Wednesday, August 27, 2008

10 Tips on How to Save on Car Maintenance

In general maintenance works consist of cleaning, refueling, providing proper lubrication, fixing, checking, adjusting wheels and car parts. Proper maintenance is the guarantee of a long life of your vehicle. However if you want to save on car maintenance, follow these helpful tips and discover how to have it up and running for lower costs.

Tip #1. Buy a newer car.

Does it sound rather vague to you? Some new cars from a manufacturer can last for years without any repairs. It mostly depends on your driving habits indeed. Once you have a new car you can forget your mechanic's address for a while even though regular maintenance is still required. But if you already have an old car... well, see below.

Tip #2. Get good auto insurance.

Good car insurance is the best way to save on car maintenance when it comes to breakages and failures. Try to do some research and find such car insurance which best fits your needs. When you get car insurance with a low deductible payment it will help you reduce your technical maintenance expenses considerably. If you already have auto insurance with a high deductible... hm, continue reading.

Tip #3. Do it on your own.

In case you have a mechanical breakdown, try to fix it by yourself. There are many online support services that can help you check your car and discover the fault. If you still need to take it to a repair service keep in mind that they get new car parts to change the broken ones with a high markup. Thus in some cases buying spare parts by yourself (if you know exactly what you need) will help you reduce the expenses by 4 times! Just shop around and look for better offers online.

Tip #4. Prevention is better than cure.

You can save money and prolong your car's working capacity if you take some preventive measures. By changing oil, charging batteries in time as well as doing total check-up of your car once a month, you can help your vehicle last longer.

Tip #5. Use your car wisely.

You'll be surprised how much you can save if you give some thought to the ways you use your car. One should stop the engine at red traffic lights and in the jams.

Tip #6. Maintain your speed level.

From my own experience I can say that when I speed up and pull up fast, it does good neither to my brakes nor my fuel economy. One should stick to some certain speed level. That way one can achieve the lowest fuel rate and save the brake pads from wearing out. Using deceleration technique to make your car come to a halt is better than applying the brake.

Tip #7. Check your tires.

Partially deflated tires do not help save money at all. First of all if there isn't enough air in the tires they can wear out faster. Secondly underinflation increases fuel rate by 4-6% which makes you spend more fuel than usual. You can read technical characteristics and check the best tire inflation pressure for your car.

Tip #8. New spark plugs every once in a while.

Statistics show that changing old spark plugs in time cuts fuel costs down by 25-35%. Moreover new spark plugs also help improve car's performance and capacity.

Tip #9. Wash it in time.

At first blush one could say that washing doesn't reduce maintenance costs at all. However cleaning your car in time will help you prevent if from corrosion which is caused by accumulation of mud and dust that stay wet and stimulate corrosive wear.

Tip #10. Read the manual.

When you know your car as the back of your hand you are definitely aware of what it needs, when its engine has to be tuned-up or what oil it's better to use. It's always helpful to read the owner's manual and look under the hood once in a while.


Monday, August 25, 2008

When you want to buy a new car - part II

How Much Money Should I Offer the Dealer?
When you go into a dealership, you want to know all of the pricing and costs of the car that you are planning to buy.

You should know the manufacturer’s cost and the dealer’s cost. You need to calculate the cost that the dealer paid for the car and then make a reasonable offer to him if you want to get somewhere. You should also know that the dealer’s price is not the invoice price from the factory. You should know that the dealer’s cost is much lower than the factory’s cost.

In order to make a fair offer to a dealership, you need to learn to read a factory invoice. Here is what you can expect to find on the factory invoice.

- Base model of the car on it.
- All of the options packages.
- Destination charge.
- Holdback and dealer flooring help

DO NOT confuse the invoice with the MSRP window sticker because they are not the same. Contrary to popular belief, dealers don’t have to tell you the invoice on any car. This often gives the dealer leverage over you. They can offer you one dollar over the invoice. You should know that there are hidden factory incentives in the invoice price that lowers the cost of the car for the dealership. It’s no bargain for you. If a dealership is very quick to show you the invoice, you should be aware that they are fully aware that they will be making money on that car off of you and they can settle at a lower price for the car. Knowing this before you walk into a dealership can be your best negotiating strategy.

Knowing this information can let you make them the same offer. If you offer a few dollars over the factory invoice (which is the actual worth of the car) then you can open your bid and let them know how much profit they can make off of your offer.

Dealers are always going to try and tell you that they paid more for the cars than they actually did so that they can make a higher profit off of the sale.

Salesmen often try and make you feel guilty by telling you “I’m losing my shirt off of this deal”. In truth, they are in the business to make money. They are not going to sell to you if they aren't making a profit. They are trying to get you to agree to a higher price. If you go in armed with all the right information, they can't trick you.

To calculate what your offer should be to the dealership, you should get the factory invoice price (don’t forget to include the options in this price), and add 5% to that amount. That is how you should calculate your offer the dealership.

When I mention the options, I mean the ones that you can’t avoid. Some cars come equipped with a CD, sun roof etc. and these are fees that you can’t avoid paying so sure to account for these at the beginning.

You should also be sure to account for any buyer rebates as well in calculating your offer. So in the end your offer should be calculated like this:

Dealer Cost Plus 5% Minus Buyer Rebates = YOUR OFFER

If you are unwilling to pay more than your opening offer, let the salesman know that your offer stands firm and he can take it or leave it.

In the end you will get what you want on your own terms. Here is an example for you.

You are hoping to buy a Toyota Camry. You do your research and find that the invoice price is $19,922; MSRP is $22,385. The dealer may offer you the car for $22,000, and shows you the invoice.

You learned by researching that there is a $500 factory to dealer incentive; and a $447 holdback on the MSRP (2%).

Based on the above calculations, the dealer’s real cost is $19,922 (invoice) minus $500 (incentive) minus $447 (holdback) = $18,957. This is far below the factory invoice number.

Now, if you add the 5% for your offer to that price, which will up the car price to $20,379 due to the addition of $455 for the destination charge that is always present, you will see that based on the offer that the dealership offered, you just saved yourself $3410. This may seem complicated but if your use a pre-designed spreadsheet from CarsDirect.com or AutoUSA.com, the program does all the calculations for you.

More info about car buying.

When you want to buy a new car - part I

The first thing that you should know when you want to buy a new car is that both you and the dealer are looking to get the better end of the deal.

If you don’t learn anything else from this article you will learn how to walk away from the deal with both sides being satisfied. A good deal is a win-win situation for both parties. Most of the time it is the buyer that leaves unsatisfied.

If you are looking to buy a car you should begin with these tips.

- You should purchase your new car at or around Christmas time because with everybody buying their Christmas gifts. Car sales are down and it forces dealerships to up their sales strategies Salesmen are more willing to haggle down to your prices to close the deal.

- You can also get a good deal from July to October because that is the time of year when dealerships are trying to get rid of their old inventory to make way for next years models.

