Avoid the 5 deadly pitfalls of car shopping

Last month on BloggingStocks, I wrote about a site that is an absolute must-read before you go and buy a car. Now CNN/Money has a list of their 5 mistakes to avoid when shopping for a car:

• Don't fall in love with a car.



• Avoid super-long car loans.



• Negotiate the price of the car you're buying first ... THEN negotiate the value of your trade-in.



• Avoid negotiating in person.



• Don't get hoodwinked by a sweet deal on the outgoing model year.

To these tips I would add one: Avoid getting a car loan if a loan is necessary. In other words, pick a car that you can afford to pay for with cash. If you can get a super-low interest rate deal, go for it. But pick out your car as though were paying in cash. If you can't afford to pay cash, that means you probably can't afford the car.

I realize that this may stick you in a '95 Pontiac rather than a '05 Porsche, but you'll thank me in the long run. If you ever watch the Can I afford it? segment on the Suze Orman Show, you've noticed that the people with car loans are always the ones in financial trouble.

Budd Glock's Ford F-100 PICKUP

This is 1954 Ford F100. Ive been working on this truck for 8 years now. My dream is to have her in a magazine.

I got the truck when I was 15 and it wasn't in the best of shape. First I stripped her down to the frame and cut off all the suspension. I then threw on a TCI mustang 2 IFS kit with air bags and power rack and pinion. I went all tubular because its a way cleaner look. I then bought TCI's 4 link kit with air bags. The air system is made by Airlift. I have 8 valves, that way I don't get body roll. Im running a viair 450 compressor and a 5 gallon tank that is mounted in the bed. The rear end is a ford 9 inch with 2.95 gear ratio that I'm hopefully going to swap for a 3.50 posi unit in the near future. The motor is a 302 ford backed by a C-4 tranny with a B&M shift kit. Its got a reverse tilt hood and an Aluminum radiator. The motor has a polished aluminum dress up kit. All arp bolts and a Holly Street avenger carb. I also got a powermaster 140 alt on her that is also polished. I plan on putting a digital dash and some 12 or 13 inch brakes all the way around. Also a ford 427 small block!

ccntent from cardomain.com

If You Had A Choice

Which would you choose?










After driving all three, it's tough. The M3 has this solid refined feel. The Evo 9 has a shitload of grip, and the Exige...feels like a go kart with a roof. I'm leaning towards the M3 though...not as practical as the Evo 9, but excellent fit & finish.

 

Featuring a 4 liter, 400+ horsepower, V-8 engine ...

The GTR drives with the power of a V8 instead of a 6-cylinder engine. Since racing regulations do not permit sequential gearshift, the GTR has a conventional 6-speed transmission. The racing and road versions of the GTR differ in safety-related mods, including the cleared interior with welded safety cell, the fast filling system and racing chassis and brakes.

Buying a Car

Consider this. There are currently over 1000 models of passenger cars, MPVs, SUVs, bakkies and double-cabs on sale in South Africa. Manufacturers keep on inventing new niches, and are combining existing ones to create unique crossover vehicles. And don’t forget the strangely named cars from previously unheard of manufacturers.

This is certainly very attractive from the perspective of choice, but making a wise car-buying decision has never been more complex.

But it can get even more complicated. Buying a car is not only about selecting the right vehicle. It is also about insurance, running costs, security and financing. And there are almost as many different companies willing to help you with those aspects as there are carmakers or importers keen to sell you a new vehicle. What should be a fun and rewarding experience can, as a result, quite easily turn into a nightmare if you take a wrong turn.

The aim of this booklet is to provide you with the necessary tools to make sound choices, on all aspects. You’ll find abbreviated versions of the 2005 J D Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey, CAR’s annual parts price survey and also our current Top 12 best buys – great aids to help you narrow down your choices.

For the first-timer, financing a new vehicle can be one of the most confusing aspects of the purchasing process – we give tips on leases, hire purchase, car allowances and company cars etc. Of course, first you have to decide whether you are going to buy new or used, from a dealer or privately, or how about online, or a car auction?

