Interest rates for auto loans are really low right now. I’ve seen them as low as 3.99% in the past few months. Even if your credit score isn’t high enough to get the best rate, you may still be able to refinance your vehicle loan to lengthen or change its terms. By extending your repayment term for another one or two (or more) years, you can significantly decrease your monthly payment.

Much like when you refinance a home mortgage, auto refinancing pays off your existing vehicle loan. But it’s a much faster, simpler process. Your new lender pays off your old loan and the title to your vehicle is transferred to your new lender, who will retain it until your total financial obligation has been satisfied. Then the title will be transferred to you, and you’ll officially own your vehicle.

To get started, just do a web search for auto loans. You can often get a decision in just a few minutes when you apply for auto refinancing online.

Hopefully, you’ll discover a great opportunity that helps you save money in the short and long run. Whatever your motivation may be, we can all benefit from unlocking extra cash. It makes good fiscal sense (and common sense) to find out if and how we can maximize our finances. Refinancing my auto loan made sense for me. Maybe it will for you as well.

There are of course some pitfalls when buying any used vehicle, but we want to take a look at specific problems you might run into when buying a used SUV.

Follow these tips to track down an SUV that will not only match your price but suit your family as well:

1. Search for the right brand.

It’s no secret that certain SUVs are designed for longevity while others’ strong points are classy appointments or high-tech features. In an SUV, you’ll want enough space to fit your family, 4-wheel drive, stylish looks and interior comfort. This boils down to versatility, light off-road capability (towing is a nice addition) and affordability, too. The Ford Escape and larger Ford Expedition, for example, neatly fit these categories.

Really think about what you want in an SUV and research each brand to find the best qualities you’re looking for.

2. Pick the right generation.

When checking used SUV listings, you’ll see vehicles from a wide range of model years. The first generation Ford Escape was released in 2001 and redesigned in 2008, with an upgraded 171-horsepower four cylinder V6, new transmission and new-look cabin adopted in the second-gen to conform with other Ford ranges. Rather than only checking mileage, maintenance and costs, in other words, consider when the vehicle was released and with the benefit of hindsight, consider how it fared.

One generation up or down can change the dynamics of the vehicle drastically, so double check gas mileage, reliability and engine sizes.

If you’re looking for a fuel efficient vehicle buying one year newer or older might make a huge difference.

3. Get down to the nitty gritty.

Do your due diligence once you’ve settled on the SUV that meets your requirements. Request the vehicle’s service history and check its reliability record among auto reviewers. Ask the folks over at Toyota of Fort Worth about more of this information. Before you part with your cash, make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.

4. Get your vehicle checked out.

It’s always a good idea to get a used vehicle checked out by a licensed mechanic. They can give you an idea of what you will need to fix in the future, what is wrong with the vehicle now, and what possible changes will need to be made to keep your vehicle road worthy. You’d be surprised at just how many times there is a small “deal breaker” problem with a vehicle that you wouldn’t have noticed without a mechanic taking a look.

Had an experience with purchasing a used SUV? Let us know in the comments below.

The key to getting the best value is to avoid money-wasting mistakes. Many of these mistakes are easy to avoid and are surprisingly common.

Here are the seven most common blunders that used-car shoppers make:

1. Failing to Check the Model’s Reliability Record
   One advantage to buying a used car is that there has been enough time for consumer satisfaction surveys and repair records to have come in, unlike a brand-new, unproven model. Research the model’s ratings from Consumer Reports or another evaluation service. Above all, avoid the temptation to make an emotional decision because you see a cute car on the lot or a low price.
2. Ignoring the Car’s Maintenance History
   Car buyers previously had to take the owner’s word on maintenance history, but computer searches now make it easy to find a vehicle’s track record. CarFax and AutoCheck can give you extensive records on whether a vehicle has been rebuilt, in an accident and who previously owned it. The services also list a car’s complete maintenance history, even if the car was serviced by multiple shops.
3. Not Getting the Vehicle Inspected by an Independent Mechanic
   Before spending $75 to $100 on a mechanic, do some basic checks yourself. Look for oil leaks under the car, and make sure that power windows and locks work. Check for body rust, especially if you’re searching among Used Cars in Ohio, Michigan or other northern states.
4. Settling for a High Price
   Used car prices are almost always negotiable. Be prepared to go somewhere else if the owner or dealer insists on a price beyond what you’re willing to pay.
5. Letting the Dealer Devalue Your Trade-In
   Always negotiate the price of the car you wish to purchase before indicating that you have a trade-in. If the dealer doesn’t offer you enough for your trade-in, shop around for a better price.
6. Bad Financing Rates
   Before going to a used-car lot, go to your bank or credit union to get pre-approved for a rate. When the dealer offers a rate, make a counter-offer just as you would the car price. A common trick is for car salesmen to ask, “How much can you spend per month on a car payment?” Don’t fall for this trap because the dealer will simply extend the length of the loan.
7. Negotiating Add-ons
   Many people will haggle over the car’s cost but pay full price for an add-on. First find out what the add-on would cost if you purchased it elsewhere and negotiate the price accordingly.

