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Summer Car Maintenance Tips to Beat the Heat

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`Summer Car Maintenance Tips

Summer temperatures put additional strain on just about every part of your car. Keep your vehicle rolling smoothly with these easy seasonal maintenance tips that save you money down the road.

Replace the Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter prevents dirt, debris and bugs from getting into the engine. Most mechanics recommend changing the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, if you live in an area with increased pollution or dust during the summer, check your engine air filter more frequently.

The cost of a new engine air filter averages between $36 and $86.  However, ignoring your engine filter can result in major engine damage that will require it be replaced: The cost of a new engine is $3,000 to $8,000, plus thousands more for labor.

Flush the Radiator

A car’s radiator works harder during warm summer months. Over time, blockages form inside the radiator, making the system less efficient, and your car more likely to overheat — potentially cracking your head gasket. Replacing a head gasket is a very expensive repair, costing between $731 and $1771 depending upon vehicle type.

A better course of action is to have your radiator flushed to remove the blockages. The average cost for this service is between $50 and $155 and most mechanics recommend having it done every 36,000 miles. Refer to your owner’s manual for what’s recommended for your vehicle.

Check the Tires

You can save an average of $637 that you would otherwise have to pay to prematurely replace all four of your tires — just by manually checking whether they’re properly inflated.

You’ll want to do this because there’s no automated sensor for over inflated tires like there is for deflated tires.

Yet hot weather increases tire pressure, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear.

So, inflate your tires to recommended pressure found on the inside of the driver’s door.

Charge the Air Conditioner

A hot and steamy day isn’t the time to find out your car’s air conditioner needs to be recharged.

Turn it on early in the spring and pay an estimated $123 to $156 to refill your car’s refrigerant if needed.

Replace the Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter prevents pollutants from getting into the cabin of the vehicle.

Car manufacturers recommend changing the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but people who live in or drive through areas with lots of pollution may need to change it more frequently.

Not changing the cabin air filter will not effect the performance of the engine, but will affect the climate control system, making for an uncomfortable ride due to higher summer time levels of unsavory smells and pollutants coming directly into the cabin.

The cost to replace your cabin air filter is between $40 and $100, depending on the type of care you have.

Summer Car Maintenance Is Well Worth It

These summer car maintenance tips are easy, affordable, and well worth their price to keep your car in tip top shape in the summer heat.

Readers, is your car ready for summer? When’s the last time you gave it a tune-up?

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7 Ways to Negotiate a Car Price Down

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<img src=" 7 Hacks to Negotiate a Car Price Down.jpg" alt”pictureofredmustang">
When you shop for new cars, the price you see on the sticker typically isn’t what you have to pay. That leaves room for you to negotiate a car price down.

Dealer markups on new vehicles can vary dramatically. Small cars and high-volume vehicles usually have retail prices approximately 5 percent over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

However, the markup on luxury brands and upgraded models may be closer to 10 percent.

While this definitely means you have room to negotiate, you do need to know how to approach the discussion to get positive results.

1. Timing is Everything

Most car salespeople and dealerships receive commissions based o their sales, at times according to specific thresholds. Typically, these bonuses are awarded at the end of the month, quarter, and year.

By waiting until the end of one of these periods to buy your car, you may get a better deal.

Also, if a salesperson is close to crossing a threshold to the next tier’s bonus or commission rate, she may be more willing to bargain. Even if she takes a loss, the incentive increase could offset it, making the deal more attractive to her.

2. Know the Value

Before you begin negotiating a car price down, you need to know the vehicle’s real value. Luckily, a range of online resources can help you do just that.

Sites like Kelley Blue Book and TrueCar can give you information about fair prices in your area.

Usually, these prices are based on recent sales data from your region and other information about the car’s actual worth.

3. Find Discounts

Car dealers offer a range of discounts to buyers, but you have to know they exist to get them.

