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Posts Tagged ‘Mileage’

The Hidden Costs Of Car Leases

0 April 15th, 2011

Be honest- are you one of those people who just loves new cars? I knew it. Thats OK, we are in the same boat. I love new cars just as much as you do. But I like not overpaying just as much if not more than you do. Thats why, when it comes to car leases, I make sure and really get to know my options and whether I should be leasing or buying my vehicles. As Ive learned (the hard way) a few times, there are all sorts of hidden costs involved in leasing a new car. And they arent what you think they are. Lets look at a few of them.

1) The monthly lease payment. Did you know that there are unscrupulous car dealers out there who will blindly rip you off if you let them. Thats right. And your monthly payment might have been arbitrarily made up by one of these dealers on the spot just by looking at you and deciding how much money they should charge you. Make sure and question everything on the lease form and ask in depth questions as to why you should be paying what you are. The fine print can be your friend, use it against the car dealer to negotiate a better deal somewhere else.

2) Keep an eye on your mileage. This is a biggie. A lot of people get wooed by the idea of a lease and its low payments. However, these same people are living the high life until the day comes when they have to finally return their vehicle. This is the day of reckoning because they get charge for overage miles. Its not a pretty site and it can seriously damage your bank account. If you lease your car, make sure your mileage doesnt exceed its limit.

3) The lack of equity. When you buy a car, you own it (or the bank owns the note on it). You dont build equity with a car lease. Your car is basically being rented. Compare the equity costs and gains before deciding on a least.

There are a ton of other hidden costs involved in car leases that make points #1-3 look small by comparison. Learn all about them.

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Shopping For Used Cars

0 February 25th, 2011

When shopping for used cars, it is important to understand the value for the automobile that you are considering purchasing. One way to determine an accurate value is through Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) and their extensive pricing system. By entering select data about both new and used cars, consumers will receive instant value estimates. In order to get an accurate value, consumers must know the make and model of the automobile, current mileage, additional features and overall condition.

Selecting from a lot of used cars can be an excellent way to own the automobile that you have always wanted, but could not afford a brand new model. Understandably so, new cars are more expensive than used cars. But, that doesnt mean there is anything wrong with purchasing used cars. No matter whether new or used, any automobile can develop a problem at any given time. That means that buying a new car does not automatically guarantee the new owner will have a smooth trouble-free ride. In addition, automobile insurance is often less expensive than those for new cars and this is another reason for the ongoing popularity of used cars.

When shopping for used cars, consumers should always take a test drive and also request to take the automobile to a trusted mechanic for further inspection. Under no circumstances should a consumer accept the word of the individual, or company, selling used cars. The only way to make sure that the automobile is in the condition as stated is to take it to a mechanic, who can properly inspect used cars and determine any underlying problems. The majority of used cars are exactly as stated but, when auto safety and a large amount of money is involved, there is no room for error in judgment.

When purchasing used cars, it may be possible to purchase a warranty contract. Not everyone realizes this, but even used cars carry warranties if they are purchased from a licensed automobile dealer. An additional warranty will, however, not generally be included in the original purchase price and may be additional. However, depending on a future problem, the additional cost of a warranty contract may very well be worth the money. Typically, the cost of the extended warranty would be figured into the entire loan amount and would ultimately only affect the monthly payments by a minimal amount.

Used cars can be found at a variety of places, including a local dealership, the classifieds section of a local newspaper, the bulletin board at a local retail or grocery store, word of mouth or even online. In many instances, a licensed dealer can order used cars from another automobile dealer. For example, if a customer wants a specific model and color of a car and knows which out-of-state dealer has that car for sale, they may request that a local dealer obtain the car so that they have the convenience of purchasing locally. This is not at all uncommon and is actually a standard practice among many dealerships offering used cars.

