Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Save Time With Auto Loans Online

By: Connie Barker

Remember the last time you bought a car? Remember how you sat in
the dealership reading the same magazine over and over again
waiting for your auto loan to be approved? Those days are gone,
as are the pathetic wait times associated with conventional auto
loans. Today, the World Wide Web has opened up an entirely new
avenue by which to obtain an auto loan. Wouldn't it be great to
travel to the dealership, paperwork in hand, knowing that you
are already approved for an auto loan? Just think of all the
time you will save by not having to get an auto loan after you
pick out your new auto.

Thousands of people all over the world are taking advantage of
auto loans online, why shouldn't you? Instead of filling out all
of those boring application papers by hand, you can quickly type
the information in via your computer, and have your approval in
a matter of minutes instead of having to wait hours for your
auto loan to be approved.

As long as you have access to a computer with an Internet
connection, finding an online auto loan will not pose any
problems. By using any of the major search engines available,
you can search for auto loans online and compare what each
different one offers. Some auto loans will offer you a lower
rate, while other may offer you longer terms in which to pay the
auto loan off. Examine your particular needs before deciding
which auto loan will offer you the most benefit.

Auto loans found online are very much comparable in regards to
rates and terms as those auto loans made available by dealers,
credit unions and banks. In some instances, auto loans online
will offer you special incentives that you just won't find at a
brick and mortar bank.

Above all else, realize that when you are seeking an auto loan
online, there are many online vendors waiting to answer your
call. Save yourself a ton of time and log onto the World Wide
Web to see what is offered to you when you take advantage of an
auto loan online. You may just be surprised by what you find.

Auto loans online are becoming a popular way for people in
today's hectic society to secure funding in order to make a new
auto purchase, and save precious time while doing it.

About the author:
Connie Barker is the owner of several informational financial
websites including Auto
Loans Online

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Leasing a Car Has Advantages and Disadvantages

By: Charles Essmeier

Buying a car is expensive; there is no getting around that. It's
easy to pay as much for a new car today as one might have paid
for a house a generation ago. But they are more complicated than
they used to be and they are safer, too. Still, there is the
matter of the money, and if you don't have a lot to spend you
may be considering leasing instead of buying. The low monthly
payments offered with leases can be appealing, particularly if
you are on a budget.

But there is more to leasing a car than just the low payment
advertised in the commercial on TV. Anyone who is in the market
for a new automobile should consider the pros and cons of
leasing a car as opposed to buying one.

Here are some of the good points about leasing a car:

The payments are lower - Sure, the payments are lower; you are
only paying for the portion of the car's value that you are
actually using, and not the car itself. The lower payments could
help budget-minded shoppers, or they could allow the consumer to
make a deal on a more expensive car than he or she might have
otherwise purchased.

Less cash outlay - It's possible in many cases to lease a car
with less out of pocket cash than a purchase requires. This
could help some shoppers who don't have a lot of cash for a
large down payment.

The drawbacks to leasing include:

Excess mileage fees - The lease spells out how many miles you
may drive per year; if you exceed the total over the life of the
lease you will have to pay extra. That extra fee could be as
much as 25 cents per mile and some leases permit as few as
10,000 miles per year. If you drive a lot and you fail to
consider this, you could be paying a lot of extra cash at the
end of the contract.

Early termination fee - If you have to end the lease early, the
fee charged could be huge. How large? You might have to pay
everything owed on the remainder of the contract. Even if you
don't plan to end the contract early, it sometimes happens in
the form of auto theft or an accident.

You don't have a car - This one seems obvious, but with a lease,
you don't actually own a car. When the contract is up, you give
it back and you have nothing tangible to show for the money you
have paid. You may, of course, purchase the vehicle for an
agreed-upon price, but otherwise you will find yourself, once
again, without a car to drive.

For some people, the advantages of having a fairly new car all
the time makes leasing a good choice. For people who drive a lot
or who want to get the most car for their money, buying is
probably a better options. Consider the pros and cons carefully
in order to decide which method of acquiring transportation
works best for you.

