Sunday, May 17, 2009

Top 10 Best Gas Mileage Cars


Here are the top ten cars to think about when looking for the best gas mileage for your ride:

Cars with automatic transmission:

  1. Toyota Prius - The Prius gets just over fifty miles per gallon on the highway and does even better in the city.
  2. Honda Civic Hybrid - This hybrid car gets somewhere between forty five and fifty miles to the gallon depending on where you're driving it.
  3. Toyota Scion XA - This four speed automatic car gets over thirty miles to the gallon in the city and nearly forty miles to the highway gallon.
  4. Toyota Celica - The Toyota Celica is a popular choice because it's a cute car that still gets almost thirty miles to the gallon in the city and over thirty five miles per gallon for highway driving.

Cars with manual transmission:

  1. Honda Insight - This car gets nearly seventy miles to the gallon on the highway and about sixty miles to the gallon in the city making it the all-time best gas mileage car on this list.
  2. Volkswagen - This brand isn't limited to any one style. The new diesel versions of the Volkswagen Golf, the Volkswagen Jetta and the Volkswagen Beetle all get approximately forty miles to the gallon.
  3. Honda Civic Standard - Although not as good on the gas mileage as its hybrid counterpart, the standard Honda Civic gets over thirty five miles per gallon in the city and almost ten miles per gallon more than that on the highway.
  4. Toyota Echo - The Echo is another cute car, like the Celica, which gets thirty five miles per city gallon and 43 miles per highway gallon.
  5. Toyota Corolla - At forty miles per highway gallon, the Corolla is a sturdy car which holds its own in terms of good gas mileage.
  6. Toyota Scion XB - This car doesn't quite hold up to the standard set by its automatic counterpart but it's not exactly bad on the gas mileage, getting just over thirty milers per gallon in the city and about thirty five miles per highway gallon.


Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/The_Top_10_Best_Gas_Mileage_Cars

Sunday, May 3, 2009

How to Buy a New Car: 11 Questions to Help You Make the Right Choice

With so many new cars (and trucks, SUVs, hybrids and "crossovers") to choose from, how to buy a new car that's right for you?

It's easy to go on looks alone, of course, but down that road lies trouble (very much like picking a spouse on the basis of looks alone).

Or you can focus on the price of your new car, but if you do that to the exclusion of other considerations, such as comfort, safety or reliability, it's not likely you'll be happy with your "bargain."

So where to begin?

To make sure you buy a new car that fits your needs, start by answering these 10 questions:

1. Do I prefer a domestic or an import brand? Does it matter?

2. Do I need (or just want) a large new car, a medium-sized new car -- or a small one?

3. Do I need (or just want) a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or some sort of all-wheel-drive/4x4 system?

4. Do I prefer a soft ride, a firm, "sporty" ride -- or something in-between?

5. How important is power/performance? Do I need (or just want) a new car that can do 150 mph?

6. Do I need (or just want) a vehicle that can carry cargo? How much?

7. What kind of gas mileage is acceptable -- and what's not? Is my personal "tipping point" at least 28 mpg -- or is 16 mpg OK if the car otherwise meets my needs?

8. How about safety? Are crash-test scores very important? The presence (or absence) of features like side-curtain air bags, stability control and brake assist?

9. What level of warranty coverage meets my expectations? Is three years/36,000 miles enough? Or is the minimum five years/50,000 miles?

10. Is resale/trade-in value a big consideration? Some brands hold their value much better than others.

Your answers to the above will automatically exclude a number of makes/models, narrowing your pool of possible candidates considerably. Now the biggest question:

11. How much do you want to spend?

Never, ever plan to buy a new car without thoroughly figuring out beforehand the maximum amount of money you're comfortable spending -- and stick to it. This will keep you on budget and help you dodge the "low monthly payment" shuck and jive that often gets unsuspecting new car buyers in way over their heads. Be sure to include everything in the bottom line, too. That means finance charges, interest, taxes, insurance, everything you will need to spend to own and drive the car.

Having settled on a figure you can further narrow down the potential new cars on your list to a manageable half dozen or so.

Now it's time to actually go look at each vehicle left on your list. Sit in it, see how the controls feel and, ideally, take each out for an extended test drive. It is strongly recommended that you insist on a test drive of at least an hour or two before you even begin to talk about buying a new car. Otherwise, you're buying a pig in a poke that could turn out to have seats that are too hard, an engine that's too noisy, a transmission that's hard for you to shift smoothly, blind spots that make changing lanes hazardous -- any number of things you can't discover without actually trying the new car out.

