How To Save Money On A New Car

30-09-2010 by admin

The price of cars these days is just out of this world. You can figure on spending upwards of $30,000 for a family van. No wonder a lot of people are opting for used cars. Even with prices creeping up and up there are still ways for you to save money if you have your heart set on a new car.

The first advice I’ll offer is to do your homework before you approach a dealership. There is an endless amount of information available on the internet. Every car manufacturer has a website, dealerships have web sites. See what deals they are offering on what models. Check on the edmunds.com website for information on retail prices for new and used cars of any make and model. You should, before you even pull into the dealership, have a ballpark figure of what your new car should cost, including any special packages you may want.

A lot of dealers have taken the haggling and pressure out of new car buying, which many of consumers like. Remember the days when you’d ask what the price of a car is and the salesman would reply “how much can you afford to pay a month?”. You never knew exactly what you were paying for your new car until you were at the desk ready to sign the contract. Today we are educated consumers and those days are gone forever.

You will be able to get a good deal during the end of model year sales. The dealers will make just about any deal to get an older model off the lot to make room for a new one. Also, go into the dealership at the end of the month. Your salesman will be doing his best to sell a few more vehicles to up his commission payment.

Get the bottom line price for that new car before you talk about a trade in. Generally the first thing a salesman will ask is if you have a trade in. Say “no”. If your salesman knows you have a trade in it will affect the price you pay for your new car, no doubt. If he makes you a ridiculously good deal for your trade in you can believe that the price of your new car will reflect this. Make sure you know what the value of your trade in is. Again you can check edmunds.com. Take you car to a variety of dealerships and get an idea of this price from them.

The bottom line is to do your homework. Get a price for the new car from several different dealers. There is nothing wrong with each of them vying to give you the best deal.

Consider your finance charges. Get a quote on the interest rate you’re offered from the dealership, then check with your bank or credit union to see what type of interest rates they offer.

The Consumers Are Being Watched By Car Makers

29-09-2010 by admin

It is not surprising to know that consumers are watched especially when they do the grocery shopping. However, what is amazing is that even car makers are studying and observing their customers and patrons habits and likes when it comes to automobiles.

Most car manufacturers are doing this so as to gauge what people are thinking, and what people want. Of course, they would want to get the scoop on what would be the upcoming trends when it comes to vehicles and automobiles and so much so that they could find a way to produce and create a vehicle that would suit their target markets needs and wants. However, not all people are comfortable with the idea that they are being watched and scrutinized, especially when it comes to other people learning about their ways and their lifestyles.

When it comes to new models and makes that are already on the market, vehicle manufacturers are still studying the market. They try to find out who are buying the product. They also do try to find out other pieces of information about their markets lives like their socio-demographic profile. Auto manufacturers claim that this is all part of their studies and that the more information they know, the more likely it is that they would be able to create valuable vehicles to catch their markets fancy. In-depth information about the car buyers market also gives auto manufacturers an edge when it comes to creating the right kind of commercials and advertisements for their valuable products.

Other forms of getting their markets information is through surveys that most consumers and patrons could find splattered on the Internet. They would ask about things like what kind of vehicles do they prefer and ask other specific buying intention questions. They also do try to track how much of the market are planning on acquiring a new vehicle in the next six months. Auto manufacturers do try to create trends and follow trends so as to create products that fit for their target consumers.

As auto manufacturers try to keep track about the things that their customers want, Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts also maintains its lead when producing excellent and impressive Mazda B18 Pickup parts and other Mazda parts. The kind of products that Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts offer have been crafted so as to suit the products that Mazda offers the market.

Car Insurance How Can I Lower My Premiums?

27-09-2010 by admin

During the last few years, the average car insurance premium has virtually been at a stand still. The reason is price competition. There are now over 100 car insurance companies fighting for your business and competition is fierce. There are always bargains to be found as companies cut their premiums to attract motorists in the hope you’ll remain loyal and stick with them in following years. Indeed, every year, 23% of us renew our motor insurance with our existing insurer.

But in recent years the Internet has created a revolution in the marketing of car insurance. It makes shopping around so easy without the need to make loads of phone calls and without spending time threading yourself through the automated phone systems beloved by so many call centres.

But you’d be wise to remember that the lowest premium is not always the best. For example, some insurers have recently pushed up the level of claims excess they want you to pay as this helps them provide you with a much lower quote. You should also check out whether a courtesy car is provided if your car is in for repair. You might also feel you want legal insurance cover and automatic windscreen replacement. An accident helpline can also very useful in the middle of an emergency! You’ll need to phone the broker or insurance company you’re thinking of dealing with in order to check out these points.