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Save Time: Find Your New Car Online

0 January 28th, 2011

For many people, car shopping can be a frustrating, time-consuming and inconvenient experience. The good news is that with a little know-how you can use the Internet to turn what might otherwise be overwhelming into a manageable, even enjoyable experience. The Web is an excellent resource to help reduce the stress of car shopping and increase the likelihood of finding exactly the vehicle you are looking for.

The online shopping search starts with thinking about the basic things you want in a new car. Ask yourself, “Do I want a new, used or certified preowned vehicle?” and “Would I prefer a car, SUV or truck?” It’s also important to ask “Do I have a favorite vehicle manufacturer?” and “If I buy a used vehicle, how important is the vehicle’s current mileage to me?” Narrowing your preferences on at least a few of these items will minimize frustration and help lead you in the right direction.

Next, you need to know where to go. Visit consumer-friendly Web sites such as Edmunds.com, Auto Trader.com and AOL for news, reviews and comprehensive vehicle overviews. The Internet allows you to shop for cars in your area on your own schedule, when you have time, without regard for the dealerships’ hours of operation. Automotive Web sites that allow you to save car listings and searches will help you save even more time, since you can go back to where you left off instead of starting fresh each time you visit.

Once you have reduced your search to a few select vehicles, do a side-by-side comparison of the cars. With just a few clicks, you can quickly compare up-to-date vehicle information and reviews, features and benefits and costs of several vehicles. More information in less time is a bargain any consumer can appreciate.

Want your own customized shopping experience? Automotive Web sites such as AutoTrader.com allow you to personalize your car search. Registered users of the “My AutoTrader.com” function, listed on the company’s homepage, can save up to 10 searches and up to 25 cars in their personal space and refer back to the searches at a later date. In addition, the comparison tool allows you to compare your top three car choices.

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Regardless of the Current Gasoline Price – 20 Easy Ways

0 January 7th, 2011

Regardless of the Current Gasoline Price – 20 Easy Ways to Cut Your Gasoline Bill 25% to 50% (OR MORE) Right Now

Yes I know that headline might provoke you a little bit.

Thats OK.

This article will show you how to cut your gas bill right now TODAY if youll simply pay attention to these tips and now begin using them.

Of course, youll probably see a few tips you might have heard before.

Why?

Because they still work, always work, and are even more important now that gas is approaching 3.50 a gallon (or more) in many places.

In fact, you might have at some point heard most of these tips before now. The real issue is Are you faithfully doing every one of these?

The average person is probably not doing 13 of them. Remember even though some of these have a direct associated cost savings how much associated cost is filling your gas tank these days?

OK lets get started … and these tips are in no particular order …

1. Get your car tuned
Sure everyone tells you to do this. But have you done it? Poor tuning wastes gas. This can improve your gas mileage by 10% or more.

2. Regularly check the air pressure in your tires
Another one youve probably heard before. The fellow who sold me my new tires told me that tires lose 2 or 3 pounds of air per month by themselves. Low air pressure wastes gas. Look on the door in your car for proper tire pressures, and keep it to the high side of the range youre given. This can be another 10% savings.

3. Regularly change your oil
Another one youve probably heard. Whatever your manufacturer recommends, pay attention to it. Personally, I used to change my cars oil every 3,000 miles. Once I switched to synthetic oil, I was told to increase the frequency between changes.

Also try to use synthetic oil. Rarely will your auto manufacturer say not to use synthetic oil, but be sure you understand before you begin. Synthetic oil costs more, but lasts longer, and reduces friction in your engine better. Youll treat your engine better while getting higher gas mileage. In my car, now I go 6,000 miles between oil changes instead of 3,000, and enjoy all the other benefits for basically the same cost.

4. Carefully plan your errands
This is one tip lots of people miss, and it ties into another tip below. Basically, dont run any errands that arent mandatory today. Put them off till you need to do them.

Use the phone when you can, instead of driving somewhere. Avoid hightraffic hours, days, and other times of congestion (see below.) Add in errands when they are part of your regular daily commute to and from work.

