Test Drive a Used Car

Whether you shop for a used car through a dealer or a private party, you will want to get behind the wheel and take the car for a spin. Individual owners may be reluctant to allow you to drive the car by yourself. If that is the case, agree to have them accompany you in the passenger seat but don't allow them to have a running conversation with you as you drive along. This is perhaps your only opportunity to really check the car out before you make a decision to buy or not.

Dealers are accustomed to having people test drive their vehicles; they will have their own requirements for letting you behind the wheel. In either case, be sure to bring along your valid driver's license, another form of photo identification, and information on your insurance provider for good measure. Be sure to generally allow 20-30 minutes with you behind the wheel in order to get a full picture of the car's performance.

You can print out a copy of a test drive worksheet so you won't forget what to check.

Pre-Trip Inspection For Used Cars

Before you even get into the vehicle, do a little preliminary check:

• Are the tires in safe condition―no cracks, splits or excessive wear?

As you slide into the driver's seat, there are a number of things to consider even before you turn on the ignition:

• Is the car in overall good condition?

• Are the seats, carpets, switches, mirrors and headliners all in acceptable shape?

• Is the seat comfortable, evenly padded, in good repair, and adjustable?

• Does the car provide the primary driver with an unobstructed 360-degree view?

• Do the safety features work―horn, headlights, emergency brake, seat belts, and windshield wipers?

During a Used Car Test Drive

Once you have settled in, adjusted the seat and mirrors, and fastened your seatbelt, you can begin your actual road test:

• Is the car easy to start?

• Does it turn over on the first try?

• Are the gears (manual transmission) easy to shift?

• Is the clutch easy to engage with no abnormal sounds or hesitation?

• In an automatic transmission, does the car move smoothly from gear to gear?

• Is there any unusual noise or hesitation while changing gears?

• Are the brakes strong?

• Is there a pull to either side as you step on the brakes?

• On the freeway, does the car have good acceleration?

• Can it easily reach speeds in order to merge with the flow of traffic?

• Do the turn signals work?

• Is the car easy to maneuver during lane changes?

• Are there any blind spots?

• Does the cruise control work?

• Around town, does the car handle well and idle steadily during stops?

• Is the acceleration strong starting off on a green light?

• Is the car easy to park in a number of types of parking spots?

• Do the air conditioning and heating systems function properly?

During a quiet moment, listen for any strange sounds:

• Does the wind whistle through windows that can't quite close all the way?

• If there is a moon or sunroof, is air coming through even when closed?

Check the sound system, if that is an important feature to you:

• Is the radio reception unclear?

• Is the CD or DVD player functional? (You may want to bring one along just for a test.)

Post-Trip Review Of Used Cars

Back at the dealer lot or the seller's home, you should take a few minutes to walk around, crawl under, and pop the hood of the car. Check to see if there is any dripping fluid, smoke billowing from the exhaust system, or any build up of dirt and grime on and around the engine.

If you are testing a car for sale by an individual, it is also good practice to ask to see their file of maintenance records and any receipts of auto parts and repairs. Most people keep many of these records, and if the seller claims not to have any at all, you may want to view the car with a degree of skepticism.

Ask how long they have owned the vehicle―if they haven't owned it very long, request the previous owner's name and phone number and give them a call. There may be real reasons why the latest owner is disappointed with the car and wanting to sell it right away.

Order A Vehicle History Report

Regardless of whether you are shopping through an individual or a dealer, it is wise to jot down the Vehicle Registration Number (VIN) and run a vehicle history report through DMV.org. For a nominal fee these reports will provide you with a wealth of information on this unique vehicle.

The report will show you if the car has a valid title, if the car has been involved in a serious accident (or flood or fire), how many times the vehicle has changed hands, and when and where the car was built. Knowing this information may not necessarily change your mind about buying the car, but at least you will have the facts from which to base your decision.

Get A Mechanic's Inspection

It is important to have any car you consider purchasing checked out by an independent mechanic. A reasonably priced diagnostic report can save you from buying a car that will cost you a lot of money down the road. Private owners won't usually balk at the idea of you taking the car to your local mechanic, but if they do, there are mobile units that will come to where the car is located.

