By: Chris Chandler
Are you in need of a new car, but are afraid it's impossible
because of your bad credit? Well, the fact is that, today,
consumers with bad credit have a wide variety of options
available to them in regards to bad credit auto loans. In fact,
it can be very easy to get the money you need, but it is
important for you to do your research before getting a loan.
If you have bad credit, the first thing that I would recommend
is to find out more about your own financial situation. What is
your exact credit score (FICO) with the three credit agencies
(Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax)? One place that you can find
this information is the free credit report service at
www.AnnualCreditReport.com. At this site, you can place an order
for a free yearly credit report. The credit report has
everything but the credit score. You have to pay extra to get
the scores, but it is worth it. It is valuable information to
have on hand in your search for the best auto loan deal. With
this information, you can do quite a few things to help
yourself. The first thing you need to do when you examine your
credit report is to look for errors. Correcting errors can help
bring up your credit score some. Another way to increase credit
score is to have a friend, or relative, with good credit add you
as an authorized user to their credit cards. This connects their
good credit history to yours. If you simply don't know what to
do, there are credit repair companies that can help clean up
your credit report. I have used a credit repair company in the
past and was very pleased with the results.
I definitely don't recommend getting a bad credit car loan from
the local car dealership where you buy your car. You will
definitely get charged a very high interest rate (APR), and will
most likely be fed a load of bull about the bank "requiring you"
to buy extras like the extended warranty, glass VIN etching,
credit life insurance, etc. etc. The list goes on. One trick
that they also do is to say that your credit score is lower than
it is just to justify higher interest rates. You just need to
know that information anyway. If you don't, it can really cost
you in the long run. Let's use an example. Lets say that you're
getting 12% APR (could be higher) bad interest loan from a
dealership instead of a normal 6.25% APR car loan you might find
elsewhere. True, the monthly payment is only about $40 higher
for the bad credit loan per month, but over the life of the loan
(generally 60 months), high interest really adds up. In the end
you pay an extra $2,500!
Keep in mind that bad credit auto loan lenders usually require
that you have steady employment and a favorable debt-to-income
ratio. Of course, if you cannot demonstrate employment, you are
dead in the water anyway. But what the bad credit borrower needs
to understand is the fact that this kind of loan can come at a
high price, and it pays to research several options before
buying.
One of the best places to find a bad credit lender is online.
There are hundreds of them there out there. Shop around. Simply
google "bad credit auto loan" and several will come up. I would
try to go with a well known, established auto loan company.
Check out its background with the Better Business Bureau. Be
sure to read the fine print and know what the exact terms of the
loan are.
Another place to look for automobile financing is your local
bank. Sometimes when it is hard to get a loan anywhere else, you
can get the money you need from this traditional source. If
nothing else, you can get someone else with good credit to
co-sign the loan with you. The co-signer assumes equal
responsibility for the loan, so it is best to have an open line
of communication with the co-signer about your credit situation.
On any loan, also be sure that there is no prepayment penalty in
the fine print so that you can pay it off early or refinance
easily.
When it is all said and done, a person with poor credit does
have many options available. It is just a matter of doing the
research and keeping an eye out for the best deal available.
Your dream car is within reach, and having bad credit shouldn't
hold you back.
About the author:
Chris Chandler is a successful entrepreneur, webmaster, speaker,
and internet marketing consultant. His website, Christian eBuy,
http://www.christianebuy.com"
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Car Buying Critical Negotiating Tips
By: Jeff Neilan
O.K. you're patting yourself on the back for all of the homework
you've done on your perspective car that you are going to buy...
so you're fired up and ready to go... right?
It's great that you've done much homework on the car that you've
got your eye on... good job. But, consider this - have you given
any thought at all as to what your negotiating game plan is
going to be? If you really want to maximize your car deal, it
only makes sense to give this area some additional consideration.
Negotiating is skill that can be learned and gets better with
practice. Throughout everyone's life - first as children then as
parents - negotiation occurs rather regularly. Now that you're
looking at stepping onto a car dealership, you shouldn't
suddenly feel as though you've never been involved in
negotiations... I'll bet that you have.
