SAVE MONEY WHEN BUYING CARS, TRUCKS, AND SUV'S

When you read my articles, don't forget my ARCHIVES, you can save thousands of dollars when buying CARS, TRUCKS, and SUV'S. You will also make more money when selling your automobile if you follow my tips. Be sure to tell your family and friends about your savings. 

AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC ( shade tree mechanic )

A lot of people may not understand how important it is to be very selective when choosing a good automobile mechanic for your automobile. If you choose not to use a factory authorized mechanic be sure you get customer references you may check out yourself. The shade tree mechanic exist in every town , some may be reliable, but as I have found out from experience they will cost you much more in the end. Therefore, I suggest that you bite the bullet and have a factory authorized automobile mechanic handle all your vehicle repairs. In the end it will cost you less.

HOW TO DETAIL YOUR VEHICLE ( trunk )

A lot of people are thinking, why detail the trunk? If you want to sale the vehicle, it's very important in helping you get top dollar on the sale . First, take everything out of the trunk including the ( spare tire ). Make sure the spare is in good shape with proper air pressure. A lot of vehicles come with what dealers call a donut tire. If that's the case make sure it's in good condition . Check the jack, it needs to be in the proper place. If the vehicle is a late model and your running a set of matching tires in real good condition, but your spare is in poor shape, it would help the sale if you purchase a NEW TIRE that matches the set on it, same manufacturer same specifications. With everything out, vacuum the trunk, clean trunk jams, trunk lead, everything visible. Before you reinstall the spare tire spray, or

rub on a tire dressing. All Auto Part Stores and Retail Stores with Auto Supplies carry tire conditioning products. Wait about the rubber seals on the trunk until after the polish and wax, for now close the trunk.

HOW TO DETAIL YOUR VEHICLE (engine )

You have to be careful detailing the engine. Be sure none of the electrical gets wet. The best way to prevent this from happening is to use spray bottles. Empty spray bottles are available in many locations. If the engine and everything else under the hood has a build up of dirt, grease, and oil you need a degreaser. Fill one spray bottle with degreaser, one with water, one with water and soap mixture. If your real careful you can use the water hose ( low pressure unless you have done this before ). You can use old towels to clean with. Spray all grease and oil areas with degreaser. Let it soak for about 5 minutes ( IF DEGREASER GETS ON ANY OF THE EXTERIOR BODY PAINT OR GLASS RINSE OFF WITH WATER IMMEDIATELY ). Most of the areas can be cleaned with the soap and water mixture, and rinsed with water. By the time you get this far you should know what works best. Clean and wipe all areas under the hood, from the firewall all the way to the front grill . Clean under the hood, hood jams, fender jams, surface over grill. After all is rinsed wipe everything dry. You can leave it the way it is or take it a step further. Spray all rubber hoses with silicone. Touch up the engine paint, paint other areas with clear coat paint ( cover fenders and windshield to eliminate paint over spray ) If you paint on engine be sure to use engine paint. (IF THE ENGINE HAS CHROME OR CUSTOM SHOW PARTS CHECK WITH MANUFACTURER BEFORE USING DEGREASER )

HOW TO DETAIL YOUR VEHICLE ( washing body )

You can purchase a soap made for washing vehicles at just about any Auto Parts Store, and Retail Stores that carry Auto Supplies. Some people even use a mild dish detergent . It's important the vehicle is not in direct contact with the sun ( so soap keeps from drying ). Use a soft washing cloth or mitten . It's nice to have another washing cloth just for the wheels and door jams . Wash the entire vehicle including door jams. Wash the fender wells because dirt sits on the inside edges. Now you should dry off vehicle. You can dry it off with a shimmy or terry cloth. If you see tar on the body you can purchase a tar cleaner from Auto Part Stores, or Retail Stores that carry Auto Supplies, ( you can also use lacquer paint thinner ). Wait until after you polish and wax to clean the glass, tires, and wheels, ( polish and wax dust will go every where ).

