Tips on How to Purchase a Used Car

How to Purchase a Used Car

by: Jay Moncliff

There are many people out there who want to purchase a used car. Why don't they just purchase a new car? The answer is simple. Many people simply can't afford to purchase a new car, so they must purchase a used car. But before you go out to purchase a used car, there are some things you should take into consideration. First off, when you purchase a new car you are the only owner of the car. This means you know where the car has been and you know it is in tip top condition. You also get a warranty on the car. But when you purchase a used car, you have no idea where the car has been or what on earth has happened to it. The car could've been in a terrible accident for all you know. Also, when you purchase a used car, you probably won't get a warranty... unless if you purchase a used car at a reputable dealership. It is safer to purchase a used car from a dealership, not from a newspaper ad. You also need to make sure you purchase a used car from a reputable dealership. Some used car dealers are just plain sleezeballs. To be even safer, make sure when you purchase a used car that the vehicle is Carfax certified. If the dealer won't provide you with this information, then there is probably a problem with the vehicle in question. Carfax is a free service that provides you information on a cars damage history, if any. You can check the Carfax report online for free, you just need the vehicles VIN number (vehicle identification number). Also, if you purchase a used car "as is" you may be stuck with a lemon. Try to get a warranty on the vehicle you purchase as an added safety net. The next tip before you purchase a used car is to get your credit checked. If you are going to finance the vehicle, you better hope you don't have any blemishes on your credit report. Used car dealers make more money when you finance a car. When you purchase a used car, you want to be sure you get the best APR (annual percentage rate) available. If it is too high, then try getting your loan from a bank. They may provide you with a better rate so you may then purchase a used car. Hopefully, when you go to purchase a used car you will have a pleasant experience. Not all used cars are bad and not all car dealers are sleezeballs. Alas, an awful lot of them are so be careful. With some street smarts and a little bit of patience, you can end up with an excellent used car that will last you many years. About the author: Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.infocaronline.infoa blog focusing on the Car, resources and articles. This site provides detailed information on Car. For more info on Car visit: http://www.infocaronline.info

18 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Car

18 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Car

by: Jeff Slokum

The upkeep of your vehicle can be quite an expense - from initial purchase to insurance to maintenance. And sometimes we get the sinking feeling that every time we need a car repair, we’re going to get taken for a ride. (pardon the pun!) Actually there are some ways to make sure you don’t get a raw deal when dealing with a local body shop. After you get recommendations for honest mechanics, call around to check out the prices for certain jobs. It’s always smart to get a second opinion. 1. How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on “fumes” allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburetor damage as well. 2. Sometimes a problem with your car’s electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck! 3. Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician. 4. Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles. 5. Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump! 6. Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you “major” in short trips. 7. There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let’s look at the insurance payments. 8. If you’ve budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance. 9. Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money. 10. Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record. 11. Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car purchaseers a three-day right to cancel. 12. Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov to find cars that are fuel efficient. 13. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas. 14. In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas. 15. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isn’t going to cost you an arm or leg either. 16. Do your homework when purchaseing a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won’t last long – leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust. 17. Carfax.com shares info on inspecting a used car to make sure you get the best deal. 18. If you use your car for business, keep track of miles traveled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov. When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road! About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-alarm-guide.net