There are many people that like to do things for themselves. I applaud you and say go get them.
Like in any business, things in the car business constantly change. For a few short months this summer I took a mind break from the car business… It has taken me til now to get back in the groove so to speak.
Imagine trying to stay on top of the car business after a two or three year break. I would not be able too. That is how often most people shop for a car. I do it constantly.
Things are always changing. You would not recognize many of the car buying tools in use today from what they looked like just three years ago. Though still in use carfax, auto check, kelly blue book, nada guides, auto trader, cars.com, craigslist, the news paper, not to mention blogs, websites, facebook and other social media. All continue to evolve.
In the short term, fuel supply, weather (tsunami, hurricanes, earth quakes, snow storms), government programs like cash for clunkers, etc all effect the new car supply and used car supply. Buying a car can be like the end of a flag flying in the wind. Hold on for the ride of your life.
Financing or leasing is another issue. Banks and credit unions, manufacturers incentives, fico scores, cosigners, interest rates, model year, miles, residual values,and more are all related to auto financing. The rules around them constantly change and affect the buyer of a vehicle and how much can be borrowed for how long.
Then there are typically predictable trends you can take advantage of. Snow = 4wd or body shops. Fuel costs = 4 cylinder, hybrids or SUV depending on the economic rise or fall. New models come out at a premium. Wait awhile and you could save money or pay more. Timing your purchase can make a difference.
Predicting the value of a used car can be a funny thing. I have seen used Toyota 4runners go to an all time low used value for about a year and jump back and higher and stay there for two years. Diesel pickup trucks… Oh my how they have fluctuated in value the last 6 years.
The key indicators in choosing the right car for you are , what you want to use it for, your budget and how long you are going to keep it, (in Colorado the v6 trumps a 4cyl because of the hills for many. 4wd trumps fuel economy for many because we spend a few weekends in the mountains and/or a few months the snow. ) Toyota used to predict the car you wanted based upon Performance, Reliability and Safety. Yet they make cars that many performance enthusiast choose to not choose.
German and some other European cars are the highest performers, (are fun to drive fast), for the most part yet they come with a high maintenance price tag. Hondas, Toyotas other Japanese cars are considered long lasting and retain their value well. American cars and Korean cars “are getting better’ yet still have horrendous depreciation in the minds of many. (With reason on many models.) Now there are unique models made by each manufacturer that are contrary to the stereotypes just listed. Yet each manufacturer has its tendencies. Just ask an Acura guy about TL transmissions.
So if you enjoy the current car buying process enjoy it!
If not. Give me a call the next time you need a new vehicle. I can upgrade your experience!
I hope you have the happiest of Holiday Automobile Experiences!
Please check out this link from Meghann Conter. She really likes her Subaru!
http://meghannconter.com/2011/11/14/meghann-recommends-auto-broker-in-denver/
She is Denver’s best kept secret in the social medial and branded marketing business. You will want to know her if you wish to have a consistent marketing program and build your brand.
Come network with me at the Atlanta Bread Company Belmar (Wadsworth and Alameda – Southwest corner) December 15th 9:30 am til 11:00 call 720 971 – 6481 for details. You may email me at ColoradoCarHunter@gmail.com.
Cheers,
Rich Kothanek
Rakothanek's Blog 