So you're mechanically inclined? Fabulous! You probably know a lot about repairing and installing car parts. When working on vehicles, there are certainly times when parts need to be replaced, costing you and, in turn, the customer a lot of money. But there are ways to cut your costs. Have you considered using recycled car parts?
Automotive recyclers offer great deals on used car parts. There are more recyclers out there than you might think. And their prices are hard to beat. One reason is that insurance companies can save money themselves by dropping off wrecked vehicles at a recycling yard. There are many other incentives, though, to shop from these guys.
Did you know that buying used car parts from auto recyclers helps prevent pollution caused by manufacturing new parts? A lot of oil is used to manufacture new car parts-resources that are saved by recycling. Reusing raw materials is beneficial to the environment. And finding the right car parts shouldn't be too difficult. Currently, more than 4 million automobiles are recycled every year in North America. That's a lot of available car parts!
Recycling car parts saves a lot of space in landfills. Why throw something away when it can still be used? Also, buying used car parts allows you to use quality parts made by the original manufacturer. Recyclers are skilled in determining which car parts are damaged and which are reusable.
And it is true: used car parts help you save money. Clearly, this is a cheaper alternative to buying new car parts. But are you getting the same quality? Good question. Actually, most automotive recyclers give warranties on car parts, so you won't need to worry about buying a lemon. Better yet, recyclers can often find car parts faster than other dealers, as they have developed an electronic network to communicate quickly with other recyclers. If they don't have what you need in stock, chances are they can find it in no time.
Next time you're looking for car parts, consider your local automotive recycler. You'll be satisfied with the product, and also with the price.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Do You Want to Increase Your Car?s Resale Value? Here?s How!
If you are planning to resell your car in the future and buy a new and more advanced model, then you have to exert more effort in keeping it in good shape and excellent driving condition. Even if it?s already old, you can sell it at high price if it looks and performs like new. Anyway, let?s go straight to the question: how do you improve its resale value?
The truth is, you have a lot of options in preserving its good shape and condition, but there?s one store that can completely answer your question, Auto Parts Deal. Here, a great variety of replacement and aftermarket auto parts is available for your car?s proper maintenance and upgrading. Yes, there are thousands of other online auto parts stores that provide various kinds of aftermarket products, but there are few, which meet your needs and wants and help you save at the same time. This online store definitely does both.
Aside from regular check up like most of us do to safeguard our health, you need to replace some of your car?s parts and mechanical components even if they are still working to upgrade its performance and style. If you have an old Ford F-150 truck for example, which you frequently use to haul and transport heavy cargoes, you have to continuously upgrade its performance parts so it can always perform highly challenging tasks. Ford truck parts are known to be exceptionally tough but it doesn?t mean they don?t require much attention and care.
Among the auto parts that require your utmost care are the car wheels and tires. These parts are closest to the road and their quality affects significantly your vehicle?s ride quality and handling. Replace your worn out tires and wheels with top quality replacement wheels offered at Auto Parts Deal. Here you can find the most dependable line of replacement Ford wheels, Nissan wheels, Jeep wheels and Chevrolet wheels.
For your added safety, this one-stop auto parts store also offers durable and high quality auto parts like Chevrolet bumpers, Mazda mirrors, Toyota tail lights, BMW headlights, and Dodge fog lights. All these parts are helpful in keeping you away from accidents, which of course excuses no one and no vehicle. It?s always better to be on guard and prepared for any road accidents that might happen. Also, check out the store?s top quality safety Ford truck parts, GMC truck parts, Dodge truck parts and Toyota truck parts.
Simple things like accessorizing your vehicle can go along way. This can help you sell your car with a worthy price tag in the future. But more than this, it makes your ride more comfortable, more fashionable, more convenient and safer, which in effect reduces a lot of stress in driving. So be wise, get replacement parts only from a dependable dealer like Auto Parts Deal.
The truth is, you have a lot of options in preserving its good shape and condition, but there?s one store that can completely answer your question, Auto Parts Deal. Here, a great variety of replacement and aftermarket auto parts is available for your car?s proper maintenance and upgrading. Yes, there are thousands of other online auto parts stores that provide various kinds of aftermarket products, but there are few, which meet your needs and wants and help you save at the same time. This online store definitely does both.
Aside from regular check up like most of us do to safeguard our health, you need to replace some of your car?s parts and mechanical components even if they are still working to upgrade its performance and style. If you have an old Ford F-150 truck for example, which you frequently use to haul and transport heavy cargoes, you have to continuously upgrade its performance parts so it can always perform highly challenging tasks. Ford truck parts are known to be exceptionally tough but it doesn?t mean they don?t require much attention and care.
Among the auto parts that require your utmost care are the car wheels and tires. These parts are closest to the road and their quality affects significantly your vehicle?s ride quality and handling. Replace your worn out tires and wheels with top quality replacement wheels offered at Auto Parts Deal. Here you can find the most dependable line of replacement Ford wheels, Nissan wheels, Jeep wheels and Chevrolet wheels.
For your added safety, this one-stop auto parts store also offers durable and high quality auto parts like Chevrolet bumpers, Mazda mirrors, Toyota tail lights, BMW headlights, and Dodge fog lights. All these parts are helpful in keeping you away from accidents, which of course excuses no one and no vehicle. It?s always better to be on guard and prepared for any road accidents that might happen. Also, check out the store?s top quality safety Ford truck parts, GMC truck parts, Dodge truck parts and Toyota truck parts.
Simple things like accessorizing your vehicle can go along way. This can help you sell your car with a worthy price tag in the future. But more than this, it makes your ride more comfortable, more fashionable, more convenient and safer, which in effect reduces a lot of stress in driving. So be wise, get replacement parts only from a dependable dealer like Auto Parts Deal.
