Purchasing a new car is a major investment. Aside from buying a new house, it may be the biggest purchase you will ever make in your entire life. For this reason, you should be certain that you are dealing with a trustworthy maryland hyundai car dealer before deciding to part with your hard-earned cash.
We have all heard the horror stories about those shady car dealers who talk fast and separate a sucker from his money even faster. The good news is that they are the minority and that most car dealers are dependable and honest. Here are a few tips to help you find a trustworthy hyundai car dealership in maryland
(1) Do your homework
Before you start talking to car dealers, try to find out what they are all about. Research online and check their track record, the quality of their after-sales service and other information that will shed light on their reputation and trustworthiness.
At the same time, try to get a firm grasp of the kinds of hyundai that you may want given your particular tastes and budget. This way, when you start speaking to maryland hyundai car dealers, you can tell if their sales pitch about the car you want is accurate or just a lot of hogwash. Bear in mind, though, that just because a salesperson quotes you a price that is higher than what youve seen online, it doesnt mean hes a crook. Trying to make a decent profit is just part of their job.
(2) Trust Your Instincts
Sometimes you will come across a salesperson that you simply dont trust or are not comfortable with for no apparent reason. Those bad vibes mean something. Perhaps your subconscious has spotted something out of place about this person and is sending you a signal. In this instance, it would be better to ask for someone else.
(3) Use your head, not your heart
Oftentimes, the biggest reason why consumers fall for fast-talking, sleazy salespersons is that they make their purchasing decisions based on feelings and emotions rather than rational thought.
There is a lot of psychology that goes into buying a car. We may be enamored with the way it looks, the feel of the steering wheel in our hands, the way the seats press against our body or the feeling that a certain car is perfect for our personality. It just feels right. When you feel this way about a new car, think hard. Otherwise, it will be easy for a smart car dealer to persuade you into making that purchase.
(4) Be careful during negotiations
Once you enter the negotiation phase, be very careful since this is where most of the dirty tricks begin. For instance, keep your wits about you when a salesman offers you a car that is, say, $1,000 cheaper than their competitors because there may be some additional hidden charges that you will have to pay such as a documentation fee or handling charge or when your salesman forgets to charge you for sports rims. This is an old ploy. Sometimes you just have to stand up, say no thanks and look for another maryland hyundai car dealer.
(5) Do a full inspection
Finally, dont forget to make a full inspection of your new hyundai before leaving the lot. Check for scratches, flaws or other imperfections. The repair of these items should be covered in your deal with the car dealership. It pays to make sure.
Ourisman Hyundai offers the best price and service in Maryland, Virginia and DC, something you’d expect from a family doing business in the car industry for 80 years. Go to http://www.ourismanhyundai.com to acccess their online inventory of new and used Hyundais and get a free no hassle quote.
RC nitro monster trucks may very well be the fastest growing segment in the world of RC vehicles. The reason for the surge in popularity probably stems from the fact that RC nitro monster trucks have steadily improving in performance over the years. In fact, the latest models can actually outperform many RC cars.
RC nitro monster trucks can be bought either ready to run or in a kit that allows you to actually build it yourself. Both types are quality vehicles, built for strength and durability.
In fact, RC nitro monster trucks can handle an amazing amount of hard driving and even though they appear top-heavy and ready to roll over at any moment, the truth is that they rarely do roll over. This is because the wheels of RC nitro monster trucks are designed to provide a low center of gravity.
For many people, the appeal of RC nitro monster trucks is that they mirror the abilities of their real-life counterparts. The enjoyment of watching monster trucks comes from watching them ride roughshod over any kind of surface, including other vehicles. Well, RC nitro monster trucks can be let loose on the kinds of terrain that would leave other RC vehicles spinning their wheels. And, yes, if you ever get the opportunity, you can drive your RC nitro monster trucks right over your friends’ little RC cars.
Although you might think that all RC nitro monster trucks are 4-wheel drive, you’d be mistaken. There are 2-wheel drive RC nitro monster trucks available, and even some that give you the option of switching back and forth. Just as in real life, the 4-wheel drive model allows for driving over areas that are rougher or steeper than the 2-wheel drive model could handle.