17 Top Tips

for cheaper car insurance

Get your online quotes through car insurance brokers. Their computer systems will search for the best quotes from 40 or more car insurers and save you lots of time. When you’ve got their cheapest quote, phone them to discuss the relative merits of the cheapest quotes they found.

Garage your car at night. Insurance companies know that a car left on the road at night is much more vulnerable to theft and damage. If you don’t have a garage, if possible keep it on your drive.

Update the estimate of your mileage each year. If you’ve moved home or changed your job you may have shorter commuting journeys. If so, your premiums should be less.

Your premium can be influenced by your job. Landlords, journalists, and professional footballers to name but a few, all pay more! Go for a job that’s a bit more boring! Accountants and civil servants pay less!

Getting married could save money on your car insurance, particularly if you’re male and under 30.

If you’re under 25, add an older experienced driver with a good riving record onto your policy as a named driver. But don’t let him be too old! premiums start rising again after age 60!

Consider paying a higher accident excess. The average excess is about 100. If you are prepared to increase you claims excess, your premium will fall significantly.

If you have cheap or old car, consider buying just 3 rd Party cover. Get quotes for 3 rd Party and comprehensive insurance and weigh up the savings.

Are you aged between 18 and 21? Then consider pay as you go insurance. Norwich Union has recently introduced the first pay as you go insurance policy, which charges you exactly for the miles you drive. It also charges more for the miles you drive between 11 and 6 at night. The system works through a Global Positioning System which is fitted to your car for a one off fee of 199. The GPS black box tells Norwich Union how many miles the car’s been driven and they send you an monthly invoice.

A new driver? Spruce up your driving technique by taking some more driving lessons. New drivers can slash their insurance costs by as much as 35% by taking Pass Plus lessons. These give you extra training for driving in rush hour traffic, motorway driving and night driving. Lessons cost between 15 and 30 per hour. (www.passplus.org.uk). You can also reduce your premium if you’ve taken a course with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (www.iam.org.uk).

Buying a new car? Then check out the insurance group before you buy. Cars fall into one of 20 insurance groups with 1 being the cheapest and 20 the most expensive. If the proposed insurance premium is too high, chose a car that’s in a lower group.

High spec and performance cars attract thieves and are more expensive to repair – so they always cost more to insure. Consider something with a little less voroom!

It’s hard we know, but try hard not to speed! Most insurance companies will ignore one fixed penalty fine but get more and your premium will rise.

Got 4 or more years no claims discount? Pay the extra get the discount protected.

Fit a satellite navigation system. Some insurance companies have noticed that sat nav cuts the accident rate by letting drivers concentrate on the road. Insurers will soon be giving discounts if you have it fitted.

Get a engine immobiliser or alarm fitted. It could save you between 5-8%.

Got more than one car in the home? Some insurers will give a discount for insuring them all in one policy.

I’m Buying a Cheap, Used Car. Do I Need

26-09-2010 by admin

I’m Buying a Cheap, Used Car. Do I Need to Insure It?

Purchasing a cheap, used car is a great idea for individuals who are on a budget and looking to save money. However, it is still mandatory that, in order to drive the vehicle on public roads in the United States of America, the vehicle needs to be insured by an auto insurance company. Some individuals may choose still to not insure their vehicles, even though the laws of their state mandate that they have current auto insurance coverage on their vehicle(s) in operation. These people may be subject to heavy fines and penalties for operating their vehicles without insurance coverage in the event that they are caught without insurance.

There are a number of things for which a vehicle needs to be insured. It is not just a case of insuring the driver and the vehicle in the case of an accident damaging the vehicle. If this were the case, many people would be able to get away without having insurance since, to this extent, as long as they stayed out of accidents that were their fault, drivers could avoid any damages that may occur. Unless one of these mishaps occurs or an individual is pulled over, it would not be likely that the issue of insurance would come to the attention of law enforcement. However, individuals that do choose to drive without being properly insured are taking a huge risk. In addition to vehicle accidents, there are a number of other problems for which an individual’s insurance may be applicable.

Vehicles can also be insured against theft, fire, accident damage and third party use. Individuals do not need to insure their cars against all different types of damages or accidents. In general, individuals can choose between having comprehensive or liability insurance coverage. Deciding between which insurance coverage would be best for you as an individual can be more easily begun by first determining which type of auto insurance is affordable to you. Once you determine the insurance you need to have, you can begin to explore whether or not any additional coverage would be beneficial in your life.

