Car Buying Tips To Save You Money

GPS Safety Advice For Car Owners

2012-01-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

This is a MUST read for ALL GPS Owners! I heard of this happening at a local football game, criminals are getting smart.

We all rely on our GPS directions to get to certain locations. What is the first thing you do with your GPS? If you are like most, you program your home address so you can find the closest route home from wherever you are. Well, you may want to re-think this, as at the football game, a GPS was stolen off the dash of a car along with the garage door opener. You can see where this is going....yes, they used the GPS to go straight to the home of the football fan, then gained entrance to the home with the garage door opener. They parked their car inside the garage where they were unnoticed and knew how long it would be before the football game would be over.

If I can give one piece of advice, program a gas station or local store into your GPS that will get you close to home. DO NOT PROGRAM YOUR HOME ADRRESS IN YOUR GPS!!! Use the link below this post that says "email this" and send it to ALL YOUR FRIENDS!

Used Car Buying Tips; 3 Reasons To Buy Used

2012-01-21T19:23:00.000-08:00

Remember, I am an ex-Car Salesman and I am going to give you 3 reasons why I was going to push you (the customer) towards buying a Used Car.

Used Car Buying Tip #1
The biggest reason I wanted you to buy a Used Car was because I was going to make a much better commission. The Used Car Commission would average between $400 and $1200 where as a New Car Commission was $100 to $300 on average. Let's be perfectly honest, what would you do?

Used Car Buying Tip #2
The second reason I wanted you to buy a Used Car is because of the survey. This would make dealers and car company's cringe, but let's be totally honest with everyone. You need to know why you are being pushed to this Used Car. This is felt by many Car Salesmen, not just myself. Every time I sold a New Car, the customer would get a survey that would rate how the salesman did along with the dealership. I always received high scores, but its because I had to work extra hard to insure that I did. When I sold a Used Car, I could literally toss you the keys and be done. I have witnessed many car salesman do this. It was just about the immediate gratification and they did not care about the next car you were going to buy or about your brother, sister, neighbor, co-worker or anyone else that may be interested in buying a car.

Used Car Buying Tip #3
This Car Buying Tip towards Used is not as obvious as the others. It is much easier to make you happy with your trade in value when you are buying a Used Car. First off, the Used Car Manager is appraising your Car, so if you are buying a Used Car from their department, I could get you a little more for your trade. Used Car Managers want their numbers to look good, selling more Used Cars makes sure they keep their job. Second, you are able to over allow on your trade to show you numbers like you are getting more for your trade. This over allowance comes out of the profit the dealership and salesman makes, but many times this is what wins a customer over when they just received an appraised value down the street for $1000 less. This is one important thing to remember, YOUR CAR IS WORTH WHAT ITS WORTH! If you remember nothing else, remember this. All dealers are giving you very close numbers on what your car is worth, but many just present the numbers differently to make it look like you are getting more. You would be surprised how many times dealers in an area call each other on trades. For instance, if you are trading a Toyota Camry and are shopping Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, etc., many other dealers will call the Toyota Used Car Manager to make sure what to appraise the car at. If you already shopped at Toyota, they will say, "I just appraised that Car." You told the Toyota salesman you were going to have lunch and think about it, so they DO realize you are shopping. Be honest and tell the dealer you are going to shop around, this will cause these dealers to get the numbers as low as they are willing to go, this could work to your advantage.

These are just 3 reasons you are directed toward that slightly Used Car, not only is more money made by the salesman, but it is just an easier deal. Understanding these tips can help you get a better deal the next time you are buying a Used Car. If I can help you in any way, feel free to email me (email at the top of this page) and be sure to add yourself to the subscription link on the right side of this page and you will receive any new articles written on this page for more Car Buying Tips To Save You Money.

Blonde Car Driving Jokes

2012-01-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

There were two blonde friends driving to Disney World. They were driving on the interstate when they saw a sign that said Disney World LEFT. They both started crying and turned around and went home!

