How to Negotiate for a New Vehicle

Buying a new car is more than making just another purchase. It is truly an investment as you most likely plan to have this vehicle for many years to come. You want to purchase a reliable vehicle for a fair price. Unfortunately, many of the ticketed prices on the new cars at the dealerships are a bit higher than you may anticipate. Haggling for your new car's final price is an acceptable behavior within the car buying world, but to do so successfully requires time invested in research and preparation.

Instructions

1

List several car makes and models which you would be interested in purchasing. This will give you a wider range of vehicles from which to choose when finally presented the dealer's price options. You may then try negotiating with the dealer and find that he is more willing to negotiate on certain vehicles over others.

2

Research the fair market value on all new vehicles you have chosen in Step 1 beforehand. Use websites like Edmunds or the Kelley Blue Book to determine the quotes on the vehicles you have chosen. Also research the dealer Invoice for each vehicle to determine what the car salesman or his company have truly paid for the car. Keep your negotiations within this range as lower offers will most surely be refused.

3

Call dealerships to get quotes on their new vehicles before bothering to visit each one. Present yourself as a potential buyer who is well-researched and looking for an excellent deal. Keep track of each dealer's offers for each car make and model.

4

Keep all quotes from competing dealerships private. If the dealership owner already knows that they are doing better business than another competitor, there is little incentive for him to drop his prices to gain you as a customer.

5

Call the dealership several times so that you can talk with many different sales representatives to get a feel for their overall personalities. Choose one with whom you feel comfortable. Schedule a meeting with this sales associate above others first.

6

Remain patient when the dealer refuses your initial offer as he tries to get you to raise your price. Leave the dealership, and return later if you feel pressured to purchase a car on the spot, or if you need more time to configure your own finances.

7

Remain calm during the negotiation process, keeping a level head about you at all times. Negotiating the price of a new vehicle can be frustrating, but flaring tempers will only instill anger in the minds of both yourself and the dealer, blocking further friendly discussion over price.

8

Wear comfortable clothes and eat prior to arriving at the car dealership. This will ensure you are in total comfort and can think without distraction during negotiation.

What Are the Requirements for an Auto Lease?

To qualify for an auto lease, a buyer must have a valid driver's license, full coverage auto insurance and a good credit score. The buyer's income must also support the monthly expense of the loan.

Reasons for Requirements

Auto leases have special requirements because lenders want to make responsible loans that will be repaid. Although an auto lease may cost less per month than a comparable finance contract, the lender is making a risk equal to financing the full purchase price.

Driver's License

A valid driver's license is required because the lender wants to avoid straw purchases. A straw purchase is a loan made to an individual who will not drive the vehicle.

Insurance

Insurance requirements for leases vary by lender, but full coverage insurance usually is required. Guaranteed asset protection insurance is included in most lease contracts. Different states require different levels of coverage, so contact your car insurance company for details before signing a lease.

Credit Score

A high credit score is required for a lease. A credit score above 650 is needed, and even this does not guarantee approval in all cases.

Income

The purchaser's income must support the monthly payment, which should not become an unmanageable burden.

How to Buy a Used Car at the Lowest Price

The last several cars I've purchased have been used cars. Why? Once you drive a new car off the lot it is immediately devalued by several thousand dollars. The first 60,000 miles of a cars life are the most expensive by far in terms of car depreciation. Why not buy a reliable used car at the lowest possible price instead?

Instructions

1

To buy a used car at the lowest price, you need to see have access to pricing on hundreds of cars. The best way I have found to do this is with Autotrader.com. They have thousands of vehicles listed within driving distance of your home. This way I can look at hundreds of used cars while sitting at home in my pajamas. But first you have to narrow down the number of available choices.

2

I like to use Consumer Reports to narrow down my car choice of used cars. Either purchase the latest Consumer Reports Car Buying Guide, or else check it out from your local library. I look for cars with a history of high reliability. Certain model years may be better than others. Select 2-4 models of used cars you would be interested in before going to Autotrader.

3

Once you're on Autotrader or a similar site, plug in the used car model and year range. Also include the distance you are willing to travel. Make the range big enough so that you have at least 100 used cars to choose from. You'll notice that for a certain model, year, and mileage there is quite a range of prices available. Certain models of used cars are in higher demand than other equally reliable models. For example, Honda Civics are always in high demand, but Nissan has very dependable models that would be comparable.

4

Once you have found a great deal, call the dealer. Let them know you saw the car on Autotrader and ask if it is still available. Confirm the price over the phone. Make sure there will be no hidden charges like repairs. Write down the name of the person you are speaking with. Once you get there, don't let the dealer change the price.

Is it Better to Buy Your Car With Cash?

If you pay cash for your car, there can several advantages, as well as disadvantages. It depends on your financial goals. Before you decide, explore all of your options.

