Hybrid Car Prices: Good Value For The Money
Retail hybrid car prices as suggested by manufacturers (better known as MSRP) are decided by the car makers and advised to the car dealers to be the base price guide in dealing with public sale. Dealers providing fleet sales to corporate buyers have also the invoice price, or that amount paid by the dealers to the automakers, better used for wholesale purchases being made from the dealers.
While these two serve as guides for the car buyer, prices may increase due to additional costs for non-standard features or add-ons to the vehicles. There are also charges for delivery to move the vehicles to the final destination where buyer is situated. Thereafter, sales taxes, marketing costs, registration costs and other costs may be added by the dealership over and above the MSRP or invoice price.
Price Ranges
As of this writing, at the bottom rung is the Toyota Prius, most reasonably priced at suggested retail of $22,175, exclusive of tax incentives that come along with purchases of hybrid, environmentally-friendly units. At the high end of the spectrum will be the 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid 4-wheel drive four-door sedan, at around $31,000. Both these prices do not include delivery or destination pricing.
The Array of Hybrid Car Prices
In between the Prius and the Accord, the Camry Hybrid from Toyota is priced at around $26,000. The Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid starts at $22,695, a highly recommended purchase by many hybrid enthusiasts. The Honda Hybrid FWD four door sedan starts at $22,600 exclusive of destination costs.
To give you a gauge on SUVs, the Mercury Mariner 2008 Hybrid four-wheel drive SUV starts at the bottom with $27,515, followed by the Ford Escape Hybrid 4FD SUV at $27.250. Packed and loaded with all amenities you can ask for, the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can be yours for $32,500.
Price Indicators
The brand name comes with the package. With such prestigious car makers as Toyota, Honda, Ford, Saturn, Mercury, Volkswagen, Mercedes, the name comes at a premium. Brand name notwithstanding, the full array of features and accessories not included in standard units also impact on the final price of the hybrid car you are purchasing.
Hybrid car prices are definitely higher than for conventional models. That’s because the manufacturer requires more resources to produce the hybrids with their added valuable features – these all add up to the cost. It is envisioned, though, that the fuel savings from hybrids will more than compensate for the usually higher purchase price compared to pure fossil-fuel models.
To give you an idea, take the Honda Accord as an example. While a value-packaged 4-door Accord Sedan can fetch for as low as $19,450, the Hybrid Accord’s price is almost twice higher at more than $31,000. While Accord’s special edition sedans and coupes range from $23,350 to $23,450, these prices are still a far cry from hybrid’s prices. Only the EX-L four-wheel drive 2-door Accord Coupe comes close at $27,500.
The price differences among Civic models are somewhat more manageable and saleable. Take a 4-door sedan Civic EX priced at $19,510 add a hybrid system and you’re $22,500 poorer. But the price difference, at least, is not all that much.
Even with Toyota models, the fuel efficiency and environmental-friendliness and zero-emission tags all come at a premium. The Camry Hybrid starts at $25,200 when its conventional sister is priced at only $18,570. Even with the federal tax reductions for hybrid vehicles, the MSRP is still a tad higher.
With the kind of research and development, not to mention the extensive testing done on hybrid or alternative-fuel models, it’s not surprising that hybrid car prices are more expensive. And manufacturers do not stop at the hybrid or fuel-efficiency features; they also try and pack the hybrid with the latest in electronics for the interiors, dash and instrumentation and everything.
Standard or optional amenities notwithstanding, environmentalists will always say that hybrid car prices are worth every penny car buyers shed, if only to ensure a better, cleaner, safer world for tomorrow. Amen to that, say the hybrid manufacturers’ environmental drum beaters.
Written by Ernest Jarquio our expert of the day.
Choosing Hybrid Cars
Automakers are facing energy instability and higher gas prices, and customers are demanding cleaner and more economic solutions. The hybrid phenomenon is about saving time and money at the fuel pump, but it’s also about saving a part of the world every day. Transportation is responsible for about a quarter of the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, and the United States is the greatest greenhouse gas contributor on the planet.
The hybrid phenomenon is allowing drivers to change the earth and feel good about it. In business and commerce, hybrid dollars help stimulate economies and create jobs. The shift also is creating global virtual communities and empowering people to promote environmental sustainability. The phenomenon shouts globally and acts locally every day.
