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Posts Tagged ‘Wear And Tear’

Your Auto Warranty: What To Look For

When deciding which car to buy, make sure you check the auto warranty that comes with the vehicle. In this article we will help you sort through all the auto warranty-related issues. After all, not every new car warranty is created equally. Some will cover all the non-wear items on the car up to only three years or 36,000 miles. Others will cover repairs all the way up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. The strength of the coverage that is included will help you decide whether to buy an extended auto warranty.

It’s important to understand the different parts of an auto warranty as it is good to know the difference between a new car warranty and an extended auto warranty.

A typical new car warranty has two parts: the “bumper to bumper” warranty, which covers everything except the “wear” items such as brakes and tires; and the power-train warranty that covers all the parts that make the car move, such as the engine and transmission.

Bumper to Bumper

Few extended vehicle warranty plans cover absolutely everything on a vehicle. Read the warranty contract and find out exactly what is and what is not covered. If the contract says it covers everything except for X, Y, and Z; that’s a lot more coverage than a contract which lists 10 or 20 items which are covered. Keep in mind your own history with vehicles and what repairmaintenance you expect to have in the next few years to your car.

Wear and Tear

Many extended vehicle warranty plans cover parts that break, just as they cover those that wear out. Once again, read the contract to understand the differences and how they may affect your final cost.

An extended auto warranty can be purchased to prolong the coverage of the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most people are familiar with the extended warranty that is sold at dealerships. This is sometimes called a “factory warranty” because factory-trained technicians perform the required work on the car. There are also “third-party” warranties, which can save consumers money but are generally less convenient to use. Many third-party warranties require out-of-pocket payment for repairs before reimbursement. Weigh all these factors carefully before you make your choice.

By looking carefully at your auto warranty before you buy, you will save yourself much potential future problems.

Buying An Automotive Extended Service Contract

Should You Buy An Automotive Extended Service Contract?

The decision to purchase an extended service contract or mechanical break down policy as they are sometimes called is a decision that has many variables. Depending on the age of the vehicle, the usage, how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle for are just a few questions that need to be considered.

If you look online, some of these so called gurus who write scam pieces will tell youDont Buyits a scam. I whole heartily disagree with their opinions, I question if they have real world knowledge and experience to begin with. If they did, then I firmly believe their opinion would be other wise.

The scam comes when you are charged outrageous and inflated prices for an extended service contract, they are not cheap to begin with, but those who exasperate the cost are the ones who are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Or perhaps even requiring you to purchase as a condition of buying the vehicle, you should never be forced to buy under any circumstances.

With automotive repair labor rates ranging easily up to 100.00 per hour or more, it doesnt take a huge repair to cost you major bucks, and with the electronics and technologies of todays automobiles, parts prices are equally as expensive.

During my 26 years in the automotive service industry, I can recall countless and numerous times where customers wished that they had purchased, and those that did were glad they made such a sound financial decision.

Consider the following examples of repair cost:

Air Conditioner Repairs can easily cost 1500.00 for compressor replacements.
Transmission Overhaul or Replacements–3000.00
Water Pump replacements–600.00
Power Steering Pumps and Steering Gears–600-2000.00

However, dont be mislead into believing a mechanical break down policy covers every nut and bolt on the vehicle, there are variables and different kinds of policies as well. Some cover seals and gaskets, wear and tear items, consequential damages etc and others dont. Be aware of what it does and does not cover before buying, this will save you a lot of grief in the event you have a mechanical failure.

It is a major decision, and one that requires weighing the advantages and disadvantages.
My personal and professional opinion is that if you are going to use the vehicle on a daily basis, you plan on keeping for 2 years or more after the original factory warranty has expired, then you should purchase the extra protection.

It is after all, like an insurance policy, you hope that you dont have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind in the event that you have to have an expensive repair.

Buy Or Lease Your Next Automobile?

Leasing a luxury car imposes lower costs, generally comparable to the interest rate of financing a loan. However, if you terminate a lease early or default on a monthly lease payment, you can face major financial penalties and ruin your credit rating. The decision of whether to buy or lease a vehicle also depends on your unique lifestyle. If you drive many miles each year and dont mind paying repair bills, you probably should purchase your car. If, on the other hand, you exceed the mileage limitation or if the car shows considerable wear and tear at the end of the lease, you may find yourself paying large end-of-lease costs.

