Things to Check out Before Stepping inside an Auto Dealership

A car might be one of the biggest ticket items you will buy in your life.  It can be a nerve-wracking experience–searching for the car you want, finding a reputable dealership, getting the financing you need, negotiating with sales people, and worrying if you’ll get a good deal.

Here are five things to consider before stepping onto the car lot:

1. Check Out the Market
Ask yourself what you want in a new vehicle, and list out both your must-haves and your desires. Then, narrow your search.  Use popular search automotive resources like www.Edmunds.com, www.JDPower.com, www.CarAndDriver.com, and www.ConsumerReports.org to better research and select the type of vehicle you want. You can filter by model, price, or other available options. These resources will not only help you weed out models with known issues, but will also help you ask the right questions when you visit the dealership.

There is no such thing as too much knowledge when it comes to narrowing the search for your new vehicle purchase. Check Kelley Blue Book at www.kbb.com, www.AutoTrader.com, www.eBay.com, www.CarMax.com, and even Craigslist to compare prices for cars in your area.  Researching the market will give you the edge you need to negotiate once you arrive at the auto dealership.

2. Check Out Your Local Dealerships
But first, you’ll want to decide which dealership will best meet your needs. Hands down, in this situation, word-of-mouth is always paramount.  Call on friends and family, especially those who have recently purchased a car.  Ask them to share their experiences with you. Find out what dealerships offered great deals, quality vehicles, and good customer service.  Be sure to use your better judgment in making your selection. Don’t listen to the uncle, who plays golf on weekends with the dealership owner. Nor the cousin, who raves of a cute salesman but bought a car with a gremlin-sounding malfunctioning engine.

Additionally, you’ll want to check local dealer websites for several reasons.  One, you want to know if the model you are looking for is actually in stock.  Also, there is much that you can tell about a dealership by reading site reviews and testimonials.  You might expect smart businesses to stifle a bit–but, if a dealership has been in business for 25 years or more and only two people can say something nice about the service, you may want to look elsewhere.  A well-written and maintained website is another clue.  Dealerships with haphazard websites are likely to carry a lackadaisical attitude towards the vehicles they sell and the service they provide.

Finally, look for company transparency.  For example, contact information should be easy to find and working. Basic information about inventory should be easily accessible. CarFax history and reports should be readily available as well.

3. Consider Your Budget
Before you can initiate buying the car of your dreams, you need to know exactly what you can afford.  Start with a realistic overall price you want to pay for a car.  Know exactly what you can afford per month if you’re considering a car loan and how much you can afford for a down payment.  Don’t forget to consider the added fees for tags, registration, title, delivery, inspection, sales tax and so on.

Additionally, remember this.  You newly purchased car is not necessarily an investment– it’s an expense.  So, don’t forget about the continued costs of licensing and inspections, gasoline, insurance premiums, maintenance, and repairs.  Budget for everything, and then some. And, stick to your budget.  

4. Check Out Financing and Loan Options
Often, car dealerships can offer you the best loan options.  But first you’ll need to know what everyone else is offering.  Check national interest rates, local banks, and credit unions to find out if dealership financing is the best option for you.

Know your credit score.  If your credit score is less than optimal, do what needs to be done to increase your score. Otherwise, you may qualify for a loan with an 8% interest versus the 2.75% national base.   Whatever you do, avoid applying for loans all over town.  Every time you apply, a credit check or inquiry is run, which puts another ding in your score.

Ok. Kudos to you, if you have all the money you need to purchase your new or used car.  But, you might want to keep this to yourself when it’s time to negotiate with a car dealer.  If the sales person doesn’t know your limits, he or she cannot push them.  Also, wait until the deal has been made before you mention any trade-in.  A trade-in and purchase should be two entirely separate negotiations.

5. Check Your Confidence at the Door
So, you’ve done your homework. You know exactly what you want, where to find it, what you can spend, and what to expect in fair financing.  You now have purchasing confidence, and you are ready to invest it into your shopping experience. Bringing someone with you who doesn’t have a stake in your purchase might also help.  Let that person be the voice of reason and the one to drag you out of there by your ear if needed.  Better yet, bring Uncle Joe, the mechanic.  A little extra expertise certainly can’t hurt.

Most of all, brace yourself for the “walk-away.”  No matter how perfect the car, and no matter how great the offer, prepare to walk out and go home.  But, be sure to bring home all the pertinent information and that all questions were answered to your satisfaction.  Now, you have time to think about this purchase and talk it over with friends and family.  Chances are, if you have done your due diligence, you can walk right back into the dealership the next morning, confident and with a clear conscience, and drive away in your dream machine.

NT Auto Group provides you a wide range of new car for sale in Kansas City. For more information please visit us at northtowneautogroup.com.

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Benifits of Buying New or Pre-Owned Vehicles from Car Dealer

By: AutoJini,

Are you in the market for a car and searching best suited car for you? If so, you may be wondering if you should buy a new or pre-owned car. Fortunately, there are advantages to buying either a new or pre-owned vehicle. To learn more about the advantages of buying a new car as well as the benefits of buying a pre-owned car will help you determine which option is best for you and make sure you buy the right vehicle for your needs.