Bring a notepad with you and jot down the things you like about the vehicle -- and those you don't -- for future reference.

Most dealers will accommodate a buyer's request for a test drive. It's a reasonable request given you are considering a purchase that could amount to tens of thousands of dollars. If the dealer refuses to allow a test drive, it's smart to just pencil that vehicle off your list and move on to the next candidate. And be sure to take the test drive without a salesman riding with you.

Once you've test driven all the candidates, you'll have a much better idea which of them might be "right" new car for you. Usually, you'll be able to narrow down the choice to just one or two specific models that has the right combination of features/equipment, style and "feel" that works for you.

The rest is easy.

Having settled on one or two "possibles," you can get down to the nitty gritty of researching new car prices (remember to haggle up from dealer invoice, not down from MSRP "window sticker") and negotiating the best deal when you buy a new car. One make/model may be the focus of a very compelling rebate/incentive/financing deal. Or perhaps you can get more options/features in one new car model for about the same price as the other. Or maybe you just happen to like the way one of them looks a little bit more than the other (all else being more or less equal).

But whichever make/model you end up driving home, you're bound to buy a new car that's right for you.

And that's the very definition of successful new car shopping, whether you're spending $15,000 or $50,000.

Source: http://autos.aol.com/

by Eric Peters


Sunday, April 19, 2009

Best Car Deals of April 2009

Carmaker

Car Deal

Expires

BMW 0.9% APR financing (up to 60 months), plus no payments for 60 days on some 2009 models 5/31/09
Buick, GMC,
Cadillac,Chevrolet,
HUMMER, Pontiac,
Saturn, Saab
0% APR financing for up to 60 months on many models. Cash back rebates also available on some models. New GM Total Confidence Plan includes payment protection, some protection against negative equity. 4/30/09
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Employee Pricing Plus Plus sale - 0 % APR financing for 36 months, plus employee pricing discounts, plus cash back offers varying by model TBA
Ford 0 % APR financing for up to 60 months, rebates as high as $5,000 on many 2009s, plus payment protection under new Ford Advantage Plan 6/30/09
Toyota Toyota deals vary regionally, but many models are available now with 0% financing or cash-back rebates as high as $4,000 4/30/09
Mazda 0 - 0.9% APR financing for 36 months, which can be combined with cash back offers on most models 4/30/09
Volkswagen 0% APR financing (60 months) on 2009 Passat Wason, Routan and Touareg, 3.9% APR financing on most models 4/30/09

They want you to buy a car so badly, they'll make the payments for you.

The automotive industry faces a massive challenge in 2009. March sales figures showed s light bump from February's numbers, but still suggested that Americans may buy as few as nine million cars this year. Just a few years ago, automakers routinely sold 15 million or more. They've scaled back production many times, but still face a backlog of inventory that may stretch past two million unsold cars this year.

But repeated attempts to slash prices haven't brought car shoppers back.

Hyundai, however, has seemed insulated from the industry's troubles. The Hyundai Assurance Plus program is largely credited with the company's success in a tough market. The program will make up to three payments on a buyer's behalf if that buyer should lose their income. If that isn't enough, it then allows the buyer to return the car and walk away from the payment with no damage to their credit rating.

This month, Ford and GM want to top it. Ford introduces its Ford Advantage Plan, which will make up to twelve payments for a buyer who loses their job. GM's Total Confidence Program will make nine payments in the first 24 months, and under some circumstances, will late you trade in your new GM vehicle on another GM vehicle in a few years and let the company eat the cost of depreciation.

Other methods are being used to try to spur buyers into action as well. GMAC has lowered its credit standards, lending to subprime borrowers for the first time in months. Even the government has stepped in, offering to guarantee warranties if a major American automaker should fail.

They haven't given up on cold, hard cash, either. We still found enough low-rate financing offers and cash-back rebates to make choosing the most enticing a challenging task this month.

It isn't clear whether anything will bring buyers back in a recession. But everything is being tried.

Below, we profile the most impressive offers on impressive vehicles you can find in April. Before heading out, be sure to check out our guide to negotiating in a down market and use our online tool to get price quotes from multiple dealers.

If you're looking for a car that's a great deal over the long haul, check out the 2009 U.S. News Best Cars for the Money Award winners.