- Purchasing a car online is becoming very popular. Watch for good rebates and incentives online and shop around. Print out your information from the best quotes and bring it to the dealer that you are most willing to work with. Bringing in lower quotes from another company might be your best bet in getting a good deal.


Dealerships scam
It's a good idea to bring a copy of your credit score to the dealership with you. It can lower your interest rates on your car loan. Your car dealer should not know more about you than you do.

You can avoid a common scam that dealerships pull. You will often hear that your financing fell through and that you have to respond by paying more money on your loan. Don’t believe it. It’s another reason for you to get a copy of your credit score.

Another common scam by dealership salesmen is for them to tell you that they have found you a lower rate, but that they want you to re-sign your loan papers. Usually, that is a downright lie. Once they pull up your financing information, they have the upper hand if you don’t know the details about your credit information. You can get a copy of your credit information free online at Annual Credit Report.

Don’t bring in a car for trade in if you still owe money on it. The dealership rarely pays the rest of the loan on time which will result in you having to pay a great deal of late fees to the bank. If you do decide to bring a car in that you owe money on, get it in writing from the dealership that they will pay the balance on the car within 10 days and/or they will pay the late fees if they fail to pay the car off in a timely manner.

Sometimes a dealership may not have all of your options and must order the car directly from the dealer ship. If this happens they will often ask you to pay $500-$1000 for a deposit on the car. Try not to pay more than $500 and be sure to pay with a credit card. Sometimes the dealership will tell you that there was a price increase on the vehicle and will want more money. If you pay with a credit card you have room to dispute the amount being taken from you. If you pay by check, you can just consider the money gone.

You should never buy a car when you are in desperate need. A dealer will see that and take advantage of your situation. You should never wait until an old car is dead before searching for a new car. Give yourself time to shop around for the right car and get the best deal possible. Desperation often clouds your judgment.

Be prepared to walk away! If the salesman won't negotiate with you, walk away. Many times this will cause him to become more open to your offer. Remember, there are many more places for you to buy. He is at the mercy of the people who drive onto his lot. He is more desperate for a sale than you are for a car. If you can't find a happy medium, just leave.

What You Should Never Do
There are many things that you don’t want to see a dealership do to you as a buyer, but there are some things that you should not do as well, if you don’t want to alienate the dealer.

Here is a list of “don’ts” that you should abide by if you are really looking to get a good deal.

- Don’t try to pull one over on the dealer by lying about the condition of your trade in vehicle. It is just a lie that you can’t get away with, and could cause many cost increases later.

- Don’t bother looking for a car if you have had a recent bankruptcy because you will not get approved anyway.

- Don’t give the dealership a deposit and then try to take it back for no reason. Make sure you have researched the car before making an offer. You can also lose money on the return as they are sure to have a fee for this.

- Don’t bother lying about your debt load and credit rating. You know they have to check it anyway.

- Don’t offer any money for a car unless you already know the dealer cost because you are setting yourself up to get ripped off.

More info about car buying.


http://www.articleclick.com/Article/When-you-want-to-buy-a-new-car---part-I/977897

Tips on Buying a New Car and Secrets That Car Salesman Don't Want You to Know

Are you getting tired of getting ripped off by car salesmen? Well it doesn't have to be like that if you know the secrets to buying a new car at discounts of up to 30% to 50% and sometimes higher.

You may be saying to yourself this can't be possible but it is. buying a new car is hard on the wallet. Not only do new cars cost more than used cars, but they lose value more quickly too. However by getting a great bargain when buying a new car it won't make much of a difference how much it loses value.

Buying a new car can seem like a daunting task, one that requires a buyer to ask certain questions before setting out to make such a large financial investment. Dealer financing can be more expensive, particularly for poorly informed buyers.

Dealerships like almost everyone else in the retail business seem to make most of their profit on financing. Dealers will attempt to charge you a higher interest rate by saying your score is lower than it actually is. You can avoid this one by simply bringing your credit report along with you.

Buying a new car has been regarded as a major investment. Owning a new car of your choice not only brings you pride but also enables you to own a car coupled with features that exactly you were looking for.

Buying a new car can be a stressful process, but if you are prepared and have all the information you need to get the best bargain possible then you will go get that car you want will no pressure at all. buying a new car is something most people do several times in a lifetime but not a lot of people take the time or have the know-how to negotiate the best bargain they possibly can get.

People drive off the car lot every day with cars that they could have saved thousands of dollars on if they only knew what to ask. There is now a way that you can any car that you want and have fun while you are shopping for it because now you will be on an even playing field with the dealer.

World famous Dr Suzanne Gudakunst has just released her biggest "shocker!" ever ...

And you can read about it at my web site at http://www.squidoo.com/secret-car-buying-tips

She will show you her Secret to buying a new car at up to 30% to 50% off, or buying expensive cars for as little as $300 a month! She is able to do this because she discovered something NO car salesman ever wants you to find out about!

Click Here to find more about these incredible bargains.

Being Empowered in Buying a New Car

Those who are considering the purchase of a new car may want to take some time before visiting or contacting car dealers to consider the strategies they will use. There are some things to review before staring the new car buying process.

New car buyers who gain power from research and study will be more likely to have better results in the new car buying experience. Buyers who enter into a dealership armed with knowledge and a plan of action based on that knowledge will be able to make price offers that give them an advantage in the bargaining process. Knowledge will empower a new car buyer to make the first offer, begin the negotiations, and demonstrate control of the situation. Moving first in a negotiation demonstrate a position of bargaining strength.

One important principle of power in negotiations is that the buyer is the one who has the money and is the customer. The car salesperson and dealership need customers to buy the cars and cannot survive or be successful with out paying customers. The dealership will be motivated to make the most profit from a car through negotiations, but are more motivated to make the sale of a new car.

Today's new car buyers can take advantage of the World Wide Web to gain knowledge and power to be prepared to visit a new car dealer from a position of power. More buyers are obtaining information from websites than ever before. New car buyers can obtain from the internet information on new car details, car prices, options, costs, and even trade in values of used cars. Prospective new car buyers can even find out the approximate amount that dealers pay for the new cars. In addition is the knowledge that dealers have other commissions and car manufacturers incentives that reduce the dealers cost of new cars they have to sell.

Many new car sites and other websites have new car quote functions that new car buyers can take advantage of before visiting a new car show room. The programs get actual "live" quotes from a few car dealers in a customer's area. This action allows the new car buyer to begin the negotiations for a new car by getting car dealers to compete for the new customer.

There are new ways available to become an empowered new car buyer. One can take advantage of them and have a successful outcome to be happy with a new car purchase. http://bestprice-alert.com/FreeNewCarPriceQuotes.aspx.


Buying a New Car: Tips to Help You Not Get Burned

Do Your Research

The first thing you will want is a clear understanding of what
you are looking for in a car. It's best to narrow your search to
a particular make and model that both fits your needs and has a
good track record. If you go to a car lot for a particular car
and find yourself being steered towards a completely different
car don't buy it that day. Go back home and research it
thoroughly. Edmunds.com has a great tool for comparing car
features.



