Test Drive before you Buy.

Buying a used car is all well and good, but just as with anything that costs a similar amount of money, it’s hugely important to ‘try before you buy’. Taking a test drive in a potential purchase before handing over any money is the single greatest way to discover any problems. Here’s how to do it.

Actually finding a car that meets all your requirements in the first place is actually quite easy, especially if you look online. The most popular websites such as Teletextcars have thousands of different listings, and all you need to do is pick the phone up and book a test drive with the relevant people.

While a picture can say a thousand words, it’s not until you get up close and personal with a pre owned auto that you can really see what’s going on. The best advice is to come prepared with the knowledge of any common faults on a specific model, and then go about checking that they aren’t there. Get down on your hands and knees and look for any obvious wear and tear, as well as rust. Inside the cabin, test everything you can possibly get your hands on as this way you won’t be surprised later on when something doesn’t work.

Once out and about on the test drive, it’s a good idea to have a go on all types of roads. Country lanes, town streets and even motorways/freeways should all feature on your route because you’ll be able to see how the motor handles on each of them, and whether you like it or not. After all, there’s no point in spending money on something that’s not nice to drive. Take this time to listen out for any strange engine noises, as well as other things like stiff gears, spongy brakes and abnormal ply in the steering wheel.

Look, the chances are that you’ll have no problems at all when taking a potential purchase for a test drive, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Take the time to find out as much as you can about the car in person, and then make sure you’re totally comfortable behind the wheel. Most pre owned autos are seriously good quality, but always keep a sharp eye to avoid disappointment.

A guest post written by Sam B.

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This Jaguar has a full 5 year, 50k mile warranty including all scheduled service.

This one has been updated with new upholstery, radiator, water-pump, condenser, oil change and is ready to go another 100k miles with the right owner.

• 6cyl Automatic
• extended cab seats four
• Bedliner
• Rear sliding window
• CD
• 4×4  4wd
• Alloy rims

This is a sweet ride for the first-time driver, student driver or recreational off-roader. Great basic transportation for the airport car in RENO or snow country. Solid, reliable transportation car, cheap.

Offered as a private party sale, you save $$$money$$$ on sales tax!

Shown by appointment only. No dealer pls. Serious inquiries only.

702-788-3868

Asking $10,999    this is below KBB.com

Dress for Success for Women includes the CAR you DRIVE.

Tips and Tricks for Women Car Buyers:

Remember when women wearing pants in the office was a big deal?  Well, fashion forward to the car you drive makes a huge impact on the professional business community you are doing business with.
As much as “the look” you present; shoes, handbag, jewelry and more…
the men (and women) you are pitching take in the car you are driving as a value statement.
This year in China, more women purchased Ferrari’s than men?
A statement? Absolutuely.
Your car sends the message: YOU are a successful business woman.
The particular brand identifies you as a smart, savvy car shopper who knows what she wants. The car driven is an extension of YOU; for all the right reasons, and those you address… when the client, co-worker, boss, asks if you like you car.

BUYING: New vs. Used Luxury cars.

The car brand is directly linked with status, power, prestige and success, so when you can’t afford a new one, consider leasing or buying pre-owned, or even leasing a pre-owned model if the financials work in your favor.

1. Consider a BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, Lexus or Acura right now, as these fierce competitors are vying for the number one spot in Luxury Car Sales.  Want to show your UNIQUE, I don’t follow the pack, I lead it… go Jaguar. The deals you see advertised are the deal, so don’t expect to get anything more off the price.
2. Be aware: most dealers will have a VERY limited supply of the ad car.
3. Use this calculation: +$15.00-20.00 per month for every $1000.00 in added features or upgrades. Be prepared to switch, the ad car is always a base model. 
4. 10,000 miles per year is the advertised lease. If you need more miles per year, you can add another $20.00-$25.00 per month for every step up: 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year.
5. If you drive more than 15,000 miles per year, go for the low interest rate purchase/auto loan program. Rates as low as 1.9% are being offered this year.
6. GAP PROTECTION (insurance)  is NOT your regular car insurance. This policy protects you from having to pay-off the entire car and remaining lease payments or any portion of the remaining lease balance the car insurance didn’t cover. It is imperative to have GAP protection on all AUTO LOANS or LEASES where you are putting down a small amount of money, or adding negative equity into the the payment. GAP is usually included in most lease contracts from the auto manufacturer and some banks. ASK who the leasing company is through BEFORE signing.  If the dealer suggests GAP is not included, the additional cost is usually $500.00, but before you pay,  ask to see the actual contract. Look for the words GAP or VEHICLE REPLACEMENT COVERAGE. 
7. USED LUXURY brands also offer leases, which lower the payment yet again, and conserve your cash.  They are usually only offered on CERTIFIED cars sold by the brand dealer. 