First and foremost, plan to succeed. Simple thought I know, but
it is part of the preparation. If you go into the process
thinking that you would really like to get the selling price
down to a certain figure, but at the same time you're telling
yourself that this probably won't happen... then guess what...
it won't. You won't have the confidence, and the sales person or
sales manager will get work on your shaky expectations and get
you off your target price.
Be mindful of the other hand though. If you go into the car
selling price negotiating process like the proverbial 'bull in a
china shop' you'll probably trip the sales person's and the
sales manager's hot button and they will push back just as
vigorously creating a negotiating chasm.
The key as a polished negotiator is to stay calm and pleasant
and present win-win scenarios.
Secondly - Be prepared. Don't go into any type of transaction
such as buying a car unprepared. Don't just know about the car
and what you want your car to come with - know what each of
these options cost... don't guess or assume... There is profit
to be negotiated upon across the board at any given dealership.
Knowledge is confidence, and sales people will pick up on the
fact that you know of which you talk and this will significantly
cut down on the sales b.s.
Next - Leave yourself wiggle room inside your cocoon of
happiness target. In other words never start with the price you
want to pay. Remember, by definition here we are negotiating
with another person... if you start with the price you want to
pay; you'll have no choice but to negotiate your way up and out
of it. So, if you're will to spend say $15,000 then start at
$14,000 and work to create a win-win somewhere in between. And,
oh by the way... no one in the dealership other than you has or
will have NO IDEA of what you're willing to pay.
Here's a bonus tip - if the sales person kicks off the
negotiations with the first offer, don't counter with a
number... that's right no counter number... instead counter back
with a pleasant ... "I'm afraid that's somewhat beyond my
budget" ... make them come back with another offer to get you in
the game. Now you just gotten a newer offer and you haven't even
jumped in yet. The first offer from the dealer is usually their
'home run' swing... they don't really expect you to serve
yourself up at this point (although some do... and hence the
home run in profit).
Keep in that this is not a one way street. You'll have to
participate and make some concessions in order for your deal to
be a winner. For instance, if you can't get to the selling price
you want then get more for your trade, get an extended warranty
at dealer cost, get some no cost service or oil changes, floor
mats, ... anything that keeps the deal moving forward and the
negotiations open... don't get hung up on 'beating you opponent'
over just one aspect of the deal.
This is where many people get frustrated and either walk away
after getting so close or just give in as a result of the
frustration. Negotiating a car deal is a package not just a
selling price. Sure the selling price is the focal point, but
you have to give the appearance that you are offering some
concession as well. In fact, as your target price get within
range, don't just agree on the price and then begin the delivery
process. If you do... you will be in a much weaker position to
negotiate any extras you may want such as that extended
warranty... you see... make sure all potential aspects of the
deal are in place before you shake hands on the price.
About the author:
Jeff Neilan's car dealer experience offers insightful car buying tips that
save you time and money. Be sure to visit
www.acarbuyersguide.com for car buying advice, pricing and more.
O.K. you're patting yourself on the back for all of the homework
you've done on your perspective car that you are going to buy...
so you're fired up and ready to go... right?
It's great that you've done much homework on the car that you've
got your eye on... good job. But, consider this - have you given
any thought at all as to what your negotiating game plan is
going to be? If you really want to maximize your car deal, it
only makes sense to give this area some additional consideration.
Negotiating is skill that can be learned and gets better with
practice. Throughout everyone's life - first as children then as
parents - negotiation occurs rather regularly. Now that you're
looking at stepping onto a car dealership, you shouldn't
suddenly feel as though you've never been involved in
negotiations... I'll bet that you have.
First and foremost, plan to succeed. Simple thought I know, but
it is part of the preparation. If you go into the process
thinking that you would really like to get the selling price
down to a certain figure, but at the same time you're telling
yourself that this probably won't happen... then guess what...
it won't. You won't have the confidence, and the sales person or
sales manager will get work on your shaky expectations and get
you off your target price.
Be mindful of the other hand though. If you go into the car
selling price negotiating process like the proverbial 'bull in a
china shop' you'll probably trip the sales person's and the
sales manager's hot button and they will push back just as
vigorously creating a negotiating chasm.
