Tips for Handling Car Dealers

Choosing car dealers is an involved process. For many of us, it takes months of planning and research. According to Dealerfresh, nearly half of us spend between one and three months shopping before making a purchase, and 83% of us conduct online research before settling on where to buy a vehicle. With all this preparation, it's possible to come out of the deal with exactly what we want. But spending time on the process can be extremely frustrating. Buyers report that their top concern when buying a vehicle is dealing with the sales staff. If you're worried, here are a few tips on how to handle common situations.

Clever Wordplay

Car dealers hire people who are good at making convincing pitches; that is, after all, what makes a good salesperson. For example, instead of greeting you with "Can I help you today?" the salesperson might present a leading question, like "What kind of car are you looking to buy today?" This makes it more difficult for you to answer with "I'm just browsing." No matter how you answer the leading question, the doors are open for them to guide you around the lot. So much for a peaceful look.

Although this forwardness does make some people feel uncomfortable, don't resort to hostility. Remember that while they're trying to help, they're also doing a job. First, be polite but firm. Tell them that you want to browse first, but that you'll find them when you are ready. Second, prepare questions to ask the salesperson, so you can feel comfortable talking about your options. If, after following this advice, you still feel uncomfortable, then it's time to trust your instincts and walk away.

Pricing Strategies and Tactics

If you're looking to trade-in a vehicle, someone from the dealership is going to look it over and appraise it. During the examination, they will be looking for any obvious signs of wear, neglect, or damage to point out to you. They do this so that, when they make their opening offer, they can name the lowest price possible. Remember, there's nothing wrong with immediately counter-offering-as long as you have a reasonable idea of what your car is worth to them. Take it to a disinterested party for an appraisal and check the blue book value. However, remember that, as middle men, car dealers will never pay as much as an independent buyer.

Car dealers almost always advertise in terms of monthly payments instead of the total price. If you see that a vehicle is priced for $27,059, it may deter you from coming in. However, seeing that "you can drive home right now" for $229/month might sound more appealing. So be sure to set a budget before shopping and stick to it.

Always show up prepared. Car dealers have their agenda (to sell you on something) and you have yours (to buy something). They do not want you to walk away. Negotiating is rather simple when you walk into the situation with a game plan at the ready. Just remember, look out for clever wordplay, do not be afraid to say no, and set a firm budget before shopping.

Good luck!

5 Insane Driving Laws From Around the World

These laws, however, are nothing compared to the bemusing road laws that can be found around the world. While we might see a lot of our laws of the road unnecessary, most of these seem downright pointless!

Russia Does Not Like Dirty Cars

For reasons that are only obvious to those inside the Kremlin, Russia have a law that states if you car is considered dirty by officials, you can be fined around 2000 rubles (£85) on the spot. Russian citizens have stated that they think this is just a way to gauge more money in fines from unsuspecting motorists. In any case, if you haven't given your bonnet a good wax and shine in a while, it is probably best to stay away from Russia.

You Are Banned From Driving On Certain Weekdays in Manila

In what seems like one of the most arbitrary rules in road law history, the capital city of the Philippines bans drivers from using their vehicles depending on the last letters of their licence plates. This is apparently in response to the terrible driving conditions across the city, where red lights are just a suggestion to stop and lanes are there to be changed as much and as fast as possible.

Don't Honk Your Horn near Sandwiches in Arkansas

Inexplicably, it is illegal to honk your horn near a shop that sells sandwiches or cold drinks after 9 pm in Arkansas. When researching this law, I couldn't find one explanation of why it was brought in and why no one pointed out how stupid it is. Thinking about this leaves the mind reeling with so many questions; why is it so specific about the temperature of drinks? What does car horns have to do with food? Was this a serious problem in Arkansas that needed to be stamped out?!

