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28th March 2008

Auto Service Contracts 101: The Need-to-Know Facts





Today, buying car is not just simply buying a car. This is because when a person wants to buy a car, there are many additional services that tag along. One great example of these so-called “extras” is the auto service contract.

These auto service contracts are not necessarily required by most car dealers. However, most car buyers are enticed to get one in order to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances such as expensive car repairs.

Generally, auto service contracts are pledges made by the agency, usually the car dealer, responsible to provide the necessary services or repairs that the buyer or the contract holder is entitled for.

The problem with some people is that they categorize auto service contract as the same with extended car warranties. What they do not know is that car warranties are normally included in the price of the new car bought while auto service contracts can be obtained any time even if the person did not buy a new car. Moreover, auto service contracts are always an additional cost for the car buyer meaning he may or may not obtain an auto service contract.

However, just like the other financial decisions, careful deliberation is extremely important before making some final decisions. This is because not all auto service contracts are made equal.

Here is a list of the factors that need to be considered when getting an auto service contract:

1. Buyers should be aware of the terms and conditions stipulated in the auto service contract.

In every agency or company that provides auto service contracts, each has its own terms and conditions. Hence, it is important for every buyer to know first the terms as stipulated in the contract so as to know what kinds of details are included and what are those that are not included.

2. Buyers should know the specific entity who will perform the required services.

In this way, the buyer would know what goes on when a certain service is required. In this way, the contract holder would know where to ask for the repairs and to whom they should ask for the needed services.

3. Know the reputation of those who will provide auto service contracts.

It is extremely important to know how long the company or the dealer has been in the business. Along with it comes the reputation that has been built for so many years of reliable services and performances that the customers were able to testify.

The important thing here is that people should be aware of what they are paying for. After all, it’s their money that is at risk.

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27th March 2008

How Not To Buy A Car





Sometimes it’s not what you do, but what you don’t do that costs you money when you’re buying a new car. Here are some tips for buying new cars. Don’t make a buying decision in a hurry. It’s not a race. Decide what you need from your next car and research what’s on the market so you know what suits you best. Research the car you want and what suits your needs. You can research all the new car vehicle models you’re interested in on the internet and use this car search to help you. If your car is on it’s last legs, don’t wait until your car dies before shopping. Buying in a panic is a bad idea. It’s easy to overlook something important when you are in a hurry.

Some unscrupulous car salesmen try to convince you you cannot qualify for their best loan rates so check your credit score in advance. Knowing your credit score will keep the car dealer from forcing unfair interest rates on you. And get the rate in writing as some dealers try to raise rates later by telling you that you didn’t “qualify” for the interest rate discussed.

Research other credit options - the car dealership is not your only source. Have a loan set up if the car company can not or will not offer you a better loan than your credit union or bank. Know your options.

The salesperson is out first and foremost to make money. Hopefully, you are dealing with a reputable dealer who wants you to buy from them and refer your friends and family in the future, but to be sure, don’t believe everything they tell you unless you have checked it out for yourself.
Always test drive your potential new car. Try and avoid the car salesperson hitching a ride. Take a friend. There is safety in numbers. Try and make sure your friend doesn’t talk too much to the salesperson unless you’re intentionally trying out ‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’.

When it comes to crunching numbers, tell the sales person you want the “total cash price” of the car. Salespeople may try to add additional fees in a loan discussion. This means taht they can’t add other fees and charges to your total cost without you being aware of it. Be sure the salesperson does not add any additional costs in the paperwork either.

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21st March 2008

Used Car Review





Buying a used car is not difficult. Here are some guidelines for you when considering purchasing a used car:

1. Window-shop around first before doing the final selection. Allot one day to visit a dealership to look around and test-drive the cars. Do not buy the first time you see a car. Once you get home, you can browse the Internet for the information regarding the car of your choice and how much it cost. Be sure to check the option prices, ratings for safety and other things that the dealer has not informed you.

2. Ask yourself how much you are willing to spend for that car before visiting a dealership. Consult first with your credit union personnel or personal banker before visiting the dealership. Tendency is the dealership might convince you buy a more expensive car.

3. Check the car before deciding on it. Be sure to have a checklist on the important things that you have to look at in used cars. Check the engine, the car body, and verify if there are transmission problems. Never buy a used car if you have not test driven it for yourself.

4. Avoid drinking coffee before you visit or when you are at the dealership. Coffee will make you too uneasy and impatient to look into details. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water instead to make you go to the restroom. This will break the tension and remove you from a situation that that the salesperson is already intimidating you.

5. Always follow your plan. Make sure that you have already decided what a fair deal for you is before you go to the dealership. If you do not have a target price, the sales representative will only declare a higher price. It is recommended that you already have an expected price of the car before going to the dealership.

6. Never make a deal if you are confused or disappointed with the car. Always think clearly since you are spending a large amount of money. There is nothing wrong with walking out if you feel that the price they gave you is not a fair deal.

7. Enjoy and have fun. Do not be stressed just for buying a car. As long as you are informed, patient and firm, then there is nothing to worry about. You will do fine and enjoy when buying your used car.

