When it comes exporting used cars, there are a lot of things you should know.  The overall process is fairly straightforward because everything that needs be done is clearly laid out by the federal government.  At the same time, there is a lot that can be overlooked and end up causing a lot of problems.  There are a number of reasons that you may need to export used cars, which means that what you need to do may be different than someone else.  Here is a quick look at few things that you should know about exporting used cars.

Exporting and Importing Are Completely Different (And Not How You Might Think)

The most important thing that you need to know is that exporting and importing are two completely different processes from a legal standpoint.  This may seem obvious in a sense because exporting is sending something away and importing is bringing something in, but it goes farther than that.  If you are exporting used cars, the first step is complying with all of the exportation regulations set up by your government.  Once those regulations have been met, you must then meet all of the importation regulations set up by whatever other country the vehicle is being imported to.  This means that in order for you to export used cars quickly and effectively, you need to be well versed in the laws of both countries.

In General, Exporting Is Easier Than Importing

All things considered, it is always easier to get things out of the country rather than bringing them in.  This is true for nearly every country in the world.  In most cases, export-related regulations are primarily set up to help crack down on crime.  In this case, if you are exporting used cars, then the regulations are likely designed to primarily try and eliminate stolen used cars from leaving the country.  Additionally depending upon how you plan on transporting the vehicle can affect the steps you need to take before your used car can be cleared to legally leave the country.  While there are a variety of things you need to do to export a used car, it is nothing compared to the regulations that you must meet in order to import one.  This is because a number of other agencies are involved for tax, regulatory, safety, and environmental reasons.

A Quick Overview of the Paperwork You Need to Know About

All of the paperwork that you need to submit must be provided a minimum of 72 hours before your used car reaches the border.  The first thing you need to have is a copy of the original title, both front and back.  You also need to provide a copy of the title certified by the state DMV.  It is important to note that the certification must be done by the DMV and not public notaries, insurance agents, private organizations, or lending institutions.  If your title shows ownership by any party other than yourself, without a release of interest, you must also provide an original letter from that owner granting permission to export the vehicle.  This letter must fully identify the vehicle with as many details as possible such as the Vin number and mileage as well as include contact information from the other owner or any lien holders.

Two Tips That Can Save You Money

If you plan on exporting multiple vehicles from the United States then it could be beneficial to get your own wholesale dealers license.  While there is a substantial amount of additional paperwork involved in order to get this license, once you have it you will no longer need to register the vehicle with the state before exporting it.  If you are only exporting one car then this may not be much of a benefit.  On the other hand if you plan on exporting multiple used cars from the United States, not having to register all of them with the state prior to exporting them could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars.  The reason that a wholesale dealer’s license allows you to export a vehicle without first registering it is because the used car will be listed as a vehicle being exported solely for the purpose of sale.

If you are looking for a quick short-term solution because you will only be exporting one car, then using the services of an export company could end up saving you money.  The reason for this is that they can provide every service that you need.  Additionally they can ensure that you do not become the subject of any additional fines that could arise if you overlook something.  They will also have an in-depth knowledge about the importation policies of the country that you are sending your used car to.  Along with this valuable insight into other countries importation procedures, they will also be able to tell you if any modifications need to be made to your used car in order to allow it to be imported.  While they are slightly more expensive than doing everything yourself, the knowledge that they can provide could end up saving you a lot of hassle, time, and headaches down the road.

When buying a used RV, knowing what to look for is critical. If you don’t know what to look for, then it will be impossible to tell whether or not you made a good purchase until it is too late. Fortunately, there are several key indicators that you can focus on in order to make the best decision possible. After all, it is a buyer’s market so take your time and make the most of the vehicles for sale.  Here is a quick look at a few things to keep in mind while judging the overall quality of any RV that you come across.

Before we get into some of the details, there are two big issues that most people don’t consider. The first is deciding what type of RV you want. There are a wide variety of different types of RV’s ranging from a huge Class A to a smaller 5th wheel or Class C. Start off by deciding what type of RV you want because it will dictate what details are the most important to keep in mind when making your final decision. The other thing to pay special attention to is the weight. Always compare the GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating to the actual weight of the RV before you buy it. If you end up buying one that is overweight, then you are responsible for the penalties. Plus, an overweight RV is more likely to suffer damage to the engine, transmission, suspension system, and brakes.

