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Last Updated: Mar 26th, 2006 - 13:41:45 |
Car Buying Tips
Don't Let A Curbstoner Take You For A Ride
)-Used-car bargain hunters beware: The latest trend in consumer rip-offs is hitting the streets-it's called curbstoning. What is curbstoning? Most states limit the number of cars that a person can sell without a dealer's license or only allow the selling of one's personal car. Curbstoners ignore these laws and sell multiple cars that frequently have hidden problems in their past-problems that can affect both the safety and the value of these vehicles.
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Car Buying Tips
Lemon of a Car from the Sweet Grandmother
That story about the friend of a friend who bought the total lemon of a car from the sweet grandmother is not always an urban legend! Many people are tricked into buying cars that should be junked and are worth nothing, but look fine on the outside, under the hood and started good on the test-drive. Buying a used car is often the best and most financially efficient choice for many consumers, however many used car buyers don't look close enough at the pre-owned vehicle or they look at the wrong things.
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Car Buying Tips
Buying Cars on the Internet?
It is amazing what can be done on the Internet these days-meeting people, watching and listening to live concerts, stock trading, and more. There has recently been a large increase in online shopping, from CDs to boats-if you want it, you can buy it on the Internet. But cars? Cars are high-ticket items that consumers plan on buying for months ahead of time. Shopping for them requires research, financial planning and attention to details...so actually, the Internet is an ideal place for car shopping!
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Car Buying Tips
Lease or Buy?
It may not be an age-old question, but the decision whether to lease or buy an automobile is one that puzzles many consumers. Experienced car buyers may know the ins and outs of the lease vs. purchase question, but novice shoppers may not know of the leasing option or why they might want to choose that route.
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Car Buying Tips
How to Use the Web To Buy Your Next Car
Have you ever bought anything on the Internet - perhaps a book, CD or computer accessory? If so, you have a lot of company - nearly 10 million households have shopped online. But how about a big-ticket item like a car? Should you -could you - surf the Web to purchase one of those? Forty percent of new-vehicle car buyers already use the Internet to research, obtain a ballpark price and get a referral to a local dealer.
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Car Buying Tips
With More Than 80 Million Americans Now Online
With more than 80 million Americans now online, shopping in cyberspace is a new national pastime. The Internet lets consumers buy just about anything - books, clothes, computers, airline tickets, stocks, even groceries. Until now, cars have been the exception. For some time, new vehicle buyers have turned to the Internet for help with the shopping process. But completing the transaction - actually buying or leasing the vehicle and taking delivery - was not an option.
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Car Buying Tips
New Car Television Advertising
Watching new car television advertising might lead one to think a vehicle's appeal is based largely on its ability to negotiate hairpin turns or climb to a mountain's summit. It's not enough for a car simply to look good, it has to ride well and hug the road. And most of them do, at least for a while. But nothing lasts forever, including the components that affect safe handling.
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Car Buying Tips
Buying A Used Car: Good Deal Or Big Gamble
Car shoppers know that a new car depreciates by as much as 20 percent the moment it leaves the dealer's lot. Buying pre-owned vehicles can mean big savings because the first owner took that initial depreciation hit. That is why so many bargain hunters prefer pre-owned vehicles-but for some, buying a used car can feel like a bit of a gamble.
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Car Buying Tips
Safety Driving SUV Sales
When it comes to car buying, safety and utility tend to drive consumers' decisions. For example, Sport-Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are increasingly popular with American consumers because of the safety they can provide during hazardous weather conditions and for their overall versatility, according to a recent survey. Nearly three quarters of SUV owners polled by R.L. Polk & Company said they chose their vehicles to use during harsh weather-induced driving conditions.
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Car Buying Tips
Online Vehicle Research Puts You In The Fast Lane
Looking for a new car? Before you take to the road, you may want to start your search with a little online research. A safe place to start your online search is Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) one of the most comprehensive resources for used and new vehicle information. While many think of Kelley Blue Book for used car values, you'd be surprised to know the company has provided new car pricing since 1965 as well as free expert information on their Web site since 1995.
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Car Buying Tips
Site Offers Largest Online Inventory Of Vehicles
A growing number of people are using the information superhighway to help them get going on the real highway. Now one of the top automotive Web sites is offering even more features for car shoppers-whether they're searching for a new vehicle or one that has been previously owned or leased.
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Car Buying Tips
Women: A Driving Force In Car Buying
Female auto shoppers now arrive at dealerships smarter than ever before. Long gone are the days when the only decision women were expected to make about a new car was which color to choose. Women are now the fastest growing segment of new car buyers and, thanks to the Internet, are more confident, more educated and better prepared to make a buying decision than ever before.
