Boost Your Car’s Trade-in Value by Putting these Great Tips to Use

A car is an important item for most people. It can be part of your life for a long time. But things change and evolution is natural for human beings. As technology advances, so do car models. All brands launch new and modern cars every year, prompting you to feel the need to update your means of transportation.

However, selling your car is not always as simple as it may seem. You want to find a good deal, but you can’t overlook the fact that your car is not exactly new. Fortunately, there are small things that can greatly change the appearance of your car and boost its trade-in value.

Before selling your car, however, it’s important to take some things into consideration. First, make a solid decision. Make sure you want to part ways with your current car to buy a new one. Also, remember to do some research before accepting any offer. Consider all the variables—model, make, year, conditions, among others—to set an average fair price. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2nKqjhz

What You Need to Know About Buying New Cars from Auto Dealers

 

Buying a new car is a big decision, especially if it's your first time. Ideally, you'll want to drive home with a brand new car that you can drive for the next couple of years without a problem.

The truth, however, is that car shopping can get difficult and stressful pretty quickly. Nonetheless, everything can go smoothly during this process if you consider these simple car-buying tips.

Get Pre-Approved

The car-buying process is a lot like getting a home: you have to get a loan from a bank first. Save yourself some time by getting pre-approved for a car loan. This gives you a tangible idea of how much you can truly afford. You'll also have quoted interest rate that you can use to bargain when negotiating with auto dealers.

There are plenty of online websites that allow you to submit an application from the comforts of your home. You just need to make sure your personal and financial information are accurate. Some places to look for include banks, credit unions, and a third-party lender.

Part of getting pre-approved for a car loan is having a good credit score. Typically, a good credit score ranges from 690-719. If your score is not that high, take certain steps to improve it as soon as possible. Getting rid of debt and paying bills on time, for example, are steps that will gradually build your score back up. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2nKy8E1

How Do I Sell My Car? Use these Savvy Negotiating Tips to Find the Answer

"Not everyone can sell." This is a common expression among salespeople. You may not be prepared to sell things for a living, but everybody has to sell something one day, and very often it's their car.

When it becomes evident your car no longer suits your needs, the most popular tack seems to be selling your aging car to buy a newer one. However, new cars are more expensive than used ones. It's this realization that spurs you to start asking the question: What price can I sell my car for? There is no fixed price, of course, as each car's value is different. Indeed, these variables, when taken into account, will provide the answer to your question.

Know the market

You must consider your car's make, model, color, year, and condition to determine its true value. Pay attention to the adjectives that people use to describe a nice car. Study the market and find out what the public is looking for. Turn the odds in your favor and offer a lucrative price that's hard to refuse. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2nKlzsc

Check Out this Helpful Guide to Buying the Right Car from Electric Car Dealerships

To know if smart electric cars are right for you, it’s important to take some models out for a test drive. This gives you a personal experience with the car, where you can test out the features and see how well each model handles.

It may take a little time getting used to electric cars, given that they don’t make a lot of noise and their torque and horsepower specs are substantially different. After driving around, compare hybrids with all-electric vehicles and see which one best matches your needs for the long haul.

Opt for a Home Charger

Buying an electric car gives you two options as far as charging goes: home charging stations or public stations. The former is a great option because it lets you charge the battery any time you want. You don’t have to worry about there being a long line or potentially running out of power in the middle of the road. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2mXxbUq

How to Find the Perfect Used Car Quickly from the Right Car Dealerships

Years ago, car buyers would often go for a brand new model to command the roads. Today, however, more people are willing to forego the shiny looks of a new car and opt for the money-saving benefits of used cars. In fact, there were 9.81 million in used car vehicle sales in 2015.

The market is teeming with different brands and makes, but which one is right for you and your needs? The process of choosing the perfect car can be a lot simpler if you take your time and ask yourself these important questions.

How Much Can You Afford?

Before you set your sights on a car and head to car dealerships around Portland, Oregon, you'll first need to figure out how much can you afford. After all, the last thing you want is to end up defaulting on the payments and ruining your credit score. The great thing is, there are online resources that have put an equation together to help you find out how much you can afford with just a simple mouse click. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2nKEzqJ

Take Note of These Things You Should Do Before Looking at New Cars for Sale

A lot goes into buying a new car. From tracking down a particular model to test-driving, this process may seem like a daunting task. Additionally, this decision largely impacts your finances. The estimated transaction for new vehicles is $33,560. Luckily, these car-buying tips give you some direction so you can find the right car and get the best deal for it.