Do you have enough car insurance?
Many people who reserve a rental car show up to the counter with little thought given to the ?what if's? that could result from them driving a car that is not their own. You wouldn't think of driving your own car without coverage, so take a few moments to consider how you will make sure that your rental car is covered. Here are 3 steps to take to ensure you have adequate coverage.
1. When you're calling the rental car company for a quote, find out how much the coverage costs and what it covers. Their rates for insurance/coverage may be higher but they also offer the least hassle, since you may not have to file a claim on your own insurance. Many car rental companies have a couple of options, including buying down the deductible to a hundred dollars (or so, depending on where you live) or even to zero.
2. Contact your car insurance company. They may already cover you for rental cars in certain situations. For example, if your car is in the shop, they may automatically transfer your coverage and deductible to a rental car. This is a replacement-only type of coverage because they are covering you on a different car. For an additional cost, you may be able to purchase either a temporary or ongoing rider (depending on the insurance company) to cover your rental car even if your car is not in the shop. This is considered a non-replacement-type of coverage since you will need coverage on both cars because they potentially could both be driven.
3. Contact your credit card company or check out the Cardholder's Agreement. Your credit card may cover you for rental car insurance. Check to see that they cover you in your specific situation. For example, there are certain cars they cover (some don't cover trucks or SUVs) or they may not cover you depending on where you drive or how long you have the car.
Armed with this knowledge, you can make an educated estimate of what the costs are to ensure that you are fully covered on your rental car. After all, you want to have peace-of-mind when you're on your next trip.
1. When you're calling the rental car company for a quote, find out how much the coverage costs and what it covers. Their rates for insurance/coverage may be higher but they also offer the least hassle, since you may not have to file a claim on your own insurance. Many car rental companies have a couple of options, including buying down the deductible to a hundred dollars (or so, depending on where you live) or even to zero.
2. Contact your car insurance company. They may already cover you for rental cars in certain situations. For example, if your car is in the shop, they may automatically transfer your coverage and deductible to a rental car. This is a replacement-only type of coverage because they are covering you on a different car. For an additional cost, you may be able to purchase either a temporary or ongoing rider (depending on the insurance company) to cover your rental car even if your car is not in the shop. This is considered a non-replacement-type of coverage since you will need coverage on both cars because they potentially could both be driven.
3. Contact your credit card company or check out the Cardholder's Agreement. Your credit card may cover you for rental car insurance. Check to see that they cover you in your specific situation. For example, there are certain cars they cover (some don't cover trucks or SUVs) or they may not cover you depending on where you drive or how long you have the car.
Armed with this knowledge, you can make an educated estimate of what the costs are to ensure that you are fully covered on your rental car. After all, you want to have peace-of-mind when you're on your next trip.
Buying Skidder Tire Chains
Anyone involved in the forestry or logging business knows a thing or two about skidder tire chains. Skidders, those heavy, four-wheel tractors used to haul logs - especially over rugged terrain, are an extremely useful tool for getting logs from one location to another. Because the landscape around loggers tends to be more harsh than most drivers are used to, special skidder tires provide extra traction.
Of course, when skidder tires aren't enough, skidder tire chains can provide the extra traction necessary to get through any job. Running upwards of $1,000, skidder tire chains are available in several different varieties. With grapple skidders, most loggers prefer to use heavier skidder tire chains because of the horsepower. For the forwarders, which don't have a lot of clearance, the same result can be achieved with lighter tire chains.
As with other tire chains, the golden rule for getting the best performance is to keep them tight. If the skidder tire chains are too loose, they wear out. Of course, some loggers experience the other extreme - they put the tire chains on so tight that the tires wear out right in the center. The best advice is to follow the manufacturer's directions for installation. Once you've got your tire chains on, remember to rotate them every 800 or 1,000 hours, as tire chains wear down just as tires do. By taking care of their tire chains, a logger can expert a set to last three to five seasons.
When looking for new skidder tire chains, the ideal time to buy is when purchasing new tires. Not only does this ensure a better fit, but it also allows for easy installation to ensure that the chains fit the tire properly.
By purchasing the right tire chains for your skidder tires and taking good care of the chains, loggers can get years of use out of a product that can cut deep into pocketbooks.
Of course, when skidder tires aren't enough, skidder tire chains can provide the extra traction necessary to get through any job. Running upwards of $1,000, skidder tire chains are available in several different varieties. With grapple skidders, most loggers prefer to use heavier skidder tire chains because of the horsepower. For the forwarders, which don't have a lot of clearance, the same result can be achieved with lighter tire chains.
As with other tire chains, the golden rule for getting the best performance is to keep them tight. If the skidder tire chains are too loose, they wear out. Of course, some loggers experience the other extreme - they put the tire chains on so tight that the tires wear out right in the center. The best advice is to follow the manufacturer's directions for installation. Once you've got your tire chains on, remember to rotate them every 800 or 1,000 hours, as tire chains wear down just as tires do. By taking care of their tire chains, a logger can expert a set to last three to five seasons.
When looking for new skidder tire chains, the ideal time to buy is when purchasing new tires. Not only does this ensure a better fit, but it also allows for easy installation to ensure that the chains fit the tire properly.
By purchasing the right tire chains for your skidder tires and taking good care of the chains, loggers can get years of use out of a product that can cut deep into pocketbooks.
Buying new vs. used cars.
New vs used. Which car is right for you? Consider the following.
Owning a brand new car is exciting. But financially speaking, it makes more sense to buy a used car. As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses a great portion of its value. This is because your car is no longer ?new?.
New cars lose about 40% of their value within 3 years, then depreciation starts to slow down. Why not buy a used car and allow someone else to take that depreciation hit?