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Car Buying Tips
Web Sites Accelerate Auto Sales During Economic Slowdown
With the continued economic slowdown in the United States following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the American public is expected to save more and spend less, especially on high-cost items such as automobiles. This is detrimental not only to the automobile industry but also to others such as manufacturing, retail, travel and tourism. But it appears the auto industry is pulling through.
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Financing
The Key To Vehicle Financing
For most consumers, the road to buying a new or used vehicle now starts with dealership financing, or leasing. If you're among this group, understanding the ins and outs of financing agreements can help you steer clear of potential financial problems. Here's a breakdown from the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation (AFSAEF):
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Financing
How to Refinance Your Auto Loan and Save
Almost everyone knows that they can save big money by refinancing their home mortgage, but most people don't realize that they can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars by refinancing their auto loan.
If you're an owner of one of the 50 million new vehicles that have been sold in the last three years with an interest rate greater than 6.5 percent, you're a prime candidate to refinance your auto loan. Even if you only slightly lower your interest rate, the savings can be substantial.
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Car Buying Tips
Too Good To Be True? How To Make Auto Incentives Work For You
If you're in the market for a new car, you can't help but be attracted by the promises of zero-percent financing and cash-back rebates. In recent years, the automotive industry has offered enticing incentives to lure consumers into showrooms and sell new vehicles. With so many incentive packages available, it may be difficult for consumers to decide which incentive would work the best with their budget.
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Car Buying Tips
Tips To Help New Car Buyers Avoid "Upside Down" Trend
Car buyers now have a growing number of choices when it comes to selecting the perfect vehicle model. But shoppers may want to pay equal attention to a less exciting, but potentially expensive trend-taking out a car loan that turns their wallet upside down. In recent years, more and more consumers have become "upside down" on their auto loans-meaning, they owe more on their vehicle than it's worth in trade when the time comes to buy a new one.
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Car Buying Tips
Car Buyers to Find Better Vehicle Technology in 2006, but Fewer Special Incentives – Tips Can Help Drive Smart Loan Deals
Many new car buyers will appreciate the latest automotive trends expected to take shape in 2006 and beyond. A greater variety of downsized, fuel-efficient SUVs will be available. New vehicle safety features like tire pressure monitors will reach the market. And sales promotions like last summer’s employee discount campaign are expected to set the stage for year-round, no-haggle vehicle pricing.
But a less-publicized automotive trend – rising interest rates – will make 0-percent car loans a rare breed in 2006.
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Car Buying Tips
Online Service Puts New Car Buyers Back in the Driver’s Seat
For over a decade, savvy car shoppers have tapped into vast resources available on the Internet for their research and car buying needs. According to a Jupiter Research report from March 2005, about 65 percent of car buyers in the U.S. start researching online before ever kicking a tire on a car lot. However, despite those encouraging statistics, many would-be online car shoppers have had a hard time getting the one thing they really want -- a real online price quote for the exact new car they want to buy.
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Car Buying Tips
Time to Get Rid of Your Gas Guzzler? Tips for Getting the Best Deal on a New Car
With gas prices hovering around $3 a gallon, it might pay to invest in a new, more fuel-efficient car, even if you were hoping to eke out another year or two with your current model. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, a car that gets 40 miles to a gallon vs. 20 miles to a gallon can save you more than $900 annually in gas costs when gas is $2.50 a gallon. Before you hit the showrooms, a little research can help you focus your sights on cars that are fuel-efficient choices.
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Car Buying Tips
The Key To Saving On New Cars
Auto customers have helped drive down new car, truck and SUV prices over the past year. Many car manufacturers now offer models for significantly less than they did just one year ago. However, prices aren't all that have changed. Available and standard features have changed as well.
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Car Buying Tips
The Skinny On The Next Mini…
We’ve been doing some snooping around and got some skinny on the new Mini Cooper, due out in 2007. First, if you want a truly international car, step right up. The new British-based Mini is going to feature an engine from the combined resources of German-based BMW and French-based Peugeot. And, of course, sold with gusto to an American enthusiast audience. The engine is really the new Mini’s biggest change, and it’s going to be a big one, folks. The partnership is building a new range of all-aluminum, twin-cam engines that will become both carmakers’ new small powerplant flagships, featuring improved horsepower,fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
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Car Buying Tips
Beware Flood Vehicles !!!
With the hurricanes and flooding that has hit in the south recently there are hundreds of thousands of vehicles that have moderate to severe flood damage. Some of these vehicles that have not been completely submerged will be cleaned up, freshner sprayed into carpets and vents and shipped North, East and West. The people who deal in these vehicles get them dirt cheap and do some clean up and then ship them out to the unsuspecting public.
