Everyone buys a car at some time during their life. Many buyers feel they get ripped off every time. How can one get a great deal while still buying a car you can be happy with. Lots of articles tell how to get a great deal. This article reveals how not to buy a car. Sometimes it's not what you do, but what you don't do that cost you more money.
Bad ideas to avoid when buying a car.
1. Wait until your car dies before shopping. Buying in a panic is a bad idea. It's easier to overlook something important.
2. Buy in a hurry. Even if your old car is still running, some buy too quickly. This is not a race. Research the car you want and what suits your needs. This is easy today with the internet. You can research each vehicle you're interested in and even buy online.
3. Ignore your credit score. Some car salesmen try to convince you you cannot qualify for their best rates. Check your credit beforehand. Knowing your credit score will keep the car dealer from forcing unfair interest rates on you. Be sure your rate is final. Some dealers try to raise rates later, buy calling and telling the buyer they did not "qualify for the interest rate discussed.
4. Depend on the dealer alone to provide your car loan. Have a loan set up if the car company can not or will not offer you a better loan than your credit union or bank. Know your options.
5. Believe whatever the salesperson tells you. Big mistake. He or she is there to make money for themselves and their company. You can test their honesty by comparing something about the car they tell you, with what you discovered in your research.
6. Combine an old loan with a new one. Some car companies offer people with remaining loan payments a chance to combine loans. This is a bad idea. Along the same line, never negotiate the trade in value of your old car while negotiating for the new car. Keeping the two separate, prevents the sales person from sneaking in unnecessary costs and fees. It limits confusion.
7. Buying without driving. Be sure to test drive your "future car, preferably with a friend who owns that car first, so you can find out any special oddities. If the car salesman wants to go on your test drive, say "No Thanks". It's hard to check the car out with a constant sales pitch in your ear.
8. Go alone. If you are uncomfortable with negotiations take someone with you who can assist you or give your support. Also, don't take someone with you that will give the salesperson information about you. The salesperson will use whatever they know about you to get a better deal for the dealership.
9. Mix the car costs with loan costs. Tell the salesman you want the "total cash price of the car. Salespeople may try to add additional fees in a loan discussion. If they must give only the price of the car, they can not easily add other fees and charges to your total cost. Be sure the salesperson does not add any additional costs in the paperwork either. Read the paperwork. Don't assume anything. Total price should mean total price.
Certain cautions and preparations will ensure you make the best decision when buying a car. A car is an important purchase; do it right. For additional cautions and tips in buying a car check out http://www.buyingacartoday.com .
About the Author
L. C. Peterson, Boone NC USA bookpublishing@yahoo.com http://www.lcpeterson.com Peterson writes in a variety of fields from freelance writing and marketing, family issues, home office topics, software/computer choices, web site success tips, eBay tips, and family issues. Peterson has a M.ED. in Education and works as a small business consultant.
utility vehicles today are equipped with all-season tires that give average gas mileage, good handling capabilities and an overall smoother ride. But this is not enough for the upcoming winter road conditions. Snow tires are the best choice and plus these winter driving tips.
Winter Driving Tip #1:
If you are fortunate enough to park in an attached or heated garage you will "lose" tire pressure when you leave its warmth. Add 1 psi. of "cold" tire pressure to compensate for each 10 degrees of temperature difference. For the rest of us, check your tire pressures regularly, a 5 psi. loss can result in just summer to winter temperature changes.
Winter Driving Tip #2:
Keep the valve stem caps on. If left off during the winter, moisture can freeze in the valve stem and allow the air to escape.
Winter Driving Tip #3:
A word about studs and chains, although to most of us, these may seem obsolete in today's high technology tire industry, they are still in use in some parts of the country. Check with your state for rules and date restrictions.
Winter Driving Tip #4:
No matter what brand of tire you buy, tire registrations makes it possible for you to be contacted with product service information, or if a problem occurs they will know all your pertinent information. This is important especially if a problem occurs.
Winter Driving Tip #5:
Don't forget to change your tires in the spring. Winter tires provide excellent grip on ice and snow in freezing temperatures, but will wear out quickly if driven constantly in summer heat.
Winter Driving Tip #6:
It's best to have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked and corrected twice per year. Roate your tires at the same time per your owners manual. It will help extend the life of your tires.
Winter Driving Tip #7:
Make sure you purchase tires that have the correct load rated capacity for your vehicle. This can be found on your vehicle placard, located in the glove box, drivers door jam or in the owner's manual. This is an important safety tip.
Winter Driving Tip #8:
Prepare your car for winter by: o changing the oil to Winter Snythetic Blend oil, o flush your cooling system with fresh coolant/anti-freeze, o fill the washer fluid reservoir with de-icer washer fluid, o change to winter wiper blades, o check your belt and hoses carefully,
and check for any additional repairs and tune-up the engine, o carry an emergency safety kit.
Tune in to the DIY Network and watch co-host Lauren Fix on Talk Automotive. She and fellow host, Steve Ford, will answer all your automobile questions on a wide variety of topics from care safety, to maintenance, to hard-to-find car products! Don't miss it!