When you are thinking about getting a new car, one question always comes up: is it better to buy or lease? There is, of course, no one single answer. Each choice has benefits and disadvantages, so the choice depends on your own particular personal and financial circumstances.

A key issue is affordability. Is your job situation stable? Are you in overall good financial shape? The short-term monthly expense associated with leasing a car is much lower than the monthly payments required when purchasing a vehicle. With leasing, you pay only for the part of the vehicles cost used during the period of time you drive it. If you have the cash on hand, and you can pay the down payment and sales taxes either in cash or via a loan as well as the interest rate buying a car gives you that feeling of ownership and may be the best financial option.

If you want to get your hands on a luxury car, but you cant afford the initial costs associated with buying one, leasing is your best option. Leasing a luxury car imposes lower costs, generally comparable to the interest rate of financing a loan. However, if you terminate a lease early or default on a monthly lease payment, you could face major financial penalties and this could ruin your credit rating. Before you decide to lease, make sure you adjust your budget for the monthly lease payment for the duration of the contract.

The decision of whether to buy or lease a vehicle also depends on your unique lifestyle. What does it mean to you to own a car? Do you bond with your car, or do you like having something new? If you plan to drive a vehicle for more than five years, buying it through careful negotiations is probably your best bet. On the other hand, if you would rather drive a new car every two or three years, leasing is for you.

You should also consider your actual transportation needs. Think about how many miles per year you drive and how you handle car maintenance. If you drive many miles each year and dont mind paying repair bills, you probably should purchase your car. With leasing, contracts are made with assumptions of limited mileage, typically between 12,000 to 15,000 miles driven per year, as well as considerations of wear-and-tear on the vehicle. If you can stay within the stated mileage limits and keep the automobile in good condition throughout the duration of your lease, leasing is a reasonable option. However, if you exceed the mileage limitation or if the car shows considerable wear and tear at the end of the lease, you may find yourself paying large end-of-lease costs.

Auto Transport Tips For The First Timer

So, you want to have your car transported a specific location huh? And this is your first time? You must be tentative because youve never done this before and you dont want anything to go wrong, especially due to the significant investment your car has been. Transporting your automobile doesnt have to be a nightmare. A thorough understanding of how it works will help you ease your mind of the problems that may result of such.

1. Trailers

There are many transport trailer options, the most popular among these types is the open carrier transport. The open carrier transport, aside from being popular, is the least expensive mode of transporting automobiles. Usually, your automobile will be transported on haulers like the ones used to deliver new cars. These trailers have a capacity of eight to ten cars. They are around 80 feet long and 14 feet high. With their immense size they are limited to traveling on major roads that are free of possible obstacles such as trees and such. They are also limited to traveling on roads that can support its weight. These trailers cannot maneuver easily on tight turns.

This is a good way to transport automobiles – the only downside is that your car may not be that well protected against the elements, dust, and wear and tear usually associated with highway travel.

2. Enclosed Trailer Transport

This is by far the most expensive option but all that cost is worth it because your car will likely be in better shape than if it were transported via an open transport carrier. This type of transport is the best for rare, exotic, or expensive cars. Automobiles to be displayed during car shows are usually traveled using this type of transport. It provides the safest, most secure method of auto transport.

3. Self-Transport

There are other people who prefer to transport their vehicles themselves. This is the riskiest way to transport your vehicle, especially if you are unskilled in such operations. Usually this is performed by renting a trailer and driving the trailer yourself.

If you do choose this type of transport, you may want to learn more about the trailer and its operation. You should ask the owner for instruction and hints on operating such an automobile.

- Always discuss your automobile with the transport service before you agree to the terms
- Make sure the service knows what your car looks like, its dimensions, and possible problems that may be encountered when delivering
- Make sure everything is understood before closing the deal

4. Be aware of the pick up time and transport time

Pick up time is the amount of time it takes from receipt of the order to transport until your automobile is loaded unto the trailer. This time is usually 2 and 10 days. Transport services appreciate a three day allowance to find a trailer and assign your car to that trailer.

Transit time will take about 8-10 days. This depends on the destination and route taken. These trailers will usually carry about ten automobiles at the same time. And as me makes the necessary stops to deliver each automobile, he could use up a lot of time. So, it would do well to be patient during these times.

There are also deals such as guaranteed delivery and express service. These deals will make sure your car gets delivered earlier, but will cost much more. If money is no question, then by all means use every method possible to keep your automobile safe and secure.