Low Book Sales Utah Car Dealerships
Jason Wilson asked:
Buying a new car in Utah, as anywhere, can be a difficult process. Many times, the new car buyer hasn’t thought through their plan before they walk into one of the many fine Utah Car Dealerships. If you do this, you could end up with a car you don’t really want. Worse, you could end up with a car you can’t really afford, or a car you pay far too much money for. In this economy, you can ill afford to risk your financial stability for the sake of a new car. You could end up paying for years for something that wasn’t really necessary, something you bought on an impulse.
Utah Car Dealerships, like dealerships anywhere, have mastered the art of high-pressure sales tactics and convincing you need things you don’t. It isn’t necessarily a matter of dishonesty. You are, after all, looking to buy a car. Most car salespeople genuinely believe that they have the best car fro you, and know what your best interests are, and that they are merely being helpful. What you have to understand is that no one is in as good of a position to understand your needs and requirements as you are.
The most important element of getting the car that suits you best at any Utah Car Dealerships is to prepare. Do your homework before you set foot in any Utah car dealerships and you will greatly increase the odds that you will get the car you want at the price you can live with. You will be able to enter the dealership and negotiate effectively with the dealer.
The very first thing you need to do is establish how much you can really afford to pay. Go over your budget and think realistically about the additional financial burden. If you don’t have a budget, track your expenses for a month or two to determine how much you actually spend, and keep track of everything, including snacks, and hobbies. Little things can add up.
Once you know what you can afford to spend and how it will impact your budget, then you can begin to shop for a car. Do you think this means running of to one or more Utah car dealerships? Don’t be in a hurry. Starting the car buying process begins with research, not test drives. Remember, when you set foot in a car dealership, they are primed to sell you a car, the most expensive, tricked out car they can. You, in turn, need to be prepared not only by knowing your budget limits, but by knowing what car models fall in your price range and knowing what you can expect to afford.
You should also be aware of the list prices and actual prices for the cars you are actually interested in. On one hand, you don’t want to pay anywhere near the list price when you buy a new car. On the other hand, you cannot realistically expect to get a car for less than the dealer pad for it.
You should know exactly which car you want to buy before you ever step into Utah Car Dealerships, or at least have a very short list. You should know also how much you could expect these cars to cost. There are many ways to tart the comparison shopping process outside of Utah car dealerships. For example, you can start with the Consumer Reports annual car buying issue. It offers a comparison of features, estimates of reliability and likelihood your car will need servicing, and resale values for many makes and models of automobile. You don’t even have to buy this; you can find it at your local public library.
Motor Magazine and the Car Buyer’s Art, a book by Darrell Parrish, also have useful information on how to compare vehicles. The Internet has many useful sites for comparing car prices and features, such as www.carprices.com. Use these resources and figure out exactly what you need, make a checklist of features you want, features you need, and features you like but can live without. In other words, make an A list, a B list and a C list, and know what the optional features you’re interested in could cost.
If you’ve done your homework, you are almost prepared to visit Utah car dealerships. First, however, you should be prepared to understand how Utah car dealers talk so that you can interpret what they are telling you. Utah car dealerships are likely to throw some unfamiliar terms at you. You need to be prepared to understand what the different prices that they quote really mean and how to interpret them.
The first term you need to know is invoice price. Invoice price is what the manufacturer charges the dealer when the car is first delivered to the Utah car dealerships. The invoice price is typically higher than the dealer’s actual cost. This may seem odd at first, but you have to bear in mind that dealers receive rebates, allowances and incentive awards.
The next term to understand is base price. This is the price of the car without any options included. It is just standard base equipment plus the factory warranty. This base price will be printed on the Monroney sticker, which will be visible on the car.
Monroney sticker price is the base price plus the manufacturers installed options with the manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) for the options in question, and also the manufacturer’s transportation charge. This Monroney sticker must be affixed to the car window by law and can only be removed by the car’s purchaser. It also includes the fuel economy, in miles per gallon (MPG).
The Monroney sticker also includes the suggested retail price of the dealer-installed options with any dealer markup. If you are a good negotiator, you can expect to pay considerably less than this number. It is just the starting point for negotiations in the purchase of a new car.
Thus equipped with this knowledge, you are ready to investigate actual cars and test drive at actual dealerships.
Buying a new car in Utah, as anywhere, can be a difficult process. Many times, the new car buyer hasn’t thought through their plan before they walk into one of the many fine Utah Car Dealerships. If you do this, you could end up with a car you don’t really want. Worse, you could end up with a car you can’t really afford, or a car you pay far too much money for. In this economy, you can ill afford to risk your financial stability for the sake of a new car. You could end up paying for years for something that wasn’t really necessary, something you bought on an impulse.
Utah Car Dealerships, like dealerships anywhere, have mastered the art of high-pressure sales tactics and convincing you need things you don’t. It isn’t necessarily a matter of dishonesty. You are, after all, looking to buy a car. Most car salespeople genuinely believe that they have the best car fro you, and know what your best interests are, and that they are merely being helpful. What you have to understand is that no one is in as good of a position to understand your needs and requirements as you are.
The most important element of getting the car that suits you best at any Utah Car Dealerships is to prepare. Do your homework before you set foot in any Utah car dealerships and you will greatly increase the odds that you will get the car you want at the price you can live with. You will be able to enter the dealership and negotiate effectively with the dealer.
The very first thing you need to do is establish how much you can really afford to pay. Go over your budget and think realistically about the additional financial burden. If you don’t have a budget, track your expenses for a month or two to determine how much you actually spend, and keep track of everything, including snacks, and hobbies. Little things can add up.
Once you know what you can afford to spend and how it will impact your budget, then you can begin to shop for a car. Do you think this means running of to one or more Utah car dealerships? Don’t be in a hurry. Starting the car buying process begins with research, not test drives. Remember, when you set foot in a car dealership, they are primed to sell you a car, the most expensive, tricked out car they can. You, in turn, need to be prepared not only by knowing your budget limits, but by knowing what car models fall in your price range and knowing what you can expect to afford.
You should also be aware of the list prices and actual prices for the cars you are actually interested in. On one hand, you don’t want to pay anywhere near the list price when you buy a new car. On the other hand, you cannot realistically expect to get a car for less than the dealer pad for it.