Potential

Paying cash for your car means you will not have a car payment. The money you would normally put toward a car payment can now go toward paying off other debts, such as credit cards.

Investments

If you choose to finance, then the cash that you pay for a car could be invested. Compare the interest you pay on a car loan against the interest you would receive from such an investment.

Benefits

When you pay cash for a car, you avoid paying finance charges. If the amount you pay for an automobile is substantial, you will realize a significant amount of savings.

Free and Clear

There is no chance that your car can be repossessed when you pay cash. Repossession can be devastating to your credit report and can remain on your credit report for seven years. You could also be responsible for any remaining deficiency balance following reposession.

Value

When your car is free and clear, you can sell or trade in your car without the concern of being upside down, or owing more than the car is worth. It's more difficult to sell a car if there is a loan outstanding because you want to get enough from the sale to pay off the loan.

How to Register a Salvage Car

A salvaged vehicle is one that has incurred more damage than the vehicle is worth. This doesn't mean that a salvage vehicle is not drivable. For instance, an older vehicle may incur a small dent in the bumper, but since the vehicle may not be worth more than a few hundred dollars, even this small damage can cause the vehicle to be written off as a salvage. Some states issue a separate salvage title for salvage vehicles that aren't drivable. Other states issue a rebuilt salvage title, meaning the vehicle has been repaired or rebuilt and is drivable.

Instructions

1

Gather proof of ownership, which could be a title, registration or bill of sale.

2

Complete the necessary paperwork to apply for a salvage title. For example, in Kansas, complete a "Salvage, Non-Highway or Non-Repairable Affidavit," which can be obtained from the county treasurer or Department of Revenue office. In Indiana, you must complete the "Salvage Title Affidavit," which can be obtained at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

3

Have the vehicle inspected if required. The vehicle doesn't have to be inspected in all states. For example, Indiana and Florida don't require an inspection, but Kansas and Wisconsin do. California requires an inspection only if the vehicle has been rebuilt or is roadworthy. In addition, some states require that the vehicle go through additional inspections such as SMOG and a brake and light inspection. Be sure to bring proof of ownership, receipts for any repairs and the application with you. There is a fee for this, which varies per state. If the vehicle passes inspection, you will receive the necessary paperwork certifying this.

4

Pay the salvage title fee. This fee varies per state. In Indiana the cost is $9, and in California the cost is $18. If the vehicle has been inspected, bring the necessary paperwork with you. The salvage title will then be issued to you.

How to Import Right Hand Drive Cars to the United States of America

Due to differences in pricing, importing cars to the United States from abroad is becoming more common. Due to different road regulations, cars originating in other countries are often manufactured with their steering wheel fixed on the right-hand side. Although importing a Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicle is legal, and the import procedures are no different than importing a left-hand drive vehicle, you must still exercise caution on the safety aspects of driving a right-hand drive vehicle on left-hand drive roads.

Instructions

1

Check if your vehicle is eligible for importation. A list of eligible vehicles is published on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Although your vehicle is right-hand drive and thus nonconforming to U.S. roads, it may still be eligible for importation if it passes a certain safety standard.

2

Hire the services of a registered importer of nonconforming vehicles. A list of approved importers may be found on the NHTSA website. The importer will not only carry out the bureaucratic paperwork and shipment but will also take care of any necessary modifications that your vehicle will require (e.g. conversion from a metric speedometer), and will add these services to your final invoice.

3

Complete DOT form HS-7, which may be obtained from the NHTSA website. If your vehicle is on the list of eligible vehicles for importation, this form will declare that your vehicle passes safety, bumper, and theft-prevention standards.

4

Complete EPA form 3520-1 which may be obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This form will declare that your vehicle passes the emissions standards as stipulated by the U.S. government.

5

Register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. In addition to the usual paperwork that is submitted when buying a vehicle domestically, they will also require EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7.

How to Calculate Automobile Price With Tax & License in California

It can be hard to figure out just how much a new car is going to cost. Sure, the sticker price says $12,130, but by the time you sign the loan disclosure, the bottom line has jumped to more than $14,000. Doing some research can help to lessen the surprise. Knowing the tax and licensing fees can help you find a car that meets your budget.

Instructions

1

Identify the vehicle you want to buy. Search the Internet for the invoice cost and MSRP of that vehicle if it is new. If the vehicle is used, look at the NADA guide or the Kelley Blue Book. This will give you an idea of the high and low range of price for your vehicle.

2

Visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles' website. Find the Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator and select the type of vehicle you want fees and tax information for. The choices are "new," "used" and "nonresident."

3

Fill out the online form with the relevant information and select "Calculate Fees." You will be presented with the fees based on location of vehicle and type of vehicle. In Los Angeles County, the total fees and taxes are typically about 10 percent to 11 percent of the purchase price for a gas-powered car.

4

Add the fees and tax from Step 4 to the agreed purchase price of the vehicle, and you will have your total.

