Showing posts with label brandon florida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brandon florida. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Buying a Used Car on the Internet – a New Breed of Shoppers

What about the used car market online? How can consumers quantify the risk they are taking buying a used car sight unseen to make sure it is justified by the savings of such purchase?


Historically, conventional used car buyers have been able to kick its tires, take it for a spin, and haggle over the asking price of the car they like at their local dealer since the invention of the automobile. Because of the internet, a considerable number of these “conventional” used car buyers have found a myriad of ways to harness the power of the ever expanding online automotive resources and tools available at their disposal to make informed buying decisions.

It is from those online savvy buyers that a new breed has emerged - those who buy their used cars online, sight unseen. Although they represent a relatively small portion of the used car buyers, these brave souls see an unmatched advantage and find ways to minimize the risks. But what’s in it for them, one might ask? Simple, actually: selection and price. The internet offers easy access to a vast selection of vehicles worldwide - online car portals, classifieds, conventional dealers with online presence and pure online-only outfits, online used car brokers, to name but a few. Since most of them are looking for a specific vehicle, their chance of finding “the one” is far greater online compared to the confines of their local area.

Needless to say, virtually all of them are looking for a bargain. Our brave souls take risks, but these are justified, at least in their eyes, because of the savings they realize by utilizing the online channel. How do they do it? They, too, are well-armed with the online tools they need to make intelligent buying decisions. Here is how these online tools help them through the decision-making and buying steps of the process.

Fair Market Value

Determining whether a particular car is a bargain is a function of understanding its fair market value given its condition in the context of the current supply and demand. For the non-economists, of course, there are a number of excellent online market valuation sources available. Kelley Blue Book, NADAGuides, Edmunds.com are some of the most widely used car pricing providers. They all base estimates on a large number of recorded transactions and provide appraisal adjustments for the year, make, model, mileage, options, condition and even local market trends. As their appraisal algorithms differ slightly from each other, the estimates may vary, so checking more than one source is recommended. There are three major price levels: trade-in (or wholesale), private party and retail. Trade-in is what one would expect to get from a dealer for one’s used car – it is the lowest of the three averages, but it’s important to know as a baseline. Private party is what one would expect to get if one sells a car to another person, and retail is what one would pay for that car at a used car dealership.

Third Party Vehicle History Reports

In addition to the seller’s honest word and availability of service records our prudent innovators tap into the same third party vehicle history report providers the rest of the used car buyers use. CARFAX and Experian’s AutoCheck, initially serving the automotive professionals only, have been available to the general public for a number of years now. For $24.99 CARFAX offers 30 days and AutoCheck offers 60 days of unlimited vehicle history reports. These provide extensive reporting on the vehicles’ recorded history: date and type of registration and renewal events, as well as checking for recorded incidents, odometer rollbacks, junk, salvage, rebuilt titles, insurance loss, theft, lemon buybacks, etc. Many dealers realize the convincing power of stating the recorded facts and now offer free vehicle history reports for the cars they sell.

Car Inspections

Independent vehicle appraisal/inspection services with online presence have also seen a boost in their business. For $99.95, CARCHEX offers to give any automobile a 155-point pre-purchase auto inspection almost anywhere in the USA. Not too high a price for peace of mind, especially if it can save one from having to deal with surprise repairs. For half of this amount, one can find a mechanic in the local directory who can check out the car and even take it for a test drive on one's behalf and then fax a detailed report. Nevertheless, some of the more thrifty buyers have found ways to save themselves the nominal fees mechanics charge without depriving themselves of the peace of mind of a pre-sale inspection. Say, I live in Boston and happened to find a 1974 BMW 2002tii that I really wanted all the way in San Diego. Now, I would definitely want the car inspected prior to buying it. My thrifty side, however, wants to avoid the $150 fee a local company would charge me to inspect the vehicle. The solution? I would ask a fellow member of the BMW enthusiast community who lives in San Diego to take a look at the car for me. There are plenty of BMW forum members that would be more than happy to offer their time and expertise to a fellow east coast bimmerphile in need.

