Picking Your Teen’s First Car

Is your son or daughter’s sweet sixteen coming up? What about a high school graduation or other major milestone? All of these are great times to give your teen their very first car. If you’re in the market for the first time in a while, or if you’ve never shopped for a car for a younger driver, there are some special things to keep in mind while you’re looking around at your options.

CONSIDER A NEW, USED CAR

Purchasing a car that’s brand new leads to higher car payments along with higher insurance premiums. You can often find the same vehicle two to three years older for a fraction of the cost of the new model. Of course you don’t want to spend a lot on a car that’s decades old, but picking one that was made within the last five years or so is a great way to save some serious cash. As long as the car is still relatively new and has a reasonable number of miles on it, it should run perfectly fine for years to come.

STAY SUBTLE

Once you have a new driver on your policy, your insurance rates are going to climb-- there’s no avoiding that. You can, however, soften the blow to your wallet by buying smart. Don’t purchase a sports car or sports edition of an ordinary sedan, as these types of vehicles automatically carry higher premiums regardless of the age of the driver. Stick with a sub-compact car or small truck, and you’ll find yourself paying less.

Bonus: if your child has his heart set on that Mustang, tell him that he can drive the first car while he goes to school, and in a few years when he has an income of his own, he can help purchase the new car and pay for his insurance. He’ll become a responsible car owner in the process.

THINK PRACTICALLY

Does your son really need a brand new king cab truck for his sixteenth birthday? Young drivers are naturally more prone to wrecks and other accidents, so it’s not the best idea to entrust them with high-dollar vehicles. Consider the things that your child needs most from their car: reliability, fuel economy, etc. Don’t feel bad or guilty if you can’t afford a brand new or luxury vehicle-- it’s smarter to get a less flashy car for their first one anyway, as we mentioned earlier. Your child mainly needs a reliable method of transportation, so focus on finding that. Your options are nearly limitless.

SHOP SMART

Don’t buy from the first lot you visit. Some dealers are notorious for trying to send their customers home with a less-than-great deal. Shop around and test drive a variety of vehicles, and always check CarFax for the history of any cars you’re considering. Talk cautiously with dealers, and don’t get pressured into spending more than you can afford or bringing home a car you don’t love. Visiting multiple locations will ensure that you find the perfect car at the perfect price.

Having a teen old enough to get behind the wheel isn't going to be an easy transition. Make the car buying process an easy one with these tips to avoid even more stress on you. Have your child test drive the vehicle and make sure they're comfortable with handling the vehicle you choose. You don't want something that's too big for them or not comfortable to drive.

Come see us to find the perfect car for your teen's first time out on the road!

Requirements for Financing:

• NC Drivers License
• Social Security Card
• 2 proofs of residency (power bill, phone bill, water bill, etc.)
• 2 recent pay stubs or proof of income
• Proof of full coverage insurance
• Bankruptcy must be discharged (or 341 creditor meeting)
• Reposession ok if less than 1 year but must have 30-50% or more downpayment

3 Cars That Refuse to Die

These surprisingly reliable vehicles just keep going and going and going.

Cars in general have become more reliable over the years. Yet there are always some that just seem to keep rolling along, whistling right past the junkyard. Pinpointing exactly how many miles, on average, any given model has racked up is virtually impossible, but we've identified some with exceptional -- sometimes surprising -- endurance and value.

When you combine reliability and best-selling status you get ubiquity. Honda Accords of all years are everywhere, usually in tan, silver or white. If you look up the Honda Accord in Consumer Reports you will see a sea of red dots in the rankings -- a sign that owners have darn few problems with these cars.

Now, the smaller Honda Civic shares the Accord's inherent quality but is more likely to be modified by its owners with spoilers, wings, loud exhausts, that kind of thing -- with maintenance simultaneously neglected. So the Accord gets the nod.

Of all the cars General Motors put out in the 1990s and early 2000s, it's the Buicks that got all the awards from the quality-ranking organization J.D. Power and Associates. And so it is that the Buick LeSabre, along with Centuries, Regals and Park Avenues live on, more so than their Chevrolet, Pontiac and Oldsmobile equivalents.

One reason these cars endure? They were popular with older drivers, who maintained them well and drove them gently. That makes them a great value to pick up used. Check out that sweet cassette deck!

