Trading in a car that's not running on a used car

Paul Blanco quality used cars for sale in California

How to Trade my Old Car on a Newer car

Even cars that are not running.

Basically you find yourself with a car that won't go and you've got no dough. First things first means how do I get rid of the old junk that is not running and instead of having to pay someone to haul it off actually get some money for it. That's where a connected dealer with many years of dealing with old cars comes in. Talking about Paul Blanco's Good Car Company. He sells many, many old junkers to junk dealers. Yes junk yards. That's where a junk yard will buy an out of service old vehicle and "part it out" or one of the pull a part dealers. Selling an older popular model brings a surprising amount of money even for cars that are beyond the eyesore condition. And Paul Blanco has connections with some of these operators so he can many times get you as much money for your eyesore as a prime, in good running order model. In most cases that old car will make a good equity or down payment on the nearly new Toyota or Honda of your dreams. Even a Silverado or F150 or SUV. 

But what about the folks who have a good running car or truck and it just doesn't fit what they want to do with it or they have outgrown it or just plain tired of it. The Blanco Good Car Company is a great place for you as well. You see these guys have a huge following because of their great reputation and their almost 100% financing opportunity regardless of credit score finance program. And they sell many old trades that they run through their reconditioning shop and get back in good shape for cash. So they have a strong market for your old vehicle, running or not. And are prepared to give thousands more over the "book" value because they have people waiting and looking for it.

Quality used Honda's, Nissan's, Acura's, and Toyota's

 So I recommend Paul Blanco's Good Car Company for those with junk to dispose of or those buyers who don't have a trade or even two nickles to rub together. And did I mention he has a finance plan for virtually anyone wanting a late model hot selling Car, SUV or Pickup truck. Regardless of credit score. And most are under $10,000. So push, pull or drag your old vehicle or the Blanco people will pick it up.

Frank Creech 

Auto Guru

Bad credit auto financing get approved

Bad Credit Auto Financing For Everyone

Don't Let Weak Credit Stop You From Getting the Perfect Vehicle



Auto Loans Approvals 

Ok you've landed that dream job or added to your family and now you need a better vehicle or even your first vehicle. Well congratulations but like many of today's working people maybe your credit score is a little shaky or your time on the job is short or you might even be new in town. Or any of dozens of factors that could keep you from scoring high enough to warrant being granted auto credit. If that fits you then I have great news.

 Paul Blanco's Fresh Start Program has possibly the easiest auto credit qualifying in America. And better yet you pick from the hottest selling models in the USA! At hugely discounted prices. Choose from Toyota Camrys. Tons of 'em in stock. Honda Civics and Accords. Mostly 2008 through 2012 models. The best and hottest colors offered in Nissan Altima's are available. SUV's like Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Rav 4, and Honda CR-V are in stock. Trucks like Silverado, Ram and F150. Millions and millions of dollars worth. And since Paul Blanco's good car company is one of California's largest volume dealers he buys in volume and gets volume discounts therefore he can save you thousands, and thousands of dollars in price. He prides himself in keeping his prices under $10,000. In fact he just may be the largest retailer of under $10,000 used vehicles I know of.

Bad Credit get approved for a car loan

But again it is not just the choices you are offered it is the fact that you make those choices in spite of any credit difficulties you may have experienced. And you still get the vehicle of your dreams even if you are short or even have no money down for a loan. You see Paul Blanco's will work for you with the lender and with you on your down payment or lack thereof.

What a deal! Get the Camaro, Beetle, or even a BMW or Volvo you really like and want, get the credit you so desperately need, regardless of your credit score and the Blanco Good Car Company will help you on the down payment. It just doesn't get any better than that.



Frank Creech
Auto Guru

Ford F150 price verses Chevy Silverado resale value

 Low priced Ford F150 Chevy Silverado value after purchase?

Based upon total initial cost plus resale value.

The Ford 150 and the Chevy Silverado pickups are great vehicles, provide tremendous utilitarian value, and just a lower cost when compared to other vehicle choices in the market place and their price. When you compare true initial purchase price then resale a couple or three years later they are astounding values. But unlike many best buy choices you are really better off total outlay dollars wise to go ahead and buy new.
 