A highway patrolman was on the highway when he saw a Blonde behind the wheel that was not paying any attention. After she ignored his siren and lights, he pulled even with the car and realized the blonde was knitting! He got on the squad cars loud speaker and yelled for her to PULL OVER! The Blonde rolled the window down and said, NO, ITS A SCARF!!!!

Car Insurance Comparison; What Car Insurance Is Best

2012-01-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

Car Insurance Comparison among different Insurance Companies will differ from person to person, but I want to hear Car Insurance Comparisons among readers.

Car Insurance rates vary depending on many factors to include, age, driving record, type of Car, to name just a few. But I would like to hear how your Insurance Carrier is better or worse than the next. I would also like to tally the votes of what Insurance Company is most popular, so if you just want to say what Company you use, drop me a comment.

This will be an unofficial Car Insurance Comparison as it relates to readers of "Car Buying Tips To Save You Money."

Electric Car - Hybrid Car Question?

2012-01-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

We all know the benefits of Electric Cars; lower emissions, lowering dependence on oil, and lessening our carbon footprint. The only downfall with Electric Cars is the need for re-charging after a given range of the battery.

This is where Hybrid Cars come into the picture as you get the benefits of the Electric Car and then it switches to a Gasoline powered Car after the Electric limit has been reached.

Now, for my question. This is probably a crazy question because if it could be done, I know that it would already be implemented. Why, when a Hybrid Car switches to Gas powered can there not be a way to charge the battery? I know it is a totally different setup, but something like an alternator. Don't call me crazy, just wanted to hear from internet experts.

Gas Prices To Soar Summer 2012; $5 Per Gallon?

2012-01-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

There are rumors that gas prices could soar to $5 dollars per gallon or more in the summer of 2012. Are you prepared to pay double the amount you are now paying for gas? If the analysts are correct, you may want to start looking for a more fuel efficient vehicle now!

The reasons for the rise in gas prices go something like this, Iran is cutting the flow of oil coming thru its country if sanctions continue against their nuclear program....that is the short answer. If you are like me, I question how much of the US Oil Supply comes from that region? From my reading, it looks like 1/3 of the Worlds Oil Supply comes thru that region, but the US directly sees only about 6 percent of that oil. It always goes back to the golden rule, he who holds the gold, makes the rules.

We will see how 2012 fares for gas prices, but everyone can make a difference. Car pool where you can, try lowering unnecessary trips to town, buy more fuel efficient vehicles, and check for ways to get better fuel economy out of your present vehicle.

Negotiate Car Deals; 3 Steps To Your Best Deal

2011-11-20T21:02:00.001-08:00

Negotiating a Car Deal is a process that everyone hates to go through, but it can be as easy as 1, 2, 3. Car Dealers deal in Car Deals everyday, they practice negotiating, they have dealt with EVERY scenario. Car Salesmen are good at closing deals because it is what they do, remember this. I am going to give you 3 tips to get a leg up when negotiating your next Car Deal.

1. Never, I say NEVER, negotiate your Car Deal from a payment aspect. Car Salesmen want you to negotiate with payments because they have several ways to make the payment fit your criteria. Worry about payment after you have negotiated your best price on the car of your choice. If you negotiate with payments only, the dealer can extend terms, lower interest rates, or demand more money out of your pocket. Pick the Car you want to buy and do your research to determine what you are willing to pay. Also, please do not be unreasonable when negotiating on price. The dealer must make a profit to stay in business, but they do not have to make it all on your car deal.

2. The 2nd do not, is do not make an emotional purchase because you will always pay too much. When you choose your Car to make a Deal on, realize, there are many more cars out there that you would love just as much. If you are looking at a New Car, there are many other dealerships that will have the same New Car, you may have to drive out of town to make your New Car Deal. If you are Dealing on a used car, know there are hundreds if not thousands of used cars in your area. Emotional Car Deals will always cost you more. It is always a good idea to sleep on it overnight so that you can weigh the pros and cons of the Car of your choice.