Sometimes car dealers will discourage you from taking the car to an independent mechanic; they may say that it is unnecessary because it has already been cleared by its own service department. If you trust the dealer, it may be enough to request a copy of the service department's findings, but now is the time to make a written list of any problems you have identified. Negotiating who will be responsible for the correction of these problems now becomes a bargaining chip when it comes to closing the deal.

Written by DMV.ORG

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Did you know there are more used cars on the market today than ever? And, that the general quality level of these cars is higher, too?

That’s due to a few factors, including the popularity of leased cars. So, when you combine the amount of used cars available with the overall improved condition of these cars, plenty of outstanding values abound, just waiting for you to find them.

But, many buyers hesitate to consider the used car market because of its dubious past, and the fear of dealing with the unknown. Certified pre-owned (CPO) programs address many of these concerns, and present a sound option for many car buyers.

What is a CPO Vehicle?

These cars have been inspected and repaired by a mechanic and given some sort of guarantee or warranty.

The quality of the inspections, repairs, and warranties varies widely. Inspections differ in the number of aspects that are checked. Repairs vary as to what gets fixed and to what extent. (Some programs offer “reconditioning” which brings the car back to “like new” status, while others don’t promise this.) Warranties differ due to who is backing them―the dealer or the manufacturer―and the terms of the guarantee.

What Pre-Owned Programs are Best?

Most industry experts favor factory-based CPO vehicles. Generally, these vehicles face more stringent standards, and undergo more thorough inspections and repairs. Because the warranty is backed by the manufacturer, you typically have a much wider selection of repair locations than with dealer-backed warranties. And, unlike most dealer warranties, you don’t have to buy the warranty.

What You'll Get With a CPO Vehicle

Almost all CPO programs mention how many “points” or aspects of the vehicle they check. While a 150-point inspection may sound more thorough than a 300-point check-up, don’t be misled. Many of these inspections cover the same things; it’s just that the inspection points are calculated differently.

The best way to judge the comprehensiveness of an inspection is simply to ask exactly what is being reviewed, and compare your findings with other programs.

Warranties vary wildly in terms of what they cover, the length of coverage, and the cost to you. Protection can run from a single year to several, and the mileage allowance differs greatly, too. Deductibles range from nothing to a few hundred dollars. Also, many warranties begin after the car’s original warranty expires.

Quite a few pre-owned autos come with nice extras, like a free vehicle history report and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Should You Buy a CPO Vehicle?

Pre-owned programs make a lot of sense for most people. They offer cars that have already been inspected and repaired, and come with an additional warranty that can protect you from major repair bills―at least for a length of time.

They also provide a peace of mind and convenience generally not found when simply buying any used car off a lot or from a private seller. And, if you decide to sell the car, the certified/warranty aspect can facilitate the sale.

However, cars backed with CPO programs tend to have higher price tags.

Additionally, your mechanic could simply inspect a non-certified car and, if repairs are needed, you could use these findings to negotiate a lower purchase price. Then, if you prefer, you could buy an extended warranty from the dealer or a third-party provider, and essentially build your owned certified program.

Written by DMV.ORG

Dealer Versus Private Party Purchases

Choosing Between Car Dealers and Private Sellers

Whether you buy from a dealer or a private party, both require equal amounts of diligence on your behalf, including running vehicle history reports/VIN checks, comparing prices, working out financing, weighing car insurance costs, and inspecting and test driving the vehicle. If you're shopping for similar vehicles at similar prices, consider the following tips to help decide whether to go with a dealer or a private party.

Each choice may come with a variety of pros and cons, and the deciding factors will ultimately be based upon your specific circumstances and the specific vehicle you are shopping for.

As you narrow down your car search, your options between buying from a car dealership or a private party will become more clear.

On this page, you'll find a breakdown of some of the general pros and cons of each purchasing option. While each point may not be applicable to every car buying situation, they may serve to help you further evaluate your choices and eventually find the car that is right for you.

