Sure-fire Tips for Getting the Best Deals on Car Leasing

If you would enjoy a new vehicle but don't want to buy it, or would like to be able to trade it in for something else after a year or so, then car leasing could be right for you. Vehicle leasing is very popular these days because it lets you have drive a brand new car without having to pay out the large payments that go along with ownership.

What is car leasing?

Basically, vehicle leasing means you rent the car from a finance group that has purchased the car. After the lease term has finished you have the option of paying for the rest of the vehicle or trading it in for a brand new model.
Benefits of Vehicle Leasing.
There are many benefits to vehicle leasing. Car leasing is great if you use your car for business, want to lease a car model you wouldn't be able to afford if you bought it, or if you want to be able to trade in a vehicle after every two or three years. Below are more benefits you might find attractive.
* Low deposit: When you purchase a car you often need to put a deposit or a combination of a deposit and trade-in to front your loan amount. When you lease, you will still need a deposit, but it will be a smaller amount. This means you can invest the money you save instead of putting it into a car.
* Lower monthly payments: Payments are lower when you use a vehicle lease because you are paying for the depreciation on the vehicle, not the total car price.
* Easy trade-in options: If you're one of the many that like the benefits of driving a new car, you can rest easy when it comes to trading in your leased car at the end of the term. The finance group owns the vehicle, not you. You're not stuck with the headache of selling the vehicle or getting a better deal for a trade-in.
* Flexible car lease terms: Many vehicle loan finance companies will offer flexible lease term options. Though most leases begin at two years you can expect to see some leases last as long as 60 months (five years).
* Secured Lease: The lease is secured by the vehicle, so if you default in your car lease payments the finance company will repossess your car. Though unpleasant, it's not as scary as the thought of losing something more drastic, such as your home.
Business Lease Benefits.
For companies that lease vehicles, the car leasing payments generate GST (Goods and Service Tax) and therefore can be claimed back in most cases. If you purchase a car for business and want to have it financed instead, some finance companies (for example, www.fincar.com.au) will buy your vehicle and lease it back to you.
Disadvantages.
Like anything good in the world, there are disadvantages to car leasing. Some are equity related, while others have to do with fees. Read on to see if these disadvantages will turn you off from pursuing vehicle leasing as an option.
* Lack of Capital: If you purchased the car outright by yourself instead of getting involved with a car lease, you would have capital in the vehicle over the duration of ownership. When you use vehicle leasing the capital belongs to the finance company, not you.
* Early termination fees: Some car leasing companies will charge a fee for early termination of your lease. Some finance companies will not hold you responsible for an early termination fee if you cancel your vehicle lease after the first six months while others will. Check to see what the terms are, so you do not find yourself saddled with surprise fees.
* Overage fees: Most auto leasing policies bill you a significant penalty if the odometer displays more kilometers on the dial than were specified in the contract. You'll pay a few cents per km, but remember that it adds up. If you are charged $.10 per km, a 1,000km overage will cost you $100 extra at the end of your lease.
* Fees for a less-than-perfect returned vehicle: If you're tough on your cars you might not want to think about car leasing because you'll be billed for excessive wear and tear on the auto's interior and exterior. So if you have an busy family or enjoy water dogs you may want to think about owning a car instead.
At the end of your lease, what are your options?
The great thing about vehicle leasing is that there are many options open to you at the end of your lease period.
* You can trade in your vehicle and start the process again with another new car lease. The advantage is having a brand new car again in a short period of time - who doesn't love driving a new car?
* You are under no obligation to purchase the car, but you could, if you wanted to do so. Usually when you enter a vehicle leasing contract, a price to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease is outlined and stated in your paperwork.
* You could return the lease vehicle and go a totally different route, such as buying a new or used vehicle elsewhere.
Leasing is a viable option for disabled Australians.
If you're disabled then you may qualify for car leasing GST-free. You must have a certificate from the HSA (Health Services Australia) or be a Veteran who is disabled due to service in Her Majesty's armed force. Generally, this option is available if the vehicle lease is for a car under $57,000 (approximate), for a period of two years minimum and the car is used for less than 40,000km travel a year. Of course, other details may apply, so read the fine print carefully.
In Conclusion.
Car leasing is a great opportunity for someone that likes driving a new car and trading in a vehicle every few years. It's also a fantastic option that allows you to drive a luxury vehicle you may not be able to afford normally. There are many vehicle leasing options, so review them carefully and choose the best one for you to make your experience exciting and rewarding

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Leasing a Vehicle

Let's Take A Look at Leasing a Vehicle

You have two options when it comes to getting a brand new automobile, they are: leasing and buying.