©Copyright 2006 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the
owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational
Websites, including LemonLawHelp.net, a site devoted to
information regarding lemon laws for
automobiles.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Saving Big With Hybrid Cars

By: Aurel Radulescu

In America, a standard automobile gets an average of 20.4 miles
per gallon. With the innovative hybrid technology, consumers can
expect to get a lot more mileage for their dollar. According to
researchers, the Honda Insight was designed specifically for the
purpose of getting the best gas mileage and is said to be the
current industry leader in this type of hybrid savings.

Just how much of a difference will consumers see with the Honda
Insight hybrid cars? Studies have shown that hybrid cars
featuring a manual transmission will get approximately 60 miles
per gallon in the city and 66 miles per gallon on the highway.
Hybrid cars with an automatic transmission generally provide
slightly less than 57 miles per gallon in the city and 56 miles
per gallon on the highway.

The brand new 2006 Honda Civic hybrid cars are only manufactured
with an automatic transmission and provide an approximate 50
miles per gallon on the highway and/or the city.

As expected, hybrid cars will get better mileage per gallon than
that of a hybrid SUVs. The Ford Escape, for example, provides 36
miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the
highway. Even with these numbers, the hybrid Escape is rated to
provide better gas mileage than the non-hybrid Escape, which is
only said to provide 22 miles per gallon in the city and 25
miles per gallon on the highway.

The most popular reason for consumers to purchase hybrid cars is
because they are economical. With the recent rise in gasoline
prices, consumers were left searching for an automobile that
could provide better gas mileage and found just that in hybrid
cars. In addition to their fuel friendly design, hybrid cars are
no longer confined to one or two cookie cutter designs. In fact,
today's hybrid cars are available in a variety of sizes, colors
and are manufactured by a several automobile makers.

With all of the aforementioned benefits, many wonder just how
much the convenience of saving money will cost. Surprisingly,
hybrid cars are not drastically priced above other non-hybrid
automobiles. In fact, hybrid cars & SUVs can be found in prices
ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for standard models, but may
cost more depending on chosen upgrades. The new hybrid cars are
available in the look of typical highway automobiles or those
designed with a unique flair. Either way, the manufacturers of
hybrid cars believe that while appearance is important, the most
important thing about these new technologically advanced autos
is the fact that they are both environmentally and wallet
friendly.

About the author:
Find more about auto buying
guides
and how to find the

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Hybrid Honda Civic

Just a quick comparison of the hybrid Honda Civic to the non hybrid Civic.

hybrid: mileage 49/51
base price 22,150

Sedan: mileage 30/40
base price 14700

Now at gas prices around 3 dollars a gallon and tax breaks for purchasing it looks like it wouldn't take long to recoup your investment if you went with the hybrid Honda Civic. It's well worth looking into.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Know What You Need to Save Big On Auto Insurance

By: Ray La Foy

Keeping up with an automobile can be an expensive venture. There
are monthly payments, maintenance, gas and repair bills to worry
about. And then, of course, there's insurance, which can really
put a drain on a wallet. But, there are lots of cheap insurance
policies available to help drivers even with not so perfect
records save some money.

There's no reason to pay an arm and a leg for insurance; even
when there's an accident or a ticket or two in a driver's
history. There are plenty of companies that offer reasonable and
even "cheap" rates without cutting corners on the coverage.These
companies can even be big-name insurers who are looking to boost
their client base and compete with others or they may be
relatively new carriers wanting to make a name for themselves.
Insurance is a number game and sometimes those numbers can pay
off in a driver's favor.

The Internet can be one of the best tools for finding a good
insurance carrier that doesn't charge an exorbitant amount for
auto coverage. By allowing a quick comparison from multiple
companies, this tool helps cut out the middle man and can really
garner a shopper some serious savings.

When shopping for insurance, there are some things to consider
to make certain the policy bought is quality even if the price
is cheap. They include:

* Be certain what ever is purchased matches at least a state's
minimum legal requirements. If it doesn't, it won't matter how
cheap the policy is, it won't be worth the money. The fines for
not having the right type of policy can be steep, so do be sure
to understand what they are in your location.