Specifications for a 1990 CRX Si

From the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, Japanese automobile and motorcycle manufacturer Honda sold a compact sports car called the CRX. In the United States, it was sold as the CRX Sione of the trims of the Honda Civic. The 1990 CRX Si was one of the last model-year iterations ever produced for the vehicle.

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

The 1990 Honda CRX Si had a 1.6-liter, 108-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine. It had a bore and stroke of 2.99 x 3.46 inches and a compression ratio of 9.5 to 1. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox, although a four-speed automatic was available.

Performance

The engine of the 1990 Honda CRX Si produced 108 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). For its horsepower, the RPM was 4,500. A front-wheel vehicle with rack-and-pinion steering, the '90 CRX Si had a turning diameter of 30 feet. Regarding fuel economy, it got 28 miles per gallon for city driving and 32 mpg for highway driving with its 12-gallon gas tank. The '90 CRX Si could go from 0 to 60 mph within eight seconds.

Interior

The 1990 Honda CRX Si was designed as a two-seater. Headroom was measured at 37 inches, legroom at 41 inches, shoulder room at 54 inches and hip room at 55 inches. Tilt steering wheel and sunroof were some of the standard interior features of this small sports car.

Exterior

A two-door vehicle, the 1990 Honda CRX Si was 149 inches long, 66 inches wide and 50 inches high with a 91-inch wheelbase. The curb weight was 2,174 pounds, and it had 14-inch steel wheels.

Price

When Honda released the 1990 CRX Si, its manufacturer's suggested retail price was $11,130. Apart from the EX trim of the sedan, the CRX Si was the most expensive of the Civic trims. As of 2010, Kelley Blue Book estimates its price value range at around $2,200 to $2,600.

How to Get the Best Price on a Buick Enclave

Car buying is not a simple process, and if you want to get the best price on a specific car, such as the Buick Enclave, you're going to have to do some work. With tools like the Internet available for research and to save your shoe leather, you can get the best price on your Buick right from the comfort of your home.

Instructions

1

Find the average quote for the Buick Enclave that you want. Check the features offered and the condition of the vehicle, and see what dealers are asking for as a sticker price. You can check car dealership websites, or you can actually go to the dealerships in person, but that runs the risk that you'll have to fight off a sales pitch while you're still doing research.

2

Go to the Yahoo! Autos website at autos.yahoo.com. This website can narrow down the price for a Buick Enclave by your zip code, which can be helpful for getting the best price quotes from dealers that are convenient to visit.

3

Select the Buick Enclave as the model you want and enter your zip code. Click on "go," and on the next screen select all of the dealers that you want to get quotes from. Click on "go," and then on the final screen fill out your personal information. This will allow car dealerships to send you emails and to call you with quotes.

4

Let the dealers you selected call or email you with quotes on the Buick Enclave. If a dealer calls with a quote you like, ask the dealer to put it in writing and email it to you. This creates a record that you can bring with you later.

5

Go to the dealership that gave you the best quote. Ask to see the salesperson you worked with online, and make sure that you have a printed copy of the email quote you were given. Once you're talking to the online representative you met, all that's left is to finalize the sale at the price you agreed on.

How to Buy Junk Cars in Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Junk cars can be very useful for teaching the basics of auto repair and bodywork, and a cheap mode of transportation for the experienced or amateur car mechanic--once they've been fixed up. Demolition derby enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the perfect junk car to enter in a local event.



If you live in or near Fort Wayne, Indiana, there are several places where you can buy a junk car or truck.

Instructions

1

Call local Fort Wayne junk car dealers. Fort Wayne Junk Cars is just one dealer in Fort Wayne that buys and sells junk cars. Call and see if they have the kind of car (with the level of needed repairs you think you can handle) you're looking for.

2

Look before you buy. Whether you check out the cars at Fort Wayne Junk Cars or PJ Junk Car Buyers or any other junk car dealers in Fort Wayne, be sure to check out the car in person before you buy it. Use public transportation or have a friend drive you if you don't currently have a car.

3

Buy the car. You may not be able to negotiate the price on a junk car, and you certainly won't be able to get a bank loan to buy it, so make sure you've saved enough money for the junk car you want.

4

Register the car. You will also need to have saved enough money to have the car licensed and registered in your name with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Common Problems in a C5 Corvette

Chevrolet Corvettes that were made from 1997 through 2004 are known as C5 models. This denotes the fifth generation of the car in regards to its exterior design. The two most popular colors of C5 Corvettes are red and black, followed by silver, yellow and blue.

Exterior

C5s, like all Corvettes, are made from fiberglass and will often require panel replacement. If you are buying one used, inspect the whole exterior for replaced panels. Also, check the front spoiler and air dam for damage, as the C5 Corvette sits rather low to the ground. Damage to these parts can indicate how the car was driven by its previous owner.

