Monday, March 25, 2024

What To Do When Buying A Car

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Buying a Car | 5 Questions to Ask First

Youd think the police wouldnt put their old cars up for sale to the public if they werent legal for civilians to drive on public roads as it is illegal to drive a retired cop car that still resembles a law enforcement vehicle.

According to a notice put out by a branch of the California Highway Patrol, in order to make a retired law enforcement vehicle legal to drive on roadways, it needs to be painted to no longer have traditional black and white paint, police logos or markings and no red and blue lights or light bar.

The actual letter of the law regarding what constitutes still resembling a police car varies from state to state, but dont assume they will be fine to drive in the condition theyre offered for sale in. Although most police departments will remove stickers and other insignia of the department, some wont.

Some buyers want used cop cars for collection pieces with all the markings, lights and other police symbolism intact. Collectors of old cop cars who want to retain or recreate the original signage have to obtain special permits or cover the artwork when they traveling on public roads.

Without doubt, the most controversial feature of ex-cop cars is the light bar mounted to the roof. Regulations about them vary from state to state with some not allowing front-facing red lights at all, some allowing roof-mounted lights as long as theyre not actually used, while others will not allow any roof-mounted lights whatsoever under any circumstance.

Arranging Tax And Insurance For Your Used Car

Before you drive the car away, you legally have to take out insurance and pay for VED .

The easiest way of obtaining insurance before driving home in a new car is to get a quote beforehand, then all you need to do is go online or phone up to accept it when youre ready to take out the policy.

You can tax a car using the new keepers slip of the V5 on the DVLAs website. Alternatively, phone the DVLAs 24-hour automated service on 0300 123 4321 or visit a nearby Post Office.

Buying A Car Out Of State

American Family Insurance says if you go out of state to buy a car, the requirements might differ from those of your state of residence. Contact the DMV of that state or go to its website to determine those requirements. Some states will require that your new car pass a smog test, emissions test, or safety inspection before you can drive it home.

Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Duane Sayaloune of YourMechanic.com. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at [email protected].

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How Do I Know If A Used Car Has Money Owing On It Or If Its Been In An Accident

Simple checks online can tell you whether a used car youre considering is subject to a financial liability that is, it has money owing on it and give you a complete and accurate picture of its ownership and accident history.

The Personal Property Securities Register is an online register of all personal property that has security interests registered against it. Here, as well as finding out if the car you’re considering has money owing on it, you can establish whether the car has been written-off as a result of a collision or other damage, or if it has been reported as stolen. For a small fee PPRS will provide a certificate stating the car is unencumbered, which can prevent repossession by a credit provider.

A CarHistory report presents the above information in an instant, easy-to-read format at a cost of $29.50 for NRMA Members .

While youre online, organise a car insurance cover-note with NRMA Insurance to make sure youre protected while driving your new, second-hand dream car home.

How To Buy A New Car In 10 Steps

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Buying a new car doesnt need to be complicated. Yet the process can be time-consuming and, at times, frustrating.

In pandemic times, its even more difficult because inventories remain low, prices are high, and car buyers dont have much room for price negotiation.

Use our comprehensive list of steps to purchase a new vehicle to save you time and ease your mind during the process.

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Look At Car Histories

Before selecting dealerships to visit, search for consumer reviews so you can avoid having a bad experience. However, Lavelle warns that just because a car sits on a reputable, well-reviewed lot does not necessarily mean that the car is issue-free. So he recommends digging deeper, especially for used cars. Services like CARFAX represent that they can tell you about the cars life from first purchase forward, so that might be a good place to start, he says. He also recommends checking the title, which you can do online via the DMV.

Dont: Let Dealers Shop Your Application

Even if theyre doing it to try to get you the best rate, dealers can inadvertently harm you by shopping your application to too many lenders at the same time. Think twice about letting the dealer pull your credit report and shop your application, said Gerri Detweiler, credit educator and education director at Nav, Inc.

Weve heard reports from consumers who have found 10, 25 or more inquiries on their credit reports as a result of one dealer blasting their applications to numerous lenders. While some credit scoring models dont count all car loan inquiries in a short period of time, not all have this buffer, Detweiler said.

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Consider Whether You Would Like To Buy Or Lease

Think of buying and leasing as owning versus renting.

