The Boys and Toys of Muscle Cars

Several Common Mistakes Car Buyers Make

April 30th, 2009 admin

Common Mistakes Car Buyers Make

Automakers, desperate to sell their inventories, have begun offering attractive incentives to lure prospective buyers. But, finding an automotive bargain can still prove elusive. Car dealerships can easily confound buyers and secretly hide pockets of profit. For the unwary, a trip to the auto dealer may begin as a bargain-hunting expedition, but end up as an expensive lesson in car shopping.

In this article, I’ll give you three important tips that you should use when shopping for your next vehicle. These tips will help you save money, save time, and negotiate objectively to get the best deal.

#1 – Set Your Emotions Aside

You visit the dealership lot and your eyes settle longingly on the gorgeous red automobile gracing the nearby pavement. You must have it, no matter the price. Slow down and take a breath. Buying a vehicle is a substantial investment. Unless you’re paying cash, you’ll be making monthly payments for several years. Will you feel the same way about the car three or four years down the road? Or, are you merely suffering from love at first sight?

#2 – Keep The Numbers Separate

If you’re hoping to trade-in your clunker to have the value applied to your new automobile, be careful. When it comes to numbers and amortization schedules, the dealer’s salesperson is king. Too often, prospective buyers will blend the negotiations. Predictably, the salesperson will offer what seems to be an incredibly generous amount on the trade-in. The buyer, reeling from his good fortune, practically falls into the seat of his new vehicle. Unknown to him or her, the dealer’s profit is built into the monthly payments.

Negotiate the transactions separately. Begin with cementing the price of your new automobile. Then, work on the value of your trade-in. That way, you’ll know whether you’re truly getting a good deal (on both transactions) or if you’re being taken around the block.

#3 – Shorten The Financing Terms

One of the strategies that auto dealerships are using in order to entice people into buying new vehicles is offering a 7-year loan. At first, it sounds great; a longer loan means lower monthly payments. The truth is, longer financing terms translate into a higher cost for you and more profit for the dealer. In other words, they’re not offering it to be nice.

If possible, say no to the extra long loan. Instead, opt for shorter terms that allow you to pay off the loan more quickly. You’ll pay less interest and when the time comes to sell your car, you won’t find yourself owing more than it’s worth.

Even though the car-buying landscape has shifted in favor of the buyer, you should still be wary of making a purchase decision too quickly. Remember, set your emotions aside, keep your trade-in negotiation separate, and avoid the extra long financing. By the time you leave the dealership lot, you’ll be confident that you weren’t taken for a ride.

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How To Properly Maintain Your Car

October 6th, 2008 admin

How To Properly Maintain Your Car

Car maintenance is one of those chores that most people prefer not to think about. After all, it’s inconvenient, confusing, and often costly. Unfortunately, if you don’t maintain your vehicle regularly, it can develop mechanical and electrical problems. When that happens, the cost to repair the problems can become exorbitant. By taking care of your car through regular maintenance, you can avoid having to deal with major repairs in the future. Below, we’ll provide you with a few pointers for maintaining your vehicle and ensuring it has a long, useful life.

Fix Engine Problems Quickly

All cars will eventually exhibit signs of engine problems. Parts wear out through continued use, so you should have the expectation that your engine will need periodic repairs. The good news is that you can avoid major engine problems simply by having it tuned up on a regular schedule or when you notice warning signs.

For example, your engine may hesitate or stall sporadically. Or, you may notice that it starts hard in the morning. When you notice such things, have a mechanic run a diagnostic test. If repairs are necessary, having them done early can prevent costly problems later.

Regular Oil Changes

You should have the oil in your car changed every 5,000 miles. Over time, it degrades and becomes less capable of properly lubricating the moving parts of your engine. By replacing the oil, you can help ensure that the degradation never reaches the point where your engine suffers. If you neglect to change it regularly, you run the risk of major mechanical issues developing. And repairing them can be expensive.

The “Small” Details

You should routinely check the connections of your car’s battery. Even if it has a full charge, the cables can accumulate dirt and grime, making the connection loose. If that happens, it can interrupt the distribution of the battery’s charge.

Also, check your car’s brakes and tires periodically. If you notice squealing in your brakes or pulsing in the pedal, you may need to replace the fluid and pads. And when your tires show signs of wear on the side walls, replace them. Otherwise, make sure the tire pressure remains at the manufacturer’s default level.

Maintaining your vehicle doesn’t have to mean spending your entire weekend getting dirty. By keeping your car’s engine tuned, having the oil changed every 5,000 miles, and occasionally checking the battery, brakes, and tires, you can avoid costly mechanical problems in the future. And that peace of mind is worth the effort.

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