Used Cars Online

People love to buy used cars online. There was a time when buying a used car was a real hassle. The experience included slick salesmen with slicked back hair making you feel like you've been cheated even after making what seemed to be a decent buy. But now it's no travel required to make a used car buy.

The Internet has a seemingly endless number of sites for information on used cars as well as sites that sell them. Kelly Blue book, for example, gives expected sales prices for autos in various conditions. Thus the deal is easier to evaluate. Other sites such as Yahoo autos can also provide a lot of information. Don't forget the new car dealers. People trade in cars and then the dealers have to sell them. Dealers provide detailed lists of all the used cars they're selling. Car inspection services - also known as mechanics - can also be of service. The Internet is full of sites that list mechanics by region. These inspections can even be done so that the buyer doesn't have to be present.

Then there's the financing. Financing starts with price, and cash purchases are better than those made with payments. But if you must finance the car do it with some information in hand. Factors such as price, interest rate and even insurance costs can be entered into an online payment calculator that will then tell you the monthly cost. Use those calculators as a general guideline as to whether the used car fits in the budget. Have financing in order before you visit the lot. Have the loan already guaranteed for an amount you intend to spend, then pay that as cash.

Yes times have changed. Technology makes things easier. But purchasing used cars online is no different than that old time trip to the smiling used car salesman. Use the tools found on the web. Then the day the car is purchased can be a happy one.



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Used Cars

Are used cars or new cars better? New cars begin depreciating the second you sign the papers. The answer is a lot easier with that information. Buy the car after it has taken the biggest value hit. That of course combines with the concern over the state when a car needs less maintenance. Those states converge in the slightly used car. The value has already dropped from new car state. Someone else absorbed that loss. The car is still in good condition, often still under warranty, so that it won't have need for constant and costly repairs like an older model car needs.

Many sources provide these slightly used cars. People who buy or lease new cars trade in their old ones to the dealer. Those cars than have to be sold. eBay has a whole division dedicated to used cars, while specialty companies such as Carmax list thousands of them. In America there are car auctions every weekend. Auctions include cars from the police, taken from criminals, or used rental vehicles.

The most trusted source for used car prices is Kelly Blue Book. Cars are shown by year, model, then with prices shown for various conditions. Sale by an individual or dealer is also shown. Dealers have overhead private sellers don't have so that is important.

Have you considered financing? The better idea is to save money to make a cash purchase. That saves money in the long run. Sure, people like the fancy models. But bells and whistles can cost a lot of money. Buying a car like that used can not only help the budget, but creates less stress. Theft, wear and accidents are bigger worries for people with fancy cars. Not that used car owners like to drive junk, but a little ding or dent means less on a simpler model.

Wealth isn't made by spending, even on a car. It's based on what you save and on net worth. Saving turns rich people rich. Good used cars help the budget.



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Thrifty Car Rental

Some car rental companies name themselves with clever monikers. Enterprise brings to mind hard work, while Budget and Dollar bring good value to mind. But no name is better than that of Thrifty car rental. People who manage money well are thrifty. So when people are looking for cars to rent, there's no better decision than to save money, spend it wisely and only when necessary. Thrifty is the way to be.

Thrifty was born in 1958. Chrysler bought it a few years after it became a public company . Then it was merged with another rental company, Dollar. Thrifty is a top known brand world-wide and one of the largest of the auto rental companies. As one would expect the bulk of its fleet is Chrysler, with some Dodge and Jeep cars in there as well.

Some other businesses are run under the Thrifty name. It's a car seller too, for its older fleet cars. People use these cars for short stints, so many think they're abused. Most of the cars are treated well, however. They receive all the scheduled maintenance, unlike many used cars at dealerships that come from private customers who are lax on such care. Furthermore, penalties for damage encourage rental car drivers to take extra special care of the car while in their charge. Thus, cars sold by rental companies tend to be in better overall condition than used cars from private owners.

Another business Thrifty operates is long term airport parking. Long term parking offers low cost, safe lots for people who need to park their vehicles while traveling. Many airports have Thrifty parking lots near them.

Some other elements of Thrifty's past are interesting too. Thrifty rented the Volkswagen Beetle before it became popular. The Beetle cost $6 a day to rent. Single males were wooed by Miss Thrifty. This pretty young woman would pick up customers at the airport to bring them to their car. Perhaps most interesting of all was Miss Thrifty wore Scottish plaid.