Shipping

There is a sea of car shipping companies that would gladly bring our pioneers their newly acquired vehicles home at a reasonable price. One example, Dependable Auto Shippers operate a fleet of state-of-the-art, satellite tracked vehicle shipping transporters, which allow one to track one’s car while it's on its way much like one would track a package. Yet, a healthy number of this new breed of used cars buyers opt for driving their new purchase home on their own instead. It’s cheaper, it’s faster, and admittedly, it’s much more exciting. Sellers specializing in online sales of this kind have also adapted to accommodate the demands of this new kind of used car buyer. Airport pickups for our weary yet eager buyers are more or less industry standard, these days. Sellers specializing exclusively in online sales, providing a hot meal for their ‘guests’ at the family table before they depart on their voyage home, is not unheard of.

Although buying a used car online sight unseen is not for the faint of heart, it is a growing phenomenon, which if executed carefully, could be a very rewarding experience for all parties involved.


WEBSITE:
http://www.tampabayautonetwork.com/

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TmpAutoNtwrk

YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TampaBayAutoNetwork

FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brandon-FL/Tampa-Bay-AutoNetwork/45693399084?ref=search&sid=1365777692.1099710788..1#!!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Are You a Distracted Driver?

Ever tried to eat a burger while driving? What about trying to separate your two fighting kids in the back seat? Ever reached down to pick up a CD that fell on the floor while driving? These are just a few of the most common driver distractions.

We all become more comfortable driving as the years progress, but unfortunately many of us become a little too confident. Your license to drive is not a license to drive while simultaneously putting on your makeup and shoving down a quick breakfast.

Let's take a look at some common driver distractions. Are you guilty of any of these?

• Cell Phones—Cell phone use in cars has been a hot topic ever since cell phones started becoming popular. We all know that talking on our phones can distract our attention from driving. We all know that we should use hands-free devices whenever possible (although these can still be a distraction, just like the distracting discussions topic above). Yet a large percentage of us still talk on our cell phones frequently while driving. Try to keep your cell phone use while driving limited to emergencies only. If you get a call you really want to take, pull over in a safe spot and have your conversation.

• Text Messaging—An even greater distraction than cell phones, text messaging while driving is becoming such a concern that many local and state governments are considering legislation that would make it illegal to text while driving (Washington state has already passed such legislation). Teenagers are especially prone to the dangers of texting while driving. If there is a teen driver with access to a cell phone in your household, talk to them about the dangers of texting while driving. Just as important, make sure you set an example for your teen by not texting while driving yourself.

• Outside Distractions—Whether it's a restaurant that just opened, a human billboard pointing the way to new homes, a beautiful rainbow or a bad accident, most of us just cannot resist the urge to take a peek, even when we should be concentrating on the road.

• Sicknesses—A sudden onset of sneezes, a bad cough and searching your car for a tissue to catch that runny nose are all examples of how being sick can distract you from driving. Not to mention the fact that most of us are not at our most alert when we are sick. That's why it is extra important to pay attention to the road and to wait until you are stopped at a traffic light to reach for that tissue. Of course, we can't predict sneezes, but make sure you quickly look back to the road after you sneeze.

• Inspector Gadget—Cars these days often have more controls than a small plane. Besides the obvious stereo and temperature controls, many cars have features such as navigation systems and televisions. CD players can be especially distracting, as it takes at least one hand off the steering wheel to pick out a CD and put it in the player, especially if your pack of CDs is on the ground and you have to reach for them…which brings us to…

• Reaching for the Unreachable—We are all guilty of this at one time or another. For some reason, we just HAVE to have that book in the back seat in our hands now. But this is one of the worst driver distractions, as it usually means that our hand or hands are off the wheel AND our eyes are off the road. Next time, try to make yourself wait to grab that errant CD until you are stopped at a traffic light. Or, if it's safe, pull over and grab whatever you need.

• Eating and Drinking—One of the most common driver distractions is eating and/or drinking while driving. These days, we all seem to be in a rush, and many of us try to scarf down our breakfast or lunch on our way to work. Some of the worst foods to eat while driving are coffee/tea (a hot spill on your leg will certainly distract you), messy hamburgers or sandwiches that drop stuff all over you while you are driving, anything fried that leaves you with greasy hands that could slip off the steering wheel, and, similarly, things like chocolate and jelly doughnuts that leave your hands sticky or slick. Try to avoid eating on the road whenever possible. If you are in a rush, grab a quick bite and eat it in the parking lot before leaving.