And this is a Geo Prizm. They last forever, too. A what, you ask? Here's the secret: Under the skin, it's actually a Toyota Corolla. So are a number of Chevy Novas, Chevy Prizms and Pontiac Vibes. Makes more sense now, right? It's a Corolla! All these cars were built on the same line in California, at a factory jointly owned by GM and Toyota. That technology-sharing project ended in 2010, but these cars, sometimes into their third decade, roll on.

Find these 3 and many other reliable used cars at our Raleigh, NC used car dealership!

Why Buying a Used Car with a Tax Refund is a Smart Choice

Getting a big tax refund this year?

Good for you!

Tax season can be stressful for some taxpayers, but for those who will be receiving a large refund, it can feel like winning the lottery.

When deciding what you are going to do with this financial windfall, have you considered buying a used car?

If not, perhaps you should.

Buying a used car with a tax refund is a smart choice if you have been considering making a car purchase in the New Year. For many people, the tax refund is like free money from the sky – and it can be tempting to splurge on non-essential items or a vacation. While this is well and good, putting that money toward a used car is probably a wiser investment for the long term. There’s always next year for that vacation.

Here are 3 reasons why buying a used car with a tax refund is a great idea this year:

1. Reliability

A used car is a reliable machine. It has already proven itself over thousands of miles, and with proper care and maintenance can be trusted to keep going for the long haul.

Of course, there are risks inherent to any car purchase, and since your used car will likely not be under warranty, you have to be extra careful when making that purchase.

Getting the car from a trusted dealer is the best bet to ensure the reliability of your tax refund purchase.

2. Affordability

Used cars offer more bang for your buck than new cars do, generally speaking.

In the past, used cars have had a reputation for unreliability at the sacrifice of paying a lower price. More recently, this trend has been changed by seeing more used cars staying on the road for up to 200,000 miles.

Not only are they road-tested, but buying a used car from a reputable dealer ensures you are getting a great vehicle at a great bargain.

Your interest rate on a car loan for a used car will be lower, resulting in a lower monthly payment. In addition, your insurance rate on a used car is likely to be lower than on a new car.

3. All The Features of a New Car, Except the Price

Let’s face it, although the bells and whistles change, the essence of a car remains the same.

Four wheels, an engine, transmission, brakes – these are the important elements of a good car.

Do the high-end features look nice? Of course.

Are they useful and great to have? Absolutely.

But when deciding to purchase a used car, you are making an investment in the basics. You may have to trade in a couple of the fancier features, but in return you get great savings and a great car.

Conclusion

Trust us, we know that you want to put your tax refund toward some big purchases.

A big new TV or a week long vacation both sound so tantalizing.

But getting the right used car means getting a reliable, affordable, and high performance machine at a great price, and with many of the same advantages as buying new. Not to mention the investment that you’d be making your tax return, that some day can pay you back when you trade-in or sell your car.

May the new year bring you health and happiness! #Welcome2016

'Tis the season for friends and family, so from ours to yours, we wish you the happiest holiday.

Finding the Right Car for You

How do you find the car that will exactly suit your needs for years to come? It just takes a little research and planning. Use the steps below to help you select, price, locate and test-drive the vehicle that is best for you.

Assess Your Needs

• As much as you might like to dream about what you want in a car, it's best to think more practically about your needs — not just at present, but in the future, too. Functionality should trump flash. Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind:
• How many passengers do you need to carry?
• What type of driving do you do: highway, surface streets, off-road?
• Will you drive in ice and snow?
• Do you have a long commute and, because of that, is fuel economy important to you?
• Do you need all-wheel drive?
• What safety features are important to you?
• Do you need a lot of cargo capacity?
• Will you be using children's car seats?
• Will you be doing any towing?
• How much garage or parking space do you have?

Set Your Budget
Unless you're paying cash for your car, you'll need to think about financing your purchase or lease. How much can you really afford to allocate toward a car payment each month? The general rule is no more than 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay..

Consider Other Cars in the Class
Have your mind — or heart — set on a specific car? Many shoppers do. But in today's ever-changing marketplace, there are always new cars hitting the showroom, and one that you've never even considered could be right for you. Research and compare similar cars to find the one that truly fits you best.

