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Trade'r in? Yup! Nope! Whaaat?
When trading a vehicle there are four categories that will clearly affect the value of your vehicle; (1) Current market value. This is an adjustment amount to the book value that is made by the vehicle appraiser and occurs when there are real time changes in the market that are not readily reflected in current book values. One powerful example is the energy crisis that came along in the fall of 1973. Many consumers panicked (mildly) and began trading their gas hogs for fuel efficient smaller vehicles. As the extent of the crisis and its duration were unknown, and there were no real predictions as to the short and long term effects, most dealers looked on the gas hogs with an eye of concern, specifically in relation to their dollar value. I counseled many buyers during that time, encouraging them to be patient and wait it out. Most of them, nearly all, traded anyway. They received as little as 50% of the book value for their gas hogs and paid over retail in many cases to purchase a fuel efficient vehicle. Many of those people returned to the market within a short period of time and traded their fuel sippers for gas hogs. Again, values were adjusted to allow for the glut of small vehicles on the dealers lot. There are always current market value adjustments whether just at a dealership, in a city, an area, a state, a region, or across the country. These adjustments may be as simple as a dealership being overstocked with used vehicles due to some internal problem; therefore the dealer has to pay less for vehicles currently being traded in. An area may be affected by an economical crisis that overall affects the consumers ability or willingness to spend money. Wars and rumors of war have a strong negative effect on vehicle values, as does the price of fuel. One major factor that affects the value of trade-ins are the deals being offered on new vehicles. The greater the deal on new, the less is paid for the trade. Why? Used vehicle buyers will step up to new vehicles and pass on the late model used vehicles. In many cases payments on a new vehicle may be roughly the same as a one year old used.  Additionally, consumers may determine that they are better off trading their current vehicle sooner than intended, taking advantage of the factory incentives, and driving off in a new vehicle with payments close to where they were, and offsetting maintenance expenditures in the process. (2) Dealership attitude. Vehicle values may be affected simply by some issue within a dealership. An inexperienced Used Vehicle Department manager, a poor cash flow in the dealership, a weak sales force not selling vehicles, and other situations. One thing learned when purchasing at an auction, talking with a wholesaler, or shopping a trade-in to another dealership is that prices vary widely across the board. Realistically I have witnessed value swings by as much as $2000.00. (3) Dealership wants. In some circumstances a dealer may not want your trade. You might have a very expensive trade, the dealer does not want to tie up money in a slow seller and the dealer cannot find a home for it with another dealer. Therefore to make a deal he will hit the trade low expecting to find a home for it at the auction, with another dealer, or attempt to cheap sell it on his own lot. Regardless, the vehicle may bring several thousand dollars below book, your loss. (4) Dealership need. The dealership may not need “another one of those”. Some vehicles are a glut on the market. An example would be the dumping of a rental car fleet at the auction, everyone buys them, everyone has one, and no one needs another one. Dealership want and dealership need may also swing in your favor. There were many times that I paid over book (more than $1200.00) to own a vehicle, knowing that if I did not, someone else would, and I would miss the sale on three vehicles; (1) my vehicle, (2) the trade-in, and (3) the trade-in on that one. Instead of missing business, I would make three profits. It should be clear that; (1) you must know the value of your vehicle to do business with it; (2) the book value is affected by other circumstances, some of which are beyond your control. However, because you know the value of your vehicle you have an idea of where you should be, and by shopping more than one dealership (if you don’t get the value up front) there is a very good chance you will get your money. It is absolute that you use a professional source to determine the value of your vehicle prior to shopping for your next vehicle. If you had a wad of $10.00 bills in your pocket, a big wad, and you wanted to trade them for $50.00 bills, and if you had never counted them, how would you possibly know how many $50.00 bills to get in return for your 10’s? Would you just throw them out there and take back whatever 50’s were offered? Or would you count them ahead of time, separate them in $50.00 packets, band all the packets together, and put in writing the total amount of all the packets, put that slip of paper with your packet, and put one in your pocket? Would you then watch as the other party counted your 10’s, and as the 50’s were counted out for you? Wise folks count their money first, record the amount, and observe while others handle their money! Chuck Norlin is a 41 year veteran of negotiating, a Cal U and General Motors University graduate, and 30 year career expert in the retail vehicle business.
