Posted by Mel Green in July 21st, 2010
When the economic climate is hard maintaining a car can seem daunting, so it is sometimes tempting not to spend the money. But, this is a false economy, if a car is not well maintained it will reduce its resale, or trade in value and can lead to serious mechanical problems.
Luckily by taking a few simple steps you can considerably reduce the cost of maintaining your vehicle without any adverse effects. The most important thing to do is to shop around whenever you need some work doing on your car. It sounds obvious, but we are all guilty of just going to the garage which is nearest to us. Once you find the local mechanic or garage that is offering the best price, double check that the price includes everything and that it is a fixed price.
You should also shop around for insurance. If you get a quote from one company give other companies the chance to match the offer. Consider raising the level of excess that you pay in the case of an accident. Some companies offer a discount if your car is stored in the garage, if this is the case move some of you junk out of your garage and put your car in it.
Reduce your fuel costs by removing extra weight from your car, driving well and avoiding the rush hour and roadworks. Reducing drag will also help to minimise your fuel costs, you can achieve this by removing roof or cycle racks, and repairing any loose trim on your car. Keeping your sunroof and windows closed also helps to reduce drag. Avoid using air-conditioning or other electrical systems, all these systems use fuel.
Buying used or re-conditioned parts for your car is another method of reducing the cost of maintaining your car. Parts like mirrors, body panels and switches do not need to be new to do the job. Use your local scrap yard, or one of the many on-line companies to find the parts for you. If you need accessories for your car try to only buy these in the sales.
Looking to find the best offer on your repairable cars?, then visit us to find the best cash price now if you want to sell your car.
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Posted by Pete Roberts in September 30th, 2009
by Pete Roberts
Used cars are a great way to save money. If your looking to save thousands of dollars a used vehicle makes sense and should not be overlooked. It is a good idea to research a particular model or year to make sure you get a reliable automobile.
Many people when searching for used cars check their local used car dealer lots. Used car dealers often have the vehicle at a high book value but the vehicle has often been through a safety check and tuneup and this may include a complete detail. If you are buying from a reputable dealer chances are you are buying a quality used car.
When you buy a used car from a private party you can find nice deals below book value. It pays to know the value of cars before you go shopping for a set of wheels. You can often purchase a book or guide that will list prices of vehicles based on year, model, condition and even mileage that way you can avoid getting scammed.
If you find a vehicle at a price that seems fair it never hurts to offer 25% bellow asking price often you will find a seller will meet you halfway. Dealers usually do not drop as much but will often drop price if you can point out some defects and extra wear such as carpets, upholstery, worn tires or even paint and window chips.
If you shop for a used car loan or personal loan always get several quotes before you make a purchase. Check you local banks and your insurance agent to see if there are any special deals available on loans. By shopping loans you could save hundreds sometimes thousands of dollars over the term of the loan. know you loan options because less reputable dealers may take advantage of people who have failed to do their homework on shopping for loans. In some instances a reputable dealer can save you money by offering a better loan deal than the loan quotes you have already received.
Often people looking for used cars start by searching the local classifieds online or used dealer car lots. Don’t ignore the best deals often found at online car auctions or locally at public car auctions. Most car auctions require payment and to take delivery same day and many dealers will be competing because the deals are truly that good.
Knowing the cars your interested it would be wise to have your insurance agent to give you a quote. Some cars carry higher insurance costs and this could cost you more on the operating cost of your used car significantly especially if your a young risky driver with a less than perfect driving record. Consider researching all vehicle related costs with a used car before making buying a used car.
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