Each year, out of all the vehicles bought in the U.S., 41 million are used cars compared to only 16 million new car purchases.

Since purchasing a car is the next financial investment made by US citizen other than housing, it is important to determine if buying a used car is worth your money.

1) CONS - Here is a list of the disadvantages of used-car buying:

* The options of cars are limited, so the search for the right vehicle could be lengthy.

* The buyers have no idea if the car was treated. Used cars usually have worn consumables such as hoses, tires, shocks, filters, fans and clutch.

* Although used car dealers provide a warranty, it is only limited to a couple of months unlike purchasing a new car with full warranty. Certain maintenance on your purchased second-hand car could be more expensive.

* Purchasing a second-hand vehicle would offer you a lower trade-in value.

* The main disadvantage of purchasing old cars is that it has an unknown quantity. Whether the dealer has worked the vehicle to make it attractive for the test drive, the buyers are still unaware of the repair bills, economical issues, and its reliable transportation.

* It is difficult to negotiate fair financing terms on an older vehicle.

2) PROS - On the other side, buying a used car could benefit the buyer in several ways:

* The original owner of the car received the depreciation hit. The market value of the new car decreases from year to year. An average 30% of its value within three years from the time it was bought, so buying their car would save you a lot of money.

* Unlike purchasing a new vehicle with high insurance fees, you will receive a lower cost of insurance if you choose to buy second-hand cars.

* Although buying new and used cars both provide loans, lease, or money-saving the majority of dealers who sell used cars often have shorter loan terms.

* If your investment is decided based on appearance and gas mileage, choosing a used car would guarantee the value and reliability it has provided over the years.

* A used car would provide your dollar more flexibility. Compared from buying a new car that would eat all your finances, buying a second-hand car would allow you to purchase other accessories such as air conditioning that would cost approximately US$200 to $900 extra.

Buying your used car could waste your money if you fail to do your research, compare dealerships, and be aware of the car’s market value. Be a wise used-car buyer.

About the author:

Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

Some Tips To Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs:

1. Get Multiple Quotes:

Find out what your State’s requirements with respect to car insurance are. Go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners web site. Then choose your state’s website and click on it. You will the find complete information about the coverage you need.

Now visit different car insurance websites. Click on the get a quote links. Just key in your information and get quotes from at least 5 companies. Auto insurance premiums vary greatly from one insurance company to another.

If you fail to understand some part of the policy then get the insurance agent to explain it to you. Always read the fine print to understand what cover is entitled to you and most important what cover you are EXCLUDED from.

2. Save Insurance Premium Money On Older Cars:

If you own car that’s not worth much say less than two thousand dollars then drop the collision/comprehensive coverage clauses on your car insurance cover. If you car suffers extensive damage or is totaled then you will probably never recover much in damages and it is most likely that you will pay more in car insurance premiums for the extra cover.

Get you car valued for its fair market price either through a dealer or using the Kelley Blue Book. Then decide if you need the collision or comprehensive coverage for your older car.

Start putting away that extra premium amount you would have paid for the collision/comprehensive cover for the older car in a savings account. You will probably get a head start for that new car you are dreaming about!

3. Drop Duplicate Medical Coverage:

If you are already covered under other policies for medical insurance in case of accident and are already paying a hefty premium on that then you eliminate the duplicate medical coverage under your car insurance. But always ensure that you are medical insurance covers you adequately for any car accident related injuries. Only then ask for the dropping of this provision in your auto insurance policy.

4. Buy A Car With A Low Profile:

Safe, low profile cars qualify for lower premiums. A high profile car means more premiums. If auto insurance costs are high on your mind than choose a safe, reliable car.

5.Low Mileage Qualifies For A Discount:

The lesser you drive the car the lesser your auto insurance costs. So consider car pooling, using public transportation for long commutes to reduce your auto insurance premiums.

6. Safety Features Qualify For Discount

Do you know the more number of safety features in your car qualify for more discounts on your car insurance policy. Specifically, ask for these discounts if not mentioned in your quote.

Also, many companies offer discounts if you install safety features in your car like an active or passive auto anti-theft device in your car or if you etch the vehicle identification number in the corners of your windows. Park your car in a protected area. Always lock your car. Never leave packages or belongings in sight in your car. Avoid known high-risk parking areas.

7. Ask About The Other Discounts:

Always ask about the other discounts that you might be entitled to. For example having a 20 year accident free safety record could qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance policy so always ask.

8. Ask About Area Based Car Insurance:

If you are considering a move from a highly congested area to a rural area then your car insurance premiums may be considerably reduced based on the profile of the area you moving into.

