discounts might be available and ask for a few car insurance quotes based on what discounts they may offer. The discounts can be fairly substantial if you are able to take advantage of them all and who really couldn’t use some extra money in their pocket?

Though the discounts may vary widely from one car insurance company to the next, this is where the benefit of receiving multiple car insurance quotes will come in handy. It is this way that you can determine which car insurance company and agent to give your business to. Also, be wary if the agent does not offer nor mention any available discounts. Yes, you want to be pro-active and ask about them, but you should also feel confident that your agent has your best interest at heart and not just the best interest of the company’s bottom line.

So you are aware, not all discounts are offered in all states, but the most common discounts include: car safety features such as anti-lock brakes, air bags — both driver and passenger — and automatic seat-belts; you may also receive a discount for any voluntary defensive driving courses you have taken.

Multi-car discounts are also popular because you will be insuring more than one vehicle with the insurance agent; and it is also possible to receive a discount for a clean driving record — that is to say, no tickets or accidents in the previous 5 or more years. So be diligent about requesting your car insurance quotes and make sure you can get the most coverage at the best price before purchasing your policy.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Used Cars for Your Teen

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Whether you are a teenager buying your first car, or a parent taking on the challenge of finding a car for their teenager, there are a variety of aspects that must be understood before getting behind the wheel.

Regardless of your teens protests, it is usually best to stay as practical as possible when buying the first car. Pick something safe and reliable because after all, who wants to be sitting on the side of the road a day after the car has been purchased just because the vehicle was your teens favorite color?

With all of the makes and models out there today, there are a vast sea great quality used vehicles to choose from. The following is a list of some of the best used cars for your teen:

- Dodge Charger: This is a great vehicle that is safe to drive. It is not prone to rolling over and the size of the vehicle keeps the passengers safe. Its tough and rugged look leans towards the looks of a muscle car which appeals to the male teens, and it has an average fuel usage of approximately 25 mpg on the highway and 18mpg in the city. The cost of this car can be a bit high, but it is well worth it.

- Chrysler 300: This is a great looking vehicle that everyone in the family would like to drive, so the teen may find that they are wrestling with Mom and Dad in the driveway for the keys. On average, the price is a bit high, but it is a safe car. The gas mileage is much like that of the Dodge Charge.

- Jeep Wrangler: This car is popular with the teens because of all the extra gadgets it can come with such as MP3 players and iPods. Keeping that in mind, this may not make it one of the safest to be on the road with, especially if attention is focused on shuffling tunes instead of watching the road. With that said, the price is usually reasonable and the gas mileage is great. An added plus is that the government gave the Jeep a five star crash test rating, so you can feel safe about your teen driving in this vehicle.

- Chevy Cobalt: There are a variety of brightly colored cars to choose from with this model which helps to make it a fun drive for the teen. The price is affordable, even if purchasing it as a new car. It is also very fuel efficient. This is a popular choice of both teens and their parents because of its price, looks, safety, and fuel-efficiency.

- Chevy Equinox: If you are looking for a bigger set of wheels, then the Equinox will fit the bill. Even though it is an SUV, which have a bad reputation for rollovers, the Equinox has a four star rating so that issue can be placed lower on the list of things to worry about The pricing is average to high and gas mileage is a bit lower coming in at 24 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.

Finding the right car for a teen can be a time consuming task, but the more research and test driving you do from a used cars dealership, the better it will be for you and your teen. Make sure that the car you choose has the options you require. Remember to compromise when picking out the car, and most importantly, have fun while shopping!

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Key Questions to Ask a Car Shipping Company

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

One of the biggest questions that people have when relocating to an area that is far away is how they are going to get their car to the new location. There are many shipping companies that specialize in transporting vehicles. Before enlisting the services of a car shipping company, you need to be aware of what is involved in shipping your car. The following is a list of questions you should ask a car shipping company:

How will my vehicle be shipped?

Generally your vehicle will be transported either by train, plane, truck, or boat. It all depends on where you are planning to move.

How much is it going to cost to ship my vehicle?

Considerations should include: distance and mileage, carrier type (Open or Closed), insurance, driver salary, and taxes, vehicle condition and value, and special services such as vehicle pick up or drop off. You may be charged additional fees if you have a collectors car or custom car with added value or special needs.

How long will it take to ship my car?

Shipment time can depend on a number of factors such as distance, size of the carrier, and the method of shipment and route. The time it takes can also affect the price.

What kind of trucks do you use to ship?