If you already have a car in mind, you should still review other comparable vehicles in the same class to make sure you haven't overlooked an even better choice.

Consider All the Costs of Ownership
Something shoppers often overlook when considering their next car is that one may be cheaper to buy but more expensive to own. Why? Even if two cars cost about the same to buy, one might depreciate faster or cost more to insure and maintain.

Before you commit to a car, you should estimate its long-term ownership costs. These include depreciation, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs.

Set Up a Test Drive
Now that you've found a car that seems like it might be a good fit for you, call or visit the dealership to schedule a day and time for a test-drive. By making a test-drive appointment, you ensure that the car will be waiting for you when you arrive.

Taking the Test Drive
A car might seem to have all the features you want, but the true test takes place in the driver seat. You should test-drive the car the way you would drive it during your everyday life.

If you commute, drive the car in both stop-and-go traffic and at highway speeds. If you trek to the mountains, find some steep hills to climb. Drive over bumps, take tight corners and test the brakes in a safe location. Get in and out of the car several times and be sure to sit in the backseat, especially if you plan on carrying passengers. Check out the cargo space. If you plan on using children's car seats, bring those along to test for fit and ease of installation.

While you are evaluating the car, don't be distracted. Take your time looking everything over. A good salesperson will respect your need to experience the car and will let you focus on the driving experience. Turn off music so you can listen to the sound of the engine. You can evaluate the sound system when you return to the dealership. If the conversation does turn to questions about whether you'd like to talk about purchasing or leasing, you can say that you're still in the test-drive stage.

Pick Your Next Car
After test-driving several cars, the choice should be clear. If it isn't, sleep on it. In the morning, you might have your answer. If not, you might need to take a few steps back and drive more cars.

While making the right decision is important, it's also good to realize that there isn't one perfect answer. Today's cars are safer than ever before. They get better gas mileage. They have amenities at lower costs than in the past. In short, there could be several good vehicle choices and the final decision is really a matter of individual taste.

Let's Re-Cap

1. Assess your needs — not your wants — to determine the right car for you.
2. Set your budget. Estimate your monthly payments using an online "payment calculator"
3. Consider all vehicles in the class of cars you're considering.
4. Consider the costs of ownership.
5. Set up a test-drive.
6. Test-drive the car as if it were yours. Try city streets, hills and highways. See if car seats fit. Check cargo space.
7. Decide on your new car. Sleep on the decision if you need to.
8. Move on to your purchase with confidence.

Germs & Toxins in Cars

4-SICKLY ELEMENTS FOUND IN MOST CARS

Whether it’s road testing a car or ownership, automobiles can be a sickly environment. Regardless of the car make and model, autos are susceptible to chemicals, microbes and allergens.

Chemical Reactions
Some health advisors recommend opening the window for 10-minutes before turning on the air conditioner. The purpose is to release the toxin, Benzene into the atmosphere, commonly found in vehicles.

Benzene is a cancer causing toxin or carcinogenic. Preliminary research indicates that vehicle upholstery, car dashboards, and air fresheners emit the chemical.

(*Although Benzene is linked to leukemia, very little research has officially associated vehicle interior surfaces to the carcinogen).

Allergens
Dust
Both urban and rural driving environments are predisposed to dust. Dust tends to accumulate along the dashboard. Allergens, including dust mites, mold and pet dander and other unsavory contaminants reside in the dashboard and floors of many vehicles.

Remedy: Regular interior detailing (vacuuming and sanitizing with a non-VOC cleaner) quells most allergens. Vacuum vehicles twice a month during the sultriest months.

Carbon Monoxide
In the summer–on congested roadways, cars can become a repository for carbon monoxide. In dense traffic, pollutants comprised of carbon monoxide trickle in via the AC vents.

Remedy: To prevent CO accumulation from circulating in the car, during heavy traffic, adjust the air conditioner’s settings to recirculate indoor air, only.

Auto care tip: During oil changes, have air filters replaced according to the instructions outlined in the car maker's owner’s manual. This enhances your vehicle’s indoor air quality while upholding your car’s fuel efficiency.

Bacteria

Based on Dr. Chuck Gerba, a University of Arizona microbiologist, vehicles are the “moldiest of all forms of transportation.”

