Buying used cars is an art. Whether you are buying them in the interest of restoring them and reselling them, or simply looking for a cheap and efficient form of transportation, paying the appropriate used car prices and knowing which cars will last and which cars won't is crucial. A lot of people aren't aware of used car reviews. Although many of them look at used car price guides in order to figure out how much to spend on a particular model, few people understand how much information you can really find out from these guides. A good used car review will tell you everything you need to know. It will tell you how fast it will depreciate, what is likely to go wrong with the car and when it is likely to go, and how long you can expect it to last before you have to replace it entirely.
Of course, used car reviews only to half of the story. In general, you really can't get by without having a qualified mechanic look at any car you are considering buying. You never know when it has gone through, after all. Even if you look up the Carfax automotive history for that model, you might miss things. Title washing is very common, and even legal in some places. A used car review will tell you what to look at and what not to look at, but it won't tell you what to buy.
What I would like to see more of is used car dealer reviews. Used car reviews are great, but they only get you so far. A lot of people are unable to take advantage of the warranties offered by used car dealers because they are, naturally, distrustful of the claims these people make. Used cars buyers need to know what businesses they can trust, and what each dealer specializes in. The fact is, most used auto dealers won't let you take their cars off the lot to check them out with a mechanic. You need to know if they are honest so that you can figure out how long the car will last.
Of course, in this day and age you need to own your own set of used car reviews. Things move so quickly without online car sales that, if you aren't able to check out the Kelly blue book value quickly, you might miss an excellent deal. Shopping for a used car can be nerve wracking, but it can also be exciting! Happy hunting!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
iPod Car Accessories are the Ultimate in Portability
by: R James Cook
Tired of Hearing The Same Songs Over and Over Again? Bring Your iPod With You on Your Next Car Trip and Never Be Subjected to Commercial Radio Again!
Have you ever been on a long car ride and hated every minute of it because you can't find anything you like on the radio? This happens to most of us and can turn even the most enjoyable road trip into an exercise in drudgery. Fortunately, with just one or two iPod car accessories, you can bring your favorite tunes along with you and never again have to settle for what's playing on the radio.
Make Every Car Ride a Joy Ride
At its most basic, there are two iPod car accessories you will need to listen to your music on the road: one to give you a way to hear the music, and one to keep the power on. Most of the time, the iPod car accessory will cover both needs, either in one unit or as a kit, but understanding these two requirements will help you select the best product or products for your needs.
Listening to your iPod in the car first requires a way to get the music from your iPod to your radio. There are several iPod car accessories that can do this for you. The most popular option is an FM transmitter that you plug into your iPod and set to broadcast on an unused station. All you have to then do is tune your radio to the channel your iPod is broadcasting to and you have instant music. The lack of wires running out of your iPod is part of the appeal of an FM transmitter.
Another option if your car radio has a cassette player is an adapter goes from your iPod to the cassette slot, just like the adapter many of us have used to connect up a portable CD player to the radio's cassette player. If you already have one of these lying around somewhere you won't even need to buy anything because it will plug into the headset plug of the iPod!
A third option is to have a permanent connection installed for your iPod. After-market radios usually have an accessory input where an iPod car accessory adapter can be plugged in, and a cable run out from behind the dashboard that you plug into your iPod. While this option will give the best sound quality of all the others, it will also be the most expensive because it will require professional installation. But if you spend a lot of time in your car, it will be worth it. Many car manufacturers are also now offering this kind of iPod connectivity as an option in their higher-end models.
iPod speakers are also an option for listening to your iPod in your car. They're not an ideal solution, since they can rattle around the car and fall off the seat or rear deck. If you already have a set of speakers that don't rely on AC power this can be a workable, if inelegant solution.
Keep the (Power) Lights On
Most of these iPod car accessories are either power-neutral (don't draw power from the iPod but don't provide power to it either) or draw power from the iPod. If all of your driving consists of commuting to the office and you charge your iPod between trips, this isn't so bad. But if you're driving long distance, you're going to need a way to keep the juice flowing to the iPod so you don't drain its battery and end up stuck listening to the radio again.