The key as a polished negotiator is to stay calm and pleasant
and present win-win scenarios.
Secondly - Be prepared. Don't go into any type of transaction
such as buying a car unprepared. Don't just know about the car
and what you want your car to come with - know what each of
these options cost... don't guess or assume... There is profit
to be negotiated upon across the board at any given dealership.
Knowledge is confidence, and sales people will pick up on the
fact that you know of which you talk and this will significantly
cut down on the sales b.s.
Next - Leave yourself wiggle room inside your cocoon of
happiness target. In other words never start with the price you
want to pay. Remember, by definition here we are negotiating
with another person... if you start with the price you want to
pay; you'll have no choice but to negotiate your way up and out
of it. So, if you're will to spend say $15,000 then start at
$14,000 and work to create a win-win somewhere in between. And,
oh by the way... no one in the dealership other than you has or
will have NO IDEA of what you're willing to pay.
Here's a bonus tip - if the sales person kicks off the
negotiations with the first offer, don't counter with a
number... that's right no counter number... instead counter back
with a pleasant ... "I'm afraid that's somewhat beyond my
budget" ... make them come back with another offer to get you in
the game. Now you just gotten a newer offer and you haven't even
jumped in yet. The first offer from the dealer is usually their
'home run' swing... they don't really expect you to serve
yourself up at this point (although some do... and hence the
home run in profit).
Keep in that this is not a one way street. You'll have to
participate and make some concessions in order for your deal to
be a winner. For instance, if you can't get to the selling price
you want then get more for your trade, get an extended warranty
at dealer cost, get some no cost service or oil changes, floor
mats, ... anything that keeps the deal moving forward and the
negotiations open... don't get hung up on 'beating you opponent'
over just one aspect of the deal.
This is where many people get frustrated and either walk away
after getting so close or just give in as a result of the
frustration. Negotiating a car deal is a package not just a
selling price. Sure the selling price is the focal point, but
you have to give the appearance that you are offering some
concession as well. In fact, as your target price get within
range, don't just agree on the price and then begin the delivery
process. If you do... you will be in a much weaker position to
negotiate any extras you may want such as that extended
warranty... you see... make sure all potential aspects of the
deal are in place before you shake hands on the price.
About the author:
Jeff Neilan's car dealer experience offers insightful car buying tips that
save you time and money. Be sure to visit
www.acarbuyersguide.com for car buying advice, pricing and more.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Ford, Still King of the Hill
By: Jay Stevens
Ford Motor Co. is determined to keep its reign as the "King of
the Hill." So far, this is the third decade that said automaker
is holding the prestigious title in the pickup truck market.
Ford F-150 is the leading pickup truck for 30 years now. This
year along, it has 133,000-truck lead over the nearest
competitor. There are several attempts to dethrone the F-Series
nonetheless; the attempts did not appear strong enough to topple
the lingering success of the vehicles.
"Let's remember that F-Series is the benchmark when it comes to
trucks," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president, North
America Marketing, Sales and Service. "The competition has done
some work to try to play catch up. We've been through
competitive product reviews, of course, and we see that they
have updated some things and have made strides. But we're not
sitting back. And we're certainly not playing catch up. They
are."
According to auto analysts, to put a dent to the sales and
reputation of F-150's, the automaker's competitors must
concentrate on an expanded truck-buying target market. Analysts
say that the success of Ford's trucks can be attributed to many
alliances with organizations like NASCAR, Cabela's, Professional
Bull Riders, the Professional Bull Riders, Home Depot, Monster
Jam and Harley Davidson.
"Our alliance partners allow us to observe truckers and better
understand how they live and work with their trucks," said Ben
Poore, Ford truck group marketing manager. "Many members of a
group like the American Quarter Horse Association of the
Professional Bull Riders drive our trucks. We know how our
trucks work in a real environment because we are constantly out
there getting feedback from our customers."