So why would anyone want 2-wheel drive RC nitro monster trucks then? Well, while the 4-wheel drive allows for more flexibility in where you can take it, the transmission system is also more sophisticated. Since engine maintenance is routinely required to keep any RC nitro vehicle running in peak condition, expect to spend more time and effort with a 4-wheel drive transmission.
But this drawback shouldn’t be a deciding factor when choosing from among the various models of RC nitro monster trucks. Engine fine-tuning has never been easier for nitro RC vehicles. A bigger concern will probably be price. RC nitro monster trucks may have gotten their name from their appearance, but they could just as easily have earned it from the size of their prices.
Here’s the skinny: don’t expect to purchase one of these babies for less than $300. And, frankly, only expect that price from an older brother looking to sell his RC vehicle so he can raise money to buy a real vehicle. Seriously though, although unexpected bargains have been lucked into on eBay or by someone listing one for sale on a message board, brand new RC nitro monster trucks typically list for well over $400.
June Mala © 2006 www.FkNk.com
Clearly, a less important concern - for the moment—than Ford Windstar recalls might be what Levine Breaking News reported March 14, 2006: an anti-gay/conservative Christian group are seeking retribution by boycotting Ford Motors…because Ford advertises in gay publications.
Tell me when did we give up the right to spend our hard-earned money on costly advertising, top-class merchandise, and any ^%$# publication we wish to read, write for, subscribe to, publicize in, or be a demographic target for? Okay. Hold on. Before I get all involved in who has what - ahem - RIGHTS, I should calm down, digress, and recoup to the more significant concern or issue: Ford Winstar recalls. There are several of them, that vary from safety and other recall issues (and usually getting increasingly lessened by year), but a mention here will suffice, as other investigations thoroughly cover by describing and explaining.
FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2003
-Seats: mid- and rear-assembly
FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2002
-Seats: mid- and rear-assembly
FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2001
- Mid- and rear-seat assembly - Windshield wiper/washer motor - Electrical system: air conditioner - Air bags frontal sensor control module - Accelerator pedal - Seat belt assembly - Trailer hitch
FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2000
- Structure: body/hood - Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal - Glass: side- and rear-view mirrors - Electrical wiring under dash - Electrical system wiring; windshield wiper/washer motor - Seat belts - Trailer hitch
FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1999
- Structure: body/hood - Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Master cylinder - Electrical: air conditioning system; interior/under dash wiring - Windshield wiper/washer motor
FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1998
- Structure: body/hood - Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Front wheel suspension springs and coils - Automatic trans/power train - Exterior lighting - Steering: gear box/shaft - Child seat
FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1997
- Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Front wheel suspension springs and coils - Automatic trans/power train - Exterior lighting
FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1996
- Structure: body/hood - Automatic trans/power train/gear position indication - Exterior lighting - Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Front wheel suspension springs and coils
FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1995
- Structure: body/hood - Electrical system wiring - Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings - Front wheel suspension springs and coils - Alternator/generator - Gasoline storage tank assembly
With all of or despite all the recalls, I am still a huge Ford fan—having brought up around, in, and looking at and listening to hot rods and trucks made by Ford Motor Corp.. What’s more, I would still fight for the right to sell, buy, advertise, drive, think about or talk about any damned material item I please. Go Ford!
Ernest R. Peterson provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for http://www.cars-resource-guide.com, http://www.cars-directory-guide.com as well as other related information.
Learning a little more about how to better care for your vehicles is a good idea for any number of reasons. It allows you to know if an unscrupulous mechanic is attempting to gouge you on your repairs – and that will save you money. It can prevent you from making unnecessary repairs – and that will save you money. It can help you locate a problem and fix it early, thus saving more money – sometimes a whole lot of money. It allows you to be more independent in an era where people are entirely too dependent on others to survive.
We need to get started now, so that we have time to cover everything…
First, do a visual check of your vehicle. The following will assist you in where to look, and for what:
•Look at your tires. Do they look low? A tire pressure gauge, available inexpensively at any discount store of auto parts store will help you make sure tire pressure stays dead on. Maintain as necessary. Better tire pressures will make your vehicle safer, and more fuel efficient. There are some very inexpensive air pumps for sale at discount stores – should you really want to stay on top of air pressure in your tires. Motorcyclists and moped riders need to be exceptionally concerned about their tire pressures.