You should know exactly which car you want to buy before you ever step into Utah Car Dealerships, or at least have a very short list. You should know also how much you could expect these cars to cost. There are many ways to tart the comparison shopping process outside of Utah car dealerships. For example, you can start with the Consumer Reports annual car buying issue. It offers a comparison of features, estimates of reliability and likelihood your car will need servicing, and resale values for many makes and models of automobile. You don’t even have to buy this; you can find it at your local public library.
Motor Magazine and the Car Buyer’s Art, a book by Darrell Parrish, also have useful information on how to compare vehicles. The Internet has many useful sites for comparing car prices and features, such as www.carprices.com. Use these resources and figure out exactly what you need, make a checklist of features you want, features you need, and features you like but can live without. In other words, make an A list, a B list and a C list, and know what the optional features you’re interested in could cost.
If you’ve done your homework, you are almost prepared to visit Utah car dealerships. First, however, you should be prepared to understand how Utah car dealers talk so that you can interpret what they are telling you. Utah car dealerships are likely to throw some unfamiliar terms at you. You need to be prepared to understand what the different prices that they quote really mean and how to interpret them.
The first term you need to know is invoice price. Invoice price is what the manufacturer charges the dealer when the car is first delivered to the Utah car dealerships. The invoice price is typically higher than the dealer’s actual cost. This may seem odd at first, but you have to bear in mind that dealers receive rebates, allowances and incentive awards.
The next term to understand is base price. This is the price of the car without any options included. It is just standard base equipment plus the factory warranty. This base price will be printed on the Monroney sticker, which will be visible on the car.
Monroney sticker price is the base price plus the manufacturers installed options with the manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) for the options in question, and also the manufacturer’s transportation charge. This Monroney sticker must be affixed to the car window by law and can only be removed by the car’s purchaser. It also includes the fuel economy, in miles per gallon (MPG).
The Monroney sticker also includes the suggested retail price of the dealer-installed options with any dealer markup. If you are a good negotiator, you can expect to pay considerably less than this number. It is just the starting point for negotiations in the purchase of a new car.
Thus equipped with this knowledge, you are ready to investigate actual cars and test drive at actual dealerships.
How Social Media Is Helping the Hyundai Motor Company
Sofia Sapojnikova asked:
Building Better Cars and Better Customer Relations.
Hyundai has been getting a lot of attention these days as a company that cares about its customers and part of this success can be credited to social media marketing. By integrating a customer relationship management (CRM) strategy with social media along with their traditional marketing, Hyundai has branded itself as an altruistic company that really does care about its’ customers. In fact – Hyundai has jumped ahead of every other car manufacturer in the critical customer satisfaction index (CSI) category. Here are a few examples how Hyundai is applying their social media marketing strategy in key parts of their business and how it is paying off.
Promotion
Hyundai’s Assurance Program began in early 2009 when the economy was at its worst and unemployment was rising rapidly. The Hyundai Assurance Program promised that if you got laid off from your job, you could return your car and not even have to worry about honoring the rest of the note payable. The promotion was innovative but coming from a major car corporation was it believable? The attention the campaign received from the press and from many blogs and websites was skeptical.
Hyundai began promoting the idea on Facebook and Twitter. They asked everyone to buzz and tweet about it and people responded with enthusiasm. The idea of social networking for business exposure is not new but the strategy was extraordinary because it laid the groundwork for the campaign and gave it credibility. It was a brilliant way to market a promotion that really did work. Sharing this information on Facebook and Twitter turned out to be a big plus for the car company’s marketing campaign.
Hyundai sales are up 6.2 percent through November 2009. This marks the eleventh consecutive month of year-over-year gains in retail market share by Hyundai. The Hyundai Assurance Program is without doubt one of the reasons their sales have increased this year while other car manufacturers have floundered.
Corporate Responsibility
Zafar Brooks, Director of Government Relations and Diversity Outreach at Hyundai, has a refreshing perspective on the value of social media when combined with corporate outreach programs. The Hyundai “Hope on Wheels” program fights pediatric cancer by funding cancer research programs across the country. Brooks understands the importance of authenticity and relevance in social media outreach, particularly on behalf of corporate charitable programs.
He said: “Consumers are more sophisticated now — corporate social responsibility programs are no longer something that is ‘nice’ to do, but it’s expected of the company,” noted Brooks. “Simultaneously, consumers will smell-out what is not authentic — Hope on Wheels isn’t advertised, but is part of the news we share with our brand loyalists,” he said. “It is a part of our story because it is a part of who we are and what we are about. Social media should be authentic and organic.”
Mr. Brooks added, “Brand leaders must align themselves with a cause that is consistent with corporate values so they can illustrate their relevancy. Leadership has to establish the priorities around which we stand and make it part of our messaging point.”
Brooks concluded: “All social media should link together with a common objective to develop a program based on who we want to talk to about what we want to accomplish. Social media outreach must be part of a cohesive approach. Consumers will smell-out what is not authentic!”
Aftermarket
Hyundai Aftermarket recently announced the launch of a new social media campaign. The goal was to give Hyundai owners a new way of finding content on the internet about modifying their vehicles. The interactive social media campaign involves additional features being built into the Hyundai forum that owners can use effectively to get the word out about what they are doing to make their cars stand out from the rest. Twitter accounts and Facebook “Fan Pages” have been built so that owners can follow live updated news feeds about Hyundai Aftermarket as well.
“Finding important and relevant information is not easy when you are unfamiliar with how to perform certain modifications,” said a Hyundai spokesperson. “Having a forum and website where answers to important questions are laid out for you, would help with modifying your Hyundai to its highest potential.”
While the site has been branded as the “web’s most premier Hyundai forum” and currently is the oldest Hyundai forum on the internet, it has been designed for both the amateur and professional car enthusiast in mind. The site is built on the principle of being very easy going and helpful to anyone who may or may not know a lot about Hyundai’s. Users register for free and can partake in discussions about Hyundai Accents, Tiburons, Elantra’s, Sonata’s, Santa Fe’s and the all new Hyundai Genesis.
In addition to providing great technical content, hyundaiaftermarket provides great off topic discussions ranging in everything from technology to music & movies to even food and health/nutrition.
Building Better Cars and Better Customer Relations.
