Leasing Vs Buying A Car!

You've never leased before but you're interested in what makes leasing so attractive and if it's right for you vs buying a car. It sounds simple enough but you'd like to understand the process better to see if this is for you.
Although the concept of leasing has been around for some time, it's relatively new to individual consumers wanting to drive a new car off the lot! The concept is growing in popularity and in fact, almost 20% of new car drivers lease vs buying outright or financing a car.
Of course there are pros and cons to leasing vs buying. Below I'll discuss the plusses and minuses of each aspect!
1) Consider how many miles a year you drive. Many leases are for 12,000 miles per year although some offer 10,000 or even 15,000. If you drive more than this, than leasing is NOT for you. It's simply not affordable to pay the extra mileage rate of 10-20cents/mile if you run over! If you always stay under these limits, leasing could very well be for you!
2) If you tend to want to make larger payments and the pay off the car and then drive it free and clear for a few more years without monthly payments then you might prefer to buy. However, if you enjoy acquiring a new vehicle every few years, and you don't mind monthly payments, and then you might enjoy leasing.
3) When you lease, you only pay for the depreciation of the car over the period you drive it, so your monthly payments will be lower than if you buy a car and finance the full amount. In leasing you don't need to put very much money down up front (sometimes none!) but when you buy, if you want to keep your monthly payments reasonable, you'll want to put much more down.
4) You may feel strongly about ownership of a car and having some equity in it. Buying ensures that when the loan is paid off, you own the car outright and it's yours to trade, sell or give away at any time you choose! When you lease, it is a binding agreement and if you decide you don't want the car, it's prohibitively costly to break the agreement.
5) On the other hand, when you lease, you are usually driving a car that is always under warranty and because most leases are completely before the 4-year mark, generally there are many less repairs than a car that might be 4-6 years old when repairs, tires, brakes and other maintenance can begin to add up. If you get nervous thinking about getting stranded, leasing something newer perhaps would be a better option.
6) Generally if you buy and hold onto a car long term, you will spend less money in the long term than if you lease every few years. This is the nature of always driving something that is new and paying for that most expensive depreciation.
7) Maybe you are considering buying new and then trading ever 2-3 years. This can be attractive but you'll be paying a lot more upfront and then probably NOT getting as much as you had hoped on your trade in. In some ways leasing is cut and dry, drive for a period such as 3 yrs and give it back, get something new.
8) Some new owners are concerned about the condition of the car upon return. Most lease agreements have a clause that allows "normal wear and tear" on the vehicles and it's important to find out what that means. It's best to have anything more than very minor dings and scratches taken care of before returning the car so that you aren't hit with large fees.
9) If you buy OR you lease, you are required to insure your car. Sometimes you may be required to carry full insurance by the leasing agent. You are responsible for any accidents. If you buy, you can continue driving with that bent fender but that must be taken care of before returning your car if you lease.
10) Leasing does require a very good credit rating so check your credit score online! Sometimes you'll need a slightly better score to lease than you would to get financing if you buy.
Carefully consider each of the above aspects and decide if leasing is for you! Leasing vs buying a car is very much worth considering! It's easy to see the popularity and ease of leasing but it's not for everyone.

Car Auctions: What Is There to See Inside?

Are you trying to get hold of a truly scintillating deal and facing a dilemma over the very subject of "car auctions"?
This article will give you all of the best tips on how to make it easier for you to understand, what is there in a car auction event, and why are there so many people crazy about these events.
Most of the used cars up for bidding are marked or tagged at a ridiculous price, of around 2 times more than the market price. In the last statement, I am talking about the latest models from this year and last year. It might sound too good to be true but believe it or not, this is one kind of deal you surely do not want to miss.
Cars from car auctions are marked at a lower price because of many reasons. One of which can be the commission given to middleman, making the price tag from car shows and dealers higher than what you get from auctions.
In the majority of cases you may land up against a car, which has been repossessed and being auctioned at a surprising price tag of only $3000-$4000. Guess what! That car you are trying to bid on might actually be worth even $20,000 when you check it out at car shows and car dealers around you.
If you are interested to get this kind of deal, then you need to have the patience as well as a keen eye to grab such opportunities. These opportunities are genuine and happening in real life. No catches involved.
Car auctions may be the best place for you to shop for your first car or investment opportunity. You will find a variety of makes and models, as well as cars that are no longer being sold in the market.
Yes! You heard it right! If there are new models in a car auction event, you can also spot vintage cars that are truly a collector's pride. Prices for vintage cars may be a bit higher than the conventional cars and they vary from one model to another too. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can spot one that's only a few thousand dollars, yet it's true value, will be more than 10 that.
Modern cars will definitely be part of the auction list. Be sure to get in the event as early as you can, so that you will end up spotting the best among the rest. On the other hand there are some cars that are not too modern anymore, but cannot be counted as vintage yet. These cars need a lot of replacements and updating, to make it run in tip-top condition again. You can surely find these cars for even less than a thousand dollars for a sure win, and if you are ready for a challenging project, go for these types of cars and enjoy your ride.