Continue reading my MYCARLADY tips and Tricks for Women buying cars here:  TRADE-INS.

If you have any questions concerning your car buying search, need help or free advice, contact me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com or use the form below.
I try to answer every email personally, usually within an hour, PST.

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The year of the Hybrid automobile was usurped by the introduction of the all-electric-hybrid, which, other than the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, are the only alternative hybrid vehicles to achieve federal tax advantage status.

NOT all HYBRIDS get TAX CREDITS.

The Prius, Insight, and GM model truck hybrids have exhausted their credit status by virtue of the number of units sold over the past five years.

100% Electric cars and models with limited sales are still eligible.

These would be the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Coupe and Fisker Karma. The Chevy Volt has had some problems in the press lately, as the garaged vehicles started burning up after some NHTSA crashes led to batteries catching fire.

The Nissan Leaf is only sold in certain states, as Nissan limits introduction to more urban-demand locales. The Fisker will barely deliver 100 vehicles to owners before the December 31st 2011, tax deadline. 

As for miles, the standard deduction in 2011, for those keeping a log of their travels (required by the IRS), is .51 cents this year. 51 cents per mile for business miles driven
19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. (direct from the IRS website for 2011)

However, if gas prices continue to level-off or fall, so could the per mile allowance from the IRS for 2012. You can always use exact expense, including monthly payment (lease or buy/loan requires different calculations) instead of the straight (logged) miles.

SECTION 179

This business vehicle allowance as part of the FARM Bill, originated to encourage large scale machinery buyers to invest in their business. The 6,000lb vehicle weight rating slid many enterprising business executives into Hummer, Tahoe, and other large sport utility vehicles. 
Today, the Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover are the only 5 passenger vehicles that meet this qualification. You can purchase a used vehicle and still qualify for the SECTION 179.

This article is not meant as tax advice or as an attempt to avoid paying taxes. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.

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Sarah Lee Marks is MyCarlady. She has over 22+ years of experience.
She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
MyCarlady offers free car buying advice, and private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles.
Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-788-3868
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Pent-up demand and unforeseen circumstances along with a desire to make a change for various reasons, has warmed the auto buying marketplace.

At the same time, WOMEN are cautiously approaching the car buying mode, having held onto their clunkers and junkers to the point of $ ZERO dollar return.

ZERO DOLLAR RETURN- CAR VALUE-TRADE-IN

What do I mean by this? 

The cost of repairing the car for the 1st, 3rd or 10th time, is exceeding the total value of the vehicle to you, the owner, as compared with a monthly payment on a NEWER car.  $500, $1000, $300 at a time is still a monthly payment when spread out over the life of these repairs against the car as a whole. If you have or need to spend several hundred dollars every month or so, on a car that is six years old or older, you are WASTING YOUR MONEY. The car is telling you, it’s getting older, parts are failing and MORE EXPENSE is coming.

This is a great video done by two knowledgeable carwomen about trade-in valuations from the dealership side. You’ve read or heard me say it before, so check this out…

CAR BUYING Women Tips and Tricks continued…

Dress for Success, BUYING: New vs. Used, Leasing :New vs. Used, DRESS for SUCCESS-YOUR CAR CHOICE  and more to come…

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 TIME magazine’s puff piece on Sergio Marchionne, CEO of FIAT,  highlights the iron-fisted tactics used to take control of the ill-fated Chrysler corporation. Given the government’s desire to have him take the problem off their hands with a minor amount of political loss-job-shed, the company had limited value beyond the facilities and brand loyalty leftover from the Mercedes-Benz era.