Thrifty car rental is a serious subject. But as with many companies it has its quirky side too. Maybe wear a little plaid next time you rent from Thrifty. Maybe they'll offer a rental discount.




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National Car Rental

National car rental company started in 1947 as a cooperation between 24 independent rental car agents. It began with 60 locations around the United States. That was a lot for 1947. 2000 locations around the world eclipses that original number 60. When people need to rent an auto, they can go to National.

Business travelers need to rent cars. Relying on others to drive them around a city isn't reasonable. At night that's even more important. Public transportation can be dangerous after dark.

Incredible rental deals can be found with National. A daily rate lower than $20 isn't unusual. Promotional rates are even lower. Try $1 a day for one way travel to certain cities at certain times of the year.

National has a lot of last minute deals, too. It considers itself the last minute car rental specialist, and takes action to make that come true. Rental car need isn't always known in advance. It might be a funeral, or just a sick family member, or a last minute business trip to handle a problem client or situation. National works to provide the best deals in those types of situations. Try some of these. $19 a day for a compact car, or a convertible for only $170 weekly. Low last minute rates are pretty unique to National.

The same corporation owns both Alamo and National, which not many people realize. In 1997 Enterprise acquired both of them. Each one has its own specialty, so the brands remain unique. Enterprise is strong in the business world, Alamo is the choice for leisure, while National has the last moment deals people love.

That doesn't mean someone can't go to any of these companies for any reason. Use Travelocity to compare them all. Specials and coupons should also be considered . Choose National car rental when it has the best rates.



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Impounded Cars For Sale

People have a love affair with automobiles. Bargains are also in people's minds. These two aspects combine for a general love of great deals on cars. Some of the best bargains around can be found when authorities offer impounded cars for sale. They generally do that via auction. And if you play your cards right, you can end up with a steal (pun intended.).

Where do the auctions find the cars? Cars involved in crimes, or that belong to criminals, are often impounded. For example its the law that drug dealers' possessions are confiscated and sold. The city or state then has lots of cars, sometimes luxury cars, that they want to sell. Scoff laws also generate a lot of cars. The car is offered for sale when the fines reach a point that the owner can't pay.

Sometimes the cars are sold straight to dealerships who either sell them on the lot or auction them. Auctioneers also buy cars and then sell them at their own auction. This isn't important. At some point the car is up for sale to the highest bidder and can become a whale of a deal for a savvy person. However, there are some things to consider. As the saying goes it's "buyer beware."

There's usually no warranty offered with these autos. You buy the car that's on the lot. The term "as is" covers it. Puffery is also common, and legal. When car dealers say "clean as a whistle" that's puffery. Some key words like "clean" or "like new" are also involved. These sound like specific descriptions or even promises of a well working auto. But they're pretty meaningless.

Be ready when attending. Take a good look at the cars. Bring a mechanic with you if possible. Auctions offer test drives so use them. There may be bargains when there are impounded cars for sale. But many deals aren't as good as they seem on first blush.



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Honda Cars

Some of the best cars made are made by Honda, it's true. That explains the popularity of Honda cars. Top standards in manufacturing and top quality engineering mark these cars. They even stand up to more expensive cars. When a person buys a Honda automobile, they're buying quality and reliability.

The Civic is one of Honda's excellent vehicles. Many people own the sedan, coupe or even the hybrid. There are models around $23,000 as well as more basic ones in the $15K range. This car is also one of the best when it comes to gas mileage. 36 MPG highway for the coupe and sedan is only surpassed by the hybrids 46 MPG. Both will save money at the pump, but keep in mind that the hybrid mileage is offset by the extra cost and the cost of a replacement battery likely needed after 3-5 years.

This car also has one of the best resale values around. People who buy them new are often pleasantly surprised when it comes time to sell or trade in for a new model. If maintained in excellent condition it's possible to purchase a new Civic every few years for only a few thousand dollars. There's no better deal for folks who like new cars.

Many people like to hold onto their car. Retained value comes from the fact that the cars hold up well over time. Following the maintenance schedule is important. The Civic can run for 20 or more years if it's well cared for. That's a good thing. It gets to be your friend, not only your car. There are better ways to spend money than buying cars every few years.