Both consumers and manufacturers are becoming more aware of the fact that millions of people around the world drive cars and these can have a massive impact on the environment. Consequently it’s a myth that eco-friendly cars are more expensive to purchase – both petrol and diesel green cars are available and they are not necessarily extortionate to buy. Once you have your car, price comparison sites such as  MoneySupermarket.com can help you to find the best deal on insurance.

For a greener car, some companies will offer up to 5% discount, a marked difference at a time when the price of car insurance just seems to keep going up. Hybrid engines are becoming more popular since they offer an electric engine running alongside the petrol or diesel motor. The conventional engine is not used at all times so this is more fuel efficient, saving you money in other ways as well. From Ford to Lexus, Volvo and Honda, you can find a range of hybrid models on the market to choose from today.

Electric motors are on the increase in general, with more manufacturers thinking about using them. Several car insurance companies are opting to plant trees or offering to help other environmental charities so that you can rest easy in the knowledge that you are doing your bit to help. This may mean that your insurance price remains the same but if you are serious about your green concerns this is a great way to prove it.

Remember to shop around for the insurance policy which suits you and think about ways in which you can reduce your impact for example car sharing with people in your office.

Each year, cars are replaced with newer and sleeker models than the year before. Safety features and technology become greater each year, and the used cars on the market today are not the clunky, ramblers that they once were, but very sophisticated with many great features – depending on the make and model of the vehicle, of course.

For car buyers that are interested in a great deal on an auto, they should definitely consider a used car, and there are some very good sources to purchase a used car, such as, the online auto auctions.

How to Find Online Auto Auctions

Obviously, online auto auctions are performed online, and where you will need to access to be involved in an auto auction. But, just how do you find these online auto auctions? It is quite simple, you simply browse your favorite search engine such as Yahoo or Google. The major search engines will have full listings of the online auto auctions. Simply type in your browser “online auto auctions” press click, and let the engines go to work. Within seconds you will have many results and sources to access.

A few of the online auto auctions that are reputable and are a means to get a good deal on the purchase of a used car are the following:

Car-Auction.com: Car-Auction.com is a site that is an online seized auto auction site that you will have plenty of opportunity to bid on vehicles for sale. The site has a large database of new and used makes and models of vehicles and allows you to search their database for what interests you. It provides its users with information regarding various auction sites that have what you are interested in purchasing. As with all auto auctions, the car buyer can expect to save 30 to 70 percent or more. This is a site that you will need to register in order to have full access to its advantages, but, if you are interested in purchasing an auto at a good price, it definitely is a good place to be.

Another online auto auction that you definitely will want to access is the police auto auctions that are conducted online. At the police auto auctions there are some very good bargains to be had, and some very nice vehicles, as they are vehicles that have been seized from criminals, and it isn’t unusual to find the best prices on used vehicles through these auctions.

Auction Fire is an online auction site that is no cost and offers their users links to websites where cars are up for auction. This is valuable for the bidder, as they are able to size up the vehicles in an easy way, prior to bidding on the vehicle. The site also has a message board that it uses for auction fraud alerts, which is helpful to the bidder, so that they are not scammed.

Another place that you might consider is asking your local police department if they have a website that they show the vehicles which they will be auctioning off. Many times, the local police departments have sites, which display the vehicles which will be up for auction.

eBay Motors is another auto auction site that auctions vehicles from both private parties and dealers. The advantage of eBay is that it allows their users to contact the seller and be able to ask any questions regarding the vehicle.