But you must buy at the right time and get the right truck with right equipment. Here are prime examples that should be relatively inexpensive yet be strong movers as far as resale. Best buy as far as the F150 that is then a hot ticket on the used car market to resale seems to be the Ford  F150 super crew with the Lariat package. Don't step up past that Ford model as the Lariat provides the leather trim that gives this Ford truck cache, and the exterior trims plus the top book resale. And it's a cinch to be in demand and will deliver shockingly high dollars when you market it, right after a couple of years ownership. Best exterior color choices would include the black, white, dark blue and metallic burgundy. And none of these paints fade quickly and are in demand resale colors. I'd say spring for the 302 V8 as it doesn't demand a premium price hike (standard). Try to minimize the option packages as they can get pricey, and quickly. They are a cinch to sell by private owner. Buy only at sale dates like Memorial day, and so forth or after Christmas week sales dates.

Chevy Silverado - Ford F150 Trucks

Same sales dates would apply for the Chevy Silverado, and buying during a model closeout is great. For instance now is a great time to buy a Silverado since a new truck is coming for 2014 and the 2013 is being discounted heavily in the form of special discounts, and rebate incentives. Best bet seems to be the extended Cab models with the All Star package that offers free factory extras. Texas edition in Louisiana and Texas and Oklahoma are same discount package as all star. Go for LT with red, white and black being the best tickets to excite used buyers after a couple of years. 5.3 liter with those option packages.



Smart shoppers should pay in the $26 to 27K price range for Silverado and a 2 year old one with prime color and good miles should bring close to $25,000 still! just astounding. Lariat is albeit more pricey, partly because of crew cab and leather. Expect sharp buyers to pay about $31K to 32K net and recoup $27K or so at resale. Just an outstanding truck and buy. Either way you just can't go wrong. Silverado carries a 100K mile drive train warranty and F150 a 60K drive train guarantee.


Frank Creech - Guru
Auto Market News

Can I get a used car with no cash down?

No Cash Down Used Car Purchase

 Buying a Dream Car without a Dime in your pocket

 

Click Image to: Apply for No Money Down Cars

Most used car buyers think you need about 20% down either as cash or trade in to qualify for used vehicle financing. Paul Blanco's Good Car Company would like to dispel that misunderstanding by showing you have to qualify for that Honda, Toyota, F150, Tahoe of your dreams even if you don't have 2 nickels to rub together.

So what is the secret to pulling this off? First thing is I would recommend you use a dealer, Paul Blanco's in this case, who specializes in such sales and financing agreements. You see Blanco's understands that the reason a lender requires a down payment is to gain a competitive equity position should anything unfortunate happen and the vehicle be foreclosed upon leaving the bank with an asset that must be disposed of. At a price that may not cover the outstanding balance. To reduce or close that gap the lender wants a cash investment reducing the potential loss.

But Blanco's Good Car Company has figured a way around that loss potential so that the bank or lender is secured and therefore requires no money out of pocket upfront. A  4 step process.

First the Good Car Company employs a full time staff of aggressive buyers who scour the country looking for bargains, buying only those vehicles that are cheap relative to the book and or loan value. Therefore the banks equity is built in, so to speak, because Good Car Company can sell them cheaper since they bought them cheaper. Your down payment requirement is absorbed in the low initial sales price. Then the Good Car Company makes special arrangements to procure inexpensive gap insurance to close any potential loss to the lender. And this rediculously inexpensive coverage is rolled into the payment. again requiring no cash up front commitment. Next the Good Car Company has further arranged a deferred payment agreement. Offering terms in the rare cases a down payment might be needed.

No Money Down on Honda's

Also, the Good Car Company specializes in only those hottest, most in demand vehicles that HOLD THEIR VALUE so the bank is content that the equity is always there. Toyotas, Hondas, even BMW's. And of course they look for low mileage and that holds value.

But I didn't account for possibly the biggest advantage of all to buying your vehicle from Paul Blanco's good Car Company. Paul Blanco's refuses to put vehicles out on the road unless they have been completely serviced by their professional shop. And in case of breakdown they offer warrenties therefore there are no nasty surprises for Good Car Company customers.


