Monday, September 20, 2010

Trade-In Tip #1

Have your car cleaned before you go shopping. A clean trade-in can be sold right away giving the dealer more incentive to make a better deal.(you can figure at least $500.00 increased value; the less the used car manager has to do to make your car ready for his lot or possibly do a quick sale to a wholesaler or another store, the more money for you!)

Friday, September 17, 2010

National Specials, best time to buy or lease.

 When buying or leasing, take advantage of any national special.....you really can't buy or lease for any less.

The residual value (projected value) for any car is highest at the beginning of the model year. As the year progresses, the projected value drops because all vehicles depreciate (lose value) as they get older.This value is adjusted monthly but generally changes quarterly (every three months).You're only paying for the value of the car that is calculated for use during that specific term & mileage.

The manufacturers can only offer lease cash or change the money factor (cost of use of money similar to an interest rate on a purchase), to keep that low advertised price. These are gifts from the automakers; the dealerships can only hope you add an option or two to make anything other than a unit for their quota.

If you see a lower advertised price, the dealer is changing the terms and conditions by usually requiring more money down or requiring an off the charts credit score.

Just want to buy? The cap cost (price used to start the depreciation in a lease), is generally disclosed in the lease advertisement....dirt cheap. :)  ENJOY!