Not many of us can afford to go out and pay cash for a large purchase like a vehicle.
When you look in the Sunday newspaper at the car dealership ads you see lots of prices for leases, and boy, don't they look cheap.

You can lease a vehicle for only 99.00 a month? How can they afford to give cars away like that?

Hmm...are they really giving those cars away? Are leased cars a "steal" for the customer?

Or is there a huge down payment involved with those cheap monthly car payments?

Let's take a deeper look into leasing a vehicle.

Let's Take A Look at Leasing a Vehicle

You have two options when it comes to getting a brand new automobile, they are: leasing and buying.

Not many of us can afford to go out and pay cash for a large purchase like a vehicle.
When you look in the Sunday newspaper at the car dealership ads you see lots of prices for leases, and boy, don't they look cheap.

You can lease a vehicle for only 99.00 a month? How can they afford to give cars away like that?

Hmm...are they really giving those cars away? Are leased cars a "steal" for the customer?

Or is there a huge down payment involved with those cheap monthly car payments?

Let's take a deeper look into leasing a vehicle.

Why Do People Lease Cars?

Many people like to get a new car every couple of years. Leasing makes this very possible for them.

Lease payments are usually less than car buying payments so you are able to afford "more car".

You can get a luxury model vehicle and pay less for a lease than for an outright purchase. This is because your not paying for the entire vehicle, your just going to use it for awhile.

When your lease is up the car dealership will turn around and sell the car and make more money on it.

When your leasing a vehicle you should negotiate the cost of the car with the salesman. The price of a car is never set in stone, whether your buying or leasing the car, so deal as though you were buying the car and get the best price you can, and then your financing will be based on that negotiated price not the sticker price.

That seems easy enough, but lots of people don't know you can do that.

Lease Factors to Think About

There are several factors that determine the cost of your lease.

The value of the vehicle, the lease rate and the residual value (what the car is worth when the lease is up). You will determine the cost of the vehicle...it depends upon which make and model you want.

The lease rate is the interest rate, and you can try several different ways to finance the lease to get the best interest you can. The third part of the equation is the residual value.

If your going to lease a car worth 30,000.00 for two years, how much will that vehicle be worth at that time? The difference between it's value now and then is the amount you are paying for.

Make sure you find out what rebates and discounts are available on the car your choosing. You can apply them to the price of the leased car to lower it

Don't sign anything that says an open-end lease. This means the end value of the car is not determined until you hand it back to the dealer. In other words, you don't know how much the car is valued at by the end of the lease. This could mean unexpected payments when you turn your car in.

Make sure your lease contract is very clear in terms of:

Your Monthly Payments

Taxes

Security Deposit (and how much of that is refundable)

Yearly Mileage Allowance

Origination Fee

Lease Term (how many months your leasing it for)

The Vehicle Selling Price

The Vehicle Residual Value

The Lease Rate


Car dealers like to omit some of these, and guess who pays for them in the end! Make sure you know exactly how much money you will owe at the end of your lease. Hopefully it will be ZERO.

There are some charges the dealership will try to hit you with when your turning in your lease.

The first is the residual value on an open-end lease...which you know not to get!

Another tricky fee they may try to stick in is a fee for cleaning the vehicle once it is returned. It is called a disposition fee. Make sure there is nothing about that in your fine print.

Why Do Dealerships Lease Vehicles?

Dealerships love leasing cars. Why? Because they make a lot of money. They make money from the interest on your lease financing which is usually higher than car purchase financing.

They sell your car for its full value when you return it.

Most people lease a more valuable car that is more car than they could afford to buy, so the dealership makes a higher priced sale.