Hyundai has been getting a lot of attention these days as a company that cares about its customers and part of this success can be credited to social media marketing. By integrating a customer relationship management (CRM) strategy with social media along with their traditional marketing, Hyundai has branded itself as an altruistic company that really does care about its’ customers. In fact – Hyundai has jumped ahead of every other car manufacturer in the critical customer satisfaction index (CSI) category. Here are a few examples how Hyundai is applying their social media marketing strategy in key parts of their business and how it is paying off.
Promotion
Hyundai’s Assurance Program began in early 2009 when the economy was at its worst and unemployment was rising rapidly. The Hyundai Assurance Program promised that if you got laid off from your job, you could return your car and not even have to worry about honoring the rest of the note payable. The promotion was innovative but coming from a major car corporation was it believable? The attention the campaign received from the press and from many blogs and websites was skeptical.
Hyundai began promoting the idea on Facebook and Twitter. They asked everyone to buzz and tweet about it and people responded with enthusiasm. The idea of social networking for business exposure is not new but the strategy was extraordinary because it laid the groundwork for the campaign and gave it credibility. It was a brilliant way to market a promotion that really did work. Sharing this information on Facebook and Twitter turned out to be a big plus for the car company’s marketing campaign.
Hyundai sales are up 6.2 percent through November 2009. This marks the eleventh consecutive month of year-over-year gains in retail market share by Hyundai. The Hyundai Assurance Program is without doubt one of the reasons their sales have increased this year while other car manufacturers have floundered.
Corporate Responsibility
Zafar Brooks, Director of Government Relations and Diversity Outreach at Hyundai, has a refreshing perspective on the value of social media when combined with corporate outreach programs. The Hyundai “Hope on Wheels” program fights pediatric cancer by funding cancer research programs across the country. Brooks understands the importance of authenticity and relevance in social media outreach, particularly on behalf of corporate charitable programs.
He said: “Consumers are more sophisticated now — corporate social responsibility programs are no longer something that is ‘nice’ to do, but it’s expected of the company,” noted Brooks. “Simultaneously, consumers will smell-out what is not authentic — Hope on Wheels isn’t advertised, but is part of the news we share with our brand loyalists,” he said. “It is a part of our story because it is a part of who we are and what we are about. Social media should be authentic and organic.”
Mr. Brooks added, “Brand leaders must align themselves with a cause that is consistent with corporate values so they can illustrate their relevancy. Leadership has to establish the priorities around which we stand and make it part of our messaging point.”
Brooks concluded: “All social media should link together with a common objective to develop a program based on who we want to talk to about what we want to accomplish. Social media outreach must be part of a cohesive approach. Consumers will smell-out what is not authentic!”
Aftermarket
Hyundai Aftermarket recently announced the launch of a new social media campaign. The goal was to give Hyundai owners a new way of finding content on the internet about modifying their vehicles. The interactive social media campaign involves additional features being built into the Hyundai forum that owners can use effectively to get the word out about what they are doing to make their cars stand out from the rest. Twitter accounts and Facebook “Fan Pages” have been built so that owners can follow live updated news feeds about Hyundai Aftermarket as well.
“Finding important and relevant information is not easy when you are unfamiliar with how to perform certain modifications,” said a Hyundai spokesperson. “Having a forum and website where answers to important questions are laid out for you, would help with modifying your Hyundai to its highest potential.”
While the site has been branded as the “web’s most premier Hyundai forum” and currently is the oldest Hyundai forum on the internet, it has been designed for both the amateur and professional car enthusiast in mind. The site is built on the principle of being very easy going and helpful to anyone who may or may not know a lot about Hyundai’s. Users register for free and can partake in discussions about Hyundai Accents, Tiburons, Elantra’s, Sonata’s, Santa Fe’s and the all new Hyundai Genesis.
In addition to providing great technical content, hyundaiaftermarket provides great off topic discussions ranging in everything from technology to music & movies to even food and health/nutrition.
Guaranteed Military Auto Loan – Car Loans For Military Personnel
John B Mayall asked:
There are many people in the military that do not know many of the special offers that are specially been designated for the utilization of military servicemen and women. One such offer is a military car sales loan that can be taken up by a military person for the purpose of buying a car. This loan has a very low rate of interest in comparison to many other car loans. Being unaware, many military personnel do not utilize this advantage of taking up a military car sales loan.
Let us now get a more detailed insight into what are the advantages of taking up a military car sales loan and who are eligible to go in for such a loan and the process to obtain it.
The Benefits of a Military Auto Loan
Any armed force personnel is eligible to obtain this loan to purchase a car, either used or new. Another option under this scheme is it can be used to refinance an already existing car loan. The advantage as was mentioned earlier is the lower rate of interest than other conventional car loans making it cheaper. Also, the monthly payments can be further reduced because the loan can be opted for a longer tenure than other loans.
The military car loans are provided to these military personnel at lesser rates of interest by the lenders who try to promote these loans. They look at the earnings of the military personnel as a steady income that makes them eligible to be provided such loans. They feel that the risk taken up by the lender is quite low that enables them to provide the loan at a much lower rate of interest than conventional loans but will still end up with a profit for them.
Among other advantages offered by military car sales loan is the flexibility of repayment. The borrower is given the option of paying low monthly installments for a longer duration or can take up the option of paying higher than stipulated to finish off the loan much faster thereby saving more by avoiding paying the interest. Even the amount offered as loan is significantly higher than what is provided for a conventional auto loan.
Eligibility Norms
In order to be eligible for a military car loan, the borrower should be actively serving in the armed forces. This loan is even provided to many of them with bad credit ratings as well as to personnel that have recently entered the armed forces too. But, the tenure of service does play a role in getting an approval for military auto loan.
The process of application is quite simple and can be done online over the internet too. The documentation that is necessary for approval is the proof of being in the armed forces. Other requirements is details such as address of residence, base where the person is located, telephone number, email details, contact person whom the lender can reach when the borrowing military person is posted abroad. The contact person should be someone who can communicate to the borrower any information that is given by the lender.
There are many people in the military that do not know many of the special offers that are specially been designated for the utilization of military servicemen and women. One such offer is a military car sales loan that can be taken up by a military person for the purpose of buying a car. This loan has a very low rate of interest in comparison to many other car loans. Being unaware, many military personnel do not utilize this advantage of taking up a military car sales loan.