* Only get the kind of coverage you need. Even top name
insurance companies can provide decent rates for those with
tarnished records, but getting the decent rate might require
seriously considering every portion of coverage. Don't buy
things that aren't necessary. If, for example, you have an extra
car at your disposal, don't pay for rental coverage. Should you
have a great medical insurance policy, don't invest in huge
amounts of personal injury protection. Do, however, make certain
the parts of the policy you need cover your bases.

* Check into an insurance company's background. A cheap policy
isn't a great buy if the company that writes the policy isn't
solvent enough to pay claims. Make sure the company you go with
has a good record in the field. If it's a start up company, see
if they've handled other types of insurance in the past and
recently added auto coverage. Sometimes this will be the case.

* Ask about payout track records. Insurance companies that make
each and every claim a chore on their clients aren't worth
dealing with. While it's certainly true insurance companies
should investigate and protect themselves from fraud, giving
clients a difficult time unnecessarily is a sign to stay away.

* Review what your loan requirements may be. When buying a
policy, be certain that cheap rate actually meets the
requirements of your loan. If it doesn't, you might find
yourself with a second bill in the mail. Auto loan companies
don't take kindly to their investments not being covered
correctly.

No matter your insurance requirements, shop around. If possible,
compare multiple policies for your car and your personal
situation and pick the best fit.

About the author:
More resources

Cheap car
insurance.


http://www.cheapcarinsurance1.com

Defensive
driving courses.


http://www.defensivedrivingcoursesonline.com

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Anti-Theft Devices For Vehicles

By: Kenneth McKinley

Cars are expensive. That is why people do try to go out of their
way to keep their vehicle safe, secure, and free from thieves
and robbers. It is a good thing that some people have been able
to create and design anti-theft devices. For most people, these
devices are considered as blessings to those protecting their
vehicles.

If you are interested in purchasing an anti-theft device for
your vehicle, you should first take into consideration where you
park your car. You see, if you are parking it somewhere far from
where you are staying, even if the alarm goes off, you would not
be able to hear it. Also, you would have to consider if people
would be willing to rush towards your car or would they simply
be ignoring it.

You can try to give thieves the feeling that they could not take
your car. You can discourage them with the use of indicator
lights. You can also use window decals which costs around $2 to
$5. Or, for $80 to $200, you can purchase and use large and
heavy-gauge steel objects like steering wheel locks or tire
locks. Through this, you are telling thieves to stay off for
they would have to put up a hard and tiring fight before they
can get their hands on your car.

Look through various anti-theft devices. Remember that seasoned
thieves can actually go through complication devices in around a
minute or two only. Some anti-theft devices you can usually
purchase in the market include audible alarms, a concierge
system, cellular alarms that notify the police, locking steering
wheel covers, locking steering wheel column covers, locking
steering wheel bars, electronic immobilizers, engine system
locks, fuel-system locks, tracking devices, and delay devices.

While looking for anti-theft devices for your vehicle, you can
also try to locate good and quality auto parts for your
vehicles. You can try Volvo
Parts and Used Volvo Parts
which includes Volvo 160
parts
in their stock. Aside from that, the store also has
engine parts, brakes, and accessories in store for customers.

About the author:
Kenneth McKinley is a 35-year old marketing specialist of
voparts.com, a leading Volvo parts dealer in the country today.
Working in the car parts industry for a long time now and being
a car enthusiast himself gives him a wealth of knowledge on
anything automotive.


Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Avoiding Distractions While On The Road

By: Joe Thompson

Driving is an activity that needs not only the proper skills but
it also needs the driver to have ultimate and great
concentration on the road. Being focused on the activity itself
gives the driver and its passengers greater chances of not
meeting any kind of mishap, collision, crash, or accident.

Even experienced drivers still meet accidents when they become
careless when driving. Try to take your eyes off the road for
just a couple of seconds. Doing such greatly increases your
chances of meeting a disaster. That is why automobile experts
and drivers suggest that the best thing to do would be to avoid
distractions at all costs. By avoiding them, you are also
keeping yourself safe along with your passengers, other
motorists, and pedestrians.

Try not to eat in the car. You see, when you are eating while
driving, you tend to fumble around for the food. You could drop
it or even try to drive using just one hand. Doing these things
actually could be the cause of a major problem.