It is very unlikely that you will have to make repairs on a new vehicle in the first year of purchase. Of course, you need to see your vehicle receives regular maintenance to operate at full capacity, but some dealers include maintenance with the purchase of a car from them. As new vehicles are generally in good condition and will not have to worry about breaking them, many people find they have the peace of mind to buy a new vehicle. This alone is enough for many people to buy a new vehicle right. If for any reason a new vehicle should break, there are laws to protect you as a consumer. These laws should ensure that if you are selling a defective vehicle, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle or your money back.

Another advantage of buying a new car is that it comes with a warranty. Many people prefer to buy new vehicles because the warranty offers even greater peace of mind. If something fails or repair on your vehicle, which would be covered by the warranty. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen when the vehicle needs a repair, but if you do not have to pay for it, makes it less stressful to have them resolved. Another reason people choose to buy new vehicles is that their vehicle warranties often include roadside assistance in case of need. In general, new vehicles offer consumers peace of mind.

There is, however the advantages of buying a pre-owned vehicle. In general, a better value for your money with a pre-owned car. New vehicles value is depreciate the minute they are driven off and if you want to turn around and sell your new vehicle shortly after you buy it, it would not be able to get the full amount paid for the vehicle. However, pre-owned cars are not depreciates that faster, which means they are usually give you a better value when you go to sell them. Another advantage of buying a pre-owned car is that you have a better selection to choose from. With a used or pre-owned car, you are not limited to models that year. In addition, vehicles are better in terms of reliability and depending on the car you choose, can often be regarded as new.

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NT Auto Group provides you a wide range of new car for sale in Kansas City. For more information please visit us at northtowneautogroup.com.

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With Sunday hours, there's no waiting to service cars

By: Richard Truett, Automotive News

Going to Sunday service is not about church for customers of Vista BMW Pompano in suburban Miami.

The man they'll see holding the book isn't a preacher with a Bible; he's a technician with a repair manual.

Many customers prefer the convenience of dropping off their cars on a Sunday for an oil change or other light maintenance, says Frank De Varona, the store's assistant service manager.

Vista BMW Pompano began offering Sunday service about 18 months ago.

"In the event they have a battery or a tire that needs to be replaced, we are here to do it, and they don't have to wait until Monday," De Varona says.

Many Sunday customers drop off their cars and pick them up before closing. The store's service department is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday service at dealerships is a rarity in most of the United States, and many of those with Sunday hours cater to commercial vehicles that are on the job Monday through Saturday.

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, just 7 percent of the nation's new-car dealers offered service on Sunday in 2012, the latest year for which data are available.

More than half of the dealerships with Sunday service hours are high-volume stores, delivering more than 1,900 units a year, NADA says.

Major repair work, such as engine rebuilds and clutch replacements, isn't offered on Sundays at Vista BMW Pompano.

Customers need an appointment at least a week in advance to get a Sunday slot.

The stores promote Sunday service hours on TV and with oil change coupons online.

"It is really starting to catch on, going pretty good," De Varona says .

Sunday service and parts hours were added, De Varona says, because some customers asked for them. "We said, let's try it out and see what happens."

The dealership has one technician and one service writer on duty, but more help could be added if demand grows.

De Varona says he has no problem finding technicians to work Sunday. Although they don't get paid extra, they get Saturday and Monday off.

The south Atlantic region of the country, according to NADA, has the most dealerships with Sunday service hours at 23 percent.

The central areas of the United States have almost no stores offering Sunday service.

"This is something we'll stick with," De Varona says. "The business is there."

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Resource: 
With Sunday hours, there's no waiting to service cars

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Things Should Know Before Buying Used Car

By: AutoJini,

Private versus Dealer - Buying from a private party or a buying from a dealer both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Dealers are able to offer financing and insurance. They also will take a trade-in. Most dealers offer warranties as well. Private sales also have benefits. The upfront cost of purchasing a vehicle through a private party is usually lower. The process of buying through a private party is a more relaxed situation because the seller is not aiming to meet monthly quotas.

Get Vehicle’s History - Researching the vehicle’s history will help you determine whether the vehicle has been in any previous accidents or any other problems the vehicle may possess. You can retrieve a history report from CARFAX. The CARFAX report contains the following:

• Reported accidents
• Vehicle damage
• Number of previous owners
• Some service records
• Locations where car was previously registered
• Safety and reliability ratings
• Warranty information

Budget- Determining your budget for purchasing your used car should be done before visiting any car dealership. Predetermining your budget will prevent the salesperson from adding on unnecessary warranties and fees. To get started with your budget, obtain a credit history report and get your credit score. After receiving your credit score, shop around at your local banks and credit unions to determine what kind of loan you are qualified for. Keep in mind, when trying to determine a budget, focus on the total cost of the vehicle, not the monthly payment cost.