• Distracting Discussions—Ever gotten in a heated debate while driving? What about listening and intervening as your children in the backseat start arguing? Interaction with your passengers is another common driving distraction. This can especially be a problem for new drivers, who should focus all their attention on their driving and not on their passengers.

• Beautification—Again, you're running late. You forgot to put on your mascara/brush your hair/shave. What better place to do it than in the car, right? Wrong! Things that involve tools not only take your hands off the steering wheel and your eyes off the road, they also have the potential to inflict pain and cause further distraction. If you are applying eye makeup or shaving and you have to brake suddenly, think of the injuries that could ensue!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that distracted driving causes around 25 percent of the auto accidents in the U.S. each year. That's nearly 1.6 million accidents annually caused by many of the things we discussed above, most of which are so easily preventable. Try to avoid letting distractions take your attention away from what you should be doing, concentrating on driving and protecting the lives of you and your passengers.


WEBSITE:
http://www.tampabayautonetwork.com/

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TmpAutoNtwrk

YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TampaBayAutoNetwork

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Is Your Car On Thieves' List?

As we all know, there are many factors that influence our auto insurance costs, including the cars that we drive, the places we live, and our genders, ages and driving records. When it comes to the car we drive, a major consideration for insurers is whether that car is frequently stolen. If your car is on the list of most stolen vehicles, most insurance companies will charge you a higher rate to insure it.

Non-profit organizations such as the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) track the most stolen vehicles in America by tallying all cars that are reported stolen by law enforcement agencies each year. The NICB's most current top 25 list of most stolen vehicles nationwide is as follows:

1. Toyota Camry

2. Honda Accord

3. Honda Civic

4. Chevrolet Full Size C/K Pickup

5. Ford Full Size Pickup (150/250/350)

6. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

7. Oldsmobile Cutlass/Supreme/Ciera

8. Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan

9. Ford Taurus

10. Toyota Corolla

11. Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Neon

12. Nissan Sentra

13. Chevrolet Caprice

14. Ford Explorer

15. Chevrolet Cavalier

16. Chevrolet Compact SUV (Blazer)

17. Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager

18. Toyota Pickup

19. Pontiac Grand Am

20. Ford Escort

21. Acura Integra

22. Dodge Ram Pickup

23. Nissan Maxima

24. Ford Mustang

25. Buick LeSabre

Even if your car is high on this list – You CAN protect it!

There are a number of measures you can take to help safeguard your car from being stolen, even from the most experienced thief. The NICB recommends the following “layers of protection;” saying the more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal. Think about it, can you imagine what you would do without your car for even a week, let alone longer? Don’t let these professional thieves profit on the car you count on to get you to all the places you need to go.

Layer #1 – Common Sense

An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which anti-theft device you use. The common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves.

Secure your vehicle even if parking for brief periods. You should always:

•Remove your keys from the ignition

•Lock your doors/close your windows

•Park in a well-lit area

Layer #2 – Warning Device

The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected.

Popular second layer devices include:

•Audible alarms

•Steering column collars

•Steering wheel/Brake pedal lock

•Brake locks

•Wheel locks

•Tire locks/Tire deflators

•Theft deterrent decals

•Identification markers in or on vehicle

•Window etching

•Laminated glass

Layer #3 – Immobilizing Device

The third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle.

Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated.

Popular third layer devices include:

•Smart keys

•Fuse cut-offs

•Kill switches

•Starter, ignition and fuel disablers

Layer # 4 – Tracking Device

The final layer of protection is a tracking device which emits a signal to a police or monitoring station when the vehicle is reported stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.

Passive and Active Anti-Theft Systems.

Passive and active anti-theft devices are the two options available when considering an anti-theft system. Passive devices automatically arm themselves when the vehicle is turned off, the ignition key removed, or a door is shut. No additional action is required. Active devices require some independent physical action before they are set, such as pushing a button, or placing a "lock" over a vehicle component part. This physical action must be repeated every time the anti-theft device is set or it will not function.