However, the tough questions never got asked of Marchionne, and continued to be ignored by NHTSA, the unions and the future owners of FIAT/Chrysler products.  When it comes to brand loyalty the Dodge Ram 2500-3500 Cummins Diesel had as high an owner love fest as the Porsche and Lexus crowd. If you consider the demands put on the three makes by their owners, the Dodge diesel clearly won out. Cummins, the famed engine maker was to thank for the famous Dodge 5.9L, and it’s well-documented history of going 250k+ miles. It was this heritage that claimed the economic lives of thousands of Dodge loyal owners anxious to have a 6 speed manual and ultimately an automatic with more horsepower in the summer of 2007.

Dodge 6.7L Diesel DPF problems cont…

2007, the year the federal government and EPA mandated a change of the diesel fuel mix to ultra-low sulfur burn and demanded a new engine be created by all diesel truck manufacturers in the light and medium duty weight-class. To be fair, the car companies had been given plenty of warning the requirements had to be met, but how they arrived at the new emissions level was up to the individual auto manufacturer.

Dodge pressed Cummins into action, and so the regeneration system utilizing a departiculate filter was born. The frustrated Dodge 6.7L Cummins Diesel owners know all about the DPF system. The horrors of idled work trucks, dealers demanding tens of thousands of dollars for NON-warranty problems alleged to be from bad gas, excessive oil overfill, not driving the truck properly and malfunctioning turbos among every other excuse, have cost the country millions of dollars in lost revenue and productivity.

NO NATIONAL RECALL

Somehow Sergio and his team have managed to avoid a national recall campaign or buyback of these lemons. How can this be? The liability of the Chrysler corporation seems to have shed it’s skin thanks to the bankruptcy courts. Yes, President Obama did say all the car companies involved in the public money bailout would honor their vehicle warranties, however, Fiat and its’ leader are claiming owner error to avoid responsibility.

NHTSA appears to be blind to the complaints, service bulletins and consumer protection they are entrusted with, using the: “the number of dead by model”, as the standard for requiring buyback or recall action on the part of the automaker. The EPA wanted better fuel economy and cleaner air, yet they’re lack of involvement in the engine design has clearly cost the truck owners and air quality more money in fuel consumption as MPG has gone down thus requiring more fuel to get to the same place.

As the Cummins-Dodge relationship strains under the pressure of this failed engine, finger-pointing and blanket denials regarding the number of buybacks (gag orders under contract) abound.  Marchionne was never asked by TIME or anyone else, about the hundreds of thousands of loyal Dodge truck owners business’ destroyed by the DPF problem.  As a business person he has shown a total disregard for the lives endangered and financial destruction caused by his companie’s actions.  How does the offer of a lifetime warranty to the truck owner bring comfort, when your engineers can’t fix, deny responsibility, mis-diagnose the problem, or worse; allow your dealership network to steal thousands of dollars for repairs that should be covered and still won’t correct the underlying issues?

Thousands await judges’ decision.

As thousands of 2007-2011 Cummins 6.7 Dodge Ram truck owners await the verdict of the court regarding Chrysler’s attempt to have the class-action lawsuits dismissed, a new problem arrives.  Dodge dealerships and Chrysler/FIAT corporate are knowingly allowing and in some cases directly participating in the resale of these trucks in the used truck market without disclosure of the issues.

Let the Dodge Cummins Ram DIE?

Is it possible Marchionne wants to kill CUMMINS in the eyes of Dodge truck owners?
Would this not provide an easy transition for the FIAT diesel when it arrives, presumably once all the 2007-2011 6.7l Dodge Ram trucks have quietly passed on to countries with no EPA, and all the Dodge truck owners have conveniently forgotten their last sheering?