Let us now get a more detailed insight into what are the advantages of taking up a military car sales loan and who are eligible to go in for such a loan and the process to obtain it.
The Benefits of a Military Auto Loan
Any armed force personnel is eligible to obtain this loan to purchase a car, either used or new. Another option under this scheme is it can be used to refinance an already existing car loan. The advantage as was mentioned earlier is the lower rate of interest than other conventional car loans making it cheaper. Also, the monthly payments can be further reduced because the loan can be opted for a longer tenure than other loans.
The military car loans are provided to these military personnel at lesser rates of interest by the lenders who try to promote these loans. They look at the earnings of the military personnel as a steady income that makes them eligible to be provided such loans. They feel that the risk taken up by the lender is quite low that enables them to provide the loan at a much lower rate of interest than conventional loans but will still end up with a profit for them.
Among other advantages offered by military car sales loan is the flexibility of repayment. The borrower is given the option of paying low monthly installments for a longer duration or can take up the option of paying higher than stipulated to finish off the loan much faster thereby saving more by avoiding paying the interest. Even the amount offered as loan is significantly higher than what is provided for a conventional auto loan.
Eligibility Norms
In order to be eligible for a military car loan, the borrower should be actively serving in the armed forces. This loan is even provided to many of them with bad credit ratings as well as to personnel that have recently entered the armed forces too. But, the tenure of service does play a role in getting an approval for military auto loan.
The process of application is quite simple and can be done online over the internet too. The documentation that is necessary for approval is the proof of being in the armed forces. Other requirements is details such as address of residence, base where the person is located, telephone number, email details, contact person whom the lender can reach when the borrowing military person is posted abroad. The contact person should be someone who can communicate to the borrower any information that is given by the lender.
The Classic Automotive Product The Ford Model A Motor Auto
Terry Z. Voster asked:
Creating a replacement for the phenomenally successful; Model T Ford will always be recognized as one of the toughest tasks in all the entire history of the automobile industry. Later successes in an established industry are always easier – the groundwork has been done. It is early on in the marketing cycle of a car , an industry or a sales territory is where the greatest efforts are usually required and the results success or failure are more dramatic. Mr. Henry Ford was confident and eccentric enough to want the Tin Lizzie to remain in production forever. Announced in 1908, the machine that put the world on wheels was destined to notch up just over 15 million sales before Mr. Ford accepted the fact a new model was vital and essential.
“Sixty-four today and the biggest job of my life is ahead” Ford exclaimed as work began on the Model A, which was given the designation as the first car ever produced by his company , back in 1903. Believe it or not Ford Model T production ended nearly six months before the first of the newcomers was delivered : the hiatus appearing all the more extraordinary when you appreciate was then a one model automotive car company. In terms of cars for sale; the immense River Rouge plant built nothing for the almost a half of 1928.
Although far more complex than its predecessor , the parts count was 40 % higher, and most of these automotive components were new – the Model A is a miracle of simplicity by today’s modern standards – mechanical and of course electronic. Today’s vintage classic car fans appreciate the fact the Model A was designed to be fixed by blacksmiths of what was then the outback wilds of North Dakota. Key features of the Model A vehicle included a traditional frame-type suspension, transverse leaf springs, front and rear hydraulic dampers, a conventional ignition system, a safety-glass windshield, and a brake for each wheel. Like the Tin Lizzie, the newcomer was offered with an assortment of two door and door bodies, from a roadster and phaeton to sedan and taxi. Prices started at $ 460 in 1928.
It has been said about driving a Ford Model T that the driver should forget almost everything that they know about and are familiar with driving. For a driver sitting at the wheel of a Model T it is as if he is a driving novice. The only thing rather conventional about the setup for driving a Model T is the steering wheel. Not so with a Ford Model A. Anyone who can handle a standard manual transmission with proficiency need have no qualms about driving the Model A. The 3.3 liter engine’s four cylinders provide strong torque at very low engine revs, so there is no need to work up on down the three speed transmission. When one does, the shift’s silent simplicity will make you wonder why a vintage Bentley’s “cogs” can be so difficult to master.
The Ford Model A can maintain a cruising speed of 50 miles and hour with top bursts to a maximum of 65 miles per hour. This is all the more amazing when one considers that the engine is a 40 horsepower 4 cylinder engine running at 2200 revolutions per minute (rpm).
The Model A was remarkable in that it set a new standard with high quality that provided a rugged , more than reliable and characterful motoring , in an economical fashion all in return for more than a sensible amount for purchase price of an automotive product of its time from the market leader of its day – The Ford Motor Company.
Creating a replacement for the phenomenally successful; Model T Ford will always be recognized as one of the toughest tasks in all the entire history of the automobile industry. Later successes in an established industry are always easier – the groundwork has been done. It is early on in the marketing cycle of a car , an industry or a sales territory is where the greatest efforts are usually required and the results success or failure are more dramatic. Mr. Henry Ford was confident and eccentric enough to want the Tin Lizzie to remain in production forever. Announced in 1908, the machine that put the world on wheels was destined to notch up just over 15 million sales before Mr. Ford accepted the fact a new model was vital and essential.
“Sixty-four today and the biggest job of my life is ahead” Ford exclaimed as work began on the Model A, which was given the designation as the first car ever produced by his company , back in 1903. Believe it or not Ford Model T production ended nearly six months before the first of the newcomers was delivered : the hiatus appearing all the more extraordinary when you appreciate was then a one model automotive car company. In terms of cars for sale; the immense River Rouge plant built nothing for the almost a half of 1928.
Although far more complex than its predecessor , the parts count was 40 % higher, and most of these automotive components were new – the Model A is a miracle of simplicity by today’s modern standards – mechanical and of course electronic. Today’s vintage classic car fans appreciate the fact the Model A was designed to be fixed by blacksmiths of what was then the outback wilds of North Dakota. Key features of the Model A vehicle included a traditional frame-type suspension, transverse leaf springs, front and rear hydraulic dampers, a conventional ignition system, a safety-glass windshield, and a brake for each wheel. Like the Tin Lizzie, the newcomer was offered with an assortment of two door and door bodies, from a roadster and phaeton to sedan and taxi. Prices started at $ 460 in 1928.