The Best Deals we found this month are listed below:

Small Cars

Toyota Corolla Image
MSRP:$15,350-$20,050
Invoice:$14,352-$18,345
MPG:26 City/35 Hwy

2009 Toyota Corolla: 0% APR for 36 months, or up to $2,000 cash back

In the midst of a recession, a car's most important feature might be its dependability. The Toyota Corolla does everything fairly well, never scoring below average in any of the criteria we use to rank cars. But its top scores come in reliability and safety. Perhaps that's why it's remained one of the five best-selling vehicles in America through all of 2008 and 2009. The Corolla is a solid investment you don't have to worry about. Over time, its dependability is money in your pocket. This month, it will also set you back less money up front.

Get free, competing Toyota Corolla Price Quotes using our new dealer quote tool.

Midsize Cars

Ford Fusion Image
MSRP:$19,035-$25,605
Invoice:$17,707-$23,429
MPG:20 City/329Hwy

2009 Ford Fusion: 0% APR financing for 72 months or $3,500 Cash Back

The 2009 Ford Fusion is one of the best midsize cars on the road. With a distinctive shape that is more angular than most of its competitors and a surprisingly well-designed interior, it's pleasant inside and out. With sharper handling than many competitors, it's sportier than many would expect from a family car. But it has a problem. The 2010 Fusion, a wheels-up redesign of the car, reached dealerships last month. Ford needs to sell its remaining 2009s. And while the 2010 is a better car in some ways, this offer means the 2009 may be the best value in the midsize class this month.

Get free, competing Ford Fusion Price Quotes using our new dealer quote tool.

Large Cars

Pontiac G8 Image
MSRP:NA
Invoice:NA
MPG:17 City/25 Hwy

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP: 0% financing for 72 Months or $3,500 Cash Back

As automakers have lowered prices over and over in recent months, the automotive press has started toying with new measurements. "Horsepower per dollar" is one of the fun ones. And that's where this deal shines - the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP is a comfortable family car, with a remarkably spacious interior. But under the hood, it hides a barely modified version of the Corvette's engine. The big V8 makes 415 horsepower. This month, it's available with a $3,000 rebate, or an interest-free, 72-month loan for qualified buyers - keeping payments very low. That's a lot of thrust for a family car, and a lot of horsepower for the money.

Get free, competing Pontiac G8 Price Quotes using our new dealer quote tool.

Compact SUVs


MSRP:$14,000 (Estimated)
Invoice:NA
MPG:24 City/30 Hwy
2010 Kia Soul: 0% financing for 36 months

The Kia Soul just began making its way onto dealership lots last month, and already it's carrying an interest-free financing offer. The Soul is part of a utilitarian army of small, boxy, economical vehicles that has begun to proliferate on American roads. No off-road machine, it's built to be versatile on the road, maximizing both cargo space and fuel economy. It debuts with an MSRP under $14,000, and with an EPA rating of 24/30 mpg (with automatic transmission), the Soul is likely to be a solid investment flexible enough to meet the needs of many buyers without straining their budgets. There's always some risk in buying a new model with an unknown reliability history, but the Soul is covered by a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty to help offset any concerns.

Get free, competing Kia Soul Price Quotes using our new dealer quote tool.

Midsize SUVs

Ford Flex Image
MSRP:$28,550-$36,810
Invoice:$26,842-$34,072
MPG:17 City/24 Hwy

2009 Ford Flex: 0% APR Financing for 60 Months or $3,000 Cash Back

In a crowd of look-alike midsize SUVs, the Ford Flex stands out. Its retro good looks might actually turn a head or two. But the real allure of the Flex is inside. One of the only midsize SUVS to offer a usable third row of seats, it bridges the gap between an SUV and a minivan. Available features like a built-in refrigerator and separate sunroofs for each second-row passenger make the rear seats of the Flex a pleasant place to be. And a smooth driving experience makes the front seat enjoyable, too. This month, it's all available interest-free, or with a cash-back rebate.

Get free, competing Ford Flex Price Quotes using our new dealer quote tool.

Large SUVs

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Image
MSRP:$50,455-$53,260
Invoice:$46,923-$49,532
MPG:21 City/22 Hwy

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: 0% APR Financing for 60 Months

This offer repeats its appearance as our top large SUV deal for a second month. The Chevy Tahoe remains the top full-size SUV in our rankings - an honor it held for all of 2008, and, so far, all of 2009. It's also our Top Large SUV for the Money this year. If the naysayers are right, and GM got itself in trouble by putting too much work into large SUVs, then this is the fruit of that labor. With an upscale interior, a smooth driving experience that belies its huge size, and a tow rating that proves its work-truck bones, the Tahoe may be the best large SUV built today. The hybrid edition even manages mileage numbers that would be competitive in a smaller class. This month, it's available interest-free. This offer applies to the standard Tahoe as well.