Drunks Can Only Sit in the Back in Macedonia

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a pretty sensible law; you lose a lot of your sense of judgement while drunk and turn into an overconfident idiot. Less sensible, however, is the decision to make sitting in the front seat passenger seat of a car while intoxicated illegal. While it could be argued that being driving even close to the wheel of a car is dangerous, I don't think this is the case. Instead, this was probably invented by someone who likes a bit to drink and then to have a lie down in the back seat of a car while being chauffeured around.

In New Jersey You Cannot Pump Your Own Gas

Filling up your tank with petrol is by no means a difficult task, so it is difficult to fully understand the purpose of a petrol attendant. Surely, most people of perfectly capable of doing this themselves? New Jersey doesn't think so, as there is actually a law that requires every petrol station to employ an attendant to pump your gas. Some argue that this is a way of forcing job creation within the economy, but opponent of this argue that the money spent on this should be spent on more purposeful jobs, such as city beautification.

Three Things To Consider With Car Financing

Buying an automobile is the biggest purchase, other than a house, that most people ever make. Due to the high cost of automobiles, most people need a loan to complete the transaction. Here are three things that buyers should consider before they sign any car financing papers.

Other Loan Options

Many people will go to an auto dealership, pick out the model in their price range, and begin negotiating with a salesman. What people do not realize is that dealerships are limited in the deals they can offer by their own banks. While many salesmen would love to offer every customer zero percent financing for six years, they just can't. In order to save money and increase their power during negotiations, buyers need to secure outside car financing before they ever walk onto the dealership. This can commonly be achieved through your bank or local credit union. In some cases, you might be able to obtain a better rate from your own institution.

Consider Leasing

If you purchase a new vehicle every few years, it is possible that leasing an automobile might be a better option for you. Monthly leasing rates are generally lower than purchase rates. Furthermore, you generally get to drive a more expensive model than you would be able to buy outright. On the downside, when your lease term ends, you do not own the vehicle. Also, if you drive long distances, your lease might penalize you for going over the yearly mileage allotment. Whichever choice is better for you, it is good to consider leasing as a potential car financing option.

New Versus Used

When purchasing a sedan, truck, or SUV, one of the first choices people have to make is whether to buy new or used. New models offer the latest technology, a warranty, and will often have attractive loan terms available through the dealership. Used vehicles can offer much of the performance and reliability of new autos, for a lower initial cost. The average cost of a new model is roughly $30,000, while a used auto will run about $15,000. If the purchase will use up most or all of your disposable income, a new vehicle's warranty will ensure you are not faced with any unexpected repairs. On the other hand, if you can set aside some of the money a used auto will save you, the car financing payments will be lower, and you can deal with any fixes needed. Finally, the average driver of a new vehicle will own it for about six years, while the average driver of a used vehicle will own it for a little less than four years.

How To Adjust A 2-Cycle Carburetor

A two cycle engine is an engine that has a complete power cycle in the two piston strokes, namely the upper stroke and the down stroke. The upper cycle compresses the fuel mixture and ignites it at the stroke top. It is exhausted when the down stroke begins. A new fuel mixture gets introduced at the bottom of the down stroke into the cylinder and the cycle begins all over again.

A 2-cycle carburetor tends to be common in small engines popular in homes and gardens as well as recreational equipment segments. You will find these carburetors in snowmobiles, boat motors, lawn trimmers that are gas powered and chainsaws among others. The engines have fewer moving parts, making them much lighter compared to 4-stroke engines. But, why should the carburetor be adjusted?

· Carburetor adjustment is very important because over the time the screws get loose.

· Fuel mixtures also make slight changes to the trimmer head. Considering that the settings of the carburetor affect trimmer performance, the right adjustments need to be made to perfect the performance.

· The adjustment is necessary when there is a carburetor replacement or an installation of a rebuild kit or if the engine does not seem to run effectively any more.

· The adjustment ensures a smooth running of the engine and it should also be coupled with cleaning because a clogged air filter and deposits within the carburetor could also greatly affect the performance of the engine.

