...that is, unless you want to spend more than you need to.  This is a quick and helpful article from USA Today. 

There is no doubt that buying a used car has its advantages.  They generally cost less, so smaller loans make for fuller bank accounts, which translates to a happier you.  This is obvious.  But what about when it inevitably breaks down and the warranty is up?  At this point many a used car owner find themselves willing to pay the big bucks for a shiny new car that apparently doesn't break down. What are the options for the used car owner? 

1.  Forget about used cars and fork over the dough for a brand new one.  This will last for a couple of years if you're lucky, but alas, every new car becomes a used one once its driven off the lot.  Still, it is worth noting that most new cars come with hefty warranties, especially now that car dealers are dying to sell, sell, sell!  

2.  Get an extended warranty.  Here is a great list of how to buy an extended warranty for your vehicle.  

Many people are willing to fork over the extra dough to have the peace of mind that comes with driving a new car.  But that same peace of mind, at least in part (I mean who doesn't want a NEW car?), can be regained by purchasing an extended warranty.  

1.       Applying for a refinance takes a lot of time

Completing an auto refinance application is fast an easy. It usually just takes a few minutes to complete the online form.

2.       I need to get my car appraised before I can refinance it

Contrary to refinancing your home, refinancing your automobile does not require an appraisal. You won’t have to worry about incurring appraisal expenses since lenders determine the value of your car by using Kelly Blue Book, NADA or a similar tool that provides vehicle values.

3.       It costs a lot of money to refinance my car

Most lenders do not charge any application or closing fees for you to refinance your auto loan. Depending on your state, a title transfer and/or registration fee may apply, which usually ranges from $5 to $65. Most lenders pay the fee on the customer’s behalf, and simply add it to the final loan amount. 

4.       I’ve had credit problems in the past, so I won’t qualify

Lenders understand that things happen in life. Having gone through some tough times in the past does not mean you can’t be approved. Even applicants with previous Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcies can be approved, as long as the bankruptcies are discharged. The only way to find out if you qualify is to apply.

5.       I will not be approved because I am self-employed

Even if you are self-employed you can be approved to refinance your vehicle. Just like any other applicant, it is important that your income is verifiable. For self-employed applicants, this usually means providing an IRS form that allows your lender to request transcripts of your last 2 tax returns.

When shopping for a car a good payment calculator is a necessity.  You want to know how much your payments are going to be.  If you haven't seen it, our very own Roadloans.com has a wonderful payment calculator that allows you to figure out your monthly payments from the total of your loan, or the total of your loan from your monthly payments.  Our in house mathmeticians have been working around the clock to bring you this piece of mathematical genius.  Check it out here. 

 

In today’s economic climate, saving money has become a priority for many people. The old saying "It's easier to save a buck than to make a buck" is especially true as the U.S. economy is climbing out of recession with record unemployment rates across the nation.

One often overlooked way people can save money on their car expenses is auto refinancing. Just like a mortgage refinance, the idea is to find a new lender to pay off your existing loan, and replace it with a loan at more favorable terms for you.

The top 3 reasons you may want to consider refinancing your auto loan are:

• Reduce your monthly payments: When you refinance your car with a lender such as RoadLoans.com, you may be able to lower your car payment so that it better fits your monthly budget. This can allow you to better manage your monthly finances, and you can use the freed-up cash to pay down other debt, build your savings, or give yourself a treat.

• Skip a payment: When you refinance your auto loan, you may be able to skip a payment and may not have to make a payment for up to 60 days! Since the first monthly payment on your new auto loan will be due up to 30 days after the closing date, and the closing date will be 0-30 days after the most recent due date of your existing loan, you may enjoy up to 60 days of "vacation" from your car payments.

• It's an easy process: some people say refinancing your car is as easy as 1-2-3. You apply online, download and complete your loan package upon approval, and your new lender pays off your existing loan. No costly vehicle appraisals or certifications are required, and applying at a lender like RoadLoans is free and without any obligations !

The last post featured a great website for the inevitible run in with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your particular state.  Over the next couple of months we will be dropping by the good ole DMV.org website every once in awhile to explore some of their wares.  There is much to see, and one can get lost down various avenues of interest from the home page, not to mention where the other pages take you.  All seemingly relevant information as well, so it is worth spending some time on, because there are 3 certainties in this life: death, taxes, and running into the DMV. 

Though it doesn't cover every step of the process, the car buying guide is a great overview for those new to buying a car, or those needing a refresher. 

Being in the middle of a road trip myself as I write this, I have already downloaded half of these.  They are pretty right on.  More to come on the trip in the next couple of days.  Let's just say that it has been a wonderful time.  The car has performed wonderfully, and the kids have been even better.  Find the list here.  

What's going on here?  Are these cars possessed by demons?  According to the New York Times, "Federal regulators said Wednesday that they had received 10 reports of Toyota vehicles accelerating unexpectedly after they were repaired at dealerships." It seems that Toyota has an even longer road ahead of them if reports like these keep coming out.  See the full article here.

If you are wondering if your Toyota vehicle is listed under all the new recalls try the Toyota recall finder tool.  It uses your VIN to do an official lookup.  Also check out the official statement from the COO of Toyota USA.

Flip through this 32 page online document to learn about which cars are fuel efficient and which ones are not.   Learn more about fuel economy at the US Department of Energy (DOE) website.