The dealership will help you lease another car when you return this one, so they have a nice sized supply of repeat customers. They also have a nice supply of used vehicles, with low mileage, to offer to new customers looking for a newer used car.

When you are looking into a lease make sure its a win-win situation for you and the car dealership. You don't want to pay more than you have to in order to have a newer vehicle.

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Leasing a Vehicle

Let's Take A Look at Leasing a Vehicle

You have two options when it comes to getting a brand new automobile, they are: leasing and buying.

Not many of us can afford to go out and pay cash for a large purchase like a vehicle.
When you look in the Sunday newspaper at the car dealership ads you see lots of prices for leases, and boy, don't they look cheap.

You can lease a vehicle for only 99.00 a month? How can they afford to give cars away like that?

Hmm...are they really giving those cars away? Are leased cars a "steal" for the customer?

Or is there a huge down payment involved with those cheap monthly car payments?

Let's take a deeper look into leasing a vehicle.

Let's Take A Look at Leasing a Vehicle

You have two options when it comes to getting a brand new automobile, they are: leasing and buying.

Not many of us can afford to go out and pay cash for a large purchase like a vehicle.
When you look in the Sunday newspaper at the car dealership ads you see lots of prices for leases, and boy, don't they look cheap.

You can lease a vehicle for only 99.00 a month? How can they afford to give cars away like that?

Hmm...are they really giving those cars away? Are leased cars a "steal" for the customer?

Or is there a huge down payment involved with those cheap monthly car payments?

Let's take a deeper look into leasing a vehicle.

Why Do People Lease Cars?

Many people like to get a new car every couple of years. Leasing makes this very possible for them.

Lease payments are usually less than car buying payments so you are able to afford "more car".

You can get a luxury model vehicle and pay less for a lease than for an outright purchase. This is because your not paying for the entire vehicle, your just going to use it for awhile.

When your lease is up the car dealership will turn around and sell the car and make more money on it.

When your leasing a vehicle you should negotiate the cost of the car with the salesman. The price of a car is never set in stone, whether your buying or leasing the car, so deal as though you were buying the car and get the best price you can, and then your financing will be based on that negotiated price not the sticker price.

That seems easy enough, but lots of people don't know you can do that.

Lease Factors to Think About

There are several factors that determine the cost of your lease.

The value of the vehicle, the lease rate and the residual value (what the car is worth when the lease is up). You will determine the cost of the vehicle...it depends upon which make and model you want.

The lease rate is the interest rate, and you can try several different ways to finance the lease to get the best interest you can. The third part of the equation is the residual value.

If your going to lease a car worth 30,000.00 for two years, how much will that vehicle be worth at that time? The difference between it's value now and then is the amount you are paying for.

Make sure you find out what rebates and discounts are available on the car your choosing. You can apply them to the price of the leased car to lower it

Don't sign anything that says an open-end lease. This means the end value of the car is not determined until you hand it back to the dealer. In other words, you don't know how much the car is valued at by the end of the lease. This could mean unexpected payments when you turn your car in.

Make sure your lease contract is very clear in terms of:

Your Monthly Payments

Taxes

Security Deposit (and how much of that is refundable)

Yearly Mileage Allowance

Origination Fee

Lease Term (how many months your leasing it for)

The Vehicle Selling Price

The Vehicle Residual Value

The Lease Rate


Car dealers like to omit some of these, and guess who pays for them in the end! Make sure you know exactly how much money you will owe at the end of your lease. Hopefully it will be ZERO.

There are some charges the dealership will try to hit you with when your turning in your lease.

The first is the residual value on an open-end lease...which you know not to get!

Another tricky fee they may try to stick in is a fee for cleaning the vehicle once it is returned. It is called a disposition fee. Make sure there is nothing about that in your fine print.

Why Do Dealerships Lease Vehicles?

Dealerships love leasing cars. Why? Because they make a lot of money. They make money from the interest on your lease financing which is usually higher than car purchase financing.

They sell your car for its full value when you return it.

Most people lease a more valuable car that is more car than they could afford to buy, so the dealership makes a higher priced sale.

The dealership will help you lease another car when you return this one, so they have a nice sized supply of repeat customers. They also have a nice supply of used vehicles, with low mileage, to offer to new customers looking for a newer used car.