Buying a Car from a Dealership

Purchasing a car from a dealership can often be the simplest option for some buyers. Dealerships can also be a great place to begin shopping for a car. However, before you sign off on a lease or purchase a new car on the dealer's lot, you should think about the pros and cons that may apply to your situation.

Dealer Pros

Some of the pros of buying from a car dealership include:

• Dealers must adhere to stringent operating/selling procedures. This means you're less likely to be cheated or burdened with a lemon.
• Dealers provide warranties on vehicles, often new or used.
• Dealers offer financing options.
• Dealers can be easily contacted should problems arise.
• Vehicles are inspected by certified trained technicians.
• Dealers offer certified cars.
• Car dealerships will usually help you with your state DMV's titling and registration process.
• You have the choice between a variety of cars in one location.

Dealer Cons

Some of the cons that may come with buying a car from a dealer may include:

• Higher prices and less room for negotiating.
• Must deal with professional sales teams, reliant upon commissions.
• It can be easy to get caught up in holiday specials, sales pitches, and signing incentives.

Buying a Car from a Private Party

Buying a car from a private seller can sometimes place a little more leg-work on the buyer. You'll have to search through classified ads and car listing websites or find a seller through word-of-mouth from a friend or family member. Before shaking the seller's hand and signing a check, it's important to weigh the possible pros and cons of a buying a car from a private seller.

Private Party Pros

If you're buying from a private seller, some of the pros include:

• More room for price negotiating. You may be able to get closer to a price that works for you.
• No high-pressure sales pitches.
• Lower starting prices.

Private Party Cons

Some of the cons of purchasing a car from a private seller can include:

• Dealing with an unknown person, not bound to Federal Trade Commission rules.
• No warranties on the vehicle. Private parties are more likely to sell the car "as is."
• No trade options. You'll probably need to pay the asking price in full at the time of purchase.
• You must complete and submit most of the paperwork yourself. This may include title transfers, a bill of sale, registration documents, etc.
• Limited to seller's time schedule for inspecting the vehicle.
• You may have to travel a long distance just to see a single vehicle.

Written by DMV.ORG

Buying a Car Online

Shopping for a Vehicle Online

The Internet has revolutionized car shopping. More and more car purchases are now completed online. It offers convenience, lightning-quick comparison shopping and, best of all, savings. Dealership Internet sales departments garner their commissions based on volume rather than price, making the Internet a car-buyer's market.

Even if you don't end up buying a vehicle online, shopping for a car online will allow you to get an idea of the current price ranges and exactly what you are looking for in a car.

On this page you'll find a general overview of online car shopping and some things to think about before you buy.

Online Car Shopping is Easy

Shopping for Used Cars Online

If you're looking for a used car, here's what to do:

1. Visit an online car sales website.
2. Depending on the site, choose your preferred vehicle by make, price, or category (compact, pickup truck, convertible, etc.).
3. Make your selection and type in your zip code.
4. A list of vehicles matching your choice will appear, displaying photos, usually several from different angles, and pertinent information like make, model, mileage, price, and contact numbers.
5. After choosing a vehicle, you'll be given the choice to either call or e-mail the dealership, expressing your interest.
6. If you're certain the vehicle is right for you, you can purchase it online. Although, it is highly recommend to visit the dealership and test drive the car before making a final decision.

Shopping for New Cars Online

The process for shopping for a new car online is identical to buying a used car, only you have more websites to choose from. In addition to car dealership websites, you can also directly shop and order from a car manufacturer's website, allowing you to customize color and accessory choices. You can find more information on our Buying Online or at the Dealership page.

Once You Choose a Vehicle―Order a VIN Check

After deciding on a vehicle, make an arrangement for a test drive. While doing so, ask to inspect the vehicle's service records. If the seller refuses, interpret it as a warning sign and walk away.

Regardless of how certain you feel about the car, it's imperative you run a vehicle history report before signing your name to a used car deal. A vehicle identification number (VIN) check, or vehicle history report, should show any problems with the vehicle, such as odometer tampering, accident history, and how many people have owned the vehicle.