Avoid fiddling around with your car's controls. It could be your
radio, your car's heaters, the air conditioner, or its mirrors.
Experts suggest that if you would like to change the status of
these controls, it would be better if you pulled over first and
do the adjustments once you are safe on the side of the road.
When everything has already been adjusted as per your
preference, then would be the time to go back on the road. You
may be wasting some minutes while doing so but remember that you
are keeping yourself alive by doing that.

Cellular phones should not be used while driving. If you want to
place a call, pull over first. That way, you can concentrate on
dialing the right numbers and listening well on the
conversation.

Weird noises from your car could also lead to distractions. If
the noises actually are caused by some parts asking to be
replaced, go ahead and change them. There are many parts
available on the Internet and one good source is Auto Parts Discount.
It has in stock various auto parts like F
ord parts
.

About the author:
Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in
Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific
writer, contributing automotive related articles to various
publications.

Monday, May 08, 2006

High Fuel Cost And What It Means To Our Everyday Lives

By: Jerry Christopher

According to our recent poll, the rising cost of fuel has caused
many families and individuals to restrain from driving habits
that we've been so accustomed to. Before the fuel cost
skyrocketed we wouldn't think twice about hopping in our car for
a 50 or 60-mile trip, perhaps to a zoo or other recreational
area for a leisurely Sunday outing with our families.

But by the statements of those who responded to our poll, it
appears that these leisurely drives are being limited or in some
cases, families are simply staying home more.

In order to combat his high fuel expense, M. Cooper from Saint
Louis Mo, a consultant that drives 20,000 mile plus per year
recently traded in his Ford Taurus for a new Honda Civic that
gets 41mpg.

Another consumer stated the fuel prices have drastically changed
their life style, they've quit going out to dinner, going to the
movies and even cancelled their vacation plans. What once cost
him 42.00 to fill up his truck, now cost $110.00. We have a lot
less money than we did before this all started. We've
drastically reduced the amount of driving, only when necessary
and have attempted to combine trips, we do not do any extra
driving unless it is for school or work, so we stay home much
more and do not have extra money NOW!

Matt Downer from Downers Grove, Illinois seems to have at lease
somewhat of a positive spin on the situation. I've become a lot
more in shape because I walk everywhere or bike, I think it's a
blessing in disguise, America is the most obese country in the
world and maybe this will slim it down a bit, also a lot fewer
fuel emissions if people don't drive the earth won't die.

What ever your thoughts and opinions are for the recent climb in
prices, I think it's clear that until the prices come down, the
majority of the everyday working class people will be forced to
continue to deprive themselves of even the most basic luxuries.

While we can't control the price per gallon, we can at least
follow a few basic guidelines and reduce our cost, albeit a
minimum amount, but at $3.00 per gallon, even a minimum amount
will help our pocketbooks.

Listed below are UsedCarWise.Com's Top 10 tips for increasing
your fuel mileage.

1. Set the tire pressure to the recommend psi as per the tire
placard or label of your vehicle. (Always adjust tire pressure
with cold tires)

2. Avoid excessive idling times, such as warming your car up in
the mornings (It serves no purpose anyway)

3. Instead of going thru the drive thru at fast food chains, go
inside to order. This will of course avoid excess idling while
in line.

4. Remove any excessive weight from the trunk or bed of your
truck (This doesn't include over weight spouses either)

5. Remove luggage racks for aerodynamic reasons.

6. Make sure the steering and suspension system end is aligned
properly, a mis-aligned steering system will cause excessive
drag and reduce fuel mileage.

7. Use Cruise Control while driving at highway speeds.

8. Reduce your speed by 5mph, this may be the biggest saver of
all, and if you think about it, 5mph will not get you to your
destination much quicker. (Just be prepared for 1 finger hello's
and horn honkers)

9. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, especially the
air filter. If your check engine light is on, have it corrected
as soon as possible, it could be a defective sensor or other
mechanical fault that will severely impact fuel mileage. Always
use the proper grade of engine oil as well, the wrong grade can
impact fuel mileage by 1% or more.