5. Try to avoid rush hour
Ill get some heat on this one. If your employer allows flex time, investigate that. Otherwise, if it helps you to go to work 15 minutes early andor leave 15 minutes later do it, even if you dont get paid for the time.

Why?

You can either sit in traffic, get frustrated, use your gas for nothing, and maybe even overheat your car … or you can sit like a dedicated employee at work and be comfortable. This one can save you perhaps 2550% of your gasoline by itself.

6. Always turn right when possible
I hadnt thought of this one before I read it somewhere. Consider that when you turn left, you sit in the turn lane and wait for a break in the traffic or the light to change. In many places you can turn right on red, and youre not turning against the traffic when you turn right. This tip takes some thought, but can make a significant difference in time and gas savings.

7. Try to keep your car clean
Its more fun to drive when its clean, and removing all the caked on dirt makes your car slicker which reduces drag by a little bit. This tip is better for appearance than big gas savings.

8. Change all your cars fluids
Go to a local oil change place and tell them to change every fluid in your car not just your oil. This includes all engine fluids, radiator, transmission, axle grease, etc.

9. Read popular car magazines for even more tips
Most of the popular car magazines offer gassaving tips these days. Read the front covers and tables of contents to find the best articles for you.

10. Try to drive downhill
As silly as this sounds, when possible drive downhill instead of uphill so gravity powers your car instead of gas. I tried it, and within reason you can at times make this happen. A small tip, but a tip nonetheless.

11. Dont race up to stop lights and turns
Im amazed every day as people who blaze past me just in time to slam on their brakes at the red light up to which Im coasting or the turn Im approaching. Why in the world would you speed up to a place that requires a full stop? Baffles me …

12. Dont blast off the line
Smart people say to act like there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. Dont race away from a stop, and dont stomp on the gas pedal except to avoid an emergency situation (only if safety permits.)

13. No lead foot
This goes with #12 above. In general, be easy on your gas pedal. Use the least amount of pressure to attain and maintain your desired speed. And try to keep a steady pressure instead pushing in, pulling back, etc.

14. Time the red lights
Pay attention to traffic lights from as far away as your eyes permit, and try to adjust your approach speed so you get there when its green and you dont have to stop.

15. Dont speed
For all the reasons you already know, as well as for safety and gas usage, dont speed. Ever. Obey all the speed limits. In general, the slower your speed, the less gas you use.

16. Dont burn your clutch on hills
Your clutch is not designed to be your brake. When you burn your clutch on a hill, you trash your clutch and burn extra gas. Also, dont sit at red lights with your clutch pedal in, as that also toasts your clutch, shortening its life.

17. Dont block intersections
This is mostly just decent manners, but you also create a traffic jam for everyone, wasting everyones gas not just yours.

18. Dont drive 10 miles out of your way to save a penny a gallon
Think about this … if your gas tank holds 12 gallons, is empty, and you drive all over the place looking for the best deal on gas, you save twelve cents if you find it for a penny cheaper per gallon. It costs you more than that just to find the cheaper gas.

19. Stay in the right (slow) lane
To keep the speeders off your tail and keep yourself safer stay in the right (outer) lane on 4lane roads so the speeders can have the faster (left inside) lane.

20. Use your imagination
If youll give these tips some thought and put forth a little effort youll not only cut your gasoline bill by as much as half … youll also come up with your own ways to further reduce your costs to operate your car.

These tips WILL reduce the amount of gas you burn. Period. The rest is up to you. If you want it bad enough its here for you, and youll be able to discover other ways to save even more money once you start paying attention to these tips.

Chip Tarver

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Finding the right car for you

0 October 1st, 2010

The financing people at new car dealerships know a lot of alternative financing routes that you can take advantage of. They will also, most likely, have a much better selection of cars for you to choose from thus increasing your chances of finding a great vehicle for your specific needs.