•Look closely at your tires and inspect for severely worn edges, areas missing chunks of rubber, or objects sticking into the tire. Maintain or replace as necessary. If your tires are relatively new, and they seem to be wearing unevenly, take you vehicle into the shop for an alignment, and likely a tire rotation. These two things are frequently lumped together in less costly automotive service “specials.”
•Look under the vehicle for liquids. One drop usually means nothing. Look for consistent drip marks. Remember that during summer months your vehicle’s air conditioning will steadily drip water when in use – no worries. Your coolant system may also spew an occasional bit of water/anti-freeze, and that’s okay too. If you find a stain indicating long-term or consistent leaking, trace the leak to its source: engine oil, transmission fluid, rear end oil, etc. Maintain or repair as necessary. Sometimes, just getting under the vehicle with a pressure hose at the car wash will clean off years of old oil and debris that causes many ‘driveway’ leaks – thus fixing the faux leak.
•Visually check your engine oil. Check it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and also feel it with your fingers. Engine oil is the life blood of your vehicle’s power plant. Does the oil feel thick, or does it feel watery. Thick is good, watery is bad! Change watery oil (and be sure to use an Engine Sentry when you do change oil and filter). Add the appropriate oil if the level registers low. NEVER overfill your oil!
•Check the coolant level. Be sure to use caution, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid injury from hot, pressurized liquids. Maintain as necessary. If you haven’t had your coolant/anti-freeze checked lately, it might be advisable. Be sure to never add coolant or anti-freeze that is not recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Some radiators require special products so as not to erode or corrode them.
•Visually check your engine compartment. Tighten caps, firmly tug/test hose connections, look for worn things, things that have blown into the engine compartment, etc. Maintain or repair as necessary. This is also a good time to do light engine cleaning. Nothing too serious, just some rags and some degreaser: ammonia and water make a cheap, great degreaser, but it shouldn’t be used on aluminum – certainly not left on it. A toothbrush is also an excellent tool here – it makes quick work of much engine debris.
•Visually check your automotive battery and connections. Make sure the connections feel tight at the battery. If you have green or white build-up on the battery, mix some baking soda with tepid water (1/4-cup of baking soda to one quart of water) and stir it thoroughly. Now, slowly pour it directly over the affected areas. Don’t worry about all the fizzing and crackling – it’s just cleaning. Make sure you do this where the runoff won’t harm anything. An old toothbrush will make this go faster. When the terminals are clean and dry, apply a thin coating of automotive grease onto each battery terminal, and connection. Automotive grease comes in small, plastic tubs that weigh about a pound each. They’re cheap, so get a good brand name. I use popsicle sticks to spread it with. Grease is good to have around for many automotive fixes and preventive maintenance actions.
Okay, you’ve completed the first steps of becoming a full-fledged automotive diagnostician – or something like that, anyway. You’ve definitely gotten your vehicle in much better condition, and you should have learned a thing or two. Keep an eye out for part II – Hear No Evil, and Part III – Smell No Evil.
Engine Sentry is a registered trademark of Iron Horseman Technologies. Iron Horseman Technologies is the trademark of Iron Horseman Technologies in Tucson, Arizona.
Eric Scribener is a 35-year veteran freelance writer and photographer currently on assignment for http://enginesentry.com/ - Engine Sentry removes the smaller particles of steel from re-circulating engine oil: cools oil temperatures, improves lubricity & oil filter function, and extends engine life.
Learning a little more about how to better care for your vehicles is a good idea for any number of reasons. It allows you to know if an unscrupulous mechanic is attempting to gouge you on your repairs – and that will save you money. It can prevent you from making unnecessary repairs – and that will save you money. It can help you locate a problem and fix it early, thus saving more money – sometimes a whole lot of money. It allows you to be more independent in an era where people are entirely too dependent on others to survive.
We need to get started now, so that we have time to cover everything…
Some people are incredibly sensitive to the sounds their vehicles make. This is especially true of motorcyclists, those who refurbish vintage automobiles, and experienced mechanics. It’s a very worthwhile skill to develop. There are mechanics who can listen to a running car engine and tell if the timing is slightly off, or the injectors are not operating properly. While this is a very neat thing to be able to do, you do not have to elevate your listening skills to that lofty place in order to get benefits from listening to your vehicle.
