Try to give up a couple of days of driving.

I've been in a situation that has allowed me to drive less. You would be surprised on how much driving is done that is really unnecessary.I challenge you to drive a couple of days less a week. With fuel prices on the rise you'll save money. I like to walk or ride my bicycle as an alternative to driving.  Fuel prices would drop at least 30-40%. That's just my guess and opinion.

Do advanced research!

The most important thing to consider is your budget, needs AND your happiness! Color or how much of a discount is offered should be last. (Vehicles with huge rebates indicate that there is a problem with the demand or surplus of inventory despite being a good vehicle. Go for it if that's what fits your ...a lot of times it's a result of an overproduction or lack of parts for the more upgraded models.) Remember the manufacturers focus is on your satisfaction and return business for sales and service! Dealers included!

1. The dealerships have all the information that you need to make a wise purchase although there are books, magazines and internet sources to confirm or further your information gathering. Drive the vehicle.

Engine Antifreeze and Coolant

There are different types of antifreeze and coolant products that are required for engines. ALWAYS check the owners manual for the proper antifreeze and coolant products that are made for your car. For example; using the wrong antifreeze and coolant and can cause the engine head gaskets to decay  leading to engine failure.

Frozen windshield wipers.

Posting up the wiper blades before the recent storm saved many a trip to the dealership for replacements or possibly a new wiper motor. If you don't get a chance; you'll have to patiently wait for the vehicle to warm up.Turning the blades on while frozen to the car may damage the blades as well as the wiper blade motor. Ice scrappers also damage the blades if not used properly.

Odors / non-human source

There are mainly 2 other sources, a clogged in the vehicles ventilation systems or animal intrusion.

Ventilation caused odors if caught early can be handled with a system disinfectant that all manufacturers have in the parts department. It is best if a trained technician handles the procedure.(most of the time a evaporator hose needs to be unclogged or a related function needs to be performed.) If  the system has gone a while with a build up of the fungus due to sitting moisture; you may have a big problem. I've seen the entire vehicle stripped, rebuilt with new carpeting and seats. It still smelled, probably coming from the headliner or ventilation system.

Animal intrusion happens generally when the little critters are looking for nesting spot. They end up under the hood, sometimes chewing up wires and can usually be cleaned out. If they get too comfy and get further into the ventilation system, you may have quite a project.This is rare and usually happens in the fall or when a vehicle is not stored properly. 

Odors / occupant caused

The general source location of car odors are from some type of spillage or smoking in the car. The vehicles really needs a good cleaning, but a few ways to help would be to open a baking soda box designed for refrigerators with vents. Placing under the seats or on the back seat floor are typical locations. Keep the windows rolled up...it's not a cure all, but you'd be surprised on how well it works. Vinegar in an open bowl works well for an over night treatment, but limits the time of application because of spillage if the vehicle is driven.Want to spend a little money; try an air ionizer. Run the ionizer as directed and you should get pretty good results.(I personally  clean, then apply Odor Ban full strength.It disinfects and leaves the car in a neutral non perfumed condition, then baking soda under the seat for on going protection as I do for my home refrigerator.)

 The bottom line is that the car should be cleaned, then treated.(Professional company solutions included mixing different enzymes for different spills...remember that smell is coming from mold growth.) 

 These treatments avoid the always available masking perfume, smelly stuff. Pick your favorite fruit or smell and enjoy! There is just about any fragrance you can imagine, spray on,string danglers...you name it, they're available and very popular.

New & Used Cars for Sale, Auto Dealers, Car Reviews and Car Finance Advice

New & Used Cars for Sale, Auto Dealers, Car Reviews and Car Finance Advice

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!)

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!