Friday, December 18, 2009
How To Buy Your Next New Car Online And Get Best Possible Price
http://consumerist.com/2009/12/buy-a-new-car-without-getting-ripped-off.html#comments
It's quick, clear and concise and hits on some great points. Very well done.
Selfishly, almost everything he is touches on are the consumer pain points that led to our creation of AutoBidsOnline.com. Watch the video and pay particular attention to the following:
Says Rob: Give yourself a lot of time - two full weekends.
Says ABOL: Screw that. Use online dealer competition to minimize your time.
Says Rob: Get pre-approved for financing from local bank or credit union.
Says ABOL: Absolutely! The dealer may have better financing but you need to have a pre-approved loan (or cash budget) prior to negotiations.
Says Rob: Don't trade in your old car at the dealership.
Says ABOL: Absolutely - if you have the stomach and financial ability to sell privately. However, if you don't want to go through that hassel, at least get a guaranteed buy bid from CarMax and/or AutoTrader. Your local bank or credit union may give you a bid as well. If the dealer will match your best price, then it will be much easier to trade with the dealer. He does the title work and pays off any existing loan. Just make sure you are getting a reasonable deal before trading with the dealer.
Says Rob: Select 3 (or more) different cars to increase your options.
Says ABOL: Absolutely! It is amazing how emotionally attached people get to a car. Dealers use this to their advantage. However, it is equally amazing how quickly the newness wears off that new car and the emotional attachment withers away. There are very likely several cars in your desired class that will provide similar performance. Try to focus on the one that provides you with the best VALUE and you will be way ahead when it comes time to trade in 2-4 years.
Says Rob: Don't buy a car when you test drive.
Says ABOL: ABSOLUTELY!
Says Rob: Call up to 8-10 dealers to get into a competitive bidding situation.
Says ABOL: Screw that. Submit an anonymous buy bids at AutoBidsOnline and let dealers compete to be the first one to meet it.
Says Rob: Get the "drive it off the lot" price.
Says ABOL: Absolutely. We call it the cash price. If I paid you cash out of my wallet today, how much do I need to hand you to get title to the car?
Says Rob: Stick to your guns!
Says ABOL: Absolutely. However, the beauty of ABOL is the consumer's ability to rate the dealer experience.
Says Rob: Say no in the back room.
Says ABOL: Don't ever ENTER the back room. Arrange for delivery of your new car at your local bank branch, home or office.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Would Hate to Be On This List!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
AutoBidsOnline.com New Car Buyer Survey
It is only 11 questions and will take just a few minutes. We'll also make it worth you while by giving away a $250 gift card in a random drawing of all completed surveys on November 11th.
As always, I appreciate everyone's input!
2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year
Starting at $23k, the Outback packs a 256hp punch with its 3.6L Boxer engine yet still maintains high levels of fuel efficiency, value and a roomy interior.
Read more from our friends at AutoRemarketingToday: http://www.autoremarketing.com/ar/news/story.html?id=10268
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
More Insight on the CARS Debacle
CARS Mess Has Only Just Begun
In their infinite wisdom, the EPA increased the combined MPG on certain vehicles last Friday. What impact did this have on buyers looking to take advantage of the CARS / Cash for Clunkers program?
Plenty as our buddies at Auto Remarketing Today reveal at: http://www.autoremarketing.com/ar/news/story.html?id=9804
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Strong Wholesale Values Foretell Brighter Days Ahead
What does this mean for new car buyer? Quite simply, your trade is worth more today than it was two months ago and you likely have additional room to negotiate a better deal on your next new car.
BB's findings could be a sign of an overall strengthening across both the new and used car markets, but Beggs did not speculate. I think it is the result of more value conscious shoppers eschewing the premium on the purchase price of a new car and turning to the perceived value of late model pre-owned.
Yet many 2008 used cars now cost almost as much to buy as their 2009 counterparts. When that is the case, why on earth would you buy the 08 model?
Additionally, there are a large number of buyers who just do not want to put up with the headache associated with purchasing a used car no matter what the cost. In their minds, the additional security and warranty is worth the additional investment in a new car.