4 Types of Hybrid Cars
FULL HYBRID The most efficient and widely used hybrids are called full hybrids, which can run on electricity alone. At low speeds, full hybrids can use batteries, computers, and a complicated transmission to move the car without burning any fuel. The Toyota Prius has sufficient technology to run electrically for several miles. This feature increases gas mileage and eliminates smog and noise pollution.
MILD HYBRID Hybrids that rely mainly on an internal combustion mechanism are called mild hybrids. The electric motor increases efficiency by assisting the engine. But it cannot move the vehicle on electricity alone. Mild hybrids provide the same driver benefits as full hybrids, but to a lesser degree. They use common transmissions and are cheaper to manufacture than full hybrids so they cannot be converted to plug-ins.
LIGHT HYBRID Light hybrid cars do not recycle energy, although they perform as typical hybrids in other ways. They reduce fuel consumption by shutting the motor down when the vehicle is stopped. The stopping and restarting of the engine is computerized so the driver need not be bothered with this process.
PLUG-IN HYBRIDS. Plug-in technology is the next step in making full hybrids into electric vehicles. Plug-ins use larger battery packs that can tap into external electricity. Drivers make use of all the benefits of full hybrids to a greater degree and can fill up with electricity.
How They Will Affect our World and our Future
The hybrid phenomenon is playing a noteworthy role in the future of jobs, companies, economies, and countries-as well as in our world-view of gas, transportation, and the environment. After all, our cars connect everything in our lives, from family to work to recreation to the surroundings, and trucks deliver almost everything we consume.
Benefits of hybrid technologies go well beyond gas mileage and saving money. They lead toward new applications and platforms. The hybrid has the potential to move to greater innovations for a growing number of goods and services.
Hybrid cars can potentially increase the efficiency of almost any fuel and class of vehicle. The tradeoff in cost seems minimal compared with the growing number of benefits. If users continue their present rate of investment, hybrid technology will surely become the core technology of the automobile industry.
Surveys indicate that many hybrid owners joined the hybrid phenomenon not only to help themselves, but also to help the world. Drivers conserve money on gas, leaving more oil for other purposes. They relish quiet rides allowing others to breathe cleaner air. They get to feel confident and content about the car they own. Their hybrid cars recycle energy and demonstrate how to get the most out of life while saving our oil reserves and our earth.
Written by Gary Fumeaux our expert of the day.
Hybrid Car Sales Continue To Improve
With the popularity that hybrid vehicles are enjoying in the media and with all the attention they have been getting from environmentalist groups and advocates, one wonders how sales of these hybrid cars are going. Let us look at some secondary data provided to get a glimpse at just how marketable these hybrid cars are.
As of the first quarter of 2007, data from Forbes show that in the US alone, hybrids garnered a combined sale of more than 17,000 units, a remarkable 10% increase from the same period in 2006. The demand is definitely rising, and this demand is translating into actual sales. Sale of hybrid vehicles vis-à-vis the total number of light-duty vehicles sold also increased by as much as 1.4% compared to previous year levels. This only means more and more buyers prefer hybrids to conventional-fuel models.
Why the Rush to the Hybrid Section?
As fuel prices soar, more and more car buyers are prompted to go for hybrid cars. Since 2003, hybrid car-makers have been raking in profits from hybrid car sales. In 2004 in the US alone, hybrid car sales were almost 88,000 units. And with the increasing awareness about climate change and global warming, hybrid car sales are yet again expected to surge.
With great expectations for hybrid car sales to reach record highs in 2007, carmakers are rushing to put into the market new models, packed with all the environmental protection and fuel efficiency features that they could muster, not to mention the technological come-ons. New models are also widening the array of offerings, from compact to mid-sized sedans, to SUVs and minivans, even to pickups and trucks.
Car buyers can afford to be choosy with the broad range of hybrid units being offered in the market today. Moreover, fuel-efficiency and environmental friendliness features of these hybrids are reaching new heights, captivating a new kind of socially conscious and responsible breed of buyers.
Prices are reasonable enough to guarantee a following. Moreover, tax incentives and breaks are given to buyers of these eco-friendly hybrid units. Doing the math, the hybrid buyer is aware that he can easily recoup the few thousand dollars difference of a hybrid model over that of a conventional one, through reduced fuel consumption.