For example, military members, veterans, and their families may qualify for automatic price reductions; AAA members may also be eligible. In some cases, new graduates can get a discount in the months near graduations. Teachers, firefighters, and police officers may also receive price reductions.

Being loyal can result in cash off too. If you currently own a vehicle of the same make or previously made a purchase at that dealership, see if the seller offers loyalty discounts.

Sometimes, details about these reductions are available on the dealership’s website. However, you can also ask toward the end of the negotiation process.

4. Say “No” to Add-Ons

After negotiating a price, you are typically sent to the office to solidify the sale. But, even at this juncture, that doesn’t mean the dealership is done trying to upsell you.

At this phase, attempts to sell add-ons are common. This can include anything from sealants and rust proofing to insurance and maintenance packages.

Generally, these add-ons won’t be the best possible deals, so stand firm and don’t hesitate to say “no.”

5. Don’t Mention Trade-Ins

When you negotiate the price of a new car, mentioning your trade-in can actually hurt your position. Dealers will use your current vehicle to make it seem like you are getting a better deal than you actually are.

Instead, act as if you don’t have a trade-in. Negotiate the sales price of the new vehicle completely and make sure to get everything in writing. After that, pretend you had a change of heart about the trade-in and negotiate that separately.

Ultimately, this increases your odds of getting a good deal on both arrangements, providing you with the most value.

6. Shop Around

Playing dealerships against each other can result in significant savings. However, you have to do the legwork to make that happen.

Before you commit to a purchase, speak with multiple dealers. That way, if one location offers a lower price, you can mention it to the other dealership and see if they can beat it. Plus, if that second salesperson tells you to take the other offer, you know you’ve hit a reasonable price.

Just make sure you get a commitment from each dealership in writing. Otherwise, you only have your own word when speaking to other salespeople, and that usually isn’t enough. Plus, if the first price really was good, you’ll have something to fall back on. If you don’t get it in writing, the first dealership doesn’t have to offer you that deal again, so you may miss out.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away

If a dealership isn’t willing to negotiate a fair price, there’s no obligation for you to keep trying. Present your bottom line and don’t be afraid to be firm. Additionally, let them know that you are willing to walk and be ready to follow through.

Then, if they still can’t meet your price, head to another dealership and see what they can do. Another dealer may be more willing to bargain. Plus, if the first salesperson was bluffing, they may contact you later to try to save the sale.

However, it’s important to understand that walking away can be risky, especially if you don’t have anything in writing.

As mentioned above, a dealership doesn’t have to honor a previous verbal quote. This means that if you have a good deal in front of you, you need to be smart.

Don’t just make a hasty exit in the hopes of getting an even better price (essentially by bluffing). Doing so could backfire, so it’s vital that you keep that in mind.

By following the tips above, you can negotiate a car price down. Just make sure to do your research, are ready to wheel and deal, and won’t hesitate to walk away if the need arises.

Readers, do you have a favorite tactic for negotiating a car price down? Tell us about it in the comments section beneath this post.

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How Much Do Hybrid Cars Depreciate in Value?

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<img src=" How Much Do Hybrid Cars Depreciate in Value.jpg" alt”vehicle interior">
One might think that hybrid cars might retain value better than other types of autos, but alas that’s not the case. The second any kind of car leaves the lot with its first owner, it loses approximately 10 percent of its value.

At that moment, a $30,000 hybrid car is suddenly only worth $27,000. That’s a pretty big hit for something that’s practically brand new.

While you can’t entirely stop a hybrid car from depreciating in value, some of them lose it faster than others.

Factors like the condition of the vehicle and current mileage also impact value, regardless of the make and model.

How Much Do Hybrid Cars Depreciate in Value?

On average, a vehicle depreciates 15 to 25 percent for each year during the first five years of ownership. This is on top of the 10 percent you’ve already lost.

These calculations do include nearly every major make and model on the road, and there are times when some vehicles might depreciate differently than the average.

