Auto Purchase

How To Make Money With Used Cars!

2005-04-02T09:40:00.001-08:00

One of the most important purchases consumers make is a car. The average consumer purchases another car every several years. With the High Cost of new cars millions of people are opting to purchase affordable used cars.

There is a Massive opportunity to earn an excellent income. Help fill this high demand for quality used cars at affordable prices. When starting out you should focus on cars under the $4,000 range.

Do some research and find out what the most popular best selling cars in your area are. By staying in the lower price ranges with these popular vehicles you will be in a higher demand market since more people can afford these vehicles than higher priced more expensive cars, this will make it much easer to sell quickly for a profit.

You make your money when you buy, this is an important key to your success. You will need to pay wholesale price or below less the cost of any needed repairs, and other expenses ie: detailing, newspaper ads, etc. Once you know the wholesale price, less repair costs and expenses, you will know how much you can pay for a car. If you buy it right you wll be able to sell it at a profit and still give the buyer a great deal.

One of the most important things you can do to purchase a used cars at bargain prices is to do your homework. You should check your local classified ads and see what the asking price is for the type of vehicle that you are in the market for.

Make sure to get the high and low Blue Book and wholesale prices on the vehicle that you are interested in. Here are some excellent sources for getting pricing:

NADA GUIDES - www.nadaguides.com

KELLEY BLUE BOOK - www.kbb.com

EDMUNDS - www.edmunds.com

Other resources to check with is CARFAX. They can supply you with the vehicle history report. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a research area to check recall history on cars. We recommend that you have the vehicle you are interested in purchasing be inspected by your own mechanic prior to purchase.

Newspaper Classified Ads are an excellent place to find cars at well below retail prices. Many of these people will be happy to sell their used cars for several hundred dollars more than what was quoted by the dealer and you will end up with an EXCELLENT BUY!

Online Auctions can be a great place to find bargains. You can shop right from the comfort of your own home. Look for auctions with no reserve, these auctions don’t have a minimum price before they will sell.

Public Car Auctions are open to the general public and do not require you to have a Dealer’s License. Public auctions can be an excellent place to purchase cars at wholesale prices. Some of these auctions are: Auction Repossessions of Credit Unions, Banks & Lending Institutions. Some public auctions also auction Police and Local Municipalities, City, State, & County vehicles.

Estate and Bankruptcy Auctions can be a very good place to purchase vehicles at wholesale prices. These auctions are usually advertised in newspaper classified section or handled by Probate Estate Auctioneers.

Government Auctions are an excellent source for bargin vehicles. They include vehicles from DEA drug raid seizures, FBI, IRS, U.S. Customs Auctions, Department of Defense, General Services Auctions, Resolution Trust Corporation, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and U.S. Postal Services.

Rental Car Companies often sell their fleet of cars by auction. They can be a great source of cars. Contact these large companies and inquire.

Dealer Auctions can be one of the best sources to cars at below wholesale prices. Most of these auctions require that you have a dealer’s license. These auctions include lease cars, trade-ins, rentals, and fleet vehicles.

Stay away from used cars that need major mechanical repairs or body work. Look for good, dependable cars, if the pait is a little dull or the rug is dirty, you can detail, polish and wax the car and clean the carpet. Replace the floor mats if needed. By doing a few hours of work, you can make your car worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars more. By having a clean care, inside and out, you will attract more buyers that will be willing to pay you top dollar for your car.

When your car is ready to sell, you can place and ad in your local newspaper's classified section, or you can place your ad on the internet and reach a wider audience. CARS.COM and AUTOBYTEL.COM has a lot of traffic and is enexpensive. Selling cars through online auctions has also become very popular. It has become one of the easiest, fastest, and most cost effective methods to reach your target audience of hundreds and even thousands of people looking at your car. EBAYMOTORS.COM or AUCTIONYOURAUTOS.COM are both online auction sites.

Most states require that you have a Dealer's License when you buy and sell vehicles for profit. Check with your states Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Public Safety for more information on how to obtain a Dealer's License. It is important to consult with your attorney, insurance agent, accountant, and other government officials to determine what permits, licenses, records, insurance policies, etc., are required.

How To Buy A BMW On A Hyundai Budget

2005-04-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

UNDERSTANDING THE UK CAR MARKET - Traditionally, purchasing a new car in the UK has always been an expensive pursuit. Manufacturers have been able to restrict the means by which we buy new cars in the UK - they have been able to dictate who can sell a particular brand of car to you and where they can be sold.

While in recent times the prices of new cars in the UK have been falling, they remain well above those in other European countries - this means that it's possible to save a lot of money on cars if you're prepared to do some research and buy your car from a source outside the UK. This may seem like a hassle, but with several thousands of pounds to save it can prove to be more than worthwhile - and if you have a thing for travelling then buying from abroad can help satisfy your wanderlust while saving money on your new vehicle.

WAYS OF CUTTING THE COST OF YOUR NEW CAR - As we saw above, we can really save some cash by purchasing our new car from Europe - an option that we'll investigate in more detail shortly. However, first we'll take a look at ways to cut the cost of your new car within the UK itself.