People also like the Honda Element. This small sized SUV is a real bargain. Adventurous people find this car a perfect fit. Most of the interior is rubber, along with cloth seats and a plastic dash. This isn't just done to save costs. It was done so the car is easy to clean. Feel free to let the kids get in when they're muddy, you can wash it down with a hose. Yes, a hose, inside the car. Leather may seem nice until the car is actually put to use.

Honda cars are popular for a reason. It comes from quality. Make Honda your next automobile purchase.



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Enterprise Car Rentals

Many people don't have cars. It's true, even in America there are still people who don't have them. Many times people own cars but aren't at home and thus need temporary wheels. It's rental cars to the rescue when people don't want to put wear and tear on their car, or need a car for another reason. And one of the companies people choose most often is Enterprise. That's because Enterprise car rentals are not overly pricey, they're generally in good shape, and Enterprise will even pick up the renter from home, from the office, or from the airport.

Enterprise can be found in every major city, as well as in not so major cities and townsChances are wherever you are there's an Enterprise there. Compact cars, full size cars, sedans and coups are all there for the taking. There are even luxury cars and convertibles for rent. Life is short, why not live a little? They even have cheap rates. A weekly rental for under $300 can be a great deal. Get out the calculator. Use public transportation for the daily commute. Save the errands such as trips to the store for weekends when cars can be rented for under $20 a day. All the car needs are then taken care of for about $60 weekly. Once price, insurance and all the other car costs are taken into account, under $3500 for a rental year is a lot less than owning.

For companies, Enterprise will manage their auto fleet. This includes any business that provides cars to employees such as sales businesses, or businesses with multiple locations where traveling supervisors or managers make visits. Fleet management is complex. A manager must find the cars, buy them, maintain them and insure them. When a car becomes too worn for use it must be replaced. A successful business sticks to its business, not to extras like a fleet of cars. Enterprise to the rescue.

For people who want to own cars, Enterprise sells their cars used after they've served their time in a fleet or a rental role. These autos are well cared for. That goes counter to the impression of a car always driven by non-owners who really don't care about it. Enterprise is careful to inspect cars after each use to ensure they're in good shape. Maintenance is regular, too. Private owners are often lax on maintenance, and their cars are the ones sold used by dealers.

Enterprise car rentals are a very complex undertaking, aren't they?



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Dollar Car Rental

Not everyone owns a car. Sometimes even car owners are without their car. Maybe their car is being repaired. Some folks try to avoid long trips in their own car. Wear and tear can be minimized this way. That's when Dollar car rental is useful.

Consider this. You're a suburbanite. Your job is inside the city. There's a bus stop nearby. Since you spend so much of your time at work, why have a car sitting in a paid parking space? The car isn't driven during the week days. Run errands on Saturday. Rent a car that day. Drive it around town to do all the things needed for that day, use it to drive to the local movie theater that evening, then return it on Sunday. That adds up to about $20 for all the necessary car use. Over the course of a year that's about $1040, a lot less than owning a car with all the associated costs. Renting a car is a real bargain.

Sure buying a car is the better idea for people who need a car all the time. Maybe the kids need a lift to school each day, but the school bus isn't convenient for the family and it doesn't get them to sports practices and music lessons. Maybe the typical daily tasks and errands require more travel and carrying than would be workable on a bus or train schedule. Then it's like the song lyrics "Buy buy buy" a car. But with a little planning there's no purchase necessary, just rent for the short term use.

Businesses for which employees travel a lot have to pay mileage reimbursement. That cost is fifty cents per mile. If someone drives 100 miles that adds up to $50 each day. A car rental from Dollar or Budget is only $20 each day, plus $12 for a few gallons of gas is still only $32 for that same 100 mile day. That company would do better with a Dollar car rental.



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Cheap Used Cars

The Internet makes it easier than ever to find cheap used cars. Car prices can be compared, features examined, even purchases made on sites like eBay motors and independent car sites. Avoid the sucker bets by keeping a few things in mind.

The first thing to remember is that just because something is online doesn't mean it's true. People trust newspapers too much, and the same goes for the web. Not everything on the radio or television is true. The Internet is no different. Promises can be fabricated, as can proof of those promises. Unscrupulous individuals flock to the web. All the signs of a bad deal can be hidden in the remote world of the Internet. Photoshop lets people air brush out defects like bad paint. And all too often people purchase used cars online, as is, without taking any of the usual used car buying precautions. It doesn't mean everyone is lying or that every deal is a bad one, but don't go in with closed eyes.

