By: Donald Buske
The most important service you can perform to maintain your
vehicle is an automotive oil change. Engine oil is the life
blood of your vehicle, and if changed on a regular 3000 mile
interval, it will keep your automobiles engine running for
years. While oil keeps things lubricated, the oil filter keeps
out the impurities, so the oil filter needs to be changed at
every interval. Always consult your repair manual for proper oil
quantity, oil weight, and the proper oil filter when performing
an automotive oil change.
Most automotive manufacturers will suggest that you do an
automotive oil change between 5000 and 7500 miles, but I would
only recommend that interval for synthetic oil. The maintenance
schedules that they publish have two options, standard and
extreme. Most consumers think that the standard schedule is fine
no matter where you live, but 75% of the world lives in the
extreme, hot,cold,city driving,etc! Extreame heat as well as
extreame cold, will break engine oil viscosity and cause it to
loose its lubricating properties. So lets stick to an automotive
oil change every 3000 miles.
About the author:
I have over 25 years of automotive repair experience. I know
quite alot about everything that has to do with your auto. I am
ASE certified as well as GM certified. I am originally from
Wisconsin, born and raised, lived there for 38 years. I've spent
many years in the summer-humid /winter-icy/snowy climate and
have dealt with many repair conditions. Visit
http://www.your-auto-repair-help.com/automotive-oil-change.html
for great advice.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
The Muscle Car Craze
By: Jason Tarasi
Somebody once asked me why I was so fascinated with muscle cars.
You know, it's hard for an outsider looking in to understand why
we muscle car lovers are so fanatical about our cars. Until
they've been behind the wheel of a newly restored '66 Pontiac
GTO, they just haven't a clue.
Why is it that we can browse through muscle car advertisements
for hours on end? Why do we have to go to every muscle car show
that comes near our town? Why do we drive out of our way to see
some of the hottest muscle cars around? Why do we seemingly pour
all of our extra money into our muscle cars?
Some people think a passion for muscle cars comes from peer
pressure - a need to impress other people per se. As a muscle
car enthusiast I can honestly say that's not it, at least not
for me. My interest in muscle cars dates way back to before I
was ever concerned about what anybody thought. I have always
found muscle cars to be fascinating and exciting.
First, muscle cars are original. Those who collect or restore
muscle cars put their heart and soul into their hobby which
makes every muscle car truly unique. Second, muscle cars are
powerful. There's nothing that gets the adrenaline pumping quite
like sitting behind the wheel of a classic, high-performance
muscle car. Third, when you take a classic car, restore it and
muscle it up, you really have something to be proud of. It's a
lot like an artistic ability for me - like taking a blank canvas
and creating an incredible piece of art out of it.
One thing is for certain, regardless of the reason a muscle car
devotee is interested in muscle cars, we all seem to talk the
same talk and walk the same walk. Dealing with muscle cars is an
incredible social outlet. Whether we collect, restore, show, or
race our muscle cars, it doesn't matter. We're all on the same
wavelength and we truly enjoy looking at and chatting about
muscle cars.
Some enthusiasts have specific lines of muscle cars that they
are interested in, while others are just crazy about muscle cars
in general. Some like imports, others like exports, and most all
muscle car enthusiasts have a strong interest in classics. We
can look at them, talk about them, drive them, or just work on
them. Muscle cars give us something to look forward to,
something fun to invest our time and money into, and the muscle
car hobby keeps us out of trouble - for the most part.
About the author:
Jason Tarasi is a muscle car enthusiast who runs the Muscle Car
Monster Website, where members can buy and sell muscle cars for
free through the site's online classifieds. http://www.musclecarmonster.com/
Somebody once asked me why I was so fascinated with muscle cars.
You know, it's hard for an outsider looking in to understand why
we muscle car lovers are so fanatical about our cars. Until
they've been behind the wheel of a newly restored '66 Pontiac
GTO, they just haven't a clue.
Why is it that we can browse through muscle car advertisements
for hours on end? Why do we have to go to every muscle car show
that comes near our town? Why do we drive out of our way to see
some of the hottest muscle cars around? Why do we seemingly pour
all of our extra money into our muscle cars?
Some people think a passion for muscle cars comes from peer
pressure - a need to impress other people per se. As a muscle
car enthusiast I can honestly say that's not it, at least not
for me. My interest in muscle cars dates way back to before I
was ever concerned about what anybody thought. I have always
found muscle cars to be fascinating and exciting.
