How to Ensure Accurate Pricing with a Used Car Price Guide

A used car price guide is an essential tool in finding a value that is fair for both the car buyer and seller. Luckily, there are a number of free resources that can be used to help you determine a satisfactory price. While price guides can give you a general idea of the value of a car, there are a number of different factors to consider when trying to accurately determine the price.

• Start your search by consulting one of the establishing used car pricing websites. Kelly Blue Book and N.A.D.A.are both trusted resources for getting up to date pricing information
• While these sites are a good starting point, the values assigned aren't always reflective of what a particular vehicle may actually sell for. One factor that can push prices either up or down is the time of year. Convertibles, for instance tend to command more money during the summer months. Major service intervals (timing belts, for instance may need to be replaced every 60,000 miles) that have yet to be performed should also lower the price accordingly
• Cars with cult followings (muscle cars and vintage sport cars are excellent examples) will usually be worth more to enthusiasts than a buyer simply looking for a means of transportation. Sellers of these cars are generally aware of what they have, and buyers can expect prices to be a little higher because of this
• Reputation will also affect cost. Vehicles labeled as unreliable will lose their resale value more quickly than those that tend to last hundreds of thousands of miles with routine maintenance. Also, a car with a documented maintenance history should immediately be considered more valuable than one without. It can be very comforting to know your potential investment has lived its life in good hands
• One way to get an accurate idea of what a certain make and model may be worth is to check what similar cars are selling for. This is when it can be quite helpful to reference a number of Internet sources to gauge the local climate. Check CarsDirect's updated database of used car listings to see how much your car of choice is going for
• Once you have viewed enough listings to observe a trend reflecting how mileage and condition will play with value, you can begin to consider a realistic budget

Try to not become obsessed with finding the perfect price for the perfect car. If you find yourself too concerned with finding a dream price, your search may go on much longer than originally anticipated. All things considered, a car is worth what you feel it is worth. Factors such as collectability, resale and utility make this different from individual to individual. It's important to keep in mind that there will always be another example of what you are looking for. With a little time, patience, research and luck anyone can find the perfect car.

Used Car Price Analysis

There are many factors considered when a dealer presents their used car price. Some use guides that are based on a used car price formula. This formula usually has a base value of the particular car, and adds or subtracts value depending on conditions such as options and mileage. Here are a few factors which have to be considered when trying to estimate the value of a used car.
Popular Options
Since most people prefer an automatic transmission, it is understandable that a vehicle equipped with one will command a higher price. Some other popular options that help to increase the value of a used car are: leather interior, power operated equipment (seats, mirrors, etc.), automatic climate controls or convenience options (cruise control). Some options do not always affect the value of a used car. These include certain audio options and wheels.
Location
Another factor that will affect a vehicles value is the area it is being sold in. For instance in places like southern Texas, pickup trucks will have a higher value, because they are in higher demand there. In areas where snowfall in winter months is a common occurrence, 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles command a higher price. In cities, smaller cars that get good mileage and are easier to park are in higher demand.
Age and Mileage
The conditions that affect the price of a used car more than anything are age and mileage. Cars, like anything mechanical have a limited lifespan. The older a car is the less it is worth, unless it was a limited production model. High mileage will diminish a car's value. The normal engine in a car will only drive so many miles before it needs major repairs. Even if the car is a newer model, if the mileage is high its price will be lower.
Estimating a cars value can be a complicated procedure, because there are many factors involved in the process. A good rule of thumb to remember is, "Anything used is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it."

What Is the Best Online Used Car Price Guide?

If you are thinking about buying a used car, a used car price guide is an invaluable tool. Price guides can help you determine the fair market value of any type of used car or truck, knowing only a few particulars. When searching for used car price guides, it is always better to know which ones are the most accurate and provide the best information.

Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds

While there are several good online used car price guides on the Internet, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds are generally considered to be the best. Both sites allow you to determine a car's actual value by entering specifics such as: mileage, overall condition, make and model and any included accessories or options. Once you enter this information, they give you detailed information on the current market value, high and low average selling prices and the average trade-in value for that particular type of vehicle.
In addition to providing valuable pricing information, both Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds also allow you to search for reviews, ratings and even vehicle history reports on thousands of different used cars and trucks. Used car pricing guide sites such as Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds can offer all types of valuable information on the car you may be thinking of purchasing. Therefore, you should be sure to visit both of these websites before you buy your next used car.