Listen To the Engine (This is best done in relatively quiet surroundings until you get really good at it.) Open up the hood of your vehicle’s engine compartment. If necessary on your model, be sure to use the metal rod to lock the hood in the upright/open position. Now, start your engine. Allow the engine to run for 30-60 seconds before you start listening too hard. Also, there are many moving parts inside of engine compartments, don’t wear loose clothing, and mind all your fingers and hair! Safety first.
A brief word about engine sounds… All engines make sounds. Some sound like jets, and other have constant clicking noises, or humming, or clattering. Which sounds are consistently made, and are okay, are unique to your specific vehicle’s engine. The point being, don’t be alarmed the first time you really take a good listen to your engine. You’ll quickly learn the sounds that are okay, and the ones that are not.
You’re going to listen to your engine from three different positions: 1) Directly in front of the car. 2) On the left (driver’s side) side of the engine compartment. 3) On the right (passenger’s side) side of the engine compartment. I like to start I like to start on the left – right in front of the driver’s door.
Lean over the engine compartment (again – be careful with clothing, hair, and appendages) and listen carefully. Try closing your eyes to heighten your hearing. Listen for things that don’t sound ‘right.’ Such things might include: clattering, metal rubbing metal, clanging, and squeaks. If you hear such a thing, open your eyes and try to focus in on it – moving the position of your head and ears as your track the sound to its source. Repeat this process at all three positions previously described.
This method of checking your engine can reveal loose caps, loose fan belts, loose fans, missing bolts, nuts, and many other things. Correct what you are able to, and have anything else dealt with by a service technician. Don’t put your hands into your engine compartment to tighten something or check something while it is running. If you notice that the stays on the overflow tube are loose and rattling, turn off the engine before tightening.
Driving your car for a short distance over a good road with the radio and air conditioning off and the windows down is a good way to hear some other sounds. Clattering might mean you have a lug nut that came off, and it’s stuck inside the hubcap. A metal-rubbing-metal sound may be a stuck brake.
The last listening project/technique is the best – or at least so people tell me. This one requires a willing and able assistant. The two of you climb into the vehicle together – you drive, the assistant rides shotgun. The assistant will require four things: some WD-40, a notepad, a small can of 3-in-1 oil, and a good rag. Head for a road that isn’t so smooth, and simply drive along. The assistant listens for those irritating squeaks, squeals, and rattles.
The assistant should move around inside the vehicle, focusing on the sounds to locate their sources. One of the two lubricants will fix almost any squeaking – and the rag ensures a nice, tidy application of the chosen lubricant. Some things, such as loose or missing screws or bolts, should be recorded on the notepad for maintenance or repair later, when you get back home to the tools. You won’t believe how quiet your cockpit becomes after you perform this process once or twice.
Okay, you’ve completed another step in becoming a full-fledged automotive diagnostician – or something like that, anyway. You’ve definitely gotten your vehicle in much better condition, and you should have learned a thing or two. Check out Part I – See No Evil, and Part III – Smell No Evil.
Eric Scribener is a 35-year veteran freelance writer and photographer currently on assignment for http://enginesentry.com/ - Engine Sentry removes the smaller particles of steel from re-circulating engine oil: cools oil temperatures, improves lubricity & oil filter function, and extends engine life.
Learning a little more about how to better care for your vehicles is a good idea for any number of reasons. It allows you to know if an unscrupulous mechanic is attempting to gouge you on your repairs – and that will save you money. It can prevent you from making unnecessary repairs – and that will save you money. It can help you locate a problem and fix it early, thus saving more money – sometimes a whole lot of money. It allows you to be more independent in an era where people are entirely too dependent on others to survive.
We need to get started now, so that we have time to cover everything…
It may sound strange that smelling your vehicle can be a useful maintenance activity, but believe me it is. And I’m not just talking about needing to buy one of those cute little green trees that permeate every inch of your vehicle’s interior with the smell of pine – or something like that. Actually, you really already do this in at least one instance – the smell of gasoline. And we’ll cover that herein.
Let’s begin with the smell of smoke. If your vehicle is smoking anywhere at any time it’s time to get some service – immediately. It doesn’t matter if you smell the smoke, or see it – you need to deal with the problem ASAP. Smoke coming from anywhere is never ‘okay’ in a vehicle, though you may just have some spilled fluids on a hot engine surface, or some oil that splashed into your wheel assembly. No matter – get it checked and make sure.