First, muscle cars are original. Those who collect or restore
muscle cars put their heart and soul into their hobby which
makes every muscle car truly unique. Second, muscle cars are
powerful. There's nothing that gets the adrenaline pumping quite
like sitting behind the wheel of a classic, high-performance
muscle car. Third, when you take a classic car, restore it and
muscle it up, you really have something to be proud of. It's a
lot like an artistic ability for me - like taking a blank canvas
and creating an incredible piece of art out of it.
One thing is for certain, regardless of the reason a muscle car
devotee is interested in muscle cars, we all seem to talk the
same talk and walk the same walk. Dealing with muscle cars is an
incredible social outlet. Whether we collect, restore, show, or
race our muscle cars, it doesn't matter. We're all on the same
wavelength and we truly enjoy looking at and chatting about
muscle cars.
Some enthusiasts have specific lines of muscle cars that they
are interested in, while others are just crazy about muscle cars
in general. Some like imports, others like exports, and most all
muscle car enthusiasts have a strong interest in classics. We
can look at them, talk about them, drive them, or just work on
them. Muscle cars give us something to look forward to,
something fun to invest our time and money into, and the muscle
car hobby keeps us out of trouble - for the most part.
About the author:
Jason Tarasi is a muscle car enthusiast who runs the Muscle Car
Monster Website, where members can buy and sell muscle cars for
free through the site's online classifieds. http://www.musclecarmonster.com/
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers' Dirty Tricks
By: Amit Laufer
How to buy a new Car
Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our
home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our
life.
There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste
and style, our economic status and our character. Some women
even claim that a car is a man's extension of his reproductive
organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out
there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by
choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice
them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they "fall in
love" with a certain car model.
There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on
the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of
the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats
the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.
In our modern life it's almost impossible to function without
one and it's expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.
Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique
smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a
brand new car is a great feeling.
When is the best time to buy a new car?
There are two "best times" to buy a car. The end of December is
a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out
buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of
customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end
sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October
as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space
for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be
$1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!
How and where to search for prices:
Invoice price - what the dealer pays the manufacturer - has
become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer's
need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere
between sticker and invoice.
Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and
in most cases their buying tools automatically add
option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the
process.
Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate
summation of a car's value, which immediately puts him or her in
a stronger negotiating position.
Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective
buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various
parts of the country. www.Edmunds.com/
for example, reveals the True Market Value: www.CarsDirect.com/,
which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed
CarsDirect price www.Intellichoice.com/ sorts out the Best Deals
of the Month.
The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:
After you made your research via the Internet, it's important
you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some
written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the
car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between
several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.
You would be much better off selling your old car yourself
rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer
will have to earn some money on it as well.
Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car
is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership
arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained
sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of
tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.
There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales
courses, it's called "throwing a lowball", in this tactic a
customer is offered a very good price on a car, Perhaps as much
as $700 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not
genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to
buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the
decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out,
extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows,
customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice
they have now made.
Then something happens. All of a sudden an "error" in the
calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to
add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer
insists on having it, then $700 must be added to the price...
The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they
let the bank handling the financing find the "mistake", other
times the boss is not approving the deal because "we'd be losing
money". They make it look as if it's not that big mistake as
it's a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and
as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.
The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to
make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries
to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a
different vehicle, just say "no" and go somewhere else.
If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers
scams and how to avoid them go to:
www.carbuyingtips.com/scams.htm
Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in
which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into
extras you don't want and probably don't need. These can include
added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust
proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection,
anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.
Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the
car, looking for scratches or dents, anything that mars the
perfect finish. If you're not happy, get a written agreement
(known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later
return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.
About the author:
MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University.
Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University
- C.W Post Campus. Hobby: Photography & Cars. Married with two
Children.
http://cars-i-like.com
How to buy a new Car
Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our
home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our
life.
There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste
and style, our economic status and our character. Some women
even claim that a car is a man's extension of his reproductive
organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out
there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by
choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice
them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they "fall in
love" with a certain car model.
There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on
the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of
the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats
the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.
In our modern life it's almost impossible to function without
one and it's expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.
Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique
smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a
brand new car is a great feeling.
When is the best time to buy a new car?
There are two "best times" to buy a car. The end of December is
a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out
buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of
customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end
sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October
as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space
for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be
$1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!