FIAT offers a diesel engine vehicle in Italy, but does it meet USA standards? 
Why has the FIAT CEO been so quiet about plans to expand the FIAT product line in the USA? Could it be he is waiting to see how the Fiat 500 and ABARTH make it through a summer in Las Vegas?

As Sergio the master manipulator is crowned the Savior-King of Chrysler, how will he handle the future customer complaints when the FIAT 500 fails to stay cool and run in hot climates like AZ, NV, CA, TX, NM, FL, LA, UT? 

Without bankruptcy liability protection, will NHTSA hold FIAT to the same standard as Toyota, for “o death count” failures on future FIAT/Chrysler products?

As Chrysler records steady sales increases post bankruptcy, should the auto buyer of today be concerned about the car company’s intention to honor the reliability of their products when they have shown a record of not doing so thus far? 
Who among us remembers Fix It Agian Tony? (the old acronym for FIAT).

In this case: BUYER BEWARE is the message for future Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and FIAT shoppers.

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Sarah Lee is a 20 yr. automotive executive writing on all things car related. A huge consumer advocate for better car deals and manufacturer responsibility. This website and the information provided is fueled by donations. If you feel the information provided is helpful, please feel free to contribute by clicking here. Thank You for your support. SLM

]]> http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/12/18/why-dodge-wont-fix-the-dpf-problem/feed/ 1 http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/12/13/used-chevy-utility-work-truck-for-sale-11999/ http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/12/13/used-chevy-utility-work-truck-for-sale-11999/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:15:18 +0000 MYCARLADY http://www.mycarlady.com/?p=5539 $11999 Utility Work truck for 2011 TAX SAVINGS Sec. 179

The rumors persist that 2011 may be the last year of the Section 179 tax savings allowance of up to  $125,000 in capital expenditures including the purchase of work trucks,new or used, weighing more than 6,000 pounds.

USED TRUCKS QUALIFY for Sec.179

This 2006 Chevy 2500HD Utility truck is a perfect example of a great vehicle investment to take advantage of this tax allowance.

Only 60k miles, Automatic, Air, six boxes, ladder rack, tow package , good tires and white body ready for your signage or decals.

The best part is all the services are up to date and as a private party purchase you pay no sales tax in Nevada.

2006 CHEVROLET 2500HD WORK truck WITH FULL UTILITY BODY ONLY $11999

If you are interested in a great work truck with a HARBOR UTILITY BODY, the best in the business, contact me at 702-788-3868.

 

]]> http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/12/13/used-chevy-utility-work-truck-for-sale-11999/feed/ 0 http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/12/07/2011-12-tax-savingtips-write-offs-cars-stocks-sec-179/ http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/12/07/2011-12-tax-savingtips-write-offs-cars-stocks-sec-179/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:44:48 +0000 MYCARLADY http://www.mycarlady.com/?p=5530

Automobile tax savings , write-offs, profit-taking,  employee bonus options for small business owners.

Since the Hummer is gone and gas is still over $350.00 a gallon, most small business owners have given up on the Escalades, Tahoes and Land Cruiser because of the fuel and manuverability.  However, if utilizing the IRS tax code Sec. 179 for your business vehicle is applicable to you, consider thePorsche Cayenne AWD. This shart 5 seater is the ultimate off-road machine; matches a spry 6cyl, with reasonable fuel economy, 7700lb towing capability and luxury, all while being the most prestigious, internationally hearlded auto brand in the world.

If you are looking to take advantage of some year-end tax savings, bonus or need to add another vehicle to your fleet, consider a Porsche Cayenne.

Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas has created a unique proposition for the Cayenne, offering a certified Cayenne lease for $499.00 a month (see dealer for details) and new or used (both eligible for tax savings on vehicle purchases). Year-end tax planning and pro-tax saving for 2012 is crucial in this election year. Don’t miss out on your business vehicle deduction opportunity! Contact your accountant for tax advice.

Youngstown, Ohio CPA Harold Davis offers some other unique tips for 2011 tax savings, so get on the ball before December 31st falls!