If you buy a car, youâre financing the entire cost of the vehicle . If you choose to lease a car, you pay the cost for the length of time that you have it, calculated by subtracting the carâs value at the end of your lease from its value when you first took possession of the vehicle.

When making the decision to lease or buy a vehicle, you need to ask yourself some questions.

  • How much do you drive? Thereâs usually a limit to how many miles you can put on a leased vehicle before you have to pay additional fees.
  • Do you keep your car in good shape? With a lease, you may have to pay a penalty for returning a car thatâs not in good condition.
  • Is there a possibility of major life changes occurring during the term of your lease? Thereâs often a fee involved in terminating a lease agreement early.
  • Review Your Loan Options

    First 7 Things To Do After Buying A Used Car

    Once you know that your credit is in great shape or improving, itâs time to think about how to finance your next vehicle. Take a look at auto loan rates at your local credit union or bank and compare it to other options.

    If youâre approved for a loan before visiting a dealership, it can save you time at the car dealership and also give you an advantage when negotiating the final sale price of the car you choose.

    Hereâs 3 Things to Know Before Applying for an Auto Loan.

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    Do Dealerships Offer Alternatives To 0% Apr Financing

    Many dealerships offer cash rebates as an alternative to 0% APR financing although you can sometimes find deals that come with both. If you do have to choose between 0% APR financing and a cash back bonus, you should consider how long you plan to keep the vehicle and how quickly you will pay down the loan. If you think youll sell the vehicle before you pay off the entire loan, the rebate could potentially save you more money than the 0% APR interest rate.

    Questions To Ask About New Cars

    Consider which variant and what options you would like when you buy a car.

    • What are the different model types, trim levels, and upgrades? Which is the best option for you?
    • Which features are included in the standard version and which ones can be added?
    • What is the warranty period for manufacturers?
    • What warranty does the dealer offer?
    • Are there any add-ons such as free recovery?

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    Inspect Used Vehicles For Water Damage

    Recent hurricanes and flooding in other regions of the country can have an impact on Arizonans considering the purchase of a car. Its not uncommon for vehicles damaged by hurricanes or flood waters to be shipped hundreds of miles away and placed on the market.

    Prospective buyers can protect themselves by closely inspecting a vehicle before purchasing it. Remember, a flood-damaged car might smell of mildew. If the car doesnt pass a literal smell test, walk away.

    Tips for buying a used car are detailed in this post on the ADOT Blog.

    Do: Consider The Type Of Car You Need

    Car Buying Checklist

    Theres no shortage of different kinds of cars for sale, so the first thing to consider is how youll use your car. You might want to buy a dream car but it might not fit your lifestyle. Evaluate your familys needs, the demands of your commute and the vehicles central purpose before narrowing down your selection.

    For example, if you have a family of six, youre going to need a vehicle with more seating than a typical sedan. Or, if you have a long commute every day, you might need a car with better gas mileage.

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    The Dodge Ram Charger Was Also An Suv Nameplate

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    In 1974, Dodge launched an all-new truck-based SUV. The full-size, 2-door was available with powerful HEMI V8s out of Dodge muscle cars and 4WD. The Plymouth version was called the Trail Duster . And the Dodge version was called the Ram Charger . The automaker continued building some form of the Ram Charger until the 1993 model year.

    Know Your Shopping Style

    Even with so much automotive information available on the internet, many people still want to purchase new cars within only a few days of deciding to buy. This means a shopper could buy the wrong vehicle or one with too few or more features than needed rather than making an informed purchase decision.

    Remember, as the buyer, you need to be the one in control throughout the entire process. Its best to make choices along the way before you even step into a dealership. With so much reliable information available, even if you already have a strong preference for the vehicle you want, you may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome if you take some time to research and remain open-minded.

    Heres one way to start: Take a look at the following list of different types of shoppers and decide which one best describes you. After that, begin your vehicle search using one of the convenient shortcuts shown below, or simply follow all 10 Steps to Buying a New Car to cover all the bases.

    Value Shopper

    You want a reasonable price, but you are willing to pay for quality.Short Cut: Check out J.D. Power quality ratings on the vehicles you like.

    Image Shopper

    You get concerned with what your vehicle says about you. Does it project a desirable image?Short Cut: Go straight to the vehicle makes and models you prefer and check reviews.