HOW TO DETAIL YOUR VEHICLE ( interior Part 1 )

( You can detail your interior to the maximum by following these instructions. Pick the items you want to detail for yourself ). If you have leather seats, use a cleaner/conditioner to clean the seats and all other leather interior. If you have cloth seats with stains or dirt build up, take them out . The seats can be sprayed with a multi-purphase degreaser cleanser, or you can purchase a cleaner made just for cleaning seats. Be sure to spray entire seat, this will keep spots from showing after seat has dried. After seats have soaked for about five minutes rinse them off with water hose, high pressure. Let seats dry in the sun or with fans before reinstalling. While seats are out you can clean the carpet. Vacuum the carpet, if extra dirty there are different options. Spray carpet with same cleaner used on seats, or cleaner made for carpet using a wet vac and low pressure water. Scrub stains with hard bristle brush to loosen dirt. Be sure if using wet vac, all water is vacuumed up. Leave doors open until carpet is dry. You can spray paint your carpet using a paint made for carpet ( make sure carpet is clean and dry before you paint ). Overhead liner can be cleaned with a mild cleanser. Do not rub liner hard it could come lose from foam attachment. Part 2 interior will be posted next.

HOW TO DETAIL YOUR VEHICLE ( interior Part 2 )

If the interior doors are leather top, carpet bottom, clean the leather with cleaning/conditioning leather cleaner ( do not use soap and water on the leather ). The carpet can be cleaned the same way as the carpet on the floor, ( interior Part 1). If they are vinyl you can use soap and water, multi-purpose spray, ( diluted ), or a cleaner made just for vinyl seadt, doors, dash, etc.

HOW TO DETAIL YOUR VEHICLE ( interior Part 3 )

The instrument panel and all electric items including console need to be handled carefully. Do not spray any liquid of any type directly on these items. If dusty, you can wipe with clean soft cloth, ( 100% cotton knitted cloth is nice ), the hard to get to places can be cleaned with a detail brush, ( or small art painting brush ). If these items need any cleaner applied, use a soap and water blend or a cleaner made just for cleaning those items. Spray cleaner directly to cloth and then wipe area. If you use soap and water wipe again with just water on cloth. Wipe all areas dry with clean, lent free, dry cloth. Follow these instructions on door panels, console, and the base of rear window, ( between rear seat and rear window ). Now is a good time to clean the interior windows, you can clean and wipe off over spray on dash and top of door panels after cleaning windows. Many window cleaners are available. If you have after market tinted windows do not use a cleaner with amonia in it. Clean with paper towels or lent free cloth. After windows, you're ready to clean dash and any over spray. Many protectant products are available to rub on all rubber, plastic and vinyl areas. They also give them a shinny look, so now is the time to apply them. On leather apply a cleaner/conditioner product. When finished with interior keep windows up, close doors. You're now ready to polish and wax. Details in my next blog.

HOW TO DETAIL YOUR VEHICLE ... CAR ... ( polish and wax )

There are two way's to polish and wax a vehicle. You can hand rub, or for the best finish, buff. The type of polish you need is based on the condition of the paint and how much time you want to spend. If the paint has surface scratches that are just in the clear coat you need to start with a mild compound. ( If you are using a buffer for the first time read this carefully ). If your buffer has a speed setting turn it down until you are comfortable with it. When buffing over edges or dips on the body, move over fast and lightly or you will cause what is called paint burn, ( past the clear coat into the paint and possibly the metal ), you must keep buffer moving. If the paint is not scratched or real dull, you can polish with a cleaner/polish . Be sure to use the proper pad on the buffer for each application. You can get everything you need at an ( Automotive Paint Supplies Store or over the web. Wipe off the polish dust after polishing with a soft cloth like I referred to in my last blog. If you see swirl marks, you need to apply a product that removes swirls; you can find them on the web also. Purchase a good wax, paste or liquid. You can apply the wax by hand, it normally comes with a foam pad. Wax small sections at a time, ( follow the instructions on the back of all detail products ). Wipe off same as polish. The next blog I will give all the final detail instructions .