And these hybrids come safe for the buyer and his family, too. In addition to fuel efficiency, hybrid safety features are bringing in more buyers. Open the windows and the low emissions of your hybrid ensure that your kids are breathing fresher and cleaner air inside and outside the hybrid van. Navigation and stability systems for the hybrids are also a notch higher, adding to the safety factor more. A hybrid car buyer is assured of efficiency not only fuel-wise, but overall car performance-wise.
As buyers become more fuel-price conscious and more aware of climate change and the effects of greenhouse gases; as they realize that safety is paramount, and begin to expect comfort and enjoyment from riding safe and eco-friendly vehicles, hybrid car sales will continue to rise. Car makers are thus capitalizing on this trend and are coming up with one innovative hybrid model after another. Every car dealer will surely have one hybrid in his stable.
Written by Ernest Jarquio our expert of the day.
Car Insurance – Hybrid Cars; Part 2
Continued from part one; “car insurance – Hybrid cars”
In the first part of this article we examined the hybrid car, looking at what the system is composed of, the way the separate components work and how it achieves its excellent fuel economy. We will now look at other ways in which the hybrid car improves its efficiency and the running costs incurred with this type of car.
One area where a noticeable difference can be made is aero-dynamics. A lot of the engines work is put into pushing the car through the air and the resistance it encounters (known as aerodynamic drag). One way this can be reduced is by reducing the frontal area of the car, the smaller this surface the less the drag effect, thus saving on fuel. In general any object that projects from the body of the car will produce some drag, you will usually find that this has been carefully thought through on hybrid cars. Some manufacturers have removed wing mirrors in favour of cameras to reduce potential drag.
Other way’s in which manufacturers seek to reduce fuel consumption are as follows: we all know that tyres encounter friction from the road surface; they are after all designed to allow the vehicle to apply its power to the road surface and hold the car steady when in certain driving conditions whilst retaining a smooth ride.
Here the hybrid car manufacturer has designed tyres that are more rigid and reinforced and inflated to a higher pressure to substantially decrease drag.
Of course one easy way to reduce fuel consumption in any car is to decrease the weight, this is done in hybrid cars by using materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium which are much lighter than traditionally used construction materials and just as strong. A lighter car expends much less energy when climbing a hill or accelerating as it has much less mass to effectively pull around.
If we take a look at the new Peugeot 308 hybrid which uses a 1.6 litre engine (a first in the hybrid market) we see that it returns an amazing 83 miles per gallon fuel in terms of combined fuel consumption. Carbon dioxide production is a tiny 90 grams per kilometre meaning that it is currently tax exempt under European guidelines as is any car which emits less than 100g/km.
The vehicle uses a 1.6 litre HDI engine which utilises a high pressure direct injection system which in practical terms means it is much more efficient than diesel engines of old. This is tuned to give an output of 110 brake horse power and the addition of the electrical motor delivers an additional 22 bhp.
The electrical motor powers the car from starting and continues to solely power the vehicle at low speeds. For motorway and non urban driving the diesel engine system is started and becomes the sole propulsion system. If extra acceleration is required both units operate at once providing maximum power when it is most needed.
As with most parallel hybrid systems the battery is recharched by utilising the kinectic energy normally wasted in braking. When light braking is required the battery is charged if more definitive braking is required the vehicles hydraulic system is used to give maximum braking efficiency.
As you can imagine, car insurance for this vehicle will probably be very reasonable as it not only has very low emissions but is fitted with a host of safety features that the majority of modern cars benefit from.
As you can imagine the hybrid car returns double the fuel efficiency in most cases of a standard petrol engine meaning your fuel costs are halved. You can expect to pay little or no tax depending on emissions; your motor insurance will undoubtedly be much cheaper and you will save a huge amount of money on general running costs. On average the hybrid car will be more expensive to buy but you will quickly regain this initial extra outlay in the amount you save running it. Who can say that doing your bit for the environment doesn’t make you smile?
Written by chris rowlands our expert of the day.