Lenders know this plus Blanco's does a big volume of business and that in and of itself makes banks more flexible with Blanco's portfolio of business. At the end of the day The Good Car Company's portfilio performs for the banks because of the types of vehicles and the quality of the vehicles so yes Paul Blanco's is a preferred client of the banks and buying from The Good Car Company makes you a preferred buyer.

Read more about: Auto Financing terms

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Frank Creech - Auto Guru
Auto Market News

Luxury Car Department now open Paul Blanco Good Car Company

Paul Blanco's Good Car Company is Now in The Luxury Auto Business

 

Get Your BMW or Mercedes and Instant Credit

Paul Blanco's has exciting news for luxury car shoppers in Fresno, Stockton and Sacramento. You can now get the luxury vehicle you've always wanted at an affordable price and get the same exact quick, on the spot credit with the great terms and low payments that Blanco customers have come to expect from one of the most exciting dealerships on the west coast.

The all new luxury car division intends to specialize in the latest models of BMW including the 1, 3 and 5 series sedans coupes and convertibles. Mercedes popular small and mid size sedans and SUVs along with other popular luxury makes such as Volvo, Infiniti and Lexus. Even some Range Rovers will be offered. Even if you have had issues in the past with your credit such as befell most Americans during the recent economic woes you can now afford to drive the very best luxury cars and SUV's offered anywhere in the world.

The Paul Blanco good car company extend s the same terms as are available to his more standard car purchasers. Including short payback terms enabling you to obtain the title in record low time and zero added points to the credit union's discount rate. That in and of itself should and could save you some serious money. So if you find yourself wanting to get back into the same lifestyle vehicle you were previously accustomed to driving then click on paulblanco.com and pick out your BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Infiniti, Lexus or Range Rover.

- Frank Creech
Auto Guru

Why should I buy a used car? Is it a good time to buy?

Is now a good time to buy a used car?

 Interest Rates are Near Zero and New Car Sales Have Filled Dealer Lots with Trade ins

Luck is an excellent arbiter, both good and bad. But for most folks in most endeavors you just can't beat old fashioned timing! And for those folks who are entertaining the idea of replacing their transportation the timing just couldn't get much better. First off with rates as low as low it gets it means that you can drive and own more vehicle than you perhaps thought possible. Simply stated your payments on the exact same vehicle from as recently as a couple years ago are greatly reduced. Slashed by as much as $100. per month in some cases. That could benefit you by freeing up that much for other discretionary spending or allowing a purchaser to get a vehicle with much more equipment or with a more appealing name plate or a year newer. In any event expect to have more choices and better options if you make your move now. Secondly new car sales have been on a torrid pace and the trades that dealers have taken has bloated their inventories to some degree plus flooded the auctions with surplus cars, trucks and SUVs which has driven the prices down, down, down! And choices are over the top.
 

You can, at this moment find about anything that your heart desires.
I walked the lot at Paul Blanco's Good Car Company yesterday and they have an outrageously diverse selection to choose from. Convertibles, Hondas, Toyotas, F150 pickups, BMW's, VW's, Tahoes, Jeeps, small 3 seat SUV's, Mercedes. Folks it was all there and more. Some were priced substantially lower than what they had been marked just weeks ago because of the sudden bulge in inventory.

How long can this opportunity last? Of course no one can accurately predict that but if history is any indication a buyer's market suddenly turns and becomes a seller's market due to demand given rates and availability as well as price reductions. So my suggestion would be to get a move on if you are so inclined. This is a great time to buy a used car!

Good place to start your shopping would be to click on paulblanco.com

Buy a car with no money down - Certified cars and trucks

How to Buy a Car With No Money Down

It's Much Easier Than You Think

 

So your car won't go and you've got no dough. And catching a bus gus is just not in the cards. So whatta you do? Well if your credit is perfect and you've got a long term, well paying job then you've got no problem. Just walk into any new car dealership and pick it out, sign the financing papers and go. But for the other 80% of us who don't fit that demographical profile then it is a bit more complicated. Not impossible but slightly more challenging to say the least. But hang with me.