Liability coverage covers damage caused to other people. This can include not just their property, but their body as well. Medical liability helps to ensure that the cost of a person’s medical costs and/or their death will be met. Comprehensive coverage extends to your own vehicle and the property of other people. Collision coverage ensures that your car and other vehicles involved in the collision are covered in the event that they are damaged and you are found to be the cause. Underinsured motorist property damage pays for the costs in the event that the liability insurance coverage had by the negligent driver is not enough. Regardless of the type of insurance that an individuals chooses to have, the laws of the United States of America do require drivers to insure their vehicles prior to taking them out on the road. Individuals who do not insure their vehicles, or who allow their insurance to lapse, can bring problems down upon themselves if they are ever caught in a situation where they need to, but cannot, provide proof of insurance.

Jaguar X Type: The Classic Luxury Sports Car

25-09-2010 by admin

Built on a modified version of the Ford CD 132 platform, the Jaguar X Type is considered to be just another version of the Ford Mondeo. Take away the badge and the name from the Ford Mondeo and put in Jaguar badges, you would be getting the the Jaguar X Type. In fact the platform which it was built on was just a modified version of the Ford CDW 27 platform which is what the Ford Mondeo uses. Production for this vehicle has started since 2001 and still continue up at present. The Jaguar X Type is one of the smallest of the brands saloon cars. This was actually built so as to take part of the success that the Jaguar S Type has been reaping in.

Classic. That is what best describes the Jaguar X Type. Yet, the power, the delivery, and the performance is very much high technology and very modern. This vehicle has also been the vehicle that has made many firsts for the Jaguar brand. It was the first Jaguar to have an all wheel drive system. It also was the brands first entry to the mid sized luxury sports car category.

This vehicle has been crafted and manufactured with a couple of trim levels made available. Of course, each of these trim levels come with certain amenities and features that are unique to the others.

The Jaguar X Type 3.0 could be yours if you have some $33,995 to spend. It is said to be a luxurious departure from the typical sports sedans. It holds a 227 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 engine and has a five speed automatic transmission. The trim on its console and doors are made up of Bronze Sapele wood veneer trim. It has a steering wheel wrapped in leather, and the same goes to its steering wheel. For $36,295, you can own the Jaguar X Type Sport. It has an aggressive styling and holds a sport tuned suspension. As per the Jaguar X Type VDP Edition, you can have this for $35,945. Indeed, this vehicle is known to be an elegant one. It has rain sensing wipers as well as a memory function on the drivers seat and door mirrors, heated seats, and a trip computer. As per the Jaguar X Type Sportwagon, it is considered to be the most unique and very much practical sportwagon in the auto market. For $36,995, you can own this one. It has a one touch power tilt and slide glass moonroof with manual sunshade as well as fixed silver roof rails.

How to Buy Your New Car- A Methodological Approach

23-09-2010 by admin

Choosing a car is an important decision that merits careful planning. One should take number of things into consideration before buying a car. Following these steps can make the task easier and make you choose the right car for you: Decide what you intend to use the car for daily commuting; recreation; weekends and evenings out; carrying things; towing a trailer; carrying more than one passenger; driving in the city, suburbs or country. Consider factors that are important to you, such as looks, fuel efficiency, performance, reliability and safety features. Come up with a realistic budget, based on what you can afford (consider the monthly payment and cost of upkeep).
Locate a town or an area near your home with several car dealerships; check Sunday newspaper advertisements and the yellow pages. But the best option would be to locate an easy and good site for buying and selling cars online which will involve less effort and energy. Sites like http://www.indimoto.com are a great help.

Find a car that interests you and hop in it. Adjust the seat and mirrors, and check leg room in each part of the car. Ask to take a test drive. Start out on city streets and then head out to the highway. Pay attention to steering ease, turning radius, braking response and acceleration. Adjust the mirrors and radio while you’re driving to test convenience. Return to the dealership and thank the dealer. If you like the car, ask for a business card and say you will return later. Head to the next dealership and investigate other car models as described above. Ask dealers which car most closely resembles the one you previously test-drove, providing the make and model and explaining which features you liked. Test a number of models until you decide on a car, and compare these prices with those at other dealerships.