10. Avoid jackrabbit starts and aggressive driving habits.

While the above tips may not be new, they certainly bear not
just repeating, but adhering to as well. And with the cost of
fuel at record highs, we need all the help we can muster.

About the author:
Jerry Christopher, owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offering a
unique and innovative approach to buying a used car the smart
way.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Tips on Selling Your Car

By: John Mussi

When we decide to sell our car we always want to get the best
value for it. Even if it is worth only $500, we would still want
to sell it at $1000 if possible. Here are some tips that can
increase the car's value and make selling it easier too.

To learn more about the pricing of your car, try to look for the
same models in your specific zip code. The further the place is
the more likely the difference in their car prices, unless it is
a collector's item car.

The next thing you do is clean the engine. Everything that the
buyer sees under your hood will be detrimental to his decision.
So clean the engine, battery and radiator. Also tighten up the
belts that may provide weird sounds. Also check the fluids,
sparkplugs and add antifreeze to the radiator.

After fixing the things under the hood, also fix up the body of
the car. Clean the body very well and remove all the bugs and
dirt. If the windshield and the lights are broken replace it.
Also try to touch up the body with paint if it is rusting. After
you have cleaned your car, apply Armorall. To make the wheels
look good to, spray it with silver spray paint. Then fill the
tires up with the proper psi and make them shinier and blacker
with tire products.

Next, you would need to make the interior look good too. Clean
the interior plastic with Armorall or 409 spray cleaner. Let the
spray sit for a few minutes and then spray again and then wipe
it all off. Other things that you must clean with Armorall or
409 spray are the interior vinyl and the headliner. Vacuum the
interior very well. Spray and scrub the interior fabric with a
soft bristle plastic brush.

Make the dashboard look good by buying those preformed
dashboards. This is important to look good because a dashboard
is in the buyer's face. If the car is expensive, have the car
seat replaced by an upholsterer, if not, you can get some cheap
seat covers. Replace some missing parts like door lock knobs and
rear view mirrors with generic stuff. If the steering wheel is
also damaged, put some steering wheel cover.

After you've done all the stuff to make your car look beautiful
you are now ready to put it in the ads. Try to make it stand out
form the crowd and also get the extra 3 line boxes. Be
descriptive as possible and get a CARFAX history report.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following
author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About the author:
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help
homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.
co.uk
website.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Getting the Most Car for Your Buck - Car Auction Tips

By: Tim Lee

Vehicles that are used in the commission of certain crimes,
particularly drug offenses, often become the property of the
arresting agency, depending on local laws. While these seized
vehicles are occasionally used by the agency, in the vast
majority of cases the vehicles are sold at auction.

Cars that have been repossessed for nonpayment are also commonly
sold at car auctions. This means that, under the right
circumstances, the savvy shopper can find some spectacular
deals.

Car auctions are competitive, however, so it is possible to come
away paying more than the vehicle is worth. This article
provides a few car auction tips that can be used to increase the
chances of finding real bargains.

It is important to do your homework before the car auction
begins. Most auctions will allow the automobiles to be inspected
by the public a few days before the event is held. This provides
a great opportunity to look under the hood, kick the tires,
check the shocks, and do all the other tests that can give the
shopper an idea of the state of the vehicle.

Be sure to record the vehicle identification number (VIN) of any
vehicle you are interested in buying. You can use this number to
get a report on issues that have been reported to insurance
agencies or law enforcement departments in the past.

It is important to know if the vehicle has been flooded, fire
damaged, rebuilt, or involved in a major accident. Armed with
this knowledge, you can return and inspect the vehicle and look
for defects that you might not otherwise know to look for.

This advice assumes that the purchaser is skilled enough with
automobiles to know how to inspect them properly. For most
auctions, a test drive is out of the question.

Therefore, if you are not confident in your ability to diagnose
the condition of the vehicle, consider asking a friend or
relative who is knowledgeable about the inner workings of
automobiles to help you out. Some professional mechanics will
also attend the auction to inspect the car for you (for a fee of
course).