True Cost To Own

Edmunds.com also has a wonderful "True Cost to Own" feature. This
will tell you how much a car will actually cost you including
interest if you are financing.

tid=edmunds.n.mainindex.prices>

Be sure to research gas cost. Fueleconomy.org has a nice resource
which allows you to compare the gas cost of different models of
cars.

http://www.fueleconomy.org>

Trade-in Research

Get the bluebook value for your trade-in at:



Timing

Shop for cars at the end of the month. Many sales people will be
working to meet their quotas at that time and may be more willing
to negotiate on price.

Don't Pay Retail

The retail price, often called the sticker price or
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, is higher than what a
dealer is actually willing to take for a car.

Edmunds.com has tool for researching what particular cars are
actually selling for in your area.



When you search for a car on Edmunds you will see two prices. The
invoice price and the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. You
will want to start negotiations at the Invoice price and settle
on a price as close to that amount as possible.

Say No to Add-Ons

Don't let the dealer add costly Add-Ons like rust proofing. If
you have done a good job at driving down the price initially the
dealer may try to stick it to you with unnecessary Add-Ons or
even an undesirable financing package.

Don't Be a Sucker

If you are not good at negotiating with people, bring someone who
is. Don't let yourself be a pushover. Always be willing to leave
the lot if you aren't comfortable. There are other cars just like
the one you are walking away from. Don't make the final decision
to purchase the car with the salesperson present.

Don't Let the Salesman Flip The Script

One trick that car salesman try to pull on people is offering
different financing when it comes time to sign the papers. Never
drive a car off the lot until all the financing is arranged and
all the papers are signed. The sale is not final until you sign
the papers.

If you do drive off with your car and they call you back to deal
with some details of the financing, be very careful to check that
you are signing exactly the terms you agreed to. If the dealer
tries to change the terms of the deal drop the keys on the desk
and leave.

The Federal Trade Commission has a lot of good information about
buying a car.



If you are uneasy about the decision you are about to make, don't
sign the papers. Don't worry about the car salesman's feelings.
Make sure that you leave with a car and are completely content
with your decision or you leave with nothing at all. If you have
an unsuccessful car buying experience you will be reminded of it
every time to drive your car.

About the Author

About the Author:
Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to the Daily Thrifty Tips
newsletter at ThriftyFun.com. ThriftyFun publishes information
about thrifty living. Send an email to
dailythrifty-on@thriftyfun.com to subscribe to The Daily Thrifty
Tips newsletter.
http://www.thriftyfun.com

http://www.articlefasttrack.com/index.php?page=article&article_id=10838

Auto Body Repair Or Just Get A New Car?

It is hard to not be able to think of not knowing anyone who at one point needed auto body repair. That would not surprise you at all since there were 220 million vehicles on U.S. roads in 2003, a figure that had been growing steadily at approximately 5% per year. We can use this figure to project that there will be more than 275 million vehicles on the road in 2008. More vehicles means a larger market, and an increased number of minor accidents as streets and parking lots become more crowded. So, when so many people get left in the situation of needing auto body repair, the thought of just buying a new car comes across their thoughts. Yes, it is hard to find a good auto body specialist and yes it is going to cost you some money. However, it is beneficial to fix your existing car. So what are some reason why someone would need or want auto body repair? Or may simply consider buying a new car? • Prevent corrosion • Reflects on personal image • Lease end responsibilities • Inspires safer driving • Prevent police stop for damaged vehicle • Prevent spouse awareness of accident Here are some things to consider before making your decision. Buying a new car can be an exciting thing! However, once the excitement wears off you still have to make those high car payments for at least four to five years. With our economy not doing so well and many people losing their jobs or taking pay cuts, who is to say that you are safe to commit to a four to five year agreement? Not saying this is true for everyone, just that it is something to consider. Also many people may want to make a life decision such as retirement, a leave of absence from work, or deciding to go back to school. However with a car payment amongst their other monthly bills most would not be able to afford doing that. So this is a decision that requires a lot of consideration. So, instead of just buying a new car, you should consider auto body repair for your vehicle. Auto body repair is where the existing metal panels on your car are repaired, rather than just buying a totally new panel. Many dealerships and collision centers may only offer replacement and not repair. It is takes a knowledgeable and skilled mechanic to perform work like this. So when choosing an auto body repair shop, you should carefully choose one. This will cost you some money, however not nearly as much as buying a new car would. Also some auto body shops will take most car insurances, and may even help you work out the details with them. This is not only an option for those who are trying to save money, but also for those who simply already like their car! So in the end most people are choosing the most cost effective option in, you should too!

Start looking for the right San Diego auto body shop for your needs today! The right auto body specialist can make your car look like a dream!
Source:www.isnare.com

Getting the Best Deal on Your New Car

Purchasing a new car is always an exciting experience whether you are looking to buy a used or new one. If you are concerned about price or simply enjoy getting the most bang for your buck, it is important that you understand how to best navigate through the process and get the best deal on your new car. If you don't know where to begin, don't worry. We have done all of the hard work for you. We will give you the information that you need to find a great car, for the best price possible. 1. Shop Around: This is probably the most obvious and well known rule. You won't know your options if you don't take some time to look around. Thanks to the internet, this is now much easier and more convenient to do then in the past. It is best to compare car prices and terms of local car dealers. This can be done online and in person. If you are willing to drive a bit, check out what dealers are offering in other cities or states. Another great way to secure a good deal is to get pre-qualified this gives you greater leverage when haggling with car sales persons. They understand that you already have the backing of a lending institution and that you are ready to do business. 2. Buy Used: Unless you just have to have a new car, it often best to purchase a used car. This is because cars depreciate so fast, it doesn't make great financial sense to buy them new. Instead, you can get great deals for used cars. You can also pay them off faster because they are generally much cheaper. 3. Be Sure That Your Car is Fuel Efficient: A good way to save on your car long term is to get a fuel efficient car. The less money that you have to spend on filling up your tank can go into your pocket. 4. Forget Leasing: Leasing can be incredibly expensive if you go over your pre-determined limit for miles. Some owners of leased cars end up paying $.25 per extra mile. Many people underestimate this and end up paying hefty penalties. 5. Save for a Down Payment: Saving up for a down payment is one way that you can secure greater terms and lower monthly payments for your new car. With the slowing economy, and a housing market in the dumps, it is more important then ever to find the very best deals possible when looking for a new car. There are several ways to accomplish this. They include buying a used car, avoiding leasing due to potential, expensive penalties that will be levied if you go over mileage. You also need to purchase a fuel efficient car. You will also want to save up for a down payment. Putting a down payment on your car will ensure that you get lower monthly payments and most likely a lower interest rate. Being sure to shop around and comparing rates and terms, will ensure that you get the best deal possible and won't have buyers regret, soon after your purchase.

