Thursday, October 25, 2012

Why Winter is a Smart Time to Buy a New Car


When the snow flies, buying a new car might be the last thing a lot of people are thinking about doing; but, this is the number one reason why you should hit the dealers and look for a new ride. Buying a new car in the winter has a number of benefits – and with saving money at the top of the list, there is no reason to wait until spring to shop.

Winter Car Shopping Could Save You a Lot of Money

As with most things, there is an off season for purchases and winter is commonly a time when fewer cars are purchased; especially certain types of cars. Sports cars, convertibles and other cars that are considered summertime vehicles will often sell for less during this season because fewer people are in the market to buy them. Even family cars can sell for better prices in the winter since fewer people are shopping.
Early in the winter season, dealers are often trying to clear last year’s models off the lot. New models tend to arrive during the late summer and early fall, and whatever is left of the previous year’s models will go for a discounted price as the weather turns to winter. Dealers will be more willing to strike a bargain to move an older model.

Minimize Your Time in the Cold: Get Online

With fewer people shopping for a car in the winter, you can browse in peace and take plenty of time comparing models and test driving. To make your time out car shopping even easier, narrow down the list of cars you would like to look at – using websites such as wheels.cacarguidecanada.ca or autocatch.com. You can research models and see what is available in your area. When you arrive at the dealer, you will already know what you want to test drive. To find other ways you could save, check out leasebusters.com, where you can look at cars whose owners are seeking a lease transfer or want to sell a car and transfer the payments on their loan.
You can also get car insurance quotes online to compare the insurance rates on the cars you are considering; this will help you to know what the cost owning each of the cars you are considering will really be.
Before you arrive on a dealer’s lot, you can be armed with knowledge about car insurance rates for the cars you want to look at and a good idea of what that car is selling for elsewhere; this gives you negotiating power. In the winter months, with fewer cars selling, you will find dealers much more willing to work on a great price.

Winter Ready Right Off the Lot

You may save money on your insurance premium if your car is equipped with winter tires – be sure to check with your insurance provider. Also, consider having winter tires put on your new car when you purchase it to qualify for a discount. You might even save on the tires if you purchase them through the dealer as part of the new car package.
Before driving your new car home make sure you have the right antifreeze; if the car has been on the lot a while it might not have been winterized. Ask the dealer to take care of winterizing the vehicle properly before you head home. Since you are already in a good position to negotiate, having things like this thrown in as part of the bargain is more likely in the winter.
Winter car buying has a lot of perks; more room to negotiate, less competition for the cars and fewer crowds at the dealerships. And the down side of car shopping in the winter – time spent in the cold looking at car after car – can be minimized with preparation done right at home from your computer. By comparing prices and models and getting car insurance quotes online before you head out you can spend less time in the cold and focus in on the right car for you. In the end, you could wind up with a much better deal than at any other time of year, making winter car shopping a smart choice all around.
http://www.insurancehotline.com/winter-is-a-smart-time-to-buy-a-new-car/#

Friday, October 19, 2012

Five Financing Tips for U sed Car Buyers


While the great recession continues its slow way to recovering a bright spot for consumers is that lenders are beginning to lend money for car buyers. While the American made new car market especially is growing, many folks have been scared by economic hard times and have damaged credit ratings. For them, it is probably easier to buy a used car.
Sure, the interest rates will be a bit higher, but the amount of the loan will be lower, so on balance, you can afford and finance a nice used car. It is important though to bear in mind that financing a used car through an auto dealership (used or new car dealer that sells used cars too) is far easier than trying to finance a car that you buy privately.
If it has been a while since you have made a major purpose remember to use credit wisely.
Tip 1: Set a budget before you visit a dealership. Most personal financial experts think that the maximum monthly expense for a car should be 18 percent or less of your take home pay. That should include not just your car payment, but gas and insurance too.
Tip 2: Do a credit check. You are entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the following credit bureaus:
If there are any discrepancies in your credit reports fix them, if you owe any money pay the debt and then design a strategy for dealing with the lender over any negative information in your report.
Tip 3: Get a pre-approved loan. This allows you to focus on your negotiation for the car without the distraction and anxiety of knowing that you also have to negotiate a loan. As a buyer, you know in advance, what you can afford – and with a preapproved loan in your pocket, should the dealer offer to finance you know at once if the rate is good. Car buyers who will be borrowers with poor credit can avoid rejection by shopping for a loan before they go car buying from a sub-prime lender. These lenders are now getting back into the auto-financing arena. Search online for the best rates.
Tip 4: Make a 20 percent down payment.  A down payment of 20 percent will keep creditworthy buyers safe from becoming upside-down on their car debt. This occurs when you owe more on the car than the car is worth. Subprime buyers will have to put down 20 percent in order to maximize the likelihood of obtaining financing.
Tip 5: Perceptive buyers will save for the down payment. Getting a personal loan to make the down payment means higher monthly costs. If you have trouble qualifying for a loan but are sure that payments will not be a problem then having a qualified co-buyer can enhance your chances of being financed and the rate may be a bit lower.
A few words of caution: never leave cash deposit on a used car, if you decide against buying you may not get it back. Always get a Carfax report and have the car checked out by a qualified mechanic before you purchase.

http://www.primerates.com/five-financing-tips-for-used-car-buyers/

Friday, October 12, 2012

Myth: Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles

Despite what oil companies and quick-lube shops often claim, it's usually not necessary. Stick to the service intervals in your car's owner's manual. Under normal driving conditions, most vehicles are designed to go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Changing oil more often doesn't hurt the engine, but it can cost you a lot of extra money. Automakers often recommend 3,000-mile intervals for severe driving conditions, such as constant stop-and-go driving, frequent trailer-towing, mountainous terrain, or dusty conditions.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

2005 BMW X3 3.0i in Watauga TX from Jeno Autoplex Inc.

Stock : D06906VIN : WBXPA93485WD06906SALES PRICE : $14,995
Exterior : Blue Water Metallic - (Silver)   Interior : Terracotta Leather
Mileage : 81,472Fuel : GasolineMPG : 17 City / 25 HWYTransmission : Automatic
Drive Type : All Wheel DriveEngine : 3L Straight 6Cylinders : 6Horsepower : 225 @ 5900

Jeno Autoplex Inc. in Watauga TX