Let a good mechanic look at a used car before the purchase. Take it to a garage. Get a mechanic to take a look for you if you won't see the car before the deal is complete. Many mechanics offer a remote inspection service. Never rely on the word of the dealer. An independent opinion is best. Often $50 now can save a lot more money later.

Consider the bottom line price, not financed payments. Even if the salesman keeps telling you about low monthly payments, ask for the price. Dealers often use the financing to add a few dollars to the price, so don't use their finance company. Go in with your own financing or better yet save up to pay cash for the used car. And when you pay cash, demand a discount.

It is possible to buy cheap used cars. There is a lot of help for buyers. Keep your head to avoid bad deals.



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Cheap Cars

Automobiles are status symbols. Everyone has heard of the celebrities with massive collections of expensive cars, or custom built garages to accommodate their cars in the heart of an expensive city like New York. Cheap cars are the way to go for some folks. Poor quality doesn't necessarily follow cheap price. Less costly can still be exciting to drive.

One of the ways to obtain a quality car on the cheap is to purchase a used car. Second hand luxury models are cheaper than new. High quality used cars have come to be called pre-owned. These pre-owned vehicles have even managed to pull some long time new car buyers into the used car market. Think about luxury vehicles. A Mercedes or Lexus is so well built that even 10 year old cars can still be in excellent condition. A lot of people buy slightly used instead of new car after car.This was immortalized in Driving Miss Daisy when the driver bought Miss Daisy's old cars.

There are also some nice, low cost new cars. Hyundai makes some models that are decent for less than $12K. A well engineered car like the Honda Civic is only around $15K. That car lasts a long time, and gets great gas mileage. Luxury cars that need premium fuel and parts are generally more expensive to maintain too.

Try the cheaper, not really cheap, luxury cars. The Audi brand is generally at the bottom portion of the price spectrum in the luxury class. These are the best engineered in the world, nobody beats them. The Audi TT can be just as much fun as a Porsche, but much less expensive.

Some people mean really cheap when they say cheap. When they shop for autos they look for the car their grandparents drove. Teens often buy this style of car. As long as it's safe to drive, it gets them from A to B. Be careful because cheap cars can be busts. When the car overheats, you won't be happy.



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Car Rental Coupons

Coupons are often used by clever shoppers. Coupons can help people save a lot of money in the course of every day shopping. People can save a lot of money on car rentals by using discount codes and car rental coupons.

Marketing people love coupons. They're often available in magazines and serve to advertise a product. They make people aware of a brand and because of an offered discount encourage people to try the brand. Knowing is half the battle. They'll keep buying good products. Coupons, including for car rentals, encourage new customers to try a product and keep old ones loyal. That's important in the rental car industry where the companies look so similar.

People who don't use coupons are penalized with a higher price. In fact, that's the way a smart consumer looks at coupons. Given there are coupons out there for the same products every day, that coupon discounted price is the price. Only foolish and lazy people would ignore coupons, paying more for these goods.

There are a lot of web sites that list car rental discount codes, coupons and deals. Many car rental companies frequently list coupon discounts. A quick search on Google or Yahoo will find more. Many of these coupons or discount codes depend on other items, such as using a particular credit card when paying or a particular online service when booking. Compare total price, not just coupons. For example if there is a coupon for booking car rental on Travelocity, check other sites like Cheaptickets that may offer the same coupons, or list car rentals that are cheaper than the Travelocity listings plus coupons. Remember that coupons are often used to encourage people to select something they wouldn't otherwise purchase. A coupon product may not always be the right choice.

Most rental car companies have deals that don't depend on coupons. These can be deals such as $1 a day rental for one way travel to Florida during the fall, to special discounts for government employees and members of the military. Some rental companies have even been known to offer free rental cars to veterans or to people in special circumstances.

When seeking a vehicle to rent, always consider car rental coupons. Be careful, be smart, compare, and then get every penny you can taken off the price via a coupon.



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Car Payment Calculator

It's pretty important to own a car in today's world. Depending on the area, some folks can't rely on public transportation. People have to go to work and school, drive the kids to various activities, go out to movies or social functions, all on their own unique schedule that doesn't always fit in with the bus or train time tables. Some people are afraid to use the bus or train in the evening. The case for a car is a good one. When people want to know if they can fit a car into the scheme of things, they turn to a car payment calculator.