Ultimately, depreciation is a reflection of supply and demand. If supply exceeds demand, resale values fall. When it’s the other way around, and demand exceeds supply, then the hybrid car doesn’t depreciate as quickly.

Demand for Hybrids

Yes, this means in-demand models hold more value. However, it’s important to realize that other factors affect demand for hybrids.

Whenever gas prices rise, hybrids become more desirable, while low gas prices may decrease interest.

For instance when gas prices were soaring in 2013, around half a million new hybrid vehicles hit the road. But when fuel costs were lower, in 2017, only 360,000 units sold. This clearly demonstrates the shift in demand.

Hybrid Cars That Hold Their Value

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is likely to retain its value best over the next five years, dropping only to 33 percent.

Other solid options are the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid at 31 percent and the 2018 Toyota Prius at 30.1 percent.

However, when it comes to a resale value comparison, none of the hybrid cars made it into the top 10 on Kelley Blue Book’s list.

Toyota Tacoma

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma keeps 61.1 percent of its value over five years, showing just how different even a winning hybrid car comes in.

Currently, trucks and SUVs are in demand, so many of the most reputable makes and models outperform hybrids when it comes to depreciation.

Additionally, the average vehicle maintains 33 percent of its value over five years, and only one of the hybrid cars hit that mark.

Calculating Hybrid Car Depreciation

In some cases, you can estimate how much a hybrid car depreciates in value using a Cost to Own calculator that factors in depreciation rates.

There are also many car depreciation calculators available online, but some don’t factor in essential variables.

For example, the age of the car isn’t the only relevant point when it comes to depreciation. The number of miles on the hybrid vehicle is incredibly important.

Physical Condition

Also take into consideration the car’s physical condition. In some cases, an estimated value calculator may be a better choice for determining your vehicle’s depreciation rate.

Try checking out what similar hybrid cars cost in your area and use that to gauge your vehicle’s worth.

You can also use an estimated value calculator is see how various factors influence depreciation. You could adjust the information about the mileage or condition and see how it impacts the final number.

Are Hybrid Cars a Wise Choice?

So far in 2018, hybrid cars are depreciating in value faster than the average vehicle as of 2018. However, if you choose one of the models that holds its value better than others, you may be able to get closer to the average.

Additionally, as time goes forward, hybrid cars may retain their value more effectively. The technology is more robust and increasingly affordable, which will help sway things in a positive direction.

Readers, do you own a hybrid vehicle that’s holding its value? Tell us about it in the comments section beneath this post.

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This Lender Repos 1 In 3 Cars It Finances — How to Avoid This Cycle

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This lender repos 1 in 3 cars it finances.
You frequently hear about America’s crushing student loan debt , but cars are not far behind — especially subprime auto loans.

While student loans are approaching $1.5 trillion, outstanding auto loans topped the $1.2 trillion mark in the third quarter of 2017, according to the New York Federal Reserve.

Subprime borrowers (with credit scores below 620) hold almost one-quarter of the dollar value of auto loans. Given that level of risk, it’s no surprise that over 4% of auto loans are delinquent by 90 days or more and repossession is a real threat.

Subprime lenders are more likely to repossess autos since they service higher-risk clients. However, Jalopnik reports that one lender – Credit Acceptance – expects to repossess 35% of the cars that it finances every year.

Absorbing That Default Rate

It’s difficult to absorb that default rate without charging high interest rates to make up the difference. Borrowers who already have difficulty paying receive rates that make monthly payments even higher – leading to a cycle of defaults and repossession.

If you have subprime credit, how can you get a loan and avoid repossession? Start with an understanding of how much you can really afford to pay for a car. Review your budget (and if you don’t have one, make one).

Find out the highest monthly payment you can afford to make given your income and other expenses. Don’t forget to include gas, insurance, and maintenance costs. Online calculators are available to help you budget and estimate your total auto ownership costs.