You could do several things including going to a dealer who specializes in tough finance cases and ask to see only the vehicles that are slow to hard sellers for a dealer to move off his lot and explain to the sales person that you are broke and need to purchase something that is "way back of the book" so to speak. That means that it is on the lot for less than the retail value due to being a non-desirable unit. That in and of itself is why you probably, unless you are on the other side of desperate, reluctant to consider this path. Second thing you might be able to pull off is to give the dealer what is referred to in the industry as a "pickup payment." That means at some future time, pretty quick in most cases, you agree to make an extra payment which is roughly the equivelent of a regular down payment to the dealer. It is all recorded and contracted and is perfectly legal upon the dealer notifying the lender. Problem here is you currently have no cash and why would you come into a windfall in say, the next few weeks. You're not likely too so this is probably a bad idea and a sure way to quickly default on the loan terms and lose your car.

So that leaves us to what I would recommend. Find a dealer who sells in volume and make that volume of business work for you. There's safety in numbers and lenders will tend to advance more easily to clients of the dealerships that give them a large amount of finance contracts on a monthly basis. The lender makes his money making loans. The dealer makes his money selling cars so each benefits when they both give each other a huge share of their business and do a lot of business.

Bottomline is lenders are reluctant to turn down a customer of a volume dealer that is favoring them with  a ton of contracts. One such dealer I like and favor is Paul Blanco's Good Car Company. First of all these folks are huge. They have dealerships all up and down the valley from Sacramento to Fresno and most stops between. As well as opening soon in LA. And each of these stores sell tons of hot selling Hondas, Toyotas and other hot movers that the banks enjoy having on their books since these tend to retain their value better and insulate the lender from possible losses.


Aside from that Blanco's volume operation is hard to beat since the lender is very reluctant to tell The Good Car Company no since he has access to over 100 lenders beating his doors down to get his finance contracts. So click on paulblanco.com and go by the nearest store and tell the salesperson up front. I want a great car in a desirable model, and I want to finance with no money down and let these folks handle it for you. Done Deal!

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Frank Creech - Guru
Auto Market News

California's Original Angry Little Asian Girl Putu Blanco

The Authentic "Angry Little Asian Girl"

Introducing Good Car Company Managing Partner Putu Blanco

Lela Lee crator of the little angry asian girl comic series.

Putu Blanco a native of Indonisia is of course one of the most positive, vibrant and caring people in the California business world. She is the managing partner of one of the fastest growing small businesses in California. The Paul Blanco Good Car Company to be exact. A former owner and hands on manager of one of the most popular restaurants in the capital city of Sacramento with a clientel heavy on foodies and heavy hitters in politics, sports and philanthropy. She was a one woman dynamo who was seemingly everywhere at once in the lively downtown business. An expert  and educated public relations specialist she was hugely popular with customers, employees and clients. As well as being an on call care giver and supporter of any good cause in the community including but not limited to the important "My Sister's House" which has meant so much to so many battered and abused women and their children. Paradoxically there is another side to this feel good story however.

You see Putu is seriously and I do mean seriously interested in each and every client of Paul Blanco's Good Car Company receiving prompt and immediate service when they either call, click on or come by the chain of dealerships she expertly manages. She is even more serious about each of those clients and customers receiving cheerful, professional, knowledgable information and help in picking out the absolute perfect vehicle that fits their lifestyle, budget and desires. And nothing short of that will do. In short she monitors each and every transaction and customer visit and inquiry. With a 100% total customer satisfaction aim and goal in mind. So what does it take to trigger the Angry Little Asian Girl that is hidden deeply inside Putu? A failure on the part of any staff or supplier to deliver that 100% complete and total satisfaction.

A saint, a hero to many in need and your own "Angry Little Asian Girl" is what you get if you decide to be her customer and her company fails to deliver total satisfaction.

What is the California Lemon Law? Can the law protect my car purchase?

California Used Car Lemon Law Explained

 How to make the lemon law work for you!

