| Used Cars on the Internet |
1 Feb |
Used cars are big business in the United Kingdom, with around £24 billion being spent every year buying them. When it comes to purchasing a used car, there are a number of ways to find the vehicle you are looking for. There is the option of going to a dealership and part exchanging your existing car, buying from someone through a private sale or even going to a car auction, something that is usually reserved for those who are reasonably knowledgeable about the mechanical aspect of cars.
Whether it is through a car dealer, a car auction or a private sale, they have all changed to at least some degree with the development of the internet.
With the internet being so prevalent across the world today, buyers have more access, not only to vendors, but also to a wealth of information about the type of vehicle they are looking for. For example, if the buyer was looking to purchase a used Audi A3 for sale, they could simply type the make and model into a car valuation site. From there they can select a number of different options to find the exact model, year and mileage they are interested in. Not only are these sites predominantly free, but they return a wealth of information that never used to be accessible to the masses, such as the average expected price and tips on where and how to buy. In addition, they can also acquire further information by entering the details of mileage and other specific requirements, which will also help in finding a more specific valuation.
In the past, access to detailed information such as this was restricted to car dealers and others within the trade and was certainly not freely available to members of the public.
read comments (0)| Researching a Used Car |
24 Jan |
Used cars serve as a cheaper alternative to new cars for buyers. Moreover, used cars are usually effective, certified and reliable. However, buying a used car does require some research on the part of the buyer.
Car ratings websites are especially helpful. These websites will evaluate all the different components of the used car and give it a rating based on that information. These websites typically also include reviews by other buyers of that type of car. This can give a buyer a lot of information about reliability before they make a purchase.
Other websites will offer market values on used cars. This gives buyers a strong idea of what they can expect to pay for a used car. This helps in determining a range and budget while buying a used car.
Also useful are websites that offer history reports on used cars. This gives a full report of accidents and repairs on used cars. This is essential when deciding the value of a used car and when trying to determine how reliable it will be in the long run.
| Simply Car Finance – Getting a Great Deal |
12 Jan |
Simply Car Finance is one of the country’s leading providers of car loans. Loans are guaranteed, even to people with bad credit ratings. They are not tied to any particular car dealer, so people who take out loans from the company are free to make their purchase from any seller they choose. The company promises some of the lowest rate car loans available in the United Kingdom today and their simple, three step application process aims to take the hassle out of buying a car. The first step involves filling out the application form on their website, the second is actually finding the car and then, according to the website, “Sign the documents and your (sic) approved”.
Other Benefits
In addition to arranging car loans, Simply Car Finance offers gap insurance, which covers the shortfall between insurance payments and the actual value of your car in the event of a write-off, standard car insurance and mechanical breakdown cover. The company promises to search for the lowest rate car loans, even for people with bad credit or with county court judgements against them.
Twitter Feed
The company has a Twitter feed, which provides details of the latest motoring news and promotional material. Whilst their early tweets simply reiterated what was on their web page, more recent postings have concentrated on building brand awareness, by posting news items that may be of interest to their target audience. This astute piece of social networking indicates just how much the company is aware of the possibilities of social media.
| Car Dealerships |
9 Jan |
In brief, a car dealership is a company that sells new cars of a particular make for which they will have a franchise deal with the manufacturer. The car dealership may also offer specialised servicing and have new cars of that make in a showroom. The car dealership will also have a parts department and it is the dealership that will deal with claims on warranty. However car dealerships are in no way restricted to selling only the dealership brand and their forecourts are usually full of second-hand cars of every make and model, usually from a part exchange car or cars to leased vehicles on expiration of the lease. Some car dealerships specialise in more than one make of car.
The advantage of buying a new car from a dealership garage is that the after sales care, that is servicing, warranty issues, spare parts etc. is usually first class as the dealership employs mechanics and fitters who are familiar with the type of cars in question. If the type of car is unusual or of luxury class then purchasing from new via the dealership is preferred as one can be sure genuine spare parts will be fitted.
If purchasing second-hand a full history of the vehicle should be readily available as well as finance and part exchange deals. Dealerships are just as open to negotiations as are independent garages and other vehicle outlets so it is as well to be armed with some alternative figures and comparisons.
| How to Buy a Car |
4 Jan |
When it comes to buying a car, it is not only what make and model you would like that you have to consider; there is now so many ways and means of buying a car it can be difficult to know where to start.
Where to Buy a Car?
The choice is yours; you can pick from a local new car dealer, second-hand car dealer, car supermarket, search online or browse through your local paper or Auto Trader.
The Right Car
Once you have found a car that you really like, have a good look over the car in daylight to check for any hidden defects. Ask to look under the bonnet if you are knowledgeable about engines
The Price is Right
When you have found the right car at the right price you will need to decide how you are paying for it. If you are not lucky enough to be able to pay in full in cash, you will need to arrange some type of car finance. There are many companies on the market and if you are buying from one of the car supermarkets they should be able to help you with this.
| Finding the Right Cars for Sale |
1 Jan |
Whether online, in magazines like Auto Trader, a car supermarket or specialised dealership, there are more ways than ever before to find out about cars for sale. Searching cars for sale online can save time and shoe leather by allowing the buyer to find out about the car chosen, for example its performance, economy, MPG etc. Searching for cars for sale online allows the opportunity to read reviews from car manufacturers, car buffs and customers. Being armed with as much knowledge, both technical and otherwise, as possible helps the buyer make a more informed choice in this, one of the largest purchases (apart from a house) an individual will make. Your neighbourhood car shop or local paper is also a good source of information on cars for sale.