9.Ask For Higher Deductibles:

Deductibles are the amount you pay before you make your claim. Higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage will substantially reduce your costs.

10. A Clean Credit History Can Reduce Car Premiums:

Most of the insurance companies will check your credit history before granting your application. A clean credit history and a reasonably clean driving record represent a smaller risk for the insurance company and you may well qualify for a preferred policy with lower premiums.

On the other hand those with bad credit histories may have problems in keeping up car insurance payments and keep policies in force, also they have higher claims to loss ratio so insurers will usually put them in higher premium bracket.

About The Author

Samuel Beatson Runs http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com and http://www.cars.internets-business.com.

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

Buying a used car? You need an extended auto warranty to protect you from expensive surprises down the road. But be careful when your dealer tries to sell you used auto extended warranty coverage. Usually, the dealer is simply reselling used auto warranties issued by a used auto warranty company, with a markup of up to $1000. You could just as easily have bought the extended warranty directly from the auto warranty company.

But overpaying for a third-party used car extended auto warranty is certainly not the worst used auto warranty deal you can get. The worst auto extended warranty deal is to buy one that isn’t issued by a third party at all.

Dealer-Issued Extended Auto Warranties Explained

Yes, some dealers actually sell extended auto warranties they’ve created themselves. These dealer-issued auto warranties typically only allow you to get service at the dealership. They either don’t cover repairs done anywhere else at all, or they only cover emergency repairs for breakdowns.

Often, a dealer-issued used auto extended warranty even restricts you to getting maintenance at the dealership only. With a captive clientele, the dealerships often charge much more than local mechanics.

There are some other big problems with a dealer-issued used auto extended warranty:

What happens if you move far away? Answer: you’d have to buy another auto warranty.

What if you’re driving somewhere far away when your car breaks down? Answer: if the used auto warranty doesn’t cover reimbursements for emergency service, you’re in trouble. Even if it does cover reimbursements, you’d better hope your credit card or checking account can handle the damage in the meantime.

What if the dealership goes bankrupt? Answer: get in line behind the banks, the car manufacturer, the dealership’s vendors, and everyone else trying to get money out of the business.

What if you just aren’t satisfied with the dealer’s work? Answer: complain very, very nicely. You can’t take your business elsewhere unless you’re willing to pay for it.

If you comparison shopped the dealer-issued extended auto warranty, you’d realize it wasn’t worth it. But most people never do a used auto extended warranties comparison. There is simply so much ignorance about auto warranties. Your best hope is to learn more.

Dealer-Issued Used Auto Warranties: Why Does Anyone Buy Them?

Most often, the buyer simply never thought about an extended auto warranty before going to the dealership. When the salesperson explains how important extended auto warranty coverage is, the buyer just thanks him for the tip and buys it.

The buyer doesn’t realize how expensive the warranty is. Of course, car repairs can potentially be so expensive that even an overpriced dealer-issued warranty can pay for itself several times over. Meanwhile, next to a $15,000 car, even an overpriced $2500 dealer-issued warranty seems cheap. But if you’re going to buy a warranty, why not buy a really good one?

Many buyers mistake dealer-issued warranties for manufacturers’ warranties. In some cases, the salesperson may even try to let you think the warranty will cover repairs at any of the dealerships affiliated with that manufacturer (say, any Chrysler or Mitsubishi dealership). Of course, such warranties do exist, but they’re more common for new cars than used cars.

In short, if a used car dealer ever tries to sell you an extended auto warranty, make sure to ask flat out: will this warranty cover repairs done anywhere, or just this dealership? Double-check the warranty itself to make sure it has a third-party company’s name on it, not the dealership’s.

Better yet, why not just buy the extended warranty directly from the warranty company rather than pay the dealer hundreds of dollars of markup on it? That way, you can also research the warranty thoroughly, without pressure.

In fact, you should start investigating extended auto warranties even before you go to the dealership. You’ll certainly like the salesperson’s face when you tell him you know what the original warranty company charges for the warranty they’re trying to sell you. You’ll also know in advance how much total the car purchase really will cost you.

Don’t wait. Start looking at extended auto warranties now, before the dealerships’ salespeople ever have a chance to breathe down your neck.

About The Author

Joel Walsh, a freelance automotive writer recommends Auto Service Warranty, Inc. Where you can get a car warranty quote online in seconds: http://www.AutoServiceWarranty.com/ [Publish this article on your website! Requirement: live link for above URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: “car warranty” OR leave this bracketed message intact.]

freereprint@upmarketcontent.com

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair