Buying vs Leasing vehicles

When it comes to buying or leasing a car the options can be confusing. To help you make an informed decision we have provided the information below.

Buying

Who Owns It

Whether you pay for the car with cash, or finance it and make monthly payments, either way it’s yours. Of course, if you’re financing it, you’ll have to meet the obligations the lender requires, like a certain down payment amount and timely monthly payments. If you don’t, they have the right to repossess it.

Up-front Costs

If you’re financing it, the bank will probably request a down payment. You can also trade-in another vehicle and use any equity towards your down payment. The amount of the down payment is usually based on the lender’s requirements and your credit score.

Future Value

Your vehicle will be worth whatever you can sell it for in the future and that depends on how well you maintain it. (Be smart and protect your investment with regular scheduled maintenance by a factory-authorized facility!)

End of Payments

Once you’ve paid off what you owe on your contract, that’s it. Your vehicle is 100% yours. The lending institution will send you a Lien Release as proof that the vehicle is completely paid off and all yours.

Leasing

Who Owns It

You do not own the car when you lease. You’re paying for the use of the vehicle, but the finance institution that you leased it through actually owns it. This is usually why you pay less per month in a lease than if you were to buy the car. .

Up-front Costs

Leases often do not require any type of a down payment. All you usually have to pay is the first month’s payment, a security deposit, the acquisition fee and other fees and taxes. But, as with a purchase, if you want to lower your monthly payments you can always pay more upfront.

Future Value

In most leases you don’t end up owning it so you don’t end up selling it. That’s the financial institution’s job. Although you may have mileage limits and wear and tear guidelines that, if you exceed them, could cost you extra money when you turn your vehicle back in.

End of Payments

Most people return the vehicle at the end of the lease term. But some like to purchase it during their lease or at the end. Others like to trade it in before their lease is over. Just ask us about these different options before signing any paperwork and we’ll make sure you have your lease set up the way you want it.

Best Cars to Lease

The best cars to lease are those with the best book value after the term of the lease. Since they depreciate less, you pay less. Review the lease ratings to see which cars retain their value.

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The Key to a Long-Lasting Vehicle

Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability, says the Car Care Council.

“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.”

The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul:

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

1. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

1. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

1. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

1. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

1. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

1. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

1. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

1. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

1. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

The Car Care Council has introduced a new customservice schedule. The personalized schedule and e-mail reminder service is a free resource to help motorists drive smart, save money and make informed decisions.

Article courtesy of: http://www.carcare.org/2012/04/car-care-the-key-to-a-long-lasting-vehicle/

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Do gas-saving devices really work?

Garage mechanics and auto enthusiasts are likely to be familiar with a certain type of advertisement. Appearing in car magazines and throughout car-focused Internet pages, these ads offer a range of products with a similar claim: that by bolting on, plugging in or pouring Product X into your vehicle, you'll experience an amazing boost in mileage efficiency.

Mileage-boosting gadgets have been around for years, and they seem to make a comeback every time gas prices spike. While the packaging may change to fit the times, one large question hangs over these products: Do any of them actually work?

The answer, all too often, is no. Many so-called fuel-saving devices are simply well-packaged hoaxes that base their claims on questionable science and offer little or no change in a vehicle's performance. In some cases, these devices can actually hurt mileage and cause engine damage.

So how can you avoid scams while getting the most out of your vehicle? A good first step is to learn the facts behind various mileage-boosting claims, to help you determine if a product you encounter is real or a fuel-saving hoax.

Mileage-boosting devices typically fall into one of three general categories: airflow manipulators, fuel-burn enhancers, and fuel or oil additives. First, we'll look at airflow manipulators.

The flow of air into your car's engine can play a big role in its efficiency. Modern cars are designed so that a precise amount of air enters the engine, is mixed with fuel vapor, and then flows into the cylinders for combustion. A number of devices on the market claim to enhance this process, often through the use of a vortex generator added to the intake. The claim behind these devices is that they'll improve the mixing of fuel and air, helping increase efficiency and horsepower.

The truth of the matter is that these devices often disrupt airflow, changing the intake conditions from what engineers intended. Modern cars' engine management computers compensate for this by adjusting fuel flow -- in some cases, by injecting more fuel than necessary to account for the altered airflow. Tests have suggested that these devices might also serve as restrictors, reducing the engine's horsepower

Article courtesy of: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-saving-devices/gas-saving-devices-work.htm

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The Key to a Long-Lasting Vehicle

Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability, says the Car Care Council.

“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.”

The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul:

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

1. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

1. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

1. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

1. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

1. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

1. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

1. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

1. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

1. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

The Car Care Council has introduced a newcustomserviceschedule. The personalized schedule and e-mail reminder service is a free resource to help motorists drive smart, save money and make informed decisions.

Article courtesy of: http://www.carcare.org/2012/04/car-care-the-key-to-a-long-lasting-vehicle/

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Support Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh this Saturday at Sincerely Yogurt

Beat the heat with a yummy treat and support Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh! Sincerely Yogurt will be opening a brand new location at 2740 Stroschein Road in Monroeville this Saturday, August 11th with all proceeds from the day to benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh! Enjoy a variety of scrumptious flavors of frozen yogurt and then add your favorite choice from over 40 toppings. Visit http://www.sincerelyyogurt.com/ for more information.

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5 car repairs you shouldn't skip

We often don’t think about maintenance on our vehicles until something is wrong. But keeping your car in top running condition is vital.
Angie’s List went to highly-rated auto repair professionals for the 5 auto service items you shouldn’t skip out on.

Oil Changes: Oil is the engine’s blood and it's critical to ensuring a car’s long life. Your vehicle’s oil should be changed depending on your driving habits, typically every 3,000-7,000 miles or around 3-6 months. You should check your car's oil level about every 1,000 miles.