We can’t predict the future, but we can help safeguard the cars that we count on. Add a layer to your vehicle protection today!

Data is from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB); and list is based on the February 26, 2004 release of comprehensive 2002 vehicle data. Visit www.nicb.org for more information.


WEBSITE:
http://www.tampabayautonetwork.com/

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TmpAutoNtwrk

YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TampaBayAutoNetwork

Monday, November 2, 2009

What a DUI Will Do To Your Auto Insurance Rates

As if the cost of a life and emotional devastation isn't enough to serve as a deterrent for not drinking and driving, few drivers realize the financial impact they will endure if convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (DUI). Unfortunately, even the most "regular" people continue to take the calculated risk of driving after a few drinks with delusions of sobriety. If you're a driver who tends to gamble in this situation, are you prepared to cough-up $10,828 in total costs?

DUI's Impact on Car Insurance

All emotions aside: a DUI dramatically increases the degree of risk an insurance company assumes in order to underwrite your car insurance policy. After a DUI, you will be categorized as a high risk driver and can expect your current premiums to double-if your carrier doesn't just simply non-renew your policy.

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) reports that the average first time DUI offender can expect his/her car insurance rates to range between $3,600 and $6,600 a year. Depending on how long a DUI remains on your state's driving record, these rates are known to continue for up to 7 years. Furthermore, any additional accidents and tickets (past or future) can easily make the situation exponentially more difficult-tripled insurance costs!

Additional Costs of a DUI

Unless you live in a major city, there really is no substitute to driving. From the perspective of life's real world priorities, being able to drive ranks just below air, water, food, and shelter. Salvaging this privilege after a DUI though involves more than just expensive car insurance rates. Depending on the state you live in, additional costs can include:

•Towing: $300 - $1,200

•Bail: $250 - $2,500

•Fines and Court Fees : $500 - $2,500

•Attorney Fees (average): $2,500

•Mandatory Education and Treatment: $350 - $2,000

•Electronic Home Monitoring: $150 - $2,250

•Ignition Lock: $730 - $2,800

What the above estimates fail to account for the number of hours it takes to satisfy all the corresponding obligations. Time spent in court, at classes and treatment, restitution services, and even jail time can turn a person's world upside-down. Interestingly, states like Washington make matters more complicated by automatically suspending driving privileges for 90 days upon the first offence. Think of how you would even get to court?

Furthermore, since a DUI is criminal offence, your driving record will be complemented by a criminal record. If your vocation values the integrity of such a mark (medical, transportation, finance, etc.) finding a new job can become as complicated as finding affordable car insurance.

Affordable Car Insurance After a DUI?

Although a DUI is a mistake that ravishes a person's finances, it is possible to bounce back after a conviction. Every day that passes after your DUI conviction can lower your rates, because older charges have less of an impact on your risk profile, especially if you were a teenager or young adult at the time of your conviction. More so than any other driver, you should shop around for lower rates. Although you won't have as many options, don't fall into the trap of signing on with the first company that approves your application. Conduct research, compare quotes, and make a careful decision. In the meantime, take a conservative approach to driving and don't get any tickets or become involved in accidents.

Unfortunately, organizations like MADD exist because people continue to take the risk of driving under the influence. Nearly 17,000 people died in DUI related car accidents in 2005 alone. If this doesn't deter you, then maybe the $10,828 total out-of-pocket expenses for a first-time offender will.

WEBSITE:
http://www.tampabayautonetwork.com/

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TmpAutoNtwrk

YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TampaBayAutoNetwork

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Tips - Shopping for a Used Car Online

With so much content and information available online today, the Internet is making it easier than ever for prospective buyers to shop for a used vehicle. The following tips may be helpful for shoppers in the market for a used vehicle and may help improve satisfaction with their used-vehicle purchase experience.


1. Visit a variety of Web sites. With an abundance of information available online for used-vehicle shoppers, it’s helpful to know where to find what you’re looking for. Independent sites are good places to find intuitive search tools that match shoppers with the right vehicle for their needs, as well as pricing and reliability information. Dealerships often maintain sites that provide their current vehicle inventories, while many manufacturer sites allow shoppers to search for certified pre-owned vehicles in their area.