Research - Approach the purchase of your new car as you would if it were a home. If you were going to buy a new home you would probably consider several different ones, perhaps in different areas before making your choice. Similarly, you may have a preferred make and model but do not stop yourself from considering other models. If you are on a budget ask yourself what t is that you're looking for from your auto - is space important because you have a family? Whatever your requirements write them down and then list all the makes & models that fit your criteria. You'll probably notice that there may be savings of a couple of thousand between 2 different cars that both fit your requirements.

When researching which is the cheapest & best possible option for you, this process of identifying close substitutes to your preferred choice is vital. You will need to investigate the car's "platform", compare to its rivals and then make a choice based on this.

So what do we mean by looking at the cars "platform"? Simply a platform is the very basic structure upon which the car is structured - the core upon which the fittings and body are structured. Many different cars are actually derived from the same platform. For example Ford uses the Mondeo and Fiesta platforms to produce a wide variety of individual cars from the Puma to the Probe and much more. So lets say you really like the look of the Ford Galaxy - you should then investigate other similar cars built on the same platform.

Once you have done this look at the offerings of your rivals - get hold of some car magazines and see which cars are listed next to your preferred choice. There may be some big price differences that you can expose to your advantage.

Tip - Avoid paying high prices for "special editions" - this is rarely little more than different seat covers or some other small changes. What you're actually paying for here is the "exclusive" factor.

Buy An "Ex Fleet" Car And Make Some Serious Savings - The Ex Fleet market in the UK is huge and certainly worth considering if you wish to make some significant savings. Ex fleet cars are commonly sold at http://www.global-ebooks.com/UKGovAuctions.htm , car supermarkets, and used car dealerships. Typically, the mass sellers such as Ford, Vauxhall, Nissan, Peugeot and others all sell to the ex fleet market.

Buy A Pre Registered Car & Save Money - Pre registered cars are classed as "sold" by manufacturers, mostly to make their sales figures look better. Usually the cars have only a few miles on the clock but because they are classed as "second hand" they tend to be much lower in price. In effect you will enjoy a car that is practically new at a seriously reduced cost. Franchise dealerships and car supermarkets are the places to find these gems. A lot of pre registered cars also come with a manufacturers warranty which makes the deal all the more sweet.

Buy A Car From A UK Auction - Thousands of cars are sold at very low prices through auctions that are held in the UK. This includes liquidation sales for companies that have gone bust as well as government held auctions where all kinds of items including cars are sold off at very low prices. For more details on auctions try the http://www.global-ebooks.com/UKGovAuctions.htm

CUTTING THE COST OF CARS BY PURCHASING OVERSEAS – Importing cars from overseas has never been a more viable option - and it's a great way of saving a lot of money on a brand new car without having to compromise on features or status. It's possible to either do this yourself or use an agent. Using an agent does cost slightly more of course but is a good option if you can't spare the time to actually go abroad yourself.

DIY Importing - There are several factors you need to consider if you wish to import a car yourself - for a start you need to ensure the car you purchase fits British specification. Finding a dealer that will sell to you can also be an issue though this is less of a problem than it used to be.

Some Factors To Consider - Remember that you'll need to factor in a longer delivery time for your purchase. The deposits required from European dealers also tend to be much higher than in the UK (up to 30%) and be wary of foreign exchange fluctuations in currency that can alter the final price of your car. You will also have to insure the car for delivery to the UK - phone some UK insurers or the dealership itself and see what your options are.

A survey of http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/car_sector/can be very useful and this site also links to various manufacturers that will sell directly to the UK.

Using An Agent - Agents that specialise in providing discounts for UK buyers are becoming more and more common. Typically these services will tailor the extent of service you require - from giving you a list of foreign names to actually handling all the paperwork & delivery of the car. Try the following sites that offer discounted cars:

http://www.broadspeed.com/

http://www.virgincars.com/default.asp

http://www.jamjar.com/

Shop around to see where you can get the lowest agency fees although they do tend to be fairly static.

More Tips, Tricks, Strategies, Contacts & Websites - We'll now look at other ways that you can try and hunt down some auto bargains. Lets start off with car supermarkets - these are absolutely huge dealerships, generally located at motorway junctions outside major cities. These supermarkets have huge amounts of stock and operate on wafer thin margins which means you can save a significant amount by shopping about a little. A list of good car supermarkets is given below:

http://www.autolink.co.uk/

http://www.carland.co.uk/

http://www.gtccar.co.uk/

http://www.motornation.co.uk/

http://www.motorpoint.co.uk/

http://www.trade-sales.co.uk/

Car supermarkets sell both pre-registered and ex fleet cars so the chances of hunting down a bargain are fairly good, particularly for more mainstream brands such as Ford and Vauxhall. Remember in the car industry a lot of premium goes toward the badge that a car has - so if you're not too fussed about the make you can save thousands of pounds simply by taking advantage of this. The other thing about car supermarkets is that unlike dealerships there is very little pressure or badgering from salespeople.

Niche Operators - The second hand car market has plenty of niche operators - smaller lots who specialise in selling very cheap cars for example. If you have a good knowledge on cars you can probably pick up a bargain by going to various niche operators.

Buying Online - Purchasing online is becoming increasingly popular although some would argue that buying an auto online is only for the very brave-hearted. Along with online options we have already talked about (such as Jamjar, Virgin etc) there are other online sources to buy from including http://www.autobytel.com/ and http://www.autotrader.co.uk/ .