    Methodical Shopper

    Safety-Conscious Shopper

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    Things To Do After Buying A New Car

    Before you drive away in your new car, you have to take care of a few important tasks. After you purchase a new car, make time to do the following:

  • Insure Your Car: If you paid for your new car in full, it’s optional to insure your vehicle for accident or theft, according to U.S. News. However, it’s required to get this insurance if you took out a loan for your purchase. By law, you need liability insurance to protect other drivers from your actions. Before deciding on an insurance policy, research providers and read the fine print carefully. You should know what you’re paying for in terms of premium, riders, and benefits.
  • Get the Title: According to The Nest, the dealership should provide you with the title to your vehicle if you pay in full for your new car. The dealership should also sign over the title to you, indicating you’re the new owner. Make sure the title shows the vehicle’s odometer reading accurately. If you took out financing for your car, the dealership might not give you the title when you buy the car. In many states, the dealer has to send the title to your state agency for processing.
  • Keep the Bill of Sale: Similar to a receipt, the bill of sale for your vehicle shows the seller, the buyer, the purchase price, and any applicable terms. It’s used to calculate sales tax. It’s also required when you go to register your new vehicle with your state.
  • Do: Buy At The End Of The Year

    Never Do This When Buying a Car

    As the year winds down, dealers are looking to dump their remaining inventory in anticipation of receiving the new years models, which makes early winter a great time to shop for deals. Most bargain hunters know the end of the year is a good time to get a deal on a car, said Christian Gulliksen, former senior editor of CarsDirect.

    But if youre buying a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW, there is another reason to put off a purchase until December. For the last few years, this is when the sales battle between Germanys premium brands has climaxed in a burst of incentives, said Gulliksen.

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    Do: Ask For Perks When The Price Wont Budge

    Sometimes its simply not possible to get a dealer to come down on the sticker price. But that doesnt mean you cant save money.

    Even if your dealership isnt willing to budge on the price of the car ask for other perks like free oil changes, accessories or regular car washes, Moody said. This way, you can save money without getting the dealer to come down on the cars price.

    Know The Pros And Cons Of 0% Apr Vs A Cash Rebate

    Some dealerships have promotions that offer cash rebates or no-interest financing for a new vehicle purchase. While these offers may seem attractive, its important to weigh their pros and cons first. Sometimes a cash rebate combined with a low-rate auto loan can be a smarter option vs. a 0% APR. A cash rebate used to reduce the overall cost of the vehicle may lower the loan amount resulting in savings over the life of the loan. If you qualify for a 0% APR auto loan be sure to find out what the repayment term is. Then use an auto loan calculator to compare a 0% APR loan at a higher loan amount vs. a low-rate auto loan with the rebate lowering the loan amount.

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    Do: Consider How Long Youll Keep Your Car

    The value of your car drops the moment you drive it off the lot. But that doesnt mean thats when its worth the most to the owner.

    The truth is, its never worth more to the owner than when its paid off because only then do you reap the return on the investment you made by financing it, said Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com. Repair costs can be troubling because theyre unpredictable and come as lump sums. But the reality is that $2,000 a year in repairs for a car thats paid off is still considerably cheaper than a new car note.

    Everything To Know Before Buying A Used Police Car

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    Have you ever wondered what happens to police cars once a department no longer needs them? The answer many police cars get a second life as civilian cars after serving a minimum number of years or reaching a certain mileage. Once a significant portion of police cars reach this milestone, the department sells their cars and invests in a whole new fleet.

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    Determine Your Desired Payment

    Itâs important to understand the factors that impact your auto loan terms and fees so that you can figure out what monthly payment you can afford.

    The key pieces of information you need to calculate your monthly payment are the loan amount, the annual percentage rate and the term.

    You may also want to consider putting a down payment on your new car to arrive at a smaller loan amount, which leads to lower monthly payments.

    Discover Your Cars Trade

    If you currently have a car that you plan to trade-in, donât wait for the salesman to tell you what itâs worth, do your own research.

    Use Kelley Blue Book to input the specific details of your vehicle, including the year, make, model, mileage and condition. If there are minor cosmetic repairs needed, consider making them yourself to increase your carâs net value.

    Once you get an estimated trade-in value for your vehicle, you will be better prepared when you go to the car dealership to negotiate and accept an offer on your current car.

    Another great option if you have the time and patience is to sell your vehicle yourself instead of trading it in. You can make more by doing it that way.

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