The previous owner will have absorbed the steepest part of the depreciation cycle. At that point the costs of owning and operating the car will be reduced. The money you save on depreciation will surely go a long way.
Another benefit of buying used is lower cost. By buying used you pay less. You will also save on financing costs, insurance premiums, registration and licensing fees. You don?t have to worry about paying sales tax.
As with everything else there are a few downsides to buying a used car. There are greater chances for costly unwarranted repairs. You may very soon have to do major maintenance on your car, including replacing tires, battery, brakes, muffler, and perhaps even the transmission.
A used car is usually less reliable. You don?t know exactly what you?re getting into and how the previous owner treated the car. However, every situation is different and some used models may actually be far more reliable than some new ones.
If you can pay cash, go the new car way. Enjoy the feeling of knowing you're the original owner of a new car in mint condition. Nothing can replace that feeling.
Otherwise do not hang your hat higher than you can reach. Practice financial prudence. Save your money and comfort yourself knowing that one day you will be able to afford that dream car. One day when money is no object.
Owning a brand new car is exciting. But financially speaking, it makes more sense to buy a used car. As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses a great portion of its value. This is because your car is no longer ?new?.
New cars lose about 40% of their value within 3 years, then depreciation starts to slow down. Why not buy a used car and allow someone else to take that depreciation hit?
The previous owner will have absorbed the steepest part of the depreciation cycle. At that point the costs of owning and operating the car will be reduced. The money you save on depreciation will surely go a long way.
Another benefit of buying used is lower cost. By buying used you pay less. You will also save on financing costs, insurance premiums, registration and licensing fees. You don?t have to worry about paying sales tax.
As with everything else there are a few downsides to buying a used car. There are greater chances for costly unwarranted repairs. You may very soon have to do major maintenance on your car, including replacing tires, battery, brakes, muffler, and perhaps even the transmission.
A used car is usually less reliable. You don?t know exactly what you?re getting into and how the previous owner treated the car. However, every situation is different and some used models may actually be far more reliable than some new ones.
If you can pay cash, go the new car way. Enjoy the feeling of knowing you're the original owner of a new car in mint condition. Nothing can replace that feeling.
Otherwise do not hang your hat higher than you can reach. Practice financial prudence. Save your money and comfort yourself knowing that one day you will be able to afford that dream car. One day when money is no object.
Buying A Used Car - The Wise Way!
I have always purchased my cars used. And each time, I got a great deal. Don't think I counted on luck, though - no siree. There are a few "musts" for making sure you don't end up drinking "lemon"-ade.
Spending a little time now may save you serious money later. Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but don't ignore safety.
Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over. While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. Take heed. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.
Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle?s make, model and VIN. Go over it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.
Are you going to purchase from an individual?
Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don?t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide?s list of an auto?s major systems as a shopping tool. You also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.
Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract. The car also may be covered by a manufacturer?s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable. Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.
Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency. Hey, it's just a phone call. And it could save you a real headache later!
Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:
Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car. My favorite book that I've used several times is How to Buy and Maintain a Used Car by Brad Crouch.
Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!
Test drive the car under varied road conditions?on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Ask for the car?s maintenance record. If the owner doesn?t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.
Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car?s history.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
There you go. Do your homework, and it's very likely that, like me, you'll find yourself buying used every time!
Spending a little time now may save you serious money later. Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but don't ignore safety.
Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over. While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. Take heed. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.
Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle?s make, model and VIN. Go over it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.
Are you going to purchase from an individual?
Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don?t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide?s list of an auto?s major systems as a shopping tool. You also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.
Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract. The car also may be covered by a manufacturer?s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable. Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.
Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency. Hey, it's just a phone call. And it could save you a real headache later!
Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:
Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car. My favorite book that I've used several times is How to Buy and Maintain a Used Car by Brad Crouch.
Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!
Test drive the car under varied road conditions?on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Ask for the car?s maintenance record. If the owner doesn?t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.
Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car?s history.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
There you go. Do your homework, and it's very likely that, like me, you'll find yourself buying used every time!
Buying a New Sports Car ? Twelve Tips To Avoid Financial Sticker Shock
Nothing (well, almost nothing) can compare to the thrill of driving a road-hugging high performance sports car. Instant steering response. Power at the exact nanosecond you ask for it.
Then, if you have one of the sexier models, you?ll attract attention on the road, filling up, and in the shopping mall parking lot.
Yes, you can pretend you?re driving the Autobahn with the wind blowing your hair. But beware of state troopers just waiting for an ?arrest me red? entry on their ticket issuing track record.
Before You Fall In Love . . .
Before you step into that showroom and fall in love, consider the following practicalities:
1) How much do you want to spend? $20,000? $30,000? Or more?
2) What?s the tradeoff between performance (power) and gas mileage? Higher performance usually equals less gas mileage.
Does the vehicle use premium gas? Right now, the difference between premium and regular is 20 cents per gallon. At 20 miles per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, the cost differential is $150.
3) What about reliability? Some upscale models cost considerably more to maintain and have a higher incidence of repair costs. Would you appreciate paying $125 just to diagnose the problem when the check engine light comes on? Or paying $70 for an oil change?
4) In a climate where snow and ice are winter realities, do you want to drive it year round? Or store it over the winter?
A rear wheel drive sports car is impractical for winter driving. A front, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive sport car can be driven in snow and ice, if you use all-season tires. If the little devil comes with performance tires, you will want to buy all-season tires (and possibly rims) for winter driving. Add another $1500 to the price of the car for the right tires and rims.
Do Your Homework . . .
5) Once you?ve decided price, performance, gas mileage, reliability, and practicality for all-season driving, get on the Internet. Here you can compare models and pricing and read reviews. Google ?buying a new car? or ?new car prices? and several sites will pop up.