The current economic climate makes it a buyer’s market so the wise purchaser would do well to spend time assimilating the information gleaned on the car of choice from all the above mentioned sources in order to make the best possible deal.
As the world grows smaller, thanks to the web, so too does the scope for purchase widen out by that same source. The consumer has more choice, more variety and expects quality and best value for money. So it behoves car dealers, in the face of marked competition, to ensure they give the best customer service possible in order to stay in the game. Websites house massive databases of cars for sale, all makes, models and prices.
When looking at cars for sale whatever is important, whether the number one priority is comfort, performance, design or cost, the discerning car buyer should leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the best possible deal.
| Very Cheap Car Sales |
29 Dec |
There are various internet websites that can point you in the right direction if you are looking for very cheap cars.
www.ebay.co.uk is a website that sells anything and you are covered with the eBay seller guarantee if anything should go wrong. This provides assurance and confidence when making your purchase online. You can ask the seller questions before you buy.
www.gumtree.com lists private sales and some car traders offer vehicles on this website where you buy ‘as seen’.
www.carcraftcarfinance.co.uk offer a car search on their website, carcraft.co.uk. You can find cheap cars for sale, together with a finance quotation.
www.teletextcars.co.uk offer a nationwide search for cheap cars and have a good stock available around the UK.
www.cars.trovit.co.uk/used-cars/verycheap have over 1,200 very cheap cars to choose from and stock turns over very quickly, so a good selection is always available.
www.motors.co.uk are another website that offers a variety of car sales to suit all budgets and requirements.
www.uk.ask.com/cheapest+cars+for+sale checks all the search engines on the web for cheap car sales and shows most of the stock available, depending how far you are prepared to travel to pick up a really good deal.
www.carocean.co.uk offer very cheap cars that have minor bodywork damage, caused by being involved in accidents, which is why they are so cheap. They represent great value, especially if you have the means to repair the damage.
Unless you are confident and have a fair degree of mechanical knowledge, when going to look at a car it is always worth taking a mechanic with you. Many of these sites operate a ‘buy as seen’ policy, so you need to check the car out thoroughly before you drive it away. If you visit a car auction and the car is not taxed or does not have a valid MOT, you will need to drive it away on valid trade plates or have a car transporter to take it to its destination.
| Parker’s Used Car Price Guide |
18 Dec |
Parker’s Car Price Guide is one of the leading guides to used cars in the United Kingdom. Established in 1972, the guide started out as a purely black and white publication, priced 20p. A year later, it added a colour cover and in 2003, spot colour was introduced into its advertisements. Prior to that, an online version of the guide was launched in 1999. A website audit in March 2003 found that it had over a million unique visitors in that month; however, the print version continues to sell and can still be found in most newsagents.
Format of the Online Edition
The website’s homepage lists several options. Users can view car reviews, a used car finder and the heart and soul of the website, its used cars valuation section. This section displays a huge range of makes and models to choose from. Once you have selected the make and model of the car you are interested in, you will be asked to choose a year and then select from a list of the variants released in that year. Prices are provided for new cars of the model, for comparison purposes, along with those for used cars bought from franchised dealers, independent dealers and private sellers; there is also a part exchange price.
Premium Services
So as not to completely wipe out sales of the printed version of the guide, the website charges for access to some of the more in-depth features found in the hard copy version. These include information on classic cars, checklists for buyers and car information sheets with detailed guides on the key features of each model.
| Tips on Buying a Sports Car |
16 Dec |
Buying a sports car is a very personal choice. For some, the drive quality may be the most important thing, whilst others will look for a car’s aesthetic quality. Since it is such a huge and important investment, there are certain things to bear in mind before buying a sports car in order to make the right decision.
Firstly, think about budget. Have a figure in mind that you want to spend, but also think about the costs of running such a car. Sports cars are not usually very fuel-efficient. Also consider tax and insurance, both of which are likely cost more for a high-performance vehicle.
Although the space in sports cars is usually limited, some are roomier than others are. Some may have two rear seats, whilst others only have one. Some may have incredibly tiny boots in order to compensate for large, powerful engines. If you will be using the car on a day-to-day, think about how practical it will be.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, think about what drive quality you want from your sports car. It may be power that you want, or you may be looking for great handling instead. The only way to decide whether a sports car is the right one for you is by test-driving it.
| Ensuring the Vehicle Price is Fair |
13 Dec |
When purchasing a new vehicle, there is no reason to allow oneself to be hoodwinked by cowboy sales people. There are simple ways that potential buyers can prepare themselves for the process of buying. By arming themselves with a little basic knowledge it is possible to ensure they obtain a fair deal for themselves.
It is always advisable to ensure the price being charged is a fair one and the buyer should be sure to do extensive research to ensure this. It is quite probable that they will be taken advantage of if such preparatory work is not done.
There are several factors that may raise or lower the value of a car. One possible factor that may affect the price of second-hand cars is the MOT test. If the car costs a little more than the buyer expected, but has successfully passed its MOT test, the asking price may represent good value. Extras like this are exactly what need to be considered when determining whether financing is a good avenue to go with such a vehicle.
It may seem obvious, but it must be said that any cosmetic flaw in the vehicle is a valid reason for trying to haggle the price down. The buyer must take any opportunity he or she can to achieve a lower price on the vehicle. If at all possible, bringing a friend who has experience working with cars is always a good idea.
It is not just an overly high price that the buyer should be on the lookout for. If the price of a car is suspiciously low, it may be because there are mechanical problems with the engine or gearbox. The ideal price is one that seems be in keeping with the condition of the vehicle.