The car market is certainly more open and competitive now than it has ever been. As the internet and online options to buy continues to grow so will your chances to purchase your dream car for less. As always, being prepared and doing research will go a long way toward getting the car you want at a much lower price.

Finding The Perfect Car For You

2005-04-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

Your car may be the second largest purchase you make in your lifetime. You must take your time and not let it become an impulse decision. Before you go out browsing dealer lots consider the following:

How will I use my new car, truck or sport utility vehicle? A mini-van will fit fine in a large family but might be out of place in a singles life. Do you go off-road a lot but still like to carry more than 2 passengers, go for the SUV. Trucks have come along way with most comforts available in today's truck rivaling luxury cars. But do you really need that to carry construction equipment to the job site? If you do not go off-road, do not buy a 4 wheel drive truck. The extra weight will only decrease gas mileage and increase maintenance costs. Afraid of the snow? Look to the variety of AWD vehicles on the market which provide excellent traction in the snow and also more economical operation. Take a serious look at your life and find the vehicle that most compliments your lifestyle.
Color choices. This is a personal preference but rational can come into play. In warmer climates, a lighter colored car will stay cooler. Certain cars are easier to keep clean. White and black are the worst while tan, silver, and brown hide dirt quite well.
Interior options. Do you need the heated seats? Well that depends on where you live and how much winter driving you do. Leather seats can be unbearable in the summer months and generally harder to maintain. Do you listen to music often? The premium sound system might be a great idea if you do, however if you only listen to talk radio then the standard system will be more than enough.
Insurance rates. Take into consideration the insurance rates before you start you car buying quest. A Honda may be significantly cheaper to insure than the Ferrari that caught your eye last week. Talk with your insurance agent to find out about how cars are classified. Sports cars generally raise premiums while family cars tend to lower them.
Who will service the vehicle? Having a dealership close by can be a blessing. If there are no dealerships nearby, buy a domestic car which most mechanics can work on. It is also important to examine the warranty offered before making a decision.

I hope the few comments and suggestions above have given you some things to think about. Never rush into a new or used car purchase. Always take some time to think it over. If it helps, get out a piece of paper and write down the pros and cons of all the vehicle you are considering. Writing down this information is often all you need to get you thinking practically and on your way to making a good selection.

Good luck,

Effective Online Car Sales on Ebay Motors

2005-04-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

Remember back when selling online was a new experience? Dealers tried everything to sell their vehicles online. Today’s market has expanded to include several hot online marketplaces. The largest online marketplace is Ebay. Ebay has evolved into an online solution for everything from whole towns to your favorite paperback book. Big or small it doesn’t matter, Ebay has everything for the savvy consumer.

Vehicles are plentiful on Ebay. Ebay sells a vehicle every minute for the savvy seller willing to invest his time and money in listing his vehicle online. Just how effective is selling on Ebay? Actually, less than 10% of the vehicles listed on Ebay actually sell. A selected few dealers sell at 80 to 100% of their online car sales.

Who are the auto dealers that are selling effectively on Ebay? Is there a secret to their success? Consider that a vehicle, digital camera and some basic design skills are all you need to sell on Ebay. Which vehicle and how much will it sell for? How to type up the description so that the internet savvy consumer will want to purchase your vehicle?

All of these questions are asked each and every day by savvy individuals and auto dealers all across the United States. A company has come along that can help with your selling situation and take the work out of listing for a car dealer on Ebay Motors. That is right! No work for you! They take the pictures and handle your vehicle sale from start to finish, while handling emails in a professional manner to produce a proven sales results.

A Consulting company called www.AutomobileClearingHouse.com has proven that they can sell cars on Ebay with a sell through factor much higher than the average auto dealer on Ebay. Take the work out of selling your vehicle on the world’s largest marketplace. Check out their website and see how easy selling a car online can be.

“Committed to selling online, put our extensive experience to work for you.” At www.AutomobileClearingHouse.com, their moto says it all!

How To Buy A Used Car Privately

2005-04-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

How To Buy A Used Car Privately

-Many people buy cars privately rather than through dealers. You can often save money going this route, however, keep in mind that if you have problems with the vehicle it may be difficult, if not impossible, to get any assistance or compensation from the vendor. Here are some more tips on how to get the best deal when buying a used car:

It's "buyer-beware" when purchasing a used car, so, be sure to take it to your mechanic for an inspection before handing over any money. If he (or she) finds the vehicle unsafe and/or in need of repairs, determine who will pay for them beforehand and include this in your written purchase agreement.

Check for liens against the vehicle. A lien means that money is owed on the vehicle and although the vendor is in possession of the vehicle, its legal claim belongs to someone else, such as a bank. If you buy a vehicle with a lien against it, you might be held responsible for future payment. Legislation differs across jurisdictions on the consequences of buying a vehicle with a lien. It is possible that the new owner may be required to pay the money owed or alternately you may risk having the vehicle seized. Contact your provincial or territorial office of consumer affairs for information specific to your jurisdiction or to find the organization in your jurisdiction responsible for conducting lien checks.

Ensure that the person you buy the car from is its registered owner. Remember to ask for repair bills and maintenance records.

If you decide to buy a vehicle from a private seller understand that he or she could be in the business of reselling poor-quality, stolen and/or rebuilt vehicles. Some of these people, frequently referred to as "curbers" or "curbsiders," may be involved with any number of other scams, such as tampering with the odometer or selling vehicles with liens against them.

