Do your homework. Compare prices by starting with the online travel agencies like Travelocity and Expedia. They often offer the lowest and most competitive rates.

Check the national rental car companies directly like Hertz, National, and Enterprise Rent A Car. Search for special deals, and promotions. Some rental companies provide more extensive service. For example, National offers the convenience of renting a car from one location and then allows you to return it to another. And Enterprise offers to pick-up before and drop-off after your rental.

Get creative with your bargain hunting. Try paying with a credit card, because most cards have discounts or points you can earn. If you belong to AAA, they often have AAA discounted rates for cardmembers. Try calling the local car rental offices in your destination city and ask them for the “manager’s rate.” Or see if they can do better than a rental rate you saw advertised from another car company. You’ll be suprised how often they will.

While Priceline is a great tool for finding cheap car rentals, beware when you place a bid — it’s a binding contract. Be sure all of your info is correct, because you won’t be able to make changes to the details once your low-ball offer has been accepted.

Splurge on the insurance. Yeah, we know it’s a drag to pour your savings into full coverage, but it is well worth it. Before you do though, make sure you check with your credit card. Often times if you read the fine print – credit cards will cover car rental insurance automatically.

Soup-up your rental ride with a GPS unit and drive like a native.

Put the ragtop down, hit the accelerator, and enjoy the drive.

The program turned out to be more popular than anyone imagined and the $3 billion allotted for funding lasted less than a month. Government reports show 84% of vehicles traded-in were trucks and 59% were cars. The combined average fuel economy for all of the trade-ins was just about 16 miles per gallon, while the average mpg for the new vehicles was about 25mpg.

The resulting 58% improvement in fuel economy for 700,000 new vehicles on the road could be considered a resounding success, yet millions of owners of the nation’s worst pollution-spewing vehicles would probably disagree. The difference of opinion is due to the fact that antique/collector car lobbyists convinced legislators to prevent cars and trucks built before 1984 to be eligible for the clunkers rebates.

Lobbyists from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) have won many legislative battles in the past to protect classic car enthusiasts from restrictive laws that might compromise their hobby and industry. The SEMA group, representing over 6,000 companies making auto parts and products, opposed Cash for Clunkers because the program showed the potential to damage the market for classic auto parts. After some negotiation, legislators and environmental groups ultimately agreed to restrict the Clunker program to post-1984 vehicles.

The SEMA viewpoint was that the 4.8 million 25-plus-year-old vehicles on the road today represent only 2% of total registered vehicles, and most are only driven a fraction of the annual miles that newer vehicles accumulate. The argument was that such a small number of vehicles, driven smaller amounts of miles, did not generate much pollution.

Needless to say, the logic didn’t hold up too well for owners of pre-’84 vehicles, or even owners of post-’84 vehicles that got one- or two-miles-per-gallon more than the Clunkers 18mpg limit. Owners of both feel they were shut out of the Clunkers program by arbitrary guidelines more than real world data. In the real world, few cars and trucks made before 1984 are classics and most of them get abysmal mileage and produce copious amounts of emissions. It is a fact that older vehicles are far dirtier and less fuel-efficient than vehicles today. The combined overall fuel-mileage for the new car fleet in 1975 was just 13mpg, by the end of 1984 it jumped up to 22mpg.

Perhaps even worse, is that vehicles made prior to 1974 lacked catalytic converters and can produce a whopping 400 times the amount of tailpipe emissions than a similar size new car does today. The numbers mean that a “classic non-clunker” from 1968 driven only 1,000 miles a year can pollute as much as a new car driven a staggering 400,000 miles. While many of the cars and trucks made prior to 1984 actually are classic vehicles, most are not. Most are simply worn out, high-mileage polluters that need to be retired.

Many of the post-’84 vehicles that missed program eligibility requirements by delivering just one or two miles-per-gallon more than the 18mpg limit are just as “clunky.” A primer-painted 1992 Buick smoking down the road while barely delivering 19mpg is not much more socially responsible than the program-eligible ’85 version of the same car that got 16mpg. It is the same situation for a 1980 pickup truck powered by a gas-guzzling V-8 engine. The truck isn’t really a collectable classic, it gets terrible mileage and puts out a ton of emissions. According to the program rules however, it is too valuable to be “clunked.”

So don’t get too excited if the Cash for Clunkers program has reclassified that old car or truck in your driveway as a “classic” vehicle that is too valuable to be destroyed. When you go to sell it you may find out that it is just an old vehicle with a lot of miles on it.