Lastly, it is important to note, there continue to be massive rebates and incentives available on new cars that are just not there for used. $4,000 cash back or 0% financing on 09 Chevy Avalanches and $2,000 cash or 1.9% financing on 2010 Toyota Tundras are just two examples.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Some Possible Protection for Terminated Dealers
Tell me how the reduction of dealers is making Chrysler or GM any additional profit?
Those who contend dealers are a cost center for the OEM's fail to acknowledge the manufacturers pass on virtually EVERY cost associated with supporting the dealer TO THE DEALER. Each month, dealers are assessed for their portion of consumer marketing, sales training, computer software and other systems support.
Dealers are reimbursed for warranty work they provide on behalf of the OEM. But does anyone think a reduction in dealers is going to lead to a reduction in warranty repairs? Of course not. And even if it did, the OEM would be hurt in the long run.
Many of the dealer terminations are nothing more than the OEM using BK law to rid themselves of dealers who do not cow-tow to their parent company's beck and call.
Neil Roland Automotive News July 8, 2009 - 2:44 pm ET WASHINGTON -- Terminated dealerships would be restored to their status before General Motors and Chrysler LLC filed for bankruptcy this spring, under legislation that passed a House committee last night. But the measure could face procedural hurdles.
A provision of the fiscal 2010 financial services spending bill would require GM and Chrysler to work through state courts rather than U.S. Bankruptcy Court if the automakers wanted to continue with the terminations, said Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio. LaTourette sponsored the dealer amendment that passed the House Appropriations Committee by voice vote last night.
He said federal funding to GM and Chrysler would be cut off if they didn't abide by the provisions of the bill."
Car companies have used bankruptcy to run roughshod over state bankruptcy laws," LaTourette said in an interview.
State laws are more protective of dealer rights than are Chapter 11 bankruptcy provisions. GM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy June 1 and is poised to emerge with its most profitable assets and $50 billion in government financing as early as tomorrow.
GM opposes the House bill."Such legislation, if passed, would put our long-term viability at risk," GM spokesman Greg Martin said in an e-mail. "We've taken extraordinary efforts, from product planning to manufacturing to labor agreements, to reinvent the company, and we need a dealer network to match. This legislation seeks to overturn the Bankruptcy Court's decision after the fact to protect a single stakeholder among so many that have been called to sacrifice during our restructuring."
A Chrysler spokesmen did not immediately respond to requests for comment.GM has announced plans to terminate about 2,400 of its 6,000 dealerships. Chrysler has terminated about a quarter of its dealerships -- 789.
The spending bill, with the dealer amendment, is supposed to go to the House floor next Wednesday, LaTourette said. But at that time, the amendment could be subject to lawmaker attempts to excise it. Policy changes such as the dealer provision are not supposed to be included in spending bills, LaTourette said.Some lawmakers will ask the House Rules Committee early next week to issue a rule to protect the bill from so-called "point of order" challenges that would spike the dealer provision, he said.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Best Time Ever?
On this, 2009’s tax day, the national economy is a mess and most question the logic of making a major purchase.
Yet now might very well be the best time ever to buy a new car – IF you can obtain financing.
Most analysts are pointing to the fact there are fabulous deals in this buyer's market. So long as you know where to look and you have a reasonably good and steady financial set up, you can find a great deal on just about anything you want.
The volatility of gas prices and the struggling economy have caused sales to fall and they have fallen faster than automakers have been able to cut production. The result is that dealers are left with burgeoning inventory and they are quite eager to sell.
Estimates for new vehicle sales are still way off compared to recent history. This is noted as the worst rate since World War II but it has a very positive side as well.
In the current market, most anyone can find what they want with a bit of patience. Dealers lots are overflowing with vehicles they’ve been floor-planning for 100’s of days. In fact, the only type of vehicles they are likely to run out of any time soon are pickups and large SUVs which were shunned so quickly in the face of $4 / gallon gasoline.