To keep your iPod playing, a car charger is a necessity. It's a simple cable that runs from your car's power adapter or cigarette lighter and keeps your iPod charged while it plays. The great thing is, you can listen to your iPod for your whole drive, then when you've arrived you can take your iPod out of the car and it's fully charged and ready to keep you entertained wherever you go next.
Some of the permanent connections also include a power connection. If you're getting one installed in your car, make sure this is included or you'll still have to buy a power adapter. If it's a factory-installed connection, check your owner's manual to see if it provides power to your iPod. Generally, if the connection is made to the headset port, then you'll need a power adapter but if it's connected to the docking port, you won't.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Safety is an important issue to bring up when using iPod car accessories. Make sure you don't let your iPod distract you from your driving! Try to avoid changing volume or tracks while your car is moving. One of the great things about permanent connections is that many of them allow you to control your iPod using the controls of the radio itself. This is especially handy if your radio has wheel-mounted controls. If you're using a stand-alone adapter, try to position your iPod so you can see it without taking your eyes off the road. If you can't, just plug the iPod in, hit play, and forget about it. It's not worth dying just because you don't want to listen to one song.
Tired of Hearing The Same Songs Over and Over Again? Bring Your iPod With You on Your Next Car Trip and Never Be Subjected to Commercial Radio Again!
Have you ever been on a long car ride and hated every minute of it because you can't find anything you like on the radio? This happens to most of us and can turn even the most enjoyable road trip into an exercise in drudgery. Fortunately, with just one or two iPod car accessories, you can bring your favorite tunes along with you and never again have to settle for what's playing on the radio.
Make Every Car Ride a Joy Ride
At its most basic, there are two iPod car accessories you will need to listen to your music on the road: one to give you a way to hear the music, and one to keep the power on. Most of the time, the iPod car accessory will cover both needs, either in one unit or as a kit, but understanding these two requirements will help you select the best product or products for your needs.
Listening to your iPod in the car first requires a way to get the music from your iPod to your radio. There are several iPod car accessories that can do this for you. The most popular option is an FM transmitter that you plug into your iPod and set to broadcast on an unused station. All you have to then do is tune your radio to the channel your iPod is broadcasting to and you have instant music. The lack of wires running out of your iPod is part of the appeal of an FM transmitter.
Another option if your car radio has a cassette player is an adapter goes from your iPod to the cassette slot, just like the adapter many of us have used to connect up a portable CD player to the radio's cassette player. If you already have one of these lying around somewhere you won't even need to buy anything because it will plug into the headset plug of the iPod!
A third option is to have a permanent connection installed for your iPod. After-market radios usually have an accessory input where an iPod car accessory adapter can be plugged in, and a cable run out from behind the dashboard that you plug into your iPod. While this option will give the best sound quality of all the others, it will also be the most expensive because it will require professional installation. But if you spend a lot of time in your car, it will be worth it. Many car manufacturers are also now offering this kind of iPod connectivity as an option in their higher-end models.
iPod speakers are also an option for listening to your iPod in your car. They're not an ideal solution, since they can rattle around the car and fall off the seat or rear deck. If you already have a set of speakers that don't rely on AC power this can be a workable, if inelegant solution.
Keep the (Power) Lights On
Most of these iPod car accessories are either power-neutral (don't draw power from the iPod but don't provide power to it either) or draw power from the iPod. If all of your driving consists of commuting to the office and you charge your iPod between trips, this isn't so bad. But if you're driving long distance, you're going to need a way to keep the juice flowing to the iPod so you don't drain its battery and end up stuck listening to the radio again.
To keep your iPod playing, a car charger is a necessity. It's a simple cable that runs from your car's power adapter or cigarette lighter and keeps your iPod charged while it plays. The great thing is, you can listen to your iPod for your whole drive, then when you've arrived you can take your iPod out of the car and it's fully charged and ready to keep you entertained wherever you go next.