Which Free Used Car Price Guide Should You Use?

It is important that the free used car price guide that you choose is one of the better ones. There are two that come to mind, one is the Kelley Blue Book, and the other is the NADA guide. Both give you an estimate car price, but which one should you use.

• Kelley Blue Book is a consumer driven book, meaning it is geared towards you, the buyer. The site has a plethora of information on cars, and their specifications. The best part is that you can get a free appraisal of your car by entering in some information. You need to enter the make, model, year and trim. Then you can select the value you want to see (trade in, retail, private party, certified pre owned) and then enter the details of your car by checking boxes. Lastly, you can fill in the condition of your car. The price is then shown to you, and you have an estimate price for your car
• NADA Guide is the site you may want to shy away from. There isn't anything wrong with the site per se. However, as a consumer, you may feel like they are overvaluing their cars. Their guides go under the assumption that your car is in excellent condition—a classification that only applies to 5 percent of used cars. You then have to deduct money from the price, but you can never be sure as to how much to deduct based on your car. It is more of a guessing game, whereas KBB allows you to adjust the price for condition

Compare Other Online Prices

If you're just searching to find a more general price range for a particular vehicle, you might consider browsing websites like Auto Trader or CarsDirect. These websites have thousands of vehicles for sale and will almost always have quite a few vehicles very similar to the one you're thinking of buying or selling. By comparing prices on similarly equipped vehicles you can get gauge an accurate and fair price for your vehicle.

10 Tips for Regret-Free Car Buying

Tip 1. Browse with no intention of buying

The first time you go to a dealership, you shouldn't be looking to buy. Tell dealers that you're just looking and don't let them talk you into anything. Better yet, drop by on a day when the dealership is closed. You can roam around the lot and inspect the window stickers with no pressure whatsoever. Take notes on what you like, then return home and do some serious research.

Tip 2. Find out what the dealer paid for vehicle

You can't know the dealer's hand in a casino, but you can in a car dealership. "Knowledge is key," says Michael Royce, a former car salesman who now runs the website Beatthecarsalesman.com. "One of the most important pieces of knowledge a car buyer needs is the invoice price (the dealer's cost) of the car he wants to buy. Fortunately, the Internet makes getting that vital info easy."
Plenty of websites can give you the invoice price of any vehicle (you can search for invoice prices at MSN Autos here), so plan to negotiate up from there, not down from the sticker price. Make sure to get the invoice price that includes all the options you want, not just the base price of the vehicle — the options have a dealer markup, too.
See: Used Sedans Under $20,000

Tip 3. Get an online price quote

In fact, get a few of them. Most dealerships have an online sales department that will get you a quote within two to three days. You can also use services such as Autobytel.com and PriceQuotes.com to cross-shop multiple dealers. You're under no obligation to pay the quoted price, and it can be a potent bargaining chip with other dealerships.

Tip 4. Get your paperwork in order

Print out the invoice price on the exact model you want with an itemized list of the options you're considering. Also, research any manufacturer incentives and rebates that apply to the car you're shopping for, and subtract those from the invoice price. If you are interested in financing, find out your credit score ahead of time; everyone is entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Also, shop a loan by researching the rates at competing banks and local credit unions. Write down all the numbers and bring all the documents to the dealership. If the dealer can't match or beat those rates, tell him you'll finance the car another way.

Tip 5. Forget about leasing

"Dealerships love to push leasing because it is so profitable for them, but leasing is almost always a bad idea," Royce says. "In a lease, you are simply renting the vehicle for a set period of time. Once that term expires, you must return the vehicle to the dealership with nothing to show for your years of payments."