Car
parts discount Ford F-150 pickup 99-03 boast quality and
performance. Truck lovers want more torque hence; the automaker
gives it to them. Ford F-150 truck parts, is now equipped with a
V8 engine that can handle greater towing and payload
capabilities. Further, F-150's maximum tow rating is now up 600
pounds to a class-leading 10,500 lbs.
Ford admitted that the company is concentrating on marketing
needs to heighten leadership in the truck market. "We are
playing offense with Ford Trucks," said John Felice, Ford
general marketing manager, Marketing, Sales and Service. "We
created more Ford Truck ads targeted at more diverse audiences
than ever to continue increasing leadership by solidifying our
base and going after new customers."
Ford is also decreasing the suggested retail prices on the
series up to $1,400 lower than this year's prices. The new F-150
FX2 Sport comes in with a dazzling aura. It is equipped with power wheels
Ford-150 and dark billet grille. To boost its style, it uses
monochromatic paint scheme. Enhanced Ford
F-150 headlights with platinum bezels and the sporty front
valance add to the enigmatic charm of the truck.
About the author:
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts
store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology
and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry.
Ford Motor Co. is determined to keep its reign as the "King of
the Hill." So far, this is the third decade that said automaker
is holding the prestigious title in the pickup truck market.
Ford F-150 is the leading pickup truck for 30 years now. This
year along, it has 133,000-truck lead over the nearest
competitor. There are several attempts to dethrone the F-Series
nonetheless; the attempts did not appear strong enough to topple
the lingering success of the vehicles.
"Let's remember that F-Series is the benchmark when it comes to
trucks," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president, North
America Marketing, Sales and Service. "The competition has done
some work to try to play catch up. We've been through
competitive product reviews, of course, and we see that they
have updated some things and have made strides. But we're not
sitting back. And we're certainly not playing catch up. They
are."
According to auto analysts, to put a dent to the sales and
reputation of F-150's, the automaker's competitors must
concentrate on an expanded truck-buying target market. Analysts
say that the success of Ford's trucks can be attributed to many
alliances with organizations like NASCAR, Cabela's, Professional
Bull Riders, the Professional Bull Riders, Home Depot, Monster
Jam and Harley Davidson.
"Our alliance partners allow us to observe truckers and better
understand how they live and work with their trucks," said Ben
Poore, Ford truck group marketing manager. "Many members of a
group like the American Quarter Horse Association of the
Professional Bull Riders drive our trucks. We know how our
trucks work in a real environment because we are constantly out
there getting feedback from our customers."
Car
parts discount Ford F-150 pickup 99-03 boast quality and
performance. Truck lovers want more torque hence; the automaker
gives it to them. Ford F-150 truck parts, is now equipped with a
V8 engine that can handle greater towing and payload
capabilities. Further, F-150's maximum tow rating is now up 600
pounds to a class-leading 10,500 lbs.
Ford admitted that the company is concentrating on marketing
needs to heighten leadership in the truck market. "We are
playing offense with Ford Trucks," said John Felice, Ford
general marketing manager, Marketing, Sales and Service. "We
created more Ford Truck ads targeted at more diverse audiences
than ever to continue increasing leadership by solidifying our
base and going after new customers."
Ford is also decreasing the suggested retail prices on the
series up to $1,400 lower than this year's prices. The new F-150
FX2 Sport comes in with a dazzling aura. It is equipped with power wheels
Ford-150 and dark billet grille. To boost its style, it uses
monochromatic paint scheme. Enhanced Ford
F-150 headlights with platinum bezels and the sporty front
valance add to the enigmatic charm of the truck.
About the author:
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts
store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology
and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
When To Buy A Car?
By: Nikola Govorko
Does it make any difference? Sure it does, it doesnt matter
whether you plan on buying a new or used car certain times of
week, month or year can get you a large discount, more equipment
and overall better deal.
For example, it is much better to buy a convertible in the fall
or winter, after the season for them is over (unless you live in
California or Florida). At those times people are looking to buy
family cars, SUVs and cars that are more practical. Also
convertible owners are planning on selling their pets after one
last season of cruising together. Also dealers are looking to
get rid of this season cars and make room for those coming up.