Some of the permanent connections also include a power connection. If you're getting one installed in your car, make sure this is included or you'll still have to buy a power adapter. If it's a factory-installed connection, check your owner's manual to see if it provides power to your iPod. Generally, if the connection is made to the headset port, then you'll need a power adapter but if it's connected to the docking port, you won't.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Safety is an important issue to bring up when using iPod car accessories. Make sure you don't let your iPod distract you from your driving! Try to avoid changing volume or tracks while your car is moving. One of the great things about permanent connections is that many of them allow you to control your iPod using the controls of the radio itself. This is especially handy if your radio has wheel-mounted controls. If you're using a stand-alone adapter, try to position your iPod so you can see it without taking your eyes off the road. If you can't, just plug the iPod in, hit play, and forget about it. It's not worth dying just because you don't want to listen to one song.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Honda Customers Seeing A Whole New Generation Of Vehicles
by: Jim Harris 
If you have been following what's going on in the news these days, it's easy to see that a lot of great things have been happening for Honda customers. It seems like Honda has been quite busy lately thinking up new ways to introduce some new high volume vehicles. For people who were looking for more fuel efficency, the Honda Fit was introduced to North American not that long ago. This was Honda's way of providing city dwellers with a fuel efficient commuter that also has plenty of cargo space.
With the arrival of the all-new 2008 Accord, there is cause for celebration. If we Look at the all new redesigned vehicle, we see that it is a very practical and unassuming car. For more than three decades, we baby boomers have matured, along with the Honda Accord. This shows us that these latest Hondas prove that maturity can also mean excellence. Equipped with a V6 engine, six-speed manual transmission, and plenty of extras the Accord actually becomes fun to drive.
With the introduction of the all new CR-Z concept car, Honda is pushing the limits on bringing true sport and the latest technology together. This new breed of vejicle is poised to set Honda apart from it's competitors in the Hybrid market. Honda calls the CR-Z a lightweight sports car, indicating that it will have the performance to backup its sporty looks. The interior design of the CR-Z has the look and feel of a Hi-tech and Sporty vehicle, which has been achieved by a very futuristic instrument panel. Honda also designed the interior to seem very airy and spacious by using mesh material on a simple framework.
Next we see the Honda SUT Concept which is a next-generation truck concept that takes a clean slate approach to the light-duty truck segment. It combines a roomy and practical SUV-style interior and a pickup-style cargo bed with traditional Honda strengths. This includes refined styling, superior ergonomics, innovative design and world-class build quality.
The truck market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers, so the Honda SUT Concept takes this evolution to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication in a sporty and socially responsible package with Honda durability, quality and reliability.
And finally, Honda has recently confirmed it's plans to bring the exciting "green" cars into production. The FCX hydrogen fuel cell car and a lightweight, hybrid sportscar will both be built - with a production version of the FCX making its debut next month. ear And next, based on the FCX concept, the all-new FCV will be marketed to fleet and retail customers in both the U.S. and Japan. The Honda FCV will provide all the creature comforts and safety most expect while the undisclosed specifications of the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack will provide performance equivalent to most modern day sedans while producing zero emissions other than water and heat.
So as you can see, Honda customers have a lot to look forward to as Honda continues to look at the future of vehicle engineering for a whole new generation of drivers.
If you have been following what's going on in the news these days, it's easy to see that a lot of great things have been happening for Honda customers. It seems like Honda has been quite busy lately thinking up new ways to introduce some new high volume vehicles. For people who were looking for more fuel efficency, the Honda Fit was introduced to North American not that long ago. This was Honda's way of providing city dwellers with a fuel efficient commuter that also has plenty of cargo space.With the arrival of the all-new 2008 Accord, there is cause for celebration. If we Look at the all new redesigned vehicle, we see that it is a very practical and unassuming car. For more than three decades, we baby boomers have matured, along with the Honda Accord. This shows us that these latest Hondas prove that maturity can also mean excellence. Equipped with a V6 engine, six-speed manual transmission, and plenty of extras the Accord actually becomes fun to drive.