Tip 6. Don’t talk financing or trade-ins until you’ve settled on a price

Click to enlarge picture

A dealer isn't doing you any favors if he gives you a deal on the new car, and then offers you $1,000 below market value on your trade-in. The new car, the trade-in and financing are three separate negotiations — treat them as such. It's always in your interest to get the best possible price on each transaction; that's why you should do your research ahead of time. If the dealer isn't hitting the numbers you brought with you, shop or sell elsewhere.
Watch Video:  'Road Raves': Dealing with the Dealer

Tip 7. Don’t fail the test drive

Taking a new car out for a spin can be an exciting experience, but don't get too giddy. If the salesman sees that you've formed an emotional attachment to the vehicle, it may put him out of the mood to compromise. "The fact is that analytical car buyers pay less for their new cars than emotionally charged buyers," Royce says. So stay calm, ask questions and pay attention to the behavior of the car. Take your time and inspect the environment of the vehicle, make sure that it's comfortable and that the controls make sense to you. You're going to spend a lot of time in this car, so it's OK to nitpick.

Tip 8. Take a close look at the fees

Before you sign anything, take a close look at all the numbers on each contract to ensure they are what you agreed upon. Don't be surprised to find a number of fees on the sales contract, but be aware that some are standard, some are negotiable and some are simply outrageous.
Expect to pay sales tax, a destination charge, title and registration fees, and a modest documentation fee ($50 to $100 is reasonable, but don't be surprised if dealers in some states charge up to $300). Advertising charges, which are fees charged to the dealers by manufacturers, often get passed right on to customers. Feel free to push back on these, or at least demand a further break on the price of the vehicle. Then there are things like the "dealer prep fee," which Royce characterizes as an outright scam. "All vehicles must be prepped before being placed on the dealership lot," he says. "So you shouldn't pay extra for it."
Royce also warns against "market value" dealer markups on popular cars. "This can be anywhere from $500 to thousands of dollars," he says. "It only works if you agree to it." If dealers refuse to eliminate this fee, maybe you should consider a less popular car.
Read:  Confessions of a Car Salesman

Tip 9. Don’t buy into pointless dealership services

As if predatory fees aren't bad enough, there are useless extras hawked by dealers, including rust-proofing, window VIN etching, fabric protection and paint sealant. All are utter scams. The truth is that all modern cars already have rust protection from the factory. VIN etching can be done yourself with a kit, but it is hardly the theft deterrent it's claimed to be. Fabric protection can also be done yourself with a spray can, and paint sealant is just a liquid wax you can buy at an auto parts store for $10. You don't need any of it.

Tip 10. Be ready to walk away

Don't forget that your entire leverage with the auto dealer lies in your ability to walk out the door. No car salesman is going to take a loss on a sale, but even a few hundred dollars is better than a dead deal. You don't need to be obnoxious about it, but be firm in what you're willing to pay and accept in the negotiations. If he's smart, the dealer will come to terms that are acceptable, make the deal quickly and try to pull a fast one on the next sucker. But if he insists on trying to gouge you, then gather your things and politely say goodbye.

Buy Certified Used Cars!

One of the best car buying tips for anyone is to check into certified used cars. Here is an example of a General Motors certified used car, it may differ from other manufacturers. A General Motors certified used car gets a strict 110 point inspection at the dealership from the tip of the exhaust to the cup holders and if there is the smallest of problems, it does not get certified until fixed. A certified used car has less than 60,000 miles and no more than 5 years old. A certified used car with GM receives an extra 3 month or 3000 mile warranty. If the car is under warranty when you purchase it, the certified warranty is added to the end. So instead of having a 36 month, 36000 mile warranty, the certified car has a 39 month, 39000 mile warranty. A certified GM car also receives roadside assistance just like a new car under warranty.
A little known fact about certified used cars is that you have 3 days or 3000 miles to determine if the car is right for you. If in this time period you decide you do not like the car, take it back to the dealership and find one you like better. A certified used car also has a sticker on the window telling that it passed the strict guidelines to become certified used, along with the market price clearly visible to avoid confusion. When you buy a certified used car you are in a better situation to trade more often and avoid hearing those dreaded words "upside down" by the dealer, which means you owe more than the car is worth. Before you buy a new car, check into your options on certified used, it might be exactly what you are looking for and not break the bank.