Another source is Consumer Report (the new car issue) where your criteria will be easy to find. Red dots are good. Black dots are not. Most American car dealers consider this issue of Consumer Report a nightmare because it favors foreign car models, especially Asian cars. However, as explained in the newest version of this report, American car manufacturers are catching up.
6) Find out what you should pay before stepping into a showroom. Dealers will offer below invoice prices even on some sports cars because of rebates, dealer incentives, and dealer returns when they make a sale.
7) Remember the incidentals. Yes, you have to pay to transport the vehicle from the manufacturer. Yes, you have to pay for options. And remember the sales (and sometimes luxury) tax.
The Driving Experience . . .
8) Unless you have driven the exact model and year you want to purchase, step into the showroom and test drive the car. Driving the previous year?s model is unacceptable. If the dealer lures you into his web and asks you to test drive an earlier model, RUN out of the show room. You?re wasting your time.
9) Pick at least 2 different road types for test driving. The winding, hilly road is one road type. Road hugging capabilities are tested here. If the car is standard, smooth-shifting is another test. A car that cuts back after you release the clutch is NOT smooth shifting.
The highway is another road type. Make sure power is sufficient to handle entrance ramps and merging with traffic. If you get an instant response at highway speeds, the car is a possible winner.
Closing the Deal . . .
10) If you like the car, get the dealer?s best quote. Then, find at least one other dealer to give you another quote ON THE SAME CAR. If you don?t like the car in the test drive, you probably won?t like the car ? ever. Move on to the next model.
11) When you decide on a car, call your insurance company and find out what the vehicle will cost per year. And don?t choke on your coffee when you hear the amount ? you can shop around.
12) Estimate how much the real estate taxes will be on the car, especially if it?s a high-priced model. This could be another financial shocker!
As you can see, sports car buying is a process. Do you need to do all this stuff? Nope, you don?t. But consider the financial sticker shock when you?re paying an extraordinary amount for maintenance, repairs, gas, insurance, and taxes! Just for that Autobahnesque experience!
Then, if you have one of the sexier models, you?ll attract attention on the road, filling up, and in the shopping mall parking lot.
Yes, you can pretend you?re driving the Autobahn with the wind blowing your hair. But beware of state troopers just waiting for an ?arrest me red? entry on their ticket issuing track record.
Before You Fall In Love . . .
Before you step into that showroom and fall in love, consider the following practicalities:
1) How much do you want to spend? $20,000? $30,000? Or more?
2) What?s the tradeoff between performance (power) and gas mileage? Higher performance usually equals less gas mileage.
Does the vehicle use premium gas? Right now, the difference between premium and regular is 20 cents per gallon. At 20 miles per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, the cost differential is $150.
3) What about reliability? Some upscale models cost considerably more to maintain and have a higher incidence of repair costs. Would you appreciate paying $125 just to diagnose the problem when the check engine light comes on? Or paying $70 for an oil change?
4) In a climate where snow and ice are winter realities, do you want to drive it year round? Or store it over the winter?
A rear wheel drive sports car is impractical for winter driving. A front, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive sport car can be driven in snow and ice, if you use all-season tires. If the little devil comes with performance tires, you will want to buy all-season tires (and possibly rims) for winter driving. Add another $1500 to the price of the car for the right tires and rims.
Do Your Homework . . .
5) Once you?ve decided price, performance, gas mileage, reliability, and practicality for all-season driving, get on the Internet. Here you can compare models and pricing and read reviews. Google ?buying a new car? or ?new car prices? and several sites will pop up.
Another source is Consumer Report (the new car issue) where your criteria will be easy to find. Red dots are good. Black dots are not. Most American car dealers consider this issue of Consumer Report a nightmare because it favors foreign car models, especially Asian cars. However, as explained in the newest version of this report, American car manufacturers are catching up.
6) Find out what you should pay before stepping into a showroom. Dealers will offer below invoice prices even on some sports cars because of rebates, dealer incentives, and dealer returns when they make a sale.
7) Remember the incidentals. Yes, you have to pay to transport the vehicle from the manufacturer. Yes, you have to pay for options. And remember the sales (and sometimes luxury) tax.
The Driving Experience . . .
8) Unless you have driven the exact model and year you want to purchase, step into the showroom and test drive the car. Driving the previous year?s model is unacceptable. If the dealer lures you into his web and asks you to test drive an earlier model, RUN out of the show room. You?re wasting your time.
9) Pick at least 2 different road types for test driving. The winding, hilly road is one road type. Road hugging capabilities are tested here. If the car is standard, smooth-shifting is another test. A car that cuts back after you release the clutch is NOT smooth shifting.
The highway is another road type. Make sure power is sufficient to handle entrance ramps and merging with traffic. If you get an instant response at highway speeds, the car is a possible winner.
Closing the Deal . . .
10) If you like the car, get the dealer?s best quote. Then, find at least one other dealer to give you another quote ON THE SAME CAR. If you don?t like the car in the test drive, you probably won?t like the car ? ever. Move on to the next model.
11) When you decide on a car, call your insurance company and find out what the vehicle will cost per year. And don?t choke on your coffee when you hear the amount ? you can shop around.
12) Estimate how much the real estate taxes will be on the car, especially if it?s a high-priced model. This could be another financial shocker!
As you can see, sports car buying is a process. Do you need to do all this stuff? Nope, you don?t. But consider the financial sticker shock when you?re paying an extraordinary amount for maintenance, repairs, gas, insurance, and taxes! Just for that Autobahnesque experience!
Buying a New Car? Why Not Modify Your Old One?