Potential Tax Implications of Gas Lease Income 
The extraction of natural gas from Marcellus Shale deposits in Ohio and Pennsylvania is bringing substantial financial benefits to many landowners. Significant tax implications often accompany these benefits so landowners planning to enter into a gas lease need to be aware of how income from a gas lease is taxed and how it can affect the landowners overall tax profile.

Lease Bonus and Royalty Payments - These amounts are taxed as ordinary income, subject to marginal federal tax rates up to 35 percent (potentially 39.6 percent in 2011).

Depletion Deduction – A tax incentive, in the form of a percentage depletion deduction, is available to most recipients of royalty payments (not lease bonus payments). The percentage depletion deduction is equal to 15 percent of royalties received, resulting in only 85 percent of the royalty usually being included in a taxpayers income.

Changes to Overall Tax Profile – Increases in income can have hidden tax costs. Additional income may result in a greater portion of Social Security benefits being included in federal taxable income or a phase out of various tax deductions and credits.

Reducing the Impact of Lease Income – Concentrating deductions in tax years in which significant lease bonus or royalty payments are received can help reduce income. Deductions to consider include maximizing depreciation and Section 179 equipment expensing deductions for a landowner’s farm or self employed business; maximizing allowable contributions to IRAs and other retirement plans, establishing Health Savings Accounts, if applicable; bunching of several years’ charitable donations for landowners who itemize deductions; and other techniques that can be suggested by your tax advisor.

Damage Payments – Payments negotiated as damage payments can receive favorable tax treatment. Damage payments related to land or timber are tax free to the extent of a landowners basis (generally his or her cost) in the affected property. Payments in excess of the basis are usually taxed as long term capital gains. (Payments for damages to a farmer’s crops are considered ordinary income from the farm.)

These ideas are not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding or evading taxes or penalties under the IRS code or regulations and cannot be used for these purposes.  For personal/business tax consultations contact Harold at the number below.
Visit Our Website: www.hddaviscpas.pro
H.D. Davis Associates, Inc.
125 Churchhill Hubbard Road
Youngstown, OH 44505
(330) 759-8522

Sarah Lee is a 20 yr. automotive executive writing on all things car related. A huge consumer advocate for better car deals and manufacturer responsibility. This website and the information provided is fueled by donations. If you feel the information provided is helpful, please feel free to contribute by clicking here. Thank You for your support. SLM

]]> http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/12/07/2011-12-tax-savingtips-write-offs-cars-stocks-sec-179/feed/ 0 http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/11/27/cybermonday-car-deals/ http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/11/27/cybermonday-car-deals/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 04:42:52 +0000 MYCARLADY http://www.mycarlady.com/?p=5525 The CyberMonday holiday shopping-fest isn’t lost on end-of-the-month car deals for the smart online auto shopper.

If you are looking to score a 0% deal on a new car or low 1.9% financing on a certified pre-owned used car, the CyberMonday car deals are plentiful if you know where to look andwhich dealer to deal with.

Dealer Website Reflect Inventory Car Deals

Skip the cars.com and autotrader.com websites and go directly to the dealer websites where below Kelley Blue Book and dealer invoice pricing is on markdown car dealer mode. 

The dealership websites are typically more up-to-date with inventory adds and deletes, where nationally aggregated menu car sites are not cleared of sold units quickly enough, leaving you to call or guess if the car you want is still there. This also leaves you open to salespeople telling you it’s still available, only to be “surprised”  it just got sold when you arrive.

Among the hot CyberMonday car deals right now, for those with great credit you can choose from 0% interest on new Honda, Toyota, Nissan to 1.9% on pre-owned Porsche.  Also watch for lease deals with nothing down, but be prepared for limited selection in the most popular models: Corolla, Civic,Camry,Soul, Altima, Accord and Sentra.

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If you have questions about where the deals are in your neighborhood, make or model, contact sarah lee aka:Mycarlady where car buying advice is free.

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Sarah Lee Marks is MyCarlady. She has over 22+ years of experience.
She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
MyCarlady offers free car buying advice, and private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles.
Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-788-3868
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