Steering Wheel Lock

C5 Corvettes often have a faulty steering wheel lock, which (when working properly) is a theft deterrent that will lock the steering wheel to prevent the C5 from being driven. Check the car's records to see if the steering wheel lock recall was taken care of on that particular car, as some have not been fixed.

LED Dash

The LED dash can be problematic in C5 Corvettes. Check to see if the LED dash is working properly and that all the climate control numbers and gauges are visible. Even if the C5's air conditioning is working properly, the LED dash can have existing problems that can be repaired by replacing a module, which can cost as much as $300 in 2010.

How to Trade in a Car With a Blown Head Gasket

A blown head gasket allows coolant to seep into the combustion area where it is converted to steam and smoke. The resulting white plume of smoke from the tail pipe is a tell-tale sign your head gasket is blown. A mechanic knows this job is a costly one, and it affects the value of your car substantially. Trading in a car with a blown head gasket requires a little negotiation skills and knowledge to back up your trade-in offer.

Instructions

1

Assess the value of your vehicle at KBB.com. On the home page, select the vehicle type, then the make, model and year. Enter your zip code when prompted. Select "trade-in value."

2

Locate the trade-in value on the following page and then select all applicable features your vehicle possesses, such as air conditioning, power steering and all custom parts and modifications. Click submit.

3

Find the "Fair" condition price on the following page.

4

Take the car to the dealership. Inform the dealer of the vehicle's condition. Allow an inspection. Offer 10 to 20 percent below the Blue Book "fair" condition trade-in value. Go as low as 40 percent below the "fair" condition value on your trade deal.

How do I Buy a Car Using Webquest?

The WebQuest is a learning model that was introduced by Bernie Dodge of San Diego State University in 1995. The WebQuest is a question based lesson plan that uses the Internet for research and knowledge. According to the official WebQuest site, tens of thousands of educators and educational institutions have used the WebQuest model for teaching specific lessons since its introduction. Purdue University created a WebQuest for buying a car that will help quest-goers through the process step by step.

Instructions

1

Access the web browser of your choice. Navigate to the Purdue University "Buying A Car" WebQuest.

2

Click on the first WebQuest task, titled "Find A Car." This will take you to a page of car options.

3

Read the list titled "The Following Sites Can Help You Find Cars!" Select the type of car you are interested in and click on that link to pick a car you would like to purchase.

4

Return to the Purdue University "Buying A Car" WebQuest page. Click the next WebQuest task, entitled "Finding Financing." This will take you to a page of financing options.

5

Read the finance options on the "Finding Financing!" page. Choose one or more options and click on the individual links to apply for financing. Some finance companies will tell you instantly if you're approved, while others may take a few days.

6

Return to the Purdue University "Buying A Car" WebQuest page. Click the final WebQuest task on the list, "Obtaining Insurance." This will take you to a page with options in vehicle insurance.

7

Click on the name of one or more of the insurance companies listed. This will take you to the home page for an insurance company where you can obtain quotes and arrange for car insurance.

Information on a Honda VIN

Whether your Honda is a car, a motorcycle or an ATV, it will have a 17-digit VIN, which stands for Vehicle Identification Number. Since 1981, all vehicles manufactured anywhere in the world use the same standard sequence of digits.

The First Three Digits

The first three digits represent the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) which shows in which country the vehicle was manufactured. Honda has manufacturing plants in several countries making cars, motorcycles and ATVs.

Digits 4 Through 8

The next five digits represent the Vehicle Description Section (VDS) representing information such as the engine, body style and other features. Considering the vast number of vehicles Honda makes, you will need to decipher the code for your individual model.

The Check, Year and Plant Digits

The ninth digit is a check digit to prevent VIN fraud, with the tenth digit representing the year of manufacture. The eleventh digit identifies the city of the manufacturing plant.

The Serial Number

The remaining digits represent the serial number of the vehicle. No two vehicles in the same category will have the same serial number.

Decoding the Digits

Several websites offer free VIN decoding for Honda and all other vehicles. Go to motoverse.com or dmv.org and simply copy your VIN into the space provided. Or go to angelfire.com for more detailed information on the codes.

Compact SUV Specifications

The compact sport utility vehicle is the smallest of the SUV class of vehicles that includes the mid-size and full-size models. Four-cylinder engines displacing less than 3 liters power most compact SUVs.

Engine

The 2010 Ford Escape and the 2010 Toyota RAV4 typify contemporary compact SUVs. The Escape is equipped with an in-line four-cylinder engine displacing 2.5 liters and generating 171 horsepower. The RAV4 features a 179-horsepower 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. The Escape and RAV4 also come in hybrid models, using the traditional gasoline-powered engine in tandem with an electric motor to increase fuel efficiency.