Shop Around

Next, shop around for both cars and lenders (even with poor credit, you have options). Check with the Better Business Bureau and online reviews to see how other customers have fared. As you search, be realistic in your expectations for both the car and the interest rate of your loan.

Don’t be tempted to extend your loan term out extra years to lower your monthly payment. You’ll be tempted to overspend and you could be making payments beyond the car’s useful life.

What if you’re already bordering on default? You’ll need even greater fiscal discipline to make up the late payments along with the corresponding late fees and any other penalties.

Negotiate with Lenders

However, if you simply can’t afford to make the full payments, you may have to negotiate with the lender for payment terms that you can afford.

Your current lender may offer refinancing, but the terms are likely to be poor. Refinancing costs may neutralize any gains on interest rates and monthly payments.

If necessary, explore your options to downgrade to a cheaper car. Dealers and lenders would rather find affordable monthly payments than go through the expense and hassle of repossessing your car.

Stay Current

However, this may not be a viable option if you are behind on the payments on your existing car or your car is worth less than the amount that you owe. A lender may be reluctant to roll any of those negative values into your new car loan.

Long term, your goal should be to increase your credit score. Why is it subprime? Have you missed payments, racked up excessive credit card debt, or defaulted on a loan?

The cure is time and financial discipline. Cut back spending to where your budget creates an occasional surplus that you can use to pay down debt.

Subprime lenders know their clients are at high risk for default and missed payments. If you have subprime credit, be the exception to that rule. Budget wisely and you won’t have to worry about auto repossession – and you’ll also be on your way to better credit.

This article was provided by our partners at moneytips.com. Photo ©iStockphoto.com/BERKO85

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Does Costco Do Brakes?

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Does costco do brakes

Costco is a go-to spot for people trying to save money. Not only are you able to buy just about everything in bulk, you can also save money on other day-to-day expenses as well. So, what kind of car repairs does Costco offer? Does Costco do brakes? Tires? Oil changes?

Does Costco Do Brakes?

No. Costco does not do brakes.  After reaching out to Costco, we discovered that brake repair services are NOT offered at their warehouse locations.  However, the retailer has an auto program that will help its members save on car repairs. This is called the Costco Auto Program.

Costco Auto Program

The Costco Auto Program will help you get your brakes done (or anything else) with that well-known and desired Costco discount.You can locate the nearest service center to you by using this locator. Costco Auto Program members get 15% off parts, service and accessories at participating service centers throughout the United States. (Get the coupon here.) You can use this on any car that is registered to the Costco member’s home.

To become a member of the Auto Program, all you have to do is be a member at Costco. (See how you can get a discounted Costco membership here.) You’ll get 15% off (good for up to $500 in savings) and you can use it on brakes and alignments, shocks and struts, belts and hoses, heating and cooling services, routine maintenance, etc.

Keep in mind, to save money with Costco you will have to go to a participating service center (not all service centers participate). You will also need this coupon and it should be noted that the Costco discount is only available for certain vehicles (not all cars will be covered). The discount cannot be used on air bags, oil changes, ties or inspections. You also won’t be able to use it if the work is covered by a warranty or insurance policy.

Auto Repairs Available Through Costco’s Auto Program

Since the answer to the question, “Does Costco Do Brakes?” is no, you’re probably wondering about what other services the company offers through their automotive program. The answer is: just about everything. As stated above, you’ll need to go through a Costco partner to save the extra cash but the savings could be worth it.  Other repairs available include:

  • Brakes
  • Alignments
  • Oil changes
  • Tires and wheels
  • Batteries
  • Starters
  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Belts and hoses
  • Routine maintenance
  • Install car technology (new radios, etc.)

No matter where you decide to get your auto repairs done, whether it be at Costco or elsewhere, be sure that you know what you are buying. Research what the average price is for the services you need and call around before settling on doing business with a specific mechanic. Also, remember that many parts will come with limited warranties, etc. Always know the details of the products you are buying.