The risk of curbsider scams makes it especially important that you get the used vehicle checked by a mechanic. You may want to question a mechanic you know and trust to see if the odometer has been rolled back. They can often tell by comparing wear and tear with the odometer reading.

Remember that you don't have the right to change your mind after a sale such as this. If you have problems with the vehicle it will most likely be impossible to get any assistance or compensation from the vendor. Litigation may be your only option.

As with any large ticket purchase, there's a lot to know in order to get the deal that's right for you. The sources of information about buying cars are limitless. It can be quite frustrating, and time consuming to get what you need. Until now that is. Thanks to a new Web site (ConsumerInformation.ca) created by federal, provincial, territorial governments and their partners, Canadians now have easy access to hundreds of objective, reliable, current consumer information sources.

Before Purchasing A Used Car

2005-04-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

by: News Canada

-Be aware of the following:

Inspect the car in daylight and good weather. Bring someone you trust along to help you make a thorough appraisal;

Don't expect perfection in a used car. Compromise on minor problems you can fix yourself, but don't overlook serious defects;

Make safety a major priority. Older vehicles may not be equipped with airbags, child safety seats, seat belts, anti-lock brakes or security systems. Determine your locality's vehicle safety requirements for cars, mini-vans, recreational and sport-utility vehicles and other vehicles before you buy;

Road test before you commit to buy. If you are not allowed to test drive the car, do not buy it.

Have a mechanic you know and trust inspect the car thoroughly before you purchase it. Again, if the seller will not allow you to have the car inspected, do not buy it.

For more information on purchasing used cars, and/or just about anything else you can think of, visit ConsumerInformation.ca. It's a new Web site created by federal, provincial, territorial governments and their partners specifically to provide Canadians with convenient, objective, reliable and current consumer information sources.

Closing The Deal

2005-04-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

Congratulations !!!! You got the deal you were looking for. Now is the perfect time to mention to the dealer that you are looking to trade in that car you are currently driving. This way they cannot jack up the new car costs and offer you more for your car to make it seem like a better deal.

If your trade-in is in good shape you should be looking for a price somewhere between retail and wholesale. If your car is spotless make sure the dealer knows he will not have to recondition it. Most research sites list trade-in value in the pricing reports, this is a good starting point.

If your trade-in is less than perfect don't expect more than wholesale price. The dealers will take clunkers but they end up on the auction block the next week.

Once all the numbers are crunched and the papers are filled out double check everything before you sign. Also look out for extras, which you do not need. Rust proofing is rarely needed as most manufacturers already offer a rust warranty. Also window etching, extended warranties and accent packages are highly overpriced and sometimes useless.

Now would also be a good time to inspect the vehicle one last time. Check for paint blemishes, how much gas is in the car (some dealers will actually empty the tank leaving you just enough gas to get to the closest station) and that it is the exact model you test drove.

Now sign the papers and drive home in your new car. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Buying a New Car? Use Feng Shui to Select Your Success Color

2005-04-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

by: Kathryn Weber

With September’s arrival comes the annual car buying season. But while selecting the type of car comes easily to most people, making a decision on the color of a car can be a stumbling block. Some people simply go with their favorite color, while others mull over color choices by considering factors such as climate, type of vehicle use, or the most practical choice, going with what is least likely to show dirt. But what if even that fails? Then try feng shui. Yes, feng shui, the Chinese guide used for arranging homes and offices, can also be used for selecting colors based on an individual’s own personal feng shui.

According to personal feng shui, each person has an individual feng shui number that is based on gender and date of birth. This number, also called a “kua” number is associated with a color. By selecting the correct color for an individual’s particular feng shui number, the driver will experience better luck over all because the color is harmonized with that individual.

Use personal feng shui to select a “success” color, which can be helpful when buying that luxury sedan. More into soccer practice than boardrooms? Choose a “family” color. Both colors are determined by the driver’s kua number. To determine the driver’s kua number, and subsequently the color of car that is appropriate, use the instructions below and then check the chart that follow for selecting a success or family color. Now, who should drive the Mary Kay pink Cadillacs? Anyone with a number 3 kua number!

The calculation is as follows:

-Take the year of birth, i.e., 1971

-Add the last two years together (7+1=8)

For men, subtract the number from 10 (10-8+2); 2 is the kua number

For women, add 5 to the number (5+8=13; 1+3= 4); 4 is the kua number

For years such as 1982 which have a double digit, be sure to reduce to one number

8+2=10 (1+0=1)

10-1=9 (Kua for men)

5+1=6 (Kua for women)

Kua Number

Money/Success Colors: Green, Purple

Family Colors: Red, Purple, Burgundy

Money/Success Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige

Family Colors: Silver, Gold, White, Pearl

Money/Success Colors: Red, Pink, Burgundy

Family Color: Green

Money/Success Colors: Blue, Black, Purple

Family Colors: Dark Green, Brown

Money/Success Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige

Family Colors:Gray, Silver, Gold, White

Money/Success Colors: Gray, Silver, White

Family Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige

Money/Success Colors: Gold, Silver, White/Pearl

Family Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige

Money/Success Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige

Family Colors: Gold, Silver, Gray, White

Money/Success Colors: Color Dark Green, Brown

Family Colors: Blue, Black, Purple

After The Sale

2005-04-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Enjoy your car... that's simple huh? Well it's not really that simple. Here is a list of things to think about after the sale.