First of all what is the California Lemon Law? It covers most anything of a significant nature that would effect the safety, reliability, value and usage of your vehicle. And it would require that you make a reasonable effort to have your used car purchase repaired to a state that would make it safe, reliable and retain value outside the normal wear and tear and market forces at work. California law doesn't require the same amount of effort nor red tape as some states so it is responsive to the consumer.

You must first make the effort however to get your vehicle repaired to a state of usage  safety and value that a normal user might expect. Within the confines in some cases of the existing warranty but not always.

So what is the best way for the average used car buyer to protect his investment, safety and value. Well your best move is to diminish the chance of buying a car, truck or family SUV that would fall into the lemon category. And make sure you purchase from a dealer who stands behind the vehicles he retails.

One such dealer is Paul Blanco of Paul Blanco's Good Car Company. Frankly the name of his business says a lot. A good start toward not having a lemon is to buy a GOOD CAR up front. And that is what Blanco's business strives to provide. He personally shops for clean, reliable cars that are low mileage and safe. Then he runs them through a stringent series of checks and tests that eliminate many as retail merchandise  Those he disposes of. His shop guys spare no expense bringing the select vehicles that wind up on his sale lot up to 100%. But as in any mechanical piece of merchandise there are occasional failures. And that is where The Good Car Company shines. They generally repair or replace any vehicle that was above a certain level of investment for a reasonable period of time. That way you can rest assured that when you purchase a late model, front line vehicle of a certain price level you are in good hands.

Now is Blanco the only gold bond dealer in California. Of course not, there are many. But his business is certainly a good place to shop with confidence. Many franchise new car dealers are also reliable. But there may be a price premium to pay by going that route as they have to cover the typical new car dealer's increased overhead.


Hopefully this helps. But as always this is a buyer beware endeavor. Check out the beauty you have selected. Any reputable dealer, such as Blanco or a new car franchise dealer will allow you to take the vehicle to a person you trust.


So the question, Should I buy new or used, is discussed in a previous blog: Read it here: "Should I buy used cars or purchase new"?

Frank Creech - Auto Guru
Auto Market News





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Local businesswoman breaks auto sales myth

Putu Blanco Making Big Splash in  Auto Business

Her Public Relations background makes for an easy transition

Former Sacramento restaurant owner Putu Blanco has made a stunning debut as a used car operator. Keep in mind this was an industry dominated by males for years, but that hasn't deterred Putu, in fact it may have been a driving force to learn the business in record time, and that she has done. She is large and in charge of one of the most dynamic growth stories in the auto business on the west coast. Her title might best be described as operations manager, but believe me "boss" would be the more apt description. She runs the day to day business of three separate large volume stores; Sacramento, Stockton, and Fresno. Her husband of course was the original visionary of the chain of successful pre-owned stores, but it is Putu with her business acumen, work ethic, and empathy for people including the customers and employees that is blazing trails. Recently, donating a large sum of money to local charity My Sisters House. An Asian focused organization dedicated to assisting battered, and at risk females in hostile situations. That and her west coast auto legend husband's experience and steady hand.

How so you might say given her limited background in autos. "I had driven a car, and that was about it says Putu" but I volunteered to help my husband establish a business development center using my educational background in PR. I soon realized there was a serious need for an empathetic ear to the needs of customers and employees that maybe was not being completely addressed. And that got the ball rolling. Addressing customer concerns, and the issues that crop up with this many employees gave me a taste for more. And gave me a unique insight into a business I quickly realized is much the same as the restaurant business. Serving people and making them happy is the goal except that instead of a delicious meal with great service, I am serving Camry's with the same great service. I brought the same work ethic, and intensity into this endeavor as I did to the food service field. And the results have been nothing less than gratifying.

Putu Blanco (Center) Presenting the check to My Sisters House

I won instant respect, because of my work ethic. And I never pretended to know something I didn't know. My husband is a natural entrepreneur, and I am a people person. Perfect combination for the auto industry. Some days I don't exactly know where I am at all times, flying from Sacramento to LA, then on to Fresno and then back to LA. Or driving to Stockton and then on to Fresno. Our business is rapidly expanding, and I hope it has a little to do with my personal touch, says Mrs. Blanco. I can truly say that no one who have come into contact with Putu; has any doubt. She's a dynamic personality!