When it comes to auto parts or auto service warranties, coverage will vary from mechanic-to-mechanic. While calling around and comparing prices, ask about what kind of warranty the shop offers on their repairs as well as any warranty on the parts. For example, many batteries have a three-year warranty (or a warranty up to a certain mileage count). You may have to pay extra to insure the parts though. Car battery warranties, for instance, usually cost an additional $40 to $50. However, the $40 or $50 is worth not spending another $100+ on a car battery if it dies again shortly after your purchase (sometimes the part is just bad).

Similarly, many shops will guarantee their work and the parts they use. So, if you go to a shop and get work done on your brakes and your brakes stop working three days later the shop will warranty their work. Whether the issue is with the part or the service, the shop will cover the cost of repairing your vehicle again. As stated above, you’ll have to call and inquire about any warranties or guarantees individuals shops may have.

If you’re interested in learning more about Costco’s Auto Program, check out the video below:

Have you used Costco’s Auto Program or other similar auto services? What was your experience?

Photo: North Texas Daily

Memorial Day Deals and Freebies 2017

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memorial day deals and freebies

If you are in need of certain items, Memorial Day can be the perfect time to take advantage of some great deals. Most retail stores will be open for the holiday hoping to get your business. But what are those Memorial Day deals and freebies? While you should avoid splurging on useless items, the following are a few things that you might consider purchasing over the Memorial Day weekend if they happen to be on your list.

Memorial Day Deals and Freebies

Spring Clothing

Probably the best deals that can be found over the Memorial Day weekend sales are for spring clothing. The spring clothes have been in the stores for a few months, and the summer clothing lines are beginning to come in. That means that the stores need to move out all their spring inventory to make way for the summer clothes. Many of the spring clothes will be discounted 50% or more. Add in Memorial Day sales, where it’s possible to find Groupon coupons taking off an additional 10% to 40% of the already discounted prices, and this weekend is a great time to get all your spring clothing for next year. Expect some especially hot deals from the following:

  • Old Navy: Take advantage of Old Navy’s Summer Kick-off Sale, where you can find 50% off tees, 40% off tanks and swimwear, and 30% off all shorts.
  • Banana Republic: Get up to 40% off your order with the code BRMORE when checking out online.
  • Vera Bradley: Vera Bradley is offering 25% off travel items including backpacks and 30% off select patterns and styles, both online and in stores.
  • Eddie Bauer: Receive 40% off your entire purchase when you enter the code FIR at eddiebauer.com.
  • Accompany: Enjoy free shipping on all orders $150 or more from their wide selection of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel.

Home Goods

May is a great month to buy items for the home in general, and if you add in the discount coupons which are usually available for Memorial Day deals and freebies, you can get some fantastic discounts. Many items in the housewares category will already be marked down as much as 30% or more at places such as Target and Sears. If you can find a weekend sale coupon, you can add that on top of the discounted price to save even more. Here are some other deals you won’t want to miss:

  • Overstock.com: According to their website, Overstock is hosting their biggest Memorial Day sale yet. Take an extra 10%, 15%, and 20% off various items including but not limited to furniture, area rugs, home decor and more.
  • Pottery Barn: Save up to 40% on sectionals and sofas.
  • Home Depot: Home Depot is holding a store-wide sale for Memorial Day Weekend. Save up to 40% on appliances as well as 30% off patio furniture.
  • Lowe’s: Lowe’s Memorial Day sale also includes up to 40% off select appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, and more.