With the introduction of the all new CR-Z concept car, Honda is pushing the limits on bringing true sport and the latest technology together. This new breed of vejicle is poised to set Honda apart from it's competitors in the Hybrid market. Honda calls the CR-Z a lightweight sports car, indicating that it will have the performance to backup its sporty looks. The interior design of the CR-Z has the look and feel of a Hi-tech and Sporty vehicle, which has been achieved by a very futuristic instrument panel. Honda also designed the interior to seem very airy and spacious by using mesh material on a simple framework.
Next we see the Honda SUT Concept which is a next-generation truck concept that takes a clean slate approach to the light-duty truck segment. It combines a roomy and practical SUV-style interior and a pickup-style cargo bed with traditional Honda strengths. This includes refined styling, superior ergonomics, innovative design and world-class build quality.
The truck market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers, so the Honda SUT Concept takes this evolution to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication in a sporty and socially responsible package with Honda durability, quality and reliability.
And finally, Honda has recently confirmed it's plans to bring the exciting "green" cars into production. The FCX hydrogen fuel cell car and a lightweight, hybrid sportscar will both be built - with a production version of the FCX making its debut next month. ear And next, based on the FCX concept, the all-new FCV will be marketed to fleet and retail customers in both the U.S. and Japan. The Honda FCV will provide all the creature comforts and safety most expect while the undisclosed specifications of the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack will provide performance equivalent to most modern day sedans while producing zero emissions other than water and heat.
So as you can see, Honda customers have a lot to look forward to as Honda continues to look at the future of vehicle engineering for a whole new generation of drivers.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Steps to Advertise Your Car Online
When trying to sell a car online, learning how to advertise it is the first step. You won't be able to sell your car if no one knows about it. The Internet is becoming a bigger and bigger outlet for purchasing vehicles. As a seller, you can oftentimes get a much larger bang for your buck selling online compared to more traditional avenues. Although selling a car online isn't a simple process, the advertising aspect can be.
Things You’ll Need:
-Computer with Internet access for research and ad placement
-Car
Step1. Figure out the specifics of your car. You need all the basic information, including the make, model, year and figures such as the mileage and the approximate value. Without all this essential information, it will be nearly impossible to sell your car online.
Step2. Decide on an asking price. Determining a specific price works much better than asking simply for best offers. It lessens the obligatory back-and-forth haggling and makes the whole process more straightforward.
Step3. Advertise for free. There are Web sites that will allow you to advertise your car for free, including Craigslist and Postaroo. Before you move on to paid services, first attempt to sell your car using a free listing.
Step4. Select a Web site that will list your car for sale. If the free listing doesn't work, there are various paid services that will list your car in exchange for a fee. Typically, the success rate using these services is high compared to the free services. Find a Web site with a long history of satisfied customers that has been in the car-selling business for a number of years.
Step5. Track your responses. The car will not sell itself. Even if you are using a paid service, it typically still requires you to interact with potential buyers.
Things You’ll Need:
-Computer with Internet access for research and ad placement
-Car
Step1. Figure out the specifics of your car. You need all the basic information, including the make, model, year and figures such as the mileage and the approximate value. Without all this essential information, it will be nearly impossible to sell your car online.
Step2. Decide on an asking price. Determining a specific price works much better than asking simply for best offers. It lessens the obligatory back-and-forth haggling and makes the whole process more straightforward.
Step3. Advertise for free. There are Web sites that will allow you to advertise your car for free, including Craigslist and Postaroo. Before you move on to paid services, first attempt to sell your car using a free listing.
Step4. Select a Web site that will list your car for sale. If the free listing doesn't work, there are various paid services that will list your car in exchange for a fee. Typically, the success rate using these services is high compared to the free services. Find a Web site with a long history of satisfied customers that has been in the car-selling business for a number of years.