Size

The Ford Escape is 174.7 inches long and possesses a 103.1-inch wheelbase. It stands 67.8 inches tall and is 71.1 inches wide. The RAV4 is slightly longer, with an overall length at 181.9 inches, while its wheelbase also is marginally longer than the Escape at 104.7 inches. The RAV4 is 66.3 inches tall and 71.5 inches wide.

Brakes and Suspension

The 2010 Escape and RAV4 feature two ventilated disc brakes in the front. The Escape has drums in the rear, while the RAV4 has rear discs. Both SUVs have a front independent strut systems with coil springs and stabilizer bars. The Escape's rear suspension is a multi-link independent system. The RAV4 features a wishbone rear suspension.

How to Buy a Car With a Rebuilt Title

If you are looking for a cheap car that is dependable, consider a car with a rebuilt title. When a car is wrecked and the insurance company determines it is "totaled," a salvage title is issued. However, when the vehicle is repaired and the proper inspections are completed, a rebuilt title is issued. While a rebuilt may pose some issues, doing the proper research regarding the history of the vehicle allows you to determine if it is worth buying.

Instructions

1

Drive the car you are considering buying. Make sure the car is in alignment and drives well. Also, have a mechanic look under the hood for mechanical issues.

2

Locate the information about the car that allows you to perform a vehicle history search. This includes the vehicle identification number and make and model -- all generally found on the title.

3

Search the car's history and determine the extent of damage that was repaired. Visit an online site, such as CarFax, CarChex or AutoCheck, and purchase the report as directed by MSN Money.

4

Call your insurance company. Supply your insurance agent with the vehicle's information and make sure the company will cover the auto. Some insurance companies will not cover it.

5

Pay cash for the car. Generally, finance companies and banks will not finance a car with a rebuilt title. However, you can use other collateral, such as land, to get the funds if you do not have the cash on hand.

6

Receive the rebuilt title with the back completed along with a bill of sale. Make sure the seller prints and signs his name on the correct line. Also, place your name and address on the rebuilt title.

7

Register the car at your local department of motor vehicle office. Take the title and bill of sale with you. Pay the fees and have the title transferred into your name.

The Specifications of a 2001 Toyota Corolla

The 2001 Toyota Corolla was one of the last model-year entries of the eighth generation of production for a car recognized as the best-selling vehicle in automotive history (as of 2010). There were three trims for the 2001 Corolla: the base CE, the sporty S and the luxury-oriented LE. The S trim was brand new for that model year, as was an inside trunk release.

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

The 2001 Corolla came with a 1.8-liter, 125 horsepower in-line four-cylinder engine with 125 foot-pounds of torque and a compression ratio of 10 to 1. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual. The CE, however, had the option of a three-speed automatic, while the four-speed automatic was available for the S and LE trims. With a 13-gallon gas tank, the 2001 Corolla got 28 to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 32 to 38 mpg for highway driving, depending on the type of transmission.

Interior

The 2001 Toyota Corolla had driver and passenger airbags, as well as child safety door locks, air conditioning and a stereo system. With standard seating for up to five people, the car averaged 38 inches for headroom and legroom, 53 inches for shoulder room and 51 inches for hip room.

Exterior

The 2001 Toyota Corolla, which was only available as a four-door sedan, had a curb weight range of 2,400 to 2,500 pounds, depending on its trim and transmission. The car measured 174 inches long, 67 inches wide and 55 inches high, with a five-inch ground clearance and a wheelbase of 97 inches. The 2001 Corolla had 14-inch steel wheels, and Toyota added a rear window defogger for the LE trim.

Braking and Handling

With rack-and-pinion steering, the turning diameter for the 2001 Toyota Corolla was 32 feet. The car had independent front and rear suspension with a stabilizer bar and coil springs. The brakes of the 2001 Corolla comprise two ventilated discs, which are designed to help dissipate the heat generated during driving.

Price Range

The original manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the CE, S and LE trims of the 2001 Toyota Corolla were $12,568, $12,793 and $13,383, respectively. As of 2010, Kelley Blue Book estimates that the SE held the best value out of all the 2001 Corolla trims, with a price range value of around $6,700 to $7,200. The LE is next at around $6,400 to $6,900, while the base CE has the lowest range at around $6,100 to $6,500.

How to Buy a Used Car That Is No Longer Being Produced

All automobile models stop production at one point or another and are replaced by a new model or simply phased out entirely. By definition, most used car purchases involve vehicles that are no longer being produced unless the car in question is only a couple of years old or newer. Buying a used vehicle can be a confusing undertaking, with a bewildering number of choices.

Instructions

1

Find the car you want. There are many places to look for a used car. Start with the local newspaper classifieds and the Autotrader (see Resources) which is a weekly publication with photo ads of used cars for sale. Another great place to look is the car and truck sales section of your local Craigslist. This has become a hugely popular venue for selling cars and truck, since it's free to use and sellers can post photos and as long of a description as they want. eBay is another potential source for out-of-production cars, but beware of anything that you can't inspect in person and drive. Another potential source for used cars are your local used car lots, though you may not get as good of a deal that you might from a private seller.