3. The 3rd Car Deal Tip is to realize that financing is a crucial and costly part of your Car Deal. You can Negotiate the best Car Deal in history and pay too much in Finance Charges and negate the great deal. Car Dealers make money on financing, sometimes there is more money made on financing than on the Car Purchase. Here is how it works. The Salesman comes and says "I have Great News, you are qualified for 7.9 percent financing. What the dealer and salesman do not want you to know is that the lender gave you a rate of 5.9 percent. That means between the "Buy Rate" and what you are charged is 2 percent. This 2 percent or 2 points is profit for the dealer. Now, I am not saying that the dealer is not supposed to make money for handling your paperwork and obtaining financing for you because this is how banks and any lending institution operates. I am saying, shop around for your financing to make sure you are getting the best rate possible. Check at your local bank or credit union as well.

How do I get the best price on a new car?

These are 3 quick tips to help you get the best Car Deal possible. There are many other little tips I will discuss in detail, but be sure to negotiate on price, don't buy on emotions, and get your best interest rate to save money.

2011-11-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

2011 Model Year End Clearance; Cars, Trucks, SUV

2011-11-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

It is time to clear all 2011 Model Cars, Truck, and SUV's from dealership lots around the country. If you have too much negative equity, now is a great time to trade your "upside down" vehicle. Rebates and Incentives are at all time highs to move out the 2011 models. There are some new 2011 New models that you can purchase cheaper than a used model.

November has seen an upturn in the auto industry, some say it is pent up demand, but I believe customers are wiser and know there are deals to be found when manufacturers and dealers are delving out deals to empty the current years inventory to make room for 2012's. The auto industry is usually a good barometer of the state of the economy so either way, things seem to be getting brighter.

If you feel you made a great deal on a new vehicle this year, tell everyone about it under comment. If you have a favorite dealership, let us know what keeps you coming back. How do I get the best price on a new car?

What Is Your Favorite Car?

2011-09-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite car? I am curious if everyone has a favorite Auto Maker or a favorite make? Is your favorite maker Toyota, GM, Ford, Nissan or other? Is your favorite car one that has been around or is it a model that is new to the market? Would you rather drive a Truck or SUV instead?

High Gas Prices; Raise Your Gas Mileage MPG

2011-04-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

Gas Prices are continueing to rise at an alarming rate and we have no choice, but to continue paying at the pump. There are a few simple inexpensive things we can do to insure we are getting the best Gas Mileage possible.

The easiest and cheapest thing we can do to increase Gas Mileage is to check the tire pressure in our tires. Make sure you have equal amounts in all tires so that your car is not pulling. DO NOT OVERINFLATE your tires. Inflate your tires to the manufacturers suggested tire pressure.

Get a tune up on your car, truck, or SUV and you will be surprised at the increase in fuel mileage. Getting your spark plugs and wires changed, air filter changed, fuel filter, and even an oil change can help your car get better Gas Mileage. Most of these things can be done yourself, but if not, the savings will outweigh the cost over time.

If you have other ideas to increase Gas Mileage, please post under comments so that we can all benefit.

Top 10 Things Customers Hate To Hear From Car Salesman

2011-02-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

TOP 10 THINGS CUSTOMERS HATE TO HEAR FROM THEIR SALESPERSON WHEN BUYING A CAR:

1) How much do you want to pay per month? This is a question that is abused by many sales people, I have been guilty of this one myself. Salesmen ask this so they can land you on a car that maximizes profit and commission to the sales person.

2) When can your husband come to look at the car? Don't assume that women cannot make a decision without their husband.

3) Do you have good credit? Assume everyone can buy a car on credit. Do not judge a book by its cover.

4) "If I could, would ya". This is old school when the salesman was trying to get some sort of committment from the customer. "If I could sell this car for 10000, would you buy it today?". Maybe I am the only one that hates this one.

5) How much do you want for your trade in? This has to be one of the stupidest questions ever. What will a customer say? "AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE".

6) Another customer was looking at this car this morning and is coming back to get it. Customers response is usually, "if its gone, it wasn't meant to be".

7) Are you ready to buy a car today? I feel like any customer that is looking at a car is ready to buy if the car is right, price is right, and you don't ask stupid questions.