Exterior

When buying a used RV, the exterior is a great place to start. Keep in mind that a good looking exterior doesn’t necessarily mean that you found a great RV, because it is the easiest to fix. However, a very poor exterior normally indicates that it was poorly maintained or was never fixed after an accident. Look for things like big scrapes and dents as they could indicate a serious previous accident. You should also look at things like the seals around the windows and see if there is an cracking or rust on the roof, especially on the rubber or the screws.

Interior

The interior should never be overlooked. You will be spending a lot of time inside your RV, so you need to be happy with it. Some things that are often overlooked include items like a solid air conditioner, proper lighting, any indication of leaks (such as soft spots around the windows), and any other detail that you personally consider essential.

The Rest

Obviously, you want to make sure that your RV has a good engine and that everything under the hood is functioning properly, but there are some additional details that you may not know about if this is the first time that you are buying a used RV. For example, you want to make sure that the holding tanks don’t have any leaks, the awning is functioning, the furnace runs smoothly, and the condition of the generator.

Take it on a test drive in the sort of conditions that you expect to drive it.  This may even mean keeping it for a few days – any seller wanting to seal the deal should allow you such an amount of time.  After all, it is a buyers’ market.  Don’t just take it on a quick lap of the block – take your time to evaluation the vehicle properly.

Visibility can be a major issue in RVs so take you time to adjust the driver’s seat and mirrors and drive around local streets where visibility problems really come to the fore.  It is also a good idea to check the RV’s performance on the highway, both from a visibility and driveability point of view.  Monitor fuel consumption and make sure you are comfortable with it’s thirst.

Finally, make sure it will fit all the extras that you are wanting to fit in and travel with.  After all, there is no point travelling to where you want to go if you can’t fully enjoy the trip when you get there.

If you don’t have any experience buying a used RV, then you may not know what to look for. While everyone has their own personal preferences, some universal factors to consider include the overall weight along with a variety of different variables related to the exterior, interior, and “the rest”.

If you are in the market for a used auto, then you might want to take a few moments to consider purchasing one with a diesel engine.  Why buy used diesel autos?  Simple, they provide a number of benefits over a traditional engine both in the short term as well as the long term.  Many people still associate diesel engines as dirty, expensive gas-guzzlers.  This perception was largely true back in the 1970′s, but today it’s a different story.  Here is a quick overview of the benefits that a used diesel auto can give you today.

Better Fuel Efficiency

Diesel fuel is much more energy dense than regular gasoline.  This results in a much better fuel efficiency, often as much as 30% than a regular engine.  In most cases, the fuel savings that a diesel engine offers will easily compensate for the higher initial cost within the first few years.  However, because you will be purchasing used diesel autos, the higher cost likely won’t be an issue.  It is also important to remember that with greater fuel efficiency comes less stops at the gas station which can lead to huge savings in short order.  While diesel fuel will cost an average of 10% more, it will also take you 30% farther.

Longer Lifespan

Diesel engines naturally run much cooler than a regular engine.  This lower average temperature can dramatically increase the lifespan for the engine.  In fact, most diesel engines can easily last more than 250,000 miles before any major replacements will be needed.  That’s much more than the 100,000 miles that a regular engine will provide.  Plus the overall level of maintenance is normally lower.  As an added bonus, the diesel engines can maintain their resale value so if you do decide to resell your used diesel auto, you will be able to set a much higher asking price.

Performance

Another reason to buy used diesel autos is that they perform much better than their counterparts.  A diesel engine is more effective in all phases of operation.  They can increase their speed faster and provide overall better performance.  Additionally, because they have more torque, towing is much easier.  Even if you are thinking about getting a diesel car, it will be very capable of towing average loads like boats, other vehicles, and trailers 

Biodiesel

Many people don’t consider that with a diesel engine, using biodiesel fuel could be an option.  Biodiesel comes from plant oils and animal fats rather than petroleum, although there are some petroleum based biodiesel fuels available as well.  It is important to also keep in mind that no changes need to be made to your vehicle in order to use biodiesel fuel.  Many people can get confused because diesel engines can also be modified to run completely on vegetable oil. 