Ready to buy a new car? If you still have doubts about it why not just consider modifying your car or giving it interior and exterior upgrades? Although this may cause you to spend thousands of dollars, it?s much cheaper than purchasing the latest in the market. Giving your car a new look, improving its driving potentials and enhancing its utility is so easy and a lot cheaper nowadays. If you?re after changing your typically boring driving routine, upgrading your car?s interior and exterior features can save you from?oh well, boredom.
Changing the way your car looks can be just as exciting as buying a new vehicle. But apart from choosing which car to buy, or which auto parts to purchase or add to your car for that matter, you need to choose a reliable and trusted auto parts dealer that cannot only supply you with your exact needs but can help you save big. Don?t worry because there?s one store that can do these at the same time, Auto Parts Deal. Replacement parts for Ford parts, Chevrolet parts, GMC parts, Toyota parts, Volkswagen parts and a whole lot more are readily available. All these premium quality products can be purchased at very affordable deals.
Most auto mechanics and professionals would recommend buying replacement or aftermarket auto parts only from one source for this will ensure the parts? compatibility and exactness. And not only that, it can help you save time, efforts and money especially on shipping. Installing those new parts can also be easier and quicker if you get them from only one supplier. Auto Parts Deal, however gives you more than these benefits. Added benefits such as security, affordability and convenience can all be enjoyed upon purchasing any of the products.
What are the parts you can use to modify your car? For Mazda cars, you can find here highly durable and quality Mazda spoilersMazda hood, and Mazda bumpers. These parts are made of high quality materials and are perfectly finished to give your vehicle a perfect impression. Combining both functionality and aesthetics, they are the best replacement you can find for your original auto parts.
The Mazda bumpersare specially designed to give you maximum protection in the event of a collision. They have spring loaded sock absorbers that allow the bumper to compress and extend back to its original shape during low impact collisions. While during high impact collisions, these shock absorbers decrease or prevent damage to the passengers and the vehicle by absorbing and redirecting the energy from the impact.
Different kinds of lights are also available here at Auto Parts Deal; these include the finest Toyota tail lights, Chevrolet headlights, and Jeep fog lights. Headlight covers are also available in this store. These auto parts are excellent ways of modifying your car. But aside from changing the way your car looks, they keep you safe as you drive. If you are planning to drive off-road with your Jeep for example, installing high quality Jeep fog lights is one of the best ways of preparing your auto. These lights enhance your visibility especially in severe weather conditions.
Create a truly inspiring image for your car by replacing your wheels. You can resize it, specially the rear wheels to make it look like a sports car; however, make sure to seek advise from an expert in doing so. Resizing your wheels can sacrifice your handling and ride quality if you go beyond what is suited for your vehicle. Meanwhile you can choose among the available durable and premium grade wheels like Ford wheels, Dodge wheels, Nissan wheels and GMC truck wheels online.
These are just a few of the millions of quality auto parts you can choose from. Your choices are immensely available. You actually have a lot of good options in jazzing up your everyday driving aside from buying a new vehicle. Just find time to explore them and you?ll realize there are still more ways to modify your car than you can imagine.
Changing the way your car looks can be just as exciting as buying a new vehicle. But apart from choosing which car to buy, or which auto parts to purchase or add to your car for that matter, you need to choose a reliable and trusted auto parts dealer that cannot only supply you with your exact needs but can help you save big. Don?t worry because there?s one store that can do these at the same time, Auto Parts Deal. Replacement parts for Ford parts, Chevrolet parts, GMC parts, Toyota parts, Volkswagen parts and a whole lot more are readily available. All these premium quality products can be purchased at very affordable deals.
Most auto mechanics and professionals would recommend buying replacement or aftermarket auto parts only from one source for this will ensure the parts? compatibility and exactness. And not only that, it can help you save time, efforts and money especially on shipping. Installing those new parts can also be easier and quicker if you get them from only one supplier. Auto Parts Deal, however gives you more than these benefits. Added benefits such as security, affordability and convenience can all be enjoyed upon purchasing any of the products.
What are the parts you can use to modify your car? For Mazda cars, you can find here highly durable and quality Mazda spoilersMazda hood, and Mazda bumpers. These parts are made of high quality materials and are perfectly finished to give your vehicle a perfect impression. Combining both functionality and aesthetics, they are the best replacement you can find for your original auto parts.
The Mazda bumpersare specially designed to give you maximum protection in the event of a collision. They have spring loaded sock absorbers that allow the bumper to compress and extend back to its original shape during low impact collisions. While during high impact collisions, these shock absorbers decrease or prevent damage to the passengers and the vehicle by absorbing and redirecting the energy from the impact.
Different kinds of lights are also available here at Auto Parts Deal; these include the finest Toyota tail lights, Chevrolet headlights, and Jeep fog lights. Headlight covers are also available in this store. These auto parts are excellent ways of modifying your car. But aside from changing the way your car looks, they keep you safe as you drive. If you are planning to drive off-road with your Jeep for example, installing high quality Jeep fog lights is one of the best ways of preparing your auto. These lights enhance your visibility especially in severe weather conditions.
Create a truly inspiring image for your car by replacing your wheels. You can resize it, specially the rear wheels to make it look like a sports car; however, make sure to seek advise from an expert in doing so. Resizing your wheels can sacrifice your handling and ride quality if you go beyond what is suited for your vehicle. Meanwhile you can choose among the available durable and premium grade wheels like Ford wheels, Dodge wheels, Nissan wheels and GMC truck wheels online.
These are just a few of the millions of quality auto parts you can choose from. Your choices are immensely available. You actually have a lot of good options in jazzing up your everyday driving aside from buying a new vehicle. Just find time to explore them and you?ll realize there are still more ways to modify your car than you can imagine.