Barbecue Grills

This isn’t the best time to buy barbecue grills because they will be discounted even more at the end of summer when the stores will want to get rid of their inventory. That being said, if you’re planning to do a lot of grilling this year, and you need to replace your old grill because it’s not going to last this summer, the Memorial Day sales will be your best opportunity to get one at a good price. Stores will discount some to drive traffic to the stores, so with a bit of work and price comparison, you should be able to find a decent deal. Here are just a few places you might be able to find some grill gear discounts:

  • Home Depot: Take up to 15% off grills and smokers.
  • Lowe’s: Save up to $50 on select grills and smokers for Memorial Day.
  • Sears: Sears is offering up to 30% off grills and outdoor cooking gear, plus an extra 10% off online with the code 10SEARS.
  • Camping World: Enjoy up to 40% off grills and accessories from Camping World as part of their 13th Annual Grill Fest.

Camping and Outdoor Gear

Much like with barbecue grills, the best time to buy camping and outdoor gear will be at the end of the summer season when stores will be liquidating all their overstock. If, however, there is camping or outdoor gear that you absolutely need to get to use this coming summer, you’re likely to find the best deals during the Memorial Day sales. The discounts on these items will be limited, but if you do your homework, shop the sales, and look for coupons to stack on top of those, then you should be able to find a decent deal on these items. Still, be sure that you can’t get by without buying it until the end of summer, as this will be the time to get the best deal. Check these out:

  • DICK’s Sporting Goods: DICK’s is hosting a variety of sales for Memorial Day, such as 50% off select apparel, 40% off select footwear, up to $130 off certain kayaks and SUP boards, and more.
  • Camping World: You’ll also be able to purchase discounted camping items from Camping World. For instance, the Colman Citronella Lantern is currently 62% off, an open fire grill is 38% off, and you can buy discounted insect screens for your tent also at a discounted rate.
  • Home Depot: If you need a new lawn mower, Home Depot has sales on both push and rider mowers, ranging from $50-$100 off. Some even include free shipping.

Cars

The best time to buy a car is when the new season models are coming out, or at the end of the year. If you need to purchase a new car before the end of the year, the Memorial Day sales (which can last until the end of the month, and even into June) can be a good time to do it. The weather has usually improved across the US and car dealerships are eager to get people into their showrooms. To entice people to their showrooms, many car dealerships will be offering good discounts for the holiday. According to CarsDirect.com, some deals to keep an eye out for include but are not limited to:

  • Chevrolet: Get 20% off the sticker price from select Malibus and 10% off all Corvettes.
  • Volkswagon: Volkswagon is offering a $1,500 holiday bonus on any Jetta model plus 0.9% annual percentage rate (APR) for 72 months.
  • Kia: Pay nothing for five months plus 0% APR for 66 months on the 2017 Forte, Optima, Soul, and Sorento.
  • Volvo: Lease a 2017 S60 T5 Inscription from just $385 for 36 months with nothing due at signing with your first payment waived.

The key to remember here is that you don’t want to be upsold extras that you don’t need as well as review all terms included with your deal. There will be good discounts on the base models to drive you into the showroom, but the salespeople will try to get you to buy upgrades to make their money.

Freebies

Because this is a holiday honoring those who died while serving in the military, there are several Memorial Day deals and freebies exclusively for men and women both active and retired in the military over Memorial Day Weekend. If you are in Washington, D.C. over the three-day weekend, you’ll find several free events in and around the area for the cause. Not to mention, the following are other activities or items members of the military can enjoy at no charge:

  • National Parks: The National Parks actually provide free annual land passes year-round for current U.S. military members and dependents. Make sure you have your Common Access Card (CAC) or your military ID. Visit their website for more details.
  • Hooters: If you’re a veteran or active member of the military, get a free entree from Hooters on Monday, May 29 simply by presenting a valid military ID at participating locations throughout the nation. See the full news release here.
  • McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks: McCormick and Schmick’s will honor those who served in the U.S. military with complimentary lunch or dinner meals on Monday to veterans, individuals currently serving in the military and National Guard, and Gold Star honorees (parents and spouse).

If you know of any Memorial Day deals and freebies, feel free to mention them in the comments below or in our forums. Thank you to all those who have served or are serving in the military!