Open Carriers have trailers where the vehicles are visible and open to weather and other conditions. With enclosed carriers, trucks will look more like a normal truck trailer or have a trailer that is covered.

Is there a specific location that a transporter must pick up your vehicle?

Most auto transporters provide a door-to-door service. Door-to-door service usually depends on how easily your “door” is to access.

Do I have to be at home when they pick up my vehicle?

There usually has to be someone there to sign for the vehicle. You can sign for it or you could have a family member sign.

What do you mean by bill of lading?

The bill of lading is the document that records the condition of your vehicle. It is usually a form with an illustration of a car where you can note scratches, dents, marks, and other damage

How is their insurance policy prepared?

Try to obtain a copy of the car shipping companys insurance policy. Check if they offer liability coverage as primary coverage or secondary to your own insurance. Call your own insurance company to find out the level of coverage they provide during transportation.

Can I place personal items in my car?

There are insurance issues involved with this question. Many companies do not allow personal items to be stored in the vehicle.

Are there any size and weight restrictions?

The auto transport company you choose should be able to help you if you have any questions about the size or height of your vehicle. There could possibly be a few restrictions.

How do I get a car shipping quote?

You can often fill out our car shipping quote form online or call with your car shipping information.

What about shipping rates and discounts?

When considering booking a car shipping company, ask them if they have any special discounts. Discounts can include: multiple car discounts, shipping more then one car at a time, and terminal-to-terminal shipping. Some companies will even offer military discounts.

More people are discovering the convenience of using a shipping company to transport their car. It was once a transportation method used by businesses, but now individuals are realizing it is an effective method of relocating their vehicle when they move.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Pollution is now making the world consider the problems of airborne toxins. We now know the repercussions of our latter-day, and are bothered about global warming and our protective ozone layer.

Corporations and governments must now judge the effect that long-term use of petrol has had on our planet. A good way to help our planet is to start manufacturing alternative fuel cars, these include vehicles that produce much less or zero carbon emissions of petroleum.

The battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs, are cars that are run by the chemical life of batteries. Most are classified as zero emission vehicles, or ZEHs, because no emissions are produced when driven. Electrical energy for these cars are acquired a variety of battery chemistry’s arranged intro battery packs. BEVs mainly use lead-acid batteries, NiMH batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.

A hybrid car, or the petrol-electric hybrid, uses multiple sources to provide power. This commonly refers to petrol-electric hybrid vehicles, which use gasoline and electric batteries for the fire used to power internal-combustion engines (ICEs) and electric motors. The worlds first commercially mass-produced and marketed hybrid car was the Toyota Prius. It first went on the worldwide market in 2000, and now has broken the barrier of over one million sold.

A solar car is an electric vehicle powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the auto. Even though, solar cars are not a viable source of transportation. Challenges sponsored|encouraged|assisted|promoted

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Do You Need a Car Buying Strategy?

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

What is your car buying strategy? Why do I ask? Because if you go out to buy a car without a plan, it could cost you a lot of money. From the moment you enter his lot, the car dealer will be employing his strategy on you.

You need your own end goal in mind. The dealers focus is reaching his monthly sales quota. He wants the maximum profit from each customer. He’ll want you to take the options and extras.

Finance through the dealer, service contracts, GAP insurance etc may be a better deal for him than they are for you. You need to plan ahead and know what alternatives are available before you go to the car lot. Know what model and what features you want.

Once you know what you want, the next part of your strategy is knowing when to go shopping. New models are out from August to November. If want the latest model, that is the time to go. Just before then, the dealer may be trying to offload old stock. That could be an opportunity for you if you dont mind an earlier model.

At the end of the month, the pressure is on to hit that sales quota. They need you to buy today rather than next week. Look as though you are about to leave and they just might be able to work out a better deal.

Weekdays are better for getting a good deal. With fewer buyers around, the agent needs to pull out the stops to make the deal attractive. If you are the only one in the showroom, he doesn’t want to see you walk away.

It’s a big commitment to buy a car. You don’t have to rush into it. But it’s exciting too and it’s easy to be swept along by emotion. The salesman knows that and will try every trick in the book to play on it. He try to convince you that this deal is only available today. It’s not true.

If you are feeling pressurized or there are aspects of the deal you aren’t sure of, you can always leave. It is easier if you go in with the mindset that you can do that. There will be other times and other places to get the same or a better deal.

Having your own car buying strategy can put you on an even footing with the salesman. In tough economic times, you need to make sure you are getting the best possible value on a car that suits your requirements.

About the Author:

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,