Car Auctions VS Car Dealerships

Recent statistics show that car auctions are starting to gain more popularity with consumers. The current state of the economy is forcing many people to search for automobiles being offered at exaggerated, discount prices. Let us take a close look at two of the most common advantages for purchasing a vehicle from an auction sale for cars as opposed to a dealership.
There is no sales pressure if you chose to browse at a car auction. We all know that car dealerships are notorious for applying sales pressure to prospective buyers. I know some of you know this scenario, when telemarketers have included your name and contact numbers on their "prospective buyer" list and gives you a call every single day. Employees are introduced to all the shrewd selling tactics that are known to close a sale.
You do not get this kind of irritating pressure from car auctions. This is great for anyone who is not interested with some slick sales representatives and this will also save you from all the hassles of answering telemarketer calls and sales letters going to your mail box every now and then.
And obviously people love the idea of buying from car auctions because of the tremendously low prices that you can never get from any car dealer in your area. You can surely save a large amount of money when bidding for cars, especially if you were able to spot a good deal at the right time.
For instance, you may be able to save at least five thousand dollars for a car that is worth maybe five times that if you are eager to win. This is a game of luck and strategy. You can be lucky, if not too much people are bidding on the car that you like. On the other hand, you must figure out your own bidding strategy so that you won't end up spending more than what you have allotted.
Technically, the idea of buying your car from car auctions is the best way for people who are tight on budgets but are very much willing to shell out of some of their cash to get a car. After all, cars are not considered as luxury these days, as it is one of the most important necessities we all should have. Not unless you are buying a luxurious and extremely expensive high-end car.
The cars that are being auctioned are not brand new. This can be another factor why there is a sudden drop on their price, especially if the car is still considered as one of the latest models in the market today. However, the government normally repossess these cars because the original owner is not able to comply with the installment terms anymore. Either the original owner decided to voluntarily surrender it or the car was just confiscated, these cars still have the scent of a brand new interior with little mileage.

C5 Corvette Buyers Guide

Major changes happened in 1997 to the next generation Corvette. Either by design, accident or a little of both the C5 Corvette went on to win several awards. Performance attributes, technological advances, build quality, reliability, economy and fuel mileage all describe the strengths of 1997-2004 Corvettes. This marked a change in the Corvette brand by building a truly world-class sports car.
Performance is on par for other sports cars of its era. Major competitors of the time would be the Porsche 911, Ford Mustang, Dodge Viper and the Nissan 350Z. Corvettes have always been known for going in straight lines as with other american muscle cars of the past. This new Corvette saw advancements in suspension and ride control systems. Of which we can thank for providing the backbone of current day systems found in many vehicles and brands across the world today. For the first time the Corvette could handle great straight from the factory. This off the show room floor performance would make it a favorite of many automotive enthusiasts. The amount of performance left in the engine makes this car of target for speed fanatics. In factory trim the 5.7 liter 350ci engine cranks out 345 to a maximum of 405 horsepower in various trims. Relatively affordable and easy to install upgrades can increase these numbers to 500 horsepower and above without major modifications to engine components. Suspension wise the use of a composite trans-leaf spring leaves many enthusiasts with a love or hate response. Interestingly its use and design represents the Corvette like a calling card. Its DNA so to speak.
Corvette advancements almost seem to be the opposite. Leaf springs, only 2 engine valves per cylinder the use of plastic and fiberglass would seem to describe Corvettes of the past. But it actually describes almost all Corvettes ever built. This observation should be considered by "How" not "What". Being confident is being right and trying to convince others of the truth. To meet objectives of engineering, reliability, resources and costs caused the evolution of the C5 Corvette and its ancestors. Simplicity in its most basic form is inherently reliable, easy to manufacture and maintain. Less moving parts means ultimately less costs and breakdowns. Building them better is what the Corvette is about. The Corvette is a purposeful, elegant modern marvel of engineering that unless you ponder the "How" you may never realize its beauty.
What is important to remember is that all machines are still man-made. They are also only as good as the last person that used and maintained them. Understanding use and maintenance of any car would be valuable. With knowledge comes understanding piece of mind.