Written by Chuck Russell
Car Buying Tips To Save You Money

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The Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser has a rugged look and has some popular standard equipment to include; Two-tone exterior color (color-keyed body with white roof top), Multi-reflector halogen headlamps, Black bumpers with metallic silver trim, Silver painted mirrors Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers, Rear window defogger with intelligent timer, Rear hatch glass window with release lever, Two full doors and two access doors with silver trim door handles, Black over fenders with integrated mudguards, 17-in. black steel wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount), 17-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount).
Optional Equipment for The Toyota FJ Cruiser
Convenience Package -- Remote key less entry system, cruise control, power outside mirrors with illuminated markers, rear privacy glass, rear wiper, rear Intuitive Parking Assist, Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Toyota FJ Cruiser Upgrade Package 1-2
17-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount), Active Traction Control (4WD models) (click here to see A-TRAC in action), locking rear differential (click here, to see the locking rear diff. in action), 115V/400-watt power outlet, AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability and eight speakers, exterior color-keyed door trim inserts, multi-information display floating ball type (inclinometer, compass, temperature), leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, aluminum brush transmission lever and transfer lever (transfer lever on 4WD models)
Toyota FJ Cruiser Upgrade Package 2-2
17-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount), Active Traction Control (4WD models) (click here to see A-TRAC in action), locking rear differential (click here, to see the locking rear diff. in action) 115V/400-watt power outlet, AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability and nine speakers (includes subwoofer with off switch), exterior color-keyed door trim inserts, multi-information display floating ball type (inclinometer, compass, temperature), leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, aluminum brush transmission lever and transfer lever (transfer lever on 4WD models)
Toyota FJ Cruiser Available Options
Driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front- and second-row side curtain airbags, 17-in. 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires and full size spare (exterior rear door mount). Locking rear differential, Running boards.
I have to say, I am a GM man, but the Toyota FJ Cruiser has really caught my eye! Watch for big things out of this one!

Written by Chuck Russell
Car Buying Tips To Save You Money
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Used Car For Sale - Tips To Sell Your Car Instead Of Trade

It is much easier to Trade Your Car when you purchase a new one, but you may be able to get more Money by Selling Your Own Car.
First and foremost is to make your Used Car For Sale look good. Take it to a professional detail person and spend $75 to $100 to make it look Great, or spend a day and do it yourself. Make sure to clean the engine, underneath, door jams, etc.
Used Car For Sale tip 2 would be to make sure you change the oil and all fluids. Flush the radiator and put new antifreeze. Make sure brake fluid is clean. You may even want to change the transmission fluid.
Used Car For Sale tip 3 is to make sure your brakes and tires are in good shape. This is something everyone will check. If your tires are worn, spend $300-$400 and put new rubber all the way around. If your brakes squeak or do not stop correctly, put new pads on and turn the rotors. Rotors are usually visible through the wheels and look better if they are nice and shiny.
Used Car For Sale tip 4 is to make sure there are no lights on your dash. When I say lights, I mean Check Engine, Service Engine, Change Oil, etc. I guess I should say lights on your gauges. This is a direct turnoff for a Used Car For Sale.
Used Car For Sale tip 5 is to park your Used Car in a high traffic area to be seen. This is probably one of the most important of all tips. The more people see your Car For Sale, the better your chance of selling your car.
Used Car For Sale tip 6 is to price your car where it will sell. Take it by your local dealer and ask the Used Car Manager for pricing advice. Most will be more than happy to help, Especially if it is the dealership you intend to purchase from once you Sell Your Car.
Used Car For Sale tip 7 would be to make sure you put a phone # that you can be reached. I know this sounds crazy, but many people put a home # when they are never home. Put your cell # so you can be reached any time.
Used Car For Sale tip 8 is to have a car fax ran on your car along with all service records and any of the tuneup records you just performed on your Car. These records and history of a Used Car will go a long way in getting top dollar.
Used Car For Sale tip 9 would be to price your car where you have some negotiating room as everyone loves to dicker. Everyone wants to think they got a deal. Price your Car 10% more than you are willing to take for the Car. If you want $5000, price it at $5500. If you want $10,000, price it at $11,000. You get the idea. A more expensive Used Car will merit a larger discount.
These are just a few tips to help you get top dollar for selling your Used Car instead of trading. You may have to spend a little money to make it more attractive, but the return may be worth it. It also depends on how fast you will be ready for your New Car. If you are in a hurry, it may be easier to trade. Try Selling Your Car 2 to 3 months before you are planning on Buying A Car. This will give you time to see if Selling Your Car is going to be an option that will work. You might find yourself Buying A Car quicker than you thought. Good Luck and Leave me a Comment if you have more tips or if any of these tips helped you Sell Your Car.