The plan offering incentives up to $4,500 to auto owners who trade in their old vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient models began on July 24th was expected to last until November 1st. Congress originally appropriated $1 billion for the program in July and added another $2 billion two weeks later. Due to overwhelming buyer response to the program, almost all of the money was spent in the first three weeks and it is unclear whether or not there are enough funds to make it through the final weekend.

Obama administration officials said calculations show there is enough money left to get through the weekend but that buyers and dealers should get their paperwork done and submitted before 5 p.m. on August 24th. President Obama said on the 20th. that the program “been successful beyond anybody’s imagination. And we’re now slightly victims of success because the thing happened so quick, there was so much more demand than anybody expected that dealers were overwhelmed with applications.”

Administration officials claim the program met its dual goals of stimulating the economy and removing low-mileage clunkers from the roads. Despite a Labor Department report showing increased manufacturing in July because demand triggered increased production runs at General Motors, Ford and Toyota, there is no additional funding for the program on the horizon. The official position now seems to be to close down the program and sort out the paperwork. Some dealers have complained they haven’t been reimbursed quickly enough, but administration officials promise that payments will be completed as soon as they finish processing the nearly half a million transactions already turned in.

Because there are no plans to seek additional funding for the Clunkers program, and an absolute deadline looming on Monday, dealers across the country are preparing for a tidal wave of customers over the final weekend the program will be in effect.

The government’s Clunker program might not be the last auto-industry stimulus we see this year however. Some U.S. auto retailers are already scrambling to create their own new, separate and privately funded stimulus plans to help customers who didn’t or couldn’t take advantage of the original government plan. Dealer-created programs, like the 2009 New Dealer Auto Stimulus Plan (autostimulusplan.com) have looser requirements than the Clunker deals with fewer restrictions on the price, year, or mileage of trade-in vehicles.

Even though the Clunkers program ends on Monday, the immediate successes of the government plan along with the introduction of new private plans, are good indications that we have not seen the last such stimulus yet. Who knows? Perhaps next year, instead of targeting low fuel-mileage clunkers, the government will aim a stimulus plan at removing the most unsafe vehicles from the road and offer consumers a “Dollars for Deathtraps” program. Time will tell.

Program participants must prove they have owned, registered and insured a car continuously for one year that was rated at 18 miles per gallon or less in combined city/highway driving. The U.S. plan is modeled after similar programs in Europe which have enjoyed some success, although critics in the U.S. claim the program only temporarily speeds up purchases that would have eventually been made anyway.

The first $1 billion allotted for the program was devoured in one week by hordes of car-buying consumers. Congress responded with an additional two billion dollars and is now considering whether or not they will dump more funds into the program later. While not everyone in Washington is completely behind the program, most democrats say they would like to keep it going, and many republicans say they agree. New automobile dealers say their customers are showing huge interest in the program with far more show room visits and greatly increased Internet traffic. Even if the program does not continue, the current flood of new auto sales is helping dealers get rid of their old inventories and encouraging manufacturers to build more new cars.

Ford, GM and Chrysler have seen big boosts in recent sales figures due to the CARS program, and the import manufacturers have also done quite well. The Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry have been the top five biggest sellers since the program began on July 25th.

Observers say the Clunkers program has proven to be a successful short-term stimulus strategy by increasing consumer spending in the third quarter, but there remains a real question as to whether or not the increased in business will continue on into next year. Analysis of dealer’s web sites shows that the increased activity peaked the second day after the program was launched and has fallen by over 15% since then. If interest in the program continues to wane, it’s predicted new auto sales could return to pre-program levels by the end of August.

Not everyone is a fan of the Clunkers program. Some critics have said the air-pollution benefits were not as great as they could have been because the fuel mileage requirements for the new cars to be purchased were not set high enough. Others have complained that the program rewards those who have ignored environmental concerns and purchased gas-guzzling cars and trucks in the past.

The jury is still out on whether or not this form of government subsidy will have a lasting beneficial economic effect beyond perpetuating the cycle of borrowing and spending. That it has successfully stimulated an industry that was in the doldrums is quite clear, as dealer inventories are shrinking nationwide. Supporters of the program are holding on to hopes that the increase in the car business might translate into an increase in all business for the U.S. economy.

For now, the Cash for Clunkers program is alive and well until the money runs out. For people with program-eligible clunkers sitting in their driveways, today could be the best time ever to buy a new car.