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Car Buying Tips
Don't Get Soaked Buying A Used Car
Literally thousands of cars are submerged each fall during floods. During the post-flood cleanup, auto insurance claims adjusters "totaled" thousands of flood-damaged vehicles. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop unscrupulous sellers from putting these cars back up for sale. In many instances, these mechanically unsound and frame- damaged vehicles undergo minor repairs and are resold with no notice to the buyer.
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Car Buying Tips
What To Look Out For When Test Driving A Car
Test-Driving is usually done on any model vehicle that you wish to buy to find out whether that model is suitable for your requirements. You might have some presumptions about a particular model but everything would be cleared when you test-drive a car of that model. The salespersons often give you facts and figures about the car being very fast and being very good (‘blah blah blah’), and it will be difficult for you to track them. So you have to look for yourself whether that car suits you.
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Car Buying Tips
SUVs vs. Minivans: Making The Right Choice
Has your family started to cram into the old sedan like a pack of sardines? Have members of the neighborhood car pool begun to look suspiciously at your battered station wagon? Perhaps it’s time to retire the old family car and move up to a bigger vehicle. Often, the choice for a more spacious family vehicle is a toss-up between a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a minivan. Both offer flexible passenger and cargo areas, comfortable seating for five to eight persons, and rear-seat entertainment systems.
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Car Buying Tips
Student Drivers: Do Your Homework Before Buying A Car
Families looking for a safe, reliable and reasonably priced car for a college driver get better grades when they do their homework. Automotive sites such as AutoTrader.com contain useful tools and information to help you figure out exactly what type of car is right for you.
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Financing
Getting the Best Auto Loan Rates
Getting a good auto loan rate is not luck, but rather a skill that you must learn. There are good auto loan rates available if you know the tricks of the trade and how to negotiate to get the best deal for you. Remember, you should not be afraid or nervous when trying to negotiate your auto loan because you will be saving yourself money. That should give you the courage to try and get the best auto loan rate available. Follow these suggestions as well to guide you in buying a new care and negotiating your auto loan interest rate.
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Car Buying Tips
Test Driving A Used Car
Nothing is quite as exciting as purchasing a new car. Even if it's a "used" new car. Don't get too caught up in the pretty shiny metal and chrome, it's what's under the hood that counts. Take a serious test drive before you make a decision. Used cars bought from a private owner don't have any warranty with them. You don't want to buy someone elses problem.
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Car Buying Tips
Where To Find A Complete List Of Used Cars?
I recently was at a site online and it had a used car section. I thought it might be a good source to try and find some used cars, since I’m in the market. Perusing through the used car section, I noticed they online had 2 pages of used cars! 2…pages…! When you’re searching for a used car, you want to be able to find a complete list of used cars from every corner of whatever country you live in.
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Car Buying Tips
Steps to Buying a Used Car With Confidence
Industry statistics show that almost three times as many people buy used cars as buy new. To help consumers make informed decisions in the process, the experts at CarMax, America's leading used car retailer, have put together a basic list of the things to check when buying a used car.
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Car Buying Tips
Finding Your Dream Car
Thinking about buying a used car? How do you know which car is right for you? It’s all in asking the right questions. First, ask yourself what you really need in a car. Who will be driving it most of the time? Where will you be driving in? Over what sort of terrain? Do you need a lot of storage space and lots of seating? Are you going to be traveling back and forth over long distances?
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Car Buying Tips
Negotiating Tips When You Buy A Car
Negotiating a good deal can be very profitable when you buy a car. Being a good negotiator doesn't have to be difficult. And when you consider that negotiating will almost always get you a better deal, you'll be more inclined to try it. When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you're dealing with an expert. You will need to know how to get through their "car speak" in order to be successful.
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Car Buying Tips
Buying A Used Car - The Wise Way!
I have always purchased my cars used. And each time, I got a great deal. Don't think I counted on luck, though - no siree. There are a few "musts" for making sure you don't end up drinking "lemon"-ade.
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Car Buying Tips
Extended Warranties – Protect Yourself From Costly Repairs
Buying a used car can save you thousands of dollars versus buying a new one. What many used car buyers fail to consider is the repair costs after the car’s original warranty expires. These can quickly add up and may even exceed the money you initially save. So what do you do if your car’s warranty will run out soon after you buy it?
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Financing
Survey Shows Car Buyers Are Shifting Vehicle-Shopping Strategies Study Reveals More Comparison Shopping for Loans, More Budget Planning
With interest rates on the rise and purchase incentives declining, a new national survey reveals that today’s car buyers are steering their attention more sharply toward the financing arrangements for their vehicle purchases, including more loan shopping and budgeting compared to last year’s buyers.