Contrary to what many people might think, the adjustment is not that hard. It sure might seem challenging at first, but using the right carburetor adjustment tool, you will not need a mechanic or an engine expert to do the work for you. You can get the special carb adjusting tool for your Poulan, Craftsman, Zama, Weedeater and Husqvarana engines from reputable sites. The adjustment tool is not that hard to use and therefore using a few guiding steps you will manage to adjust the carburetor and have your engine running as smoothly and efficiently as it really should. Here is how you can adjust your 2 cycle carburetor:

Step 1 - Identity the high speed and idle screws on the carb. They are labeled H and L so this should really not be hard for you to identify. You will also see the third screw marked T and this is the throttle screw which determines how fast the unit idles when the carb has been adjusted.

Step 2 - Ensure that the H and L screws are completely closed before you then open them two turns each using your carburetor adjustment tool.

Step 3 - Crank the motor and let the unit warm up, then turn the choke lever to have the unit running. You might need to open the unit by depressing the throttle.

Step 4 - With the unit idling by itself, slowly turn the idle screw in till your unit starts dying, then stop the turning and back the screw out at least to a quarter or half turn to the suitable position.

Step 5 - Holding the throttle wide open, slowly start turning the high speed screw in until you can hear your engine beginning to smoothen out and to rev high. Back the screw out again when the engine starts pitching until the unit starts slowing down or running rough. Let the high speed screw remain in the middle of the high and low point you have found. You can easily tell the best point by being keen on where the unit runs smoothly.

Step 6 - After you have set the operating speed of your 2 cycle engine, allow the engine to go back idle. If there is smooth idling without any stumble or stall, then your adjustment has been a success. If there is a stumbling of the engine, then you might need to continue with the adjustments until you get a smooth idle. The engine should not feel like it will stall and neither should the idle feel like its racing; find a smooth balance.

Adjusting a 2 cycle carburetor can be frustrating in the beginning and it might take a little while to perfect. It is therefore advisable that you take things slow and restart the process until you finally get it right. For your safety when adjusting the carburetor, ensure that you wear protective gear, which can include a long sleeve shirt, safety glasses, leather gloves, closed toe shoes and long pants. Ensure that you are also using the right and high quality adjustment tool for the task.

Top 6 Questions to Ask When Browsing for Used Cars

Purchasing used cars instead of new vehicles is a great way to save money, whether you're looking for a starter vehicle for your teenager or a second automobile for the family. Before signing on the dotted line and bringing your new baby home with you, you'll want to ask a few questions to make sure the car is the best value for your budget.

Is it a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?

Used cars that have minimal miles on them and are just a few years old typically qualify for certification as a pre-owned vehicle. These autos are tested and given warranties, which means that if anything goes wrong, you won't have to pay an arm and a leg to have it fixed.

Does it Come With a CARFAX History Report?

Not all of the inventory on the lot will come with a CARFAX history report, but if the company provides one, you should take them up on it. This document will reveal any known accidents the car was involved in, as well as any maintenance or repairs that were performed. You can use this information to better inspect the vehicle - especially the areas that may have been hit by another driver.

What is its Kelley Blue Book Value?

The Kelley Blue Book is one of the most reliable resources you'll have at your disposal when shopping for used cars. Use this tool to find the approximate value of the vehicle you are considering buying. Make sure you type in the make, model, year, and mileage to get an accurate assessment. If the automobile you are interested in is priced too high, you can use the Kelley Blue Book value to negotiate a better deal.

What is the Condition of the Automobile's Interior?

It's always important to look at a vehicle's interior. If you find that it has an unpleasant odor, a great deal of stains, or any rips in the fabric, the car was probably not being properly taken care of. From that information, you can only imagine what was done to the engine and brakes.

Are Repairs Needed?

Ask the dealer if there are any known repairs that need to be made. When buying used, it's likely that you'll have to fix something. Knowing what repairs need to be made can help you decide if the purchase is worth it. Certain items you can determine for yourself. For example, turn the heat on to see if it works and try opening and closing all of the windows.

What Kind of Gas Mileage does the Vehicle Get?