As you can see, there are a number of reasons that you consider a diesel engine next time you purchase a used vehicle.  Why buy used diesel autos?  They are 30% more fuel efficient; can easily eclipse 250,000 miles; provide greater torque, and makes cleaner biodiesel fuels an option.

In order for car dealers to be able to sell their autos at a profitable price they need to be able to buy their cars cheap.  Generally car dealers go to used car auctions to find their stock of cars but these are generally restricted to dealers only.

However, if you do not have a dealer’s license, there are ways of attending and buying at dealer-only auctions:

1. Some dealer-only auctions do not require a dealer’s license but only a regular business license.  Since many businesses require a vehicle to conduct business and will be using it for business purposes, many auctions that the general public cannot attend can be attended by those with certain business licenses.  If you have a particular business license or operate a business that requires vehicles for business-only used the check with the auction facility prior to auction to find out what their requirements are.
2. Be-friend a dealer.  This is not that hard.  Car dealers are generally friendly and sociable people so striking up a friendly relationship with one is pretty easy.  Then when the next dealer only auctions comes up in your area you can either tag along with them or get them to bid and buy on your behalf.
3. Be-friend a mechanic by offering them $100 to tag along with them next time they attend a car auction.  Many people buying at auction take along a qualified mechanic to check out the car they are intending to buy so that they know the condition of the car inside and out before bidding.  Mechanics generally have lots of contacts in the auto trade and therefore tagging along with them can often easily be arranged.
4. Ask your mechanic, friends, work colleagues and neighbors if they know of anyone who can get you into a dealer-only auction.  You might be surprised at how many people you know have contacts with people in the auto trade.  Sometimes those who regularly attend dealer only auctions go on their own and would prefer to have some company.  Either way it is an opportunity for you to attend a dealer only auction and perhaps find the motor vehicle you have been searching for.

So as you can see there are ways and means of the general public getting into a dealer-only auto auction.  So why not give it a try – you never know you may end up with a good friend as well as the cheap cars you have been looking for.

A motor vehicle inspection is a must for used car buyers. The inspection is meant to give the used car a clean bill of health or condemn it. It can end up being a fatal mistake for you to buy a second hand car without knowing its overall condition.  This not only applies to make sure that the car is safe, but also that you will not need to invest large amounts of money in order to make needed repairs. Even though you may already trust the auction company that is reselling the vehicle to you, it’s always better to be safe than to be sorry.

Some of the reasons that warrant you having a used vehicle inspected right before you purchase it is because millions of cars that are resold have major defects or other damages that make them extremely road unworthy. It is very possible that during previous repairs some of this damage was overlooked by mistake. Instead of paying for this mistake with your life or with another person’s life, it is always advised to have your motor vehicle inspected to avoid the worst-case scenarios.

You could either decide to have the car inspected by a third party (other than the seller) or do it yourself.  While, in general, it is always best to have a mechanic look over a vehicle before you bid on it, sometimes it simply isn’t possible.  If you have to check out a car on your own, then here are some important indicators that are easy to check.

In checking whether there’s anything wrong with the tires, make sure that the tires rotate according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If in driving you experience vibrations in the steering wheel or the vehicle tends to move to a particular side then know that there is something wrong with it. Ensure that the lug nuts and fasteners are not missing and that there is no damage to the spokes or rims.  It is important to know that sometimes you are not able to check some of these issues before on auction, because you will not normally be able to actually take it for test drive.

Test the brake pedals and see whether they are working properly. Brake pedals that don’t go all the way down to the floor board are an instant clue that there might be a big problem. You should also check and see whether or not the brake pedal holds for less than one minute without fading. You should also test the brakes to see that the vehicle has brake equalization. If there’s a significant pull at the wheel then the brakes are not equalized.

