If you keep at least a little space in your mind that you are going to sell your car in the future better remember that most often, buyers are pays more for a car that has a full set and complete line of maintenance records. After all, it is what the buyer will ask of your first. As I mentioned in my previous post, asking for the vehicle’s history of maintenance and problems should be your number one question to prioritize. On the other way around, if you would like to have no sweat in making a deal for your car, maintaining its resale is must.
So start taking extra good care of your vehicle. Maintenance of its engine performance and those components that are not easy to be and get replacement should be where you should focus more. Put on the last of your list the components that have less expensive replacement or that it is easy to be reinstalled and will not affect much the value of your car like door handles and mirrors.
Remember also that car maintenance varies depending on several factors. If you are leaving in a coastal area where early rusting tendencies is possible, then it is just appropriate to give your vehicle a double maintenance routine than living elsewhere. Take note also of the weather pattern your place has, it is a more snowy part of the country? If yes, you better install or pre-coat your vehicle and its component with rust-proofing or protectant.
To put it a manner of list, here are some question that will affect your car’s routine maintenance or that on its car value.
- Your Place. As I mentioned, the place where you live matters.
- Demand for your Car. In this where the principle of economics enters, as the supply is greater the demand is lesser. Say, there are lots of this particular make and model as yet, of course if you are going to sell yours its selling price will rocket down. That’s why some manufacturer releases an entry trim under limited edition so they can double its price.
- Vehicle Performance. Who does not need extra powered car these days? 1 out of 100 buyers’ maybe.
- Your vehicle’s popularity. This goes to manifest that if your car lacks information or reviews about it, then impacts your car in a quite bad standing. But popularity doesn’t always mean ubiquity or overproduction of its same model.
- Damage. Especially those that is easily seen or quite visible. Be sure to repair any sign of damage to you vehicle especially those minor fender-benders. This will also leave an impression that you as a driver or owner doesn’t take good care if your car. In most instances, buyers do background check on the owner as well. Crack windshield is also a big NO and must be immediately replaced. Never mind the cost of replacement. The price mark down is more of a waste rather than the cost of its replacement. Take notice also with the scratches and dings, these may seem harmless but it will rips off much from your vehicle’s resale value.
- What is your vehicle? I mean its make and model. There are just make and model that the price from its name. That’s what you called preceding reputation.
Well, basically that’s it. You need to ask yourself or check your vehicle with it. For my next post, I will make a short list of tips to maintain the resale value of your car. Either you have the intention of selling it or not, keeping your car maintained should be done.
THINGS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE BUYING ONLINE
1. Do I know who I am dealing with?
Before anything else, or placing an order for that matter, you have to know enough who are you dealing with. Is it a legit company or reputable at least? As I already said, before you purchase from a certain company, you need to know its important contact information. You should know the physical address (the location of the company or warehouse), phone numbers including fax numbers. This way, you will be confident that the store/seller/company you are dealing with are legitimate.
2. Did I check the items to buy carefully? Is it really the item I need?
One of the common problems encountered in buying online is getting the wrong stuff. At some cases, it is not always the seller’s fault. This usually happens when buying for car parts replacement or accessories since this items comes with lot of specifications before you pin-point the right one. There are just customers that had failed or overlooked some important details about the product before they places their orders unhesitant. Ask the seller for more details of the pictured or described items in the website. Sometime, there is really difference from the actual item to the pictured one. Admit it; there are also details in the descriptions that you need more clarification. The golden rule would be, when you are in doubt, as for clarifications.
3. Did I read the terms and condition and understand it clearly?
All online stores include their terms and conditions which apply to all of their transactions. It is always important to read every clause stated on their contract statement or terms if you don’t want to be the one to breach the contract at the end of the deal. If you feel you understand it already, you can now click that “I agree” or “I accept” button and push through the transaction. Often included in the terms or agreement are the warranties clause, transaction policies like cancellation and returning of the item and other concerns like options and solutions when problem encountered. You can print the terms if you want to re-read it; after all, it is easier to read in a hard copy.