Get free, competing Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Price Quotes using our new dealer quote tool

Pickups

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Image
MSRP:$19,375-$41,355
Invoice:$18,503-$38,253
MPG:15 City/20 Hwy

2009 Chevrolet Silverado: 0% Financing for 60 Months

Our Best Pickup for the Money award winner, the Silverado combines a reasonable entry price with long-term reliability that keeps its cost low over time. It's easy to live with day-to-day, with a comfortable ride and handling that makes it feel smaller than its size. But it works hard on the job, with a respectable tow rating and versatile off-road capabilities. And in either role, it offers one of the highest fuel economy ratings of any full-size pickup. It's available interest-free this month

Get free, competing Chevrolet Silverado Price Quotes using our new dealer quote tool.

Dream Car


MSRP: N/A
Invoice: N/A

MPG: 11 City / 17 Hwy

2009 BMW M5: 0.9% APR for 60 Months, First Two Payments Waived

A 500-horsepower V10. A an advanced 7-speed transmission developed just to maximize the power of that V10 - with no mechanical connections, this thing accepts driver inputs like a manual but responds in 80 milliseconds. An Electronic Damping Control that continuously re-tunes the suspension in response to driving conditions and how hard the driver is pushing the car. Ten separate throttle butterfly valves to make the engine's exhaust note as insane as possible. There is nothing BMW engineers didn't think of with the M5. It is perhaps the world's finest sport sedan. Apparently, however, it's difficult to sell this car in a recession. This month, it's available at a very low interest rate - and for a limited time, BMW will make the first two payments for qualified buyers.

Get free, competing BMW M5 Price Quotes using our new dealer quote tool.

By Sean Tucker
Source: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/

Sunday, April 5, 2009

9 Auto Loan Tips

We’ve outlined our top 9 tips for getting an auto loan and getting the most competitive auto loan rate based on your credit score. Print them out if you need to – you don’t want to forget these tips. They can save you thousands of dollars over the next few years on your auto loan payments.

1. Order your credit report and credit scores.

Know your credit scores and what's on your credit reports. You can do this on the internet in five minutes. You can order all three credit reports and all three credit scores (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) at once on sites like FreeCreditReport.com and myFICO . Everyone is entitled to a free copy of their credit report each year. However, the free copy does not include your credit scores. Your credit scores are what the Finance Manager uses to determine the interest rate on your auto loan. If you only want to order one credit report, FreeCreditReport.com (an affiliate of Experian) and Equifax Credit Report sell individual report/credit score packages.

NOTE:Keep in mind that the finance manager (the dealerships' loan manager) may pull more than one credit report to determine your auto loan rate. The information reported by each of the three credit agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) can vary. To avoid being overcharged, order all three credit reports and all three credit scores prior to signing any loan documents. This will give you a chance to correct any inaccuracies on your credit reports that could result in being charged a high auto loan rate.

2. Complete an online auto loan application.

Before you go to the dealership, complete an online auto loan application with another bank. Prepare for Car Loan Scams with an online auto loan application. You can do this online and get the results in just a few minutes. Websites like Capital One Auto Finance and HSBC Auto Finance offer easy online auto loan applications with fast response times. By completing an online auto loan application, you give yourself an escape plan in case the dealer offers you a higher auto loan rate.

Lenders for Good/Excellent Credit

Lenders for "Bad Credit"

3. Don't tell the dealer.

Don't tell the dealer that you have another auto loan until you finish negotiating the price of your car, the extended warranty, and trade-in (if applicable). Why? If they know they won't make money on the financing, they will be more conservative on the vehicle price, extended warranty, and trade-in (Check out other options for Selling a Used Car ) Finish negotiating the price of your car, extended warranty, and trade-in (if applicable) before negotiating loans.

4. Negotiate a lower auto loan rate.

Use an online auto loan to negotiate a lower rate with the finance manager. Your back-up loan from Capital One Auto Finance or HSBC Auto Finance can be used to get an even better deal out of the Finance Manager. Let them know you will be using another auto loan for the financing. They will ask for your approved auto loan rate and offer up a lower rate if they have it available. If they can't match or beat the rate of your "back up loan", then you haven't risked anything. NOTE: Remember the three things that determine a monthly payment (see above). If the auto loan rate is higher and they say they can "save you money", it's not true. They are increasing the length of the auto loan - which will cost you more money (maybe even $1,000's). Read more at Car Loan Scams

5. Refinance your auto loan.

If you discover that you dealer gave you a high interest rate, refinance your auto loan. Many people don't realize that you can refinance an auto loan. You can refinance your auto loan rate on websites, like RoadLoans . If your dealer stuck you with an ugly interest rate, give one of these sites a shot. It can be a real money saver!