Cash for Clunkers Program Rules:

• All vehicles purchased must be new 2008, 2009 or 2010 models.
• All vehicles purchased must not cost more than $45,000.
• All vehicles must be purchased before November 1, 2009.
• Motorcycles are not included in the program.
• All clunkers must be in drivable condition.
• All clunkers must have a clear title without liens.
• The owner/seller of all clunkers must be same person purchasing new car.
• Fuel mileage of all clunkers must be calculated according to EPA mpg ratings at fueleconomy.gov.

The first thing that you need to consider is how you are going to sell your used car. There are many different approaches to this. You could advertise in the local newspaper, maybe park it on the street with a sign in the window or you could place your car on internet selling websites like eBay or Craigslist.

By placing an ad on the internet you will get a wider audience and this can be done for free on most websites. If you feel that your own area can provide you with enough audience then you may be able to just place an ad in the local newspaper. If you place an ad on the internet, you will also need to let people know that this is an “as is” sale, and buyers are tasked to verify the vehicle’s condition themselves.

]]> http://cheapcars.com/cheap-cars-selling/feed/ 0 http://cheapcars.com/where-find-cheap-cars/ http://cheapcars.com/where-find-cheap-cars/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:55:54 +0000 admin http://cheapcars.com/?p=206 There are many different things buyers might want to consider when looking at cheap cars. Some people might think of “cheap cars” as the hunks of junk of the automotive world, but that is not really the case, because a good cheap used car can often be just as good as a brand new car.

An inexpensive used car from a private owner will obviously not have “that new car smell.” A dealership-prepped used car might smell a bit better, but buying a used car from a dealer or broker will definitely cost you more. According to most estimates, dealers usually charge around $2,000 more than private sellers would for the same vehicle. Dealers must cover sales commissions, advertising costs, rent and other overhead items. Those expenses are included in the price of all dealership-sold cars, new and used, and are paid for by customers like you and me.

Buying from a private owner will definitely cost less overall, but a used car from a dealership has its benefits too, as you are dealing with professional people who can provide you with other advantages, like free accessories, insurance discounts, after sale services, extended warranties and other guarantees.

Those types of dealership benefits are obviously not available if you buy your car from a private owner, but there can be hidden treasures associated with buying your car from a private seller. For example, accessory features and custom items like high-end stereos, navigation systems, tinted windows, etc., can often be found in installed in pre-owned vehicles because most private owners don’t take the time to remove those items from their cars. It is not unusual to find a thousand dollars worth of add-on accessories, both dealer and owner installed items, already installed in a used vehicle.

Another advantage of buying a cheap car outright from a private owner instead of financing one through a dealership is that you will not have to pay for comprehensive insurance coverage, as minimum liability coverage will suffice in most cases. Of course, if the car is for your teenager, you may want to have full coverage just in case!

]]> http://cheapcars.com/where-find-cheap-cars/feed/ 0 http://cheapcars.com/finding-a-cheap-rental-car/ http://cheapcars.com/finding-a-cheap-rental-car/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:50:35 +0000 admin http://cheapcars.com/?p=200 You shouldn’t need a Ph.D to find the best deal on a rental car. However, sifting through and deciphering all the rent-a-car offers can be maddening. Here are some quick useful tips to help you snag the best deals at the cheapest prices and avoid getting bogged down online. Follow this advice and you will be cruising in your rental car quicker, cheaper, and hassle-free.

Do your homework. Compare prices by starting with the online travel agencies like Travelocity and Expedia. They often offer the lowest and most competitive rates.

Check the national rental car companies directly like Hertz, National, and Enterprise Rent A Car. Search for special deals, and promotions. Some rental companies provide more extensive service. For example, National offers the convenience of renting a car from one location and then allows you to return it to another. And Enterprise offers to pick-up before and drop-off after your rental.

Get creative with your bargain hunting. Try paying with a credit card, because most cards have discounts or points you can earn. If you belong to AAA, they often have AAA discounted rates for cardmembers. Try calling the local car rental offices in your destination city and ask them for the “manager’s rate.” Or see if they can do better than a rental rate you saw advertised from another car company. You’ll be suprised how often they will.

While Priceline is a great tool for finding cheap car rentals, beware when you place a bid — it’s a binding contract. Be sure all of your info is correct, because you won’t be able to make changes to the details once your low-ball offer has been accepted.

Splurge on the insurance. Yeah, we know it’s a drag to pour your savings into full coverage, but it is well worth it. Before you do though, make sure you check with your credit card. Often times if you read the fine print – credit cards will cover car rental insurance automatically.