Finally, ask the sales representative what kind of gas mileage the particular car you're looking at gets. If he or she doesn't know, try looking up the make and model online to see an average. Buying a gas hog may save you money upfront, but in the long run, it could bleed you dry.

Tips On How to Negotiate With Car Dealers

So it's time for a new car, and instead of using Craigslist or eBay, you've chosen to go the old-fashioned route and visit a dealership. Whether you're buying a new or used vehicle, buying it from a dealership is a great route, as it allows for financing, warranties, and maintenance options. However, buying vehicles from car dealers can end up being more expensive than you want when it really doesn't have to be. Understanding a few aspects of the purchasing process will be beneficial to all parties involved and will ensure that you get the best deal you can get.

1. Know When to Lease and When to Buy

This decision is one that can save you lots of money and hassle over time. The bottom line is quite simple; if a vehicle is going to appreciate in value, buy it. If it is going to depreciate, lease it. Leasing keeps your monthly payments manageable. If you know your car is only going to go down in value, leasing is the way to go. Leasing also typically comes with some sort of maintenance plan, and it allows you to upgrade your ride every few years. If you're going to buy a car, you should be sure that it will become more valuable in the future. Otherwise, you will end up losing money on repair costs and other maintenance related issues.

2. Always Negotiate

When you walk into a dealership, you should do so with your bargaining shoes on. Have it in your mind that the price you see on the window is not the price you are actually going to pay. Do some research before you go. Weigh your options. Find out what the vehicle is selling for elsewhere and use that information to your advantage. Come up with a price that you feel comfortable paying and push that. Try your best not to budge. Car dealers are ready and willing to work with you, and together you can find a happy medium.

3. Don't Expect to Get an Unbelievable Deal

If you are looking for the best possible deal, you are better off searching online for vehicles being sold directly by their owners. Buying from car dealers will almost always be more expensive, but the experience comes with lots of conveniences. First of all, dealerships have wide selections of vehicles that they allow you to test-drive and compare. This helps ensure that you find exactly the vehicle you want. Also, buying from a dealer often comes with maintenance deals that keep your future repair costs, oil changes, and other services cheaper in the long run. Finally, dealerships allow you to finance your vehicle. This option is appealing to people who don't have a lump sum to shell out for a new ride all at once. You will be hard pressed to find this option in the sell-by-owner market.

5 Tips for Getting Auto Service for Your Vehicle

Every model and make has its own nuances and every vehicle obviously has its own needs and requirements with respect to maintenance. Each and every part of your car is important and this means that you must give attention to all of them. This article will help you to understand how to maintain and service the parts of your car one by one.

1. Tyres and wheels

You need to rotate your tyres every 5,000 miles or every 8,000 km. cleaning the break dust off on a regular basis can also prove to be an important task. This is mainly because this break dust contains various sorts of nasty stuff. Also check the pressure of your tyre from time to time.

2. Engine

Engine is obviously the most important part of your vehicle or auto. Thus it is necessary to understand all the parts of your engine itself in order to create a good impact on your vehicle. Check your belts as often as possible and in order to maintain a good fuel economy rate, you should also check the pressure of your tyres. These checks are important for the long term wellness of your vehicle.

3. Keep a track of your oil level

This can easily be described as something that everyone does. It is easy and quick and you can determine whether your engine requires any oil or not. The oil should not be too low or too high as it can cause certain problems to your car. Wait until your engine has cooled down after you have parked on level ground in order to determine whether your vehicle requires oil or not.

4. Painting needs

According to experts, you should only choose a superior detailing to fulfill the interior as well as exterior needs of your car. There are also plenty of decent polishes and waxes on this market today and in case the last time that you waxed or polished your car was over a decade ago then it means that things have changed in a considerable manner.

5. Lights

Replace your lights at least every 4 months. This is because you never know when they will get fused. Replace them before you go on a long distance travel because in the night if they get fused you will be in a whole lot of trouble or problems. It is one of the important things to remember.