When you are looking into a lease make sure its a win-win situation for you and the car dealership. You don't want to pay more than you have to in order to have a newer vehicle.

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Rebuilt Wrecks Emerging Threat To Car Buyers

-Buying a rebuilt-but not properly repaired-wreck of a car could wreck your finances.

A new study by Carfax shows that millions of cars severely damaged in major accidents have been rebuilt and are up for sale. Over the last five years, the number of salvaged cars on the market has increased nationwide by more than 50 percent.

This problem is more widespread than previously thought. Forecasters predict that more than 40 million used cars will be purchased this year, making the used-car market a target-rich environment for scam artists.
Experts estimate that more than 5 million cars annually are deemed salvage after severe accidents. More than half of these cars are resold, many by sellers who intentionally hide their damaged past.


Some of the common problems associated with previously wrecked vehicles may include:

• Title washing.

Title documents may be altered to remove a salvage brand and obtain a clear title from another state.

• Air bag fraud.

Scam artists are known to replace deployed air bags with phony or nonworking air bags to cut costs.

• Structure/frame damage.

As little as 8mm can compromise a car’s structural integrity, which may also affect many of the car’s safety features.

• Odometer rollbacks.

The odometer may also be rolled back to further inflate the perceived value of the vehicle.

• Car clipping.

Some rebuilt wrecks are actually two different cars welded together.

Buying a salvaged car may not be a bad investment, but you must make sure you’re aware of any prior damage and, more important, see that the proper repairs were made. Many salvage vehicles are rebuilt properly and will run safely again.

However, con men can alter title documents and make cheap cosmetic repairs to others so they look as good as new on paper and in person.

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High Gas Prices Put Car Shoppers In The Driver's Seat

There is some good news about high gas prices and a slow economy: They are putting the brakes on vehicle sales, which makes it a good time for shoppers to find great deals on cars.

Among car shoppers, hybrids and subcompacts remain popular because of great gas mileage, but there are many factors beyond fuel efficiency that affect the cost of driving. RoadandTravel.com and State Farm Insurance® suggest three simple tips for those shopping for vehicles:

Homework is key
Because sales have been so slow, dealers are competing aggressively for shoppers' business, making it easier to bargain. The Internet provides numerous Web sites to compare makes, models and pricing, including Edmunds.com, MSN Autos and RoadandTravel.com. Coming to dealerships with the most current information puts the shopper, not the dealer, in the driver's seat.


Budget blind spots

Car buyers often don't research expenses that can impact the cost of car ownership, including maintenance, financing and insurance. For instance, they may assume they have no choice other than to finance their cars through the dealerships. Often, the bank down the street or an insurance provider offers better deals on financing a car. Additionally, interest rates can be based on credit history, so shoppers who know their situations can more easily recognize a reasonable deal.

Finally, it's important not to get caught up in the emotions of buying a car. Being practical and planning to spend at least a few days shopping helps people avoid making rash decisions.

Insurance options

There are a number of factors that influence insurance rates, beyond car models. Car buyers should ask about discounts for good driving records and good grades for teen drivers. For instance, State Farm has a Good Driver Discount®. Also, some companies offer discounts on premiums to customers who purchase other policies, such as life or homeowners insurance. When deciding on the right insurance provider, car buyers should keep in mind that, in addition to cost, it's important to find a company that will offer the right level of personal service.

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Get the AWD advantage without the SUV price tag

This full-time All-Wheel Drive system is strong enough to handle rugged driving, but so compact it's ideal for a family vehicle.

(NC)-If you love the safety and driving confidence of an SUV, but cringe at the cost of filling the tank, we've got good news for you.

It's possible to get the advantages of a four-wheel-drive system-especially great traction in a wide variety of weather and road conditions-in all-wheel-drive vehicles that combine the 4WD performance of a truck with the fuel economy, performance and handling, and easy-to-park dimensions of a car.
There are many reasons it takes a lot of gas to run a traditional SUV: most are built on truck platforms, so they're large and heavy; it takes a big engine to move all that weight around; and, because less aerodynamic than most cars, SUVs have to work harder to overcome air resistance.