It has been said about driving a Ford Model T that the driver should forget almost everything that they know about and are familiar with driving. For a driver sitting at the wheel of a Model T it is as if he is a driving novice. The only thing rather conventional about the setup for driving a Model T is the steering wheel. Not so with a Ford Model A. Anyone who can handle a standard manual transmission with proficiency need have no qualms about driving the Model A. The 3.3 liter engine’s four cylinders provide strong torque at very low engine revs, so there is no need to work up on down the three speed transmission. When one does, the shift’s silent simplicity will make you wonder why a vintage Bentley’s “cogs” can be so difficult to master.
The Ford Model A can maintain a cruising speed of 50 miles and hour with top bursts to a maximum of 65 miles per hour. This is all the more amazing when one considers that the engine is a 40 horsepower 4 cylinder engine running at 2200 revolutions per minute (rpm).
The Model A was remarkable in that it set a new standard with high quality that provided a rugged , more than reliable and characterful motoring , in an economical fashion all in return for more than a sensible amount for purchase price of an automotive product of its time from the market leader of its day – The Ford Motor Company.
Extended Vehicle Warranty Plans: Should You Get One?
Chad Kiser asked:
Buying a car is an investment. That’s a fact. Now, when you purchase new cars, you will see that most brand new cars will come with some sort of warranty that is offered by the auto dealer or the factory that manufactured the car. Usually, most limited warranties that are provided will usually last up to five or even seven years. This means that it will last for up to 50,000 miles.
Some factories will even provide you with a ten year or 100,000 mile limited warranty for the car you purchased. After the warranty expires, you will be the one responsible for paying for the cost of maintenance and repairs to the vehicle. If you are like many people, you wouldn’t want to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on repairs and maintenance to your car. If so, then you will want to get an extended warranty for your vehicle.
What is an extended vehicle warranty and what does it do for you? Is it worth your money?
First of all, an extended auto warranty is an extension of your limited auto warranty provided by the car dealer or the factory from where the car was manufactured. Extended warranties will last for another three to five years depending on what you purchase. The great thing about extended auto warranties is that it will be able to cover the cost of body damage, as well as engine problems. Even normal wear and tear is sometimes covered.
By just paying for one flat fee, you will see that you will be able to get your car covered by the extended auto warranty and never worry about the repairs and maintenance cost.
It is important for you to know how to compare the different extended auto warranty plans. Comparing warranty plans can be difficult because of the number of companies providing them and the differences between their plans. Usually, what most car dealerships will do is subcontract their extended warranty policies to other companies that offer warranty. This will mean extra fees for the extended auto warranty.
Of course, you want to get a cheaper extended auto warranty. Besides, you wouldn’t want to pay for something that you can get for less, would you? As much as possible, try getting the extended auto warranty from companies that directly offers this kind of warranty. Doing this will help you compare plans.
Now that you know how to choose an extended warranty, the next question would be if it is worth the price. The answer will depend on how you use your new car. If you just do light to moderate driving, an extended warranty will not be needed. Extended warranties can really come in handy if you drive the car heavily and abuse it.
Getting an extended vehicle warranty will give you peace of mind with your vehicle purchase. This can really save you in the long run.
Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will be able to get an extended auto warranty that will be worth every penny. Your automobile is an investment.
Buying a car is an investment. That’s a fact. Now, when you purchase new cars, you will see that most brand new cars will come with some sort of warranty that is offered by the auto dealer or the factory that manufactured the car. Usually, most limited warranties that are provided will usually last up to five or even seven years. This means that it will last for up to 50,000 miles.
Some factories will even provide you with a ten year or 100,000 mile limited warranty for the car you purchased. After the warranty expires, you will be the one responsible for paying for the cost of maintenance and repairs to the vehicle. If you are like many people, you wouldn’t want to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on repairs and maintenance to your car. If so, then you will want to get an extended warranty for your vehicle.
What is an extended vehicle warranty and what does it do for you? Is it worth your money?
First of all, an extended auto warranty is an extension of your limited auto warranty provided by the car dealer or the factory from where the car was manufactured. Extended warranties will last for another three to five years depending on what you purchase. The great thing about extended auto warranties is that it will be able to cover the cost of body damage, as well as engine problems. Even normal wear and tear is sometimes covered.
By just paying for one flat fee, you will see that you will be able to get your car covered by the extended auto warranty and never worry about the repairs and maintenance cost.
It is important for you to know how to compare the different extended auto warranty plans. Comparing warranty plans can be difficult because of the number of companies providing them and the differences between their plans. Usually, what most car dealerships will do is subcontract their extended warranty policies to other companies that offer warranty. This will mean extra fees for the extended auto warranty.
Of course, you want to get a cheaper extended auto warranty. Besides, you wouldn’t want to pay for something that you can get for less, would you? As much as possible, try getting the extended auto warranty from companies that directly offers this kind of warranty. Doing this will help you compare plans.
Now that you know how to choose an extended warranty, the next question would be if it is worth the price. The answer will depend on how you use your new car. If you just do light to moderate driving, an extended warranty will not be needed. Extended warranties can really come in handy if you drive the car heavily and abuse it.
Getting an extended vehicle warranty will give you peace of mind with your vehicle purchase. This can really save you in the long run.
Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will be able to get an extended auto warranty that will be worth every penny. Your automobile is an investment.
Tips for Choosing the Correct Car Insurance Company
Rickey Pearce asked:
When you go to choose a car insurance company it may be a tough choice deciding which one is best. First, you have to decide what you are looking for in an auto insurance company so that you can make the right decision. There are many insurance companies to choose from which can make your decision even more difficult. Here are a few things that can help you to choose the right insurance company for your needs.
You should definitely research several options before making your decision. This will be important as some of them will offer different packages and services. You should never let the cost be your deciding decision when it comes to choosing auto insurance. The price is an important factor but what is more important is the service you get for that price.
The price can vary quite a bit between the different companies due to some with offer services that some do not. By comparing insurance companies and what they have to offer you can help you to fill in the blanks as to what is included in the cost or not. If the company has good and reliable customer service this is another reason you may decide to choose a particular insurance company. The service you receive will be an important feature to look for with any car insurance company. Talk to them and compare their services to other companies. Make sure they are dependable so that you will be able to trust them with your auto insurance needs. Maybe a friend or family member can give you some advice on choosing a good auto insurance company. This is a good way to know if others have had good service with their insurance companies.