The smell of gas is most often associated with a flooded engine: too much gas for the spark to ignite. The gas sits in the engine, and the odor becomes more noticeable for a short time, and then starts to rapidly dissipate. This tends to happen only when you are starting the engine. The smell of gas at any other time, or the constant smell of gas is indicative of another type of problem, and one that is potentially serious, or dangerous: a leak in the fuel system. You should have this checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
The smell of rotten eggs, usually associated with sulfur or burning sulfur, is likely a problem with your catalytic converter. Servicing a catalytic converter is highly technical, and will require the attention of a trained technician or mechanic. You should make an appointment for your vehicle as soon as possible. A maladjusted or failing catalytic converter can be costing you precious mileage!
The smell of burning bread, sometimes referred to as ‘burnt toast,’ is most often associated with an electrical short circuit or possibly the burning/melting of the insulation around the affected wires, fuses, or connections. If there are any secondary signs, then you should not run the engine until a qualified technician resolves the issue. Left unchecked, electrical shorts can affect many of the systems in your vehicle.
A sweet odor, especially when mixed with the smell of hot rubber, usually means there’s a coolant leak, or a problem with the cooling system. If you are driving, stop and visually check the engine and the radiator. Driving a vehicle with an overheated engine can do untold damage to all sorts of things, and turn a simple repair with a modest cost into a nightmarish expense that prevents you from using your vehicle for days, or even weeks.
The smell of burning oil is a pungent, acrid stench that can be very slight, or quite pronounced. In either case, you need to check your engine to make sure you don’t have an oil leak, and also to ensured that you have the recommended amount of oil in your engine. Usually, the smell of burning oil is something minor, such as a small spill on the engine, a slight overflow that got blown onto a hot engine part, or low engine oil. Be sure that when you change your engine oil you insist on an Engine Sentry®.
Okay, you’ve completed the final step in becoming a full-fledged automotive diagnostician – or something like that, anyway. You’ve definitely gotten your vehicle in much better condition, and you should have learned a thing or two to keep it running great for a long time to come. If you haven’t already, check out Part I – See No Evil, and Part II – Hear No Evil.
Eric Scribener is a 35-year veteran freelance writer and photographer currently on assignment for http://enginesentry.com/ - Engine Sentry removes the smaller particles of steel from re-circulating engine oil: cools oil temperatures, improves lubricity & oil filter function, and extends engine life.
If you are a prospective car buyer, finding just the right car for you is a decision not to be made lightly. Everyone’s needs are different and when you factor in personal tastes, there’s just no telling what will push you into making the final decision.
It’s easy to get carried away when you shop for a car: the smell of the brand-new upholstery, the satisfying purr of the motor, not to mention the slick salesman promising you outrageous deals, all conspire into making you part with your hard-earned money. Hopefully you will find a great deal for the amount of money that you are willing to pay. However you put it though, buying a car will cost a fair amount of money; you do want a car that is in decent condition and that will last for several years don’t you? It is of utmost importance then to do research on the particular models you are most interested in, know the current market trends in car sales and weigh your options carefully so you are confident of making the right choice when it comes time to whip out your checkbook.
The type of car you choose will be dependent on several factors: are you looking for a roomy, comfortable way to truck your kids to ballet class or soccer practice or are you searching for a rugged, off-road trail warrior who willingly follows were your adventurous spirit leads? Maybe you want to tear it up at the racetrack in a screaming blaze of high-octane performance or perhaps gas mileage and ecological-friendliness are your primary concerns. Either way, consider what your expectations and projected requirements are for your planned vehicle and anticipate your need in the future. You’re family may grow beyond it’s current size or you may have a need to use your vehicle for an expanding business. Think of what’s best for your needs and choose a solid, practical model; this year’s flashy, 2-seater with day-glow paintjob and shiny designer rims might get your pulse racing but is it really what you need and can use many years down the line?
Get up-to-date on the latest models though, so you at least know what’s out there and get a feel for current market rates. Check out what new features and innovations have come out recently; the automobile industry is a fast-paced one and new enhancements are coming out all the time.
Jim Karter is a auto magazine writer writing for many American and European car and auto magazines. He also runs a website on http://www.drnew.com giving details of services of all car dealers in America.