Fortunately, there are alternatives, such as the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system from Subaru. This is a full-time system that combines a powerful aluminum boxer engine, a strong but lightweight transmission and centre differential, and an aerodynamic alloy body frame that's designed for maximum occupant protection.

The result is a great combination of strength for safety and rigidity for handling and durability.

Just as important, this Symmetrical AWD system is designed to be extremely compact and well balanced, with a low centre of gravity. That means a very low risk of rollover-and makes room for a long-travel suspension that keeps the ride comfortable even on life's bumpiest roads.

And fuel economy is competitive with North America's most popular compact and mid-size family cars.

So, if you want great traction and handling and great fuel economy, an All-Wheel Drive vehicle is an excellent choice.

More tips to reduce gas consumption:

Maintain your vehicle-it will run smoother and waste less energy.

Slow down-you use 20% more fuel going 120 km/h compared to 100 km/h.

Check tire pressure-the wrong pressure can increase gas use up to 3%.

Don't idle-if you're going to sit for more than 30 seconds, turn the engine off.

Plan trips-do more than one errand at a time; avoid rush hour if possible; pick routes with fewer stoplights and less traffic.

Car pool-share the ride and leave a second or third car at home.

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Think Twice Before Declining The Rental Car Damage Waiver

Many auto renters decline the rental car damage waiver because they think their personal auto policy will cover their use of a rental. While often true, this is not always the case, and you should check with your insurance agent or broker about your policy's coverage before renting a vehicle.

"But, even if your policy includes rentals, there may be costs it doesn't cover," says Bill Wilson, CPCU, director of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's Virtual University. "For example, the rental company may well use a more expensive way of calculating vehicle damage than your auto policy and you might be stuck paying the difference."

Also, most policies give the insurance company the right to inspect and appraise damage before repairing or disposing of the vehicle. The rental company is not bound by this and may be eager to rid itself quickly of the auto or return it to service. This can affect whether you're covered. Also, the rental company might insist on immediate payment for damage via credit card surcharge, which could "max out" your card. While most auto policies cover the rental company's loss of income, its "loss of use" calculation might be hundreds of dollars more than your policy's limits. Further, the rental agreement might make you responsible for various "administrative" charges, such as towing, storage and appraisal, usually not covered by auto policies.
"Most alarmingly, rental car companies frequently charge for 'diminished value'-the loss of resale value because of damage to the vehicle-typically not covered by auto policies. Such charges of $5,000 to $8,000 are not uncommon," says Wilson. Further, auto policies usually do not cover damages to motorcycles, RVs and other vehicles, and offer very limited coverage for damage to rented trailers. Additionally, coverage extends only to the U.S. and Canada; policies have deductibles; and insurance company payment to the rental car company may result in future premium surcharges for you.

So before you rent, consult with your insurance agent or broker- and think twice before you rely solely on your auto policy to protect you.


Before you rent a car, consult with your insurance agent or broker-and think twice before you rely solely on your auto policy to protect you.

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New Car Prices, Then And Now

New car prices have certainly changed a lot over the years. While obviously inflation, the cost of energy and a number of other causes have caused automobile prices to skyrocket when compared to the 1970’s, there are also some changes in attitude from automakers which are reflected in modern pricing schemes.

Imagine the year is 1971. Walking into the new Dodge dealership, you see a brand new Charger R/T coupe, which was one of the definitive muscle cars of the era. The price? $4700. A similarly configured Charger, brand new from Dodge today in 2008 will cost in the neighborhood of $30,000. This represents a fairly significant increase. What are some of the factors that caused new car pricing to multiply six-fold?

Inflation only tells half the story. Adjusting that $4700 from 1970 into today’s dollars gives us a price of roughly $21,000. That still leaves us around $9000 short of the current market price for a similar car.
The difference becomes even more pronounced when examining median household income in the United States. In 1970, it was around $35,000 (in today’s dollars), but for the last few years it has stabilized around $42,000 – not a huge increase, and certainly not large enough to explain the discrepancy in pricing. It’s not as simple as saying that car companies now charge more for their vehicles because the market can bear higher prices.