Check to see that the steering wheel does not have an excessive free play. Make sure that the shock absorbers are in good condition and that the chassis does not have an excessive sway or bounce. Ensure that the power steering and the condition of the belt are also in good operating conditions.

Test the lights. To do this you need to have a second person on the outside who will confirm whether the bulbs are actually lighting or that perhaps they are burnt out. Try and determine whether the headlights work on high and low beam mode, check to see if the stop lamps are working, if the license plate lights are too dim, check whether the hazard warning lights are in good condition and determine if the directional signal indicator is working.

While this may seem like a tedious task, motor vehicle inspections are a must for used car buyers.  If you do not check out the condition of the car, then there is a real risk that you will either have to invest a large amount of money into your used car much sooner than expected, or that the car might suddenly fail while you are driving.  Either way, the effects of this mistake can be devastating.

Many people prefer to purchase used cars from the owner whenever possible because it often results in a much better deal than what a dealership can offer.  The key to making this a reality is knowing how to negotiate.  You don’t have to be a slick salesman to get a good deal, you just need to know what to do and some of the key signals to watch out for.  Here are some quick tips to help you more effectively negotiate a great deal when purchasing used cars that are for sale by the owner.

Quick Tips – Used Car For Sale By Owner: Negotiate

1.Understanding the Asking Price

When negotiating for a used car that for sale by the sale, it is important to understand that asking price is exactly what the name implies.  The first characteristic of almost every asking price is that it is actually higher than what the seller expects to get.  They know that you are going to want to negotiate with them, which means that they will tell you a higher price then what they actually expect to get.  Taking their asking price at face value will always one of the worst things you can do (just like paying the sticker price at a dealership).  Because of this, it is never a bad idea to start with a low ball offer.  By making an offer that is lower than what you are willing pay, it is much more likely that you and the seller can find a happy medium.

2. Use Small Increments

When negotiating with the owner of a used car that is for sale, make sure that you are moving up slowly.  A simple rule of thumb is to simply move up at increments of $100 if your price and the sellers price are within $1000 and $200 if your offer is more than $1000 less than the sellers price.  If the owner makes larger jumps than you, then you will get a better deal.  Additionally, if the seller is making bigger jumps in the price, it likely that they really want to get the car sold.

3. Always Make Your Final Offer Twice

If you and the owner cannot come to an agreement, which will happen more often than not, then make them your final offer twice.  By making the same offer twice, you are demonstrating that you are serious about your final offer and not trying to play another game.  You can even tell the owner that the offer will be on the table for a day or two.  This will give them a chance to think it over without the stress that the negotiating environment inherently creates. 

This tactic is particularly effective if you are talking to the owner early in the week.  Most people will place their ads before the weekend, because the weekends will often give them the most exposure.  If you are negotiating with them after the weekend is over, then they know that you may one of the last people that shows interest in their car for while.  The threat of not making a sale at all will outweigh the disagreement over the price, which could give you the edge you need to make the owner agree with your terms.

It can seem almost impossible to determine whether or not you are going to get a good deal on a used car.  You could get exactly what you wanted, at a price you could afford, but does that mean that you got a good deal?  Not necessarily.  However, there are some specific criteria that can be applied to every used car to determine what a good deal is.

Used Car Prices:  What is a Good Deal?

1. The Current Value

Before you even think about making an offer or bid on a car, it is essential that you know what the current value of the car is.  Many people recommend that you check the Kelley Blue Book value, but in reality this is not the information that you want.  The KBB show you the “estimated dealer asking price”.  However, even the KBB states that the actual selling price may vary substantially from the KBB value.  Almost no dealer will get their initial asking price for a used car, so the KBB value doesn’t actually tell you what price people are paying for it. 

The best way to assess the current value is to turn the TMV or True Marker Value.  This can be found using the Edmunds’ TMV Pricing.  You can actually alter a variety of variables on their website including mileage, location, and features to determine the value of any car based upon your area.