6. Cash Rebate vs. Low Auto Loan Rate.

Calculate whether you should accept a cash rebate rather than a Low APR offer. If you have the choice between a Cash Rebate and a Low Auto Loan Rate on a new car, you need to visit our Dealer Loan vs. Cash Rebate page. We give you an easy 3 step calculation to determine which will save you more money over the time you plan to keep the car. The step can save you $1,000's over the time that you drive your new vehicle.

7. “Less than Perfect Credit”

If you have “bad credit”, complete auto loan applications with “less than perfect credit” lenders. The worst thing someone with bad credit can do is to complete multiple auto loan application after auto loan application only to get rejected each time. This will eventually hurt your credit score even more. (Numerous credit inquiries on your credit report are a red flag to lenders.) Instead, complete an online auto loan application with a leader that is tailored for customers with less than perfect credit, such as, RoadLoans or HSBC Auto Finance . These companies offer online auto loans to people with low credit scores. This will save you time and reduce the number of credit inquiries on your credit report.

8. “Good Credit”

If you have “good credit”, don’t assume that the Low APR offer is the best way to go. You may be asking - how can 1.9% financing not be the best option??? If you are offered 1.9% financing OR $5,000 cash rebate, which do you think will save you more money? Guess what? The answer is different for every buyer. Factors such as your down payment, trade-in, and your credit scores will affect which option saves you more money. Visit our Dealer Loan vs. Cash Rebate page for the easy 3-step calculation to determine which saves you more money.

9. Remember All the Salespeople.

Remember: The person handling your car paperwork is also a Salesperson. Many are misled to believe that this "banker" type person is just getting your paperwork and financing in order. This person is actually a salesperson too and they can be very sly at their job! You may feel that once the "car salesperson" is gone, you are safe. Wrong! Dealerships make a lot of money when car buyers visit the Finance Manager's office. Dealerships make money on auto loans and leases, as well as, Extended Warranties , Gap Insurance, and many, many little add-ons that the Finance Manager sells. It's important to negotiate items, such as an Extended Warranty or Gap Insurance before you arrive at the dealership. These items can be purchased from independent companies too and the cost can add up if you don’t compare pricing with other companies first.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Precautions in Buying a Used Car

Whether you're buying from a dealer or privately, make sure any used car you're thinking of buying is in fact what the seller says it is.

• Sometimes dealers pretend to be private sellers. When phoning about a car you’ve seen advertised as a private sale, ask: ‘I’m phoning about the car you have for sale.’ If they ask: ‘Which car?’ be on your guard.

• If buying privately, arrange to view the car at the seller's house – this way you can be more certain the car is not stolen.

• Pay for a vehicle history check to see how many owners the car has, if there is any outstanding finance on it, if it has been written off, etc. It is vital that you carry this out before deciding if it is the right car for you.

• Compare the data from your research and the V5C (the vehicle's logbook) to the car itself – make sure it all matches. If it doesn’t, you could be looking at a stolen car.

• Ask the seller questions about their time with the car, why they are selling it, and check that they are the owner, or that they have the owner's permission to sell.

• Examine the service history, and note the locations of the garages who have carried out work. Does this match the rest of the car's history? Also, check invoices to see if any other work has been carried out.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

How to Avoid Car Trade-In Scams

Unfortunately, many car dealers still use trade-in scams to maximize their profits on each deal. By being aware of the more common of these scams, you can save yourself thousands of dollars, or help yourself simply avoid unscrupulous car dealers altogether.

Step1
Avoid car trade-in scams where the dealer says he will pay off your current lease or loan, no matter how much you owe. Remember that a lease or a loan is a financial contract, and there is no trick to eliminating one when buying a new car. Since this supposed "deal" will only end with you making even higher monthly payments on your new car, it's best to simply wait until your car is paid for, or your lease has expired.

Step2
Watch out for car dealers who conveniently forget to pay off your trade-in after the deal is complete. Many new car buyers are shocked when they receive notices for a collection agency a few months down the road because the dealer never handled the transaction as promised. Again, you can avoid this trade-in scam by ensuring that you get all pay-off documentation in writing, or simply wait until you vehicle is paid off before you trade it in for a new car.