Research the Price in Advance

The most powerful asset you have going into this situation is knowledge. The more you know about the car you want and how much it is worth, the better chance you have of getting a good deal. Don't just focus on the sticker price, as this is usually marked up so the dealership can make a large profit. Rather, look at the invoice price of the car, the price that the dealer paid the manufacturer for the car. This figure gives you some negotiating power. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2mXkmJI

Used Car Buying 101: How to Find A Ride that Matches Your Needs to Perfection

 

You've had your vehicle long enough to know that it's time for something different. That doesn't mean you have to buy a new car, though. Buying used is actually a smart and money-saving option compared to purchasing a new car. In fact, many are currently embracing this trend.

A recent Consumer Reports study showed that 71% of respondents reported to being more likely to purchase a late-model used car as opposed to a new one. No matter what type of car you're after, here is a guide you can use to make the decision easy and stress-free.

Use the Right Online Tools

With many used cars on the market, tracking down just one may seem like a daunting task. It doesn't have to be, though, if you use the internet to your advantage. There are a lot of resourceful tools you can use to help you with the decision, such as reputable car review sites.

Review sites featuring in-depth commentaries on how previous owners felt about certain vehicles. That way, you can learn a lot about vehicles before ever taking them for a test drive. You can see what features make certain cars stand out, along with their drawbacks. With these knowledge, you can head to used car dealerships feeling confident about the vehicles you want to test drive. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2nKqQ35 

Going Electric: Why You Should Make the Big Switch to Electric Cars

It has been reported that Americans spend an average of $2,000 per year to fill up their tank. This is expected to increase, especially as gas prices continue to spiral out of control. Instead of worrying about fluctuating gas prices, making the switch to electric cars can be a better alternative. They offer many benefits that can change the way you drive for the better.

Substantial Savings

Probably the most important reason why people make the switch to electric cars is the savings they provide. First and foremost, these cars help you save money on gas. Instead of a gas-powered engine, these vehicles rely on an electric-powered battery. They let you travel great distances on just one charge. Typically, you can set up home charging stations. This lets you charge your vehicle any time, saving you time and energy from traveling to different charging stations across the city. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2nKy4Eq

Electric Cars for Sale Put the Keys to the Future of Modern Automobiles in Your Hands

Back then, simply the idea of a vehicle run purely by electricity would be met with skepticism. Today, however, electric cars are gradually dominating every street. Even if you are still not personally sold on buying one of the numerous electric cars for sale on the market, there really is no stopping these hybrid cars from occupying the throne as the preferred vehicle of the future. Truly, its sleek, cute, and small environmental footprint are the convincing attributes of an electric car.

Let these compelling reasons convince you to try out an electric car.

It’s unique

In a world full of gasoline- and diesel-fueled SUVs, trucks, sedans, and compacts, electric cars stand apart in style, comfort, performance efficiency, and degree of coolness. Gone are the days when only geeks and nerds bandied the name Tesla. Nowadays, it is a household word for those who consider themselves nouveau and especially for those who already drive a hybrid or electric vehicle. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2mOYFeO

Successfully Searching for a Vehicle From Bad Credit Car Dealerships

After a home, buying a car may be the second-most expensive purchase you’ll make in your life. The average price of a used car, according to reports, is above the $18,000 mark. Purchasing can be tough, however, if you have bad credit. Fortunately, you can find affordable and good-quality vehicles from bad credit car dealerships.

Here are some important decisions to make when searching for a car from these dealerships.

Avoid Bad Credit Behavior

Before searching bad credit car dealerships, you need to avoid any type of bad credit behavior. This helps you maintain your credit score, perhaps better it, so you get the best deal possible on a loan. During this time, make sure you pay everything on time, whether it’s balances on your credit cards or your monthly bills. This will show the loan companies that you are taking proactive measures to adjust your financial history.