2

Visually inspect the vehicle you are interested in purchasing. Look carefully at the bodywork in different light to make sure the body is straight. Inspect underneath it for rust, as well as around the windshield, fenders and inside the trunk. Look for accident damage in the engine bay, which may show up as wrinkled sheet metal. Inspect the door jambs to see if the car was repainted.

3

Test drive the car on city streets and on the freeway. Pay attention to how it drives, especially at higher speeds. Vibrating and shaking may be a sign that the vehicle needs an alignment, new tires, suspension work or, worse, has been in a collision. Make sure the brakes do not vibrate when you slow down from high speeds and listen for odd clunks from the driveline while driving it.

4

Ask for receipts and how many owners the car has had. It is far better to buy a car that has documentation of its service history. The fewer owners the better, too. If a car has had many owners over the years, it may have issues. Also, ask to see the title to make sure it is free and clear and is not a salvage or a rebuilt title. While salvaged or rebuilt cars can be OK buys, you need to know what you are getting into.

5

Have a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) performed on the car by a reputable mechanic of your choosing. If the seller refuses to let you do this, run, don't walk, away from the deal. A mechanic will be able to inspect every aspect of the car and give you an itemized rundown of things that are potentially wrong with it. And maybe you'll get lucky and the car you are looking at will get a totally clean bill of health.

6

Barter for the best price possible. Almost every used car can be bough for less than the asking price, whether it's only a couple hundred dollars are a couple thousand dollars. Start low and then meet the seller at a point you are both happy with.

What Is Gap Insurance for Cars?

If you've ever shopped for a new car, you've probably heard of gap insurance. But unless it was been explained to you, you probably never purchased it. As the name implies, gap insurance is intended to bridge the gap between a vehicle's purchase price and its present value.

Significance

Gap insurance protection was created to offset the problem of instant depreciation: The second you drive a new car off the lot at the dealership, it is considered "used" and its value decreases. This causes a gap between the price you paid for the car and its value once it leaves the dealership. A general rule is, if you don't have a down payment of at least a 20 percent on your new car, you should consider gap insurance.

Types

The basic coverage protects you in case of a total loss of the vehicle. In other words, your insurance company pays only what the vehicle is worth at the time of loss, which does not necessarily mean your loan will be paid off. Gap insurance takes care of that problem, so you don't end up continuing to pay for a vehicle you no longer have. Other types of gap coverage will repay your insurance deductible, give you $1,000 toward a new vehicle or replace the car.

Protect Yourself

Your lender may include gap protection in your financing to protect its investment. However, you should make sure that it's been included, or if you prefer to get it through a different insurance company, be sure it's not included in the loan to avoid paying double premiums. Keep in mind that you are not limited to the gap insurance provider offered by the dealer. Shopping around on the Internet before your vehicle purchase can save you money.

Complete Protection

Should you decide to obtain gap insurance, make sure the coverage includes all types of loss, such as theft, natural disasters and accidents. You don't want to find out the hard way that your coverage is limited to certain incidents.

Location

Where you live and how you plan to use the vehicle can play an important part in deciding whether to obtain gap insurance. If you live in a relatively rural area and intend to use your vehicle only in limited circumstances, you may decide not to obtain gap insurance. However, the more often you drive in heavy traffic, the more important it is to protect yourself.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Title From a New Car Dealer?

When a dealership facilitates a vehicle purchase, the buyer does not need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer the vehicle title. All paperwork is handled by the selling dealer. Only sales between private parties require a trip to the DMV.

Cash Purchases

When a buyer pays cash for a new car, the title takes up to 20 business days to process, according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Time may vary by state and the backlog at the agencies involved. The title lists you as the owner of the vehicle.

Financed Vehicles

Expect a copy of the paper title within approximately 45 days for a financed vehicle. The car is registered to the car owner, but is titled to the bank or financing company administering the loan. You do not receive a title in your name until the loan obligation is complete. After the final payment, the financing company transfers the title to your name.

Receipt

Leave the dealership with receipt of registration and a copy of the title application. Drivers receive a penalty for driving an untitled vehicle. Proper documentation prevents unnecessary fines and impounding.

The Specifications of a 1989 Ford Mustang

The 1989 Ford Mustang was one of the model-year entries in the third generation of production for the iconic muscle car, which lasted throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. There were two trims: the LX and the GT. The LX was available as a coupe and hatchback, while the GT was available as a hatchback and convertible.