Written by Chuck Russell Car Buying Tips To Save You Money

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High Gas Prices - Does It Matter?

High Gas Prices are an immediate discussion when someone comes to the car lot. The first thing most say is "I bet you are making GREAT Deals on SUV's." Or, "I bet you can't give those Yukon's away." My response is always the same, "They are actually our best seller right now!" It is the truth, but I love to see the expression on peoples faces when I say this. When the fact is, they are also looking at the large SUV and hoping I would say we could not give them away.
That was VERY strange! As I am typing this article, I hear the news say GM is laying 3500 workers off due to low sells of Large Trucks and SUV's! I work at a GM lot and SUV's are selling better than ever at my dealership. Gas prices at this time in my area are around $3.45 for regular unleaded, but this seems to be an afterthought for customers. Most feel if they are going to pay these types of gas prices, they are going to ride in comfort. So much for my thought that this was the case across the country after hearing of the GM Layoffs.
Now that I told you what my customers are buying, let me tell you what I think of the high gas prices. I think it is a bunch of BS!!! Is there anything we can do to lower our fuel costs? There actually are a few things you can do to save BIG.
3 QUICK TIPS TO GET BETTER GAS MILEAGE FROM YOUR CAR, TRUCK, OR SUV!
1) I recently changed my air filter and I have seen at least a 10% improvement in gas mileage. I am going to change the fuel filter as well and I know this will also help. A fuel injection service would also be a good idea to improve fuel mileage. So tip #1 is to have your car, truck, or SUV serviced. This includes checking your tires and alignment to make sure your vehicle is steering and traveling with as little friction as possible.
2) Set your cruise on a lower speed than normal. I know this is hard for many, but if you usually go 75 on the highway, set your cruise on 70. You will see a HUGE difference in fuel economy. If you have a MPG instrument economy, check it out and you will see. This is the gauge that tells what fuel mileage you are getting at any given time and goes up and down. It stays higher when you set the cruise on a lower speed because the engine is running at a more steady pace.
3) This is a tip than can be argued, but I have checked it and it works. Keep your car clean and put a good coat of wax. This reduces friction from the air traveling over your vehicle and will improve fuel economy. Don't question me, check it for yourself. It may not be but 1 mpg better, but it will be better. Also, keep your window rolled up or your truck bed closed.

Written by Chuck Russell Car Buying Tips To Save You Money

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Hyundai Assurance Program - Buy Back Your Car

Hyundai Motor Company out of South Korea announced the "Hyundai Assurance Program" that would allow a customer to return a purchased or leased vehicle within 12 months of purchase because of a loss of income. The Buyback program gives some reasons a customer could return the vehicle.
Hyundai Assurance Program
-- Involuntary unemployment
-- Physical disability
-- Loss of drivers license for medical reasons
-- Job transfer overseas
-- Personal bankruptcy filing by a self-employed worker
-- Accidental death
To qualify, the buyer must have made at least two payments on the loan or lease and be current on the loan. The customer would be responsible for any Negative Equity over $7500. The value of the vehicle will be determined by the dealer, who will be allowed to re-sell the vehicle. This will keep customers from struggling with a car payment they cannot afford if they were to lose their job. It will also allow the customer to keep their good credit record and avoid losing a vehicle they cannot afford.
This sounds like a crazy idea, but remember when Hyundai resolved reliability concerns with their novel 10 year 100,000 mile Warranty? There are several companies that have followed with similar Warranties. Hyundai Motor Company may be setting the bar to which many other companies will follow. Hyundai has recognized that many buyers are wary of buying at the present time because of the "Loss of Job" fear. Do you think other Manufacturers will follow with similar programs to buy cars back? Or, will this hurt Hyundai?