Frank Creech | Auto Guru
Auto Market News Blogs

Paul Blanco reports record December used car sales

 

Paul Blanco Good Car Company reports record used car sales in Sacramento

Stockton, and Fresno sales also strong

In the market for a used car? Well you are apparently not alone if you live in Sacramento, Stockton or Fresno. Sales at one dealer we checked with were off the charts in December. Paul Blanco, an iconic name in California auto circles, reports that his chain of used car stores were on fire the entire month. Almost to the point of running out of merchandise in many makes and models. Blanco, who has made a mark merchandising vehicles that are two to five model years old, say that his dealer group made a strong push with late model trucks, particularly in Fresno and pre-owned used import cars like Toyota and Honda's in Stockton and Sacramento locations.

Paul Blanco use cars Sacramento

Paul Blanco's Good Car Company credits the easing of credit requirements, saying that many big banks are buying looser than ever, and the strengthening economy as well as a buildup of inventory for the huge increases. Manger Jeff, GM in Sacramento, says that more people, even those with some credit issues, are finding a bank or credit union among the 100 or so available at the store that will grant credit and terms. And of course the national trend of job growth is a factor as well. But the real key, according to Jeff,  may be the new policy of stacking 'em deep and selling 'em cheap. Which was of course his way of saying they have built their inventory to all time high levels. So more and more people are finding the perfect vehicle on the lot. This dramatic change comes partially because of cheap interest rates that enable a big operator like the Good Car Company to build his inventory courtesy of low inventory costs.

Of course the sales of certain makes and models are driving sales on a daily basis. The ever popular Toyota Camry, Rav4, and Corolla. The hot selling Hondas including the Accord, Civic and SUV's. And the sales of the Silverado, Ram, and F150 pickups are note worthy. In fact, according to Manager Jeff, the market for a like new hot selling import, pickup, family van, or SUV may just now be taking off. Reasoning that tax refunds are just now starting to trickle in along with the wide choice of make, model and color that people like. Many other northern California pre-owned dealers are doing well also so now must be a great time to buy. In the meantime The San Francisco 49'ers are not the only big winners in this part of the world!


Actual Paul Blanco reviews are coming in for their Good Car Company.

Frank Creech | Auto Guru
Auto Market News Blogs

Should I buy a new vehicle or go used

 

Which brand of used vehicle is the best bet in overall value and performance

And should I consult a mechanic before making a decision

In the no size fits all category this would rank at the very top. First you need to decide what is important to you. Is it gas mileage? Performance and fun? Reliability and ease of service? Initial cost? Image? All these and many other factors must be factored in. So lets dive in and take a look at what is available to scratch whatever itch Sacramento used car buyers have.

Gas mileage is of course of paramount importance these days of inflated prices at the pump and uncertainty. Most of the imports such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and their cousin the Kia products are renowned for gatting maximum MPG. But the domestic Chevy and Ford have made great strides and in some cases even exceed those brands. Best bet is to check with a vehicle selection guide book at your friendly Barnes and Nobles and use the new model indicator for a guide post as a sales person frankly would not have a reliable source of information handy. Generally the smaller the car the better the mileage and the front drive models do the best. If mileage is not that important and you choose to go the SUV route then the front drive models are far superior to the rear wheel drive, body on frame ones but safety may be compromised a bit in those as compared to the heavier and more sturdy rear drive. Trucks are a different breed of cat. They all burn far more fuel than the passenger cars. Overall the Chevy and the GMC have had a better rep than that of the Ram and F150 as far as mileage is my experience.

Performance and fun. One simple rule of thumb. It costs both at the point of sale and in mileage and insurance costs. But if you just must some pretty good values in a preowned sporty type vehicle are the Mustangs, Dodge Challenger, Hyundai and Kia coupes and of course the Beetle Convertibles. And the resale is generally good as there is an active and continuing demand for these.