Notify your insurance agent about the new car.

Read the entire owners manual. Familiarize yourself with the service requirements. Understand when you need to change oil, filters, and other major things like timing belt and driveline fluids.

Get used to operating the heating/AC controls and the radio so you do not have to fumble around and risk an accident while on the highway.

Pop the hood and find the oil filler cap, the oil dipstick. If you bought a car with an automotive transmission there will be a dipstick for the transmission fluid also.

Find the spare tire and jack. Make sure you know where to jack the car when changing a tire and how to remove the spare when you need it. There is nothing worse than getting a flat tire in a new car and having to struggle to change it the first time.

Accessorize! It's your car and it should make a statement about you. There are plenty of aftermarket items to make your new car unique like yourself. Wheels, bug guards, window visors and more are all available at part houses like CarParts.com

Useful Tips On Buying A New Or Used Car

2005-04-02T09:30:00.001-08:00

Buying A New Car: A new car is second only to a home as the most expensive purchase many consumers make. That’s why it’s important to know how to make a smart deal. Think about what car model and options you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Do some research. You’ll be less likely to feel pressured into making a hasty or expensive decision at the showroom and more likely to get a better deal.

Consider these suggestions:

Check publications at a library or bookshop, or on the Internet that discuss new car features and prices. These may provide information on the dealer’s costs for specific models and options.

Shop around to get the best possible price by comparing models and prices in ads and at dealer showrooms. You also may want to contact car-buying services and broker-buying services to make comparisons.

Plan to negotiate on price. Dealers may be willing to bargain on their profit margin. Usually, this is the difference between the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the invoice price. Because the price is a factor in the dealer’s calculations regardless of whether you pay cash or finance your car — and also affects your monthly payments — negotiating the price can save you money.

Consider ordering your new car if you don’t see what you want on the dealer’s lot. This may involve a delay, but cars on the lot may have options you don’t want — and that can raise the price. However, dealers often want to sell their current inventory quickly, so you may be able to negotiate a good deal if an in-stock car meets your needs.

Trading in Your Old Car: Discuss the possibility of a trade-in only after you’ve negotiated the best possible price for your new car and after you’ve researched the value of your old car. Check the library for reference books or magazines that can tell you how much it is worth. This information may help you get a better price from the dealer. Though it may take longer to sell your car yourself, you generally will get more money than if you trade it in.

Buying A Used Car: Before you start shopping for a used car, do some homework. It may save you serious money. Consider driving habits, what the car will be used for, and your budget. Research models, options, costs, repair records, safety tests, and mileage through libraries, book stores, and web sites.

Before you buy a used car whether from a dealer or an individual:

Examine the car using an inspection checklist. You can find checklists in magazines and books and on Internet sites that deal with used cars;

Test drive the car under varied road conditions—on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go-traffic;

Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or repair shop;

Hire a mechanic to inspect the car.

Paying for the car: Most people do not realise that they have capital locked up in their property which could be used for buying that special car of their dreams.

Release the capital tied up in your home with a home owner loan. The loan can be used for any purpose, and is available to anyone who owns their home. Home loans can be used for any purpose such as, new car, home improvements, pay of store card or credit card debt and debt consolidation.

Home owner loans are available for practically any reason. One of the most common types of home owner loans on offer are debt consolidation loans where the objective is to reduce monthly outgoings to a more manageable amount. A UK Home Owner Loan is great if you want to raise a large amount; are having problems getting an unsecured loan; or have a poor credit history. Many lenders look more favourably on people who are home owners as this demonstrates a commitment to repay a large amount of money over a long period.

A UK Home Owner Loan is a cheap, low cost, loan secured on your UK home. It frees up the equity in your home for you to use on whatever you want.

You may freely reprint this information on your website provided the following caption remains intact.

“This information courtesy of http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk

Where to Buy Used Cars at Bargain Prices!

2005-04-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

One of the most important things you can do to purchase a used car at bargain prices is to do your homework. You should check your local classified ads and see what the asking price is for the type of vehicle that you are in the market for. Make sure to get the high and low Blue Book Price on the vehicle that you are interested in. Here are some excellent sources for getting pricing:

NADA GUIDES - www.nadaguides.com

KELLEY BLUE BOOK - www.kbb.com

EDMUNDS - www.edmunds.com

Newspaper Classified Ads are a excellent place to find cars at well below retail prices. Many times, people take their cars to dealers for trade ins and are offered below wholesale prices. Many of these people will be happy to several hundreds more that what was quoted by the dealer and you will end up with an EXCELLENT BUY!

Rental Car Companies often sell their fleets of cars by auction. They can be a great source of cars. Contact these large companies and inquire.

Steps to Buying a Used Car With Confidence

2005-04-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

(ARA) - Industry statistics show that almost three times as many people buy used cars as buy new.

To help consumers make informed decisions in the process, the experts at CarMax, America's leading used car retailer, have put together a basic list of the things to check when buying a used car.

1. Check the vehicle's safety features.

Consider a vehicle with air bags and anti-lock brakes. Not only will they make a car safer, but insurance companies sometimes give discounts on their rates for cars with these features.