One of the most telling components of new car prices are the increased cost of labor. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, American automakers fought a losing battle against trade unions representing the workers in their plants. The result of these confrontations were increased costs not only in the salaries paid to workers, but also in the benefits that workers were entitled to. In some cases, these benefits are paid out long after the employee has left the assembly line and is no longer economically contributing to the company. General Motors actually loses money on many of the cars they sell, and for a long time only generated profits based on their automobile financing company.

Japanese car companies don’t have these same labor issues, yet their pricing remains competitive with domestic car companies. This indicates that employee costs are not the only driving factor when it comes to car price increases. The implementation of technology is another part of the pricing puzzle.

Cars of today are technologically advanced over those of three decades ago to an almost extreme degree. Anti-lock brakes, airbags, stability control systems, drive-by-wire – all of these features were expensive to develop in terms of research and testing, and they also contribute to increased manufacturing costs, due to the more delicate techniques and expensive materials required to implement them in modern vehicles. The increased demand for fuel efficient engines which produce minimal emissions has also forced automakers to invest in their engine programs to a much larger degree than they have in the past.

It seems that peeling back the surface of today’s automobile pricing reveals an intricate web of dependent financial concerns that together make up the cost of driving a brand new car in the United States.

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Chrysler Celebrates 25 Years Of Minivan Leadership

Chrysler celebrates 25 years Of minivan leadership and continues its long time tradition with the 2009 Town & Country minivan model.

After introducing the minivan 25 years ago, manufacturers are responding to the milestone with greatly improved models that feature enhanced seating and storage systems, transmissions designed to offer smoother shifting and better fuel economy.

That can be good news for those who want a minivan that can offer the latest in convenience, fuel savings and style.
The originator--Chrysler LLC--continues to perfect its family hauler, now in its fifth generation. With more than a quarter-century of engineering and technology, Chrysler has created more than 65 minivan-first features over the last 25 years, while continuing to introduce minivans year after year that deliver the features, unmatched versatility and fuel efficiency families shopping for a minivan are looking for.

The new 2009 Chrysler Town & Country, for one, presents a contemporary appearance, three different models, two distinct seating and storage systems, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and safety features.

The vehicle has 40 new and improved features over the previous generation, including a 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transmission and more standard equipment such as an Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

A retuned six-speed transmission and higher numerical first gear means the engine speed changes less with each shift, creating a smooth driving dynamic, with improved fuel economy. The end result is an EPA fuel economy label of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway that is unbeaten in the minivan segment--quite impressive considering the vehicle's seven-passenger accommodations and cargo space.

Safety has also been addressed in the new design, resulting in the vehicle receiving the U.S. government's Five Star Crash Test rating in both front and side impacts.

For added convenience, the Swivel 'n Go seating system offers second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor and the second row, third-row uncovered storage, and fold-in-the-floor third row.

Said Larry Lyons, vice president--Car and Minivan Product Team, Chrysler LLC, "With an improved 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a minivan-first six-speed transmission, no other minivan has better fuel economy. We optimized both the engine and the transmission to give our customers the fuel economy they want and the power and responsiveness they expect."

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Drivers Use Financing To Their Advantage

Understanding your financing options could put you in the driver's seat when it comes to buying a new vehicle-or affording the one you already have.

Still, a recent survey found that many borrowers facing difficult financial circumstances are not aware of the ways that their creditor can help get them back on track. Indeed, only 47 percent of consumers believe that finance companies often work to help customers who are having trouble making payments.

"Consumers have many options available to them when it comes to auto financing. Similarly, if consumers are facing a tough time financially, we encourage them to work with their creditor," said Eric Hoffman, a spokesperson for AWARE (Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics), a nonprofit auto financing education group. "Being an educated consumer not only helps when it comes to financing a vehicle, but also when times are tight."

AWARE sponsored the survey, which measured consumers' auto financing knowledge and experience. Additional findings include:

• Consumer satisfaction with auto financing remains high while interest and desire to learn more about the financing process has held steady-despite the sluggish economy.

• Even with a slowdown in auto purchases, consumers-especially those who report to be educated about auto financing-say they are satisfied with their financing decisions and the outcome of the process.

But Hoffman said more work clearly needs to be done. "Despite auto financing education efforts through AWARE, as well as individual company programs, the survey demonstrates more robust education efforts need to be put forth for consumers facing economic hardship," he explained.