How To Choose The Proper Tires For Your New Hybrid Car
You’ve decided to defy convention and get yourself a hybrid car. But don’t think that the only advantage associated with such a decision is the ability to help keep the environment clean. While it is true hybrid cars are excellent for such things, they also provide another benefit; low-rolling resistance tires. What are low-rolling resistance tires? This is a type of tire that refers to the manner in which the tire rolls. In comparison to traditional tires, low-rolling tires roll with greater ease. This allows the tire to function with minimal amounts of energy. The result is greater overall tire life as well as better traction, especially for drivers that tend to be slower and more cautious on the road.
How do manufacturers go about designing the perfect low-rolling resistance tire? Well, first they look into the best methods of designing the general tread. This process not only helps in maximizing the potential of this type of tire, but it can also help establish the company’s brand, since each manufacturer will use a different tread. After that, manufacturers look into what materials they are going to use. Usually, the best ones will be those that are light yet strong. This combination allows the tire to run without one worrying too much about the air pressure from within them. In fact, low-rolling resistance tires can go for up to 50 miles without a change in their initial air pressure. When you have these high performance tires, you can forget having to deal with jacks or other tire-changing tools, since these types of tires don’t get flat as easily.
Additionally, low-rolling resistance tires can help you save on your gas bill. This is because they increase the overall efficiency of your vehicle, including how it runs. And when there’s a smoother run, less fuel is needed to keep the vehicle operating. In fact, low-rolling resistance tires are so useful in helping to conserve gas most consumers will save as much as 6 percent in gas-related expenses. Indeed, any extra money that may have to be spent to obtain these tires will be gotten back ten-fold when it’s time to refuel the car.
Yet, despite all of these tremendous advantages, low-rolling resistance tires won’t be for everyone. For example, although there are many that prefer the feel they offer, there are some that think it hinders them from being able to drive faster. So, drivers that like to speed up at every opportunity may want to consider either changing their driving style or investing in another type of tires.
However, it should be noted where there might come a time where all tires work in the same manner as low-rolling resistance ones. For example, consider recent legislation in California, where replacement tires must work in a manner that is as efficient as tires on newer vehicles. And, at least for that state, many of these new tires are of the variety we are speaking of here. So, there’s an unspoken yet clearly communicated incentive to try and slowly but surely get people more used to low-rolling resistance tire technology.
Written by Gregg Hall our expert of the day.
Buying Used Cars – Top 10 Dealership Scams
Top 5 Dealership Scams:
1. The VIN# window etching scam
Basically a dealer will charge you $300-$900 for window etching
and they will tell you that you have to pay the money to get the
loan because the banks insists on it.
Some dealers might tell you that the etching is free but will
add on the etch money to your monthly payments to make up for it.
The best way to avoid this scam is to force the dealer to put it
in writing if they say that the etching is free or simply etch
the car yourself.
Remember a lender doesn’t require that you purchase any extras
on a car. All the lender cares about is that you can make your
payments on time regularly. Don’t buy into it.
2. The Financing Scam
I have mentioned this before already, but here it is in more
detail.
Basically you trade in your old car and the finance manager
tells you that your interest rate is good and then gives you the
car.
After a week or two passes you get the call from him that you
didn’t qualify for the interest rates that they gave you upon
making the deal.
Every new purchase has a clause in the contract that usually
states that the deal is “subject to loan approval.”
This gives the finance manager a loop hole in getting more money
out of you.
All that this means in the contract is that the deal is not
finished yet even you already have possession of the car and
have signed the contract.
The dealer can then charge you $1000 more in finance fees and up
your monthly payments by $50.
This scam is generally pulled on people with bad credit because
it is more plausible.
If you are wondering why they would sell you the car at 6% APR
if they knew you had bad credit (remember they ran the credit
search already) the answer is simple; to sell the car.
You can avoid this scam by not financing the car with the dealer
if you know that you have bad credit.
You are better off going to a credit union and financing the car
yourself. When you buy a new car the deal should be made on the
price of the car, not on the monthly payments.
3. The Credit Score Scam
This scam is ridiculous at best. This is when the finance
manager tells you that your credit score is lower than it really
is so that they can get you for higher interest rates.
This scam is pulled on everyone; good or bad credit.
This scam is easy to avoid. Just get your own copy of your
credit report from Equifax.com, and bring it with you.