Auto Financing Options

If you need help financing your car purchase, most online car buying sites also offer online car loan applications. It's a user-friendly process, allowing you to easily calculate potential loan-amount scenarios. This way you can confidently decide if your car of choice meets your budget or if leasing would be a better option.

Or, to ensure finding the best loan at the best rate, consult Bankrate.com. This site allows you to research the current rates local and national lenders are offering.

The Pros of Shopping Online

Advantages of shopping for a car online include:

• No shadowing by trained sales teams.
• You can shop at your own pace from the convenience of home or work.
• No closing hours.
• You can compare prices from a number of sellers.
• You can define the size of your search area.
• Save yourself some money on gas.
• Empowers you with market knowledge.
• Online prices are generally lower.

Written by DMV.ORG

Guide to Buying a Used Car

Pre-owned or New?

Budgetary considerations top the list of reasons why people decide to purchase a used car rather than new, but there are other reasons. Today's vehicles are designed to run for many more miles than the models of years past. Because of that, car shoppers can buy a quality vehicle, even a luxury car, with lots of extras that might not be affordable to them brand new.

Many people by nature or philosophical bent simply don't believe in buying new cars. Some of the people in this camp balk at the amount of money lost through the depreciation of a new vehicle the minute they are driven off the lot. Others think that buying a new car is simply a waste of money―their focus is purely on the function of an automobile (to take you from Point A to Point B) and hold the status element of driving a new car in disdain. Collectors of vintage cars turn their noses up at the latest models and opt instead for purchasing a classic that can be both transportation and a favored hobby.

Only you can decide if a new or used car is the best choice for you and your family. Spend some time considering your options, discuss the idea with your family and friends, and do some window shopping before you make you decision.

Determine Your Automotive Needs

As you begin to contemplate purchasing a used car, you'll need to consider the purpose of the vehicle. If your family has outgrown the sedan, you may want to consider a minivan. If your job or choice of recreation dictates off road capabilities, you may want to consider a truck or SUV. And, if your last child has moved away to college, you may just want to consider that sports car you have always yearned for.

In addition to deciding which type of vehicle you want, you should also write up a list of car options you simply can't live without. Such items may include features such as an automatic transmission; power steering and brakes; good gas mileage; air bags or adjustable seats. It may also be helpful to write up a second list of options that would be nice to have if you happen to run into a vehicle that comes equipped with those features, but that would not be a deal breaker should they not be included. Some of those features could include: body style, color preference, air conditioning, cruise control, and sound systems.

Decide On Your Budget

Some people purchase a used car outright; others plan to finance. If you are planning to buy a used car outright, you'll need to determine how much you can afford out of pocket.

If buying from a private party, it is unlikely that they will consider financing. After you have saved up enough money to cover the price range of the used car you have in mind, be sure to factor in the expenses that you may not have considered yet such as title transfer and registration fees, and in some states, smog or emissions certification. In addition, your insurance rates may be affected; check with your current agent or online to get a quote. If you plan to buy an older car, or are willing to buy a car that may need maintenance or repairs right away, set up a special fund for those probable expenses.

However, if you plan to shop for a used car through a dealer, you may not have to have the entire purchase price in your account. Most dealers of pre-owned cars offer car financing (their own or through other lending institutions), or you can pre-arrange your own financing through your bank or credit union before ever talking to a dealer.

Once you determine how much money you can spend on purchasing a used vehicle, it is time to start the next step to car ownership:

Used Cars: Preliminary Research

Preliminary research is simply that―a place to get started. Now is the time to poll family and friends to see which vehicles they have been happy with in the past. While their experiences (good and bad) are purely anecdotal, they may help you decide which make or model might work best for you.

As your mind opens up to the process of buying a used car, you'll begin to notice cars on the street that you have overlooked before. Make some mental notes on which makes, models, and years of the cars particularly catch your eye. By this time, you should have a pretty good idea of the style of car you are shopping for. As you go through your day, identify some models that would appeal to you so will recognize the model name as you continue your search.