If you check online, each state should have a website about their states insurance companies. This is a good way to see how many complaints each insurance company has received from their customers. Online sites have so much information that they should definitely help you in making your decision much easier. Sometimes by going to a body shop around your town and asking them, they can give you good advice on which car insurance companies are the best. They deal with these companies on a daily basis so they should have information that will be helpful to you. Compare the companies to find out which of them have the best financial strength score. This is a good way to find out if the insurance company will have the means to pay for claims.
Automobile Batteries Automobiles Also Depend On It
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Auto Repair Estimates And Car Repair Prices – The Real Information To Avoid Car Repair Scams
Theodore Olson asked:
Worrying whether or not you were overcharged for your car repair is an awful feeling. There’s tons of advice on how to avoid getting ripped-off, but few discuss the actual car repair prices. We really need to look at the charges on a car repair estimate or auto repair invoice to determine if we’re paying too much.
The focus needs to shift from giving outdated and ineffective advice to addressing the “actual” and “specific” charges. Are they legitimate charges? Can they be justified by industry guidelines?
Now car repair estimates can be confusing. So let’s break it down to get a better idea if your auto repair shop is billing you appropriately.
First, a glossary of terms is in order, as the auto industry has a language of its own…
Aftermarket Parts: parts not made by the manufacturer.
MSRP: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. Manufacturer approved parts designed specifically for your vehicle.
TSBs: Technical Service Bulletins. Notes and instructions provided by the manufacturer for known and specific concerns(they are not recalls).
Flat Fees: services such as alignments that don’t get broken down into parts, tax, labor
Miscellaneous Charges: these can include, but are not limited to shop supplies – rags, chemicals, hazardous waste disposal fees, waste oil …etc.
Labor Rate: a repair center’s hourly charge to service your vehicle
Labor Time: the amount of time or hours determined that it will take to fix your vehicle
Labor Description: the step-by-step written details of repairs and/or services
Ok, let’s look at the Anatomy of an Auto Repair Estimate:
There are six basic components to a car repair estimate
1) Customer/Vehicle Information
2) Parts
3) Labor
4) Miscellaneous Charges
5) Flat Fees
6) Summary of Charges
Customer and Vehicle Information
Using a generic “top down” style estimate, the top portion simply contains your personal information and your vehicle’s specifics: year, make, model, mileage…etc, as well as your request or concern.
We also want find the shop’s labor rate. The labor rate is critical in determining if you paid too much. Most repair centers don’t list the labor rate. We’ll discuss why shortly.
Auto Parts
Parts are listed usually with a brief description, as well as the quantity, and the price. There are three types of parts: OEM (parts made by or for a manufacturer). These are the parts installed by a dealer, although many local shops use OEM parts too.
Aftermarket parts are non OEM parts, and there are various degrees of quality, depending on the brand and where they’re made – China versus USA, for example.
Then there are Used parts purchased from a salvage yard.
To determine if you paid too much for parts, first find out what type of parts are being used. With OEM parts, you don’t want to pay more than MSRP, although most people do without realizing it. Premium aftermarket parts are similarly priced across brands, although beware not to pay more than MSRP, which again, many folks do. Used part prices are all over the place, so pick the price in the middle.
Auto Repair Labor
Labor is billed in tenths. So 1.0 equals 1 hour. 1.5 equals an hour and a half.
Labor rates range from $60 to $100 per hour at local repair shops and $80 to $140 per hour at the dealer level. Labor times are based off established industry guidelines, which are frequently abused.
If you don’t see the shop’s labor rate posted on the car repair invoice, ask your service center for the rate. Repair shops can manipulate the labor rate (among other things) with a labor matrix. Matrix pricing is a complicated and ethically questionable practice discussed at length in RepairTrust literature. What you need to know is that you can pay as high as $150 per hour rather than the posted labor rate of $105 per hour.
To ensure that you’re being charged properly, you’ll want to multiply the number of hours billed (which is also often not posted) by the shop’s labor rate.
Most labor descriptions are poorly written and difficult to understand. So ask questions.
Here’s a “clear” labor description for a 30,000 mile service on a Toyota Camry.
Performed 30,000 mile service per customer request, and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Changed oil and filter, installed new air filter, cabin filter and performed all necessary tests, checks, and procedures, including road test (miles 30,123 – 30,125). Performed lubrication services and confirmed proper vehicle operation. Set tire pressures, and checked fluids, belts and hoses. Note: vehicle is pulling slightly left. Needs alignment
Miscellaneous Charges
The bulk of your car repair invoice will be parts and labor, but we can’t forget about Miscellaneous Charges. These charges can include, but are not limited to, shop supplies – rags, chemicals, hazardous waste, disposal fees, waste oil …etc. The latter of these may be billed out separately in a summary at the bottom of your repair invoice.
Very few of these “extras” are actually used during regular repairs. Miscellaneous charges are calculated off the amount of labor hours billed, not the amount of miscellaneous items used.
Flat Fees
Flat fees can be another very tricky area. Flat fees are services, such as an alignment, which don’t get broken down into parts, tax and labor. This makes it difficult to determine the real and fair price. On the plus side, most flat fees are competitively priced.
Be warned however, another term for Flat Fee is called Menu Selling. In other words, you might see Tune Up: $99.99 or Transmission Flush: $89.99. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations only, not a dealer’s or repair shop’s menu.
Summary of Charges
The last part of an auto repair estimate is the summary of charges. It’s usually found in the bottom right hand corner of the invoice. Check it against the charges above to ensure that it all adds up mathematically, as well as logically.
This basic estimate outline may differ from your particular invoice, which may have other categories such as “Sublet” or “HazMat.”
A sublet charge is added when your auto repair shop uses another vender to fix or repair your car, such as a glass company that replaces your windshield.
A HazMat charge may include waste oil or other disposal fees. Just make sure that the charges are warranted, as again, they too are often calculated off the labor time rather than actual need.
In sum, understanding the “actual” charges, asking the right questions, and breaking down your auto repair costs is the best way to avoid paying excessive car repair prices.