HOW TO DETAIL A VEHICLE ... CAR ... ( the final touches )

By now you should know what needs touched up or repaired. Here are a few examples. If the paint needs touched up you can find the paint color number on the driver door post, firewall in engine compartment drivers side, or in the glove compartment. Automotive Paint Supply Dealers can make a bottle of touch up paint to match your paint. If you have chrome bumpers or any chrome , you can polish it with a chrome polish. If headliner is sagging you can replace or have it replaced. If you have vinyl or cloth seats with small holes or cracks you can purchase a patch kit, or have a professional patch or reupholstered. If the dash is an eye sore you can purchase an after market dash that fit's over the old dash. Sometimes replacing or adding a pin stripe helps improve the looks. If your headlights have a plastic cover that's getting cloudy, purchase a cleaner/polish made for clear plastic. Now your ready to wash the car again, follow details in part one. After dried, open doors, hood, and trunk, wipe the jams and door post. Clean the tires with hard brittle brush, soap and water. Wheels need to be cleaned with terry cloth towel or wash mitten, soap and water ( do not use strong cleanser on custom or any type of nice wheel). You can use a tooth brush on the hard to get to places. If the wheels are chrome, use chrome polish. Wipe the tires with a tire dressing, (most can be used on rubber molding, door, trunk, hood seals, vinyl seats, dash and panels). Clean exterior windows the same way as interior. You may want to place an air scent under seats, helps to sale. ............TO MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING OUT, PRINT MY BLOGS ON HOW TO DETAIL YOUR VEHICLE. If selling, get oil changed, all other fluids topped off, and tire pressure checked. You're on your way to getting (TOP DOLLAR ).

Auto Auctions, { Part 1, All you need to know }

I have been to many auto auctions in different states for more than a decade. In the Auto Auction blogs I will tell you all you need to know on how to save money, what to look for, and how auto auctions work.

Auto Auctions { Part 2, Do your homework }

If you're wanting to buy a car to drive, or to sale for profit, do your homework. There are many different types of sales at auto auctions.

Auto Auctions { Part 3, How to find the best Auction for your needs }

Most Auto Auctions only sale to the public on certain days or certain times of the month. Some auctions have large inventories of certain manufacturers automobiles. Most Auctions carry a good selection of many makes and models. If you know what make and model you want, check for auctions in your area [ask when they are open to the public]. Many auctions will have web sites which list most of the automobiles for auction on that sale date. Find the best auction for your needs. Now is the time to setup payment plan with auction [most acccept cash, check, money order, cashiers check or bank draft]. Be sure you secure payment method before going to auction. Let the auction know what price range you are willing to spend and they can tell you what the buyers cost will be [buyers cost is what the auction makes from you for their services]. If you are not sure of price, ask them to email you a complete list that breaks down buyers cost based on your bid price. I'm sure they will be happy to .

Auto Auctions { Part 4, After you've located the auction that works for you take the next steps }

Now is the time you should purchase an Automobile Appraisal booklet. There are many selections; some for older models and some for newer to current models. Be sure to select the proper guide. These guides will help you save $THOUSANDS$ if used properly. Find the make, model, and year vehicle you're are looking for. Newer models have add-on and deducts and mileage add-on or deducts, be sure you figure these in the total .

Auto Auctions { Part 5, Best time to go to auctions and why }

The best time to go to auto auctions is daytime , clear weather if possible. Be sure to arrive at least two hours before the sale begins. Walk the lot and find as many vehicles you like as you can. Most auctions have a test track you can drive the vehicles on, if not many will let you drive it on the highway. Be sure you check the vehicle out before it enters the building. The reason a daytime clear day is best is because you can see the paint better, vehicles should not smoke after being warmed up, [ on cool nights with moisture in the air vehicles will smoke longer, some dealers or consumers will bring vehicles that smoke, at nights for that reason ]. It's also easier to see oil or water leaks under a car at daytime in clear weather, [ some dealers or consumers will bring vehicles that leak, on rainy days or nights for that reason].

Auto Auctions { Part 6, How to check out the vehicle before purchase }

Be sure you have your used car guide . paper and pen with you. When you locate a vehicle you like your ready to check it out. First walk around it check the paint make sure all fenders, doors,hood , trunk and roof match also check for dents and scratches, open doors, hood, and trunk, check joints close make sure they Aline proper, you should be able to tell if vehicle has been painted over anywhere.[ if it has be sure to make a note]. Look at all tires [ check for wear, if all are same make] if wore bad and or different make be sure you make a note. Now look under vehicle [ check exhaust system for rust , under entire bottom for rust, check for oil or water leaks] oi any make a note. Now it's time to crank the vehicle and let it warm up, while it is warming up check out the following ,[all electrical, power windows, power door locks, power seats, in other words all power settings, power sun,moon roof, if convertible power up and down, radio , cassette, cd player, dvd player, good to have a cassette, cd, and dvd with you to test properly, check sound at all speakers, check navigation system if available, check all interior lights , check blinkers, horn, check for any lights saying repairs are needed , overhead lining, interior, seats , doors, console, dash, glove box , all mirrors, carpet, all rubber around doors,etc.