No matter where you go to find your car, be sure to stand firm and stay within your means. DO NOT let anyone talk you into buying a car that you either cannot afford or are not crazy about. There are a bazillion other cars you could fall in love with. Be willing to walk away from the car if the deal doesn’t meet the criteria you laid out earlier. Your ability to negotiate a great deal will increase by leaps and bounds.

Perhaps most importantly, get the vehicle identification number (VIN) which is usually found on the drivers side dash through the windshield. When you have the VIN, you can find out a lot of information about your potential car.

Log on to www.carfax.com and enter in the VIN. Once you do, you will have a complete history on the car including all previous owners, whether or not it has been wrecked, and much more information. Knowing this can make a difference in whether or not you buy that particular car.

This author cant stress this point enough. I personally had an experience where I went to purchase a car from a dealership. The salesperson told me it was a program car which can mean a variety of different things it could be a dealer car, a rental car, or an executive car among other things.

The salesperson assured me that this particular car was a car used by executives from the car company to use and that once it hit a certain amount of miles, it was offered up for sale. She said that it was used in a large city about 60 miles to the west of where I lived.

I wasnt completely convinced that I wanted to buy the car because of the payment. They were a little higher than what I wanted, but the car had relatively low mileage, was in great shape and it seemed like a good deal. I took the car home overnight and decided to buy it before I went to bed. Had I known about the Carfax report, I would have never signed the papers.

As it turned out, the salesperson lied to me. My car wasnt driven by a car company executive west of my town. It was a rental car in a major city 300 miles south of my town and it had been wrecked.
I would never have questioned this until I began having some major problems with the car just three months after buying it. The problems I was having were not consistent with a car that was that new, and the dealership wasnt willing to make good on all the problems I was having.

The moral of the story is to do your research. If youre not sure about a car purchase, DONT DO IT. Trust your gut instinct. Look very carefully at what youre going to buy and make sure that what the seller is representing the car as is the complete truth.

This will save you a lot of headaches and insure you have a positive experience when buying a car.

You may also want to ask a mechanic to give the car a good once over to see if there are any obvious problems you should be concerned about. Have a mechanic in mind and take the car to them preferably on your test drive.

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5 Tips To Buying Cars On Ebay Motors

0 May 28th, 2010

There are many terrific benefits to buying cars on eBay Motors, including a price that the you get to determine, lower insurance and the absence of a car payment every month if you pay in full. If you plan on buying used cars on eBay Motors in the near future, here are several tips to make sure that the road to your new ride is a smooth one.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 1
Check with your local automobile insurance agent before deciding on a specific used car. If the cost of auto insurance is an important deciding factor, you should be aware that SUVs will be more expensive than a car. Regardless, however, a used car will carry more affordable insurance than a new one of the same model and make.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 2
Request a CarFax report. This information is available for a reasonable fee and includes information regarding the cars history, including whether or not it has been flooded or if it has ever been involved in any type of accident. In addition, the number of previous owners and whether or not the title is clear should also be included in a CarFax report.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 3
Check out the cars value with Kelly Blue Book. This source is one of the most trusted when it comes to providing new or used car values. By entering certain information into the website, car shoppers can learn what that particular automobile should be sold for. This can help potential buyers realize whether or not they are getting a good deal.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 4
Consider gas mileage. An SUV will typically use more gasoline than a compact car, which is important if the cost of fuel is a major deciding factor in your purchase.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 5
Select a used car with as little mileage as possible. This should mean that the car has a longer life and hasnt been used excessively.

And finally, when buying cars on eBay Motors, make sure that the automobile you choose is one that fits your lifestyle. For example, a family would likely be more comfortable in a van or SUV, while a single person or a married couple may be perfectly happy with a compact car. The design of an automobile that you may consider buying on eBay Motors will ultimately depend on your intended use and how many are in your family that will be riding along at the same time.

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