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Car Buying Tips
Used Car Buyers Beware Of Flood Damages
Hurricane Katrina brings new hazards to the used car market, not only in the Gulf States region affected by floodwater, but across the nation as well. The risk of buying a vehicle with flood damage goes up significantly and along with high demand and low volume, it is likely the price will also increase for used cars in the affected market area.
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Car Buying Tips
Being Fully Informed Can Save You Money
Five years ago, Anne Lansing went through what she calls one of the most exciting purchases of her life-buying her first new car.
"After years of saving and driving a used car, I was finally getting a new car," Lansing said. But amid all the excitement, she also had a sense of anxiety about such a large purchase. "I looked at a few pamphlets from the dealer, but didn't really understand some of the features and why they were important. I pretty much had to take the dealer's word for it."
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Warranty
If You Only Knew-Would You Accept These Collision Repair Procedures?
If you are ever one of the many who suffer the misfortune of an automobile accident, you'll need to quickly overcome the confusion, frustration and anger caused by the event to make sure your interests are protected. The Ford Motor Company has provided the examples below to highlight a few important repair procedures that might occur during your time in a body shop, along with suggestions on how to help make sure you and your vehicle come out on the right track.
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Car Buying Tips
Bargain Hunters: Beware of Curbstoners
If you’re searching for a great deal on a used car, what you don’t know can hurt you.
A type of fraud known as curbstoning involves individuals -- posing as private sellers -- who are dealing in multiple vehicles without a license, which is illegal in most states. These scam artists frequently sell vehicles reputable dealers won’t touch because of hidden problems that affect both the vehicle’s safety and resale value.
Herta Soman learned about curbstoning the hard way. She purchased her car from a person she thought was a private seller, only to learn the vehicle’s warranties were void because the car had been totaled.
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Car Buying Tips
Tips On Car Shopping
If you're shopping for a new vehicle, the Internet can help steer you in the right direction. The Web lets car and truck consumers research vehicles, compare prices and, after a decision has been made, even apply for financing to buy their car or truck.
Car Buying 101
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Car Buying Tips
Ten Bits of Advice When Shopping For a Car
Whether you are planning to purchase a new or used car there are several things you should consider in order to get the best deal, and avoid breaking the bank. Following are ten tips to consider:
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Financing
Pre-Approved Car Loans
You can afford yourself a great deal of flexibility and savings by getting pre-approved for a car loan before you shop. Consider these benefits:
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Car Buying Tips
Inspecting a Car
Don’t depend on your eyes to tell you if the car of your dreams has experienced a nightmare or two. Without question, it is a seller’s job to sell cars. Toward that end, dealers present cars to buyers in the best possible light. With enough elbow grease some duds can be cleaned up to look nearly new.
Don’t be fooled. Your job as the buyer is to arm yourself with enough information to avoid buying a shiny new lemon. Before you decide on a car inspect it carefully to make sure the book is a good as its cover.
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Financing
Looking For Your Dream Car? Try Your Local Credit Union
So the new car smell is gone and it seems you are spending more on repair bills than you might on a car payment. Or maybe you are just in the mood for a change of pace, and a new car seems the place to start. Do a little research before you buy to get the best deal on the car of your dreams.
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Financing
Need a Car Loan? Consider Pre-Approval
Just as with any loan a successful car loan application depends largely on the three C’s
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Car Buying Tips
Buy a Car Without Getting the Blues
There is no shortage of options when it comes to purchasing a car today. With the advent of computers and the Internet you can shop in the virtual comfort of your own home. But how do you know that you are getting the best deal? Take a look at the following tips to for making your car buying dollars go the distance.
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Warranty
Seven Ways to Save Your Sanity if You Have an Extended Warranty
Well chosen extended service warranties can afford you peace of mind. Don’t undermine this tranquility with disorganized or poor record keeping or failure to ask the right questions. Following is a short primer to help you keep the details together.
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Warranty
What to Consider When Considering an Extended Warranty
An extended warranty, or service contract, can help you manage the expense of car repairs and service in the event of failure. These warranties can be purchased directly from the dealer or from a third party. Many can be purchased online.
If you are considering an extended warranty give some thought in advance to your goals. Extended warranties can be helpful for many, but they are not practical or necessary for all.
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Car Buying Tips
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Car Warranty
Broken Promises: When Warranty Protection Goes Awry
It can be very disappointing and stressful to learn that your warranty will not provide the coverage that you expect. Before you pull out the big guns be sure you fully understand the terms of your warranty, more accurately described as a service contact. If a thorough reading reveals that you have a right to services the provider has refused to provide you may have some recourse. Consider one or more of the following suggestions.
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Automotive
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