Source:www.isnare.com

Tips to Consider When Buying a New Car

When you're planning on buying a new car for yourself you want to make sure that you find a car you'll enjoy for the next while because it's often a fairly costly purchase. You should also make sure that the vehicle you buy will be able to cater to your needs for the next few years because if it doesn't then you might be stuck trying to sell it and looking for one that does. The first rule to remember when buying new vehicle is that once you take it off the lot the value of that car goes down about 30%, so make sure you choose a car that will be suitable for some time to come. It can take awhile sometimes to find the right car at the right price, but taking the time to shop around is very important and you'll be glad you did. Typically the first thing you need to determine when you're looking for a new car is what you need in a vehicle, meaning if you have a family or are expecting kids then you might not want to get a two-seater. You need to plan for things like this and that is why before you even go to any dealership you should write down what you want in your vehicle. A recent trend the past year or two has been people looking at buying into alternative energy vehicles or vehicles with good mileage. If you're still not ready for an alternative energy powered vehicle then make sure you find a vehicle that is good on gas, because the way gas is rising it's becoming unfordable to even buy for larger vehicles. Once you have decided what you want in your vehicle you should then go around to the different dealerships and price out what's available. There are always new offers becoming available and the car industry is very competitive, so the more shopping around you do the better deals you'll find. You should find at least one model from each dealership that meets what you're looking for in a vehicle and then from there you should compare them with the models from the different dealerships. After creating a short list you can then take them for a test drive if you'd like and then once you feel you have decided on a vehicle you can go ahead and buy it. You'll need to make sure all of your finances are in order when you plan on buying a car because you need to make sure the dealership can accept your credit. In most cases you won't have a problem though and it doesn't take long after signing the contracts before you'll be out on the road driving your brand new vehicle. Remember to try and get a vehicle that is easy on gas so that you don't burn a hole in your pocket every time you need to drive somewhere. The key is to price around the different offers available to you and then from there you can start narrowing down the choices based on features and affordability.

Source:www.isnare.com

How to make buying a new car an even more exciting experience.

Last year, about 1,500 Brits did exactly that, by picking up their new Mercedes-Benz straight off the production line in person. They flew to Germany, toured the factory and then drove their shiny new Merc back home.

Mercedes-Benz has a team dedicated to ensuring that customers who opt for personal collection enjoy a relaxing and luxurious VIP trip to pick up their new car. They will put together a personal collection package that includes a choice of business class flights, four star accommodation in Germany, taxis to the hotel and factory, transit number plates and vehicle insurance and a choice of crossings from Calais to Dover. They will even arrange hotel bookings for the return journey on request.

Three different factory locations are involved – Bremen in the North, or Stuttgart and Rastatt in the South – depending on the model. Each offers a variety of local attractions (including in Stuttgart the fascinating Mercedes-Benz Museum, which is the birthplace and spiritual home of the car) and a number of alternative routes back through some of Europe’s most beautiful countryside. In fact, many people take family members or friends with them, to create a special break with a unique difference.

Apart from being genuinely fascinating, the special guided factory tour is an excellent opportunity for the new owner to find out just how much time, attention and technology was put into building their car – and there’s something extra special about being the first person ever to take it out on the road!

Moe information about personal collection is available online at http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/passenger_cars/home/products/personal_collection.html - mainnav?ref=ISM

To keep up-to-date with everything else that’s happening at Mercedes-Benz, visit their news site at http://news.mercedes-benz.co.uk/

If you use RSS feeds, click on the RSS icon that appears at the end of the url window of your web browser when you’re at the Mercedes-Benz news site, and then add the link to your RSS feeds. Then you’ll automatically know whenever anything new is posted on the site.

About the author:
http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/passenger_cars/home/products/personal_collection.html - mainnav?ref=ISM


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

New Car Buying Strategy

A passion for latest gadgetry and new cars is inbuilt in a lot of people, and buying a luxurious car is a dream comes true for the most. However, new car buying strategy requires some amount of planning and research. Before buying a car it is important to check out its reviews from a reliable source, which may be done online too. In fact a convenient way to purchase a car, other than doing it directly from the brand dealers and showrooms, is to buy it online. Here you can take a look at the invoice and also compare prices in a fast and easy manner.
Starting out to buy car online, should be preceded by lots of research not only on the best car to suit your needs, but also on its price. It is also necessary to take a look at the incentives that are offered with most cars, which may give one an added reason to buy a particular model. Dealers are often willing to sell their cars at a price lower than the sticker price, so rope in all the research on rebates and incentives at this point. The next step in the new car buying strategy is extremely important as it involves deciding on the make, the model, trim level, options and colour. This may include giving the car a detailed check and also taking a test drive. It is worthwhile to note that the more flexible one can get on these basics, a wider range and variety opens itself. In case one finds the “car of their dreams” it would be a wise step to take multiple quotations from a number of dealers.

Negotiating for the lowest price possible becomes the next stage in one’s new car buying strategy. Many online salespersons are willing to discuss the price of cars online, which helps save a lot of time and energy. If one feels good about the price decided on, it’s time to take a look at the big picture. Many buyers focus on the cost of the car and ignore the related expenses. Besides the cost, one will have to pay sales tax and other various fees, which vary from place to place, and the easiest way to do this is to ask the salesperson to send an invoice before one goes to the dealership. The new car buying strategy remains incomplete without insuring the car, so insurance may from one’s final stride in this direction. On carwholesaleprices.com one can get new car prices and reviews before set out for buying a new car.

About the author:
Lee is a well known author and has been writing content for Carwholesaleprices an Online Car Buying site for so many years. His content is worth reading as it gives you an insight about different aspects of Buying Cars. For more information visit "www.carwholesaleprices.com"


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Getting a new car vs. your old one

To some, it may be inevitable that their Acura car repair and maintenance costs are already too high. There are several factors affecting this situation. It could be that the primary reasons for these costs are the Acura mufflers. But an evaluation process can help in determining whether to buy a new one or continue repairing the old one.

First things first; by yourself, perform an evaluation of your vehicle. Check the brakes, vehicle pull, automatic shifting, manual shifting, oil or fluid leaks, accessories, upholstery, inside trunk, wheel wells, under hood, tires, etc. If most are still functioning well, it means it is not yet time to replace your Acura car.

The next process is the determination of what future maintenance cost will or could be incurred when you buy a new one. Take your car to the mechanic and pay them to inspect all the items. The cost of these inspections should be fairly inexpensive, and the information they will provide will be more than worth the expense. Add up all recommended repair costs plus all previous repairs during the year. Divide this number by 12 to determine your average repair cost for the given year. However, this number will not include any breakdown or unexpected repairs.

Then, know the cost of your car. Trading in your vehicle for a new car is the easiest, but it will not bring in the most money for you. Compare properly the cost of your old car plus its maintenance cost and the cost of the new one you are about to buy plus the car’s “would be” maintenance cost.

When finally decided to buy a new car, in place of the old one, there are things to consider.

