4 Things to Do Before You Buy Your Next Car

Buying a car can be exciting. However, it can also be stressful. You want to make sure to plan carefully so that you know you will be getting a reliable car and one that you can afford. 

Here are four things that you want to make sure to do before you purchase your next car.

Check Your Credit Report

If you plan on getting a loan to pay for your car, then you will need to check your credit before doing so. A good credit score will not only help you get approved, but it can also help you get a loan with a lower interest rate. 

Take action if your credit score is under 700. Pay off any outstanding debts you have and keep your credit card bill low to help boost your score if needed.

Research the Car that You Want

You should do your homework on your car before you decide to buy it. There are plenty of websites that you can use to look up how reliable a car is and what its average value is. 

You want to make sure to read reviews written by actual people to make sure that you are getting accurate information about the car you want.

Find the Right Dealership

It is important for you to choose the right car dealership. Find out about the reviews and ratings of past customers online before visiting the dealer in person. 

You will also need to visit the dealership’s website. By checking on them and making sure they are reliable, you ensure that you are going to get a good car for your budget. 

Finding a dealership that is well reviewed also probably means you will find someone who is reliable and will provide you with good customer service.

Decide Whether You Want to Buy a New Car or Used Car

When you are looking for a car, you want to decide between a new and a used car. New cars can be nice because you know they won’t come with any problems and you can usually get a better warranty that will protect your car for longer. 

However, they are more expensive than used cars and depreciate in value much more as soon as you drive them off the lot.

By comparison, used cars are cheaper. Since they’re already used, they won’t depreciate in value as quickly from their base price, making it easier to resell them. 

You can also often find a better value for insurance on a car that is used, as you probably won’t need as many protections. However, you have to be careful and make sure to research the car’s history to ensure that it hasn’t been in any accidents before.

There is a lot more to buying a car than just going to the dealership and selecting one. You will have to check your credit report and research the car that you want. 

You will also have to research the dealership. Furthermore, you should decide whether you want a used car or a new car to find the one that is the right fit for you.

Tips for Seniors Buying a Used Car

Used Car Lot (Photo credit: Hugo90)

Most people are on a fixed budget after retirement. This can make it difficult if your car breaks down and you need to purchase a new one. Buying a used vehicle may be the best way to go, but you need to be careful before choosing a used car. Many unscrupulous dealers try to take advantage of seniors. Here are some things that you need to know when buying a new car. 

Don’t Be Overly Trusting

Unscrupulous people often try to take advantage of seniors, because they assume that they are naïve or poorly informed consumers. You will need to be on your guard before buying a used vehicle, whether you are purchasing from a consumer or a private party.


Robert Jones is one senior citizen that was exploited by a shady car salesman. A dealer sold him a used vehicle for much more than the book value of a new version of the same car. Jones was suffering from a mild stroke and wasn’t thinking clearly when he made the purchase. His daughter tried to have the deal reversed at the local dealer. They denied the request, but the parent company that oversaw the franchise agreed to reverse the deal for them.

Exercise Good Bargaining Skills

Salespeople can be very smooth talkers and very aggressive negotiators. You will need to be on your toes before you start bargaining with them. Here are some tips that you will need to follow:

• Make sure that you do your research beforehand. You will want to read the value of the vehicle on the Official Kelley Blue Book. You will want to avoid paying more than any car is worth.
• Do not cave under pressure of a deadline. Dealers often try to pressure people into buying on the spot. You will want to take your time and avoid making any impulse decisions like Mr. Jones did.
• Contact different dealers to see what they are charging. This is important if you want to make sure that you can get the dealers to compete against you so you can get the best price.
• Check the car over carefully before committing to a decision. You should always take it to a local mechanic to find out if there are any problems that need to be resolved. If they find any serious defects then you will want to offer a lower price.
• Read all documents carefully before signing them. Make sure that you read the fine print, because some shady companies try to use subtle legalese to rip people off.
• Know when to walk away from a deal. Some companies are committed to screwing people over and they will just try to push you out the door if they realize that you aren’t willing to cave.

Researching a used car is a lot of work, but is definitely worth the time. You don’t want to be stuck paying a lot of money for a car that is going to break down on you in a couple of weeks.

Kalen knows a couple of friends that have been exploited by used car dealers. He suggests that people speak with reputable car companies, mechanics and salespeople such as the folks at http://www.treadworks.com

How to Save Money on a Car

Buying a new car can be exciting, but it can also be a bit confusing if you don’t really know what kind of car you are after, or if you’re trying to buy it on a budget. As you get older, the things that you need from your car might change.

