Public auction cars can be a good deal if you are looking to purchase a used car and know what you are doing. Today more than ever before, there are many vehicles that have been repossessed due to our current economy.
Sadly, many people have experienced difficult times due to job loss or pay cuts and the once affordable vehicle they used to drive is no longer feasible for their monthly budget. Once they get behind it causes a downward spiral affect with a person’s car payments and many just can’t get caught up.
This leads to the bank reclaiming the vehicle through repossession. Once the bank has taken the car back, it can be expensive for the bank to store the vehicle and advertise it for sale.
Most of the time it’s easier for the banks to take the car to the auction where they can sell it quickly and try to recoup their money.
Here are some helpful suggestions before you purchase a public auction car.
To begin with, it helps to know ahead of time what type of car, truck, or SUV you are interested in. Do your research to determine what vehicle will meet your needs and wants before you get to the auction.
Don’t take chances paying more than what the vehicle is really worth.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of an auction and overpay for your car when the bidding gets fast.
It’s a good idea to look up the vehicle’s value online so you are prepared with a dollar figure before you go to the auction. This will help stop you from over-bidding as well as tell you if you are getting a good deal or not.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from a vehicle if the bidding is much higher than what you want to pay.
This brings me to my next point…
Because you will be purchasing a vehicle as is, it is a good idea to bring someone with you that knows about cars. If you have a friend or relative that is somewhat mechanical ask them to attend the auction along with you.
The two of you should arrive to the auction early so that the mechanically inclined friend can check under the hood of a few choices you find that you are interested in. Do not be intimidated or afraid to check the car over as thoroughly as is possible.
Crawl under the car and check out the undercarriage, looking for excessive rusting. Pull on wires and hoses under the hood to be sure things look solid and in good condition.
Check and double check. Buying public auction cars can only be a good deal if the car is going to carry you down the highway without breaking down.
If you get the car at a good price but then have to dump a lot of money into it for repairs, it could end up being an expensive way to purchase a car.
Finally, be prepared to pay for the car that day.
Most auctions do not take credit cards and it is almost unheard of that you can get any type of financing with public auction cars. Therefore it is a good idea to have cash or a check on hand before going to the auction.
Public auction cars can be a good deal by simply following these few instructions. Now, have fun bidding and best wishes for finding that sweet deal on your next ride.…
You feel pretty good about your new tires you just picked up from a Utah auto repair shop. You paid a lot of money for them and want to keep those tires lasting for… well forever would be nice. Here are some tips to help keep your tires in good order, which will decrease your chance of getting a flat.
Before going further you need to make sure that you have the proper tools to change your tire if you do ever have a flat tire. Don’t forget to check the condition of your spare tire. If you don’t have a spare you’ll want to keep a 12 volt air pump and a can of fix-a-flat (you cannot patch a tire that has fix-a-flat in it) in your vehicle.
Periodically checking the tread depth is our first tip to avoiding a flat. To check, place a penny upside down in the tread. You’ll know it’s time to get new tires when you see the top of Lincoln’s head. Buying all 4 tires at the same time can save you some money, so don’t forget to rotate them. If you purchased your tires at a Utah auto repair shop, most will rotate the tires for free. This also helps you to avoid flats since you’re not wearing down the same spot for the life of the tire.
Tire rot is an issue that many people don’t know about. Tire rot is small cracks on the sidewall of a tire. This happens when the rubber breaks down, so if you have older tires take a look at the sidewalls.
Proper tire pressure keeps your tires lasting longer. Besides helping with gas mileage, properly inflated tires don’t cause as much stress to the sidewalls. Stress on the sidewall increases dry rot.
2007 model year vehicles and newer have a built in tire pressure monitoring system. You can also install an aftermarket tire pressure monitoring system for vehicles built before 2007.
Valve stems are next on the list. Dry rot can also appear in valve stems and cause them to fail. It takes about 10 minutes, at little cost, for your Utah auto repair shop to replace a valve stem.