2. Search for comparative used-vehicle pricing. The development of Web sites such as Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), N.A.D.A. (nada.com), AutoTrader.com and Edmunds.com have made searching for used-vehicle pricing information easy. Using these sites to compare prices will give shoppers a general idea of their desired vehicle’s price range without leaving the comfort of their homes. Note: kbb.com is an Official Value Guide for the West Coast.  The Official Value Guide for the East Coast is nada.com .

3. Consider online classified ads. Online classified ads sites such as AutoTrader.com and cars.com are a competitive and convenient tool to give shoppers more options when considering a used vehicle. These sites allow sellers to post used-vehicle listings along with several pictures that can be viewed easily by shoppers, based on their preferred zip code.


4. Purchase or ask for a Vehicle History Report. Vehicle History Reports (VHRs) are an inexpensive way to check the track record of any used vehicle. More than 33% of automotive Internet users receive a free vehicle history report from the seller. If your dealer or private seller does not offer a VHR, be weary of the vehicle. Before you spend the money on the VHR yourself, contact us, we have an unlimited Carfax Subscription and we'll pull the Report for you free of charge.

5. Search for financing and compare interest rates online. When shoppers have financing arranged ahead of time, it often gives them greater negotiating power when dealing with the seller.



WEBSITE:
http://www.tampabayautonetwork.com/

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TmpAutoNtwrk

YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TampaBayAutoNetwork

What Impacts Auto Insurance Costs?

We all know that there are many factors that can affect your auto insurance costs. Some of the more obvious determinants are:


•Gender and Age. Young male drivers are typically the most expensive to insure, especially if they have any type of mark on their driver's record.

•Driving Record. Tickets, accidents, being caught driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol…they all add up and translate into higher auto insurance costs.

•Miscellaneous Discounts. If you are a good student, if you have safety features installed on your car, if you have low mileage on your car, if you are a senior, if you are in the military…all of these can mean discounts on your auto insurance costs. But, did you know that where you live and what you drive may also impact your auto insurance costs?

Location, Location, Location

It's a fact, auto insurance rates in rural communities are almost always lower than those in large urban centers. Accidents tend to happen much more frequently in big cities, usually due to the high amount of cars on the road (AKA: Traffic!)

Certain states have higher insurance rates than others due to the percentage of claims filed. States like New Jersey, Washington D.C., New York and Massachusetts typically have the highest average insurance rates.

It can also cost more to settle claims in certain areas, and this can add to the cost of your insurance premiums. Expensive cars cost more to repair or replace, and wealthy urban communities will sometimes have higher average insurance rates.

Pick a Low-Profile, Safe Vehicle

How your vehicle holds up in a crash is also important to auto insurance companies. Think about it, the more a vehicle costs to repair after a crash, the more auto insurance companies will have to pay out. If there are certain vehicles that tend to be involved in more accidents, tend to incur more damage and involve more bodily harm to passengers when in those accidents, it is safe to assume those vehicles will cost more to insure. Vehicles such as sports cars and some SUVs tend to rate lower in terms of crashworthiness, and therefore carry higher insurance rates.

Another important factor is whether or not your vehicle is on the list of those most frequently targeted for theft. Non-profit organizations such as the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) track the most commonly stolen vehicles. The NICB lists tend to track all vehicles on the road (often meaning the most popular cars are those most commonly stolen), while the HLDI tracks results based on the number of insured vehicles on the road (meaning those with higher theft claims top the list). The NICB lists the five most commonly stolen vehicles in the U.S. in 2001 as the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, the Honda Civic, the Oldsmobile Cutlass/Supreme/Ciera and the Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee. The HLDI list the five vehicles with the highest theft claim frequencies in 2001 as the Acura Integra, the Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep Cherokee 4WD, the Honda Prelude and the Mitsubishi Mirage.

Basically, all these cars will most likely be more expensive to insure. Make sure you check out the insurance costs of a particular vehicle before purchasing it.