Step3
Have your trade-in inspected by an independent mechanic in order to avoid car dealers who report "all sorts of problems" with the vehicle. By providing independent and recent documentation, you can effectively refute a dealership mechanic who claims your brake pads are almost gone, or that your engine may need a complete overhaul before it can be resold.

Step4
Obtain a copy your current credit report to avoid trade-in scams where the dealer tells you that you are ineligible for lower interest rates due to questionable credit scores. This scam is actually quite common, but it is easily discouraged once you produce a real credit report. Remember, no car salesman should ever know more about your credit score and financial history than you do.

Step5
Leave the dealership whenever you feel that you might be the victim of a scam. Don't try to beat the dealership at the game, since the salespeople have more experience at this than you. Simply walk away, and find a reputable dealer who will appreciate your business.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Get Dealers To Hand You The Absolute Best Deal On A New Car Purchase In 2 Minutes

Taking A Free Service To The Next Level:

Okay, this is really good and works like a charm. And it's incredibly easy ... taking less than two minutes of your time. Sound too good to be true? Well, it's not and smart new car buyers are doing it all the time. You can even test it out yourself even if you're not interested in buying a car right now as a sort of "dry run" for when the time is right for you.

Bear with me for a few paragraphs because I need to explain the background for this technique first.

It's based on a free service we've all probably seen before. Then we're going to add a simple, but incredibly effective, "twist" that turns seasoned Car Dealerships into jello ... and gets you the best possible purchase price.

This Is How It Works Without The Twist:

It's very likely that you've seen "new car quote" services on the big automotive sites such as Automotive.com, Cars.com, Edmunds.com and many others. You know, "Tell us what new car you want to purchase and you will receive competitive quotes from multiple area Dealers" ... or something along these lines.

That's all fine and dandy. Dealers want your business and know you're getting offers from their competitors. They don't want to lose the sale so they give you a very good price in order to be the winner.

Theoretically, what then happens is the car buyer looks at the bids, goes to the Dealership who won the competition, does the paperwork and drives home in their new car.

By itself, this is a very legitimate way of getting a "good" deal ... much better than shopping at a Dealership and hoping you can negotiate something good. Afterall, it's good to have Dealers competing for your business.

But we're not interested in "good". We're interested in "great" ... or even "crazy".

This Is How It Works WITH The Twist:

In order to get the quotes (I'll tell you where in a moment), you're going to have to submit your email address and phone number. Don't worry about giving your phone number. This is a part of this strategy that pays off in a big way, as you will see. But make your "contact preference" email.

You've invested less than 2 minutes of your time (probably about 30 seconds, actually). It's been free and you are under absolutely no obligation of any kind.

So, let's say you now have 3 or 4 bids. The prices already look good to you based on the new car prices you've seen on Autotrader and so forth. But now, you take this a step further.

Why should you accept ANY of these bids? There's no reason to even go with the lowest bidder. Why? Because you can easily make them go still lower.

Here's how:

You'll likely receive follow-up phone calls from the Dealerships. They'll say something like,

"So we gave you an incredible price. When would you like to come in for delivery?"

Your response, nomatter how low the bid, should always be,

"Sorry, while I really want to buy this car, I'm afraid your bid takes you out of the running. If you want to make another offer today, I'll look at it."

Say this (or email it if you don't get a phone call) to every bidder. Trust me, they WANT this sale and you'll now get a new round of even lower offers.

If a Dealer says there's no way any other Dealer can be underselling his price and he wants to see the lower offer in writing, don't play his game. Instead say,

"Look it. I'm pretty happy with the price I've been given. Put yourself in my place. If I give it to you, you'll undercut it by $50 and then I have to go back to him and he'll undercut you by $50 and it turns into a real pain for me. All I can tell you is that if you want to send me another offer, I'll definitely consider it. It's up to you".

You'll either get another offer, or the Dealer will drop out. And when a Dealer drops out, you know you were really getting their best price ... the strategy was working.

The last Dealer standing gets the sale. And believe me, it will be at an outstanding price following this process.

Okay, Here's Where To Do It:

My personal choice is Yahoo! Autos because of their massive Dealer participation and credibility. I also like the fact that they allow you to select the Dealers you want to participate. And they're FREE, of course. So, to get started, just head over to Yahoo! Autos.


Have fun with this!

Source: Auto Broker Magic

Friday, February 6, 2009

Want a Hybrid Vehicle? Good Luck with Financing!

Banks and other lending institutions aren't denying the environmental benefits of a hybrid vehicle. However, sometimes they're denying the financing for them, particularly to people with poor credit. Car loans, like home mortgages, are getting tougher for people to find.