O.K. you’re patting yourself on the back for all of the homework you’ve done on your perspective car that you are going to buy… so you’re fired up and ready to go… right?
It’s great that you’ve done much homework on the car that you’ve got your eye on… good job. But, consider this – have you given any thought at all as to what your negotiating game plan is going to be? If you really want to maximize your car deal, it only makes sense to give this area some additional consideration.
Negotiating is skill that can be learned and gets better with practice. Throughout everyone’s life – first as children then as parents – negotiation occurs rather regularly. Now that you’re looking at stepping onto a car dealership, you shouldn’t suddenly feel as though you’ve never been involved in negotiations… I’ll bet that you have.
First and foremost, plan to succeed. Simple thought I know, but it is part of the preparation. If you go into the process thinking that you would really like to get the selling price down to a certain figure, but at the same time you’re telling yourself that this probably won’t happen… then guess what… it won’t. You won’t have the confidence, and the sales person or sales manager will get work on your shaky expectations and get you off your target price.
Be mindful of the other hand though. If you go into the car selling price negotiating process like the proverbial ‘bull in a china shop’ you’ll probably trip the sales person’s and the sales manager’s hot button and they will push back just as vigorously creating a negotiating chasm.
The key as a polished negotiator is to stay calm and pleasant and present win-win scenarios.
Secondly – Be prepared. Don’t go into any type of transaction such as buying a car unprepared. Don’t just know about the car and what you want your car to come with – know what each of these options cost… don’t guess or assume… There is profit to be negotiated upon across the board at any given dealership. Knowledge is confidence, and sales people will pick up on the fact that you know of which you talk and this will significantly cut down on the sales b.s.
Next – Leave yourself wiggle room inside your cocoon of happiness target. In other words never start with the price you want to pay. Remember, by definition here we are negotiating with another person… if you start with the price you want to pay; you’ll have no choice but to negotiate your way up and out of it. So, if you’re will to spend say $15,000 then start at $14,000 and work to create a win-win somewhere in between. And, oh by the way… no one in the dealership other than you has or will have NO IDEA of what you’re willing to pay.
Here’s a bonus tip – if the sales person kicks off the negotiations with the first offer, don’t counter with a number… that’s right no counter number… instead counter back with a pleasant … “I’m afraid that’s somewhat beyond my budget” … make them come back with another offer to get you in the game. Now you just gotten a newer offer and you haven’t even jumped in yet. The first offer from the dealer is usually their ‘home run’ swing… they don’t really expect you to serve yourself up at this point (although some do… and hence the home run in profit).
Keep in that this is not a one way street. You’ll have to participate and make some concessions in order for your deal to be a winner. For instance, if you can’t get to the selling price you want then get more for your trade, get an extended warranty at dealer cost, get some no cost service or oil changes, floor mats, … anything that keeps the deal moving forward and the negotiations open… don’t get hung up on ‘beating you opponent’ over just one aspect of the deal.
This is where many people get frustrated and either walk away after getting so close or just give in as a result of the frustration. Negotiating a car deal is a package not just a selling price. Sure the selling price is the focal point, but you have to give the appearance that you are offering some concession as well. In fact, as your target price get within range, don’t just agree on the price and then begin the delivery process. If you do… you will be in a much weaker position to negotiate any extras you may want such as that extended warranty… you see… make sure all potential aspects of the deal are in place before you shake hands on the price.
Jeff Neilan’s car dealer experience offers insightful car buying tips that save you time and money. Be sure to visit http://www.acarbuyersguide.com for car buying advice, price negotiating, & more.
Auto leasing and the marketing thereof have been somewhat under the radar the past few years due to very low interest rates offered up by lending institutions. For most, the allure of leasing a car has been the advantage of lower monthly payments. With the low financing rates, this advantage has been shifted to traditional financing.
The world of car leasing has a long history of being somewhat less than straightforward. Even now one can find some pretty good deals out there, but the financial process around leasing a car can still be more than a bit confusing. And it’s this confusion that can leave you with a less than warm and fuzzy feeling after your leasing transaction is all said and done.
So, in an effort to avoid or mitigate the confusion when it comes to auto leasing, let’s take a look at some basics.
In auto leasing you are only paying for (in the form of monthly payments) the portion of the car that you use over the life of the lease (the part you use is how much the car depreciates). As part of your monthly payments, you’ll also be paying sales tax and finance charges.