Written by Chuck Russell
Car Buying Tips To Save You Money

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2009 GMC Acadia Review By Chuck Russell

The GMC Acadia has become a staple for crossover SUV buyers. General Motors crossed manufacturing lines and are producing similar crossovers under Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, and Buick Enclave.
The GMC Acadia gives you the room of a full size SUV and the fuel mileage of a smaller SUV. It has a standard 3.6L V6 that offers 288 Horse Power and 270 lb/ft torque. It has specs. of: Wheelbase 118.9 in., overall length 201.1 in., overall width 78.9 in., overall height 72.8 in., cargo volume 117 cu. ft., fuel capacity of 22 gallons, seating capacity up to 8, front head room 40.4 in., front leg room 41.3 in., rear head room 39.3 in., and rear leg room 36.9 in.
The GMC Acadia comes in SLE and SLT models with the main difference being leather in the SLT along with upgraded features. It has an available DVD, Navigation, rear back up camera, heated and cooled seats, sunroof, 20 inch wheels, head restraint dvd, upgraded keyless entry, and other upgrades. The Acadia is also available in
2wd and AWD models.
There are 10 exterior colors available to include: silver green metallic, dark crimson metallic, white diamond tricoat, summit white, gold mist metallic, red jewel metallic, deep blue metallic, medium brown metallic, quicksilver metallic, and carbon black metallic. There are 5 interior colors available to include: light titanium cloth, ebony cloth, light titanium leather, ebony leather, and brick leather.
The GMC Acadia has one of the best warranties in America to include a 5 year 100,000 powertrain warranty. A 3 year 36000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The Acadia also comes with 24 hour roadside assistance for untimely flat tires, running out of gas, etc. GMC also offers Commitment Plus which will reimburse for trip interruption due to necessary warranty repairs.
The Acadia is one of the safest vehicles on the road today. The GMC comes standard with Onstar for your safety and security and also offers directions and connections. The SUV comes with standard 4 wheel disc Antilock brakes. Acadia also come standard with front airbags and side impact airbags for all 3 rows of seating. A tire pressure monitor is also standard which will monitor the pressure to ensure proper operation.

Written by Chuck Russell
Car Buying Tips To Save You Money.

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10 Used Car Buying Tips

10 Used Car Buying Tips
By Chuck Russell

Here are some great used car buying tips to save you money. They are in no specific order, but maybe they will save you some money!

1 Check NADA.com for pricing on the used car you are looking at. This is what most banks use to finance cars.

2 Check Kelly Blue Book for a guide on your trade.

3 Dont get too caught up on the trade value as most never get payoff for their vehicle. Instead, look at the bottom line. If the dealer uses wholesale on your trade, make sure you get wholesale price on the used car you are buying.

4 Consider financing the used car for fewer months. Try doing 48 months if you can swing the payment. If you finance longer, try paying a little extra on months that you can.

5 Negotiate your best deal! After you have done this, tell the dealer they have a deal if they will pull a carfax report and everything is clean. Dont pay for a carfax yourself. Most dealers have an account where they can pull it for you.

6 Check the oil in the used car you are buying to make sure it has been changed. You can check inside the windshield, there will usually be a sticker telling when the next oil change is due. Check the back exhaust to make sure there is not excessive black residue around the opening--this would indicate that it may be burning oil.

7 Once you have negotiated your best deal, tell the salesman that you have one more used car to check out at a nearby dealer. Go to your car, even if you drive around the building and come back. If they let you leave, you are probably getting the best deal possible.

8 Remember to apply for your financing prior to looking for a used car. DONT FORGET, it is FREE to apply online. You will get an email with the results almost instantly.

9 Check your insurance on a specific car before you sign the dotted line online to see who will give you the best quote.

10 After you have purchased your car, make sure you do not leave anything in your trade because the trade may be gone by the time you return. Check your CD player and above your visors, and dont forget your garage door opener.
Looking for a new car? Get a Free Quote!


If you do not get treated professionally, go to another dealership. How you are treated at the time of purchase is a good indication of how you will be treated if you have a problem. Even though you are buying a used car, it is new to you. Most dealers will gladly take your business, even if they do not make as much on you as the next because you are equipped with some great car buying tips.