Reliability is pretty darn good on all vehicles anymore. Change the oil, do the service and drive sensibly and you will probably be shocked at how long the service life is on you brand new used car. As far as cost of parts and repair it is probably best to stay in the middle of the road as far as model selection. Parts availabilty and cost and general service is far less on a Ford or Chevy for instance than it would be on a Mercedes or any import generally.

Initial cost is a by product of demand. Expect to pay more for a Toyota Camry than you would for a Chevy Malibu. Expect to pay even more for a Acura than a Toyota. Part of the extra cost is the intial cost new of course but that is not always the case. Example: you can be expected to pay as much of more for a comparable four year old Honda Accord than for a four year old luxury car. And if a bargain per mile is important then the domestic Chevy and Ford models are great as they cost fewer dollars used than the imports. But the best buys of all would be the preowned Dodge models as they are even less than the Ford and Chevy vehicles generally. And just as reliable.

Lastly what of image. One would have to assume that as a used vehicle intender you are more practical than the average buyer so this would not be of great concern. But that would be an untrue assumption in many cases. Hondas are a image builder among the younger set. Many young men like to tool around in a Silverado, Ram or F150 pickup and those are sure image builders among certain demographics. And convertible are sure fire winners among many particularly of the female gender but not always.

With a decision to make I would surmise that among the midsize auto buyers which is a huge segment if value is your thing it would be hard to go against the Chevy Malibu or the Ford Fusion. If you like both value and are willing to pay a little more for image then go for an Accord, Camry or Altima.  Trucks and Suvs choices are a little more personal taste.

For a professional opinion I asked Paul Blanco of the Paul Blanco Good Car Company with quality used car locations in Sacramento, Stockton and Fresno. His advice is to always go for what your first instinct is and always take your first choice to a mechanic before you plunk down your hard earned cash.  That sounds like good advice to me.

Frank Creech | Auto Guru
Auto Market News Blogs

Auto salesperson tricks of the trade

 

Auto Sales Tricks and tips

How to Beat the used car market

The first thing you must arm yourself with before you enter the showroom is knowledge and plenty of it. As soon as you get a pretty concrete idea of what type vehicle it is that you are interested in purchasing then do your diligence but don't overload yourself with a bunch of pre-conceived notions that will probably hamper your flexibility in getting the vehicle you will be satisfied with. Best that some things are left to the discovery process since things change very rapidly in the retail auto industry.

Ok so you generally have landed your focus on a midsize to smaller SUV since it is for your daughter who is going away to college and has a puppy, lots of laudry and "stuff" that she absolutely must carry. And since your child is not mechanically inclined and is moving to a typical college city of 50,000 you decide to purchase new. Next you would want to find out what dealers are available in that city to honor warrenty and do required maintenence. Nothing like buying a vehicle and finding out you must travel 100 miles to get minor repair. So what other items on your purchase to do list should you consider? In no particular order of priority here are some things that many people find important.

Style. This is important to a child, well all of us really. So the metal must be bent to appeal in some fashion to the beholder. And the flash and dash aspects are also important but run up the price so be wary. A friend researched a VW Tiguan because it had an initial low starting price point but quickly went sky high for that class of vehicle. 

Next go to a book store and buy a readily available price and option book that lists all the optional equipment, body styles and so forth. Then go to your friendly dealer and get a wish book, translated, a brochere. Do this for all the vehicles you are interested in. Next click on the manufacturers web site and click on "Build and Price" and run a few thousand combo's of model, price and equipment until you find the best possible combination for you. Next there are sites that tell you what factory rebates are available at this time including factory to dealer incentives. Armed with all this go to a dealers lot and browse. Important your first forays should be when the business is closed so you can look at your leisure. All makes have slow movers and incentives to move these and free equipment to get business rolling on a particular model or they just sometimes give special deals if equipment is purchased in conjunction with other items. Compare the stickers and look for free optional equipment. Pay attention to the EPA ratings on mileage although are notoriously over stated as to what mileage you can expect. But they can give you a range. Since this is for a child traveling pay attention to safety. Lots of airbags for sure. And since it is an SUV there is one other little quirk. Generally a body on frame construction with a rear wheel drive SUV is safer and far more likely to sustain less damage in a collision that the new unibody, front drive models. But here is the caveat. They can be thirsty. And that is the reason few of these are still around. But this is your child. Some body on frame models still out there are the Jeep Liberty (now discontinued however some dealers still have new 2012 models), Dodge Nitro, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra. All these are built on some version of the manufacturers midsize truck chassis so they tow and haul. The front drive models will give better mileage and are much more prevelent and available.