USA.gov/shopping/cars/cars.shtml is another site that has a variety of opportunity to purchase a vehicle at an online auction. The site lists cars from the government fleet, GSA auctions, state and local surplus property sales, and more. Once you land on the page, it will simply direct you to where you are interested in shopping for a vehicle. There are a number US Government Car Auctions happening all the time so check it out.

Tricks to Get a Good Deal at an Online Auto Auction

With the online auto auctions the bidder, most of the time, does not have the advantage of staring the vehicle or inspecting it under the hood. Therefore, it is essential to take as much precaution as possible. To know that you are purchasing a vehicle that is worth its value, then take all necessary steps, when possible, and the best advice is to get the vehicle identification number of the vehicle and perform a history check on the vehicle.

With a history check on the vehicle you will be able to find all the important information that pertains to the vehicle, such as, how many accidents it has been involved in, whether it has ever been salvaged, the number of owners the vehicle has had, past service repairs of the vehicle and so on. It is one of the most valuable documentations that used vehicle buyers can obtain and just may save you from purchasing a vehicle that is going to give you a world of trouble.

What Things to Look for Compared to Shopping in Person

Obviously, when you are shopping in person, you have the advantage of starting the engine and taking the vehicle for a test drive. You can fiddle with all the features of the vehicle and get a feel for the condition of the vehicle. When shopping online, you do not have this advantage, so it is absolutely necessary to get the VIN of the vehicle and to perform that history check on the vehicle. This is essential, and the one protectant you have that shows you the real worth of the vehicle.

Online auctions offer some great deals to be had. Take your time, approach the steps in bidding online properly, and make sure you purchase a vehicle that is worth its value.

As you begin the process of shopping for, and eventually purchasing, your own RV, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. That doesn’t mean making sure your RV gets television reception wherever you go. One of the most important aspects of shopping for an RV is to get a good idea of how many people will be tagging along on your family vacations. Will it just be you and the kids, or will your kids want to bring their friends? Will your parents give you the sad puppy face when you tell them that there isn’t enough room for them? Being unprepared could mean giving up all your RV’s accommodations to others and spending a cold, rainy night in a leaking pup tent outside.

While price is also a factor, a more important one is how comfortable you’ll feel driving and parking your new RV. Is it the size of a Greyhound bus? Slightly smaller? While there are plenty of RV dealers out there more than willing to help you get the hang of motoring your home-on-wheels around town, there are also plenty of sticky situations that you may need to be prepared for. It all boils down to one thing: If the thought of driving it scares you, then you should probably look at a smaller RV, or at least one that has a more truck-like cab and amenities, such as a back-up camera that allows you to clearly see where you’re going, even when you’re backing up.

Once you’ve got an idea for what size and style of RV you want to purchase, and before you begin the process of working out financing, it’s time to get an insurance quote so that you’ll see what it will cost you on top of your monthly payment. Once you’ve got all those aspects sewn up, it’s time to visit your local RV dealer and check out what’s available in your price and size range.

How to Find Government Car Auctions

Each state has government car auctions; however, each state does not operate in the same way. Therefore, the first thing that is necessary is to contact your local police station to ask them where you can get a hold of government seized vehicles. This is one way to find government auctions, as the station will be able to guide you to the proper government auction houses.

Local newspapers are another source to find where and when government car auction will be and take place. Typically, the auctions are announced in the local newspaper for the area that the auctions are taking place.

Another means to finding government car auctions, is to check online. There are many online car auction services that will locate government car auctions that are being held in your area, for you. However, these services typically involve a fee, and not are a free source to obtain the information.

Various Types of Government Car Auctions:

Local police auctions: Local police car auctions are auctions that involve vehicles that have been impounded. For these types of auctions you will call your local police department and ask for the dates and details.

Federal government auctions: Federal government car auctions auction off vehicles that have been seized during criminal busts, as well as, fleet vehicles. These vehicles and auctions are consolidated under the GovSales website.

Additional government sites: There are additional government sites that help the consumer with tips on various government auctions. Guide to Federal Auctions, for example, provides various agencies that the consumer will find the auctions through as well as information on the departments’ websites. Another government site where the consumer can find information about auction sources is GSA.

Private sources: The private sources, as mentioned earlier, are online sites that are private, but provide information regarding federal and local government auto actions. Gov-Auctions provides access to both state and federal auction for a small charge.