Some important tips:
Inquire about availability and delivery time, especially if you’re interested in a popular model or want special features
Factor the dealership and its sales staff into your choice. A dealership you can trust, especially one with a competent service centre on site, is worth more than money in your long future with the vehicle. You can, of course, have your car serviced at any dealer authorized by your new car’s warranty.
Start negotiations on polite and friendly terms. Comment on what you like about the car and ask questions. The intent is to make the seller comfortable.
Make your first offer. It should be lower than what you’re willing to pay, but not an insulting figure. Use the list price as a reference, remembering that dealer profit (often around 10 percent) is built into this figure.
Allow the seller to make a counteroffer. If the price is too high, say you’re not able to afford that and ask him to talk to his manager.
If the salesperson balks at your first offer, make a slightly higher one. Continue negotiating until you can agree on a price within your budget. If you can’t agree on a price, seek out another dealer. You may be able to go back and get the first dealer to underbid the second dealer
Avoid setting your heart on one particular model or make. There are hundreds of excellent vehicles on the market, and becoming attached to one of them may make you less hard-headed in your bargaining.

The Confidence and Sports Car Feel That the Jaguar XJR

20-09-2010 by admin

The Confidence and Sports Car Feel That the Jaguar XJR Exudes

After the production of the Jaguar XJS was halted, the spot and niche that it previously held was not left vacant. However, this was not for a long period of time because soon enough, Jaguar Cars introduced the Jaguar XKR to the public and the automobile manufacturer placed this new vehicle on the spot that the Jaguar XJS used to occupy. In fact, the Jaguar XKR was introduced to the public as a production vehicle in 1997. Up until the present, this vehicle is still continually being produced. It is classified as a GT car and it has been made available in two body styles which are the coupe that holds two doors and the convertible which holds two doors as well.

The Jaguar XKR is actually a part of the Jaguar XK series. This series comes manufactured in a couple of body styles which comprise of the Grand Touring style and the convertible style. Just like any Jaguar vehicle manufactured or simply shown to the public, the Jaguar XJR does not fail to stimulate emotions. After all, it is one vehicle that captures peoples attention because of its style and capacity to provide a superb performance.

This vehicle actually has gone though many upgrades and changes through time. Of course, these changes would have to be done so as to further improve not only the looks and style of the Jaguar XJR but also its performance and delivery as well. Although one could not see any significant changes done to its interior and exterior features, most of the changes done are underneath all the metal. In fact, the most notable modifications and upgrades were actually those that were done to the vehicles powertrain.

The Jaguar XJR is the kind of vehicle that would give the person looking at it, driving it, or plain riding in it the feeling that it is one of those sports cars that could and would change your driving preferences for it exudes an aura of confidence, exquisite performance, and perfect handling. Although it could be said that it would be quite impractical to buy this kind of vehicle if you need a vehicle that could and would do more things than just drive around and show off its features.

Carefully selected from outstanding Jaguar car parts, Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts products are guaranteed to be of the highest quality. Interested parties, Jaguar owners and Jaguar followers can simply visit the online store for a huge selection of Jaguar parts for all models like the Jaguar XKR, the MK10, the X type, the XJ 12, the XJR, and the XK 140 among many others. Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts also stocks thousands of Jaguar XJR parts and Jaguar accessories for all enthusiasts.

Find OEM Jaguar auto parts, remanufactured parts, new aftermarket parts, used parts, Jaguar performance parts, and more. The collection of Jaguar parts includes Jaguar XKR accessories, air intake system parts, brakes, climate control parts, cooling system parts, drive belts, fuel injection parts, fuel system parts, service tools, steering system parts, suspension system parts, and transmission parts among many others. These parts are guaranteed to be durable and functional so as to assist in repairing and maintaining your Jaguar vehicle.

Car Insurance For Teens – Is There A Cheaper Route?

by admin

Car Insurance For Teens – Is There A Cheaper Route?

There are remarkable increase both in Teenager Car Insurance Policy and Claims. Normally the premium for teenager car insurance is very high when compared to people over 25 years. However, some insurance companies are considerate towards teenagers and offer cheap insurance polices.

Teenage drivers get into more accidents when compared to age group 30 to 50. If the risk covered is high then the insurance premium will also be high. Suggestions to keep lower premium for car insurance are: Traffic rules and road safety laws are to be strictly adhered to in order to keep the driving license of the teenager clean; driving with in the permitted speed; instead of taking separate policy for teenager, he can be covered as an additional driver in the same policy; enrolment of teenager in regular driving courses and stay away from alcohol.

Car Insurance premium is based on the certain factors viz., 1. Age and sex of the driver; 2. Driving record of driver and how long this person has been driving; 3. City in which the driver lives and 4. Type of vehicle being insured. There are fabulous discounts on premium offered by different companies. The vehicle should be checked before insured with respect to air bag, anti lock brake features and anti theft devices.