Do your research before you go to the dealership

Do your research before you go to the dealership and try and decide on a make a model of car that you want to buy, so that you could possibly haggle on the price if you need to or feel comfortable enough to do it. Don’t let yourself be bullied into buying a better model if you can’t afford it.

Buying a new car or a used one?

Perhaps one of the first decisions that anyone will make when it’s time to buy a new set of wheels is whether they want to buy a new car, or one that has been already owned by someone else. While lots of us may wish that we could afford to buy new, buying a used one could save you a lot of money, and, you may also be able to part-exchange your old car to help cover the cost. 

Think about size

Think about the size of the car that you want too. If your family is no longer young, then you may be able to buy a smaller car than you have been able to in the past, which could end up being cheaper for you. However, you should keep in mind that your family may expand if your children decide to have kids of their own, that you might wish to take on car journeys.

Shop around to get a good deal on the insurance

When it comes to getting the insurance on the car, shop around and make sure that you get the best deal for you.

Choose the time of year carefully

If you can manage to wait before you buy your new car, wait until dealers are selling off their models cheaper to make way for new ones. This isn’t always possible if your old car suddenly becomes no longer road worthy, but if you can wait, it can help save you money.

Finally, make sure that you take care not to overspend on the cost of your car and make sure that you still have savings left afterwards.

How to Save on an Extended Car Warranty Find Out

An extended warranty safeguards against any unforeseen, expensive car repairs. This type of warranty is different than the one you received from your dealer when you purchased your automobile. They are actually service contracts because they are sold separately and have a different price. In addition, the warranty covers the unforeseen repairs but also the regular maintenance. If you are the type who likes to be prepared in the event that anything happens to your vehicle, you’ll definitely want an extended warranty. However, you don’t have to pay the full price. Here are some tips to help you get the best price on an extended warranty.

Shop Around

You may want stay with the auto dealer you purchased your automobile from. However, it pays to shop around. You can search for quotes online or through other vehicle service contract providers. Be careful. According to EnduranceWarranty.com, just because the provider has a cheaper or more expensive price doesn’t mean that you receive the same type of coverage. Make sure you know the answers to:

What is covered?

Every extended warranty is different. However, it should include cover specific things like turbochargers and overheating.

How are the warranty claims handled?

There are some common restrictions included in each warranty like using certain repair facilities to paying upfront before work is completed. Find out how claims are handled so you won’t be surprised later.

What service plan do you qualify for?

It will help you understand if the extended warranty offered meets your criteria.

Regardless of the answers to the questions listed above, more than one quote. This will give you a lot of power later to get a better deal later.

Search for Online Codes

There are a lot of coupon codes online to make an extended warranty cheaper. You can redeem them online will getting a quote or sometimes with the provider you call.

Ask if the Auto Warranty Provider Offers Discounts

Many auto warranty providers won’t mention this, but they do offer discounts depending on your situation. For instance, providers often offer discounts to seniors and the military. There is another type of discount called first-call discount. This type of warranty discount is offered when you first contact the provider. It’s akin to the provider rewarding you for contacting them. Use whatever discount applies to you and situation you could save as much as $400 on your extended warranty—or more.

Be Willing to Negotiate

If the quoted price is too high, you don’t have to accept it. Negotiate a lower price. With more than one quote from more than one provider, you can negotiate for something lower. If the provider doesn’t want to work with you, then you have more providers on your list.

Find a Reliable Provider

If you negotiate a great deal with a company you have to make sure that this company is reliable. In order to save some of your time, we came across two different reliable review websites for the 2014: Top Ten Reviews and TheTopTens.com have both listed the top ten best extended auto providers in the United States.

Whether you go through a third party provider or your manufacturer you shouldn’t pay more than you need to for an extended warranty. Remember, as the customer you have the negotiating power. Use it to get the best deal possible.

Investing in Cars: 5 Money-Saving Tips for Buying a New Car

The mere thought of getting a brand new car causes some people to become filled with excitement. Although purchasing a new ride can be a wonderful experience, it will be much better if you strive to get the most value for your money. In some instances, you may have to make a few compromises when shopping for a new vehicle. Here are five money-saving tips for buying a new car.