Engine and Transmission

The LX 5.0L coupe, LX 5.0L hatchback, GT hatchback, LX 5.0L convertible and GT convertible trims of the 1989 Ford Mustang had a 4.9-liter, 225-horsepower V8 engine. The rest of the trims came with a less powerful 2.3-liter, 88-horsepower, in-line four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual overdrive was the standard transmission, with the four-speed automatic as an option.

Fuel Economy

With a 15-gallon gas tank, the 1989 Mustangs with the four-cylinder engines got around 23 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and around 29 mpg for highway driving. Those with V-8 engines got around 17 mpg for city driving and 24 mpg for highway driving.

Interior

Only the LX convertible, LX 5.0L convertible and GT convertible trims of the 1989 Ford Mustang had power windows and door locks. The coupe, hatchback and convertible had cabins big enough to fit in up to four people. They also had roughly the same amount of leg room, as well as front shoulder and front hip room. The coupe and hatchback, though, had a little more rear shoulder and rear hip room than the convertible, while the convertible's front and rear headroom surpassed that of the coupe and hatchback.

Exterior

The 1989 Ford Mustang's curb weight ranged from 2,754 to 3,333 pounds, depending on the trim. The vehicle measured 180 inches long, 69 inches wide and 52 inches high. The LX coupe, LX convertible and LX hatchback had 14-inch steel wheels. The LX 5.0L coupe, LX 5.0L hatchback, LX 5.0L convertible, GT convertible and GT hatchback had 15-inch alloy wheels.

Price

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price of the 1989 Ford Mustang ranged from $9,050 for the LX coupe to $17,512 for the GT convertible. As of 2010, most '89 Ford Mustangs can be purchased within the $4,000 to $8,000 range.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Specifications

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid marked the debut model year of the full-size luxury SUV's gas-electric-powered version. Available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, the '09 Escalade Hybrid's defining feature is the "Two-Mode Hybrid System," a gas-electric propulsion system that achieves the fuel-economy equivalent of a mid-size, four-cylinder engine-equipped sedan in city driving.

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

Each 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid comes with a 6-liter V-8 engine, which produces 332 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 367 foot-pounds of torque at 4,100 rpm. Also, the engine has a 5,999cc displacement, a 4-by-3.62-inch bore and stroke, and a 10.8-to-1 compression ratio. Paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox--as well as owning a 26-gallon gas tank--the '09 Escalade Hybrid has a fuel economy of 20/21 mpg.

Interior Space

The '09 Escalade Hybrid has standard seating for up to eight people. In the front, the SUV has 41 inches of headroom and legroom, 65 inches of shoulder room, and 64 inches of hip room. In the back, it has 39 inches of headroom and legroom, 65 inches of shoulder room, and 60 inches of hip room.

Exterior Specifications

A four-door vehicle, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid measures 203 inches long, 79 inches wide and 76 inches high. It also has a 9-inch ground clearance, a 116-inch wheelbase and 22-inch alloy wheels. Possessing a gross vehicle weight rating range of 7,300 to 7,500 lbs., the '09 Escalade Hybrid can tow up to 5,800 lbs.

Used Car Lemon Laws in Massachusetts

Knowing the used car lemon laws in Massachusetts can protect you if something goes wrong with your car (and van, truck or demonstration vehicle) right after purchase. The used car lemon laws apply whether you buy the car from a dealer or a private party, although requirements for dealers are different from requirements for private parties. Demonstrating your knowledge of these laws during the buying process may even prevent you from being sold a lemon.

Function

Thanks to the used-car Lemon Laws (also called the Used Vehicle Warranty Law) in Massachusetts, dealers must provide you with a written warranty that applies to defects that make the car unsafe or unusable. Private parties must disclose any known defects that affect use and safety. If such defects are discovered after the car is purchased, the law calls for repairs, refunds or repurchases. However, it does not cover all vehicles or all defects.

Qualifications

If you're buying a used car, van, truck or demonstration vehicle that is sold by a Massachusetts dealer, costs at least $700 and has 125,000 or fewer miles when sold, then your car is covered. Also, if you buy from a private party, your vehicle is covered by the Lemon Laws, regardless of cost and mileage. Motorcycles, mopeds, leased vehicles and business vehicles and off-road vehicles are not covered.

Remedies Under the Lemon Laws -- Private Parties

If your used car is covered under the Lemon Laws of Massachusetts and you find a defect, you don't automatically get free repairs or get your money back. The defect must significantly impair the vehicle's safety or use. Also, you must prove that the seller knew about the defect and didn't disclose it. If these criteria are met and it's within 30 days of the purchase, you can cancel the sale and are entitled to a refund of the purchase price, less 15 cents per mile used. However, even if the Lemon Law doesn't apply to your car, the "Lemon Aid Law" in Massachusetts may. If your car fails inspection within seven days of purchase, the Lemon Aid Law applies. See below for a link with complete Lemon Aid Law details.