It is really difficult to lie to you about your credit score if
you have your own copy of it. If your paper and theirs doesn’t
say the same thing, go somewhere else because that dealership is
lying to you.
Don’t forget to let them know it too because it’ll be nice to
watch them squirm.
4. The Forced Warranty Scam
This is when the finance manager tells you that you are not
eligible for the loan by the bank unless you pay an extra $2000
for a 2-3 year extended warranty.
This scam just doesn’t make sense. Basically the finance manager
is telling you that the bank won’t trust you to pay the $20,000
loan for the car, but they will trust you if you pay even more
money. That’s just stupid.
You can avoid this scam if you can force them to put it in
writing that you “have” to pay the extended warranty in order to
get the loan.
That way you can bring a copy of the contract to your local
State’s Attorney’s office to verify that the deal is valid. I
can bet that the finance manager will change his tune pretty
quickly.
5. The Dealer Prep Scam
Let me first let you know that cost is not only legal but very
much common practice. I still refer to it as a scam because it
is just another way for you to end up paying more money for the
car.
Basically the dealer will tell you have to an extra $500 to
cover the labor costs of the dealership’s 5-point inspection.
You are paying for the time it took for the dealership to make
sure that the car wouldn’t explode on you in the first week of
owning it.
This check up that you are paying so much money for is for the
dealership to remove plastic from the seats etc, vacuum the car
out, and making sure that all of the fuses and fluids are ready
to go.
When factories deliver the new cars to the dealerships the cost
of delivery and prep is already covered, so basically you are
paying the dealership for work that they haven’t really done.
I swear they could get the car in perfectly ready to drive
condition and put everything right back in it just so that they
can make you pay the fee again.
You can avoid this scam by simply asking the dealership to add
an extra $500 credit to the deal to make sure you do not have to
pay the money.
If they refuse, you can then decide if the car is worth the
money. If it is fine; buy the car, if not; go to another dealer
that will remove the dealer prep costs.
You’re free to publish this article as long as you included the
Author Bio with an active link to the author’s site.
Written by Andy Mcdowell our expert of the day.
The Function of the Electric Motor in the Hybrid Car
How the Battery System Works
When you’re learning about something new, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available.
This informative article should help you focus on the central points.
Hybrid cars are one of the latest innovations in the auto industry today. It makes it possible for people to save a lot of money from the rising cost of fuel and also makes it possible for everyone using a hybrid car to help in conserving the cleanliness of the environment.
With a hybrid car, you will save a lot of money from the constantly rising gasoline prices and at the same time, help in lessening the pollution level.
Hybrid cars today are getting more and more popular. In fact, more and more people are now considering getting rid of their gas-guzzling conventional car and purchase a hybrid car which can benefit them more.
However, not all people can really see the benefits of hybrid cars. Some people think that hybrid cars tend to be more expensive than conventional cars. But what they don’t see is the long term benefits that a hybrid car can offer.
If you compare hybrid cars to conventional cars, you will see that once you compute the total amount of gasoline you have to use during the car’s lifetime, youwill save more on the hybrid car even if it is more expensive in the retail price department.
As you can clearly see, a hybrid car is much more fuel efficient than conventional cars. You may now ask how it works and how hybrid cars are able to achieve fuel efficiency than conventional cars.
First of all, hybrid cars are what you can describe as a cross between a conventional gasoline-powered car and an electric-powered car. It uses both energy sources to run the car and has two engines. One is the gasoline engine and the other is the electricity engine.
It’s really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of a”hybrid car”. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.
Hybrid cars operate on fuel when it is running and it runs on electricity when it is idle.
For example, imagine starting up your car in your garage and you forgot something inside your home. Because the car is running idle it will automatically switch off the gasoline engine and activate the electric engine to run your car. After 30 minutes of looking, you finally found that important thing you forgot. During those 30 minutes, you will save gasoline because your car is running on electricity. It will switch back to the gasoline engine once you stepped on the accelerator pedal.
There are two main kinds of hybrid cars existing today. One is the parallel hybrid car and the other is the series hybrid car. In parallel hybrid cars, both the electric motor and batteries, and the gasoline engine are connected to the transmission. This means that both motors will be able to run the car independently and can provide propulsion power.
In the series hybrid car, the gasoline is not connected to the transmission. It is only connected to the generator to charge the battery or to power the electric motor to provide propulsion.