If your car is stolen, make sure to contact the police right away. Have information such as the year, make and model of your vehicle, your license plate number, the VIN (vehicle identification number), where the theft occurred and what time of the day. Next, you should inform your insurance company that the car was stolen. The more quickly you do this, the more quickly they can get started on processing your claim.

Conclusion


Along with the obvious factors about you, the person to be insured, other factors about your vehicle type and where you live are likely to affect your auto insurance costs. Make sure to compare quotes before purchasing an insurance plan, and find one that best suits you, your vehicle, and your locale.


WEBSITE:
http://www.tampabayautonetwork.com/

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TmpAutoNtwrk

YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TampaBayAutoNetwork

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

10 Ways To Lower Your Car Insurance Rates

With all the expenses one has in regards to their car- gas, maintenance, and of course car insurance; you auto insurance could be the easiest one to save money on. Taking time to review your policy, taking time to compare multiple quotes, and raising your deductible are just some of the ways you can start saving on car insurance.

1. Shop and Compare Rates Every 6 Months


If you check your car insurance rates in January, make sure your check them again in June. According to an independent study, people who compare rates and switch carriers at InsWeb.com save an average of $301* on a six month policy. Consider the savings over 12 months! Tickets or no tickets, you're a different driver than you were last summer. Get updated quotes and see what your individual savings could be.
 
2. Lower Your Premium by Selecting Higher Deductibles


Simply put, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Indeed the cost of an accident will be that much more expensive; however, if the damage is minor (grey zone in making accident claim), you'll be spending the same out-of-pocket amount regardless.
 
3. Make a Cheaper Policy Even Cheaper: Don't Pay in Monthly Installments


Additional administrative fees are commonly applied to payments when you split your premium in to installments (i.e. monthly, semi-annual, annual). Be aware that a monthly fee of even $7 can add up to $84 over 12 months.

4. Look for Multi-Line Insurance Discounts


The most under recognized car insurance discount results from the multi-line insurance policy: buying your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance from the same insurance company. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a multi-line policy can save you up to 15% on both premiums.
 
5. Collect on Good Driving Car Insurance Discounts


Most insurance companies reward good driving with lower premiums. In fact, in some states a good driving discount is required by law. If you haven't had any accidents or tickets in the last three to five years, shop at InsWeb.com and see whether you are missing out on this money savings discount.
 
6. Don't Overpay for Tickets in your Car Insurance


Unfortunately moving violations are an accurate reflection of your liability to an insurance company, and your rates can skyrocket as a result. Perhaps you deserve a higher rate, but don't let the insurance company unduly punish you. Shop around and see if you can find a more reasonable rate with another company.
 
7. Look for Safe Vehicle Auto Insurance Discount


Many companies offer discounts for various safety features on your vehicle, including air bags, alarms, factory-installed mechanical seatbelts and antilock brakes. In getting updated insurance quotes, be sure to indicate such safety features to benefit from available discounts. 
 
8. Don't Overpay for Your Unnecessary Coverage


You may be paying for coverage that you don't need. For example, you may be a member of an auto club that provides towing services, yet you're also paying for towing on your auto insurance policy. Look for opportunities to eliminate unnecessary costs. 
 
9. Look for a Good Student Discount or Senior Discount


Students currently enrolled in school often receive a discount on auto insurance for good grades, as many companies feel conscientious students make conscientious drivers. Similarly, insurance companies are known to value the wisdom of an experienced driver, offering discounts to drivers over 50 as a result.
 
10. Insurance Discount: Pay Less for Driving Less


Many insurance companies will offer discounts on vehicles that incur low annual mileage. In fact, some companies have a predetermined number of what they consider low mileage. Has your commute changed? If so, it might save you money to get an updated quote.
 
WEBSITE:
http://www.tampabayautonetwork.com/

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TmpAutoNtwrk

YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TampaBayAutoNetwork

Washing Your Vehicle

Although modern vehicle finishes are quite durable and resistant to environmental elements, the paint still needs to be washed on a regular basis to prevent buildup of elements that could permanently harm the finish of your vehicle. In addition, there are the obvious aesthetic benefits to having a clean vehicle.

Why Wash My Car?