8) I'm loosing money on this car to sell it to you at this price or I am selling this car at cost. Give me a break, customers are not idiots. They know you would be out of business if cars were sold below cost!

9) Customers also do not want to hear the salesman bad mouth the competition. Point out differences that makes your car better, but DO NOT put the competition down.

10) Bad mouthing the trade in. Don't talk about how bad the trade is, that is usually why customers want to trade. They know what's wrong with it, you don't have to throw salt on the wound.

Let me know from a customers view or a salesman's view what you hate to hear. I would like to know how close they are to my top 10.

GM IPO Stock Purchase For Employees, Retirees, Dealers

2010-10-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

GM is coming out of bankruptcy swinging, Initial Public Offering of stocks to Employees, Retirees, and Dealers.

This coming off a money making summer for GM and also timed well with the roll out of the highly anticipated Chevy Volt Plug in Electric Car.

GM Employees, Dealers, and retirees have until October 22 to decide if they want to gamble on GM's future. GM CEO stated that the IPO price would be in the 20-25 dollar range, but there have been no concrete details set fourth yet.

The Government is expected to release approximately 20 percent of their more than 300 million shares. The Government will release the other portion of their 60 percent ownership over the coming months and years to recoup the investment in saving the auto giant.

2010 Year End Model Close Out Deals

2010-10-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

If you have not taken advantage of a close out 2010 model Car, Truck, or SUV, you may want to act fast!

Car Company's are moving these vehicles as fast as possible and they are going quick. At one time, November and December were the months with the greatest incentives, but It seems to be a race to see who can liquidate Model Close Outs the quickest.

It is not only moving these vehicles so they don't get stuck with them at year end, but they also want to unveil the new models coming out. Many consumers want to be the first to own next years model, whether it be a new design or just the idea of saying they have the new 2011.
How do I get the best price on a new car?

GM No-Start Pass Lock Sensor

2010-10-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

If you have a GM vehicle that turns over, but will not start; check this. Turn your key to run without turning over and see if your Security light is flashing. Many times the Pass Lock Sensor will not recognize your key and will not crank. If your Security light is flashing, you can leave your key in the Run Position until the light quits flashing--it will light up solid after approximately 15 minutes. At this point, turn ignition off and then turn and crank!

This is especially true if your Security light has been coming on periodically while driving. Hope this helps get someone out of a jam because mine has acted up at a gas station twice now. You can have the Sensor replaced or you can deal with the 15 minute delays.

AmeriCredit Auto Finance Sold To General Motors

2010-09-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

AmeriCredit shareholders approved a 3.5 Billion Dollar acquisition by General Motors that has been in the works since June.

General Motors needed a way to offer financing to those with medium credit and AmeriCredit was seen as the solution. AmeriCredit stock rose 7 cents and this should give GM a confidence boost before their initial stock offering.

The question is; Do you see General Motors as a stronger company now as compared to pre-Government GM?

Car Companies Consolidating Brands

2010-05-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

I guess it was just a matter of time before the car companies were forced to consolidate brands. It started with the demise of oldsmobile, then Pontiac and Hummer. Now it looks like Ford will follow GM's lead and say goodbye to Mercury.

Is it the fact that the new generation of car buyers despise companies that their parents supported? Or is it that these same companies were too slow to react to changing times? I think that the price of cars are out of control! Who wants to spend 40, 50, or even 60 grand on a piece of machinery that takes them to work? Yea, it is nice to go in style, but enough is enouph.

I believe it is time to work hard on a solution to our dependance on oil. The gulf is paying the price to our love of producing oil and it looks to have no clear solution in sight. Let me know what you think the problem is?

BUGATTI; What An Awesome CAR!!!

2010-01-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

So you want to see an AWESOME CAR? How about the Bugatti? The original founder of Bugatti was Ettore Bugatti founded in 1909 in the town of Molsheim which was part of the German Empire and after 1919 became a region of France. The modern day Sports Car Bugatti is part of the Volkswagen Group. If you want to read more about Bugatti and its history, check out Bugatti Wikipedia for some great information.