The batteries in hybrid cars are the energy storage device for the electric motors. In hybrid cars, the electric motor is able to draw power from the batteries as well as put energy into them. This means that when the electric motor is running, it can continually recharge the batteries inside the hybrid car.
Today, a hybrid car’s batteries are able to recover power when the brakes are applied. It can also recharge energy generated by the motor.
With all of these benefits, hybrid cars are the cars of the future.
It can efficiently save fuel, it can run quietly, it has low toxic fume emissions, and it can also save you a lot of money from huge tax breaks for hybrid car buyers.
There’s no doubt that the topic of “hybrid car” can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about “hybrid car”, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.
Written by Floyd Dorrance our expert of the day.
The Benefits of Owning a Hybrid Car
The hype about hybrids is a lot like any other trend with tons of conflicting opinions and pushes towards going eco-friendly. The fact is, though, no matter how green you may want to go, there’s got to be something in it for you, the consumer, right? Otherwise, while self-sacrifice is noble, it doesn’t exactly help when the car payment comes. So, let’s take a look at some actual benefits you’ll personally see when you own a hybrid car.
1. Lay Off, Uncle Sam!
There’s no mistaking that taxes are rising more and more each year, so wouldn’t it be nice to see the Powers That Be take a little less from you this year? The fact is, the government has been giving back to those who invest in more eco-friendly goods since 2000. You know those swirly bulbs that look cool and last forever? Yeah, they’re eco-friendly, and there is a tax incentive for them. The same goes with any large eco-friendly appliance like a new refrigerator or washer and dryer combination. Then, when the hybrid was invented and environmentalists’ concerns about emissions in the air got louder, the government decided to help the rest of us go green. And they did that with incentives for anyone who decided to pick up an eco-friendly hybrid. By buying a hybrid, you are looking at up to $3,400 that you’ll get back in tax credits.
2. Your State Will Love You
Not only are you looking at federal incentives, but your state government might be one of the many that is letting hybrid owners drive in the HOV lanes, as well as get free parking at city meters. On top of saving all those quarters better spent on something else, you don’t need to worry about Rita. Although, guys, that does mean you’ll have to start looking elsewhere for your hot dates. Also, considering the hybrid is a lighter, smaller car, the HOV lane is a much better place to drive during rush hour traffic.
3. Thank You, Gecko, But I’m Fine
Looking for the best insurance company for your needs is always tricky, but if you have an insurance company that wants hybrid drivers, you could get kudos for having a hybrid, as it makes you a responsible driver. Sounds a little PC, but being seen as more responsible can reduce your insurance rates. Considering the high upfront expense that the hybrid has, any bit helps, especially on your insurance.
4. Want Cash Now?
So, you know that the tax credits are going to save you some major bucks, but you won’t really see it until next year when you do your taxes. So that means you’ll still want to see some cash savings upfront, right? After all, if you shell out the money for the car, you’ll need to see something. So, consider the other ways you can keep those green bills from flitting out of your wallet. By being able to drive twice as long, you will cut your visits to the gas station in half. The engine is unlike a conventional engine, so oil changes will only need to be done two times a year as opposed to three. That is about $200 that you can save a year. Also, less regular maintenance on the vehicle, combined with the smaller, lighter parts available, will make repairs for some hybrids much easier.
5. Find Somewhere to Store Your Extra Seconds
It may sound a little fishy, but the fact is that you will actually save more time since you won’t be pumping gas every week or getting oil changes. When saving money in a hybrid, you’re probably saving time as well. With a 12 gallon gas tank, up to four whole hours can be saved per year that won’t be spent on pumping gas, then another one or two hours on an oil change.
In the end, the hybrid is not a cheap car, but the investment towards going green, you’ll find that the vehicle has enough benefits to help pay for itself.
Written by Thomas Jones our expert of the day.
Used Cars Buying Tips You Can Use Now
Finding good used cars can be a frustrating, especially if you are not familiar with auto-mechanics. Where do you go to first? Do you go to a used car garage? Look through the want ads? Explore by word of mouth? Search the World Wide Web?