How and where to search for prices:
Invoice price - what the dealer pays the manufacturer - has
become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer's
need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere
between sticker and invoice.
Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and
in most cases their buying tools automatically add
option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the
process.
Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate
summation of a car's value, which immediately puts him or her in
a stronger negotiating position.
Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective
buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various
parts of the country. www.Edmunds.com/
for example, reveals the True Market Value: www.CarsDirect.com/,
which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed
CarsDirect price www.Intellichoice.com/ sorts out the Best Deals
of the Month.
The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:
After you made your research via the Internet, it's important
you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some
written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the
car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between
several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.
You would be much better off selling your old car yourself
rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer
will have to earn some money on it as well.
Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car
is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership
arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained
sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of
tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.
There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales
courses, it's called "throwing a lowball", in this tactic a
customer is offered a very good price on a car, Perhaps as much
as $700 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not
genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to
buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the
decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out,
extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows,
customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice
they have now made.
Then something happens. All of a sudden an "error" in the
calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to
add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer
insists on having it, then $700 must be added to the price...
The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they
let the bank handling the financing find the "mistake", other
times the boss is not approving the deal because "we'd be losing
money". They make it look as if it's not that big mistake as
it's a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and
as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.
The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to
make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries
to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a
different vehicle, just say "no" and go somewhere else.
If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers
scams and how to avoid them go to:
www.carbuyingtips.com/scams.htm
Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in
which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into
extras you don't want and probably don't need. These can include
added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust
proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection,
anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.
Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the
car, looking for scratches or dents, anything that mars the
perfect finish. If you're not happy, get a written agreement
(known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later
return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.
About the author:
MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University.
Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University
- C.W Post Campus. Hobby: Photography & Cars. Married with two
Children.
http://cars-i-like.com
Monday, December 19, 2005
How to Find A Great Clean Used Car and Pay Less
By: Amit Laufer
buying a Car
Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our
home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our
life.
There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste
and style, our economic status and our character. Some women
even claim that a car is a man's extension of his reproductive
organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out
there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by
choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice
them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they "fall in
love" with a certain car model.
There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on
the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of
the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats
the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.
In our modern life it's almost impossible to function without
one and it's expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.
Buying a Used Car
The question I would like to bring up here is whether it's wise
to buy a used car or to make an additional effort and buy a new
car.
If you look at it purely from an economical stand point then
it's quiet obvious that due to the fact that you miss out on the
heaviest depreciation hit the average car absorbs in the first
two and three years it's wise to buy a used car. A car of two or
even three years on the road is basically a new car and in some
cases didn't even finished the manufacturers original bumper to
bumper warranty. (Not included labor 8-(
On the average you might save on a used car anywhere between $
3,000 to $ 8,000. In case you know how to do it via a car dealer
that will buy the car for you at a car auction limited to car
dealers only (for a couple of hundreds of Dollars commission)you
might even get a real bargain. See:
www.carbuyingtips.com/auto-auctions.htm
Another good reason to buy a used car is the fact you can put
your hands on a bigger or better or in other words more car for
the same budget as the new smaller car would have cost you.
More and more manufacturers offer "certified pre-owned"
programs. Cars sold as certified pre-owned (CPO) bridge the gap
between new and used. They are subject to a rigorous inspection
and repair process, and usually are covered by a warranty from
the manufacturer. CPO cars will usually cost a bit more, but the
added warranty and peace of mind makes them a good value.
If you want to get extended warranty look at:
www.carbuyingtips.com/warranty.htm
Where do you get the market value of the cars, that's pretty
easy, all you have to do is follow this link: Blue Book - Used
Car Values at:www.cars.com/go/index.jsp
When purchasing a used car you should protect yourself from
buying a flood damaged vehicle by doing a little research and by
having the vehicle thoroughly checked by a mechanic.
Rain, thunderstorms, swelling rivers and seasonal hurricanes
hitting the coastlines all contribute to flooding disasters that
can mean serious water damage to vehicles in those areas. Water
damage from 1999's Hurricane Floyd ruined approximately 75,000
vehicles and more than half of those ended up back on the road.
Tropical Storm Allison damaged another 95,000 in 2001 and
Hurricane Ivan left more than 100,000 vehicles water-logged.
The numbers for Hurricane Katrina are expected to skyrocket
above half-a-million and safety experts warn that many of these
flood damaged vehicles also will be dried out and offered for
sale. Hurricanes and tropical storms, however, are only part of
the problem.