Written by Chuck Russell
Car Buying Tips To Save You Money

RoadLoans Auto Finance

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Car Buying Tip: Low Interest Versus Rebate

Car Buying Tip: Low Interest Versus Rebate
By Chuck Russell

As Summer is heating up, so are incentives to drive car sales. The question is, do I take the low interest incentive or the rebate? It is an either or situation so a choice has to be made. The dealership will help you with your decision, but take a proactive approach and decide for yourself to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.

First, you must find out what type of interest rate you will receive if you take the rebate. You can apply at a reputable finance company online to find out. I suggest Capital One because they have interest rates from the best of rates, to rates for those with less than perfect credit. You can fill out a short form with the type of car you are looking at to find the rate you will receive. Another good benefit of Capital One is that they will send you a blank check that can be filled out by the dealership, so essentially you are a cash buyer.

Now that you know the rate you will receive, check and see what the low interest incentive is and the rebate on the auto you are looking at. You can get this from the dealership or you can go to the respective manufacturers website (ie gm.com). After you have this info., use a payment calculator and see which way is more beneficial. Something to consider, if you trade often, take the rebate! This will make your payoff less when you go to trade as most interest charges will be deducted when a payoff is figured. Bottom line, take some preparation before going to the dealership. If you are unsure, have the dealership figure both ways for you and analyze the results. Ask the Salesman for their opinion, most have nothing to gain by giving you advice on rebates versus low interest unless they get paid on the back end, meaning they get paid on finance income, which most do not.
Looking for a new car? Get a Free Quote!


Written by Chuck Russell
Car Buying Tips To Save You Money

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Cheap Car Insurance - The Right Ways To Get A Great Deal!

Cheap Car Insurance - The Right Ways To Get A Great Deal!
By Crex Sky

Many of us have this thought of finding cheap car insurance, but they don't know how and thought it is impossible to get. Therefore, they resort to signing up for expensive ones. Actually, there are many cheap car insurance polices available in the market if we know the right ways to get them.

Many of us do not go for those so-called cheap insurance because we are worried that they are parts of scams or they have hidden charges in them. No doubt there are insurance companies promising affordable policies but we ended up paying more than what we thought because of the hidden charges. Therefore, we should always do some detailed research before making decision of signing up with any company. Use the Internet to obtain information by doing research to ensure that we get cheap car insurance from a reliable company. Compare the rates to ensure that we get the best deal among all.

Besides doing research, try to look for discounts or other fringe benefits offered as well. There are many insurance companies nowadays offering discounts for different groups of people. Some have discounts for students who are studying in colleges whereas some have other benefits for senior citizens. All we have to do is just present relevant documents and details to get the additional discounts or benefits. This might be time consuming for some people, but this helps a lot when we are trying to get cheap car insurance.

In addition, we will also be offered with cheap car insurance if we are being regarded as safe drivers. This is because we will have fewer chances to make insurance claims if we drive safely. To ensure that we are driving safely, we can always take defensive driving courses to upgrade our driving skills to a better stage. We can also try preventing ourselves from involving in accidents and breaking the rules to have good driving records.

The type of cars that we drive also plays a big role on how cheap a car insurance we can get. For example, if we are driving expensive cars like sports cars or luxury cars, our cars are more likely to be stolen and prone to vandalism. Repairing expensive cars will also incur high costs and this will contribute to expensive coverage on our cars. If we want to reduce our insurance costs, we can consider getting a more sensible car cost-friendly car.

Finally, we can also place some anti-thefts and safety equipments in our cars to avoid thefts and damages on our cars. Placing alarms, airbags and steering locks can help to give us a peace of mind that our cars are more protected from any sorts of mishaps. Besides that, insurance companies will also consider our applications for cheap car insurance if we have cars secured from all kinds of misfortunes.


Want to learn more? Then you should visit my site right now to know more about Cheap Car Insurance. You are welcome to read other articles about Cheap Car Insurance Rate at http://www.cheap-car-insurance-tips.com/ Thanks for reading this article.

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New Car Quote - Summer Selling Season

It is the summer selling season for New Cars. Everyone seems to wait for Hot Deals before buying a car. Well, now is the time!