To that end, the group was formed to build a greater understanding among consumers about how auto financing works. To learn more, visit www.AutoFinancing101.org. The site was created to ensure that potential buyers of new and used autos have the tools and resources they need to successfully navigate the auto financing process.

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Protect Yourself From Digital Odometer Fraud

Protect yourself from digital odometer fraud when you're buying a used vehicle. Find out how in the following article from Napsi.

When looking at a used car, one of the first things consumers ask about is the mileage. After all, a vehicle with 40,000 miles on the odometer is much more desirable than one that's logged 80,000 or more.

Perhaps, then, it is not surprising that a growing number of sellers are trying to "turn back time" on their cars and trucks, changing the mileage to a lower reading that artificially inflates the resale value.
New research results from Carfax show that the number of cars with rolled-back odometers has increased 57 percent nationwide over the last four years. For that reason, used-car shoppers everywhere need to take every precaution to avoid becoming a victim of this rampant scam.

According to NHTSA, more than 450,000 cases of odometer rollbacks were reported in 2002, but that number is likely much higher today. Why? Experts believe digital odometers, used in the majority of vehicles built nowadays, are easier to manipulate. Plus, there's virtually no physical evidence of tampering.

Carfax offers car buyers these helpful tips to avoid buying a rolled-back car:

• Demand a Carfax Vehicle History Report from the seller;

• Examine the wear on the pedals, steering wheel, floor mats, etc. to make sure they are consistent with the mileage reading; and

• Have a trusted mechanic check the car's computer and inspect the vehicle thoroughly prior to purchase.

"Odometer fraud is alive and well," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "Con men continually find ways to cheat the system, especially in a soft economy like this, and digital odometers are no exception. We cannot stress enough that consumers need to utilize every resource available to help protect them, starting with a Carfax Vehicle History Report. Simply asking the seller for a Carfax Report and questions about the car helps separate the good guys from the bad guys."

As a service to consumers, Carfax lets you check for potential odometer rollbacks free of charge at www.carfax.com/odo.

Buyer beware: A used car with low mileage may have had its odometer rolled back.

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Stretching Your Money: Tips On Buying Certified Cars

If you are thinking of buying a certified used car, here are some facts you should know
If you're thinking of purchasing a used car, there's good news. Used cars don't have to be as risky a purchase as they used to be. Thanks to certification programs, it's harder to distinguish new from used and more Americans are turning to certified cars for better value.

Certification offers a way to weed out unscrupulous used-car dealers who might sell damaged cars. Vehicles damaged by floodwaters or involved in major accidents are prime candidates to end up as part of such scams.

The number of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles sold this year is expected to increase significantly from 1.7 million purchased in 2008. Besides costing less than new-car counterparts, certified vehicles also come with many of the same benefits, eliminating much of the guesswork associated with buying used.

Some say it is one of the few segments of the auto market where both sales and value to the buyer have increased. Be wary, however, because not all certification programs are created equal. To help sort out the best from the worthless, used-car experts offer the following tips:

Certified By Whom?

Make sure you know who sets the standards for the certification program and who makes certain they're being enforced. Look for a manufacturer-backed program--the best people to certify a car are the ones who built it and specialize in that make. Most manufacturers will offer a limited warranty in addition to honoring the car's original warranty.

Do Your Homework.

Research the models that make sense for your driving needs. Check safety and reliability reports published online and prices from your whole area.

How Was The Car Certified?

At a minimum, a car should have a detailed mechanical inspection and vehicle history reports. Carfax Vehicle History Reports are a mandatory part of the certification process for more than 80 percent of today's manufacturer-certified programs.

What Does It Get You?

The certified used car you're buying probably comes with an extended warranty. Make sure you know exactly what this covers and for how long. You can always add additional coverage.

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Sure-fire Tips for Getting the Best Deals on Car Leasing

If you would enjoy a new vehicle but don't want to buy it, or would like to be able to trade it in for something else after a year or so, then car leasing could be right for you. Vehicle leasing is very popular these days because it lets you have drive a brand new car without having to pay out the large payments that go along with ownership.