One is the used cars’ history reports. Never buy a used car without knowing its history reports such as accidents incurred, repairs, and damages even the minor ones. These might be a big reason for a high car maintenance cost when the car is already in your procession.

Another thing to keep in mind is the extended warranties or service contracts. If you're shopping for new or used cars, you can protect yourself against most major repair bills by purchasing a car with good extended warranty. But don't pay those high dealership prices just to get a little peace of mind! If you already bought new or used cars without getting an extended warranty, you can still purchase one as long as the vehicle is within certain mileage limits. Vehicles that are still covered by the manufacturer's original warranty usually qualify for new car rates; vehicles with expired warranties are all rated as used cars.

http://www.easyarticles.com/article-48089.htm

About the Author: Jerick Brooks is a BS Computer Science graduate at Columbus State University. He has passion for anything car-related especially car racing. He loves writing and currently works as an IT consultant in a company based in Atlanta.

Should You Buy a New or Used Car?

Ahhh…there’s nothing like the smell of a new car. But as soon as you pull out of that car dealership, boom, it’s now a used car and depreciates as such. So should you buy a new or used car? There are positives and negatives to buying both. A used car comes with a cheaper price tag but may not have the security of the types of warranties a new car comes with. To make your decision a little easier, here are some things to consider.

Choosing a New Car

Some people just want a new car simply because they want a new car. They want to be able to pick out the color and features they want and they want to be the first owner. Some advantages to buying a new car include:

• Reduced maintenance costs. A new vehicle won't need maintenance for the first several thousand miles, and then only an oil change and tuneup are required. Some manufacturers even cover the cost of those routine maintenance items. The new vehicle likely won't need new tires, a battery, exhaust system or brakes during the first few years of ownership or longer.
• Warranty. The manufacturer covers its new vehicles under warranty for at least three years, and some warranties last even longer. Many luxury makes now offer warranties of four years and 50,000 to 60,000 miles. With manufacturer warranties, if something goes wrong, it is the responsibility of the dealer and manufacturer to fix.
• No lemons. If you encounter problems with your new car, you have legal recourse through state lemon laws, which is offered in all 50 states. If you can prove that your new car is a lemon, you could receive a replacement vehicle or get your money back. Lemon laws apply only to new cars.
• Roadside assistance. Most mainstream new cars and light trucks come with free roadside assistance while the vehicle remains under warranty, and, in some cases beyond. In addition, some automakers reimburse you or provide alternate transportation if you get stranded far from home. A few manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Lincoln and Volkswagen, offer free routine maintenance during the first couple years of ownership. These generally cover oil changes and tuneups.

The Case for Buying Used

Buying a used car doesn’t mean you have to buy a beat up, rusted old car. In fact, there are many choices in used cars that include many slightly used cars, which many people would never know it wasn’t new. The perks of buying a used car include:

• More choices. The automobile market has been booming in recent years. New vehicle sales totaled just over 16.5 million units in 2006. The used-car market was even more vibrant, with more than 42.5 million sales in 2006, according to CNW Marketing Research. The result is a vast choice in used cars and attractive prices.
• Warranties still available. Although used vehicles typically don't carry the same warranties as new ones, the original factory warranty on a new car is transferable to a second owner, usually at no charge. Buyers of certified pre-owned cars from an authorized dealer can purchase a late-model used car with the original warranty and then choose to add to it.
• Almost new. Another trend that makes buying used a better option is the proliferation of certified pre-owned programs. With this program, these vehicles are thoroughly inspected making buying a used car almost as good as buying a new one.

http://www.easyarticles.com/article-180004.htm


About the Author: Enjoy your family and find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for auto insurance quotes online from respected insurance companies.

Get A New Car With A Stay At Home Mom's Business Opportunity Home :: Business :: Home Business

No, you're not driving as much as you used to. $4 per gallon kind of makes you want to stay home.

However, you still have to drive and this means your car will eventually die. Are you at that point yet?

With gas prices through the roof, and every budget has less money in it, how are you supposed to buy that next car?

Simple solution. Buy a used car with 100,000 miles just as long as the previous owner PROMISES that it is in perfect condition. That will surely last you for years to come, right?

Of course, if you really want something reliable to take the kids around town in for the next years to come, you're probably going to want something with a little less miles. In fact, if you just get a new car, you will probably be in the best position for a while.

Not to mention the most important reason to buy a new car...the smell.

If you are going to work extra to raise the money for your new car, be careful about taking overtime at work. The biggest drawback to overtime is that you have to keep doing it and it can dry up at any time.

There is also another and more important to avoid the overtime. It takes you away from your children even more.

The best way to increase your income while not taking any more time away from your children is to start a stay at home mom's business opportunity. This option allows you to make more money and, because it is home based, you will still be there for your children.

You have several options. In order to maximize your efforts, you should consider the marketing system and the monthly overhead. If you are running a business that uses a direct mail campaign, your overhead can be through the roof in a heartbeat. If you use the newspaper or radio, it can go even higher.

You can find yourself in debt much quicker than you can even imagine if you don't know what you are doing.

One solution to high advertising costs is to run a business on the internet. When you know what you're doing, all you advertising is free.

Yes, as before, you do need to know what you're doing to have success. However, as you learn, it costs you no money. Compare that to direct mail, newspaper, and radio; when you learn how to market with those methods, you MUST spend a lot of money in the process.

Some of the things you will want to learn is how to write blogs, run an email campaign, and upload videos just to name a few. All of these things are highly effective and cost you no money.

There are a number of ways to learn these skills so you can make the money you need to buy that new car. Trial and error is one. Though it will probably take you years to learn what you need to learn. The car will be totally dead by then.

You can by books and attend seminars to learn. While your learning curve will be much shorter than trial and error, some of those seminars can cost thousands of dollars.

Another choice is to partner with people who are already successful internet marketers. This option will allow you to learn what you need to learn AND have mentors who can walk you through the process. Because you are partners, they have a vested interest in your success. Therefore, in most cases, you can count on their support.

For most women, running a business online from home, with partners who are already successful on the internet, is the best option. If you're partnered with the right people, it practically guarantees success. Then you can get that new car now, and even be a stay at home mom a short time from now.

If the gas crisis is keeping you from buying a new car, we can help you get a stay at home mom's business opportunity started. We will give you a FREE internet marketing eBook when you visit our website. Go there NOW at www.MommyStaysAtHome.com or call Pablo at (863) 658-4045.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Online Articles Google Custom Search New Car Pricing: Looking into the Crystal Ball

New Car Pricing: Looking into the Crystal Ball

| by Ali Moazami | December 09, 2005
You just landed your first promotion and you need to celebrate! What a better way to celebrate your new salary by purchasing a new car. It’s time to start spending your hard earned dollars on a valuable new vehicle purchase. But, how do you know you are paying the right value for your car? It’s important to remember when trying to look into the future that a new car depreciates 20% of its value as soon as you drive it off the lot.