Narrow Your List

To speed up the car buying process from bad credit car dealerships, you need to narrow down your list. Start by researching the cars you’ve wanted for a long time and viewing their ratings from previous owners. Watch as many videos as you want to get a sense for how these cars handle and what they look like on the inside. While researching, think about your needs. Are you looking for a family-oriented vehicle or just a daily commuter for work? Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2mXw6fr

Take These Simple Steps Before Applying for Bad Credit Auto Loans

Every car dealership will tell you that your credit score is a pivotal part of getting a car loan. Don't despair if you don't have an ideal score, now that there are plenty of dealerships offering bad credit auto loans to help you pay for the car you want.

Before you apply for this type of car loan, you can take these simple steps to gradually rebuild your credit score and have your finances in order.

Improve Your Credit

Though bad credit loans are available, you should still try to improve your credit score. Having a better credit score widens your options and helps you get the best loan possible.

For most loan providers, bad or poor credit is considered anything around 300 to 550. There are many ways you can improve your credit score, the most obvious being the repayment of any debt you owe, such as outstanding balances on your credit cards.

You also need to pay your bills on time each month, and try to open new lines of credit once old debt has been paid back. At the end of the day, rebuilding your credit is not going to happen overnight. Rather, it's a systematic process that you have to commit to, possibly even adjusting the way you spend money every month. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2mXw07z

For a Fast, Gainful Way to Rid an Old Car and Buy a New One, Try Cash for Cars Trade

No matter how much you love your car, there comes a time that you have to replace it with a newer model. Before you send your beloved vehicle to become scrap metal, you should consider asking your local dealership if it offers a cash for cars program.

What is a Cash for Cars Program?

A cash for cars program is basically a car trade-in where you settle for a dollar value on your old car with a dealer, who then credits that value once you purchase a new car. The trade-in value is deducted from the original price of the car, consequently lowering the amount you have to pay on your monthly installments.

The trade-in value of your car wholly depends on several factors, such as the car’s general condition. Dealers will look at the car’s accident history to ascertain its condition and will often look at the car's accident history. Several agencies offer a free estimate of the trade-in value for your vehicle simply by providing them its year, make, model, series, and its odometer reading. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2mP0GHZ

Important Questions to Ask Before Buying Hybrid Cars for Cost-Savings and Eco-Friendly Drives

Hybrids give you the chance to save a lot of money. These use both a petrol engine and a battery-powered electric motor, a unique design that lets you get good gas mileage. In the past ten years alone, 2.5 million hybrid cars have reportedly been sold. Before you dive headfirst into the hybrid car market, there are important questions you need to ask yourself.

What is a Hybrid?

Hybrid vehicles are different from traditional vehicles in that they use more than one type of drivetrain to achieve movement. This means gasoline is required to operate an internal combustion engine, while batteries are necessary to keep an electric motor running.

This best-of-both-worlds scenario is designed to let drivers choose how they want to drive. You may be looking for more power, for example, in which case you should enable the gas-powered engine. If you are traveling at low speeds and want to conserve fuel, the electric motor may be a better choice. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2mXy1kd 

Important Factors You Need to Think About Before Buying Hybrid Cars for Sale

Hybrids are becoming a more appealing option for drivers looking to keep some money in their pockets the environmentally-friendly way. Sales reflect this green trend. In the United States alone, over 2 million electric hybrid cars have been sold.

If you are in the market for one of these fuel-efficient vehicles, there are some factors you need to consider before negotiating any deal.

Hybrid Usage

Narrow down your list of potential hybrid vehicles to test-drive and buy by considering what it's being used for. You may have long commutes to work or are taking a family vacation. For these purposes, a hybrid that has a large battery would be most helpful. You can travel long distances without having to worry about pulling over often and filling up on costly gas. Rather, you can travel to multiple destinations just off one charge. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2mXFCip

The Top Reasons Why Diesel Trucks Reign Over Gas-Fueled Rigs

 

The battle for road supremacy rages on as both proponents of gasoline-fueled trucks clash with advocates for diesel trucks—with each metering their own lists of pros and cons. While nobody can really ignore the benefits of driving either truck, a used truck dealer serving Portland emphasizes that a diesel truck is the better option if you’re after unparalleled power on the road.