Develop a budget

Before heading out to search for a new ride, you will first need to develop a reasonable budget. Being stuck with an expensive car that you can barely afford can be very frustrating. When establishing a budget, be sure to factor in the cost of insurance and the interest rate. Knowing your financial limits will give you more leverage when making a car deal.

Sell your current ride

Although you generally have the option of trading in your old ride, it is usually not as beneficial as selling it. The vast majority of car dealerships are unlikely to give you nearly the cash for your current vehicle on trade in that you could get for it otherwise. Selling your car on the open market is often a far better option if you want to get the most money from it. That money can then be used toward making a down payment on a new car.

Obtain the necessary funds beforehand

Waiting until you visit the dealership to seek a loan puts you in a very compromising position. Acquiring a pre-approved loan will eliminate the need to obtain a loan through the car dealership. Do not hesitate to get several quotes from a variety of lenders. This will help you to get the lowest interest rate available.

Purchase aftermarket upgrades

Often times, optional car features will add thousands of dollars to the total cost of a vehicle. If you desire to save some money, you can opt to purchase your own aftermarket upgrades. For example, you may be seeking a high-performance set of tires. Instead of paying the expensive premium demanded by the car dealership, you can save money by shopping at discounted online vendors such as http://simpletire.com or others.

Have patience

When searching for a new vehicle, it is critical that you exude patience. Do not settle for a vehicle that you really do not even like. Veteran car salesmen can smell a desperate car buyer from a mile away. Always be prepared to walk away from a deal that seems too expensive.

Buying a new car does not have to be a financial burden. You can find an amazing deal by taking the proper steps.

This article was written by Rianne Hunter with assistance from Rhett Stone. Rianne is a mother of three and an avid finance, auto, and family blogger.

Understanding the Basics of Vehicle Financing

Purchasing a new vehicle can be a very daunting task. The average vehicle today costs anywhere from $15,000 for a used model and almost $30,000 and up for a new vehicle. Because of this increased cost, most consumers have to have some type of financing. The financing will help with the vehicle purchase by setting up payments per month. It is important for consumers to understand the financing process before shopping for a vehicle. Understanding the lingo and how financing works allows for consumers to get the best deal. Below is a simple guide to understanding vehicle financing. 

Financing

When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, consumers have two options: Direct Lending and Dealership Financing. With direct lending, the consumer is using a bank, credit union or finance company to obtain a loan. The financial establishment will need personal information to see if you qualify. If you do, you will then agree to a set amount for purchase, then an agreed finance charge which is paid over time. once a contract is in place for a new vehicle, the contract is signed and the amount is paid to the dealer. You are then responsible for a monthly payment on your new vehicle.

With dealership financing, you have the option of financing the vehicle directly from the dealer. You agree to the price of the vehicle and a finance amount, plus a charge which is set over time. In most cases, the dealership will retain a contract but sell the contract to a bank, credit union or finance company as an assignee. This group will then accept the payments on your loan. Most consumers find that dealership financing is best because it is convenient, there are more financing options and special programs can be found for saving additional funds during the purchase.

Your Credit

Before purchasing a new vehicle, it is also a good idea to check your credit report. you want to be sure that you have an up-to-date account of your credit. to obtain the best loan, you will need a score of 725 or higher. Always check your credit and work on any issues so that you do not have any problems when purchasing a new vehicle.

Consider a Co-Signer

When financing a new vehicle, you may be in need of a co-signer. A co-signer is someone who signs a loan agreement with you to assume an equal responsibility for the amount owed. You want to choose someone who has a good credit history and one that is willing to help you if you are in need. This is a major obligation and one that the purchaser of the vehicle must take very seriously.

Affordability

Consumers should always be aware of their finances. Take the time to go through your financial records and bills for each month to be able to determine the payment amount you can afford. You never want to spend more than you have or you may end up losing money and your new vehicle. Do a little budgeting and determine a set amount you have for a vehicle payment and stick to this amount. This will allow you to remain comfortable in your lifestyle despite a new vehicle purchase.

Overall it is important to learn the basics. Take the time to learn financial terms and even go so far as to speak with a loan officer to find out what you can afford as well as learn about the process. You will feel more comfortable with a new vehicle purchase by learning more about the process.

About the Author

Ashley Parker has vast experience with purchasing vehicles and likes to spread her knowledge about the financial aspects of a purchase. A great bonus tip is to search for a website of a car dealership so that you can take advantage of special deals and promotions.