2. Inspect the mileage.

Mileage is a good indicator of the vehicle's age, and the average consumer will drive from 12,000 miles to 15,000 miles each year. A late model used car may be more cost-effective and come with many features you may not be able to afford in a new car.

3. Check the mechanical condition of the vehicle.

If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, have a mechanic you trust check it for you. Fluids, lights, belts, power steering, the charging system, the air conditioner, the engine cooling system, the brakes and the suspension should all be carefully inspected for any defects and wear. And don't forget to test drive the car.

4. Examine the tires.

Uneven tread wear can be a sign that the car may need an alignment, or that it has damage to its suspension. Make sure the spare tire is in working condition with no damage or excessive wear.

5. Watch for frame damage.

Seriously damaged cars may be repaired, re-titled and sold in some cases, masking a vehicle that may not be structurally sound. When looking at a used car, check for:

-- rust around the fenders and bumpers, around lights, under doors and in wheel wells

-- cracks, dents and mismatched body panels

Cars that have been previously damaged may be more likely to have mechanical problems, and do not withstand accidents as well as cars that are structurally sound.

6. Check for cosmetic problems.

Common signs of wear and tear in used cars include cigarette burns, dirty upholstery, smoke stains, and paint scratches and chips.

7. Carefully read and understand the terms of any warranty offered on the car.

Don't hesitate to ask questions of your salesperson, and be wary of hidden conditions and exclusions that may be in the fine print. A reputable dealer will answer your questions completely and explain the details of the warranty.

8. Check the price.

The actual price of the car is only one of many factors that will determine your total price. Don't forget to compare financing rates, warranty costs, trade-in values and processing fees. The different features on the vehicle can also make a price difference. For example, a car with an automatic transmission is usually going to be slightly higher in price than the same car with a manual transmission. Research the vehicle you are considering, and find out what comparable prices are for similar vehicles in your area.

9. Look for a reputable dealership.

Ask around, and talk to previous customers of the dealer to find out what their experiences were like. A good dealer is more likely to be fair and up-front in price, value and condition of its vehicles, and won't pressure you to buy a vehicle you don't want. Hassles should never be part of buying a used car. Be prepared, and know what you're looking for.

You're Shopping For A Car

2005-04-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Whether you buy or lease, save money on the deal with tips from IHateFinancialPlanning.com

(ARA) - For many Americans, a car is the second largest purchase they make. Advertisers devote millions of dollars to convince us that we deserve to own the hottest set of wheels. The same people who used to yell, "I want my MTV!" are now shouting, "I want my SUV!"

But step inside a dealership, and confident car shoppers are like deer in headlights when confronted by aggressive sales people, confusing financing decisions and a fear of buying more than they can afford.

IHateFinancialPlanning.com, the Web site for the three out of four Americans who hate financial planning, can help sort out the financial aspects of buying and leasing cars. While you crave an SUV, you may discover that the cost of insuring it and filling its huge gas tank will blow your budget off the road.

IHFP offers the following tips to make sure you don't get caught in the headlights:

Get Your Records Straight

One of the first steps in financing a car is to get a grip on your credit rating. Unless you intend to pay with cash, you will have no secrets from the car dealership, finance company or auto insurer. A poor credit history can result in a higher interest rate or even loan disqualification. Also, bad marks on your credit could flag you as an insurance risk, translating into higher premiums.

"There are numerous resources available to help you understand and manage car financing," says Suzanne Hunstad, of IHateFinancialPlanning.com. "Armed with knowledge, you can determine if your loan will be approved, and at what interest rate, and also catch any glitches that could be making your credit history look worse than it is." Hunstad suggests contacting the major credit reporting agencies to obtain your credit report and taking steps to clean it up if necessary.

Cut Your Premiums Down To Size

Before you buy a car, find out what it will cost to insure it. Get car insurance quotes and calculate your insurance needs on the Internet. Each state has different requirements when it comes to auto insurance, and we'll leave it up to you to learn what your state requires. But every state has some sort of financial responsibility law that says you need to take care of any accidents you might have.

To Buy Or Lease, That Is The Question

When you lease, you're paying to use a car. Your payments cover the cost of the vehicle's depreciation while you drive it, rather than its purchase price. If driving a new car is more important to your lifestyle than owning one, leasing is definitely for you. However, if you put a lot of miles on a car every year, it may end up being smarter for you to buy. Consider your personal expectations and financial situation when reviewing the pros and cons of each:

Buying Offers:

A chance to trade in that old clunker.
Ownership and equity in the car.
Control of your wheels. If you want to add eight speakers or take out the backseat, go ahead.
No penalties if you don't hold up your end of the maintenance agreement, although you will want to service your car to enhance both its service to you and your ability to sell it in the future.
No mileage limits.
Payments based on the value of the car, not its depreciation. That may mean higher monthly payments than with a lease.

Leasing Offers:

A cost-effective alternative to buying a car every few years.
An affordable way to drive a car that you may not be able to afford to buy. Monthly lease payments are generally less than financing payments.
A maintenance contract that requires you to keep the car in good shape and not make any alterations to it.
A factory warranty that almost always covers the car for your entire lease, so major maintenance isn't your financial responsibility.
Annual mileage limits (about 12,000 to 15,000) with significant penalties if you put more miles on it than the lease stipulates.
Payments that may be income tax deductible if you're leasing the car for business. Ask a tax advisor for details.
Penalties if you terminate the lease earlier than agreed. Charges vary.