Last on the list is to be careful of where you drive. Beware of pot holes, sharp rocks, bad train tracks, etc. Keep clear of construction areas where possible since you may pick up a nail or a staple. Take care of your tires and they will last longer and you’ll much more likely to avoid a flat.…
It is believed that majority of new car sales that take place are due to the well planned marketing strategy of the car manufacturers. However, in reality, it is the other way round. Around 80% of the sales take place due to the buyers’ references or the marketing skills of the salesmen. The advertisements don’t tell the complete story of a car. It is the salesman who does. Therefore, the role of a salesman in selling a car cannot be undermined.
The job of a car salesman is not easy at all. Selling a car worth thousands of dollars cannot be a cakewalk. So what should a salesman do to sell a car? Following are few of the tips a salesman could refer to:
Think as a businessman:
It is important to think as a businessman rather than a salesman. Doing this will definitely make you try harder towards making sales. Moreover, if you get a commission for every sale you make, this approach can really fetch you some serious money.
Know the car well
Make sure that you know the car you are selling well. Find the strong points that you can put across the clients. Apart from that, know the weaknesses of your car as well so that you can defend them well in front of your clients.
Listen more and talk less
Most of the salesmen commit this mistake. Out of sheer excitement or the aggressive approach towards making a sale, they just don’t allow the customers to speak. This will not take you anywhere. Try and listen to customers as much as possible. By listening to them, you will be able to comprehend their needs and strategize accordingly.
Don’t try to hide facts
IF your products have a disadvantage or a negative point, make sure you don’t hide it. Instead, try and defend it by giving sensible counter statements. Don’t be very aggressive in your defence. Mind you, its your product that has deficiency.
Stay calm and polite
It is very important to be calm and polite while talking to your customer. Some customers try to act smart by asking too many funny questions but you need to hold on to your nerves and answer the questions sensibly and in the politest manner you can.
Customer is always right
Remember the golden rule “customer is always right”. You can prove him wrong but you don’t need to and especially when he is interesting in buying your car. Even if they refuse to buy your car, greet them with full warmth and thank them for giving their time.
These are just few tips which can help you in selling your car. However, at the end of the day, its going to be your mannerisms and skills that will fetch you a sale.…
We all know that accidents happen, it is a fact of life. However, this point does not make having one any less scary. Even after you have checked to make sure your body parts are all still attached there is still a ton to think about. What should I do about insurance, should I call the police, how do I ask for his or her insurance information and so on. These are all questions that will address as well as many others. However, we will start at the start.
At the scene
The immediate reaction most people have to being in an accident is “oh crap I was just in an accident!” When you recover some level of sense and are able to look around, make sure that you and your passengers are ok. If anyone is injured call the authorities and let them handle it, do not ever try to remove someone from the car unless there is danger of a fire or some more pressing and immediate danger.
Provided that you and your passengers are OK (a few bumps and bruises are fine), take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Always keep a pen and paper around to quickly jot down the other car’s license plate number. Shut your car off and step out if it is safe to do so. Take a look at the damage and do your best to keep your cool, this is not the time to blow up. A common misconception is that the police do not need to be called in every instance. The police should always be called as it is in the best interest of everyone involved to have a police report. You do not need to get insurance involved if that is your choice, but having a police report will always help, especially if the other person decides to pull the ol’ switcharoo on you and demand payment.
Interacting with the other driver
This is a scary part, you have to interact with someone whom you do not know. You do not know how this person will react or what they will try to do. The key here is to stay calm and try to think rationally (we know that can be hard after something jarring like an accident). If you have a calm demeanor it will relax the other party. Be courteous but firm, try not to start an argument as the police/insurance companies can settle any dispute better than you.
Make sure you exchange insurance information regardless of whether you plan to get insurance involved or not. It is always good to have just in case. If it appears that the other driver has lost his cool it is even more important that you remain calm. If the police are coming then you have nothing to worry about, the anger will only make him or her seem more at fault. Try not to get into a shouting match as you do not want to antagonize the other driver.
Finally, when the police arrive, make sure you give them a detailed report as to what happened from your view. Do not embellish, exaggerate or lie as the police are very good at sniffing that out. Even if you suspect the other driver will do so, make sure your story is as you remember it. The police will assume that everyone is trying to cover his or her own ass and will catch the exaggerations of the other party. Also, any witnesses will confirm your story if you told the truth.