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD Review

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact, affordable, and comfortable SUV with off the road ability, spacious interior, and a unique style that is perfect for anyone looking for a vehicle that offers true adventure and excitement.
I personally like the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara more than any similar SUV in its class, because it not only looks great inside and out, but it also performs well on the road.
I especially like the look and feel of the three tone seats. They have been intricately designed with a blue, black, and beige color scheme that is soothing to the eyes and adds a distinctive and elegant touch to the vehicle's interior. Prior to seeing the Grand Vitara, I had never seen three toned seats before, so needless to say, I was quite impressed. The seats are also supportive, contoured, comfortable, and can be heated with the push of a button. All of these features improve and enhance the driving experience for both the passenger and driver.
The all-weather floor mats are great when driving in the rain or snow or during times when you get mud on your shoes. The dirt and grime can be easily rinsed from the mats, leaving no unsightly stains and no scrubbing.
There is ample room for five passengers with front bucket seats along with a 60/40 split folding rear seat. The Limited version includes a seven-speaker stereo, Smart Pass keyless start system that locks and unlocks the vehicle with the push of a button, and special interior features, such as a standard navigation system, illuminated steering wheel controls, chrome door handles, automatic climate control, CD stereo system, sun-visor extenders, sliding armrests, and optional Bluetooth connectivity.
There are three trims available for the Suzuki Grand Vitara- Base, Premium, and Limited. The base and premium models come equipped with a removable Garmin navigation system, automatic climate control, full power accessories, and curtain airbags. The Limited has opulent upgrades, such as leather heated seats.
The standard model has stylish features such as 16 inch wheels, front tow hooks, colorful side moldings, and flared fenders, while the new Limited trim boasts stylish18 inch black chrome wheels, side mirrors with incorporated turn signals, fog lamps, water-resistant and easy to clean three tone seats, navigation system, and a leather wrapped steering wheel, and a tailgate-mounted spare tire. Special safety features include side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, side-impact airbags for front seats, an electronic stability system, and antilock brakes with technologically advanced electronic distribution.
The navigation system, stereo/ sound system, air conditioning and heating system work wonderfully with accuracy and easy to adjust settings/controls.
When driving the Suzuki Grand Vitara in the rain, I noticed that it handles the road very well; navigating sharp turns with ease, delivering accurate braking, excellent traction, with no road slip. The rear window also has a wiper that is perfect for rainy or snowy days and helps to maintain clear visibility.
The Grand Vitara is powered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower, 162 feet of torque, 3,000 lbs. of towing capacity, and rear-wheel drive is standard in all of the models. The base model is available as a 5-speed manual, while all of the other trims come with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim features a four-mode 4WD system- 4H, 4H Lock (For Slippery Roads), 4L Lock and a neutral position which allows the vehicle to be towed behind an RV without adding any miles to the odometer.
The V6's output lagged slightly and I do wish that the vehicle had a little more horsepower. The SUV is sturdy with a solid feel and, in my opinion, needs more power in order to pick up a quicker when pressure is applied to the gas pedal. Besides this one element, I absolutely love the Suzuki Grand Vitara and is great for mountain excursions, rugged terrains, as well as driving around town or running errands.
It is a versatile vehicle that is fun to drive, spacious, with plenty of cargo space and a style that is like no other.
The Grand Vitara is not fuel-efficient by today's standards, because it only gets an estimated 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. This can be a problem in a time when fuel costs have increased and consumers are looking to save money at the gas pump, however, with all of the features, unique style, and ability to handle heavy rain, snow, and off the road adventures, it is a great choice.