Model T Ford Car Tattoo

2010-01-31T08:44:00.001-08:00

Model T Ford Tattoo
Originally uploaded by The Tattoo Studio

This is another cool Car Tattoo. If you have a cool car tattoo, email it to chuckpontiac @ yahoo. com and there will be a contest to see who's car tattoo is the best.

Cool Buick Car Tattoo

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Top 10 Customer Excuses Not To Buy Car; Crazy Salesman Responses

2010-01-29T17:14:00.000-08:00

Im Just Looking:
This one has been used by Car Buyers for ages. Everyone is just looking when they come to a Car Lot. If you are new to Selling Cars remember, ALL customers are just looking. Your job is to assist them in the process of looking without being smart about it. Crazy Salesmen Response: "Im just looking too." or "Looking is Free Today." Dont be smart about it, just realize everyone is just looking when they first arrive. I have even heard salesman ask in the greeting, "are you here to buy a car today."

Check with Spouse:
Check with Spouse is one of those excuses that is hard to overcome because if I were making a major purchase, i would have to check with my spouse too. Just give the customer all the information they need so the spouse will have all the answers to their questions. Crazy salesmen response, "I have to check with my spouse to sell it to ya." I have actually heard that one! And, dont assume that a female shopper has to have a spouse to buy a vehicle. Women buy the cars in the household or have the influence of what is bought! Remember this, Women may not like to negotiate, but they decide what is purchased!

Have Doctors Appointment:
I have never seen so many customers that have Doctors Appointments. This is a good excuse because it is hard to overcome or question. I dont know which customer started this one, but its a good one. Crazy salesmen response: "Can you get me some good meds too."

Go To Work:
This one does not work too well because how many people actually leave early enough to look at a car before going to work. The only time this might come into play is when a customer may be on a lunch break. Crazy Salesmen Response: "Are they hiring."

Have 5 Minutes:
All customers only have 5 minutes. This is because they do not like you in the first 30 seconds. They will give you 5 minutes before they go to another dealer. Crazy Salesmen Response: "Thats not enough time, come see me later when you have more time."

Not Ready:
A customer is telling you they do not have enough information to make an informed decision. Do not take this as a customer wasteing your time, give them more information. Crazy Salesmen Response: "Come see me when your ready." That is too funny, call the customer tomorrow and see what kind of vehicle they purchased!

Do You Have Other Color:
Have you ever seen a customer look around to see what you have to ask you for a color that you do not have? This is sometimes a defense mechanism to get away from you. You now say you can locate one, but they say they would have to look at it first. The customer is usually one step ahead of you. If you are new to car sales, realize the same excuses come up every time and have a response ready. Crazy Salesman Response: "You want a white one, that is the most popular color. Why would you want what everyone else has?"

Price Too High:
This is another excuse for not enough information. You may have to go over features of the vehicle again and make sure customer test drives the vehicle! Customers already know what you can sell a vehicle for because they have invoices just like you. They know you cannot take 5k off the price, believe me! Crazy Salesman Response: "I am trying to feed my kids."

Not Enough For Trade:
Its never enough for trade, but explain where this number comes from. Just like the price of the car, they know what the car is worth. Crazy Salesman Response: "You want more, its a Piece of sh%#!!!"

Have To Look At Other Make:
Customers always want to compare your vehicle to other vehicles. Just remember this, call them the next day to see they purchased the same vehicle from your competitor. Once this happens a few times, you will quit listening to this. Crazy Salesman Response: "You want to look at that. Why? They are ugly!!!"

I have been in the car business for over 10 years so I have heard and seen it all. Customers have excuses for every situation, but i have found out why they come up with these excuses. They either do not feel comfortable with the salesman or in the situation they were put in. You have to give a customer all the information they ask for and let them make an informed decision. You dont have to be pushy, just informative.

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Nervous Car Show Model

2010-01-29T16:57:00.001-08:00

Fiat Girl
Originally uploaded by Ly Ning

I can see why this Car Show Model is a little nervous. Look at how this guy is looking at her! He is not even looking at the vehicle. This looks like one of those awkward moments for a Car Show Model.