Flooding can occur throughout the year and in any part of the
country. however, auto industry analysts caution consumers that
the risk of buying a flood damaged car is not limited to these
areas. Flood damaged cars are often repaired cosmetically, and
moved to adjacent states or even across the country where they
are sold to unsuspecting consumers.
These floodwaters can cause damage to vehicle computer and
electrical systems, as well as potentially causing anti-lock
braking and airbag systems to malfunction.
World Trade Center Damaged Cars, thousands of cars were damaged
in New York City on 9/11/2001. It's a prime example of disasters
having long term effects other than the initial death and
destruction. These cars will no doubt be salvaged, rebuilt, sold
at car auctions and have their titles rebuilt, most likely out
of state.
An important help is the nationwide history data base of the
cars in terms of damages, salvaged, lemon, flooded, fraud,
accidents, rental etc' you can look it up at: www.carfax.com/
In addition it's recommended you have a mechanic check it out -
A certified, trusted mechanic will test the electrical and
safety systems, two of the major components that water can
affect. They can also look for signs of water damage that may
not be visible to the untrained eye.
Car Donation
It is estimated that every year, more than a million Americans
donated their cars. Why do they donate their car? Well, few
reasons: A. The proceeds go to charity organizations and it
provides for the donor a good feeling of contributing to
society. B. its tax deductible (Less than it used to). C. The
car is being towed or driven away by the company who arranged
the deal.
Unfortunately, whether through ignorance, confusion or greed, a
substantial percentage of car donors have been deducting the
full "suggested retail price" - what a dealer would get for
reselling your trade-in instead of the fair market value. That's
far more than the IRS had intended, costing the government
millions in lost tax revenue.
The charities weren't making much, either. Most of the donated
cars were sold by the charities for a pittance at auction, and
middlemen who administered the programs on behalf of the
charities took a large percentage of those meager profits.
So IRS changed the rule last year. From now on, if your car is
valued more than $500, the deduction is limited to the charity's
actual selling price. The donor must attach a statement of sale
to the tax return in order to receive the deduction. (The
charity is obligated to provide the statement within 30 days.)
You are not entitled to know the deduction amount before
donating your car. Although the IRS has closed the loophole in
the law, there is still a way to deduct full market value of
your vehicle: If the charity uses the car itself to further its
specific purpose
About the author:
MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University.
Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University
- C.W Post Campus. Hobby: Photography & Cars. Married with two
Children.
http://www.cars-i-like.com/
buying a Car
Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our
home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our
life.
There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste
and style, our economic status and our character. Some women
even claim that a car is a man's extension of his reproductive
organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out
there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by
choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice
them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they "fall in
love" with a certain car model.
There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on
the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of
the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats
the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.
In our modern life it's almost impossible to function without
one and it's expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.
Buying a Used Car
The question I would like to bring up here is whether it's wise
to buy a used car or to make an additional effort and buy a new
car.
If you look at it purely from an economical stand point then
it's quiet obvious that due to the fact that you miss out on the
heaviest depreciation hit the average car absorbs in the first
two and three years it's wise to buy a used car. A car of two or
even three years on the road is basically a new car and in some
cases didn't even finished the manufacturers original bumper to
bumper warranty. (Not included labor 8-(
On the average you might save on a used car anywhere between $
3,000 to $ 8,000. In case you know how to do it via a car dealer
that will buy the car for you at a car auction limited to car
dealers only (for a couple of hundreds of Dollars commission)you
might even get a real bargain. See:
www.carbuyingtips.com/auto-auctions.htm
Another good reason to buy a used car is the fact you can put
your hands on a bigger or better or in other words more car for
the same budget as the new smaller car would have cost you.
More and more manufacturers offer "certified pre-owned"
programs. Cars sold as certified pre-owned (CPO) bridge the gap
between new and used. They are subject to a rigorous inspection
and repair process, and usually are covered by a warranty from
the manufacturer. CPO cars will usually cost a bit more, but the
added warranty and peace of mind makes them a good value.
If you want to get extended warranty look at:
www.carbuyingtips.com/warranty.htm
Where do you get the market value of the cars, that's pretty
easy, all you have to do is follow this link: Blue Book - Used
Car Values at:www.cars.com/go/index.jsp
When purchasing a used car you should protect yourself from
buying a flood damaged vehicle by doing a little research and by
having the vehicle thoroughly checked by a mechanic.