4. Is my transaction secure?
You can be confidently answer this if you have could answer the number one question plus the site of that store you are purchasing from has a complete encryption facility that gives its customers the security by securing each page you have filled up with your information. Check also for other protection and security assurance on the entire page of the site.
5. What are the other charges or fees that may accrue?
The thing is, it is not only the price of the item you are going to pay. More often than not, shipping and handling cost will be shouldered by the buyer unless otherwise the site offers free shipping. But there are still ongoing fees like insurance and taxes.
6. Did I check the item first before I finished the transaction?
There are good websites/ online store that summarize your transaction first before they will ask you to submit your order or confirm it. You have to know the final cost before you finish off the transaction so you would be surprised when your bills arrive.
7. When will my order be shipped?
When you cleared already with the first six questions, the last thing you will ask is when your purchased item will arrive. It is better to ask for estimated delivery date or period of arrival time so you will know when to expect for the item. If they say it will be in about 3 days, you have to wait for 3 days before you can call their customer service for delay inquiries and follow-ups.
So there, these are just the basic questions that you should ask yourself before entering into a particular transaction especially online.
Cleaning your car paints is one of the best ways to actually preserve it. But if cleaning is not properly done, it will make your car’s paint surface odd with blotches and scratches rather than a smooth, shiny and polished surface. The secret lies on the type of cleaner you will use and the method on how you will clean it. But no matter how hard you clean your car’s body paint, it will not be considered as “perfect” if the following criteria are met. I have learned this from my service mechanic who is now quite getting famous for always having a job well done. Mr. Hoover, you’re the man. I salute you for your expertise.
Well, you know Mr. Hoover here is not selfish for sharing up his knowledge. So, I don’t want to be accused of selfishness so here are what this impressing mechanic had told me.
For you to know that your car’s paint is already perfectly cleaned and its finish carries smoothing shine, check these following factors:
1. How is your paint’s condition? Mr. Hoover said that the life of the car paints last for the first 12 months, or 18 months to the most. So, if your car is getting near to its couple years of life here on earth, better have a check on its paint already. But if your car is just new, maybe a couple of months old, regular washing and protection will make cleaning your paint less bickering since oxidation is ensured to be kept in minimal. Recommended washing must be done at least once a week.
2. Is it polished regularly? This is one of the most important things you have to do with your car. Through polishing, minor scratches, marring, marks and blemishes are guaranteed to be removed leaving your car smooth and shiny. If you left your car thirsty for a polish, expect that minor scratches to transform into large and unappealing paint damage.
3. Is it waxed? When cleaning or detailing your car’s paint, waxing it should be done last and by that, it means that its application should be properly done. Mr. Hoover recommends the use of more organic and natural wax like the Carnauba (see my previous post for info) to be safe and avoid any marring and abrasion on your car paints since other type of wax has high concentrate of chemicals.
4. Is it contaminated-free? By contamination, this means that your car’s paint must be free from any grime formation, dust, tar, oil, insects, and other miniscule road debris that are thrust in the surface of your car’s paint. Include also in your list the bird’s dang, pedestrians intentional or unintentional contribution to get your car paints dirty. You must removed this completely first since it is impossible for you to get a great waxing result if your car is contaminated still.
5. Is it glazed? Glazing is synonymous to restoration. So, typically glazing is a process of applying treatments on your car’s paint especially if has scratches and blemished. If you want you car’s paint to have a perfect shine, be sure to glaze it once in a while especially if there are areas that needs glazing already.
6. Is it protected? There is a lot of protectant available in the market that serves as the final coating that will protect the paint sealing it from contaminants. If in waxing the best choice would be the organic, you must choose synthetic coating for protection. This polymer based synthetic coating offers more durability and longevity than the natural one.
So there, did you answer yes to all this questions? If no, better make something about it if you want to achieve and feel a perfectly smooth car finish.