Step5. Track your responses. The car will not sell itself. Even if you are using a paid service, it typically still requires you to interact with potential buyers.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Buying a Used Car
One of the first “big deals” in a lifetime is buying your first car. Some people get to relive this joy when you help a child or relative buy their first used car. Here’s a checklist of things you should remember when you go out to buy that car:
Figure out your requirements for the car. How are you going to use it? Getting back and forth to work or school? Transporting just you or several other people as well? Putting on lots of miles or just a few each day? Maybe hauling tools or equipment? Thinking this out should let you define the current mileage level, the size (compact, midsize, SUV, pickup truck), the style (sporty model or more conventional sedan), and other distinctive features required such as four-wheel drive, trunk size, or ski or luggage rack. These are your interests.
Define these interests clearly and don’t waver from them unless you have a chance at some amazing deal on a car that does not fit this profile. When you are looking at cars, it is easy to get distracted by models and types that don’t meet these interests. Define what you want, and don’t budge unless you have a good reason to do so.
This tendency to forget our own interests and get distracted by features and benefits is a problem in all consumer purchases, and sometimes in personal relationships as well. What qualities do you value most in furniture, for instance? If comfort and lasting value are at the top of your list, avoid an overpriced, uncomfortable Italian designer couch even if all the cool people are buying them.
Figure out how much you can afford to spend. If you are paying in cash, can you pay it all now, or do you need to pay it in several payments? If you are thinking of borrowing money for a car loan, visit a bank before you start looking for a car and find out how much the bank will lend you and what the monthly payments will be. Have the bank help you think about what your budget should be and how much you can afford. These become your financial targets and walkaways.
Locate several cars that meet your specifications from one of these:
1. Your local newspaper or auto trader, either in the classified ads for used cars or in the used car ads placed by dealerships
2. Car dealer Web sites
3. Car lots (new and used)
4. Word of mouth, friends, bulletin boards at work or school
5. “Drive-bys”—cars sitting in yards or empty lots that individuals are trying to sell
Car dealers make their money by buying cars at a low price and reselling them at a higher price. So when you deal with a dealer, you are paying more for the car than the dealer did. Sometimes this is good because dealers may give a warranty for ninety days against defects and mechanical work needed. Private sales from individuals may be cheaper to you, but you probably can’t get any guarantee and don’t have anyone to complain to if you discover problems.
Your objective is to find several cars that meet your interests. Your job now is to find out how to get the best deal on that make, model, and year of a car. For example, if you find a 2004 Honda Civic that you like, start looking for other 2004 Honda Civics so you can compare mileage, wear and tear, and quality of other features like the radio, tires, and cleanliness.
Research the “book” value of the car. There are many resources on the market that tell you what any car of a specific make, model, and year should be selling for. These “blue books” often list the average book value, what a car in very good condition might be worth, or what a car in poor condition might be worth. All banks, bookstores, and libraries have them as well. You can also find several Web sites with this information. We particularly like www.edmunds.com
Contact the owners of the cars you are interested in. Go to the used car lots or set aside a Saturday morning and call some of the numbers in the newspaper ads. You need to do the following:
-Find out the initial price.
-Look over the car. Take a friend with you who is not emotionally invested in the car to help you spot defects, damage, and wear and tear.
-Ask about the car history. Particularly if it is a private owner, ask how long the person has had it, whether the service records are available, and how and where it was driven.
-Test-drive it to get a sense of how it starts and runs.
Locate a mechanic who will inspect cars for you. Many gas stations or garages will perform an independent mechanical inspection of the car without pressuring you into buying their repair work. If you have doubts about the mechanical condition of the car, paying fifty dollars to have the car fully inspected is well worth the time and the satisfaction.
Begin the negotiation. Assuming you have decided to try to buy this car, here’s where all your planning and preparation come into play. Make sure you have set your target price, based on what you can afford and what the industry standard says for the value of the car. Also know your walkaway point (the least you will pay) and a BATNA (what other similar car might be available in the neighborhood). Then ask the owner to name the price. Even if you are in a dealership and there is a big price sticker in the window, ask whether that is the best price the owner can give you today.