New car pricing can be difficult if you are looking with foresight into the future, and each consumer guide will quote you various prices on the same make and models of cars. It’s hard to decide where to begin, but let’s take the guessing out of new car pricing, and begin by contacting AutoDiscover who will offer you the best rates across North America.

The 20% depreciation won’t hurt so badly when purchasing your first new vehicle because you have already gotten it for a deep discount with AutoDiscover’s top consultants who can negotiate almost any rate, for any car. They are proficient because they know how to negotiate the best rate (unbiased) with tough negotiation skills and thorough research.

You will receive from their superior services a new car at an extremely low rate. A luxury worth every penny saved to help pay for your next designer suit. Imagine, you can spend more time working on the issues that matter instead of negotiating with the dealership.

A step up, and a step head, you will be ready to move into the future! Contact an AutoDiscover Consultant today and let them offer you the best car buying services on the market. New car pricing will never be the same and you will love the low rates they are able to offer! It’s time to rub your crystal ball and start moving towards the future in your new plush interior vehicle.

Article Source: http://www.articleset.com

About the Author

Copyright © 2005 AutoDiscover. All rights reserved. Ali Moazami owns and operates an auto consulting firm. The company was established to change the way the consumers buy and lease their cars by providing unbiased advice. For more information visit: www.autodiscover.com.

New Car Purchase: Tricks and Tips to Get the Best Deal

New car purchase is not that difficult to do as other people think. You only need to follow a certain game plan and stick to it and never allow your heart and bias to intrude in the process. What I am about to reveal are time-tested tricks and tips to give you the necessary leverage as against car dealers.

First in the list is for you to determine the fair price for your new car purchase. The heart of this step is how to get or identify a fair market price of the car you are interested to purchase. You can log on to websites providing features and options relating to the actual price of various types of cars. Then, come up with some notes about your findings.

After you have identified the fair market price of the car you want, you are now ready to move to the next step. This step involves securing free quotes from car dealers.

You can easily do this by logging onto the websites of companies offering car dealership and other related services. Do not be afraid if they ask you about some personal details like your name and email as these details will be used only for purposes of giving you a quote.

Representatives from the companies you contacted will contact you in no time and when you deal with them be honest and straightforward. Do not be swept away by their attractive offers and presentations but be focused on your goal.

Now, you are ready to consider trade-in offers. In relation to this step, your target should be: which of the two options you have will yield better gain for you. Will that be by trading your car with the company or by selling the car to a private person? With this in mind, you will have a guide when it is now time to decide.

The next step is to begin your negotiations with the companies. The dealer would like to know if you would be purchasing in cash basis or not. So, tell them you are thinking of buying the car in cash basis but nevertheless do not close the bridge for possible financing.

A great tip to remember is as much as possible never purchase a car based on installment basis as this would defeat your objective to save money.

Making new car purchases will prove to be a rewarding experience if you only know what to do. By following steps and keeping in mind your goal - to save money, that is - you will almost always get the best buy.

New car purchase in addition allows you to develop real-life wisdom as they are possible avenues where you can learn how to negotiate and deal with people who are experts in the field but walk away happy because you made a good deal.

With these tips in mind, you will not find it very difficult to strike a good deal with any company and thus make the most out of the sum of money you have.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/new-car-purchase-tricks-and-tips-to-get-the-best-deal-347202.html

About the Author:

Alex Baumm, member of a Car Club. So, there is really no need to worry when you make New Car Purchase. Join our car club and learn more about Used Car Dealers.


Buying A New Car - Getting It Right

A new car is a major expense in anyone's language. You only have to consider that what we now spend on an average priced new car is roughly what our parents spent to buy a new house a generation ago. A five or ten percent difference in the price on a purchase of this size can prove very costly.!

So, it's clear that a new car purchase needs to be properly thought through. It's imperative to do your research to ensure you get a great deal. Here are a few tips to help you get that great deal!

Tip #1 ... Take your time. Car dealers thrive on making you think "todays special" will be gone tomorrow. Not true. Make it obvious that you have "all the time in the world" to buy a car. That gives you the upper hand in negotiations right from the start.

Tip #2 ... Do your own research. You have to know a cars real value "before" you go shopping. The internet is a wonderful resource for finding out true car values. You can find out the average retail and wholesale costs of a specific make and model. These two pieces of information are vital to assess a good deal from a dud.

Tip #3 ... Leave some profit for the dealer. They need to make some money on the deal, and you want to pay a fair price. This is where knowing your values are vital. You can often negotiate a price that's maybe only $500 above dealer cost. Any dealer would sooner sell 3 cars a day and make $500 on each than sell one per day and make $1000 on each. You have to know how far you can squeeze them.!

Tip #4 ... Only pay for the options you want. You may have to wait a few weeks for delivery to get exactly what you want, at the price you want. This is much better than "getting $5000 worth of extras for only $2000" if those accessories that are of no use to you.

Tip #5 ... Go car shopping near the end of the month. Most dealerships, and their salespeople, have sales budgets to meet. They'll be much more likely to sweeten the deals near the end of the month to make the months figures look a little better.

Tip #6 ... Negotiate your trade in value seperately. Dealers will always try to cloud the figures by offering you a "cash difference" figure. This just confuses the value being given to each vehicle. Keep it simple, and settle on the new car purchase price first, then negotiate the trade-in value. That way there are no tricks, and each car has a direct value you can assess for yourself.

Tip #7 ... Stick to you assessment of car values. Salespeople undergo a lot of training to enable them to convince you that they are experts and you aren't. Research doesn't lie, but salepeople often do. Back yourself, and walk away from any salesperson that thinks they are smarter than you, or tries to "pull the wool over your eyes".

Tip #8 ... Make sure the car has a great warranty. New cars these days are backed by some outstanding factory warranties. An extra year or two of warranty can be worth both, a lot of money and a lot of peace of mind. You never get a second chance to get a new car warranty, so go for the best you can get. Dealers with top quality cars aren't afraid to warranty them.

Tip #9 ... Ask all your questions up front - even the silly ones. Whatever you do, always read the fine print of the sales contract before signing it. If anything is unclear, ask. Contracts usually contain legal jargon, if you are in any doubt at all about what something means, ask to have it explained before you sign.

Tip #10 ... Take the car for a good, long test drive. Get the feel of the car before you take it home. If you aren't a particularly "mechanical person", get someone who is, to come for a ride with you. Most new cars a in near perfect condition, but if yours isn't, you want to know now, not later. The dealer wants to clinch the deal now, so they'll fix any minor defects immediately. Make sure they do.

I'm sure if you follow these 10 simple tips, you'll have a very pleasant new car buying experience. In short, do your research, know your stuff, and you'll walk away with the car you want, and the deal you want.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/buying-a-new-car-getting-it-right-31299.html

About the Author:
David Neehly writes on all aspects of the New Car industry on his website, where you'll find many more interesting articles. Don't forget to subscribe to his FREE newsletter, for expert advice, bonus gifts, and the latest developments on New Cars.