Certainly, GM and Chrysler are facing financial difficulties serious enough to threaten their very existence. Ford and the others are not far behind. However, you can still find a good deal on a car that will retain its value for many years, allowing you to make a successful sale or trade-in when you decide to get your next new car. You should also look at leasing which will eliminate this risk altogether.
You can make the most of the current climate with AutoBidsOnline.com. Select your vehicle down to the last option and name your price. Dealers who are hungry to make additional sales will compete for your businesss.
By reaching out to dealers through AutoBidsOnline, you dramatically minimize the legwork involved in the deal process and dramatically decrease the risks you face as a potential car buyer.
With AutoBidsOnline, you make it easier for dealers to come to you with the best offers, eliminating the need to reveal personal information.
If you need a new car, there are many reasons to buy now.. Make the most of a true buyer’s market by finding great deals at AutoBidsOnline.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Best New Cars In 2009 And 2010
These vehicles are either completely new, completely redesigned, or significantly changed to stand out in the current market. If you are seriously considering a new car, those listed here might well rank among your top choices.
Acura
2009 Acura RL
2009 Acura RL
2009 Acura TL
2009 Acura TSX
Audi
2009 Audi A4
2009 Audi Q7
2009 Audi TT
Bentley
2009 Bentley Brooklands
BMW
2009 BMW 3 Series
2009 BMW X5
Cadillac
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
2009 Cadillac CTS-V
Chevrolet
2009 Chevrolet Corvette
2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Dodge
2009 Dodge Challenger
2009 Dodge Journey
2009 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500
2009 Dodge Durango
Ford
2009 Ford Flex
2009 Ford F-150
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
2010 Ford Mustang
2009 Ford Taurus
Honda
2009 Honda Fit
2009 Honda Pilot
2010 Honda Insight
HUMMER
2009 Hummer H3T
Hyundai
2009 Hyundai Genesis
2009 Hyundai Sonata
Infiniti
2009 Infiniti FX35
2009 Infiniti FX50
Jaguar
2009 Jaguar XF
Kia
2009 Kia Borrego
Lincoln
2009 Lincoln MKS
Mazda
2009 Mazda 6
Mitsubishi
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
Nissan
2009 Nissan GT-R
2009 Nissan Maxima
2009 Nissan Murano
Pontiac
2009 Pontiac G8
2009 Pontiac Solstice
2009 Pontiac Vibe
Porsche
2009 Porsche 911
Subaru
2009 Subaru Forester
Toyota
2009 Toyota Corolla
2009 Toyota Matrix
2009 Toyota Venza
2009 Toyota Yaris
Volkswagen
2009 Volkswagen Routan
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
2009 Volkswagen CC
Volvo
2010 Volvo XC60
Spend some time at AutoBidsOnline.com and see if any of these cars meet your needs and wants. If you find a car you want, see if you can get pre-approved at a local bank or credit union and submit an anonymous “Buy Bid” to the ABOL Dealer Network.
Dealers will compete in a Reverse Auction to accept your bid ensuring you receive a timely response and the most competitive price possible.
Monday, April 13, 2009
How To Find The Best Car For You
Step 1: Decide what kind of car you need. Start by examining your needs rather than your wants. Think about how you are going to use your car:
· How many people do you need to transport?
· What kind of driving do you need to do most often?
· How long is your commute?
· Manual or automatic transmission?
· Four-wheel or all-wheel drive?
· What safety features do you need and want?
· Do you need cargo-carrying capacity?
· Do you need to tow anything?
· Do you have a garage or parking area to fit your car?
Step 2: Determine how much you can afford and secure third-party financing. A good rule of thumb is your car payment should not exceed 20 percent of your monthly income.
Step 3: Seriously consider leasing! Keep in mind that a lease requires little or no money up front. It also offers lower monthly payments – most times as much as 40-50%! The obvious downside is that when the lease ends, you will not have a car at the end of it but if you trade your car every 3-5 years, this becomes a moot point. And yes, you can lease a pre-owned car too.