What's the latest victim of the global economic crunch? Auto loans. Car dealers who thought that they might have escaped the aftermath of the crumbling banking industry are instead finding that they're caught in the middle of the meltdown. Car loans are difficult to finance these days, especially for people with bad credit. That's hard to take for most Americans, particularly those who wanted to buy a hybrid vehicle to cut emissions and save on gas.

Spending to save at the pump


Hybrid vehicles have become all the rage, and it's not because of their looks or handling. Prices at the pump have redefined what's desirable in an automobile: SUVs are out, and low-emission hybrid vehicles are in.

The switch to fuel-efficient vehicles can be attributed to two kinds of green movements. The first is concern over the environment. More people now understand the correlation between auto emissions and greenhouse gases, and they're taking action to reduce their carbon footprint.

The second concern is a lack of green in the wallet, particularly after a visit to the gas station. The rising costs of fuel are redefining our tastes in automobiles in terms of economics. The exceptional gas mileage of a typical hybrid far outperforms the mileage delivered by a conventional automobile.

Lagging auto loans


The auto industry has felt the pinch of a poor economy for the last few years, but the credit crunch has caused some significant pain as of late. More auto dealers are reporting problems financing potential buyers who have poor credit. It's hard to complain about the financial fact that people who have bad credit aren't getting loans; it was their ability to get mortgage loans that caused this credit mess in the first place.

Unfortunately, it's now becoming difficult even for people with good credit to get qualified. Difficult, but not impossible. The financing process is just more time intensive, and more thorough. In reality, this is the way banking should be. Credit worthiness is a privilege, not a right, and people should only be qualified for what they can afford. Taking the time to carefully scrutinize loan applicants may not be the best news for car dealers, but it's a sign that a degree of fiscal sanity has returned to the lending industry.

The auto industry, much like its housing counterpart, has enjoyed a spectacular ride during recent years, thanks to easy access to credit. That easy money has resulted in some serious pain for everyone from Wall Street to Main Street, and redefined the lending landscape. Car loans won't be made available to you unless you have your financial house in order. In other words, your credit needs to look great if you want to do some good for the environment.

Source: Mortgage Loan

Friday, January 23, 2009

Freed-up credit might blossom into more auto sales

Car buyers who suddenly saw credit dry up last fall might describe that disastrous feeling as something akin to having no oil in a car.

"The oil was taken away, and the engine was locked up," said John McDonald, a spokesman for General Motors Corp. in Detroit.

So as the Detroit auto show highlights a new world of hybrids and high-tech battery-powered cars, the major concern for most consumers continues to be last year's pitiful model for auto financing. Can they get a car loan? And if so, how many hoops will they have to jump through to get it?

Credit, while still an issue, appears to loosening up from the extremely tight standards that hit in late '08. Thanks to federal bailout money, GMAC LLC in late December lifted some strict roadblocks that stopped some consumers from qualifying for car loans. Going forward, the Feds have more credit-crunch tricks that could grease the skids for car loans, too.

Still, will credit be more accessible this spring as consumers hit showrooms?

"Logic should suggest that it should be a bit better because it was so bad," said Mark Zandi, lead economist at Moody's Economy.com.

Credit was so tight late last year that GM's McDonald said industry sales in the final months of '08 were below replacement levels -- meaning some consumers who needed cars weren't buying.

Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli said last week at the North American International Auto Show that auto dealers could boost car and truck sales by about 25% if consumer credit was more readily available.

On Friday, the U.S. Treasury added Chrysler Financial, the credit arm of Chrysler LLC, to rescue efforts. Chrysler Financial received a $1.5-billion, 5-year loan to assist with consumer financing of Chrysler vehicles.

Chrysler immediately said Friday that it would begin offering no-interest loans of as long as 60 months after the finance arm received the $1.5-billion loan.

Fortunately, there is more oil in that credit engine. Consider:

• Consumers with credit scores of 621 or higher may qualify for a car loan through GMAC. That change, announced a day after the U.S. Treasury said it would inject $6 billion into GMAC, makes car loans more available to consumers with good, but not excellent, credit.

Last fall, GMAC said tight credit markets drove it to stop making car loans to consumers who didn't have a credit score of 700 or better.

After the credit markets froze, about 26% of consumers with good credit couldn't get a car loan in October, according to CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Ore. That compares with about 15% in October 2007.

The lower credit-score limit "does help us get back to a more normal state of automotive financing," said Sue Mallino, director of communications for GMAC in Detroit. She said auto lending is restored to potentially cover about 90% of GMAC's historic spectrum of consumers. GMAC is not making car loans to subprime borrowers.