You’ll find all the information you’LL need in a quick, easy to use format, with useful contact numbers and links. So, get a piece of paper and let’s start working on that budget and shortlist . . .

Buying a Car

Consider this. There are currently over 1000 models of passenger cars, MPVs, SUVs, bakkies and double-cabs on sale in South Africa. Manufacturers keep on inventing new niches, and are combining existing ones to create unique crossover vehicles. And don’t forget the strangely named cars from previously unheard of manufacturers.

This is certainly very attractive from the perspective of choice, but making a wise car-buying decision has never been more complex.

But it can get even more complicated. Buying a car is not only about selecting the right vehicle. It is also about insurance, running costs, security and financing. And there are almost as many different companies willing to help you with those aspects as there are carmakers or importers keen to sell you a new vehicle. What should be a fun and rewarding experience can, as a result, quite easily turn into a nightmare if you take a wrong turn.

The aim of this booklet is to provide you with the necessary tools to make sound choices, on all aspects. You’ll find abbreviated versions of the 2005 J D Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey, CAR’s annual parts price survey and also our current Top 12 best buys – great aids to help you narrow down your choices.

For the first-timer, financing a new vehicle can be one of the most confusing aspects of the purchasing process – we give tips on leases, hire purchase, car allowances and company cars etc. Of course, first you have to decide whether you are going to buy new or used, from a dealer or privately, or how about online, or a car auction?

You’ll find all the information you’LL need in a quick, easy to use format, with useful contact numbers and links. So, get a piece of paper and let’s start working on that budget and shortlist . . .

Get an Auto Rate Quote

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In most states, if you want to drive your own vehicle, you must be insured.

Auto Insurance is designed to help financially cover potential auto-related damages, loss or injuries. It helps protect you, your passengers, your fellow drivers, pedestrians, other people's property and your car. It can also help protect you in the event of an automobile-related lawsuit.

Link http://www.statefarm.com/

Car insurance buyers guide

Choosing a car insurance company

Choosing a car insurance company and getting the right one is important. With so many car insurance company options online, many people make the mistake of just choosing a cheap car insurance company, without considering the details. And you may well be fine with a cheap car insurance company – as long as you don’t have to make a claim. What you need to remember is that the moment you actually have to call upon your car insurance company, your whole relationship changes. Instead of how much – it’s all about what you are covered for. But how do you find out whether a cheap car insurance company can really offer you the service you may need?

1.
Check the details of the cover being offered by the car insurance company. Make sure you know what level of excess is being asked. (Excess is the amount of your claim the car insurance company expects you to pay. The bigger the excess – the worse for you).

2.We publish a comparison table, so you can compare our cover with other car insurance cover levels. If you have a no claim bonus – find out if it can be protected. Cheap car insurance companies don’t always offer free courtesy cars or guarantees on repairs. Make sure you know what you are buying.

3.Look for customer testimonials so you can see what the car insurance company is like when they are needed. You will find comments from our customers here.

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We provide auto insurance quotes for all 50 states! We offer a convenient way to comparison shop for auto insurance.

Shopping for car insurance is the only way to save money on car insurance. With CarInsurance.com it is easy to buy your auto insurance online, in some states you could complete the process and have your proof of insurance in 15 minutes!

Our site is easy to use and our goal is to show you how much you can save with our services. Not only will you save your money, but you will save your time too. Our online car insurance quote takes just a few minutes and then we provide rates from companies that suit your needs. You can finish online or our professional call center is available to help you purchase car insurance. In some states you will be directed to one of our trusted partners for a rate in you area.

Because we offer multiple company rates and the ability to purchase their auto insurance quote from one place, we are ahead of other online insurance companies. Start your quote to see how companies compete for your business. You could save over 25% on your auto insurance.

Our goal is to give consumers all the information and resources they need to make informed auto insurance decisions. We are your online car insurance marketplace!