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14th March 2008

7 Guidelines for Used Car Prices





1. Know a little about pricing before you buy a used car. Franchise dealers that sell used cars add a certain percentage on the original value of the used car in the market. Markup is also added to the price of the used car at dealerships, which will make the price higher.

2. Determine the many factors that affect the used car prices. Used car pricings are affected by installed optional equipments or the location where you are buying the used car. There are areas that have a high market demand for a certain car. If that is the case, you may get a better deal if you travel outside of the zone to shop around for your car.

3. Find the used car’s true market value at NADA. National Automobile Dealer’s Association releases a copy of used car price guides every year. You may also check their web site to check the current prices of the used cars you are looking for.

4. Cheaper used cars may be found at government auctions. Government auctions happen every year and you may want to check out a checklist of the auction program. It may also offer you guidelines on finding quality used cars at lower prices. You may visit Federal Citizen Information to find out the guidelines in buying used cars from government auctions.

5. Check out the Internet. There are a lot of web sites that provide pricing guides on used cars and also guidelines in finding the right used car for you. You may compare prices; check out the features of the used car and the location where you can buy cheaper prices.

6. Determine if you have a fair deal with the price that is offered to you. Factors that affect used car prices include the age, market demand, overall condition, mileage, interior and exterior blemishes or if the car was maintained well.

7. Beware of trade tricks. Many dealers strategize on the behavior of consumers when buying used cars. Dealers know that buyers will not purchase a used car unless they feel that they are offered a price lower than the original price. Dealers tend to make the price higher than the actual amount and make the buyer believe that they are offering a discount. What the buyer does not know is that the discounted price is actually the original price of the car.

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7th March 2008

Tips for Searching Used Cars Online





Searching for used cars online is easy and convenient. Here are a few tips on how to use the internet to search for used cars online.

1. Make use of the internet’s convenience advantage.

What’s so great about online used car searching? For starters, it means you can do most of the tedious work of canvassing for cars right in the comfort of your home. You don’t have to travel mile after mile to a car lot only to learn that the car of your dreams does not exist there. This means you have to travel another stretch to find another car lot that, unfortunately, might not have the car you are looking for as well.

This painful experience could take anywhere from a day (if you are lucky) to a few weeks (on a busy schedule). Plus you can only visit these places during the day. If these businesses have flyers, or do advertising, it may be easier on you since you at least have a list (however incomprehensive it may be) of the models they have available.

Enter the internet. You can surf for cars from dozens of car dealers in a matter of a few minutes or hours. Plus these sites will most likely have comprehensive information on their products – and this even includes pictures.

2. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable online entity, One way to do this is before seriously considering a certain online car site, look up their physical address. This means you have to jot down their address, phone numbers, and other contact information so that you can make inquiries with the local business listings and organizations.

3. Upon matching up with the car of your dreams, consider visiting the dealer. In actuality, it is possible to conclude the whole business process of purchasing a used car online through the internet. However, you may want to visit the physical address of the dealer for a physical inspection of the car you wish to purchase.

4. Make sure you understand the contract, and terms of agreement these online search companies carry. This will inform you of your rights and responsibilities when entering negotiations online.

5. Do background research on the car site and make sure you know what plans they offer. Some used cars websites offer certain guarantees and even insurance. You may want to explore these options to make sure you get the best value for you money.

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2nd March 2008

GUIDES FOR PERFECT CAR DEALERSHIPS





Have you considered buying a used car? There are fair and not-so-fair deals lurking around but for most of us, we are not just looking for something fair, we are looking for something great!

The Internet will equip you with valuable details about unbiased car reviews and ratings, including price ratings, specifications and reasonable, yet honest, reviews, including photos of used cars.

Comparison shops furnish and maintain databases as well where they keep price listings for used cars with their respective merchandisers across the net.

Private Seller Listings: Great Deals for Real

Great deals may not always turn out great in some circumstances. Unwise selection and choice of car dealers could lead you to wasting your money.

In fact in 2004 alone, it was recorded that half of those who bought their own cars in the US have considered purchasing used cars rather than brand new ones. A great deal of the population is becoming more and more open to buying used cars due to their maintenance flexibility and overall cost.

This information should give you more reason to research on which car dealerships are offering the most sought after secondhand cars on the net.

While used cars are getting more popular today it is practical and wise to look for specs which includes conditioning requirements, vehicle history and real pricing report and comprehensive range of values for used cars and possible trade-ins and leasing.

Look for Reviews

A good car dealership offers accurate and honest advice and reviews for prospective car buyers. Reviews provide clients with information regarding the nature of the product and its relative condition.

Others even provide true-cost-to-own values in order to better prepare you for the cost of the transaction. Many even dispense alluring incentives and rebates for sale buyers and those who opt for deduction on certain payment methods for easy money transactions.

The majority of dealer networks across the internet provide search listings to better approximate your location and needs. Search listings would provide you a roster detailing the latest used car models on sale together with their descriptions, vehicle condition, history reports and cosmetic essentials and requirements.

Although most accept trade-ins, some assess additional charges for appraisal, and the value-assessment might fall lower than you expected. Used cars may range from $15,000 + to $30,000 + for a good one. Some would even drop below $20,000 but requires a considerable amount of reconditioning.

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