Quick Cash Auto Blog

When shopping for a new car, it can be easy to overlook finance options. All too often, the excitement of getting behind the wheel of a new ride can make car shoppers eager to simply sign up for the first offer that comes their way; however, you should always seek out the best financing option before agreeing to an auto loan.

Whether you’re buying a new car or a used car, most dealerships will offer finance options. These loans will typically be made through outside lenders, and the dealership may have little control over their rates. The lender will usually pay off the car dealership in full, and then you will be responsible for paying back the lender directly. It should be noted that some dealerships will offer direct financing themselves, in which case you will be dealing only with the dealership. Regardless of what type of dealer financing offers you receive, you need to read any loan agreement carefully to make sure that you fully understand the terms and conditions. It may be boring to sit and read all of the fine print, but doing so will help you to avoid any surprises down the road.

A loan offered through a finance company will usually be based upon your credit score, but it may also be based upon things such as your current employment status, how many outstanding loans you currently have and more. The interest rate you are offered will typically be higher if you have poor credit, and lower if you have good credit. Financing a vehicle directly through the dealership may offer you a little bit more room to negotiate the terms of your loan, but this is not always the case. One advantage, however, to accepting a loan directly from a dealership is that you will usually have more of an opportunity to speak to someone about your loan face to face should you have any questions or concerns.

If you’re planning on purchasing a vehicle from a private individual, you might try seeking out financing through a bank or credit union. These establishments may offer lower interest rates and better terms, but again, this may be determined by your credit score. Most private sellers will want to be paid in full upon selling a vehicle, and many will refuse to accept payments. In these cases, it’s more beneficial to have the money up front, allowing you to purchase the vehicle outright and then simply pay back your bank or credit union.

While most people keep up with the scheduled maintenance of their vehicle, it can be easy to fall behind. Unfortunately, not keeping up with tasks such as oil changes and tire rotations can cost you big time, and not just in terms of your wallet. The fact is, no matter what type of vehicle you drive; routine maintenance keeps you, and other drivers around you, safe on the road.

One way to keep up with routine maintenance is to keep a notebook around that details what maintenance tasks you’ve performed, and when they were completed. Keeping notes on when you last changed your vehicle’s brake fluid, or when you last had the wheels aligned, can help you to avoid performing these tasks too close together, saving you time and money. Keeping a maintenance notebook is also a good idea if you plan to sell or trade your vehicle in the future. Many private buyers or dealerships will be more likely to give you a better price on your vehicle if you can show that it has been taken care of.

Many mechanic shops also offer reminder services to help you keep up with routine maintenance. When you get your oil changed, most shops will place a small sticker on your windshield that will remind you to change your oil again at a certain mileage, or by a certain date. Some shops will also send out notices in the mail that remind you of when to have routine services performed. If you have the chance to sign up for a mailing list from your local mechanic shop, you may also receive valuable coupons with these reminders. Furthermore, many mechanic shops are also turning to email and text messages to remind customers of when their vehicle is due for routine service.

Remember, keeping up with maintenance is not simply a matter of cost. Although not performing maintenance can end up costing you a lot of money in the replacement of worn and broken parts, it can also be deadly. Not performing routine maintenance can cause components to fail, such as your brakes, and it may also cause malfunctions, leading to fires and other disasters. If you’re unsure of what maintenance you need to do on a regular basis, you may want to consider consulting with a professional mechanic. A professional mechanic will also be able to inspect your vehicle’s current state, and can help you develop a plan to keep you safely on the road for many years to come.

Whether you have bad credit, have had a car repossessed in the past, or have declared bankruptcy, you may think that you will not be able to obtain financing for a vehicle until the negative items are off of your credit report. Since it takes anywhere from seven to 10 years for negative items to be removed from your report, it may be unreasonable for you to wait before purchasing your next vehicle. Use these tips to find financing despite your poor credit history.

• If you’ve had a vehicle repossessed in the past, you’ll need to pay any balance you owe on the vehicle before applying for an auto loan. Paying off the balance will boost your credit score and make financing a new vehicle more affordable as you won’t have to worry about past debt.

• Put off purchasing a vehicle for as long as you can while you work on rebuilding your credit. Avoid new debt while you work on increasing your credit score, and pay all existing bills on time. Instead of only paying the minimum amount due on credit cards and other debts, budget in a way that allows you to put the maximum amount of your income towards debt payments. This will reduce your debt and increase your credit score.

• Be aware of what is in your credit report by obtaining a copy through Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. All three credit reporting agencies are required to provide you with a free report once per year, so this will not cost you anything.

• Start your search for a vehicle at small car lots, which are more likely to offer financing to buyers with past credit problems. Some of these lots specifically advertise their willingness to approve bad credit loans.

• To avoid credit problems in the future, buy a car that fits your budget. If you can’t afford a new car, look at used cars. Financing is available for used cars, and many are still under warranty or are certified pre-owned, meaning they have been tested for quality.

Even if you’ve had credit problems in the past, you can qualify for an auto loan. Clean up your credit as much as possible before applying for financing, and seek out small car lots that cater towards buyers with bad credit. Buy according to your budget, even if that means purchasing a used car instead of a new one.

Whether you keep your car parked inside your garage, in a carport, or simply out in the elements, the paint on your vehicle naturally deteriorates over time. While the frequency of being exposed to weather and environmental conditions can determine the rate of this deterioration, it’s inevitable. How do you keep your paint job looking fresh despite the wear and tear?

• Have you ever left a photograph in direct sunlight and noticed it faded over time? The sun does the same thing to the paint on your car. Fortunately, newer paint used on vehicles is formulated to resist this dulling, and it would take several years to notice any difference. If you’re truly concerned about it, you can use a car cover when your vehicle is parked outdoors for long periods of time.

• Dirt and residue can break down the protective coatings on your car and affect the paint job. Not only that, but this deterioration of protective coatings can lead to rust. To avoid damage from dirt and residue, regularly wash your car with soap and water. Use a soap that has been specifically made for use on cars, as well as a soft cloth. Be sure to dry your vehicle before you drive away, as driving with a wet car will just cause more dirt to cling to the exterior.

• Wax your car approximately three to four times every year to continuously protect the paint. When you do wax your vehicle, be sure to thoroughly clean the exterior first. Take your time cleaning and waxing, and use a carnauba-based wax for the best protection.

• If you’re thinking about getting your car washed at the type of car wash that you drive through, don’t. The brushes used in these car washes are not gentle, and may affect the wax or sealer on your vehicle. If you want to go to an automated car wash, choose one that does not use brushes. Remember to always use gentle soaps and cloths to keep your car looking its best.

Maintaining the paint job on your vehicle does require some work, but it’s worth it to keep your car looking new. Regularly wash the dirt buildup off your car, and use a wax every three to four months to keep dirt from damaging paint.