Ford Motor has Employee Pricing plus rebates, General Motors has Owner Loyalty-Conquest rebates up to $6000, Chrysler has Summer Gas Savings where you only pay $2.99 per gallon of gas. I am sure Dodge, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, BMW, and all other manufacturers in between have similar Hot Deals for the summer. With the 4th of July coming up and Gas Prices hitting record levels, I am sure you will see more incentives to buy that New Car you are waiting on.

Politics are heating up over Gas Prices. They are deciding whether to drill in the US for oil or rely on alternative sources such as Biodiesel, Electric, Hybrid, etc. to fuel our future Cars, Trucks, and SUV's.

There is no easy answer for gas prices for the immediate future, but one thing is for sure. We have to drive to go to work, school, etc. If that large SUV is dragging you down, check into a smaller car or carpool with a co-worker. The less we drive the cheaper gas will become.

Can I Get Car Loan Financing?

Can I get financed for a car? This is one of the most asked questions from potential car buyers. The answer is most of the time, Yes!

Car Loans can be obtained from many different companies and each loan company has different requirements.

Stability for Car Loans. Stability is one of the biggest factors that will determine whether you get a car loan. How long have you been at your current residence? How long have you been on your job? Think from a car loan companies perspective. If you have been at your residence less than 6 months and your prior residence less than 6 months, this is a risk for a Car Loan. You could be close to your next move and when you decide not to pay, it is difficult to trace you down. You have been on your job a short period of time, you could get fired or decide to switch jobs. This is a risk for the lender.

Debt to Income ratio for Car Loans. Your future ability to pay can be determined by how much income you have compared to how much debt you have. If you make 8 dollars an hour and your rent is $500 or $600 per month, this is not going to leave you enough expendable income to qualify you for a Car Loan.

There are companies that are easier to get loans from, but could require larger amounts of down payments to seal the deal on your Car Loan.

There are a few things you want to take to the dealership when you are ready to obtain Car Loan Financing. You will need an electric bill which will verify your address, a phone bill which will be proof of your phone number. You will also need your most recent check stub (computer generated---NO hand written pay stubs for obvious reasons). If will also help to bring your tax return from the previous year to show how much you made and how long you worked at current job. Bring a bank statement as well as it could be needed by some Car Loan lenders. The more information you can provide the better and everything needs to be consistent. For instance, the address on electric bill, phone bill, bank statement, and check stub need to match. This is one thing lenders look for when verifying your stips for financing. Car lingo for stipulations for financing- (Stips).

Car Loans can be obtained even with medium to poor credit if all your stips are consistent and you have a sufficient down payment. Put yourself in the Car Loan companies shoes and ask yourself, is there sufficient evidence to assure that repayment of the Car Loan can be made. Car Loan officers have bosses to answer to and if there is anything out of place, it will be hard to explain why they extended a Car Loan to you.

Car Loan Interest Rates 2013

Car Loan Interest Rates 2013 are some of the best Rates in the last Decade so makes for a Great time to buy a New or Used Car.  Low Interest Rate Car Loans allows you to buy a more expensive car and have an equal payment to a high interest cheap car loan.

For Instance:
$10,000 Car at (12.9% Car Loan Interest Rate) may equal=$350 Car Payment
Whereas:
$15,000 Car at (4.9% Car Loan Interest Rate) may equal=$350 Car Payment

These Car Loan Calculations are theoretical, but you get the idea.  You can get a much more expensive car when the Car Loan Interest Rates are Lower.

Car Loan Interest Rates 2013 have been some of the lowest I can remember.  Whether you are looking for a New Car Loan or Used Car Loan, Interest Rates are phenomenal!  The interest rates for New Cars are around 4.9% with incentivize rates as low as 0% with some Car Makers.  Incentivize just means that you lose the rebate if you take the alternate low interest rate.  Used Car Loans in 2013 are as Low as 4.9% with some Makers offering 1.9% on Certified Used Cars!  This is unheard of, but a GREAT time for Car buyers to take advantage of these Low Interest Rates.

When you are ready to buy your car, be wary that dealers are trying to snag a few extra dollars by trying to steal your trade in.  Get quotes from several dealers before you decide. It would even be a good idea to sell your car before you go to buy your New Car, but other buyers are probably taking advantage of Dealer Incentives and Low Interest Rates as well so may be harder to sell as an individual.