How to Get a Good Deal at a Government Auto Auction

The trick to getting a good deal at a government auto auction is to be prepared. If you are considering bidding on a vehicle, then prior to placing the bid, inspect the vehicle. This means start it up, step on the gas, inspect the engine and listen for pings and pangs, and so on. If you do not have mechanical skills, then bring a mechanic with you to the auction. Bidding on a vehicle that looks in mint condition does not mean that it is in mint condition, and inspecting the vehicle prior to the bid is a must to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth.

Another thing about the government auto auctions is that there are vehicles up for auction that are in less than desirable shape, but, with the right attention, might be well worth the investment. If you happen to be a bidder with mechanical skills, you often times can pick up a fixer upper at a government car auction for as low as $50. That may sound insane, but it is not out of the ordinary. The vehicles do need repairs, but if you have the skill to make the repairs, provided that they are not repairs that would cost more than the vehicle’s worth, then you could walk away with a tremendous deal, and a great weekend project. For instance, if you are bidding on a vehicle in which the starter is out, has a few rips in the upholstery, and a few other minor repairs, and pick up the vehicle for $50, are able to perform the repairs yourself, you would, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as, the year of the vehicle, might have purchased a very profitable vehicle.

As with all auctions, prior to a government auction, read the catalog so that you know what vehicles are being auctioned. This should be done prior to attending the auction, as it will help to keep you focused and not get swept into the adrenaline of the auction. Also, have a budget. If you know what you are bidding on, have inspected it, then set a limit, and keep to your budget, and be ready to pay for the vehicle in the event that you are the winning bidder.

Government Auto Auctions, What to Look For

When you visit a government car auction to bid on vehicles, most times they are vehicles that have been seized through drug busts or other criminal busts. Or, they may be fleet vehicles of the agency that are no longer in commission.

Government car auctions are held at different dates and locations across the United States throughout the year. Even though the government car auctions present the opportunity for fantastic deal, you still need to be careful about certain things. First, you must know the condition of the vehicle. Just because the vehicle is being auctioned off at a government auction does not mean that it is in mint condition. Some of these cars do have problems, and you must be aware of those problems, prior to placing your bid.

When you arrive at the auction to place a bid on a vehicle that you are interested in, you should arrive early. Always have your checklist in hand, which is wise to check out prior to the auction. If you have read the catalog and have found the vehicle that you are interested in then you should have the Vehicle Identification Number and have run a CARFAX report. If you did not, do it the day of the auction. Also, ask the administrator for all information about the vehicle.

Also, always be careful when bidding on a vehicle that may have the interest of the crowd. Each bid must be higher than the previous and therefore, it is easy to get swept away in the bidding momentum and you may actually end up spending more than the vehicle’s worth if you are not careful. Stick to your budget, and don’t go over.

The Salesman: Larry

Larry began his career just like any other, with training but on how to sell cars. Larry was taught to go after high pressure sales in which you try to catch people off guard. The idea is to score a quick sale while exploiting people who were weak or uninformed. Larry was also trained to go over to the service department and make small talk with the people waiting for their cars. If he overheard that someone just got hit with a $2000 bill for a new transmission, he was supposed to introduce the benefits of a new car plus a trade-in deal. When he had a customer he was taught to stay with them throughout their visit to make sure they didn’t have the opportunity to talk to other customers. This would prevent them from comparing prices or finding loopholes in the deal.

Larry explained to me that car salesmen are not the enemy. It is actually sales managers who teach tactics to haggle the customers. Car salesmen usually work on 100% commission, and have to answer to their sales manager when they don’t make a sale. However, Larry was not in fear of his sales manager because he knew he was moving in a few months and would no longer be working there. Consequently, Larry ignored nearly every technique he was taught. He would take the time to get to know what the customer wanted, figure out their budget without being pushy and would eventually lead them towards a car that fit their wants, needs, and budget. Ironically, Larry was the top salesman at his dealership for three months in a row before moving.

The Car Buyer: Ronny

Ronny took me back a few years, to when he was eighteen. He explained to me how he just had to have this brand new, yellow Pontiac GTO. It was way out of his price range and he had no credit, yet somehow he was able to purchase his dream car. He didn’t question how it happened; he just knew that the car was his. The catch was that Ronny bought the car on a 6 year loan, with an interest rate of 21% and a monthly payment of $502. “Looking back, I wish I would have listened to my mom,” Larry said, “She tried to tell me I was making a mistake, but I was a hard-headed, uninformed kid who had to get what I wanted.” Now, nearly 5 years later, Ronny still owes about $15,000 on the original price of $22,000. In all, he will pay nearly double the value of his car because of the high interest rate.