What is car leasing?

Basically, vehicle leasing means you rent the car from a finance group that has purchased the car. After the lease term has finished you have the option of paying for the rest of the vehicle or trading it in for a brand new model.

Benefits of Vehicle Leasing.



There are many benefits to vehicle leasing. Car leasing is great if you use your car for business, want to lease a car model you wouldn't be able to afford if you bought it, or if you want to be able to trade in a vehicle after every two or three years. Below are more benefits you might find attractive.

* Low deposit: When you purchase a car you often need to put a deposit or a combination of a deposit and trade-in to front your loan amount. When you lease, you will still need a deposit, but it will be a smaller amount. This means you can invest the money you save instead of putting it into a car.

* Lower monthly payments: Payments are lower when you use a vehicle lease because you are paying for the depreciation on the vehicle, not the total car price.

* Easy trade-in options: If you're one of the many that like the benefits of driving a new car, you can rest easy when it comes to trading in your leased car at the end of the term. The finance group owns the vehicle, not you. You're not stuck with the headache of selling the vehicle or getting a better deal for a trade-in.

* Flexible car lease terms: Many vehicle loan finance companies will offer flexible lease term options. Though most leases begin at two years you can expect to see some leases last as long as 60 months (five years).

* Secured Lease: The lease is secured by the vehicle, so if you default in your car lease payments the finance company will repossess your car. Though unpleasant, it's not as scary as the thought of losing something more drastic, such as your home.

Business Lease Benefits.

For companies that lease vehicles, the car leasing payments generate GST (Goods and Service Tax) and therefore can be claimed back in most cases. If you purchase a car for business and want to have it financed instead, some finance companies (for example, www.fincar.com.au) will buy your vehicle and lease it back to you.

Disadvantages.

Like anything good in the world, there are disadvantages to car leasing. Some are equity related, while others have to do with fees. Read on to see if these disadvantages will turn you off from pursuing vehicle leasing as an option.

* Lack of Capital: If you purchased the car outright by yourself instead of getting involved with a car lease, you would have capital in the vehicle over the duration of ownership. When you use vehicle leasing the capital belongs to the finance company, not you.

* Early termination fees: Some car leasing companies will charge a fee for early termination of your lease. Some finance companies will not hold you responsible for an early termination fee if you cancel your vehicle lease after the first six months while others will. Check to see what the terms are, so you do not find yourself saddled with surprise fees.

* Overage fees: Most auto leasing policies bill you a significant penalty if the odometer displays more kilometers on the dial than were specified in the contract. You'll pay a few cents per km, but remember that it adds up. If you are charged $.10 per km, a 1,000km overage will cost you $100 extra at the end of your lease.

* Fees for a less-than-perfect returned vehicle: If you're tough on your cars you might not want to think about car leasing because you'll be billed for excessive wear and tear on the auto's interior and exterior. So if you have an busy family or enjoy water dogs you may want to think about owning a car instead.

At the end of your lease, what are your options?

The great thing about vehicle leasing is that there are many options open to you at the end of your lease period.

* You can trade in your vehicle and start the process again with another new car lease. The advantage is having a brand new car again in a short period of time - who doesn't love driving a new car?

* You are under no obligation to purchase the car, but you could, if you wanted to do so. Usually when you enter a vehicle leasing contract, a price to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease is outlined and stated in your paperwork.

* You could return the lease vehicle and go a totally different route, such as buying a new or used vehicle elsewhere.

Leasing is a viable option for disabled Australians.

If you're disabled then you may qualify for car leasing GST-free. You must have a certificate from the HSA (Health Services Australia) or be a Veteran who is disabled due to service in Her Majesty's armed force. Generally, this option is available if the vehicle lease is for a car under $57,000 (approximate), for a period of two years minimum and the car is used for less than 40,000km travel a year. Of course, other details may apply, so read the fine print carefully.

In Conclusion.

Car leasing is a great opportunity for someone that likes driving a new car and trading in a vehicle every few years. It's also a fantastic option that allows you to drive a luxury vehicle you may not be able to afford normally. There are many vehicle leasing options, so review them carefully and choose the best one for you to make your experience exciting and rewarding

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