Car Buying Tips

The Epistemology of Buying Tires

By William C Montgomery
March 11, 2008

I studied epistemology in a college religion class. Epistemology is a fifty cent word for the branch of philosophy that explores the way in which man learns truth. What leads a person to the certain conclusion that God exists? Is it the conclusion of a logical process? Or personal spiritual experience? Maybe it’s embracing family tradition? At the risk of offending deity and condemning my soul to an eternity burning amid fire and Bridgestone, I liken the process of buying new tires to the quest for faith.

The Epistemology of Buying Tires editorial continued »

Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | 47 comments

Nissan GT-R: What Price New Hotness?

By Jay Shoemaker
February 19, 2008

In Michelangelo Antonioni's film "Blow Up," Thomas (David Hemming) watches a rock guitarist smash his ax and toss the remnants into the audience. Caught up in the spirit of the moment, Thomas joins the scrum scrambling for a piece of the dead guitar. He grabs the lion's share and runs away. Dozens of fans give chase, attempting to wrest the prize from his grasp. Finally, Thomas is clear of the crowd. Alone with his treasure, he contemplates his booty-- and then casually tosses it into a nearby trash can. Nissan GTR anyone?

Nissan GT-R: What Price New Hotness? editorial continued »

Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | Sales and Marketing | 44 comments

In Praise of: Brand New Old Cars

By Michael Martineck
January 21, 2008

When it comes to buying fish, stocks, bonds or cars, timing is everything. The factors determining a savvy buyer’s ideal window of opportunity are mercurial. And, like the mystery surrounding a good fishing hole, there are plenty of industry professionals whose livelihood depends on shrouding the “inside line” in secrecy. For example, you won't find prices for “leftover” ’07 Chevrolet Malibus on Edmunds or kbb. Of course, when it comes to car buying advice, The Truth About Cars is on YOUR side. We’re here to help.  

In Praise of: Brand New Old Cars editorial continued »

Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | 23 comments

The Truth About Craigslist

By Steven Lang
December 31, 2007

From candy corn to Lincoln Continentals, Craigslist is the ultimate Turkish bazaar. It's an almost universally accessible free market for millions of folks who once paid (and paid) for the ‘privilege’ of selling their stuff. From a pistonhead perspective, Craigslist seems to be a great place to buy and sell automobiles. Even a brief scan shows that the site offers a vehicle for every type of appliance seeker, enthusiast and hobbyist. I’ve been using Craigslist as my site du jour for nearly three years. During that time, I’ve sold more than a hundred vehicles through the service. But I'm a pro, and I’m here to warn you that there's a dark side to the deal.

The Truth About Craigslist editorial continued »

Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | 38 comments

In Praise of the $500 Car

By Steven Lang
December 6, 2007

“Wooden Shoe Rather Be Dutch?” Sigh. Bumper sticker humor aside, the Subaru Legacy had 140k miles on the clock and a well-maintained powertrain (records in the glovebox). The hardback book about Abraham Lincoln under the driver’s seat gave me hope that the owner was equally conservative with his driving. After a bit of tire kicking, I slowly concluded that the old girl had plenty of life left. Fortunately, the kicked-in driver’s door and smelly interior made the other dealers turn-up their nose when the Subie went across the block. For $500, the Legacy became mine… all mine. BWAHAHAHHA!!!!

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Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | 41 comments

Depreciation Kills

By Steven Lang
November 15, 2007

“Is that yours?” Millions of car buyers spend billions of dollars hoping that this statement will be born of admiration rather than pity. When these words come out of a car dealer’s mouth at trade-in time, they can be especially hurtful-- even if the salesman is as honest as their spiel is long. That’s the moment when most car buyers finally discover whether or not their automotive “investment” has walked off a cliff and fallen into the financial abyss known as depreciation. Here’s how to avoid the freefall…

Depreciation Kills editorial continued »

Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | 83 comments

The Truth About Filling Your Tires with Nitrogen

By Michael Martineck
October 30, 2007

Jet planes, armored personnel carriers and racecars all have nitrogen-filled tires. So it’s got to be cool, right? I mean, I wish my Honda Odyssey minivan was more like an F-22 in some way. Or in any way. Anyway, is it worth an average five bucks a tire to stuff your rubber with the seventh element? For the majority of American drivers– those who do not routinely drive through flaming pools of fuel, off-road on dunes hotter than Scarlett Johansson’s hips or hit 200mph on the straight-aways– the answer is a simple “no.” Yet thousands of vendors are setting up nitrogen pumps and enticing people to pop open their stems. What’s the point?

The Truth About Filling Your Tires with Nitrogen editorial continued »

Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | 66 comments

Get Over it: Car Dealer Rip-Offs Abound

By Frank Williams
July 12, 2007

Scared of car dealer scams? Detroit News writer John McCormick says chill. In an editorial entitled "Afraid of shopping for a car? Get over it;" McCormick chronicled his recent car buying experience. The automotive scribe claims it's no biggie; car dealers are populated by "courteous, knowledgeable and professional" sales staff. While we're all glad Mr. McCormick's had such a wonderful experience securing a new whip, the chances of anyone else emerging with similar satisfaction makes Powerball look like a safe bet.

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Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | 53 comments

How to Buy a Used Car Part 4: Negotiating

By Steven Lang
July 1, 2007

When it comes to buying a used car there are two basic negotiating mindsets. You can either be fair and decent or unfair and obnoxious. You need only visit a used car lot to know that unfair and obnoxious works. But it is also true that many sellers respond extremely well to honesty and decency. Win - win is no sin. So, karma lovers, here's some tips for negotiating the purchase of a used car by traveling down the righteous route.

How to Buy a Used Car Part 4: Negotiating editorial continued »

Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | 8 comments

The Truth About European Delivery Programs

By Alex Dykes
June 28, 2007

In 1959, William Lederer and Eugene Burdick wrote The Ugly American. The novel was celebrated by self-loathing intellectuals, who agreed with disdainful Europeans that Americans are far too stupid and arrogant to play any "useful" role in world politics. Yeah, well, screw that. If you're a latter day pistonhead willing to represent in the Eurozone, I suggest you do your bit to grace the Olde Worlde with American wit, intelligence, insight and humility. Buy your next ferrin' car via a European delivery program.

The Truth About European Delivery Programs editorial continued »

Posted in Car Buying Tips | Editorials | 44 comments