One small downside to this is that you will not have that much
choice at your disposal, most of the most wanted models and
colors will be sold out. But it can all be remedied with a
little persistence and willingness to compromise.
Most people wait for sales to begin and then go and shop for
deals, but you do not need to wait, with negotiation you can get
a better deal almost anytime. Most manufacturers offer
incentives at certain parts of a year, and even if you can get a
good deal at almost any time of a year you should prepare for
this and cease it.
Dealers car prices are available for negotiation at any time
during year. It often happens that people end up paying more
when waiting for a sale time. At that time lots of people are
shopping for cars and looking for deals so dealers can get away
with calculating to whom they should sell car.
In other words they'll look you up and down and judge just how
much youll pay for a car. Their judgment can be wrong but you
could also end up paying more.
However incentive periods should be used to get the best deal
possible.
So when is the best time to buy a car?
1) During weekdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Middle of the week,
no rush, both you and a dealer will be more relaxed. Because
there was no rush and probably only a 1-2 sales have been made
the dealer might offer you a better price.
2) At the end of the month. Most dealerships keep track of their
monthly car sales, also at that time bonuses are paid to top
sellers so each of them will try to sell as much as possible.
Also if month or several months have not been very good, they
will fear being laid off and will try their best to sell
something.
Keep in mind that dealerships set sale targets based on how many
cars they sell not on the profits made per each car, but ;) the
car profits do influence commissions to the sellers.
3) When you have ample time for this. Do not rush, set aside a
day or two just for this. If you can take a day off from your
work for this.
And at the end the best time for car buying is naturally when
you need one. Youll be surprised how many people wait for the
last minute to buy a car and get ripped off. Also from the day
you buy one try and set some money aside each month so the next
time you go and buy a car youll have more opportunities before
you.
About the author:
www.Driver-To-Driver.com is website for car enthusiasts as well
for people that just need some car advice. Visit us and find out
when is the best time to buy a car.
Does it make any difference? Sure it does, it doesnt matter
whether you plan on buying a new or used car certain times of
week, month or year can get you a large discount, more equipment
and overall better deal.
For example, it is much better to buy a convertible in the fall
or winter, after the season for them is over (unless you live in
California or Florida). At those times people are looking to buy
family cars, SUVs and cars that are more practical. Also
convertible owners are planning on selling their pets after one
last season of cruising together. Also dealers are looking to
get rid of this season cars and make room for those coming up.
One small downside to this is that you will not have that much
choice at your disposal, most of the most wanted models and
colors will be sold out. But it can all be remedied with a
little persistence and willingness to compromise.
Most people wait for sales to begin and then go and shop for
deals, but you do not need to wait, with negotiation you can get
a better deal almost anytime. Most manufacturers offer
incentives at certain parts of a year, and even if you can get a
good deal at almost any time of a year you should prepare for
this and cease it.
Dealers car prices are available for negotiation at any time
during year. It often happens that people end up paying more
when waiting for a sale time. At that time lots of people are
shopping for cars and looking for deals so dealers can get away
with calculating to whom they should sell car.
In other words they'll look you up and down and judge just how
much youll pay for a car. Their judgment can be wrong but you
could also end up paying more.
However incentive periods should be used to get the best deal
possible.
So when is the best time to buy a car?
1) During weekdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Middle of the week,
no rush, both you and a dealer will be more relaxed. Because
there was no rush and probably only a 1-2 sales have been made
the dealer might offer you a better price.
2) At the end of the month. Most dealerships keep track of their
monthly car sales, also at that time bonuses are paid to top
sellers so each of them will try to sell as much as possible.
Also if month or several months have not been very good, they
will fear being laid off and will try their best to sell
something.
Keep in mind that dealerships set sale targets based on how many
cars they sell not on the profits made per each car, but ;) the
car profits do influence commissions to the sellers.
3) When you have ample time for this. Do not rush, set aside a
day or two just for this. If you can take a day off from your
work for this.
And at the end the best time for car buying is naturally when
you need one. Youll be surprised how many people wait for the
last minute to buy a car and get ripped off. Also from the day
you buy one try and set some money aside each month so the next
time you go and buy a car youll have more opportunities before
you.