Financing Is The Next Step

Whether you buy or lease, be prepared to walk away from the deal if you aren't convinced you're being offered a fair price. Do some homework before you walk in -- car salespeople are amateur psychologists who'll get inside your head if you let them, all in the name of making a buck.

"If they see you drool over a leather interior or if you don't know the Kelley Blue Book value of your trade, they've got you right where they want you," Hunstad says. The Internet is a good resource for your research. Use Edmunds.com to comparison-shop and find each model's true market value, i.e. the price of the car in your area. It's usually a different number than either the invoice price (what the dealer paid) or the sticker price (what the dealer wants you to pay).

Once you've got those numbers down, try IHateFinancialPlanning.com's loan calculator to help you compare interest rates, monthly payments and overall purchase price. Don't get emotionally attached to your car salesperson or the loan officer at the car store. Keep this a business decision. Shop for the best interest rate at your local bank or credit union, or use online banking to comparison shop.

Shopping For A Car? Don’t Get Taken For A Ride!

2005-04-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Imagine this ... You're ready to buy a new car. You've done your research on the web at a site like Edmunds.com so you know what the dealer has paid for the model you want. Based on your information you've established your comfort zone for price haggling.

You walk into the dealership, meet with a salesperson, and begin negotiations. At the end of your test drive and haggling, you're confident that you've made the best deal possible. No way you're getting ripped off because this time you are an "informed consumer" unlike when you bought your last vehicle.

One final step stands between you and your brand new "ride" - financing. Your credit is outstanding so you get what you believe is the lowest possible interest rate from the dealership. You drive away in your shiny new vehicle triumphant!

Ready for a dose of reality? According to a new study, there's a 1 in 4 chance that you've been "taken for a ride" by the dealer's finance department, especially if you are female or a minority, by as much as an extra $1,000.

The Consumer Federation of America, a Washington, D.C.,-based consumer interest group, said consumers often pay additional fees in that process - totaling as much as $1 billion nationwide - without realizing they qualified for cheaper financing.

Here's what can happen behind the scenes: a bank approves an interest rate, the dealer tacks on additional percentage points as a kind of service fee and then the dealer and lender split the difference.

To be fair, not every dealer is guilty of this markup. However, enough are involved that many states are now considering new "truth in advertising" lending laws. New laws would require auto dealers to inform customers of the original rate offered by the bank and what the dealer is offering to the customer, after tacking on their additional finance fee.

Shopping around with your bank, credit union or the internet can help you to find the interest rate that you qualify for in a loan. Remember, the auto dealer is in business to sell cars, not to offer loans.

The next time you're in the market for a car, don't just research the model, make, and add-ons. Research fair interest rates as well so that you'll know if you're getting the best rate possible from the auto dealer or if you're being "taken for a ride."

Selling Effectively on Ebay Motors

2005-04-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Remember back when selling online was a new experience? Dealers tried everything to sell their vehicles online. Today’s market has expanded to include several hot online marketplaces but there is the largest online marketplace, Ebay. Ebay has evolved into an online solution for everything from whole towns to your favorite paperback book. Big or small it doesn’t matter, Ebay has everything for the savvy consumer.

Vehicles are plentiful on Ebay. Ebay sells a vehicle every minute for the savvy seller willing to invest his time and money in listing his vehicle online. Just how effective is selling on Ebay? A vehicle sells once every minute on Ebay that is very, very effective. Do all vehicles sell that are listed on Ebay? Actually, less than 10% of the vehicles listed on Ebay actually sell.

What are the companies doing that are selling effectively on Ebay? Is there a secret to their success? Consider that a digital camera and some basic design skils is all you need to sell on Ebay. Of course you also need a vehicle to sell. Which vehicle and how much will it sell for? How to type up the description so that that savvy consumer will want to purchase your vehicle?

All of these questions are asked each and every day by savvy individuals and auto dealers all across the United States. A company has come along that can help with your selling situation and take the work out of listing on Ebay Motors. That is right! No work for you! They take the pictures and handle your vehicle sale from start to finish. While handling emails and phone calls in a professional manner to produce a proven sales result.

A Consulting company called www.AutomobileClearingHouse.com has proven that they can sell cars on Ebay with a sell through factor much higher than the average consumer on Ebay. Take the work out of selling your vehicle on the world’s largest marketplace. Check out their website and see how easy selling a car online can be.

“We are commited to selling online. Let us put our extensive experience to work for you.”

Researching A Car Thats Right For You

2005-04-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

Researching your new vehicle is a daunting task in today's world. Once you have narrowed your next vehicle down to 2 or 3 choices it is time to research. Take out a sheet of paper for each vehicle and write down pros and cons for each one. Also on each sheet of paper list the attributes which are most important to you. This list might include:

MPG - if you put a lot of miles on your car this factor could make a big dent in your wallet if you pick the wrong car.

Engine power - HP is a big factor for many people out there.

Price - nothing needs to be said about this one.

Interior space

Repair costs - consider the average costs to repair a fender-bender.

Insurance costs - this is often overlooked by buyers and can catch you by surprise.