• A program called "Invest in America" was rolled out nationwide at credit unions in January. GM is offering supplier pricing on eligible new vehicles for credit union members. For the GM discount, you don't have to get your financing at the credit union to be eligible.

Chrysler's discounts are dependent on being a credit union member and getting credit union financing. At Chrysler, members of participating credit unions can receive up to $1,000 in bonus cash incentives, depending on the model.

David Adams, president and CEO of CUcorp, which spearheaded this effort, said now about 90 million members of nearly 8,000 credit unions would have potential access to low-interest loans for GM and Chrysler vehicles. CUcorp is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Michigan Credit Union League.

• Next month, a new Federal Reserve program is to buy asset-backed securities for different consumer loans, including auto loans and leases relating to cars, light trucks, or motorcycles and loans for auto dealer floor plans.

"The securities market for auto loans is still a mess," Zandi said last week.

Many express hope that if the Fed's strategy works, credit could be more available for car loans.

Gary Allgeier, director of finance for the Suburban Collection in Troy, said the Fed's efforts are necessary to refuel the credit markets. Without the Fed's plan, he said, the banks and auto manufacturers wouldn't have as much money as necessary to make as many car loans. The ability to sell asset-backed securities to investors is essential.

"That's what allows the credit engine in America to continue to work. Without it, it stops," said Allgeier, whose company is the largest dealership group in Michigan and the 15th-largest in the country.

Make no mistake, credit is available. Even so, consumers could find far more restrictions -- and find it way tougher to get credit if they're higher credit risks -- than two or three years ago.

"Lenders were pushing the envelope by extending auto loans and leases to marginal buyers and borrowers," Zandi said.

Gone are the days when practically everybody who had a driver's license could buy a new car.

"I'm rather certain that we're not going to see any re-emergence of subprime lending," said Daniel Alpert, managing director at investment bank Westwood Capital.

Expect more credit restrictions. Expect to be denied a car loan if you have bad credit. Expect to pay higher interest rates if you can get a car loan but do have credit that is not great.

Philip Reed, senior consumer advice editor for Edumunds.com, said consumers who haven't shopped for a car in a while could be surprised to see that they're now being asked to make a down payment on a car or truck.

And he suggests that it could be a more financially savvy move to put 20% down -- and pick a model or vehicle priced at a level where you can make a larger down payment.

Some consumers might buy a $20,000 car, not a $35,000 SUV.

Right now, many consumers are over-leveraged when it comes to debt and many fear losing jobs. Such troubles will likely limit the available credit -- and limit car sales in 2009.

"You still need that guy to want to get a car. But that guy already has credit card debt up the wazoo," Alpert said.

Even so, GM's McDonald said some consumers have been out of the market for the past six months or so because of tighter credit conditions and he expects that '09 sales could get a boost from that pent-up demand as credit continues to loosen up.

Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20090118/COL07/901180460/1081/SUSAN+TOMPOR++Freed+credit+may+spring+auto+sales

Sunday, January 11, 2009

College Student Car Loans - Supports Your Car Buying Needs

You are always late for your classes and never reach on time? Does public transport consumes a lot of time? Tired of traveling through buses? Looking for convenient way to travel easily and reach on time? College student car loans have been personalized for students, you are provided with funds so that you can purchase car for yourself. With these loans you can easily accomplish your needs.

If you get a co-signer then it becomes easy for you to get loan approval quickly and entail lower rates of interest as well. Your cosigner could be your parents or guardian. When your loan is co-signed by anyone this means in case of your inability to repay your co-signer will pay off the loan amount on your behalf and will be held responsible.

You can get finance easily for purchasing a new car or an old one depending suits your requirements and financial standing. The loan amount depends and is decided on the basis of model and make of car that you intend to purchase. You are free to choose any brand and any model that you want. The car loan amount may go up to 80-100% of your finance requirements according to your credit condition. The borrowed amount has to be paid back within a time period of 2-7 years.

Suffering from poor credit records! You need not worry, because college student finance is open to all. Even bad credit borrowers facing CCJs, IVA, defaults, late payments, missed payments and arrears can easily apply. Now anyone can borrow funds and fulfill their car buying needs easily.

The most feasible way to apply is online. It requires less time and has fast processing. You have to fill up a simple online form. Also you can search for affordable deals easily. One can even apply through banks and other financial institutions.

This is one such finance program that specially caters student's car buying needs. You can easily grab the loan amount and buy the car that you need.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Clark