Firstly, when looking to buy used cars, I suggest that you get an idea of what you want. I once asked a car mechanic what he will suggest, and he said that Honda Civics and Toyota Carollas are what he recommends. Everyone has his or her different idea what they like for a good used car. So you must decide what type of car you want. Narrow it down to at least four types.
Then, it is recommended you do a blue book search. Visit www.KBB.com and get a rough idea of what these cars are valued at. Get the values for a variety of years.
Armed with the highest amount you can spend, and as clear an idea as possible of what kind of used car you want, and what the blue book values are, it is time to begin your search. I suggest you look in online bulletin boards such as craigslist.org or autoweb.com.
When you go to check out the car, if you have a friend who knows a lot about cars who’s willing to come too, that is of course ideal. Otherwise, it is suggested you go to a mechanic to get the car inspected. Do not underestimate the importance of this step. Yes, it is inconvenient, but you do not want to end up with a lemon!
What many people do not know is that some mechanics will give you a deal on inspecting the used car you hope to buy, especially if you promise to take it to them if it needs work. Ask them about this. It could not hurt. They may have a special offer, where the cost of your initial car inspection ends up going towards the car fixing. In short, wheel and deal with you mechanic. You have nothing to lose.
If you do not take the step of going to a mechanic, then your seller must have accurate records of all labor and parts. It is highly important that they changed the timing belt for instance within the last 40,000 miles.
The best advice I have is this: if you trust the person you are buying from, you are more likely to get good used cars. I have bought several used cars and each one came from someone who kept accurate records.
One of the best tips to find a used car is to locate retired couples or elderly folks who are selling their car. If they are selling because the want to, not because they need to, congratulations, you have found your used car!
Written by Joshua Poon our expert of the day.
Buying Used Cars After Bankruptcy
If you have recently been through a bankruptcy, you may be feeling as though it is impossible to obtain credit. Reasons that include what you have heard about the stigma of bad credit and what you have read may leave you feeling helpless, especially if you need a more reliable automobile. If you are looking for used cars, you may be able to find one even if you have less than perfect credit.
Buying used cars after bankruptcy, late payments or even a repossession is often possible in a number of situations. If you can find a dealership that offers owner financing or an individual who is willing to do the same and has a car to sell, you may be in luck. With owner financing, the business or individual grants you the right to make monthly payments and is often done without a credit check. The other option to purchasing used cars with poor credit is through a dealership that is experienced in helping individuals get approved with local lenders even if their credit history has some blemishes. If you are approved for financing, you can expect to pay a higher interest rate than those who have good credit simply because the lender will consider you as a ‘high risk’ loan. This means that, because of past credit problems, they believe you are at a higher risk of not repaying the loan. The higher the risk, the higher the interest rates.
If you are shopping for used cars after bankruptcy, the best way to ensure your loan approval is to start rebuilding your credit. You can do this by getting a secured credit card or by applying for one that specializes in helping individuals to rebuild their credit. After three months of regular payments on a new account, your credit score will begin to improve. It is also important that, before applying for any type of loan for used cars, you work on cleaning up your credit report. If you have recently been through a bankruptcy, your credit report may not reflect every one of your accounts that were included in your petition. Some creditors do not update properly, which means that you may need to file a dispute with the credit bureau so that they may launch an investigation. It can take some time to get your credit report corrected, but will prove to be worth it when it comes time to apply for a loan.
When shopping for used cars, you will need to have a down payment. If your credit history is less than perfect, you may be required to have a larger down payment than other consumers. The best way to determine this is to simply ask the used cars dealership and explain your situation before falling in love with any one car. Browsing for used cars will be a lot easier if you know that you are working with a used cars dealership that will help you obtain financing and will work to get you the best possible interest rates for the life of the loan.
Written by Cristi our expert of the day.
Links!
-
Recently Written
- Hybrid Car Prices: Good Value For The Money
- Choosing Hybrid Cars
- Hybrid Car Sales Continue To Improve
- Car Insurance – Hybrid Cars; Part 2
- How To Choose The Proper Tires For Your New Hybrid Car
- Buying Used Cars – Top 10 Dealership Scams
- The Function of the Electric Motor in the Hybrid Car
- The Benefits of Owning a Hybrid Car
- Used Cars Buying Tips You Can Use Now
- Buying Used Cars After Bankruptcy
-
Categories
-
Admin