"Keep your oil changed - it is the easiest thing to overlook and ignore but the most important thing anyone can do," says Terry Irwin of highly rated Aloha Auto Center in Hillsboro, Ore. "We see more worn engine parts due to the lack of oil changes."

Tire Maintenance: Properly maintained tires improve your vehicle's steering, stopping and traction. Tire pressure should be set to the manufacturer’s specifications, which can usually be found in the owners' manual, on a sticker inside fuel filler door or on the door well of the driver's side door.

"It’s important to keep your tires inflated to the pressure that is recommended by the manufacturer of the car; Proper inflation keeps your tires wearing correctly," says David Beck of highly rated All Star Tire & Auto Service in Indianapolis.

Over- or under-inflated wears tires out faster, can negatively affect fuel consumption and present a safety hazard. Get your tires rotated and balanced every 6,000-8,000 miles and get the alignment checked at least once a year to make sure there are not suspension problems.

Fluids: Transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant can break down over time and lose their effectiveness. All fluids should be checked and topped off every oil change. Have your transmission fluid flushed out every 50,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and your vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

Brake Check: A brake inspection should be part of your vehicle’s ongoing regular maintenance to ensure safety and reliability.

Have your brakes inspected at least once a year or more often if you experience grinding, vibrations or shaking when you break. Regardless of the vehicle, brakes generally  need to be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles.

Scheduled Maintenance: Failure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule could lead to loss of warranty coverage, breakdowns, poor fuel economy and a higher cost of ownership in the long run.

Having a certified professional inspect your car according to these schedules is an opportunity to catch problems before they get you stuck or escalate into larger repairs.

Build a relationship with a shop or mechanic. Bouncing from shop to shop may save a few dollars on particular jobs, but in the end the only one who will have any responsibility for the condition of the car will be you. "Having a reputable shop you trust means you having someone looking under the hood for any potential problems on a regular basis," says Mike Aronow, owner of highly rated Sunset Auto Imports Service in Henderson, Nevada.

A good mechanic, who is familiar with your needs, your expectations, and your car, will help you get the most from your car.

Read more: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/5-car-repairs-you-shouldnt-skip.htm?CID=OB7

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Ten Easy Ways To Keep Your Car Clean

Great tips to keep your car clean even if you’re pressed for time or just don’t feel like it.

10.) Don't eat in there

Why it's effective: If you can avoid eating in your car, you won't have to deal with all the wrappers, cartons, stains and crumbs that inevitably follow.

9.) Wax it occasionally

Why it's effective: It means you have to buy something and it means you have to spend some time after washing your car, but it's an investment that pays off. Waxing your car occasionally makes washing it the next time easier.

8.) Knock your shoes before getting in

Why it's effective: Wherever it snows and gets slushy, you really can't keep your car from getting dirty on the inside, but you can do a lot just by knocking your boots before you get in.

Sit down on the seat with your legs outside and knock your cold, block-like feet together. Then you just swivel in. It means your footwells won't be quite so grimy and icy.

7.) Keep kids out

Why it's effective: If at all possible, don't have kids and your car will stay much cleaner. If you do have kids, try and contain them in the family truckster and keep your car out of their grubby, dirty, smearing hands.

This may be a lost cause for many of you parents out there, but the rest of you need to stay vigilant.

6.) Clean messes up quick

Why it's effective: If you let a spill or a stain linger for any period of time in your car, it quickly becomes "character" and is impossible to remove.

Remember that time when Jim smacked his head on the doorframe and got blood on the armrest? Of course you do, because you didn't clean it up right away and now it's a stain you never have the time or the wherewithal to scrub away.

5.) Garage it

Why it's effective: While not everyone has a garage available, if you can find some enclosed space for your car, it will stay much cleaner. Mother Nature has a way of bringing every living bird to roost in the tree just above your parked car. There are a thousand other things the elements can bring unto your vehicle, so clear out your old BowFlex and stick your car in there.

4.) Keep a trashbag in the car

Why it's effective: Get either a small trash can or just a trash bag and keep it in your car. It keeps your junk from falling into the tiny cracks around the seats, or from rolling under the seats, and generally getting where you're too lazy to clean.

3.) Every time you leave, take something out

Why it's effective: There are three cleaning regimens that will keep your car clean. Each one requires a different degree of diligence, but they all work. Every time you stop for gas, reach into all the cubby holes and pull out the trash so you can throw it out. Every time you stop and get out of your car for any reason, grab all the trash in your car. If you stop and your car already looks clean, look around for one thing in your car that doesn't strictly need to be there and take it out.

2.) Make a routine for washing

Why it's effective: There's no quick fix to keeping your car washed regularly. You have to either set up a schedule for taking your car to a carwash, or you need to start a routine for washing your own car. Mark it out on your calendar and use the two-bucket method. One bucket has clean water and the other bucket is soapy. Scrub your car clean, soap it up, then wash it all off from the top down. Stay regimented and your car won't ever stay dirty.

1.) Keep it clean so it stays clean

Why it's effective: The easiest way to keep your car from getting dirty is to clean it once and make sure it stays that way. Once it's clean, it's easy to keep it clean, as readerhorspowr1001 explains:

If your car is always clean, you will be more inclined to toss out any trash right away. Similar to the dirty laundry analogy: If you have one pair of dirty socks on the floor, it's much easier to put that second pair there, then the third, then the.... Eventually it becomes a mess.

Also, if your passengers see a clean car, they will notice and clean up after themselves, not to mention compliment your ride.

Article courtesy of Jalopnik: http://jalopnik.com/5922778/ten-easy-ways-to-keep-your-car-clean

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