These aren't tough to use. They're all over the Internet on sites like Yahoo autos. The calculators spit out monthly payment after all the variables such as price and interest rate are entered. Keep insurance and other costs in mind even if the calculator doesn't factor those into the picture. In fact, it's a good idea to look at all the costs of car ownership before making a purchase. There's the cost to store, insurance naturally, parts and labor for repairs and other things. Gasoline prices are also an important element of cost.

Many people often overlook hidden costs such as cost for accidents. That's the deductible on most policies. Can you pay it to get the car back in working order? What about when the premium rises? Other things to keep in mind are the price of registration and emissions testing. Sure these will be the same or at least similar for all cars, but it's still part of the price.

Car buyers too often rely only on monthly payment. The salesman can "put you behind the wheel" for whatever you can pay each month That might be interesting, but there's something else to consider. We're talking the bottom line price. Haggling and comparing only happen when the consumer is aware of the amount the car costs. It's incomplete to only consider monthly payment and other costs. Don't buy the vehicle until you know the price.

The budget is best maintained with the help of a car payment calculator. But more information is needed for a purchase. Make sure you have all the tools and all the information before buying that car.



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Car Auctions

It's easy to find discounted car bargains at car auctions. Not only can great deals on used cars be found there, but also some incredible higher model cars too.. Whether it's for personal use or resale, a lot of people acquire automobiles in this manner. This pleasant experience, however, can quickly turn sour if you don't know a few things.

Some of what can go wrong includes buying a bad car. There are lemons at auctions too. Keep in mind that what you see at an auction is what you get. Remember the old Sesame Street skit in which a man looks over a car with "as is" in the window. The salesman responds "as is" to every question. Finally the man agrees to buy the car, pays for it, but when he opens the door to get into the car it falls to pieces. The unfortunate buyer shouts "I want the car as was!" Nobody wants to become that guy.

Car auctions generally give potential buyers time to look over the cars. If an auction won't do that, run. Arrive early. Inspect and take a spin in the interesting autos. If you don't know anything about cars, bring someone who does. If not, then during the test drive bring the car to a mechanic for inspection. It doesn't take long to check key components like the engine and breaks. Check other elements for damage. This includes the body, upholstery, and bumpers .

Another problem is inherent in auctions. People assume that the auction price will be a great deal, but often it ends up being more expensive than purchasing the item through a normal sales process. It's no different at car auctions. The bidding can easily escalate to well over the car's value. There are also fees to pay, so pay close attention. Know the prices of similar models in similar conditions from Kelly Blue Book or other sales data. No need to even look it up in advance since the information is online and phones can access it. Don't pay more than the car is worth, even if it's a coveted antique.

Keep in mind there are deals to be found. But keep your eyes and ears open. There's a sucker born every minute. Don't be the minute man at car auctions.



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Budget Car Rental

When a car is in the shop, or there's a business trip, or they need a car for a few days to run errands, people rent cars. A lot of companies rent out autos. One with a big marketing budget is Budget. That's what Budget car rental is a company many people use. The very name leads people to believe the price will be unbeatable. Although it's not a fact, it helps sell the business.

Renting cars is only one of Budget's lines. Moving, hauling - trucks are also served out by the company. Comfort and style are key to Budget trucks. In fact luxuries like automatic transmission, air conditioning, power brakes and power steering helped set them apart from other truck rentals. That's quite a deal compared to stiff transmissions, hot interiors and loud rides. Budget trucks also have something many vans don't have. There's no wheel well in the middle of the trailer. It's not only easier to move things around in there, but there's more space to fit cargo. Budget even sells the trucks when their time in the rental fleet is complete. Budget trucks, therefore, have another nice comfort. They're in great condition and often newer models. A break down when a truck is needed isn't fun.

In many parts of the country it's difficult to own an auto. Good public transportation can be a major factor. A car is sometimes necessary, however. When the load is too much to carry on a bus, that's one time. Or it might be that they want a relaxing car ride. {In any case, a rental car is the solution|This calls for a rental car|This is a job for a car rental|. Budget rents some cars for $160 weekly which can't be beat. Even the cost of a rental car every weekend of the year, about $70 each weekend from Budget, would be cheaper than the cost of owning a car. It's just cheaper to rent if a car isn't needed every day.

Little did Henry Ford realize when he designed his first car that businesses would exist to rent cars for people. What would he say if he could see Budget car rental in action?



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