Step 4: Use the internet to research all vehicles in your desired class. There are numerous products and deals in each vehicle segment and designs, features and functions are changing at a rapid pace. Spend time online to compare them all and don’t give in to familiarity and frustration.
Step 5: Test drive if you like. Most people will not buy a car without test driving it first. However, this is not mandatory! You are already protected by Lemon Laws in most states and the quality and drivability of vehicles across the board are better than ever. Take advantage of online reviews and learn from others. Why spend your valuable time traveling to multiple dealerhsips only to endure “buy-it-now” pressure from each of them?
Step 6: Determine your vehicle’s options. Once you have selected your desired vehicle, take a good look at the option packages. Don’t settle for a vehicle that may have extraneous and unneeded options just because a dealer has it in inventory. Spend the time to find the EXACT car you are looking for!
Step 7: Use AutoBidsOnline.com to post the details of the car you want to buy and how much you are willing to pay for it. Let the dealers find the exact car you are looking for and really compete for your business.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Why You Should Hunt for Your Auto Loan Online…And Have It Ready Before You Start Shopping!
Another advantage is you can generally get the lowest auto loan rates from online lenders. Many online loan companies offer a means of comparing automobile loan rates from many loan company's websites.
With online auto loans, you generally do not have to pay any sort of processing or application.
Online auto loans also give you the chance to research what type of car you want to buy. You can find a good price for your chosen make and model, and review interest rates before you even consider approaching a dealer. You can almost always get a better deal when you have the facts and figures relevant to your situation.
Keep in mind another time saving tip: you should only have to fill out one loan application to apply for your auto loan online. You can send a single loan application to multiple dealers in no time at all and receive responses in no time.
You should, of course, take your time to review every response you receive, no matter how appealing it looks at first glance. Do not let anyone rush you at any stage of the car buying process, particularly at this crucial point.
Your auto loan (or lease) is absolutely crucial to whether or not you secure a good deal. Lose focus here and you will regret it. At least, your pocket book will.
By getting an auto loan online, you not only minimize the amount of time and effort required to get through the details, you also dramatically increase your chances of securing the best deal.
The College Grad’s Guide to Car Buying
Fortunately, there are tons of special incentives for recent college graduates. Most automakers offer incentive programs for college grads. The little known specials are rarely advertised. Nevertheless, applied properly, they can lead to big savings on new cars.
Since most incentives aimed at college graduates can usually be combined with other incentives, they can be particularly beneficial.
Among the top deals for college graduates start with one or two packages for which full-time college students are also eligible.
In the past, Ford has offered a discount of $500 on select models of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. Toyota/Scion has offered a similar discount of $400 against the purchase of select Toyotas and Scions. The Toyota/Scion package even included one year of free roadside assistance.
Generally, students or recent graduates are eligible for these deals. It is necessary to provide proof of graduation or student status to qualify for the discounts.
Although the top vehicles and the best incentives vary from year to year, the top deals from 2007 to 2008 are quite representative.
The top ten deals for 2007 and 2008 were as follows:
1. 2007 Suzuki SX4 priced at $14,999.
2. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution priced a t $28,679.
3. 2008 Scion xB priced at $15,650.
4. 2007 Kia Rio priced at $10,770.
5. 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid priced at $25,075.
6. 2007 Nissan Versa priced at $12,550.
7. 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander priced at $21,370.
8. 2008 Scion tC priced at $15,300.
9. 2007 Ford Mustang priced at $19,250.
10. 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara priced at $19,379
Anyone who is still in college or who has recently graduated should specifically research deals for college graduates and students when it comes to auto loans. Since college is particularly expensive, it is definitely advantageous to be able to save any money you can on the purchase of a car. With student debts, the last thing you want is to increase what you owe. That said, college graduates and even many students need cars. Most college graduates need to have an attractive car to fit with a new job.
Searching for a car online at AutoBidsOnline, you should be sure to specify that you are interested in receiving information about any incentives for which you qualify based on your status as a recent college graduate or your status as a student.
You should also ask about financing in relation to any such incentives since many packages require you to use a particular organization for financing any auto loan if you want to qualify for any related discount.