How you negotiate depends on whom you are dealing with. If this is a private sale from a stranger, or a dealership, you are most likely in a competitive negotiation. If you are buying the car from a friend or relative, you will not want to bargain hard and make the person angry. You might make a little more but you must also worry about preserving your relationship with this person. Chances are he or she is going to be as worried about this as you are.
Make your counteroffer. You might want to start the bidding by making an offer. If you do, offer about 85 percent of what the owner is asking or a price that is 5 percent below the blue book value of the car. Some people suggest you should counteroffer even less just to find out how serious the owner is about the first offer. Be ready to justify your counteroffer with a list of arguments about why the car is not worth what the owner wants for it—or at least not worth it to you. This might include:
High mileage
Wear and tear on the paint, nicks and dents, upholstery, and unpleasant odors, for example
The cost of immediate work you have to do to get the car in good condition (even if you never intend to spend that money)
Bargain hard until you get to your target. Be prepared to spend a lot of time at this. The longer you stay at it, the more likely the owner may be to make big concessions just to get the sale over with. If it is a private sale, ask how quickly the owner has to sell. The longer the person has had it or the more quickly he or she needs the cash, the more willing he or she may be to come down quickly. Make small concessions when you make them (say, in hundred dollar increments). Try to get the owner to give more and give more often. And be prepared to walk away if the counteroffers do not make significant movement toward your target.
In this step, you have to watch out for emotional decision making. Don’t fall in love with the car or the seller unless you are willing to pay several hundred dollars more for that love affair. The more you fall in love with this car, this seller, or needing to “drive this car off the lot,” the more likely you are to pay too much. Love affairs are never cost free.
Your mantra as you haggle over the car you’ve chosen should be, There are always more cars on the market. Eventually you’ll find a similar car with similar mileage, even if you don’t see an alternative on the market right now. So don’t feel as if you have to close this deal no matter what. Patience is the most important quality of the used car shopper, and it gives you the upper hand in every negotiation.
In fact, patience and a level head are the most important qualities in any negotiation, whether business or personal. As we promised, the skills of the master business negotiation carry over easily into your personal deals of a lifetime too.
Figure out your requirements for the car. How are you going to use it? Getting back and forth to work or school? Transporting just you or several other people as well? Putting on lots of miles or just a few each day? Maybe hauling tools or equipment? Thinking this out should let you define the current mileage level, the size (compact, midsize, SUV, pickup truck), the style (sporty model or more conventional sedan), and other distinctive features required such as four-wheel drive, trunk size, or ski or luggage rack. These are your interests.
Define these interests clearly and don’t waver from them unless you have a chance at some amazing deal on a car that does not fit this profile. When you are looking at cars, it is easy to get distracted by models and types that don’t meet these interests. Define what you want, and don’t budge unless you have a good reason to do so.
This tendency to forget our own interests and get distracted by features and benefits is a problem in all consumer purchases, and sometimes in personal relationships as well. What qualities do you value most in furniture, for instance? If comfort and lasting value are at the top of your list, avoid an overpriced, uncomfortable Italian designer couch even if all the cool people are buying them.
Figure out how much you can afford to spend. If you are paying in cash, can you pay it all now, or do you need to pay it in several payments? If you are thinking of borrowing money for a car loan, visit a bank before you start looking for a car and find out how much the bank will lend you and what the monthly payments will be. Have the bank help you think about what your budget should be and how much you can afford. These become your financial targets and walkaways.
Locate several cars that meet your specifications from one of these:
1. Your local newspaper or auto trader, either in the classified ads for used cars or in the used car ads placed by dealerships
2. Car dealer Web sites
3. Car lots (new and used)
4. Word of mouth, friends, bulletin boards at work or school
5. “Drive-bys”—cars sitting in yards or empty lots that individuals are trying to sell
Car dealers make their money by buying cars at a low price and reselling them at a higher price. So when you deal with a dealer, you are paying more for the car than the dealer did. Sometimes this is good because dealers may give a warranty for ninety days against defects and mechanical work needed. Private sales from individuals may be cheaper to you, but you probably can’t get any guarantee and don’t have anyone to complain to if you discover problems.