Body Shop, How To Value One?
Many smaller body shop owners have asked, ?How do I appraise my body shop?? In the last month I have been asked to do two appraisals on body shops. The first appraisal was to assist in partnership dissolution; the second appraisal was for marriage dissolution. (That is what the attorneys call a divorce.) Would you like to know how to appraise the value of a body shop business?
Before we begin, I would like to make one comment. Whenever a CPA has done an appraisal of a body shop, I find that their opinion of value is much greater than the actual value the market place will pay. This is not because the CPA?s do not know what they are doing because they do; it is just that the market place places a much higher risk on buying a body shop than the accountants do. The following is an excerpt from one of those appraisals.
THE THREE WAYS TO APPRAISE A BUSINESS
1. The ASSET VALUATION METHOD. This method is basically used when a body shop does less than $400,000 a year in gross income and the seller is making wages, but no real profit above what he would be paid if working for another. On this size business, a buyer is willing to pay for the assets of the business but little or nothing for goodwill. The equipment is usually worth between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on how many frame machines the business owns and how nice a spray booth the business owns.
I have seen some specialized shops sell for more than the above number because they have a truck spray booth or another business attached to the main business. Examples of attached business might be an auto repair shop or towing operation. Also the location, size and real estate rental amount will influence the value of any business, to some degree.
2. The second method, I call the GROSS SALES METHOD. This is used when the sales are over $1,000,000 a year but the profit is unknown or financials are not available or reliable. Because of experience, a Body shop buyer can make reasonable estimates of future profits, if they have some basic information. The basic information includes rent, source of business (DRP, STREET, or a CAR RENTAL AGENCY), and the desirability of the location.
When this method is used, the value appears to be about 3 months sales or 25% of the last 12 months sales. This method is not very reliable on businesses with sales of less than $1,000,000, because the question of being profitable is very questionable. Why is this breaking point $1,000,000 in annual sales? Multi-store buyers will have well paid managers, so many figure their breakeven point is around a million.
Less than $1,000,000 in sales is not even worth their time. Of course we know that there are exceptions to the rules. Some of the exceptions are A. when a new location will be a satellite store to a bigger location. B. The buyer must have a location in a specific area to please a DRP. C. To get rid of a competitor.
3. The third and most used method of evaluating any business, including body shops, is the NET PROFIT METHOD. This method is based on the idea that a business is worth what it generates, in profit and benefits, for an owner. Body shops, like so many other small businesses, often do not show a profit, at the end of the year. Strange, how so many businesses of different sizes all just happen to end up with little or no profit. What I find really amazing is that the IRS doesn?t audit more businesses then they currently do.
As a result of showing poor profits, on the books, it becomes very difficult to use the NET PROFIT METHOD for appraising many small businesses. Luckily for me, I can quite often find hidden profits, of a business, by adding to the books, items we call owner?s benefits. These include: Owners salaries, if a corporation. Personal autos and all the related expenses used by the owner and his family that are written off against the business, fife insurance and health insurance for the owners.
Depreciation is also a hidden profit that is usually added back in to the taxable profit to help build up the total owners benefits. And lastly, personal utilities, phones, trips, etc. that are deducted on the tax return but are not really costs to run the business.
After saying all this, what is the value of a business based on the Net Profit Method? Automotive businesses, especially auto body shops appear to sell for between 1.5 to 2 years adjusted profit (book profit plus owners benefits added back in). Larger body shops doing over $2,000,000 in annual sales may sell for much more, because the owner is making much more money, than just his salary and a buyer will consider part of the profit a return on his financial investment.
Very large body shops that are being bought by public corporations are evaluated primarily on their return on investment (Percentage profit that is being made on the cash purchase price of the business.) These big buyers can afford to pay between 5 times and 10 times annual net profit, after deducting all officers? salaries and perks.
Often these, public corporations, high purchase prices include two important restrictions, which is really why they are buying the business in the first place. First: The business is bought for little or no real money. They use restricted corporate stock that is not negotiable for two years. And second: The management is required to stay and run the company for some period of years.
The bottom-line, as I see it, is that you sold your soul, not your business. One last comment on selling to large corporations; heaven help the seller who sells his business for corporate stock or the buyers bonds and the buying company goes broke or the stock market crashes. I had a close friend sell his company for mostly cash and some seller carry back financing in Dec 1997. By Feb 1998 the buying company was in bankruptcy, making the paper my friend held worthless.
CONCLUSION: Appraising a business, especially body shops, is an art not a science. No two people will appraise the value of a business the same. I am amazed that the same thing one buyer thinks is a great asset is what another buyer thinks is a major negative. Differences of opinion are what make life interesting.
Before we begin, I would like to make one comment. Whenever a CPA has done an appraisal of a body shop, I find that their opinion of value is much greater than the actual value the market place will pay. This is not because the CPA?s do not know what they are doing because they do; it is just that the market place places a much higher risk on buying a body shop than the accountants do. The following is an excerpt from one of those appraisals.
THE THREE WAYS TO APPRAISE A BUSINESS
1. The ASSET VALUATION METHOD. This method is basically used when a body shop does less than $400,000 a year in gross income and the seller is making wages, but no real profit above what he would be paid if working for another. On this size business, a buyer is willing to pay for the assets of the business but little or nothing for goodwill. The equipment is usually worth between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on how many frame machines the business owns and how nice a spray booth the business owns.
I have seen some specialized shops sell for more than the above number because they have a truck spray booth or another business attached to the main business. Examples of attached business might be an auto repair shop or towing operation. Also the location, size and real estate rental amount will influence the value of any business, to some degree.