2. The Importance of Local Value

Understanding the local value of a used car is essential to knowing if you are getting a good deal.  Supply and demand will greatly affect the actual value of a vehicle, which is why local value is so important.  Sometimes, by driving as little as an hour or two to a different location can save you thousands of dollars.  For example, if you live in an area where 4 wheel drive is essential, then the demand will be higher, thus the price higher.  By driving a few hours to a flatter area, 4 wheel drive may not be considered essential, thus a lower demand exists and the price will be lower.

3. Additional Costs

If purchase a great looking used car for $1000, then it may seem like a great deal.  But what if it requires an additional $5000 in repairs over the next year?  Not such a great deal.  When determining used car prices, it is essential that you factor in additional expenses that are likely to occur in the future (at least a year into the future).  Remember, in order to determine whether or not the price you paid for a used car is a good deal or not, it is important to compare your total costs with the total value of the car.

What is a good deal?  Used car prices can be difficult to judge if you do not understand how to gauge the value of the deal.  By assessing the current value (not current price) of the vehicle, factoring in the local value, and adding additional costs, you will be able to better assess whether or not you got a good deal on your used car price.

In order to secure your dream car, it takes more than just showing up for an auction.  You also need to know how to effectively bid on each vehicle.  If you go into an auction without a bidding strategy, it is very easy to get swept up in the action and severely overpaying for your car.  Here are some simple auction bidding tips to help you secure your dream car.

Eye Contact

The first auction bidding tip is to maintain eye contact with the auctioneer whenever you are bidding.  If you drop his eye contact, there is a high likelihood that he will assume that you have dropped out of the bidding. 

Set Budget

The second bidding tip is creating a maximum bid – your absolute budget.  It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and just keep bidding.  Before the auction begins, it is important to look around to spot the vehicles that you may want to purchase.  Then set a maximum amount that you are willing to pay for it, and stick to it.  The best way to do this is to write everything down.  That way you will have a visual reminder of what you were willing to pay for it before the bidding started.  It is easy to convince yourself to bid higher, especially if a few of your prospective vehicles have already been sold.  If you let your emotions take over, you will always overpay for your dream car.

Patience

The third auction bidding tip is to play the waiting game.  The auctioneer will start of with an opening number, however if no one bids, the auctioneer will lower it until there is a bid.  It is always a good idea to never be the first bidder.  That way, the initial bid will be as low as possible before you enter into the bidding war.  However, it is important to keep a sharp ear out to make sure that the auctioneer doesn’t close an item without any bidders, which will happen if there are no bids at the minimum reserve price.

Know Your Competition

The fourth auction bidding tip to secure your dream car is to know whom you are bidding against.  You can usually get a sense of why other people are at the auction.  If you notice some people buying multiple vehicles, it is a safe bet that they are with a dealership of some sort.  Normally, they will not bid more than 50%-60% of what they expect to sell the vehicle for.  That means that you could get your dream car at 65% of what they would sell it on the lot for.  Additionally, if you are in a bidding war and notice that both of the people bidding against you are dealers, there is a chance that their egos will get in the way and the vehicle will go for much more than it should.  For some reason, car dealers want to show other dealers that they have more money to spent, and end up wasting it.  Don’t get caught in the middle of a bidding war that is based on egos not on the value of the vehicle.

Using these four fundamental auction bidding tips, you should have no problem securing your dream car.

Getting a new car can be both exciting, and scary. There’s the excitement of getting something new. Combined with the fear of paying too much. For most people, a vehicle is their second largest investment. So, it’s important that you make a wise decision.

1. Practicality

First of all, make a list of everything that you use your current vehicle to do. Then, make a list of everything that you wish was different about your current car. This will help you to figure out which features are most important.

Now, decide which of these features you actually need. For instance, if you need the passenger room, and cargo capacity of an SUV. But, you never go off road, and it doesn’t snow where you live, why not consider a sport wagon? Cars like the Subaru Outback, and Mazda5 can handle as many people, and suitcases as most mid-sized SUVs. Plus, they get better gas mileage, and they’re cheaper to insure.

2. Fuel efficiency

If fuel efficiency is an important feature to you, then you’ve probably already thought about a Hybrid. Cars like the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid get great gas mileage, and they’re environmentally friendly too.