Remedies Under the Lemon Laws -- Dealers

Used cars bought from dealers (anyone who sells four or more vehicles in one year) also have to have defects that significantly impair the safety or use of the vehicle in order for used-car Lemon Laws to apply. Defects aren't covered under Lemon Laws if they only affect appearance, are covered under the vehicle's warranty and repaired, are caused by negligence or abuse, are caused by repair attempts made by someone other than the dealer or are caused by something you did (i.e. installing a stereo system). The Lemon Laws entitle you to a refund if your car was repaired three times for the same defect (significantly affecting use or safety) or if the car was out of service being repaired for a total of 11 business days (Monday through Friday) during the warranty time frame. This includes days that the car was out of service due to the dealer wrongly refusing to repair the defect.

Length of Used-Car Coverage

Used cars are covered for 30 days after purchase if bought from a private party. If you bought your used car from a dealer, your coverage length depends on vehicle mileage at the time it's sold to you. Cars with less than 40,000 miles are covered for 90 days or 3,750 miles (whichever comes first); cars with 40,000 to 79,999 miles are covered for 60 days or 2,500 miles; cars with 80,000 to 124,999 miles are covered for 30 days or 1,250 miles.

Facts About Saturn Automobiles

Saturn was established in 1985 as a subsidiary of General Motors (GM). GM announced in the beginning of 2009 its intent to sell Saturn or, if there was no buyer, to discontinue the brand in 2012. Saturn currently produces a line of cars that range in size from a compact sport car to an SUV crossover.

Production

From 1990 to 2007, Saturn vehicles were produced at Spring Hill Manufacturing, which was solely dedicated to Saturn production. Now the company shares GM factories with other brands.

Crossover

Saturn offers an 8-passenger crossover, the Outlook, that receives 24 mpg on the highway. It also offers a compact crossover, the Vue, that gets 26 mpg on the highway.

Mid-size Sport Sedan

The Aura is Saturn's mid-size four-door sedan offering. It gets an estimated 33 mpg on the highway.

Sport Compact

The Astra is Saturn's hatchback sport compact car. It gets an estimated 32 mpg on the highway.

Roadster

The Sky is a convertible sports car capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has turbo available. The Sky gets an estimated 25 mpg on the highway.

Hybrid

Saturn offers hybrid versions of the Vue and Aura models. These versions get 32 mpg highway (compared to 26) and 34 mpg highway (compared to 33), respectively.

Information on BMW Automatic Transmissions

BMW equips its 2010 and 2011 upper echelon Series 5, 6 and 7, and M sport models with six- or eight-speed automatic, or the sport Steptronic, transmission. BMW engineered each transmission to save fuel but provide exceptional acceleration on the road.

Six-Speed

BMW equips its V-8 and V-12 models with a ZF Friedrichshafen, six-speed automatic with the sixth gear achieving low revolutions while the vehicle is moving at high speeds to increase fuel-efficiency and save wear and tear on the engine. Its gear ratios are a first gear 4.17-to-1, second 2.34-to-1, third 1.00-to-1, fourth 1.14-to-1, fifth 0.87-to-1 and sixth 0.69-to-1, according to BMW.

Steptronic

The six-speed, Steptronic sport automatic is found on high-performance BMWs, such as the Z4 Roadster. It features two structures that allow the transmission to shift from one to the other to provide continuous and uninterrupted power to the wheels from the engine. The driver uses a shift lever or steering wheel paddles to shift. The Steptronic's gear ratios are 4.17-to-1, 2.34-to-1, 1.52-to-1, 1.14-to-1, 0.87-to-1 and 0.69-to-1.

Eight-Speed

The ZF eight-speed automatic provides more fuel and overall performance efficiency than the six-speed version and still maintains a smooth shift between gears. Fuel efficiency is increased by 11 percent. Its gear ratios are 4.71-to-1, 3.14-to-1, 2.11-to-1, 1.67-to-1, 1.29-to-1, 1.00-to-1, 0.84-to-1 and 0.67-to-1.

How to Get Temporary License Plates

When you purchase a car, your license plates may not immediately be available. In this instance, the state will issue you temporary license plates. These plates, often made of paper, are usually valid for 30 to 40 days, or until your actual license plates arrive. In most instances, when you purchase a new car from a dealer they take care of issuing you temporary license plates. However, if you purchase a car from a private individual, you may need to get the plates yourself from your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Instructions

1

Contact your insurance company and let them know you've bought a new car. In most instances, they will be able to transfer your insurance policy over for you.

2

Go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. In many instances, you can schedule an appointment.

3

Apply for a temporary license plate when you register your car. In most instances, this will require proof of insurance, the vehicle title, and a bill of sale indicating sales tax was paid on the vehicle.

4

Pay any applicable fees. Most states require a nominal fee for temporary plates.

5

Display your temporary tag prominently on your vehicle. This could be taped facing outward of the rear window, or secured firmly in the license plate frame.