Rain, thunderstorms, swelling rivers and seasonal hurricanes
hitting the coastlines all contribute to flooding disasters that
can mean serious water damage to vehicles in those areas. Water
damage from 1999's Hurricane Floyd ruined approximately 75,000
vehicles and more than half of those ended up back on the road.
Tropical Storm Allison damaged another 95,000 in 2001 and
Hurricane Ivan left more than 100,000 vehicles water-logged.
The numbers for Hurricane Katrina are expected to skyrocket
above half-a-million and safety experts warn that many of these
flood damaged vehicles also will be dried out and offered for
sale. Hurricanes and tropical storms, however, are only part of
the problem.
Flooding can occur throughout the year and in any part of the
country. however, auto industry analysts caution consumers that
the risk of buying a flood damaged car is not limited to these
areas. Flood damaged cars are often repaired cosmetically, and
moved to adjacent states or even across the country where they
are sold to unsuspecting consumers.
These floodwaters can cause damage to vehicle computer and
electrical systems, as well as potentially causing anti-lock
braking and airbag systems to malfunction.
World Trade Center Damaged Cars, thousands of cars were damaged
in New York City on 9/11/2001. It's a prime example of disasters
having long term effects other than the initial death and
destruction. These cars will no doubt be salvaged, rebuilt, sold
at car auctions and have their titles rebuilt, most likely out
of state.
An important help is the nationwide history data base of the
cars in terms of damages, salvaged, lemon, flooded, fraud,
accidents, rental etc' you can look it up at: www.carfax.com/
In addition it's recommended you have a mechanic check it out -
A certified, trusted mechanic will test the electrical and
safety systems, two of the major components that water can
affect. They can also look for signs of water damage that may
not be visible to the untrained eye.
Car Donation
It is estimated that every year, more than a million Americans
donated their cars. Why do they donate their car? Well, few
reasons: A. The proceeds go to charity organizations and it
provides for the donor a good feeling of contributing to
society. B. its tax deductible (Less than it used to). C. The
car is being towed or driven away by the company who arranged
the deal.
Unfortunately, whether through ignorance, confusion or greed, a
substantial percentage of car donors have been deducting the
full "suggested retail price" - what a dealer would get for
reselling your trade-in instead of the fair market value. That's
far more than the IRS had intended, costing the government
millions in lost tax revenue.
The charities weren't making much, either. Most of the donated
cars were sold by the charities for a pittance at auction, and
middlemen who administered the programs on behalf of the
charities took a large percentage of those meager profits.
So IRS changed the rule last year. From now on, if your car is
valued more than $500, the deduction is limited to the charity's
actual selling price. The donor must attach a statement of sale
to the tax return in order to receive the deduction. (The
charity is obligated to provide the statement within 30 days.)
You are not entitled to know the deduction amount before
donating your car. Although the IRS has closed the loophole in
the law, there is still a way to deduct full market value of
your vehicle: If the charity uses the car itself to further its
specific purpose
About the author:
MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University.
Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University
- C.W Post Campus. Hobby: Photography & Cars. Married with two
Children.
http://www.cars-i-like.com/
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Auto Financing Online
By: Mike Hamel
More and more consumers are getting their auto financing online
instead of from the dealerships where they buy their vehicles.
Getting auto financing from a dealership has some benefits:
* Convenience - vehicles and financing are in one place and the
dealer is motivated to find financing for buyers, no matter
their circumstances.
* More options - a dealer's relationships with a variety of
banks and finance companies mean they can offer a range of loans
to fit a buyer's credit rating.
* Special programs - sometimes dealers can offer
manufacturer-sponsored, low-rate programs, but usually only to
people with good credit.
But getting auto financing online offers even more advantages:
* Certainty - buyers know how much they can spend before setting
foot on a dealer's lot.
* Clout - buyers with financing in hand are treated like cash
customers and are in a stronger negotiating position.
* Cash savings - because of competition, online buyers often get
the lowest interest rate possible for someone with their credit
rating.
* Calmness - buyers aren't subjected to the high-pressure
tactics of a dealer's finance department.
Shopping for your financing first can save you a lot of
headaches. If you know how much money you're qualified to
borrow, you can limit your search to a vehicle you'll actually
be able to afford. Why set your heart on a Hummer when your
checkbook says Hyundai.
Play it safe Due to advances in Internet security, online
financial transactions are for the most part safe and secure.