Buying A New Car Battery That Will Provide The Power That You Need

Traveling is an activity which many of us find ourselves engaged in during periods of our life. While you have different modes of transportation you will need have a battery that is powerful enough to start the motor of your chosen vehicle. To power a new car the battery should be fully charged.

You will need to be sure that your new car battery will start without any problems. This is because you will need to be able to go anywhere you need at any time. This means that having a battery jump starter kit stashed in your home is a good idea. The battery starter kit will be able to provide your new car with the power that it needs. Once the new car battery is fully powered you can attach it back in the engine properly.

The fully charged new car battery will provide the power that is need in order for your car to work in any type of weather. When the time comes to replace the car battery the best place where you will find these batteries is in car supply shops. These places will have experienced sales personnel who can help you by showing you the various types of batteries which are on sale. Among these is that of a new car battery.

Even though we seldom think about the performance of our new car battery we get behind the wheel of the car and expect to go on a journey without any problems. As each car is made according to different specifications you will find that these vehicles have different needs.

Therefore it is only sensible that you buy a new car battery which will provide you with the power that you need. While there are many brands of car batteries available you will need to look around before you find the best car battery that you can find and afford.

This comparative battery shopping that you will do should provide you with lots of details about the car battery industry. For instance you will need to know just how long a car battery that you purchase will last before you need to buy a new car battery. You will also need to have some information about the type of tester that you should have if the need arises for recharging this new car battery of yours.

While there are many car battery dealers who will inform you that you are buying a superior car battery the proof will be found when you are driving. To prevent buying a dud battery it is best if you invest in buying a new car battery. This way you will be assured that you have a superior car battery at your disposal.

Muna wa Wanjiru is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Batteries for Years. For More Information on New Car Battery, Visit His Site at New Car Battery

http://www.amazines.com/Manufacturing/article_detail.cfm/313460?articleid=313460

Negotiating to Buy a New Car the Easy Way

Do you hate the thought of buying a new car because of the struggle you have to go through negotiating with the dealership? Relax. Negotiating to buy a new car is easy. Sure their sales people receive negotiation training, but you have the upper hand. Why? Because you can easily find out everything that they want to keep hidden. Information is the key to winning any negotiation. If you use the resources and approaches outlined below, you will negotiate the lowest possible price and drive away with a great new car.

First Find Out What the Dealer Paid for the Car

The true dealer cost is made up of two components - the Dealer Invoice less the Holdback.

• What the dealer actually paid for the vehicle is the Dealer Invoice. There are a number of good on-line sources for this including Kelly Blue Book (KBB.com) and Edmunds.com. (Be aware that the invoice may include an advertising charge for joint advertising campaigns. It is a real per car cost to the dealer, i.e. it is not overhead since it is paid only when a car is sold. It does show up on the invoice that the dealer gets from the manufacture, but it is not found on the online sites that give you dealer cost. It tends to run around $300-400.)

• The Holdback is the second component of true dealer cost. The holdback is a rebate that is paid directly to the dealer by the manufacturer for each car sold. Holdbacks for Chrysler, Ford and GM are 3% of the total price of the car. Holdbacks for foreign makes are 2%-3% depending on the manufacturer. Edmunds has a good Data Base of these.

Add In the Hidden Incentives to the Dealer and the Advertised Rebates

• Dealer Incentives: Surprise! In addition to the holdback there may be other hidden incentives to the dealer that you can only get if you know they are there. Otherwise the dealer keeps the incentive.

• Rebates: There may also be 'Cash Back' advertised rebates which they must give to you if you buy the car. (However, you need to know what the rebate is in advance since it will effect your opening offer to the dealer.)

These rebates change from month to month so you need current information. A good source for hidden incentives is CarDeals, published by the Center for the Study of Services. Call (800) 475-7283 and for a few dollars they will mail/fax you the most recent copy. Edmunds also has a good information set for both advertised and hidden rebates (which they call marketing support).

Determine Final Dealer Cost

Let's say that you have decided on a 'Roadster Supreme' with a sticker price, including all options and delivery, of $23,000. Your research comes up with the following information: Dealer cost $20,000 Advertising charge 400 Holdback - 3% of MSRP -600 Hidden incentive -1,000 Actual dealer cost $18,800

Making the Offer to the Dealer

So what do you offer the dealer? My experience is that in general the dealer’s bottom line will be a 3% profit, which in this case would be $600 or a final sales price of $19,400. You could start at $18,800, and work your way up or you could start at $19,400 and just sit there.

Hardball Dealer Negotiating Tactics

• Authority Limits: This is the standard ploy where the salesperson says, 'I'll have to go ask the sales manager.' One way to handle this is to simply treat the salesperson as a messenger. Or you might play the broken record game, repeating your initial offer and telling the sales representative to 'go talk to the manager.'

• Keeping You Waiting: It's a common tactic to keep the buyer waiting, hoping that it will make him or her anxious and nervous. The counter to this is to be totally prepared, bring a book or some work to do, or make some phone calls on your cell phone. This shows that you are totally relaxed and unconcerned and will not be affected by their waiting game. One person I know brings an alarm and tells the salesperson that they have an hour to close this deal or she’s leaving.

• The Offer Check: Some dealerships demand that you give them a check to show your 'good faith.' This is ludicrous. If they tell you that they won't negotiate unless you give them a check, get up and head for the door. Their policy will change fast.

• Lowball/Bait and Switch: The idea is to quote you an unusually low price over the phone (or in an ad) to get you into the dealership and then, when you get to there, the salesperson says that the sales manager wouldn't accept the price or the salesperson 'discovers' that he left out a thousand dollar option package or that you don’t qualify for all the rebates in the ad. If you know your pricing, you should be able to spot the lowball right away. Deals that are too good to be true are always bait and switch.

Other Issues

• Add-ons You Should Not Buy: There are a number of items that some dealerships try to sell that you absolutely do not need. These can include undercoating, which can even damage the car; Scotchguarding, which you can do yourself for a few dollars; paint sealant and preparation charges (The factory pays the dealer for preparation).

• Extended Warranties: An extended warranty is insurance. We generally buy insurance for risks that we cannot tolerate. We accept a $500 collision insurance deductible because we can tolerate the risk of a $500 loss. Are auto repairs, once the car comes out of warranty, an expense you feel you cannot tolerate?

• Selling Your Used Car: You will almost always get a better price if you sell your used car yourself. The advantage of selling to the dealer is that you don't have the hassle, and in most states you only pay sales tax on the net amount that you actually pay to the dealership.

Unfortunately, every used car is different and every market is different. Both Edmunds and Kelly have good pricing information. You will discover variations in what they say your car is worth, but they will proved some guidance.

Think through your used car negotiation strategy before you go into the dealership. You might want to get an offer on the used car first, and then go on to the new car because, once they recognizes just how serious you are about getting a rock bottom price for the new car, they may become extremely stubborn on the used car price.