Standard options.

Anything else, which is a factor to you. The idea is to custom tailor your list to meet your needs. If you don't care about engine power then leave it off your list.

Now how do you get the information which is on your list? Here is a list of excellent resources to use in your search.

Offline:

Consumer Reports Magazine
Auto Week magazine
Your local newspaper's auto section
Local dealers

Online:

Consumer Reports - requires a subscription just like the magazine.
Edmunds.com
Kelly Blue Book
NADA guide book
Car.com

After your research is done you should have a clear picture of which car is right for you. What do you say? Clear as mud? Well take a step back and if you have 2 vehicles which are comparable you will then have to resort to one of the following.

Go with your gut feeling. You know the one which says get the Porsche not the Yugo. Ask your wife, husband or SO. (you might want to let them in on the decision a little earlier than this if they will be driving the car too.) Flip a coin. Ask your god for some divine intervention?

Good luck!

Online Sales and The Auto Dealer

2005-04-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

Auto Dealers are finding selling their vehicles online hit or miss at best. Auto Trader and Ebay along with Smart Auction from General Motors are offering some of the best options to an Auto Dealer. Why is it that less than 10% of the vehicles listed online are actually selling? There are plenty of companies offering solutions but none seem to be working on a consistent basis. What about the dealer with an internet department? Is he any more successful?

Internet selling has gotten to be big business for the local Auto Dealer. Large or small dealers have different needs but the same outcome. Selling successfully online is a necessary addition to their bottom line and overall sales numbers. Each and every dealer, no matter the size, needs to be able to sell effectively online.

The time and money that selling online costs the Auto Dealer can be a lot less than classic print, radio and television advertising. So why has the local dealer stayed away from selling online? Most are intimidated by a market that is selling less than 10% of the vehicles that are listed in a medium they do not understand.

Selling online needs an expertise that most dealers lack. Some dealers lack the size to handle supporting an internet department. There are companies out there that are offering a total solution to online sales. These companies can handle an effective, profitable internet department for each and every dealer, no matter the size.

A comprehensive internet strategy is needed to sell effectively online. A good consulting firm that brings expertise in auto sales, internet sales and technical computer skills. All of these skills are needed by the dealership to handle selling online effectively. When a dealer sells online effectively, profits and sales soar.

Accomplishing a comprehensive plan to sell online is being offered by very few companies in today’s market. What a dealer needs to look for is a consulting firm that is grounded in all three areas of online sales. Consulting firms that have Auto dealer experience, online sales experience and technical experience with building the software to accomplish an ease to selling online are necessary to meet the goal for the average dealer. These areas all need to be addressed to make a dealer self sufficient in online sales.

Dealers have found that keeping inventory fresh and up to date on their websites can be time consuming and not a profitable endeavor. Profitability in today’s market is essential to a dealer whether small or large. Online solutions are costly and hard to come by, but essential to a dealership.

Is there a solution? Hiring a company with auto experience, internet experience and technical experience is what the smart dealers are doing. Sell through ratios of these companies need to be checked and a company chosen that will effectively sell vehicles time and time again. There is a secret to selling online that major dealers and small dealers alike have found. To sell effectively online you need the right consulting firm to handle the details, leaving dealership personnel free to handle the sales. Sales are a given when the right online sales consulting firm is left to handle the management of online sales strategies. Hiring the right consulting firm for your online sales is essential to successfully selling online. These companies can accomplish positive online sales results more cost effectively than the local Auto Dealer.

Making The Dealer An Offer

2005-04-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

by: Kevin Schappell

Before you make an offer you need to find a dealer with the car you want. You have three options in doing this.

Drive around all day and night searching for a dealer who has the car you want.
Spend countless hours online finding local dealers who have websites. And THEN spend more time digging through their websites to find your new car.
Fill out a request form online and have a dealer contact you if he or she has the car you are looking for. This option alone can save you hours of your valuable time.

So you know what you want, you know what it costs, and you where to find it, so how do you go about getting it? First and foremost is getting into a negotiating frame of mind. Always remember you can walk out at anytime and leave your offer on the table. Dealers want you to buy right then and there. They play on your impulses and try to rush you into a deal. Don't play their game; it's not the end of the world if you don't buy right then and there.

Before leaving the house: When you go to the dealer have all your research documents with you incase you have to review anything. It's always nice to have supporting information when you are trying to get the lowest price.

While at the dealer: Be calm and pleasant, treat the salesperson with respect. He is a working stiff just like you. You will get nowhere being arrogant because you know the true invoice pricing or other details about the dealers pricing.

Making the offer: Explain to the salesman that you have researched the dealer's invoice price and any incentives they get from selling the car and you have calculated the price you are willing to pay. How much over invoice should you offer? 4% - 6% has been a good number. I would offer 4% over invoice if you trust the dealerships service department and plan on getting your car serviced there. Why offer them less if you like their service? Well they will end up making more money on your in the end by servicing your car. Make sure you mention this to the salesman; it's a good bargaining chip.

What next? Wait......... if they do not take the deal, politely leave your name and phone number and go home. Better yet go to another dealer and see if they are willing to take your offer. Remember you can always go back and they can always call you when they realize you will not be buying on impulse and really mean business. You have spent hours researching, why throw that away buy getting nervous and signing a deal you do not feel is fair.