Before you rush on car insurance companies or calling some car insurance agents, you must be prepared with necessary information to avoid your application being delayed or denied. After all, you probably don’t want to wait for year for your insurance to come since most state laws requires car insurance before you can even drive one. As an insurance agent, I know exactly what I will ask my client. But its kind of annoy me sometimes if they forgot those most important questions on the form leaving it blank or call or make another appointment next time since they don’t have the data with themselves. So, to save you both the trouble,(agent like me and you who is applying for car insurance) be sure to know the following: Make some checklist if you must.
ü What is your car make and model
ü The registration number of your vehicle.
ü You car safety features. Does it have complete set of seatbelts, airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices?
ü Who is the principal or main user/driver of the car?
ü The number of years of no-claim discounts and where you get it.
ü Full post code and residence address you live that must not be less than 3 years.
ü Your personal details including your license type, residency and occupation.
ü Your employment details including history.
ü Know your car’s use. Is it a working car or for business or personal use including pleasure and domestic.
ü What is your car’s estimated annual mileage? This will depend on your driving application and use. How many days you drive your car in a week, do you carpool? What is your car’s odometer reading?
ü What type of parking space you have to keep your car? Is it in front of your house with no fence? A garage? This is important since in event you car is stolen and you put in your application that you kept your car in a garage; your claims could be declined for that.
ü Type of cover you will apply. Does the insurance solely applicable to you? And what extent of your insurance will be included. Does it include third party of theft or fire? You must also indicate the coverage and premiums of each untoward accidents or injuries you will encounter such as bodily injury, property damage liability and personal injury protection. There is also optional coverage of what is referred as uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM). If you avail the UM, you need to get UIM as well.
ü You will also be ask for the actual claims you have for the last three years regardless of any accident you meet either you were at fault or not.
ü Know how much car insurance you can actually afford.
Be honest in answering this entire question. You claim’s validity will depend on the truthfulness of your answers. Say for example you answered that it is you who is the principal driver of the car you are applying insurance with when in truth it is your son or daughter, you will be declined with your claims in the ground of “fronting”. Surely, you will do these to still include you child as exemption but this is a form of cheating.
As for now, these are the basic question you will encounter in filling up insurance forms or during interview applications. Be sure to know all this. Okay?
By the way, there are lots of insurance companies that encourage online car insurance applications but nothing beats applying for it personally through going to the office or through an agent. You will be guided accordingly plus the benefit of counseling and clarity. You need to understand what you are applying form, after all it’s like entering a contract which is legal and binding.
If you are no expert, always bring with you a friend or a professional that exactly knows what a good used car is or not. Aside from this, you must have a checklist for you to have a great deal instead of a trash one. What are the things you need to be aware of when inspecting a car? You should not consider a brand-new looking car to guarantee a good engine performance. Looks can be deceiving, it is always logical to lift the hood and do some dept inspection on the engines. Inspect the car from all its corners and side, from top to bottom and from front to rear.
Anyways, here are considerations you need to keep in mind or that you need to ask the seller of:
ü The year of its manufacture.
ü How many owners that car already has
ü Does it already have been involved in accidents?
ü Mechanical report of that car including especially its problems
ü Maintenance history of the car.
ü For the car’s body, look for dents or scratches, paint quality, sign of repairs including sign of modifications and welding. Look for the VIN plate if it’s already tampered. Look for sign of crash or damage in the engine system and boot area.
ü For the engine, inspect if has some oil and water leaks, loose belts, condition of hoses and exhaust pipes, engine number authenticity and corrosions.
ü For the interior, inspect the door trim, seats, roof lining, condition of the upholstery including the seats and carpets (Is it already excessively worn out, stained or ripped?) Look also for possible rip roof lining.
ü For the window, look also for dents and scratches and if its seals are already leaking.
ü For the wheels and tires, inspect the condition of its alignment; tread wears, the size of the tires and its makes.
ü For the electrical parts, you inspection should not miss the headlight assemblies and all its lighting systems including hazard lights, interior lights and reversing lights. Check the windshield wipers if it’s still in good working condition. Check the audio system, ventilation and air conditioning system, alarm and horns.