Putting It All Together

The bottom line is relax. Let all their tactics roll off you like water off a duck's back. It may take an hour or so for them to become convinced that to sell you a car they will have to drop to their bottom line, but eventually they will give in. You will get a great price and drive away with that wonderful new car. Enjoy!

Article Source: http://www.articleset.com

About the Author

Michael Schatzki is a master negotiator who, for over 20 years, has provided sales negotiation training and coaching for thousands of people in the U.S. and globally. More than 75% of Mike's programs are for satisfied, repeat customers. The Negotiation Dynamics(r) system really works. Check out all of Mike's articles at http://www.NegotiationDynamics.com. Mike can be reached at (888) 766-3530.

Mike@NegotiationDynamics.com

Getting A Great Deal On A New Car

Ah, the excitement of a brand new car! Driving to every friend’s house you ever had to show it off. Spit shining it ever chance you get.

The only bad part about the deal is, well… the deal.

Fortunately, there's a way get a great price on a new car and this insider info will save you both time and money.

How many hours have you wasted talking about a new car deal, only to find out that the dealer had other contract clauses in mind that exploded the cost? I have wasted entire days in the car buying process.

What does "factory invoice price" really mean? The price that you see on the car is the “manufacturer’s suggested retail price”. You don’t want to pay this over-inflated price. Supposedly, the "factory invoice price" is what the dealer paid the manufacturer for the car. The dealer will have an invoice with this price on it.

When you hear a dealer say that he’ll sell to you “below invoice”, you wonder how on earth he could make any money. You may think that you’re getting the bargain of the century.

Well, not so fast. See, the factory invoice price probably isn’t what the dealer had to pay for the car.

Dealers get all sorts of incentives on top of this base price. Carryover allowances and other special discounts added in make the actual cost of the vehicle less than the price on the invoice. This can add up to the tune of $500-$2000 dollars.

So you could buy a car at $100 below the factory invoice and still be fattening the salesman’s wallet more than enough.

Ask if the car manufacturer offers a factory-to-customer rebate. You have to get this straight from the manufacturer, but every little bit helps!

The more you know about factory-to-dealer incentive payments, "holdbacks," and other allowances the dealer will receive, the better off you'll be. Do your research so you’ll know the best prices cars like yours have recently been selling for.

Now, you don’t want to get a great price on a car, and then lose out by paying too much for financing, for an extended service contract, and for unnecessary add-ons.

Also, check to see what the market value is of your current car if you’re considering a trade in. Don’t talk about a trade in until you have agreed on a price.

Before going car shopping, check the annual percentage rate currently offered by banks in your area. Sometimes credit unions offer good rates.

Many new cars are very reliable and often carry long manufacturer warranties. An extended service contract may be a waste of your money. If you do want one, make sure you check over it with a fine-toothed comb to see what it covers and what it doesn’t. Nothing like being surprised by a repair bill.

If your car already has rust-proofing, paint sealant, or fabric protection, make sure you don’t end up paying more than $50 for it. Any more than that will be pure profit and mark up.

A good deal on your new car can be negated if you get a lousy price on your trade-in. Go ahead and take your car to a few dealerships beforehand and ask what they’d pay you for it straight out. Explain that you’re selling your car and getting offers from different dealers.

If the dealership where you’re buying offers you a ridiculously lower price, you may as well sell your car outright to one of the dealers you checked with.

You do want to get the true wholesale value for your trade-in. A dealer who offers some extraordinary trade-in allowance is likely making it up on the new car price.

It takes a little extra time to ensure a great deal on your new car, but your savings can be substantial. You just might find the whole process fun!

Article Source: http://www.articleset.com


About the Author

John Sanderson This article courtesy of http://www.degrees-online.net

2008 New Car Release Strategy

Why do automobile manufactures release new models at all times of the year?People shopping for cars today, face the same decisions they did in years past, 2-door or 4-door, car, truck, van, or SUV. The idea of buying versus leasing is now on the table once again. The idea of buying a car in the middle of 2007 and having to decide between a 2007 and a 2008 muddies the water. Some of these vehicles will be all-new models, others radically different, while still others with only slight alterations.Manufacurers are using the release of the new 2008 products as more of a strategy than in years previous years.They realize they they have the power to create targeted traffic at given points of the selling season with thesenew releases. They no longer have to share the same pie with every other automaker. The traditional introduction of the models in early October created to much competition between the manufacturers. All the automakers were introducing their new lineup at the same time and sharing the spotlight with all the otherautomakers. A model can be deemed a 2008 so long as it goes on sale after January 1st of the current year. Consumers are split relatively evenly between the bargain of the left over model and the idea of having the latest and greatest. There is certainly a price to be paid for stepping up into a new 2008 model. Many consumers opt to pay more for the 2008 because the 2007 doesn't seem quite so new anymore. While the bargain hunters can save evenmore during the buzz of the newly released models. This is a win-win for the dealerships. The manufacturers need to assist the dealers in moving out the 2007products (heavier incentives) and the profits for the dealers can be significantly higher on the fresh 2008products. More and more new models for 2008 are being produced monthly. Come see the latest models GMC has to offer at http://www.lankfordauto.com.

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How To Turn A Old Car Into A New Car

If you own a car which is more than 5 years old, do you wish to make it look like a new car? It is definitely possible with auto detailing. Auto detailing is the process to make any old and used car look like a new one. With proper auto detailing, you can make your old car looks like a brand new one, and impress other car enthusiasts.

Why car grooming is so important to some car owners? When you want to sell your old car, you need to make it attractive enough so that potential buyers will be attracted to your vehicle. So, making its overall physical and exterior appearance nicer will increase your chance of selling away your old model.

Before any car grooming activity, there need to have an evaluation of your car. Evaluations will be focused on the exterior of the car such as its paint, wheel and tire. However, the car interior is also very important because it shows how the car has been used and taken care of by you. Therefore, you can see a lot of owners try their best effort to make their interior look superior just like the exterior.

Now, let us discuss some of the tips that you should take note of so that you can make your old car looks like a new one:

1. Keep your car in a roofed area or garage during auto detailing. This is because paint and wax do not work well under sunlight. Therefore, it is strongly not advisable to wash your car exterior under the sun as it will just make your exterior look bad over time.

2. Always clean your car from top to bottom. This is a general thumb of rule. The law of gravity applies.

3. Always use a towel or brush to wipe away excess was on your car's exterior. After grooming, there will surely be wax that is left over on your car's exterior. So remember to wipe it off.

4. Do not use cold water to wash your car. Especially after your car has just been from the road, using cold water to wash your car can damage the car's hot part like exhaust pipe and brakes. You should let your car cool down for at least 30 minutes before washing.

With hard work and determination, you can surely make your car looks new again with auto detailing activity. So, you will be able to drive out your elegant car once again.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/how-to-turn-a-old-car-into-a-new-car-427396.html