After the accident
There are a few things to do after an accident. If you chose to do so, file an insurance claim. The police report will come in handy here. Follow the process of your insurance company and see if they will cover your accident. Make sure you stay in some form of contact with the other party (provided they were as courteous as you were) so that you both know what is going on.
Finally there is the issue of getting your car repaired. Usually a good first step is to search on Google for collision specialists in your area. Find a few and get estimates for how much it would cost to fix. Make sure you like both the pricing and the specialist’s personality before going in to get it fixed. Many people believe they can do the repairs themselves. Generally speaking, working on your own car can be fun and rewarding, however when it comes to collisions it is good to find a specialist. Each accident is unique and there is no guide on how to fix any one. Each requires a custom job, including frame and body work, that is extremely difficult for someone without the proper tools and training. Also, …
If you have been considering purchasing a car, you have some options that are open to you which can help you to save money and to get the car that you need conveniently. One of those options is to use one of the auctions that are available as this will not only give you access to the automobiles that you desire, but will often give you access to discounts as well. What are some of the things that you should consider before purchasing one of those auction cars and how can you make sure that you are as happy as possible with the overall process?
First of all, you should familiarize yourself with the different types of auctions that are available. It is likely that some of these are going to be operating in your local area on a regular or at least, a periodic basis. At times, some of these auctions are going to be privately owned and people will bring their car to the auction to sell it to the general public. This is a great way for you to save money on an automobile and there are typically a variety of different types of cars that are available.
Other auctions are not going to be open to the general public and may only be open to dealers. If you have your dealer’s license or if you know somebody that has a dealer’s license, they may be able to get you into one of these auctions so that you can save even more money on a prime automobile. Additionally, there may be private auctions that are run in your local area by the police or other government agencies that are selling automobiles that have been seized. If you are able to get to one of those auctions, it is likely that you’re going to find some high end automobiles available at a discount.
What are some of the things that you should consider when using an automobile auction? One of the most important things is the fact that in most cases, the cars that you purchase are not going to be guaranteed. That is why you must know for a fact that you are happy with an automobile before you purchase it. If you are not mechanically inclined, it may be necessary for you to take somebody along with you to give the car a once over before you place a bid. More than likely, you’re going to be able to start the car and to look under the hood but you may not be able to drive the car in advance.
Finally, consider the possibility of traveling to an auction that is outside your local area. There may be specialty options that are available which can help you to save even more money, such as federally seized automobiles. It would be worth the travel if you were able to visit one of these options, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end automobile. Just make sure that you are prepared to bring the car back with you on the trip back home.…
Whenever you are faced with a potential, unexpected car repair it can be a stressful task. There are certain mechanical failures that may make you panic – mainly the engine and transmission. It is common knowledge that repairs on either of these components are very costly and you may not have the money to take the car to the shop. The good news is you need not panic as there is another option that can sometimes cut your costs in half.
If you need transmission repair there are a few options to consider:
• Take the vehicle to an auto repair shop and pay for parts and labor
• Buy your new parts from the auto store and do the repairs yourself
• Buy used auto parts and have an auto repair shop do labor
• Buy used auto parts and do the repair yourself
The first option of using a repair shop will always be the most costly option. You will pay more for parts as well as labor. Your second option will save you some money by only requiring out of pocket funds for new parts. However, be advised that new auto parts are often marked up quite a bit. Your third and fourth options are the best choices if you are looking to lower your budget significantly. Let’s discuss them in more detail.
Buying used auto parts makes some people feel uneasy. This should not be a problem if you go to a trusted and experienced junkyard. There, you can often find almost-new parts and components that have significant years and miles left on them. If you need a used transmission, an auto salvage yard should be your first stop, regardless of whether you want to do the actual repairs yourself or have the transmission installed professionally. Before you go to the junkyard you should follow these steps:
• Make sure you know what you are looking for. Consult your car’s manual to determine the exact type of transmission that your car has and the specifications you need.
• Determine what actual parts you need. If you have an automatic transmission, look for other components that are needed such as a torque converter. If you have a manual transmission, you may need a new clutch in addition to the exact transmission. You can always call the car manufacturer to get full details on what you need so that you have all proper parts assembled before your repair.