Modern vehicles are operated in some pretty harsh environments and are subjected to a continual bombardment of potentially abrasive and corrosive elements. On the road, insects and bird droppings can land on the paint. In the winter, cold weather road maintenance bathes paint with a caustic salt solution, while summer may bring fresh hot tar that can stick to paint. Even while safely parked, dust, acid rain, pollen and bird droppings quickly adhere to the paint. Over time, these contaminants can chemically etch the surface, leaving permanent paint damage. Even plain old dirt eventually scratches the finish, while excessive road salt can lead to early corrosion. To prevent these types of damage, vehicles need to be washed with a good car wash soap and water.
 
Which Car Wash Soap Should I Use?


Unlike most household soaps and detergents, which are designed to cut grease and oil, car wash soap is specially made to be gentle to your vehicle’s finish. Car wash soap will not remove wax and other protective finishes from the surface of the paint. Special additives in the soap (called surfactants) lift and hold dirt so they can be easily rinsed off the surface. Other additives help lubricate your wash sponge to protect the paint from scratching. Some car wash soaps use a type of water-soluble wax to protect the finish even after the car has been dried. Nearly all specialized car wash soaps are sold in concentrate form as a liquid or powder. Mixed with a large bucket of fresh water, a few capfuls will easily wash an entire vehicle.
 
How Often Should I Wash My Car


There is no simple answer to this question, as every vehicle is operated in a different environment. As a rule, the vehicle should be washed when the paint starts looking dirty from two car lengths away, or immediately when contaminants such as bird droppings, winter salt, sap, or tar are on the paint. Most vehicles can go at least seven to 10 days between washings. A garaged vehicle will stay clean nearly twice as long. Contrary to popular belief, a rain shower does not constitute a car wash (in fact, rain can place more harmful chemicals on the paint than does the air!).
 
What About Automatic Car Washes?


If you would rather take your vehicle somewhere to have it washed, do not despair, as there are many benefits to using an automatic car wash. In addition to the convenience, most commercial car washes will vacuum the inside of your car and even offer specialized detailing services such as waxing and polishing. Not to be overlooked, most commercial facilities filter and recycle their water, greatly benefiting the environment.

WEBSITE:
http://www.tampabayautonetwork.com/

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TmpAutoNtwrk

YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TampaBayAutoNetwork

Friday, October 9, 2009

Farewell To The Brandon Auto Mall - A Used Car Dealer In Brandon, Florida

Since relocating to Brandon from Wesley Chapel, in July of 2008, we have seen many Big and Small, New and Used Car Dealers in the Brandon area leave us due to direct effects of a Global Economic Slow Down.

Although we are also a Family Owned Used Car Dealer (on a much smaller scale) in Brandon, Florida, we are sad to see the latest loss of a fellow Family Owned, Automotive Giant which was located just 1 mile East of our location on East Brandon Blvd (SR60) - The Brandon Auto Mall.

We're sad to see them go for a number of reasons. One being that quite a few of our personal friends were employed by the Brandon Auto Mall, as well as other Dealerships which were owned by Ernie Haire, a well recognized leader in the Automotive Business across the Tampa area, forced to close and or sell due to a recent Bankruptcy. Another reason being (from a business perspective) the importance of having a competitor that draws as much attention to the area, because of their size, such as the Brandon Auto Mall.

What has helped us get through, without termoil, is not just our direct, honest approach to Internet Marketing (which has earned us a World Wide client base), but our unique way of offering our potential clients a stress free, no pressure opportunity to purchase a quality, Carfax Certified vehicle at an affordable price.

We appreciate the support we get from Brandon, and surrounding area residents, and we want it to be known that we are still going strong, despite the struggles many have faced this year. A noticeable increase in sales, over the past 3 months, gives us reason to believe that not just Brandon, but all of America may have seen the worst of it all.

To those that did not make it through these trying times, we want to wish you well in the future. And for those who made it, smile, 'cause the worst is behind us and the best is yet to come!

WEBSITE:
http://www.tampabayautonetwork.com/

YOU TUBE:
www.YouTube.com/user/TampaBayAutoNetwork

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/TmpAutoNtwrk
Powered By Blogger