Determine what vehicle you need - Purchasing the right vehicle to suit your needs may be more difficult than it sounds. Consider the aspects of a vehicle that are important to you, and then narrow down your choices from that point. Vehicles are driven almost every day, so having a reliable car is very important. Maintaining a vehicle that is consistently in need of a repair can be extremely costly. If you’re driving long distances, you may want to consider the vehicle’s fuel economy. Also, consider passenger space, if you have a large family and need more room, looking for an SUV or mini-can could be your best options.

Tires - Be sure to inspect the vehicle’s car tires when deciding to purchase your car. New tires can be quite costly. Tires should be evenly worn and all tires should match. The condition of the tire can be determined by the surface of the tire. To test the wear of the tires, take a regular penny and place it in the groove of the tire. If you are no longer able to see Abraham Lincoln’s head on the penny, then your tires are at a safe tread depth. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then the tires should be replaced.
Replacing the tires may not determine whether or not you purchase the vehicle, but keep in mind if you’re buying a used car for $4000, $400 for new tires is already 10% of the cost of your vehicle.

Test drive - As it is common sense for car buyers to take the vehicle for a test drive, we have created a small checklist for you to inspect the vehicle before, during and after the ride.

• Check all fluid levels
• Inspect under the vehicle
• Inspect all tires, including spare
• Test vehicle’s brakes
• Examine hoses and belts
• Listen to any unusual noises
• Check heating and A/C units
• Comfortability of the vehicle
• Test vehicle speakers
• Test horn, turn signals, windshield wipers, door locks and dome lights.

Full check lists can be found online for a thorough inspection of the entire vehicle. We recommend you print a check list off and bring it with you on the test drive.

Unusual Noises - Strange sounds may indicate a serious problem with your vehicle. Take caution if the vehicle is making unnecessary noises. Cars can making unpleasant noises for many reasons. If the noises coming from the car sounds like clicking or tapping, it could mean problems with the upper valve train or low oil pressure. Deep knocking noises indicate that the rod bearings are worn, and should be fixed before you purchase the vehicle. If the engine is making grinding noises, this may be a problem with the vehicle’s brakes.

The grinding noise is the sound of metal grinding against the cylinders, and the vehicle’s brakes will need to be replaced. All in all, any unusual noises coming from the vehicle indicates a problem, and it should be looked at in more detail.

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Northtown Mazda provides you a wide range of cheap used cars in Kansas City.

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5 Tips to Get Best Rate on Your Next Car Loan

Credit Score
Your interest rate is determined by your credit score. You can retrieve your credit score from different agencies.  It is important to obtain more than one credit score because companies will evaluate them differently, meaning not all your credit reports and credit scores will be the same.  AnnualCreditReport.com allows you to view your credit report once a year for free. Other companies such as Experian and Equifax offer to evaluate your credit for a small fee.  Every time someone runs a credit check on you, a few points are knocked off of your score, which could make a bad situation worse.  Check around, and ask what minimum credit score lenders require, and what score will get you the best interest rate.  Make any repairs to your credit before you start shopping around for a car loan.

Shop Around
Car loans are available from 3 main sources: credit unions, banks and car dealerships. Credit unions are able to offer low rates to their members because they are non-profit organizations. In searching for a car loan, this means a lower monthly payment and less interest over time. Credit unions also offer lower fees. If you aren’t a current member of a credit union, joining is a simple process. Credit unions often provide excellent customer service.  Finance agents of credit unions will go over your financials, and you will receive a straightforward response from the agent with the reasoning behind their decision. Rates from credit unions are competitive, with no hidden fees.

Financing through your bank can be a convenient way to finance your loan.  Banks allow you to add your loan to your online banking account, and easily make your payment each month when you log into your account. If you choose to finance through a bank or credit union it gives you the advantage of coming to the dealership, prepared with comparable rates.

When shopping for a car loan you shouldn’t leave financing through the dealership out of the picture. Dealerships can offer some good deals such as zero percent financing. They also, often, have relationships with several lenders who may compete against each other with lower rates. However, take caution when financing with your dealership because car lenders often make commission from loans sold to their customers.

Focus on Loan’s Total Cost
When determining how much you can afford, pay attention to the loan’s total cost, not monthly payments. A shorter term on your loan involves higher monthly payments, but will save you money overall.  Also, the longer the term the higher the interest rate, generally speaking.  Choose the shortest term you can afford.  A short term loan can also prevent you from having an upside down loan, which is when you owe more on the car that it is actually worth.

Embrace Rejection
Think of a rejected car loan application as a lender doing you a favor.  If the lender has rejected your application, they probably don’t think you would be able to afford the loan.  Reassess your budget to determine what you can afford on the total cost of the loan, not just monthly.  Consider taking more time or save or try to find a car that is in your budget.

Stick to Your Budget
Buying a new car is exciting, but it can be easy to get wrapped up in the process.  Remember what you can afford and don’t let the car salesmen talk you into anything you don’t need. Take some time to think about your decision and determine if it is really want you want and can afford.

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