Car insurance premium is a real problem for the parents of the teenager. In the teens driving becomes an obsession and to protect them car insurance is a necessity. Insurance companies offer cheap rates for older, heavier cars when compared to sports cars. Older cars are hard to drive and cannot be driven recklessly. The risk coverage on older cars is less compared to new cars. Hence, insurance companies offer cheap rates for old cars. Insurance companies offer substantial discounts on good driving records. Students with better school grades may get good student discounts on insurance premium. A teenage driver can also be included in the family policy listing them as an occasional driver and this will reduce the premium when compared to individual teenager car insurance policy. According to the statistics taken by different Insurance Institutes, teenage car driver is vulnerable to car accidents when compared to drivers whose ages are between 30 and 60. This is the reason that car insurance premium is higher for teen drivers.

Insurance companies consider teen drivers as reckless drivers based on accident frequency and they charge higher premium on insurance policy. However, there are exceptions to this based on the value of the car. Higher value car is charged more premium compared to old and lower value cars. The teen driver has to be advised not to drive recklessly. Family insurance or parent insurance policy for the car is advisable when compared to individual teenage car insurance. This makes every parent not to feel the burden of insurance premium when their adolescent child becomes licensed to practice driving. The teens should get away from lack of driving by properly learning driving by joining a driving course which makes the teens to get cheaper insurance rates than teens that do not undergone driving course.

Is Your Cars Brake Light Stuck?

18-09-2010 by admin

When your brake light seems to be always on, then you might want to check it. You see, your cars brake light may be stuck. You should first check the brake pedal switch. If you do not know where to find this, it is actually that small button that you can find behind the brake pedal. When you press the brake pedal down, this button is actually activated and makes your brake lights go on. Try checking the switch manually. If this seems to be the problem, then you can try giving it more force for it to become unstuck and solve the brake light problem.

Or you can check other parts of your brake system to see which one might be the culprit for your cars eternally on brake light. You can check the fuse of the brake light and see if there are any damages to it. Also check the light bulbs of the brake light itself. If you simply are stumped, you can bring your car to your trusted mechanic so he himself can diagnose the problem for you. And when he does, he also could expertly find the solution so as to get rid of your brake light problem.

So why is it important to fix your cars brake light problem? Well, according to automobile experts, when you drive around in a car that has brake lights that do not work perfectly, you are increasing your chances of being in an accident or even of being the cause of other motorists accidents. That certainly would not be something you would not like to be caught in the middle of.

Your brake lights are there not just for aesthetic purposes. They serve as a signal for other motorists on what you are doing. These brake lights also send out information to other drivers that you are slowing down or are doing to stop your vehicle.

How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers’

17-09-2010 by admin

How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers’ Dirty Tricks

How to buy a new Car

Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our life.

There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste and style, our economic status and our character. Some women even claim that a car is a mans extension of his reproductive organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they fall in love with a certain car model.

There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.

In our modern life its almost impossible to function without one and its expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.

Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a brand new car is a great feeling.

When is the best time to buy a new car?

There are two “best times” to buy a car. The end of December is a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be $1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!

How and where to search for prices:

Invoice price what the dealer pays the manufacturer has become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer’s need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere between sticker and invoice.

Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and in most cases their buying tools automatically add option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the process.

Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate summation of a car’s value, which immediately puts him or her in a stronger negotiating position.

Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various parts of the country. Search for Edmunds.com on the web.

for example, reveals the True Market Value: CarsDirect.com, which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed CarsDirect price Intellichoice.com sorts out the Best Deals of the Month.

The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:

After you made your research via the Internet, its important you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.

You would be much better off selling your old car yourself rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer will have to earn some money on it as well.

Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.

There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales courses, its called throwing a lowball, in this tactic a customer is offered a very good price on a car, Perhaps as much as $500 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out, extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows, customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice they have now made.

Then something happens. All of a sudden an error in the calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer insists on having it, then $500 must be added to the price…

The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they let the bank handling the financing find the mistake, other times the boss is not approving the deal because wed be losing money. They make it look as if its not that big mistake as its a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.

The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a different vehicle, just say “no” and go somewhere else.

If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers scams and how to avoid them go to: carbuyingtips.com/scams

Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into extras you don’t want and probably don’t need. These can include added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection, anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.

Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the car, looking for scratches or dents; anything that mars the perfect finish. If you’re not happy, get a written agreement (known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.