2. The second method, I call the GROSS SALES METHOD. This is used when the sales are over $1,000,000 a year but the profit is unknown or financials are not available or reliable. Because of experience, a Body shop buyer can make reasonable estimates of future profits, if they have some basic information. The basic information includes rent, source of business (DRP, STREET, or a CAR RENTAL AGENCY), and the desirability of the location.
When this method is used, the value appears to be about 3 months sales or 25% of the last 12 months sales. This method is not very reliable on businesses with sales of less than $1,000,000, because the question of being profitable is very questionable. Why is this breaking point $1,000,000 in annual sales? Multi-store buyers will have well paid managers, so many figure their breakeven point is around a million.
Less than $1,000,000 in sales is not even worth their time. Of course we know that there are exceptions to the rules. Some of the exceptions are A. when a new location will be a satellite store to a bigger location. B. The buyer must have a location in a specific area to please a DRP. C. To get rid of a competitor.
3. The third and most used method of evaluating any business, including body shops, is the NET PROFIT METHOD. This method is based on the idea that a business is worth what it generates, in profit and benefits, for an owner. Body shops, like so many other small businesses, often do not show a profit, at the end of the year. Strange, how so many businesses of different sizes all just happen to end up with little or no profit. What I find really amazing is that the IRS doesn?t audit more businesses then they currently do.
As a result of showing poor profits, on the books, it becomes very difficult to use the NET PROFIT METHOD for appraising many small businesses. Luckily for me, I can quite often find hidden profits, of a business, by adding to the books, items we call owner?s benefits. These include: Owners salaries, if a corporation. Personal autos and all the related expenses used by the owner and his family that are written off against the business, fife insurance and health insurance for the owners.
Depreciation is also a hidden profit that is usually added back in to the taxable profit to help build up the total owners benefits. And lastly, personal utilities, phones, trips, etc. that are deducted on the tax return but are not really costs to run the business.
After saying all this, what is the value of a business based on the Net Profit Method? Automotive businesses, especially auto body shops appear to sell for between 1.5 to 2 years adjusted profit (book profit plus owners benefits added back in). Larger body shops doing over $2,000,000 in annual sales may sell for much more, because the owner is making much more money, than just his salary and a buyer will consider part of the profit a return on his financial investment.
Very large body shops that are being bought by public corporations are evaluated primarily on their return on investment (Percentage profit that is being made on the cash purchase price of the business.) These big buyers can afford to pay between 5 times and 10 times annual net profit, after deducting all officers? salaries and perks.
Often these, public corporations, high purchase prices include two important restrictions, which is really why they are buying the business in the first place. First: The business is bought for little or no real money. They use restricted corporate stock that is not negotiable for two years. And second: The management is required to stay and run the company for some period of years.
The bottom-line, as I see it, is that you sold your soul, not your business. One last comment on selling to large corporations; heaven help the seller who sells his business for corporate stock or the buyers bonds and the buying company goes broke or the stock market crashes. I had a close friend sell his company for mostly cash and some seller carry back financing in Dec 1997. By Feb 1998 the buying company was in bankruptcy, making the paper my friend held worthless.
CONCLUSION: Appraising a business, especially body shops, is an art not a science. No two people will appraise the value of a business the same. I am amazed that the same thing one buyer thinks is a great asset is what another buyer thinks is a major negative. Differences of opinion are what make life interesting.
Best Replacement Parts for Toyota?s Hybrid Vehicles Housed at the No. 1 Toyota Parts Store
Toyota has long promoted environment responsibility through its low-emission vehicles and manufacturing plants with ?zero-landfill producing operations.? With the introduction of the Toyota Prius in 1997, Toyota had taken a big step forward in its efforts to create more fuel efficient and environment-friendly vehicles. This feat is followed recently with the introduction of the Toyota Highlander. The Toyota Prius, being the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle and the Toyota Highlander, being the first seven-passenger hybrid Sport Utility Vehicle, are great contributions to the industry. Having one of them as your own vehicle certainly brings not only driving satisfaction but a great sense of pride, too.
One of the country's leading auto parts supplier specializing on selling OEM-quality Toyota parts, Toyota Online proudly brings to its beloved customers a comprehensive and updated line of automotive replacement and aftermarket auto parts for the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Prius. With the same commitment as Toyota, this Toyota Parts Discount store offers the most dependable products that could make your Toyota vehicle more fuel efficient, environment-friendly and more capable.
As Toyota's latest and most sophisticated models, the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Prius are sure to give you a more satisfying ride compared to earlier Toyota cars; however, these vehicles are in the same way vulnerable to a lot of car problems ranging from minor to major car damages. Accidents, too, would surely require you to replace some of the stock Toyota Prius Parts and Toyota Highlander Parts . This is where Toyota Parts Online is of great help to you and to thousands of Toyota owners who demand for excellence in their replacement Toyota parts needs.
Quality replacement parts available for your Toyota Highlander include Toyota Hood , Toyota bumper retainer, Toyota grill, Toyota radiator , and Toyota A/C condenser. For additional safety and style, you can add or replace your current Toyota headlights with first-class and stylish headlamps offered in this store. Also available are elegant-looking Toyota Euro Altezza lights , Toyota clear turn signal lamps, Toyota Projector Headlamps, Toyota clear corner lights for Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Pickup, Toyota 4Runner and other vehicles.
Believing in Toyota's dedication in providing its users the most dependable passenger cars, SUVs, vans and trucks, this Toyota auto parts dealer is proud to deliver the finest parts for various Toyota models, old and new alike. With their auto parts' tried and tested durability, you are sure to experience the same satisfaction you get from Toyota Parts Used in your Toyota vehicle. What's even greater is that you get all those parts at very exciting Toyota Parts Discount deals. Shopping for your Toyota replacement parts needs online has never been more fulfilling than buying them here at the country's number one Toyota parts dealer.