You'll also want to open up the local newspaper or auto trade magazines to see what the market is like out there, and your computer can be a useful tool as well. Typing in "used car" into a search engine will bring up reams of sites that will show cars for sale, or articles on a wide variety of techniques to help you buy a car.

Take a look at the general types of vehicles currently for sale, what features are available on what makes and models, and what kinds of vehicles you can afford. Spending some serious time at this stage of the process is important to making an informed decision on what type of car you'll be narrowing your search for, so don't skimp on the time you dedicate toward your future vehicle.

Used Cars: Final Research

Now that you have three or four models of used cars in mind, it is time to do some serious research. Whether at your local library or through your computer, the information available to you is astounding. Great resources by year, make and model on such things as safety records, frequency of car repair, maintenance costs, comparison reports, and gas mileage figures are easily accessed.

It is also the time to find out how much some of the "hidden" costs of buying another car will impact your wallet. Many people only think about the price of a car and don't factor in the registration fees, state taxes, and increase (or decrease) in your car insurance rates. A quick search online will provide you the cost of fees, and a quick phone call to your insurance provider will eliminate any last-minute surprises.

If you already have found one car for sale that you are specifically interested in, be sure to hone in on information regarding that make and model. You can easily find a myriad of consumer articles and reports on any type of car. In addition, request that the seller provide you with the Vehicle Registration Number (VIN) for that car. Each car manufactured is issued its unique VIN and the records of that vehicle follow it throughout its lifetime. For a minimal fee, online services can locate the records for that particular car and send its vehicle history report to you.

The type of information you will receive is: if the car has a clear title; if the car has been salvaged; if the car has been involved in a serious accident; how many times the car has been sold; the original sale date; and if there have been any recalls for that car. Investing in a VIN search can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.

When you have completed your in-depth research, you can move along to another critical juncture, deciding where to shop.

Private Party or Dealer Sales?

A major difference between buying a used car from a dealer and a private party is the degree of warranty available. Few, if any, individual sellers offer any type of after sale warranty, while dealers cars range from "as is" to limited warranties to certified vehicles that come with extended warranties.

Conventional wisdom says that used car buyers will get a better deal if they shop for a car through a private party. There is certainly no shortage of used cars being offered by individuals, especially in larger cities and through the car selling websites and auctions online.

Written by DMV.ORG

Current Interest Rates Have Dropped

Current Interest Rates

• Mortgages
• CDs
• Auto Loans
• Home Equity
• Credit Cards

3 MONTH AUTO TRENDS

Find the best auto rates in your area.

Auto loan rates	60-month new car	48-month new car	36-month used car
9/24/2014	4.02	3.97	4.73
9/17/2014	4.02	3.97	4.73
9/10/2014	4.04	3.99	4.72
9/3/2014	4.04	3.99	4.72
8/27/2014	4.03	3.98	4.71
8/20/2014	4.03	3.97	4.71
8/13/2014	4.03	3.97	4.71
8/6/2014	4.03	3.97	4.71
7/30/2014	4.03	3.97	4.71
7/23/2014	4.14	4.06	4.71

Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/auto/current-interest-rates.aspx#ixzz3EvpYfNi1

Gas Prices are dropping! Let see where they are going

You might have noticed this at the pump already, but gas prices are beginning to drop, in North Carolina and nationwide – and it’s likely they’ll drop even further as we get into the fall.

“Right now in North Carolina, the average price for a gallon of gas is $3.28 – six cents cheaper than it was a month ago,” says Tiffany Wright of AAA Carolinas. “The downward trend is looking good, and I think it will continue.”

Wright says gas prices typically drop during the fall for several reasons: demand goes down after the summer driving season, and refineries are allowed to switch to a cheaper blend of gas. The price of oil is also falling this year, and that’s adding to the decline in gas prices.

And as we head into October and beyond, Wright says don’t be surprised to see gas prices dropping even further – even below $3.00.

“Of course we can’t predict the future, but it’s a real possibility that we’ll be seeing that in North Carolina,” she says.

The current statewide average of $3.28 per gallon is six cents cheaper than the national average, which is $3.34.