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The scoop on carbon fiber hoods
Carbon Fiber seems to be the material of choice for aftermarket accessories. Now you can find carbon fiber mirrors, dash trim kits, hoods, fenders, and who knows what else. So what is the big deal with carbon fiber?Carbon Fiber seems to be the material of choice for aftermarket accessories. Now you can find carbon fiber mirrors, dash trim kits, hoods, fenders, and who knows what else. So what is the big deal with carbon fiber?There are a few reasons that carbon fiber has taken off in the past few years. It is a lightweight, rigid, visually appealing material. It has a unique textured look and a smooth finish. It is surprisingly strong, and doesn’t flex much.Take carbon fiber hoods for example. A lot of tuners like to add a carbon fiber hood on their cars. Opposed to the steel factory hoods, these carbon fiber hoods can reduce the weight of the vehicle by as much as 40 or 50 pounds on some applications. This modification, when added to other weight reducing modifications, can slightly decrease 0-60 times and marginally improves handling and acceleration.The other reason is the cool textured looking finish. Add a few carbon fiber touches as a theme throughout the vehicle and this can score some major style points.These carbon fiber hoods are fairly expensive for their weight reducing capabilities, but add a lot of style for the money. Browse through our website to find a carbon fiber hood for your car at www.majesticmodifications.com. Once you have purchased the hood you want, it’s time to get it installed. You may need a hand removing the factory hood due to its weight, but once it is removed, you should be able to handle the much lighter carbon fiber hood. The installation is fairly easy, so here is a quick guide to help you get it installed.Start your installation by removing the windshield washer jets for the factory hood. Disconnect the tubing that runs to them by unclipping or unscrewing them. If there is a light attached to the hood, go ahead and remove it, as you may want to reuse it on the new hood.With these removed, and with some help on the other side, prop the hood up with the hood prop if applicable. Remove the 4 bolts holding the hood to the hinges. If your hood has gas shocks, remove them before removing the hinge bolts. Be careful to support the weight of the hood when removing the hinge bolts to reduce the risk of damaging the fenders or the windshield. With the hinges and gas shocks unbolted, this will free up the heavy factory hood. Carefully remove it from the hinges by pulling it away from the windshield and set it aside.Set the new carbon fiber hood in place. It will be significantly lighter than the factory steel hood. Line up the bolts on the hinges and tighten them down. Reattach the gas shocks if applicable, or set the hood prop in place. Reattach your windshield washer jets if your hood permits, and run the lines on the underside. If you saved your light and want to reattach it, you can do so at this point. it can be attached using some 3M adhesive double sided tape, or you can carefully screw it in place, making sure to use screws small enough to not penetrate the top of the hood. Close the hood and check for alignment. If you need to adjust the alignment, lift the hood and loosen the hinge bolts slightly, just to where you can make small adjustments. Lower the hood and make any adjustments and re-tighten the bolts. This should complete your carbon fiber hood installation.If you need any support or advice for your carbon fiber hood installation, you can contact Majestic Modifications by emailing us at support@majesticmodifications.com. <a href="http://www.majesticmodifications.com">Majestic Modifications</a> is the complete car customization concept, specializing in air intakes and performace upgrades, body kits and <a href="http://www.carbon-fiber-hoods.blogspot.com">carbon fiber hoods</a>, glow gauges and interior accessories, wheels and tires, mobile video and elctronics.
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Is it safe to buy a rental car?
When you are considering buying a used vehicle, it is important to cover all of your bases and take all options into consideration. Most people don’t even think about the buy a rental car option. It is an option with many pros and cons and it is worth it to factor them into your used car purchase decision. Rental car purchase prosFirst things first, as a used buyer you know where this car is coming from. Chances are the car has been kept clean and well maintained during its life as a rental. Any rental service that sells their cars should be able to offer you maintenance records to back that up. In fact it should be insisted upon to ensure that the car has been properly cared for. Pricing is another attractive factor if you want to purchase a rental car. Many of the cars rental agencies will offer for sale are less than a year old and have less than 25,000 miles on them. Do not be suspect when you see a newer model for sale, it does not necessarily indicate that the vehicle is problematic. Rental companies are able to purchase their vehicle at the bare minimum fleet pricing, enabling them to re-sell at very competitive prices. Another pro is the possibility of a warranty still intact with a purchase through a rental car company. Because they generally sell them within a year of purchase and at a reasonable mileage, there is a good chance that there will still be some time left on the manufacturers warranty. Giving the new owner a little peace of mind, especially when you consider the cons of purchasing a rental car. Rental car purchase consAnyone who has rented a car has probably heard this joke, “What’s the difference between a rental car and a 4X4? A rental car can go anywhere!” It’s funny when you rent a car, but when you are looking to buy a rental car suddenly it’s not so funny anymore. This being the biggest con of them all, people are hard on rental cars. The rental companies have no idea what the car actually endures while in the care of the individuals it rents to. Of course they will assure you that the car was not mistreated, but again, anyone who has rented a car knows the kind of abuse they can take. Generally the rental agencies will inspect the car upon its return to their lot to ensure that there has been no damage. However what is reported at that point is largely cosmetic, and while aesthetics are important, it’s what’s inside that really counts. If you are considering purchasing a rental car, be sure to take it to an outside, unaffiliated mechanic for a through inspection to ensure that the vehicle has not suffered mechanically at the hands of an thoughtless renter. As far as cons go, the vast unknown is really the one to worry about. While cosmetic issues are important, mechanical soundness is truly the bottom line with any used car purchase. Bottom line a good optionWhen purchasing a used vehicle, the rental agencies offer a viable option for purchase. Contrary to popular belief previous rental cars can be a great investment for anyone looking for a suitable used vehicle. Having access to maintenance records is a huge plus, and all things considered every vehicle they buy is the rental companies bread and butter. It is good business sense for them to keep them in tip top working order. <b>About the Author:</b> My name is Paige Filler and I'm a creative writer with a love of all things that go vroom. I do my homework to bring thought and innovation into everything I write about the auto industry. You can find more of my stuff at <a href="http://www.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank">Cash 4 Used Cars</a>, and <a href="http://blog.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank"> this blog.</a>
Source: www.ArticlePros.com