Diesel vs. Gas: The Life-Long Debate

Since the introduction of gasoline-run trucks, contentions about which one is better have driven a rather lengthy debate between the two sides. On one side, proponents of gasoline trucks state that if you calculate cost and efficiency, their truck would beat diesel trucks by a mile. However, diesel trucks reign supreme if you are looking for brute power and fuel economy.

As modern car shoppers prefer to drive pickup trucks over sedans, the facts being argued in this debate are most important. Perhaps the only way to settle this dispute is to present a side-by-side comparison between the two. Then you can perhaps determine the better choice for yourself. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2nAO8Zj

Maintain Your Car’s AC and Avoid Surprise Visits to an Auto Service Center

Have you ever had your car's air conditioning system give up on you during a ride? If so, you understand how inconvenient it can be—in such close quarters such as a car cabin, things can get hot pretty quickly.

That's why keeping your AC in good working order is vital to prolonging the life of this crucial component. Avoid unnecessary repair jobs to your car's AC by following these simple maintenance tips.

Top it up

The most crucial element of your car's air conditioning system is freon, a gas that facilitates the heat transfer to cool the auto cabin. However, about 10% of this gas permeates from your AC system each year, and its capacity to keep passengers cool diminishes with every passing year. As such, motorists are advised to drop by an auto service center every two years to top up their AC's Freon levels. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2mXATx7

How to Find Quality Trucks for Sale Without Getting Burned Out in the Process

 

There's nothing quite like driving a truck. Their power and sheer size give you a unique driving experience each time. Narrow down your list and have a hassle-free shopping experience when searching for trucks by taking these factors into consideration.

Consider the Use

Above anything else, you need to seriously contemplate what you are using the truck for. You may need the truck for work-related purposes, particularly in hauling heavy machinery and equipment. For this purpose, you'll need a heavy-duty vehicle, possibly with a four-wheel drive. If you're simply after a powerful experience, a midsize truck with standard equipment might be ideal.

Trucks today are classified by the gross vehicle weight, for which the proper term is gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR. Heavy-duty trucks, for example, can weigh up to 14,000 pounds so they would fit into class 3. Full-size pickups can only weigh up to 10,000 pounds so they would fit under class 2. Choose a class that best suits the type of equipment or machinery you are hauling, if any.

Passenger capacity is also something to think about. If you only need room for two people, then a regular cab truck will suffice. If you have more than two people, however, you'll need a crew cab truck that has four doors. These trucks are great for those longer rides, where passengers need room to spread out. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2mXl5dZ

SUVs for Sale Remain the Top Choice among American Car Shoppers

A simple glance toward an American parking lot or street tells you how much this country loves to pursue SUVs for sale. In Greater Portland, sales of both SUVs and trucks are still increasing, despite the fact that it’s been years since they were introduced to the market. It almost seems like American consumers are insatiable in their need for a bigger, wider, and more powerful vehicle that serve the whole family.

Why the need for SUVs?

It might all just boil down to the fact that Americans like big cars with wide spaces, specifically in the back seat area. Even those with small families can appreciate a bigger space, for sheer traveling comfort if nothing else. On the other hand, if you are traveling with a large group of people, it’s much more convenient and economic to carry everyone in one ample vehicle rather than dividing the group into two separate vehicles that require twice as much gas and release twice as many emissions.

However, space is not restricted to only carrying people. SUVs serve brilliantly as cargo haulers. Grocery shopping and transporting all your recreational toys to your favorite destinations are just some of the tasks perfectly fit for an SUV. Catching the big wave? An SUV is a surfer's buddy. Post originally appeared on McLoughlinChevy.com blog page. http://bit.ly/2mPcudg

The Dangers of Driving Fast and for Long Distances Using Spare Tires

Getting a flat tire can mess up your schedule at the most inopportune time. Not only do you have to suffer through the stress of feeling helpless on the road, but you often have to get your hands and clothes dirty as you fix it. The common line of thinking once you’ve mounted the spare onto your car is that it’s going to take a while before the spare gets worn out. But did you know that there are a lot of inherent dangers in using your spare tire?