My Car Buying Test

When it was time for me to begin my search for a new car, I went in with a fresh outlook. Over the weekend, I visited to two car dealerships. One ended up being the typical dealership (which I won’t name) with the salespeople in their white shirts and gold ties waiting like vultures for their next big sale. The effort was fruitless and I left irritated. Hoping for better results, I visited another local dealership, Park Place Texas, and they blew my expectations away. I was greeted by a friendly young man who genuinely seemed interested in learning about me and what I needed in a new car. I kept in mind all the things I had learned about from Larry but didn’t notice any of the shady tactics. I ended up with my dream car, but unlike Ronny, I received a reasonable finance plan without an outrageous interest rate. I bought a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible and I love everything about it!

Every dealership is different. Larry taught me that not all car salesmen are enemies. There are those dealerships who promote the practice of genuinely wanting to know what customers are looking for. Ronny taught me not to rush into things. It is important to shop around and be mindful of what you can and cannot afford.

Used cars are notorious for needing repairs at some point quicker than new ones. Consequently, taking a little time before slapping down money on a used car to start a cheap insurance quotes comparison worksheet will be well worth it in the end. A decision will need to be made whether to get one or both types of car repair insurance. The Breakdown plans apply to vehicle parts that are prone to breakage and only these parts will the insurance company cover. Whereas the Wear and Tear plans focus on parts that can wear out over time. Many companies also offer add-ons and specialty plans such as Engine and/or Transition coverage, but these can get costly and confusing. For example, an Engine Plan may not cover the repair/replacement of the radiator because it is not actually part of the engine block. Therefore, depending on the age and projected usage of the used vehicle, it is best to evaluate the plans being offered vs. the cost from the quotes comparison worksheet.

Extended warranties and car repair insurance may essentially be somewhat the same in principal, but there are some huge differences between the two. Extended warranties are exactly what they say they are, in that they extend the coverage period of the manufacturer’s warranty that was included with the cost of a new car. During the time a vehicle is covered by the warranty and extended warranty, the manufacturer will cover the cost of repairs and replacements. Under a car repair insurance policy, the insurance company pays for this, not the manufacturer. Also, this insurance is for pre-owned vehicles which are known to usually have mechanical issues. So, getting cheap auto insurance quotes to get the best deal can save thousands of dollars in the long run by not having to pay for expensive auto repairs.

For anyone buying a pre-owned vehicle, especially one without a transferable manufacturer’s or extended warranty, this additional insurance is just as important as regular auto insurance. Be sure to create a cheap insurance quotes comparison worksheet so an informed decision on a car repair insurance policy can be made as to the specific needs of the used vehicle to be purchased. Also, a good place to start is to inquire with the dealer for an insurance company they recommend and possibly work with if they have an in-house shop.

To top it all off, you don’t want to start your driving life with an accident that can set you back in insurance premiums and monthly expenses… let along the possiblity of getting hurt.

Fortunately, drivers ed courses are now more accessible than ever. This allows you to take a fully state accredited drivers education courses completely online in California!

I know that if you’ve not heard of this before it must seem pretty crazy. I mean, how can you possibly take a driving course completely online?

Well it’s true, and it means you can take your drivers ed course in California pretty much whenever you want! No more structuring your schedule around a driving instructor. With 24/7 access to interactive course material you can take your drivers ed course any time of the day.

We’re always trying to save you time and money here at cartips.com and these online drivers ed courses are no different. Taking one of these courses can actually lead to discounts on insurance of up to 10%!

That means the course (at only 99 bucks) will pretty much pay for itself within the first few months of you driving your new car.

There are a few different drivers ed courses that are available in California online. Cartips.com has found one in particular that has the most up to date information out there.

Driversed.com actually has 3d animated demos of real driving maneuvers to show you exactly how cars react in the real world. They’re DMV approved and their lessons are interactive so you’ll retain the most information and be sure to pass your DMV test.

You can check out Drivers Ed online by clicking here.

Had an experience with online drivers education? Let us know in the comments below.