Your objective is to find several cars that meet your interests. Your job now is to find out how to get the best deal on that make, model, and year of a car. For example, if you find a 2004 Honda Civic that you like, start looking for other 2004 Honda Civics so you can compare mileage, wear and tear, and quality of other features like the radio, tires, and cleanliness.
Research the “book” value of the car. There are many resources on the market that tell you what any car of a specific make, model, and year should be selling for. These “blue books” often list the average book value, what a car in very good condition might be worth, or what a car in poor condition might be worth. All banks, bookstores, and libraries have them as well. You can also find several Web sites with this information. We particularly like www.edmunds.com
Contact the owners of the cars you are interested in. Go to the used car lots or set aside a Saturday morning and call some of the numbers in the newspaper ads. You need to do the following:
-Find out the initial price.
-Look over the car. Take a friend with you who is not emotionally invested in the car to help you spot defects, damage, and wear and tear.
-Ask about the car history. Particularly if it is a private owner, ask how long the person has had it, whether the service records are available, and how and where it was driven.
-Test-drive it to get a sense of how it starts and runs.
Locate a mechanic who will inspect cars for you. Many gas stations or garages will perform an independent mechanical inspection of the car without pressuring you into buying their repair work. If you have doubts about the mechanical condition of the car, paying fifty dollars to have the car fully inspected is well worth the time and the satisfaction.
Begin the negotiation. Assuming you have decided to try to buy this car, here’s where all your planning and preparation come into play. Make sure you have set your target price, based on what you can afford and what the industry standard says for the value of the car. Also know your walkaway point (the least you will pay) and a BATNA (what other similar car might be available in the neighborhood). Then ask the owner to name the price. Even if you are in a dealership and there is a big price sticker in the window, ask whether that is the best price the owner can give you today.
How you negotiate depends on whom you are dealing with. If this is a private sale from a stranger, or a dealership, you are most likely in a competitive negotiation. If you are buying the car from a friend or relative, you will not want to bargain hard and make the person angry. You might make a little more but you must also worry about preserving your relationship with this person. Chances are he or she is going to be as worried about this as you are.
Make your counteroffer. You might want to start the bidding by making an offer. If you do, offer about 85 percent of what the owner is asking or a price that is 5 percent below the blue book value of the car. Some people suggest you should counteroffer even less just to find out how serious the owner is about the first offer. Be ready to justify your counteroffer with a list of arguments about why the car is not worth what the owner wants for it—or at least not worth it to you. This might include:
High mileage
Wear and tear on the paint, nicks and dents, upholstery, and unpleasant odors, for example
The cost of immediate work you have to do to get the car in good condition (even if you never intend to spend that money)
Bargain hard until you get to your target. Be prepared to spend a lot of time at this. The longer you stay at it, the more likely the owner may be to make big concessions just to get the sale over with. If it is a private sale, ask how quickly the owner has to sell. The longer the person has had it or the more quickly he or she needs the cash, the more willing he or she may be to come down quickly. Make small concessions when you make them (say, in hundred dollar increments). Try to get the owner to give more and give more often. And be prepared to walk away if the counteroffers do not make significant movement toward your target.
In this step, you have to watch out for emotional decision making. Don’t fall in love with the car or the seller unless you are willing to pay several hundred dollars more for that love affair. The more you fall in love with this car, this seller, or needing to “drive this car off the lot,” the more likely you are to pay too much. Love affairs are never cost free.
Your mantra as you haggle over the car you’ve chosen should be, There are always more cars on the market. Eventually you’ll find a similar car with similar mileage, even if you don’t see an alternative on the market right now. So don’t feel as if you have to close this deal no matter what. Patience is the most important quality of the used car shopper, and it gives you the upper hand in every negotiation.