They work by utilizing an electric motor to power the car at low speeds, which allows the gasoline motor to shut down when it’s not needed. This saves fuel, and reduces the car’s emissions.

However, Hybrid technology is relatively new, and it requires a series of complex computer systems to operate. Not only are these systems expensive to repair. But they can be unreliable too. Some Hybrid owners are already reporting major problems with their cars.

A Diesel powered car can offer a more reliable alternative to a Hybrid. Diesel engines power everything from cruise ships to electric generators. And, they’ve been making them since the 1930′s. So it’s safe to say that most of the bugs have been worked out.

Thanks to modern technology, today’s Diesel cars produce less emissions than some gasoline powered cars do.  And, when you combine their excellent fuel economy, with their reliability record. Buying a Diesel powered vehicle is as environmentally friendly, as it is economical.

3. Value for money

You may want to drive a popular car like a Honda Accord, or a Lexus RX350. But, stop and consider just how much you’ll actually pay to own such a car.

Cars like the Honda and Lexus have become popular, because they’re really good cars. But, you can find a Korean car that offers the same build quality and features, for thousands less.

Even though a Hyundai Sonata may not have the same high resale value as a Honda Accord. The overall cost of ownership is much less. Meaning, you’ll pay a lot less for things like repairs, and insurance.

4. Where to buy your car

Where you buy your car is just as important as what kind of car you buy. Dealers are in business to make a profit. And, most private owners are trying to make a profit too. So, that doesn’t leave you with many options.

An auto auction can provide you with a wide selection of cars, at wholesale prices. Once only the domain of licensed car dealers. Many car auctions will now allow public access through an auction service.

A good auction service can help you buy cars like a pro. From pre-sale inspections, to live bidding, and paperwork assistance. An auction service offers many tools that can turn anyone into a smart shopper. There’s even online bidding and, you can get access to a long list of auto auctions, and police auctions around the country.

If you’re planning to buy a new car soon, do your homework first. You’ll be amazed at the money that you can save.

Auto insurance is one of those necessary evils. You pay a lot of money to have it, in the hope that you’ll never need to use it. But, since we all have to have it, let’s examine a few of the options.

We’ve all seen the Geico gecko, and Progressive’s cave man on TV. They both claim that they can save you money, but can they really?

Well actually, they can. Provided you have good credit, and a clean driving record. These big-brand insurance companies cater to a higher-end client. So, if you have a decent beacon score, and you’re over the age of 25. They can usually give you a pretty competitive price, relative to other full-service insurance companies.

Big companies like Geico, Allstate, and State Farm can offer  exceptional customer service, and fast claims handling because they cater to more stable customers. In their eyes, people like this are less likely to have an accident. Plus, they can usually sell them homeowners insurance too. Which allows them to make more money to provide such excellent service.

If you don’t fit their criteria however, you’ll probably get a really high quote. But not to worry. There’s many smaller companies out there who would be happy to have your business.

Since these smaller insurers don’t have the gigantic over-head of a big-brand company. They can afford to insure people with less than ideal records. But keep in mind, processing a claim can take a lot longer, and it might involve some negotiating too.

Because these small companies insure riskier drivers, they try to save as much as they can when it comes time to pay a claim.

These smaller insurance companies can be found by searching an online insurance portal. Or, you can look in the yellow pages. Either way, you can usually find an affordable insurance policy if you search around.

Many local insurance agencies carry more than one brand of insurance. So they can provide you with several quotes at once. These local agents can give you a broad range of coverage options. Plus, they can assist you when it comes time to file a claim.

When you decide on a carrier, take a look at the cost between the different deductible amounts. Since a deductible is the amount that will come out of your pocket in the event of a claim, make sure that you can afford to pay it. A higher deductible will give you a lower payment. But, it also reduces your amount of coverage.

Many companies will automatically include things like uninsured motorist coverage, and roadside assistance into their price. So, make sure that you ask what comes with the policy that they’re quoting you.

Another thing to keep in mind. Getting quotes from insurance companies like Geico and Progressive will actually effect your credit score. When they check your credit, your Beacon score goes down 1-5 points. So, it’s best to pursue other options, if you’re concerned about your credit.