Dr. Gerba’s study on microbes and cars, showed that the dashboard is the most germ ridden area of an automobile. Bacteria was also found predominantly around the coffee holder and change slot.

The germ study verified that car doors, floor mats and seats are rich with microbes as well. Muggy temperatures create a ripe for breeding ground for accelerating mold grow outdoors and indoors.

Remedy: First wipe the dashboard with a dry cloth. Then, follow up with a moist cloth, using a natural essential oil (i.e. eucalyptus, lemongrass) mixing the appropriate ratio of water and alcohol. The combination of alcohol and essential oil disinfects and lubricates the dashboard.

Auto Buyer Beware of Used Cars For Sale By Owner

Used cars for sale by owner accompany more uncertainties than buying from an auto dealer specializing in pre-owned vehicles. Auto buyers are often under the misconception that they have more control of the sales transaction and negotiations with an owner. But, that’s not always the case. Fraudsters prey on unsuspecting auto buyers.

Four Common ‘For Sale By Owner’ Ploys

 

Odometer rollback

A savvy for sale by owner can always rollback the odometer reading to ask for a greater used car price. In a used cars for sale by owner transaction, a buyer has no way of validating whether a vehicle’s odometer has been modified. With an auto dealer, car consumers have resources, as well as recourse if a vehicle does not live up to its mileage history.

Title Fraud

In certain for sale by owner sales transactions, auto buyers don’t always have the vehicle’s automobile’s title. The title issue can morph into a legal fiasco for the auto buyer.

Curb-stoning

One common fraud technique involves an imposter, posing as private auto seller. In actuality, the “used cars for sale by owner” is really a unlicensed dealer, repetitively “flipping” vehicles and profiting. The fraud is referred to as curbstoning.
Read more about the signs of curbstoning: http://www.carfax.com/guides/buying-used/things-to-avoid/curbstoning
 

Falsified Vehicle History

Another unsavory tactic, often deployed in a used car for sale by owner transaction is a failure to disclose a vehicle’s history. An auto buyer has no way of knowing if pre-owned vehicle consists of salvaged parts. In contrast, it is illegal (in most states) for auto dealers to sell salvaged vehicles.

Buy your next used car with confidence at the premier auto dealer in Raleigh, Elite Auto Sales.

Securing the Best Value on Your Auto Trade In

So you’re car note is paid off; and you’re considering an upgrade. Five easy steps enhance the trade in value car buying experience when you don’t have a lot of time…

RALEIGH AUTO DEALER: TOP TRADE IN SECRETS

Check the going used car price.

Stop by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) website to determine the asking price for a car of your quality.

Conduct auto sales research.

Does your car have an unresolved recall? If it does, don’t expect to set your asking price too high. Also, check out the local competition. Are there a lot of used car dealerships and private sellers offering similar vehicles? Note more supply, and small demand could reduce the value of the trade in.

Assess your trade in.

Next, if your car is well below the annual mileage; has not been involved in any accidents; and you have evidence of all maintenance (tire replacements, oil changes, other repairs), your trade in maybe worth a high value. But if your automobile has high mileage, a few dings and the maintenance has been spotty, don’t expect the NADA’s average used car price. Because a dealership will have to make a few repairs.

Preview the used car dealerships inventory.

Before valuing your trade in at a dealership, it’s always a good idea to inspect the inventory. You don’t want your trade in to be the best looking option, at the used car dealership.

• Don’t forget to do your car buying research, comparing similar makes, models and used car prices.

 

Prep your car for the trade in.

Once you’ve settled on a used car dealership in Raleigh or where ever, spruce up the car. Give it a good washing and interior clean. This will give your vehicle better curb appeal at the dealership.

Value your trade in at North Carolina’s premier Raleigh auto dealer.

Come take one home today!

We have rows and rows of great used cars just waiting for a new owner. Come take one home today from Elite Auto Sales Inc.

www.carsunder9000.com

It's not too late to find the perfect holiday gift at Elite Auto Sales!

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The vehicles on our lot have the best prices and quality in the area so come by and see us today!

Elite Auto Sales, INC. is founded on trust, integrity, and respect. We are proud to offer these values in our sales and business practices so our customers keep coming back.