In fact, patience and a level head are the most important qualities in any negotiation, whether business or personal. As we promised, the skills of the master business negotiation carry over easily into your personal deals of a lifetime too.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Bad Credit Car Loans: Fulfill The Dream Of Owning A Car
by: Johns Tiel
If you think that you are not eligible to avail any sort of monetary assistance because of bad credit problems, then you must be in wrong company. Nowadays due to shrinking base and intense competition, lenders are offering loans to various borrowers irrespective of their credit status. Bad credit car loans are also such loans, whose main emphasis is to provide finances to borrowers so that they can purchase a car of any make or model.
These loans are particularly beneficial for borrowers with a history of credit problems such as county court judgments, IVA, arrears, defaults, etc. Earlier these borrowers had to face a tough time arranging finances to meet their needs, but not any more. With these loans, borrower gets access to finances which can be used to purchase any car. In fact used cars can also be purchased, provided it should be not be more than 5-6 years old.
Borrower can avail these loans by pledging with or without any collateral. Those applicants who own any valuable asset and do not have any inhibition to pledge it as collateral can apply for secured option of the loans. By pledging collateral, borrower can avail a bigger amount at comparatively low rates, considering the credit factor. On the other hand, unsecured option of the loans can be availed without placing any asset as collateral. The amount approved is smaller in comparison to secured option. To cover the risk factor, lenders tend to charge a high rate of interest on the borrowed amount.
Before availing the loans, borrower must take in to account the exact amount required to purchase the car. Purchasing an expensive car is alright, but borrower should look for cars on the basis of his repayment capability and prevailing circumstances.
To get favorable deals on the loans, borrower can use the online mode. It is here that borrower can locate lenders offering loans at low interest rates. Besides, the processing is fast and results in instant approval. On timely repayment of the borrowed amount, borrower gets a chance to increase the credit score.
With the help of bad credit car loans, borrower gets a chance to pursue his long cherished dream of purchasing a car without any financial constriction.
About The Author
Johns Tiel holds a master degree in Commerce from JNU. He is working as financial consultant in Chance For Loans. To find Bad Credit Car Loans, debt consolidation loans, debtconsolidation loan, cheap rates, personal loans that best suits your needs visit http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk
If you think that you are not eligible to avail any sort of monetary assistance because of bad credit problems, then you must be in wrong company. Nowadays due to shrinking base and intense competition, lenders are offering loans to various borrowers irrespective of their credit status. Bad credit car loans are also such loans, whose main emphasis is to provide finances to borrowers so that they can purchase a car of any make or model.
These loans are particularly beneficial for borrowers with a history of credit problems such as county court judgments, IVA, arrears, defaults, etc. Earlier these borrowers had to face a tough time arranging finances to meet their needs, but not any more. With these loans, borrower gets access to finances which can be used to purchase any car. In fact used cars can also be purchased, provided it should be not be more than 5-6 years old.
Borrower can avail these loans by pledging with or without any collateral. Those applicants who own any valuable asset and do not have any inhibition to pledge it as collateral can apply for secured option of the loans. By pledging collateral, borrower can avail a bigger amount at comparatively low rates, considering the credit factor. On the other hand, unsecured option of the loans can be availed without placing any asset as collateral. The amount approved is smaller in comparison to secured option. To cover the risk factor, lenders tend to charge a high rate of interest on the borrowed amount.
Before availing the loans, borrower must take in to account the exact amount required to purchase the car. Purchasing an expensive car is alright, but borrower should look for cars on the basis of his repayment capability and prevailing circumstances.
To get favorable deals on the loans, borrower can use the online mode. It is here that borrower can locate lenders offering loans at low interest rates. Besides, the processing is fast and results in instant approval. On timely repayment of the borrowed amount, borrower gets a chance to increase the credit score.
With the help of bad credit car loans, borrower gets a chance to pursue his long cherished dream of purchasing a car without any financial constriction.
About The Author
Johns Tiel holds a master degree in Commerce from JNU. He is working as financial consultant in Chance For Loans. To find Bad Credit Car Loans, debt consolidation loans, debtconsolidation loan, cheap rates, personal loans that best suits your needs visit http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk
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