The Dangers of Driving on A Spare Tire

Spare tires are seldom used, so you don’t usually buy new ones. These tires only come out of the trunk when you have a flat tire. Unfortunately, spare tires tend to deteriorate when enclosed in a hot place. In addition, if your spare is a few years old, there’s the danger of tread separation, wherein the rubber detaches from the casing or body. Also, because it was made to conserve trunk space, it also has fewer layers and is more prone to punctures. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2nKBFCk

Reputable Car Dealerships View Auto Loans for Bad Credit Clients a Good Investment

When it comes to obtaining an auto loan, bad credit is no longer the pariah it used to be. Years ago, getting approved for an auto loan stood out of reach for those with bad credit. Banks and car dealerships, however, have gained more flexibility since then. Their versatility and profit motivations have convinced them to grant auto loans for bad credit customers, as it proved to be a profitable investment in the long run.

Auto Loans and Bad Credit Do Co-Exist

Absolutely no one wants bad credit associated to their name, as it tarnishes one’s reputation and complicates everything related to finance and banking. However, some things are unavoidable. For instance, you might find yourself paying late on your bills or unintentionally maxing out a credit card. If you don't fall under the category of bad credit, you may still fall under the category of low credit (a credit score under 629). You may be a young adult or an immigrant who just arrived to your new country and, understandably, have not yet established a stable credit history. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2mPdttM

Check Out the Perfect Guide to Finding High-Quality Used Trucks at the Right Price

Contrary to what you may be thinking, buying a used truck is a little different from buying a used car. Trucks, often used for work-related purposes, have probably gone through more wear and tear. For this reason, you need to be extremely careful when trying to find the right truck for your needs. Here are a few pointers that will help you make the right choice.

Consider Off-Road Use

When looking at used trucks, you need to assess what the truck was used for. This is particularly true if the truck has been used for off-roading. Typically, this type of abuse adds up and won't be visible right away. The chassis, suspension, and other parts underneath the truck may be structurally compromised because of off-roading. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2nKgPDe

Auto Service Providers Enumerate Telltale Signs of Bad Brakes and How to Avoid Them

You’ve seen it in a movie before: a guy driving his car only to find too late that his brakes are failing. Unfortunately, such accidents do not happen only in movies. Too often, motorists neglect to bring their vehicles to auto service providers for routine maintenance until it is either too late to do anything about it or their neglect has resulted in a vehicular accident.

Last December, the City of Portland reported it was averaging five car crashes an hour due to brakes failing drivers on just two inches of snow. If this is what happens on a slippery road with slightly good brakes, imagine what can happen if bad brakes come into play. Even if you don’t possess technical knowledge of cars, it’s still quite easy to spot the warning signs of failing brakes. All a driver needs in detecting faulty brakes is a steady awareness of noises from the brakes and their performance on the road. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2mOUxvr

Used Car Dealerships near Portland, Oregon Expected to Slash Prices Due to Latest GM Incentives

Used car dealerships serving the Portland area are expected to offer reduced prices on their General Motors brands after GM rolls out its latest matrix of incentives and cash rebates, most notably for 2016 and 2017 pickup truck models: Silverado, Sierra, and Canyon.

This latest edition of Truck Month is GM’s response to the ongoing customer trend that indicates a significant increase of truck and SUV owners, effectively narrowing the numbers of sedan and compact car seekers.

While prices for used SUVs and pickups might not go as low as one might expect as a result of diving prices for brand-new vehicles—induced by new incentives and rebates—the prices of used, midsize or compact cars will consequently be comparably low. This prospect presents a slew of bargaining opportunities for car shoppers looking for a pre-owned GM sedan in good condition and for an affordable price. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2nAT68j

Car Dealerships Offer Financing Assistance to Used Car Buyers

Over the years, more consumers are being enticed to purchase used cars instead of buying a fresh one since the price difference between the two are too significant to ignore. Buying a used car also spares you the pains of watching a new car’s value drop sharply in the first couple of years.

With these reasons, purchasing a used car seems like a better idea although that doesn’t mean that buying one will be cheap.

What to do before purchasing a used car

Buying used cars is not just a matter going to car dealerships and choosing a vehicle with the lowest price tag. First off, you need to do your homework. You must have a clear idea on the year, make, and model of the vehicle that you want to purchase and consider if that choice will satisfy your daily commute requirements.

Car manufacturers usually post the specs of their vehicles on their web pages. There, you can learn some of its features, safety test results, options, mileage, and fuel economy so you’ll know what to expect from a used counterpart. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2mOUlfH