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Dealer Car Financing Falls Through? Scam? What Now?

2010-01-29T14:53:00.000-08:00

When you go to a dealership to buy a car, sign all the paperwork in the finance office, drive off, end of story right? Most of the time yes, but what happens if a dealer calls you back and tells you they could not obtain financing for you? This is called "Spot Delivery" as far as car dealer lingo goes or "Spotting the Deal."

It seems when you sign all the paperwork at a dealership that everything should be final, but this is usually not the case. Here is how dealerships operate when financing a car for customers. They have trained Finance personel to look at your credit and determine what rate they believe they can get for you based on the Finance company's standards. The standards set up by the lenders will depend in part on your credit score, type of vehicle you are buying, miles on vehicle, how long you are financing, how much money down, are you trading a car, do you have negative equity? These are just a few factors so you can see how complex these issues can be. Now, most of the time when you sign the paperwork at a dealership, the lender has not given the dealership the final approval or the final interest rate. Many times it may be the next business day before the dealer will know how much the interest will be or if the deal will even be approved.

Many larger dealers will look at your deal and make an educated guess (most of the time very accurately) at your rates. Now realize this as well. When you finance anything, the rate you are given is usually not the best rate possible because interest rates will be marked up just like vehicles. Your buy rate may be 5% and the dealer charges you 7%. The extra money made from the interest goes to the dealer. For anyone in Car Sales, you always get the question on the lot, how much will my Interest Rate Be? Never tell a customer you will get the best rate possible! This will set the dealer up for a lawsuit because a customer usually never gets the best rate possible. Tell the customer: Every customer and every vehicle qualify for different rates and you will be more than happy to figure an interest rate once the application process has been completed.

But, what happens when a dealer calls you and tells you they could not get your vehicle financed? Here is what happens on the dealers side. They believe they can get your deal worked out when you drive off with the car, but lenders are funny sometimes. They may decline a deal that you were sure you could get worked out. The dealer will call the lender back the next day and give them a reason to buy your deal. They may have the General Manager or Owner of the dealership call to try getting your deal worked out. Believe me, they will try every possible option to keep from calling a customer and telling them to bring the car back. This is what they refer to as "Rehashing a deal" and there are some finance managers that are better than others when it comes to "rehashing". This may even be turned over to a Finance Director is some larger dealerships. They will try to find some way to go with your deal. They may even call the customer back and tell them that another $1000 down is needed to secure the deal or the customer may have to resign paperwork if another lender is chosen. It is always a last resort to call a customer and have them bring the car back.

If a dealer cannot get financing worked out for you, take matters into your own hands. Get your own financing. Bad Credit? No Credit? Auto Loans...Contact Us!

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Cool Car Tattoo

2010-01-28T07:18:00.001-08:00

Buick Detail
Originally uploaded by Red Dog Tattoo

Cool Buick Car Tattoo complete with portholes! Do you have a cool car Tattoo that you want to show off? Send me a picture to chuckpontiac @ yahoo. com and I will post to this site. I will also be having a contest to see who wins for the coolest Car Tattoo so good luck.

Model T Ford Car Tattoo

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Funny Snake Road Sign

2010-01-24T17:11:00.001-08:00

please..
Originally uploaded by Chelseaッ

Please Brake for Snakes!!! How many have been driving down the road in their car and hit their brakes for a snake? Seriously?

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Subscribe To Car Buying Tips

2010-01-19T22:21:00.000-08:00

Do you want to keep up with special Dealer Offers including Rebates and Special Interest Rates? Do you want to get insider tips to save money on buying your new or used car? After you have purchased your car, do you want Money Saving Tips on service, parts, and other costly items for your auto?

If you answered yes to any of these please Subscribe to Car Buying Tips To Save You Money by Email This will send you an email every time I post a new item. If it is something you are not interested in, just delete the email. I would love to save you some Money on your current auto or one you intend to purchase in the future.

I am also available for any email questions or qestions posted to any post on Car Buying Tips To Save You Money.