NJ Used Car Trader » Tips

Buying a Used Car in Newark NJ

patrick — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:46:26 +0000

Buying a used car in Newark NJ can be an exciting experience. Every day thousands of new vehicle owners go through the same thing, however it’s no secret that not everyone is happy with their purchase. So what separates those happy with their choices and those not? The amount of time put into the process. If you are willing to invest as little as an hour into your investment before you make it, you can be one of those happy consumers. Here is how.

Do research on the make and model you have in mind. There are plenty of resources out there for free, namely on the very internet you are using to read this article. Look over some vehicle review sites, go to the bookstore and flip through some car magazines, talk to friends or colleauges knowlegable in the subject. Try to have a clear but general understanding of the used vehicle. If you are sure you know which one you want, try to locate at least two in your area, and check them both out. One is going to be beter than the other, and the more options you have, the more you can be sure you are getting the best for your money. Lastly when you are confident in your choice, run a carfax report (or similar service) to make sure your used car has not been too used. Major accidents, water damage, fires, and lost titles are all red flags.

Before you commit, determine the state of your finances and make sure you can afford payments. Even if you are paying cash upfront, are you sure this is what you need? Many times people buy something they really can’t afford, and it sets them back for the life of the loan. Maybe you are not financially ready for that shinny sports car quite yet, so you should buy something cheap you can pay it off quickly, which will help your credit, and the money you do save you can put towards the car you really want.

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Topics Car, Finances, Newark, nj, Tips, Used

Helpful Tips for Maintaining a Used Car

patrick — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:01:41 +0000

After you have purchased a used car, maintaining your vehicle becomes extremely important. Though most used cars have an advantage over new vehicles as far as price, maintaining a used car can be a bit expensive. This is because previously owned cars tend to have more “wear and tear” on their mechanical parts, which raises the probability that some of a used car’s parts may have to be replaced.

To properly maintain your used car, the best preventive measure you can take is to drive smart. Driving excessively fast, or repeatedly using the brakes at high speeds can cause damage to your used car. The engine, brakes, and other parts of your used car can be guaranteed to last longer if you use common sense when you drive. Your car is a valuable tool, and maintaining your used car will help prevent expensive repairs such as engine failure.

Another great preventive maintenance procedure for your used car is to regularly get the oil changed. This may seem like an unnecessary annoyance, but in reality, getting regular oil changes will help prolong the life of your engine. “Old” or overused oil can clog important parts in your used car’s engine, and may also contribute to engine failure. Getting an oil change is relatively inexpensive, usually from $30-$50 depending on the type of oil that your used car requires.

Used car maintenance may seem like a relatively minor part of owning your car, but properly maintaining your used car can help lower your overall expense in owning a used car. Preventive maintenance is especially important, since this can aid in preventing possibly expensive repairs. Remember, your used car needs regular tune-ups, so don’t neglect you used car’s maintenance. If you follow these tips, your used car will run better, with less overall expense.

Used Car Maintenance Tips for NJ

patrick — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:05:20 +0000

When maintaining your used car, it can be very beneficial to bring your car to a garage (or to the dealership, if that is covered in your warranty) for regular tune-ups. Exercising preventive maintenance on your used car is a great way to avoid expensive repairs, and can also help alert you to any possible problems with your used car.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the mechanic who services your used car. It pays to be informed, and they may be able to let you know in advance of any possibly expensive used car repairs in the future. Knowing of any possible repairs beforehand will allow you to set aside additional money specifically for repairs on your used car, and will help you to plan ahead. Some mechanics will even offer you a discount if you have these repairs performed at their garage, and may even be able to work with you on a payment plan for these repairs.

Another important part of maintaining your used car is to always get your oil changed every several thousand miles. The recommended mileage between oil changes varies, and it is important to ask your mechanic approximately how much longer you should wait before your next oil change. Getting the oil on your used car changed regularly will help prevent possible damage to your used car’s engine. This may greatly prolong the life of your used car.

Maintaining a used car may seem like an unnecessary annoyance, but in reality, it is a very important part of keeping your used car running. Keeping up to date on your oil changes, getting regular tune-ups, and being informed about your used car’s condition can go a long way towards improving the chances that your used car will not require expensive repairs.

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Topics Maintenance, Tips, used car

The Importance of Changing the Oil in a Used Car

patrick — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:25:29 +0000

Changing the oil in your used car on a regular basis is very important for maintaining your used car’s engine. Oil helps the engine to run by keeping all of the moving parts properly lubricated. After running for several thousand miles, the oil tends to become contaminated by carbon, debris and other substances that can hinder the effectiveness of the oil. If the oil isn’t able to properly provide lubrication for the engine, serious damage to the engine can occur.

Since replacing the engine in any car, even a used car, can be extremely expensive, it’s easy to see that the relatively low cost of an oil change is a small price to pay for preventing expensive engine repairs. Most oil change services at a professional garage are under $50, even for the premium services. Most of the cost depends on the type and grade of oil that your used car requires, so make sure to choose the best option depending on your used car’s performance.

Your used car’s engine is the most important part to keep your car running, and can also be the most expensive to fix. The preventive maintenance of an oil change can help avoid high engine repair costs, and will also allow your car to achieve maximum horsepower. Be sure to keep track of when your used car needs an oil change, since this is essential for your used car to properly function.

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Topics Oil, Oil Change, Tips, used car

More Used Car Buying Tips

patrick — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 21:51:32 +0000

Looking for some quick tips to help you buy a used car? You have come to the right place! Below we have compiled for you some of the most important things to keep in mind when buying a used car:

Look into Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles. Dealerships sometimes engage in selling “Certified” used cars. Basically it is a used vehicle that has fairly low milage on it, and has been given a multipoint inspection backed by the original manufacturer. Sometimes these are reffered to as CPO vehicles. This class of used vehicle is generally well maintained.
Look at newer used cars, still honoring the original manufacturers warranty. The majority of new cars have at least a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty that transfers to new owners, and covers the entire powertrain. If you can find one at a decent price, consider it.
Do a background check on the vehicle. There are many cheap services to take advantage of that allow consumers to background check the vehicle you are interested in. These services are VIN specific, and will tell you everything there is to know about the car, including accidents, repairs, etc. Check with your dealer, as many of them offer it for free.
Research your particular make and model. This simple action will save you a lot of trouble in the future. Check car magazines, search the internet, ask friends and colleagues you trust. Just because the car is expensive, does not mean it is of quality. Look for known manufacturer defects, check for recalls, and read reviews.
Ask for service records. If available, look at the service records on your car. Was the oil changed frequently? Tires rotated, spark plugs changed? Take note. A big pile of papers is a good sign.

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Topics Buying Tips, Tips, used car