Auto Auctions { Part 7, checking out vehicle before purchase }

Turn off the radio, cd player, dvd player. Now turn on the a/c, [air conditioner] check for coolness [if cool weather, make sure a/c clutch on a/c compressor is turning; if too cool inside to tell if a/c is cool, check all settings on fan; be sure they blow at each setting. Now vehicle should be warmed up, leave engine running and with vehicle in park, emergency brake on, turn on headlights and step outside; check headlights on bright and dim; check blinkers, brake lights, and all other exterior lights. Look in trunk to make sure it is in good shape; check spare tire. Check again for oil and water leaks [water may leak from a/c dryer which is normal].

Check exhaust for smoke [light grey smoke with moisture mixed in could be a cracked block; dark grey smoke with a burned oil smell could mean engine is burning oil -- either one of these is very costly, so beware]. Open hood, listen for a knocking sound and look for oil leaks on engine, check all hoses and belts [make sure they don't need replaced]. Check battery and battery post. Batteries have dates on them so check the age [the average battery last 3 to 4 years under normal usage]. Listen for pulley noise, listen for clutch noise on a/c; a proper running runs smooth with very little engine noise. MAKE NOTES IF ANY PROBLEMS WERE FOUND IN PART 6 or 7. NEXT IN PART 8, WHAT TO CHECK WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE [CHECK MY BLOG ON HOW TO DETERMINE WATER DAMAGE]

Auto auctions { Part 8, test driving the vehicle }

First thing to check are the brakes [ drive slow with window down apply brakes hard, listen for metal sound touching disk do this more than once, make sure vehicle does not pull to the right or left when applying brakes] . If brakes check out and brake pedal stays high after applying, it should be safe to test vehicle further [ if not safe test no further ] make note for future use. Next speed up just a little bit and turn steering wheel from right to left quickly [ make sure steering wheel does not have to much play in it, listen for noises in front end ] . Now drive straight, listen for strange sounds, make sure still goes straight when you release hands from steering wheel [ let go of wheel just for a second or two] make sure vehicle rides smooth [ no vibrations]. If your test drive vehicle is an automatic be sure you get up enough speed for transmission to shift through all gears smoothly, make sure reverse, 1, 2, 3, and overdrive [some vehicles have manual overdrive] work properly. If you are testing a four wheel drive put the vehicle in four wheel and test[ a good way is to get in gravel stop then push gas down a little stop get out you should have gravel slung in all four tire places if working proper] check in high and low range drives and pulls proper. Make sure odometer is working proper while you are driving [this is very important , the odometer has a lot do do in determining the selling price]. Continue in part 4 .

Auto Auctions { Part 9, test driving the vehicle }

While test driving check all gauges and look for mechanical warning lights . Gauges than show full read outs should be as follows: oil pressure should read 40 to 50 pounds of pressure on average,water coolent gauge should be around 200 degree's when engine is fully warmed up, battery gauge should read 14 amps or more. If everything checks out your ready to park vehicle, leave engine running, after parked get out, check for leaks ,check for smoke from exhaust, raise hood listen to engine[ make sure it is running smooth,no smoke from engine, no burnt oil smell, no engine leaks]. Now you can turn engine off. Check your notes, if all checked out ok you are ready for my next blog, if not, go to my blog about cost for repairs .

Auto Auctions { Part 10, How to know when vehicle will be run through sale }

On all vehicles at a auto auction you will notice writing on the windshields, this writing will tell you the following: lane vehicle will be auctioned in, what number it will be run through in that lane, mileage on the odometer,[ if it Say's[ exempt] read my blog about titles] if dealer is selling vehicle it will normally list the dealer name. Sometimes they will list[ salvage] if so read my blog about salvage vehicles.