Worrying whether or not you were overcharged for your car repair is an awful feeling. There’s tons of advice on how to avoid getting ripped-off, but few discuss the actual car repair prices. We really need to look at the charges on a car repair estimate or auto repair invoice to determine if we’re paying too much.
The focus needs to shift from giving outdated and ineffective advice to addressing the “actual” and “specific” charges. Are they legitimate charges? Can they be justified by industry guidelines?
Now car repair estimates can be confusing. So let’s break it down to get a better idea if your auto repair shop is billing you appropriately.
First, a glossary of terms is in order, as the auto industry has a language of its own…
Aftermarket Parts: parts not made by the manufacturer.
MSRP: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. Manufacturer approved parts designed specifically for your vehicle.
TSBs: Technical Service Bulletins. Notes and instructions provided by the manufacturer for known and specific concerns(they are not recalls).
Flat Fees: services such as alignments that don’t get broken down into parts, tax, labor
Miscellaneous Charges: these can include, but are not limited to shop supplies – rags, chemicals, hazardous waste disposal fees, waste oil …etc.
Labor Rate: a repair center’s hourly charge to service your vehicle
Labor Time: the amount of time or hours determined that it will take to fix your vehicle
Labor Description: the step-by-step written details of repairs and/or services
Ok, let’s look at the Anatomy of an Auto Repair Estimate:
There are six basic components to a car repair estimate
1) Customer/Vehicle Information
2) Parts
3) Labor
4) Miscellaneous Charges
5) Flat Fees
6) Summary of Charges
Customer and Vehicle Information
Using a generic “top down” style estimate, the top portion simply contains your personal information and your vehicle’s specifics: year, make, model, mileage…etc, as well as your request or concern.
We also want find the shop’s labor rate. The labor rate is critical in determining if you paid too much. Most repair centers don’t list the labor rate. We’ll discuss why shortly.
Auto Parts
Parts are listed usually with a brief description, as well as the quantity, and the price. There are three types of parts: OEM (parts made by or for a manufacturer). These are the parts installed by a dealer, although many local shops use OEM parts too.
Aftermarket parts are non OEM parts, and there are various degrees of quality, depending on the brand and where they’re made – China versus USA, for example.
Then there are Used parts purchased from a salvage yard.
To determine if you paid too much for parts, first find out what type of parts are being used. With OEM parts, you don’t want to pay more than MSRP, although most people do without realizing it. Premium aftermarket parts are similarly priced across brands, although beware not to pay more than MSRP, which again, many folks do. Used part prices are all over the place, so pick the price in the middle.
Auto Repair Labor
Labor is billed in tenths. So 1.0 equals 1 hour. 1.5 equals an hour and a half.
Labor rates range from $60 to $100 per hour at local repair shops and $80 to $140 per hour at the dealer level. Labor times are based off established industry guidelines, which are frequently abused.
If you don’t see the shop’s labor rate posted on the car repair invoice, ask your service center for the rate. Repair shops can manipulate the labor rate (among other things) with a labor matrix. Matrix pricing is a complicated and ethically questionable practice discussed at length in RepairTrust literature. What you need to know is that you can pay as high as $150 per hour rather than the posted labor rate of $105 per hour.
To ensure that you’re being charged properly, you’ll want to multiply the number of hours billed (which is also often not posted) by the shop’s labor rate.
Most labor descriptions are poorly written and difficult to understand. So ask questions.
Here’s a “clear” labor description for a 30,000 mile service on a Toyota Camry.
Performed 30,000 mile service per customer request, and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Changed oil and filter, installed new air filter, cabin filter and performed all necessary tests, checks, and procedures, including road test (miles 30,123 – 30,125). Performed lubrication services and confirmed proper vehicle operation. Set tire pressures, and checked fluids, belts and hoses. Note: vehicle is pulling slightly left. Needs alignment
Miscellaneous Charges
The bulk of your car repair invoice will be parts and labor, but we can’t forget about Miscellaneous Charges. These charges can include, but are not limited to, shop supplies – rags, chemicals, hazardous waste, disposal fees, waste oil …etc. The latter of these may be billed out separately in a summary at the bottom of your repair invoice.
Very few of these “extras” are actually used during regular repairs. Miscellaneous charges are calculated off the amount of labor hours billed, not the amount of miscellaneous items used.
Flat Fees
Flat fees can be another very tricky area. Flat fees are services, such as an alignment, which don’t get broken down into parts, tax and labor. This makes it difficult to determine the real and fair price. On the plus side, most flat fees are competitively priced.
Be warned however, another term for Flat Fee is called Menu Selling. In other words, you might see Tune Up: $99.99 or Transmission Flush: $89.99. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations only, not a dealer’s or repair shop’s menu.
Summary of Charges
The last part of an auto repair estimate is the summary of charges. It’s usually found in the bottom right hand corner of the invoice. Check it against the charges above to ensure that it all adds up mathematically, as well as logically.
This basic estimate outline may differ from your particular invoice, which may have other categories such as “Sublet” or “HazMat.”
A sublet charge is added when your auto repair shop uses another vender to fix or repair your car, such as a glass company that replaces your windshield.
A HazMat charge may include waste oil or other disposal fees. Just make sure that the charges are warranted, as again, they too are often calculated off the labor time rather than actual need.
In sum, understanding the “actual” charges, asking the right questions, and breaking down your auto repair costs is the best way to avoid paying excessive car repair prices.
How to Choose the Best 10 Minute Oil Change Service Center
Tim LaGanke, Jr. asked:
Here are a few things to consider the next time you want a quick 10 minute oil change.
Location
Since you’re a busy person, you want to make the most of the time you have available. And spending a lot of time driving just to find a 10 minute oil change center isn’t going to make your life any easier. So you want a place that can be gotten to quickly so you can have your car serviced and be on your way. In most cases, a ten to fifteen minute drive is ideal if you want to get in and get out so you can take care of other matters.
Just as important as how long it takes to get to the 10 minute oil change service center is how easy it is to get in and out. Trying to cross 3 lanes of heavy traffic will probably take more time than it will to get your oil changed. And when time is precious, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of the road for fifteen minutes just trying to make a left.