Yes, finance or interest charges. In car leasing vernacular this is known as the ‘money factor’.
What determines how much of the car you will use is the car’s residual value. The residual value is a predetermined number as to what the market value of the car will be at the end of the lease.
For example – if a $20,000 car has a residual value of $11,000 at the end of your 36 month lease – this means that you will have used $9,000 of this car; so your monthly payments will be based on $9,000 over 36 months. As you can see, the better a car holds its residual value or the higher that value is… the more favorable your monthly payments will be.
More often than not the money that you will need to come up with up front is your first monthly payment and a security deposit. Of course, you are more than welcome to put more money down (cap cost reduction) just like when purchasing a car; if you want to lower your monthly payments even more.
The cap cost or capitalization cost is another name for the price of the car you’re looking at. And, just like purchasing, you can and should negotiate the price or in this case the cap cost of the car. In fact, I wouldn’t even disclose the fact that you’re considering leasing until you’ve negotiated and agreed on an actual selling price of the car you’re looking at.
As you see, doing your homework is every bit just as important as and probably more so than when you are actually purchasing the car. Negotiating and leasing a car based solely on achieving a monthly payment is probably the number one reason consumers get stuck paying too much.
Cap cost reduction is almost always negotiable. If a dealer tells you that it is not or unwilling to do so… they are plenty of other vehicles and dealers that offer and will.
We touched on the ‘money factor’ which is the leasing equivalent of the interest rate. Are you getting the best possible ‘money factor’? Just like the purchasing side, the dealer can add points to a money factor just like they can to an interest rate in order to maximize their profit. This is why it is extremely important for you to know your credit score and at what interest rate you qualify for before you even set foot in a dealership or you could really get … well … made love to.
Many factory warranties on vehicles run for 36 months. This is a good reason not to be looking at leasing a car for longer than the factory warranty. In addition, once you get out past 36 months on a car lease, you rapidly start losing the advantage of the residual value since most depreciation occurs early on.
Lastly… well, maybe not lastly when it comes to leasing but lastly within the scope of this article; if you have good credit, or perhaps have been a good or repeat customer, ask the dealer to waive the security deposit and/or the acquisition fee. First of all, they won’t if you don’t ask; and secondly this is certainly a fair request as part of the negotiating process. Worst case they say no. Best case… you save some more of your hard earned money.
Jeff Neilan’s car dealer experience offers insightful car buying tips that save you time and money. Be sure to visit http://www.acarbuyersguide.com
Motorbikes are considered heartthrobs in the automotive world. Bikes are conventional, and normal bikes are used by ordinary, middle-class people who cannot afford to buy themselves a car. It would not be an overstatement that 90 percent of people who step into their professional lives and start earning buy a motorbike as a means of transportation. They can take their feet off the ground and flutter away on their vehicles.
These motorcycles are economical in many ways. Some third world countries have started producing their local scooters and bikes so that almost any person who manages to save a little amount of money can afford a scooter easily.
This goes for countries that are on their way towards development. Motorbikes are not hard to assemble and there are people who have managed to build their very own bikes.
It does not consume as much fuel as cars do and they can easily adjust themselves between cars in the parking lot!
It is hard to categorize bikes because now the ordinary Yamahas are beginning to come in the markets with the same features as those of trail or heavy bikes. Not exactly the same but a lot of features are being installed in all kinds of bikes. They are now more comfortable and smooth to ride on.
Bikes are of numerous types. An ATV drift has become dominant over the past few years. In ATV, there is a raptor 700R GYTR edition; its key features are much more advanced. It is appealing for bike lovers as it has special graphics system, all new skid plates and more powerful engine that can make this bike race in all sorts of riding environments. It is capable of riding smoothly in deserts, dunes and even thick woods. It is basically a sports bike and it is used in bike racing and over the years it has earned the reputation of the best racer in the world.
Such bikes are expensive and belong to the sporting world. They used to be rather plain featured as we have seen the trail bikes that come with extra shocks and special wheels. The latest bikes have no comparison; they are a complete package. Their bodies are light weight; they have bigger, smoother, comfortable cushion seats. And their over all performance is much more satisfying than people could imagine. Motorbikes are a joy to ride.
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://worldofautomotives.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://thebusinessbuzz.net/ and http://universeofentertainment.com/