Still, The Federal Trade Commission offers the following advice
regarding online transactions:
* Use a secure browser - software that encrypts or scrambles the
purchase information you send over the Internet - to help guard
the security of your information as it is transmitted to a
website. Be sure your browser has the most up-to-date encryption
capabilities by using the latest version available from the
manufacturer.
* Check the site's privacy policy, before you provide any
personal financial information to a website. In particular,
determine how the information will be used or shared with
others. Also check the site's statements about the security
provided for your information.
* Keep your personal information private. Don't disclose your
personal information - your address, telephone number, Social
Security number, bank account number or e-mail address - unless
you know who's collecting the information, why they're
collecting it and how they'll use it.
* Give payment information only to businesses you know and
trust, and only when and where it is appropriate - like an order
form. Never give your password to anyone online, even your
Internet service provider. Source:
www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/payments.htm
A leading provider of online auto financing is Pre Approved
Autos. Visitors to the site can fill out a simple app, which is
instantly submitted to reputable dealers and finance companies
in their area. The lender with the best offer wins the right to
contact the applicant with a pre-approved loan amount, usually
within a few hours. The loan quotes are free and the inquirer is
under no obligation to accept the offer.
About the author:
Mike Hamel is Senior Writer for Sales and Marketing LLC
(www.salesandmarketingllc.com), an Internet marketing company
offering everything from website development and optimization to
creating and monitoring cost-effective ad programs. Our
specialty is increasing site traffic and improving
visitor-to-sale conversion rates using proprietary software and
advanced SEM techniques. Mikehamel@salesandmarketingllc.com
More and more consumers are getting their auto financing online
instead of from the dealerships where they buy their vehicles.
Getting auto financing from a dealership has some benefits:
* Convenience - vehicles and financing are in one place and the
dealer is motivated to find financing for buyers, no matter
their circumstances.
* More options - a dealer's relationships with a variety of
banks and finance companies mean they can offer a range of loans
to fit a buyer's credit rating.
* Special programs - sometimes dealers can offer
manufacturer-sponsored, low-rate programs, but usually only to
people with good credit.
But getting auto financing online offers even more advantages:
* Certainty - buyers know how much they can spend before setting
foot on a dealer's lot.
* Clout - buyers with financing in hand are treated like cash
customers and are in a stronger negotiating position.
* Cash savings - because of competition, online buyers often get
the lowest interest rate possible for someone with their credit
rating.
* Calmness - buyers aren't subjected to the high-pressure
tactics of a dealer's finance department.
Shopping for your financing first can save you a lot of
headaches. If you know how much money you're qualified to
borrow, you can limit your search to a vehicle you'll actually
be able to afford. Why set your heart on a Hummer when your
checkbook says Hyundai.
Play it safe Due to advances in Internet security, online
financial transactions are for the most part safe and secure.
Still, The Federal Trade Commission offers the following advice
regarding online transactions:
* Use a secure browser - software that encrypts or scrambles the
purchase information you send over the Internet - to help guard
the security of your information as it is transmitted to a
website. Be sure your browser has the most up-to-date encryption
capabilities by using the latest version available from the
manufacturer.
* Check the site's privacy policy, before you provide any
personal financial information to a website. In particular,
determine how the information will be used or shared with
others. Also check the site's statements about the security
provided for your information.
* Keep your personal information private. Don't disclose your
personal information - your address, telephone number, Social
Security number, bank account number or e-mail address - unless
you know who's collecting the information, why they're
collecting it and how they'll use it.
* Give payment information only to businesses you know and
trust, and only when and where it is appropriate - like an order
form. Never give your password to anyone online, even your
Internet service provider. Source:
www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/payments.htm
A leading provider of online auto financing is Pre Approved
Autos. Visitors to the site can fill out a simple app, which is
instantly submitted to reputable dealers and finance companies
in their area. The lender with the best offer wins the right to
contact the applicant with a pre-approved loan amount, usually
within a few hours. The loan quotes are free and the inquirer is
under no obligation to accept the offer.
About the author:
Mike Hamel is Senior Writer for Sales and Marketing LLC
(www.salesandmarketingllc.com), an Internet marketing company
offering everything from website development and optimization to
creating and monitoring cost-effective ad programs. Our
specialty is increasing site traffic and improving
visitor-to-sale conversion rates using proprietary software and
advanced SEM techniques. Mikehamel@salesandmarketingllc.com
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