ü Be sure to conduct a test drive. Tests drive it for not less than 15 minutes on varied road conditions like hills, highways, rocky and tough roads and off roads. When driving, observe for the following:
o Watch out cranking problems. Does it have a cold-start or cold-running problem?
o Inspect the gear of its transmission. Does it change smoothly and easily?
o Check for its handling capacity. Does its steering wheel have a quick response?
o Check its brake system. You can also check the handbrake when you are driving on a steep road. Don’t forget to check the emergency brakes as well.
o Listen for odd noises. Do you hear a clanking or screeching noise when accelerating or braking? Listen for rattles and knocks also.
o Do the exhaust pipes release excessive exhaust smoke? Ask for the smog certificate if necessary.
o Use your nose as well. Does it smell signs of overheating or fuel leaks?
o Check on its clutch. Does it engage or disengage accordingly?
o Check on the fuel gauge and speedometer, does it monitors precise mileage reading?
ü Do some backgrounds check on the seller to avoid being scammed. Be warned with the dealer’s reputation. Does the car has still some money owed involved in it?
These are just some of questions that will serve as your guide in buying used cars. Don’t buy in haste. After all, as an old saying goes. Haste makes waste. Use these checklist to refrain yourself from buying a trash car. Happy Car Hunting!
For New and Old Cars
ü Check the details of the car. To ensure you are not buying a car-nap. Is your dealer responsible to guarantee title and its initial registration?
ü Check the stamped and seals of the car specifically located on the engine bay. Is the year stated in the date of manufacture the same with the year stamped in the vehicle identification plates?
ü Check the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number and chassis number. Are the numbers the same with those written in the license papers? If no VIN plate, don’t waste anymore time and find a new dealer fast.
ü Check what is included in the warranty. Warranties must include as much as possible starting from the battery, tires, air conditioning unit, even radio and cassette and others.
ü It is always a must to have a test drive before you purchase the car.
ü Ask for a detailed and complete mechanical report of the car besides the vehicle’s owner manual.
Here are some tips you need to know before planning to purchase a car or a new car. Getting one is an investment that entices a lot of responsibility along with it. Your attitude towards buying one should not be like choosing what you will have for dinner. You should have the right decisions in order for you not to regret in the end. What must be included in the checklist you have in your hand for you to have the right decision. With the right decision of what type of car you will have will surely make you feel more than just satisfied but contented as well.
Here is a questionnaire checklist for you:
ü Know your budget first. Or how much you can afford. This question should not only end if you could afford that particular make and model. You should also ask you can also afford its required maintenance. Some cars demand more maintenance over the others.
ü What type of car you need? In this question you should consider the lifestyle you observe. Does that kind of model suit you and your personality? Does it fits the kind of lifestyle you lead and could it meet your demand? You can choose from a sedan, wagon, SUV, hatchback or pick-up. From this, what kind of car you could most likely maximize its utility?
ü What is the running cost of the vehicle you have in your mind already? This question combines both the first two question in your checklist. As the type of vehicle has different engine design, it has also different set of running cost. This includes petrol, registration, and maintenance(As I’ve already mentioned)
ü Are the spare parts for that particular car you have in mind could be easily be find and available? What is the cost of these spare parts? You have to consider this especially if the make and model you want is manufactured or imported from other countries, including its spare parts and replacements.
ü Are you familiar with that particular car already? If not, you must do some research on its specifications through advertisements. Read reviews about that car if you must. There are lots of review sites in the internet these days. A good car review should include:
o Road tests
o Safety features – including crash test
o Feasible common problem you could encounter with that particular model
o Handling features
o Performance
o Its cost-effectivity
ü Where will you buy your car? All venues for buying cars have different advantages and disadvantages. What are these places to get good deals? What best dealers are there in your locality? Visit as many dealers as possible; choose who makes the greatest deal. A good deal includes excellent service, extending advices and more information on the car you are eyeing and offers an after-sales back-up and assistance.
So there, remember these questions before you buy a car. Read my next post in continuation with my last question on the checklist provided.