Alright you now probably know more than the average sales person so you're ready for the anticipated hand to hand combat in the showroom. Finding the perfect vehicle unless you order it is almost impossible so prioritize what you are willing to compromise on. Dress comfortably because this may take awhile. And understand that regardless of what you may have heard, Joey the auto salesperson is no more than little Joey down the street. No better or worse but he has to produce profit for the store or he's an appliance salesperson next. He will ask you a qualifying question. What are you currently driving but what he is really asking you is "what are you trying to trade or unload on us today?"  Best answer to this is I drive several vehicles, none of which I anticipate trading. Because they are trained to not get serious about price or negotiate if you have a trade since they are going to attempt to hide some of the discount you are going to demand in the trade over-allowance. As in your vehicle appraises for $4000 but they show you $6000 (a $1000 discount plus a $1000 factory rebate) which is included. Ask immediately to see the latest (check the date) factory notification on any rebates and incentives that the factory has out. Look for the termination date and any restrictions. If there is factory to dealer cash you will want to ask for that as well when you get down to dollars and cents. Also ask for any discontinued model year end closeouts. Sit in the car, and make sure  it has great visibility, the features and controls are handy and the electronics gizmo's are current (big to a younger person). Storage is important. Ask about the warrenty although most are similar and don't fall for the extended thingy later. Cars last these days if serviced. Ask about any required maintenence to keep the warrenty in effect. An old Indian trick, with apologies to Indians everywhere, to get you into the shop and make some money off your service needs.  A short spin should settle you down as to the handling and so forth. Don't get all bent out of shape over the reliability aspects, most vehicles are close to the same anymore with component sharing rampant. THEY MOSTLY ALL BUY FROM THE SAME SUPPLIERS! But do ask to see what ever trade in guide they use and compare resale values. In doing all this you have taken control of the situation and that is the first thing sales people attempt to do is establish control. He or she who controls wins.

After you have decided on the vehicle then ask to go inside and see what we have. Don't allow the sales person to say that as it gives him or her the feeling that they are back in control of the transaction. Kick back and ask for the dealer's invoice from the factory. Don't believe the old adage about all these different levels of invoices and do try to be fair. Important point here. Many sales people will return with a computer read out! Baloney! Let me see the invoice from the manufacturer. and you will recognize it when you see it. Lots of seemingly inane terminology, numbers, shipping info, retail and wholesale pricing and so forth. Make sure the serial number matches that of the vehicle you are negotiating on. It has happened that sales people will run a ringer by you on something that has more equipment and therefore has a higher invoice.

Now to the offer. You have the auto dealers cost at hand (remember most new vehicles have what they call a hold back of 3% figured in). Offer that LESS any factory to dealer cash and less any factory to customer cash rebate. Hold firm. If you do in most cases you have bought yourself a vehicle. And paid a fair price. The car dealer gets 3% of the sticker profit or $900. on a $30,000 vehicle. AND if you have got a trade, by all means WHIP IT ON HIM AT THIS POINT. Get off the hook by making a call "to the wife or husband" and tell the sales person "my spouse says ok but I must get rid of one of my hoopties" and shut up. This way you will know what they are giving you for your trade. One last thing, don't go for any more than say, a $300. make ready charge or whatever it is that they are calling the last ripoff of the day. You must pay this as the state attorney general says if they charge one they must charge all customers and they can't remove it.



Paul Blanco's Good Car Company - 3 locations to serve you
Sacramento - Stockton - Fresno (Shown Here)



One last tip. Go to a reputable real used car dealer like Paul Blanco's Good Car Company and see what the vehicle you are purchasing is selling for a couple or three years old. The sales people there will be glad to assist you. They are used to being a sounding post and are very helpful. Good luck!

Frank Creech | The Auto Guru

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