It is important to have all of your homework complete by the
time the auction begins. Know beforehand the maximum amount you
are willing to pay and stick to it. It is very easy to get
caught up in the competitive nature of bidding and become so
engrossed in beating the "other guy" that you lose perspective
of the real reason you are there--to find the best deal
possible. It is not uncommon for people to leave auctions
bewildered why they paid as much as they did.

Car auctions can be a great source for excellent deals for those
who are serious about finding bargains and do their homework.
Those who attend the auction spontaneously or lose themselves in
the competitive nature of bidding are likely to come away paying
more than if they had bought the vehicle from a dealer.

About the author:
For listings of car auctions, please visit http://www.auto-car-
auctions.info/

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Blue Book Used Car Prices

By: Josh Riverside

Buying a car is a big decision. The price is a very important
aspect since it is a big investment that has to last for some
years. The car should also have a good value when resold after a
few years.

There are many sources for buying used cars: directly from the
owner, from dealers, from used car superstores, or from
auctions. Prices also vary depending on this factor. Car prices
depend upon the distance the car has traveled and other factors
such as the condition of the car, place of purchase, the model,
the make, and the year of manufacture.

The Blue Book is an information database containing exhaustive
information from the automobile industry. It is a very reliable
source of information for both buyers as well as sellers. Blue
Book prices are used for a variety of transactions: trading in
the automobile to a dealer, buying a used car from a dealer,
buying a used car from a private party, or selling a used car to
a private party. The information is unbiased and generally used
as a guideline for the entire automobile industry since it is
obtained from a gamut of sources comprised of wholesale
auctions, independent dealers, franchised dealers, original
equipment manufacturers, rental and fleet agencies, and
private-party transactions. All this data, along with other
factors like historical trends, current economic conditions,
industry developments, seasonality, and location are combined
and analyzed to arrive at the final figures. Trade- in-value,
suggested retail value, and private party values are determined
by the Blue Book.

Blue Book used car prices are set by considering several factors
such as the car's mileage, its condition, the equipment in the
car, the geographic area where the car was driven, and other
options on the car. The Blue Book also gives other services such
as a payment calculator, ability to compare the cars, free
CARFAX record check, free extended warranty quote, as well as
financing and insurance advice. Used car Blue Book prices can
also be accessed online via the Internet at some sites such as
the Kelly Blue Book. These sites contain several options to view
and select used cars, as well as apply for any of the other
services.

About the author:
Car Prices provides
detailed information on Car Prices, New Car Prices, Used Car
Prices, Blue Book Used Car Prices and more. Car Prices is
affliated with Ladder
Rack Vans
.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Should I Be Leasing My Next New Car ?

By: AutosBargain.com Team

Leasing is a very simple concept. You only pay for the portion
of the vehicle's worth that you are actually going to use, plus
lease charges to the leasing company. Leasing a vehicle means
that a person pays the amount by which a vehicle's value
depreciates during the time they are driving it. Depreciation is
the difference between a vehicle's original value and its value
at lease-end (residual value), and is the primary factor that
determines the cost of leasing.

What attracts
people to leasing? Affordability. With leasing, you can drive a
new vehicle with little down payment. Plus, leasing will enable
you to drive a new car or truck more often and without worrying
about unpredictable resale values. Leasing has become popular
because it offers people a way to drive the vehicles they want
-- often better vehicles than they could buy -- for less money
compared to purchase. Leasing has become increasingly popular
over the years because of two main factors. First, the cost of
new cars has spiraled upwards recently, often escalating prices
out of reach of average buyers. Second, tax law changes in the
late 1980's eliminated interest deductions on automobile loans,
further increasing the cost of ownership. The net effect is that
people have become increasingly eager to find ways to make their
personal vehicles more affordable.

Leasing is
simply a method of paying for the use of a car, truck, SUV, or
van over a specified period of time. Once the consumer and
dealer agree on a price (capitalized cost), and the lease
contract has been signed, the dealer then sells the car to the
leasing company at the agreed upon price. The leasing company
then leases the car to the consumer, based on that price. For
this reason, price becomes the most important factor in what a
person pays in monthly payments.