Convenience
Believe it or not there are still some places that require you to get out of your car and wait for your 10 minute oil change service to be done. And while these places sometimes offer 10 minute oil changes, it’s really a hassle for consumers, especially when they’re pressed for time.
Busy people like you should look for a place that allows you to drive in, sit in your car and drive right out as soon as the work is finished. There really isn’t much of a reason to leave your car for a 10 minute oil change unless you’re having other things done to it that’ll take more than 10 minutes to complete.
Services Provided
10 minute oil change centers usually offer a variety of service packages. All will change your oil, but many will check and top off your car’s fluids, check your air filter, check tire pressure, check wiper blades and even lubricate vital parts.
You should look for a place that will give your car a thorough inspection in addition to changing your oil. It generally doesn’t take up any more time and will give you the comfort of knowing that your vehicle is as safe as can be when you drive away. While you may not always need those extras, it’s nice to know they’re available and that most problems can be fixed while you wait.
Price
The sheer number of 10 minute oil change facilities to choose from is good for you because competition helps to keep prices down. Still, you want to find a place that’s not going to gouge you for basic service. In my area the standard price for a basic 10 minute oil change is around $20, which is a fair price for the convenience, time savings and not having to get under the car myself. From that base price you can usually opt for additional services and checks to be performed on your vehicle.
Oil Types
Valvoline, Castrol, Pennzoil, Lucas, 10W30, 10W40 – it’s all Greek to me, but it may mean something for your particular vehicle. Today, cars and trucks are advanced machines and some demand certain types of oil.
While most 10 minute oil change places offer a primary brand of oil, many stock competing brands for those that have a preference or a special need. Just be careful because, in many instances, if you opt for a brand that’s something other than the primary one offered by the service center, you’ll pay extra.
So if you have a preference of Castrol over Valvoline, then find a place that offers that as their brand of choice.
Time
I know that a 10 minute oil change should mean exactly that, but if you get additional services that some centers provide you’ll probably end up being a little longer than ten minutes. How much longer is acceptable is a matter of preference, but ideally you should be in and out within 15 minutes, if you get the full service. For basic oil change service 10 minutes should be the norm.
Still you don’t want to feel as if you’re being rushed through like cattle. A 10 minute oil change is fast, but if the company goes over because they’re being thorough, then that’s better for you and your car.
People
It seems like finding good customer service these days is like finding the Holy Grail. If you can find a 10 minute oil change place that offers quick service AND has a friendly, knowledgeable staff, then you’ve hit the jackpot.
A good staff who knows what they’re doing is important because they not only treat you like a person as opposed to a fistful of dollars, but they can also alert you to problems you might not have known about – like a leaking radiator – until it was too late.
While these might seem like a lot of things to consider – especially for something as simple as a 10 minute oil change – you and your car will be better off once you find a place that offers everything you’re looking for.
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Here are a few things to consider the next time you want a quick 10 minute oil change.
Location
Since you’re a busy person, you want to make the most of the time you have available. And spending a lot of time driving just to find a 10 minute oil change center isn’t going to make your life any easier. So you want a place that can be gotten to quickly so you can have your car serviced and be on your way. In most cases, a ten to fifteen minute drive is ideal if you want to get in and get out so you can take care of other matters.
Just as important as how long it takes to get to the 10 minute oil change service center is how easy it is to get in and out. Trying to cross 3 lanes of heavy traffic will probably take more time than it will to get your oil changed. And when time is precious, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of the road for fifteen minutes just trying to make a left.
Convenience
Believe it or not there are still some places that require you to get out of your car and wait for your 10 minute oil change service to be done. And while these places sometimes offer 10 minute oil changes, it’s really a hassle for consumers, especially when they’re pressed for time.
Busy people like you should look for a place that allows you to drive in, sit in your car and drive right out as soon as the work is finished. There really isn’t much of a reason to leave your car for a 10 minute oil change unless you’re having other things done to it that’ll take more than 10 minutes to complete.
Services Provided
10 minute oil change centers usually offer a variety of service packages. All will change your oil, but many will check and top off your car’s fluids, check your air filter, check tire pressure, check wiper blades and even lubricate vital parts.
You should look for a place that will give your car a thorough inspection in addition to changing your oil. It generally doesn’t take up any more time and will give you the comfort of knowing that your vehicle is as safe as can be when you drive away. While you may not always need those extras, it’s nice to know they’re available and that most problems can be fixed while you wait.
Price
The sheer number of 10 minute oil change facilities to choose from is good for you because competition helps to keep prices down. Still, you want to find a place that’s not going to gouge you for basic service. In my area the standard price for a basic 10 minute oil change is around $20, which is a fair price for the convenience, time savings and not having to get under the car myself. From that base price you can usually opt for additional services and checks to be performed on your vehicle.
Oil Types
Valvoline, Castrol, Pennzoil, Lucas, 10W30, 10W40 – it’s all Greek to me, but it may mean something for your particular vehicle. Today, cars and trucks are advanced machines and some demand certain types of oil.
While most 10 minute oil change places offer a primary brand of oil, many stock competing brands for those that have a preference or a special need. Just be careful because, in many instances, if you opt for a brand that’s something other than the primary one offered by the service center, you’ll pay extra.
So if you have a preference of Castrol over Valvoline, then find a place that offers that as their brand of choice.
Time
I know that a 10 minute oil change should mean exactly that, but if you get additional services that some centers provide you’ll probably end up being a little longer than ten minutes. How much longer is acceptable is a matter of preference, but ideally you should be in and out within 15 minutes, if you get the full service. For basic oil change service 10 minutes should be the norm.
Still you don’t want to feel as if you’re being rushed through like cattle. A 10 minute oil change is fast, but if the company goes over because they’re being thorough, then that’s better for you and your car.
People
It seems like finding good customer service these days is like finding the Holy Grail. If you can find a 10 minute oil change place that offers quick service AND has a friendly, knowledgeable staff, then you’ve hit the jackpot.
A good staff who knows what they’re doing is important because they not only treat you like a person as opposed to a fistful of dollars, but they can also alert you to problems you might not have known about – like a leaking radiator – until it was too late.
While these might seem like a lot of things to consider – especially for something as simple as a 10 minute oil change – you and your car will be better off once you find a place that offers everything you’re looking for.