One of the country's leading auto parts supplier specializing on selling OEM-quality Toyota parts, Toyota Online proudly brings to its beloved customers a comprehensive and updated line of automotive replacement and aftermarket auto parts for the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Prius. With the same commitment as Toyota, this Toyota Parts Discount store offers the most dependable products that could make your Toyota vehicle more fuel efficient, environment-friendly and more capable.
As Toyota's latest and most sophisticated models, the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Prius are sure to give you a more satisfying ride compared to earlier Toyota cars; however, these vehicles are in the same way vulnerable to a lot of car problems ranging from minor to major car damages. Accidents, too, would surely require you to replace some of the stock Toyota Prius Parts and Toyota Highlander Parts . This is where Toyota Parts Online is of great help to you and to thousands of Toyota owners who demand for excellence in their replacement Toyota parts needs.
Quality replacement parts available for your Toyota Highlander include Toyota Hood , Toyota bumper retainer, Toyota grill, Toyota radiator , and Toyota A/C condenser. For additional safety and style, you can add or replace your current Toyota headlights with first-class and stylish headlamps offered in this store. Also available are elegant-looking Toyota Euro Altezza lights , Toyota clear turn signal lamps, Toyota Projector Headlamps, Toyota clear corner lights for Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Pickup, Toyota 4Runner and other vehicles.
Believing in Toyota's dedication in providing its users the most dependable passenger cars, SUVs, vans and trucks, this Toyota auto parts dealer is proud to deliver the finest parts for various Toyota models, old and new alike. With their auto parts' tried and tested durability, you are sure to experience the same satisfaction you get from Toyota Parts Used in your Toyota vehicle. What's even greater is that you get all those parts at very exciting Toyota Parts Discount deals. Shopping for your Toyota replacement parts needs online has never been more fulfilling than buying them here at the country's number one Toyota parts dealer.
Best Negotiating Tips When Buying An Used Car
Being a good negotiator doesn't have to be difficult. Sooner or later everyone has to negotiate with someone if they want to get a good deal on a purchase.
When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you should know that they are very practiced in the art already. You will need to know how to get through their car speak in order to be successful.
Since you now know how to calculate your offer and already know what the dealer paid for it, you should get a copy of the paperwork from a friend that recently bought a car, so that you can become familiar with what you will see on your paperwork. They are all generally the same.
If you've followed the above mentioned tips, you will also be pre-approved for a loan. The key is for you to get in and out of the dealership as quickly as possible because the salesman will definitely find more loopholes to up your charges if you stay.
Here are a few tips to successful negotiating.
? Remain positive and confident
? Don't talk down to your opponent
? Show up prepared and ready to counter anything that may come up
? Bring ads from other dealerships with you as an extra weapon
? Finance your loan before you arrive at the dealership so as to avoid paying unnecessary extra fees
? Bring a friend with you for extra support
Something that you should look out for from salesmen is the extra little tricks that you will likely encounter that will try to force or rush into a buying decision.
You have to remember that they are trying to negotiate you into paying more money just as you are trying to negotiate paying less. Here are some of the things that you can expect to hear from them.
1. These cars are flying off of the lot. It may not be available for the same deal tomorrow. (Threaten to leave and they will ease up and try to change their strategy)
2. This deal is only good for today. If you come back tomorrow I can't guarantee that the deal will be the same.
3. I'm an honest man. Look at how many cars I've sold this weekend (This is where he will show you his list of sold cars. If he does this, then tell him that he doesn't need your money).
4. I hate to tell you this but I have another offer on the table from a man that is willing to pay more money than this. I am just waiting for his paperwork to be returned. (Tell him that if he promised the car to someone else, you don't want to step on someone else's toes and that you should leave then).
5. To cover the overhead costs, we have paid $13,000 for this car (Just check your paperwork in your folder and prove them wrong).
When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you should know that they are very practiced in the art already. You will need to know how to get through their car speak in order to be successful.
Since you now know how to calculate your offer and already know what the dealer paid for it, you should get a copy of the paperwork from a friend that recently bought a car, so that you can become familiar with what you will see on your paperwork. They are all generally the same.
If you've followed the above mentioned tips, you will also be pre-approved for a loan. The key is for you to get in and out of the dealership as quickly as possible because the salesman will definitely find more loopholes to up your charges if you stay.
Here are a few tips to successful negotiating.
? Remain positive and confident
? Don't talk down to your opponent
? Show up prepared and ready to counter anything that may come up
? Bring ads from other dealerships with you as an extra weapon
? Finance your loan before you arrive at the dealership so as to avoid paying unnecessary extra fees
? Bring a friend with you for extra support
Something that you should look out for from salesmen is the extra little tricks that you will likely encounter that will try to force or rush into a buying decision.
You have to remember that they are trying to negotiate you into paying more money just as you are trying to negotiate paying less. Here are some of the things that you can expect to hear from them.
1. These cars are flying off of the lot. It may not be available for the same deal tomorrow. (Threaten to leave and they will ease up and try to change their strategy)
2. This deal is only good for today. If you come back tomorrow I can't guarantee that the deal will be the same.
3. I'm an honest man. Look at how many cars I've sold this weekend (This is where he will show you his list of sold cars. If he does this, then tell him that he doesn't need your money).
4. I hate to tell you this but I have another offer on the table from a man that is willing to pay more money than this. I am just waiting for his paperwork to be returned. (Tell him that if he promised the car to someone else, you don't want to step on someone else's toes and that you should leave then).
5. To cover the overhead costs, we have paid $13,000 for this car (Just check your paperwork in your folder and prove them wrong).
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