Used Car Pros And Cons

Let's face it, not everyone can afford a new car despite every potential buyer's desire to do so. And with the urban sprawl simply getting bigger, most nine-to-fivers need a car to earn their daily bread. Luckily for people who buy a used car, cars have become more reliable with each generation, and a well-chosen used car can fulfill a commuter or family man's needs almost as well as a new car.
A well-maintained car of a few years' vintage will cost someone who wants to buy a used car about sixty percent of the original value of the car. This may sometimes be a little higher if the brand/model has an established reputation for reliability and quality. This kind of used car can give you about 5 more years of reliable service, assuming of course that you maintain it properly. While getting a used car's history is always a good idea, you must first of all take your time looking for a used car which is still in good condition. When you find a solid candidate, get a full history from those services you see online and perform a thorough physical inspection. For those who are able to finance a used car, you may be charged a higher financing rate but in the end, it will still be easier to pay off compared to a new car.
People who buy a used car should be aware that maintenance costs will be higher, as mechanical components like the engine and suspension will have gone through tens of thousands of miles in the years it was used. If the car has regularly seen less than smooth roads, checking the state of the suspension bushings and linkages is a good idea. If the suspension is not in good condition, premature tire wear will result, and this is an expense that will definitely make a dent on your wallet.
If you are set to buy a used car, consider one with a diesel engine. Despite their clattery, smoky and smelly reputation, modern diesels have more or less kept pace with the advances introduced to gasoline engines. Diesels consume far less fuel compared to their gasoline counterparts and are cheaper than gasoline. The most advanced diesels actually give hybrids a run for their money in terms of fuel efficiency. Diesels also have good torque ratings, better than comparably-sized gasoline engines in fact. But even the newer diesels are still noisier than their gasoline counterparts, so if noise and vibration is an issue for you, then a gasoline engine is the way to go.

What To Know Before You Buy a Used Car

Buying a used car can be a daunting task. The research, the budgeting, the test driving, and the negotiating are enough to make someone swear off driving and get a lifetime pass for the mass transit system. But, being that most of us are going to need a car somewhere along the line, and let's be honest, driving is really fun when you get down to it, finding a car that fits your needs isn't always as hard as you think. If you know what to look for before you go, purchasing a used car can be a rewarding experience that leaves you with a new set of wheels you can be proud to drive for many years to come.
The first thing you need to know is what kind of car you want, and specifically what you want it to do. Deciding on your wants and needs are important before to do before you even start shopping. Doing research online gives you a massive amount of important information at your fingertips. Next, you are going to need to know where you can find a used car. Using the internet to help look for used cars in your area is a good option. Sometimes the information can be a little overwhelming, so make sure to take good notes on everything that you see, so you can refer back to them when you get to the information overload stage. (And you will get to that stage!)
When you move on from shopping different types of cars to finding the actual vehicle you might want to buy, research everything you can about its history. Find out the number of previous owners, whether they were smokers or not, and if they were corporate or individual owners. Look for any accident history, notes of any mechanical problems and the vehicle's service and maintenance history. Some of this can be found by looking at maintenance records (if they are available), or by talking to the owner. However, it's best to "trust and verify" and ask for the history report get the complete story. Finally, when you do review a history report always make sure that you receive the entire report, not just a part of it.
Always, always, always make sure that you get an independent mechanic to take a look at the car that is under consideration. It might cost you a little money up front, but it could possibly save you from buying a car that has damage you can't see which could cost you thousands to fix. You should personally check the paint job of the car, looking carefully for rust, scratches, and dents that you might not see at first glance. Always test drive the car to see how it drives as well, and if possible have a friend as a passenger to see if there is anything you didn't notice while driving. Have the courage to negotiate for the best price and remember it helps to have your financing and loan approvals ready to go beforehand.
Buying a well-researched used car can give you years of driving pleasure with the confidence it will last like a new vehicle, but at a fraction of the price. So do your homework and get started test driving today.