• Carefully examine all parts. When you visit the junkyard, look at all of the components of the transmission. Cycle through all gears of the transmission and make sure that you do not hear any suspect noises, especially grinding. It should be fairly easy to get through all gears. If you have difficulty doing so, you should probably move on to the next potential prospect. Look for clean oil between the gears. You should also examine the input and output shafts to make sure the input shaft is not too loose and the output rotates easily.
If you follow these easy steps, purchasing a junkyard transmission and other used auto parts will greatly cut your costs and allow you to make your transmission repairs much more affordable – whether you do it yourself or just get used parts and take them to your repair shop.…
Aside from a home, an automobile is one of the most costly items that people will purchase in their lifetime. This is a necessity with a hefty a price tag, and keeping your car properly maintained can not only extend the life of your automobile, but save you time and money as well. Taking a proactive approach to car maintenance rather than a reactive one can prevent damage to your automobile and decrease the cost of ownership. A busy schedule can often get in the way of taking the appropriate measures to ensure your vehicle stays in good condition, but finding the time to perform these simple tasks will protect your investment and reduce the risk of encountering a problem with your automobile.
According to the consumer watchdog group Car Care Counsel, the cost of auto accidents stemming from poor upkeep exceeds $2 billion each year. While you may be able to avoid an actual collision, neglecting to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle can shorten its life-cycle. When you do the math, performing routine scheduled maintenance will actually save you money in the long run, as well as keep your car running longer. Considering all of the things that can go wrong with an automobile such as brake, transmission, or radiator problems, failed smog tests, and perhaps even engine failure, regular maintenance fees are a fraction of the cost of repair bills.
So what are the most important things you need to remember for properly maintaining your vehicle? First and foremost, performing routine oil changes at about every 3,000 miles will keep your engine running clean. Oil lubricates the engine and helps to reduce friction within the engine. Driving a car that has run out of oil can cause severe damage to the engine and even fire. If you own a car that does not alert you when you are low on oil, take note of the date and mileage on your car after every oil change. This will help you to remember when you are due for another oil change and mitigate the risk of you running out of oil and your engine burning up. Changing your oil filter at the same time of your oil change will help to maximize engine life by removing the debris and particles that have built up in the oil filter.
Your tires should be next on your car maintenance checklist. Somewhere in the area of every 6,000 miles, your tires should be rotated to equalize the wear on each tire. Although tire air pressure should be checked on a more frequent basis, checking your tires to ensure that they are inflated at the appropriate pressure at the time of your tire rotation will help you remember to do so. If you aren’t sure what your tire pressure is supposed to be, refer to your owners manual, check online, or ask your mechanic. In addition to keeping your car running smoothly, keeping your tire pressure at the manufacturer suggested levels will give you better gas mileage, saving you even more money in this time of skyrocketing fuel costs.
Next on the list should be your yearly brake system inspection. Regardless of how many miles you have put on your car, brake fluid should be changed at least once every 2 years. Brake disc pads and shoes should be checked annually for wear. When they are worn down, they need to be replaced to avoid damage to the drum or rotor. By replacing your brake disc pads and shoes when necessary, you will avoid additional expenses such as brake drum or rotor replacements which will cost you roughly twice as much as pads and/or shoes.
A commonly overlooked but vital maintenance step is replacing your cars timing belt at the time suggested by your automobile manufacturer. This is one of the more costly maintenance procedures costing between $500 and $700 for a replacement belt, however a failed timing belt can damage your cars engine and repair costs for valves and other parts could run you up to $2,000 depending on the type of car you own. Parts for a domestic car will obviously be less costly than those for a foreign car.
Finally, to avoid failing emission tests that are required by the DMV, change your engine filters and spark plugs. Not only will this help keep your engine clean, but will significantly boost your chances of passing your mandatory smog tests.
Although following these automobile maintenance suggestions will require you to spend some money throughout the period of ownership, you will end up saving yourself from having to spend much more to get these parts repaired when they inevitably encounter a problem. A properly maintained automobile can last for 50,000 miles more than one that is neglected. Keeping to this list of …