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Archive for the ‘Car Buying Tips’ Category


How Do Dealerships Make Money On Auto Leases

March 16th, 2010

Question: How much money should a dealership be making on a lease?

Queen of the Road: For new car dealerships the profits on a lease is still in money made on the price of the car.  What leases do is essentially let consumers buy a block of a car’s time.  In most instances the leases are 12, 24, 36, 39, 42 or even 48 months with 36 being the most common.  However, for the new car dealership the lease transaction is still a sale.  This is why many dealerships will tell consumers they “cannot” reduce the price of the MSRP because the car is  being leased.




Buying From Police Car Auctions

January 19th, 2010

 The name sounds very suspicious: police car auctions. People tend to think these auctions are selling only used police cars (cars that have POLICE written all over). They immediately imagine an area filled with police cars for sale.

Those who believe that police cars are also sold in these auctions are perfectly right, because the good ones are. These cars won’t be given away with police colors, stickers and inscription. These cars will get a new paint job and will be stripped of all stickers and other police inscriptions.




How To Buy A New Car And Not Get Screwed

January 18th, 2010

Very helpful video, but if you’d rather not waste any time dancing with salesmen, just go through AutoBrag’s Braggle system by placing anonymous offers to all dealerships within a 25 to 200 mile radius within your zip code.

Have dealerships compete for YOUR business!




The Pros and Cons Of Leasing A Car

January 17th, 2010

 

The decision-making process on whether to lease or buy a car has been altered by automakers’ scaling back their leasing operations under pressure from high gas prices, making leases less available and much more expensive in many cases. Here are some points to consider about leasing:

PROS

New Car Frequently: You won’t have to drive the car for more than two to four years, depending on the length of the lease (36 months is typical).

No Money Down: Leases require little or no down payment, although you can make one in order to lower your monthly bill.




The Most Common Phrases Uttered by Car Salesmen

January 15th, 2010

There are still car salesmen clinging to the “good ‘ol days” by using lines that just don’t hold up in today’s car shopping environment. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they make people mad. Sometimes they just make people laugh. This one’s from Car Buying Tips, a guy who used to work for several car dealerships. I love it when former car salesmen spill all to us. Thanks, dude! 

“I don’t know if I can do that it, but if I could, would you buy this car today?”
This is the classic non-committal, open-door, promise without actually promising tactic that salespeople love and consumers don’t always understand.




Why Everyone Should Focus On Savings Off MSRP Instead Of Invoice Price

January 13th, 2010

Question From Max: Why does your pricing method work off of MSRP rather than Invoice price? My father taught me that I should always start from invoice price (which is easily retrieved via research sites like Edmunds).

Queen of the Road: The reason AutoBrag bases our pricing method off of the MSRP is because it reflects the discount off of the sticker price, thus allowing for more accurate “market pricing“.  MSRP allows for an easier apples to apples comparison on pricing. 




Be Careful When Shopping From Private Sellers

September 14th, 2009

A potential car buyer got more than he bargained for Monday afternoon when he was attacked, beaten and robbed by the presumed seller, police said. The victim, 26, drove to meet with the seller, whom he had met through Craigslist. He met the seller in a grocery store parking lot. The victim asked to take the car on a test drive and the seller agreed, so long as the victim handed over his driver’s license.




How To Purchase A Senior Scooter

May 26th, 2009

Purchasing a scooter is a big decision. You will much appreciate when the process is completed so let’s learn a bit about buying a scooter for your parent.  

Here’s What To Look For In The Wheels:
The wheels of a scooter are important, because if they are not functioning, not working, one will not be able to use the scooter at all. Look for a solid wheel, so that flat tires are never an issue. Look for tires that balance the scooter. A scooter that feel safe, solid and secure is going to give the rider more confidence in driving anywhere.




Car Buying Tips From An Insider

March 26th, 2009

 

After six months in the business, Marquis Willis, a 24 year old Florida-based USAA member, got out. Now, he’s sharing his experiences to help you the next time you’re in the market for a new ride. Thank you, Marquis!

1. Pack Your Papers. When customers showed up with printouts listing market values, trade-in values, financing options, rebates and other information they’d gathered, we knew we wouldn’t make much money off the deal. So, arrive at the dealership with research in hand.




Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Car

March 25th, 2009

Buying a new car is not something that should be rushed into. When choosing a new car, make sure to choose a model that is right for you, your family and your lifestyle. Make sure you ask yourself the RIGHT questions before narrowing down your search. Here are some to start…

Who is the car for? Just you, or also your family, kids and pet dog?

What will you be using the car for, just for driving to work or also for other activities?

What models will best fit all of those needs?




Best Car Buying Tips From An Insider

December 10th, 2008

After six months in the business, Marquis Willis, a 24 year old Florida-based USAA member, got out. Now, he’s sharing his experiences to help you the next time you’re in the market for a new ride. Thank you, Marquis!

1. Pack Your Papers. When customers showed up with printouts listing market values, trade-in values, financing options, rebates and other information they’d gathered, we knew we wouldn’t make much money off the deal. So, arrive at the dealership with research in hand.




The Best 13 Step Guide To Buying A Car

September 13th, 2008

…while maintaining total and absolute control over the sales process.

1. Pick the exact make and model of car you want. Don’t let a salesman change your mind.

2. Call around first anonymously and get prices. Tell them you are calling everybody, and the best deal wins. Write down the prices you are given, and note any difference in packages.

3. Pick the dealership you think you want to do business with based on the results of this phone call. Price should not be the decider (demeanor and gut feel should).