About the author:
www.Driver-To-Driver.com is website for car enthusiasts as well
for people that just need some car advice. Visit us and find out
when is the best time to buy a car.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Does Your Car Have A Security System?
In today’s world, when car thefts and car jackings are becoming increasingly commonplace, automotive security systems are more than a necessary evil. They are a mandatory fitting in most cars. In fact, most insurance companies will insist on an effective automotive security system before they agree to insure your car. There is a clause in most insurance applications that specifies that a recognized automotive security system is required in order for the insurance to be applicable. Recognizing this need, most automobile manufacturers build in effective automotive security systems into their cars and trucks. All of the latest model cars in the market come with some or the other form of automotive security system in them.
Even if your car is an older model or came without an in-built automotive security system, you can do your bit to prevent theft by installing an effective one. While the initial cost may seem intimidating, it is well worth the money if it can help prevent theft. Not to mention the stress and the waste of time running around for insurance, police complaints etc. Studies reveal that a car is stolen every twenty five seconds in the United States. You surely don’t want to be a part of that statistic! A basic automotive security system consists of a sensor fitted with an alarm that goes off if someone tries to forcibly enter your car. This sort of an automotive security system also comes with an auto locking facility that allows you to lock and unlock your car doors from a distance. Ever seen those shoppers in front of supermarket parking lots frantically pressing on their hand held beeper to identify their car? Well, the automotive security system also has this sort of unadvertised use!
A slightly more advanced automotive security system comes with additional features like lockable wheels to ensure that even if the auto thief manages to enter the car, he will not be able to drive it away. An extension of this sort of a system also uses password protection and even digital fingerprinting to ensure that the rightful owner of the car is entering and driving the car. The digital fingerprinting automotive security system is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, the latest series of Mercedes Benz comes with a digital fingerprinting automotive security system that eliminates the need to carry keys around. Keys can be duplicated, but nobody can hope to duplicate your fingerprint!
But these sorts of automotive security systems are of no use if the auto thief manages to beat them and still drive away with your car. Which is why, high end automotive security systems come with even more enhanced features like a silent beeper which gets activated during or after a car jacking, enabling the police to track down your car even much later after the theft. Such automotive security systems cost a pretty packet though. But for the discerning user, who does not mind the expense, it is a sure shot way to ensure that your car remains in the hands of its rightful owner at all times. And woe betide the thief who tries to snatch it away!
Even if your car is an older model or came without an in-built automotive security system, you can do your bit to prevent theft by installing an effective one. While the initial cost may seem intimidating, it is well worth the money if it can help prevent theft. Not to mention the stress and the waste of time running around for insurance, police complaints etc. Studies reveal that a car is stolen every twenty five seconds in the United States. You surely don’t want to be a part of that statistic! A basic automotive security system consists of a sensor fitted with an alarm that goes off if someone tries to forcibly enter your car. This sort of an automotive security system also comes with an auto locking facility that allows you to lock and unlock your car doors from a distance. Ever seen those shoppers in front of supermarket parking lots frantically pressing on their hand held beeper to identify their car? Well, the automotive security system also has this sort of unadvertised use!
A slightly more advanced automotive security system comes with additional features like lockable wheels to ensure that even if the auto thief manages to enter the car, he will not be able to drive it away. An extension of this sort of a system also uses password protection and even digital fingerprinting to ensure that the rightful owner of the car is entering and driving the car. The digital fingerprinting automotive security system is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, the latest series of Mercedes Benz comes with a digital fingerprinting automotive security system that eliminates the need to carry keys around. Keys can be duplicated, but nobody can hope to duplicate your fingerprint!
But these sorts of automotive security systems are of no use if the auto thief manages to beat them and still drive away with your car. Which is why, high end automotive security systems come with even more enhanced features like a silent beeper which gets activated during or after a car jacking, enabling the police to track down your car even much later after the theft. Such automotive security systems cost a pretty packet though. But for the discerning user, who does not mind the expense, it is a sure shot way to ensure that your car remains in the hands of its rightful owner at all times. And woe betide the thief who tries to snatch it away!
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