Before you decide
to lease a vehicle, take a moment to determine if leasing is
right for you, compared to buying. If you agree with any of the
statements below, then you're probably a good candidate for an
auto lease:



* I'm comfortable making regular monthly payments
* I
prefer to drive a car that's always under warranty
* I
don't drive more than 15,000 miles per year
* I don't want
to hassle with trade-ins
* When I trade a car in, I owe
more than it's worth
* My car will be used for business
purposes



The consumer has the option to shop for his/her own
leasing company, bank, or credit union to find better lease
terms compared to the leasing companies offered by the dealer.
Most online leasing programs
can arrange to secure a better lease due to fleet arrangements.
The tradeoff is that dealers make it very convenient to arrange
for both the vehicle and the lease all in a single meeting and
the dealer's specified leasing company can often offer special
lease terms and incentives to help the dealer move vehicles.

Signing a leasing contract means that the consumer
agrees to make regular monthly payments, keep appropriate
insurance, pay any vehicle taxes and licensing fees, and take
good care of the vehicle. Furthermore, the consumer agrees to
keep the car for a specified number of months -- typically 24,
36, or 48 months -- and is expected to hold onto the vehicle
through the end of the lease contract. Keep in mind, it can be
very costly to end a lease early.

One last thing to
remember, because you pay for the use of a vehicle during a
lease, you should put as little money down as possible, up
front. Although putting money down can lower your lease payments
(by reducing your capitalized cost) in most cases it cannot be
regained in the event of early termination due to a loss.

For example, a customer leased a Honda Accord and put
$4,000 down as a cap reduction. Three months later the vehicle
is totaled in an accident. Customer's insurance will pay its
portion of the lease payoff and Gap Insurance will pay the
balance. Customer will walk away with only paying his insurance
deductible but he will not get reimbursed for his initial down
payment of $4,000. It will be lost. The moral of this true story
is to put as little money down as possible, ideally no money
down.

*ref link:
http://autosbargain.com/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=116&I
temid=57

About the author:
Everyone tries to negotiate the best new car deal in town, but
we simply don't know what the lowest price is.



AutosBargain.com
is dedicated to find the lowest new car prices online.
We receive hundreds of "vehicle purchased price" and update the
best new car bargain daily. New car buyers will no longer have
to negotiate blindly and save thousands of dollars on any new
car.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Keeping Your Car in Tune

By: Kimberly Meyer

Nobody looses from keeping a car taken cared of well. If you do
follow maintenance schedules and do repairs well, you would not
only be helping your pocket but you also would be helping the
environment be greener than ever. You see, if a vehicle is
well-maintained, chances are that it would be running better,
safer, and more efficiently.

The engine is a very important and essential part of the whole
car's system. By keeping it tuned rightly, your vehicle would be
running much smoother. In fact, if your engine has a misfiring
spark plug, your vehicle's fuel efficiency actually is cut down
to around thirty percent. Thirty percent is a great amount. If
there is a need to replace filters and fluids, do not hesitate
to do so. In fact, it would be best to follow service schedules.

Improperly inflated tires may not be a big deal for most people,
however, the sad truth behind this is that improperly inflated
tires bring down your vehicle's fuel efficiency. This could also
be the start of expensive damages on your vehicle. For sure,
these are some matters that you would like to avoid as much as
possible. Keep your tires properly maintained and properly
inflated so as not to waste those precious drops of fuel.

It is also important to keep your vehicle's air conditioner
working properly. If it needs any kind of servicing, have the
work done by only a technician who is certified to do such types
of duties. Make sure that you choose a qualified technician.

On the other hand, you can also do things yourself like dispose
of used motor oil, change anti-freeze and coolant, check tires,
and replace old batteries properly. However, do not simply dump
these anywhere. There are recycling sites that handle such
wastes so much so that it does not harm other people and harm
the environment as well.

With years of combined experience in selling premium quality
auto parts, Mazda
Parts and Mazda Auto Parts
has been the trusted and most
reliable source of quality Mazda 323 parts. In fact, by providing quality
Mazda parts and accessories, this auto parts dealer has also
been consistently helping auto owners make the most of their
dream machines.

About the author:
Kimberly Meyer is an expert when it comes to automotive issues.
She is the manager of her own car parts manufacturing company.
This 33 year-old maiden is also a talented writer.