Soup-up your rental ride with a GPS unit and drive like a native.

Put the ragtop down, hit the accelerator, and enjoy the drive.

There are different times of the year to shop to get a good deal. December is a great month to go car shopping if you are purchasing from a dealership. They need to make sales quotas for the year’s end and they might have some rock-bottom deals on their used cars.

Another time of the year that is good for car shopping is July thru September. Dealerships need to bring in the new model cars and they need the room on the lot to accommodate all those new arrivals. It is also possible that you may find a dealership offering added buying incentives, such as free insurance, free accessories, extended warranty, etc.

If you are going to look at cars at a dealership and you have a car already, clean it up and make it look its best. If you current car looks its best, you may be able to get a good trade-in value for it. Be sure to check the Kelly Blue Book value of your car to see its current value. This could help to make that cheap car purchase even cheaper.

One of the good things about purchasing a used car from a dealership is that you can often get a few perks throw into the deal. Even if it is a used car, you can purchase some sort of warranty on the vehicle. This will help to cover expenses if something goes wrong later.

If you are purchasing a used car from a private individual it is important to ask every question possible and inspect the vehicle thoroughly. A cheap car from a private individual with hidden defects might be just that, a cheap car, and it might break down within a short time.

A cheap car can be your best friend if you get it at a bargain price, have verified its history and condition, and its paperwork and insurance reports check out.

]]> http://cheapcars.com/cheap-cars-looking-for-a-good-deal/feed/ 0 http://cheapcars.com/find-cheap-cars/ http://cheapcars.com/find-cheap-cars/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:35:39 +0000 admin http://cheapcars.com/?p=178 “I need to find a good cheap car but I don’t know anything about cars!”The frustration many car buyers feel when they begin searching for a good cheap car can be daunting. The majority of drivers on the road today know very little about cars, even the ones they drive everyday. They know when their car works, but have no idea how it works. You don’t need to know how cars work to drive them of course, but you should know what you really need from a car in order to find a car that meets your needs.

Finding the right cheap car will be an emotional experience if you shop for trendy cars with flashy features. That common mistake often leads to paying more than necessary for something that doesn’t fit your needs. You probably don’t need a 4WD truck in mid-town Manhattan and a Corvette is useless on a ranch. Examine your actual needs, not your wants, to find cars that are right for you.

Think about how you use your car right now. How many people normally ride with you? What types of terrain do drive on most often? How far is your daily commute to work? What you do with your car will determine the type of car you really need. Your habits will dictate whether or not you need features like four-wheel drive, an automatic transmission or extra cargo capacity.

When looking at a specific car remember that normal mileage should be between 12,000 and 15,000 miles for each year of use. Vehicles exhibiting more mileage lose value, vehicles with less than average mileage are candidates for good cheap car status.

You can find good cheap cars at reasonable prices by shopping for used cars instead of new ones, but how do you know you aren’t buying a lemon? A vehicle inspection by a certified mechanic can buy peace of mind when you find a car you’re interested in. Or you might want to consider a certified used car with a warranty from a new car dealership. A certified used car is guaranteed to be in good mechanical order and you are covered if something fails later. You will have to pay a bit extra for a certified used car though. Dealerships add about $1000 extra compared to the prices you can find on similar cars offered by private sellers.

If you are realistic about what your daily driving needs really are, and you search diligently, you will find a great cheap car at a great price.

Cheap cars can be found at competitive rates from a variety of sources like public and private auctions, car dealers, local classifieds, online sites and even private owners. Generally speaking, when people are looking for a cheap car, they want a car that is in good working condition at a low cost.

The task of shopping for cheap new or used cars can become a little overwhelming. All the points that need to be covered can make you a little crazy when you are out there shopping for cars and asking questions.

First, you might want to go online and compile a list of car-shopping questions that you can print out. You can also consult some of your expert friends who have relatively good knowledge about automobiles. You might be able to find some automotive professionals who offer car locating services for fee or commission. You should also determine the Kelly Blue Book value for the type’s of cars that you are looking at. This will give you an idea of a car’s worth and if the dealer’s price is too high.

Another great way to find out actual selling prices of used cars in your area is to look on eBay or Craigslist and other car sales sites. You should also look into the cost of insurance for the type of vehicle you’re interested in. Call your current insurance company and ask them what your rate would be for the car that you are looking at. Luxury or expensive models will have higher insurance costs than smaller cars. This will give you a better idea of what your true costs of ownership will be.

It is also important to look into an extended warranty if one is available. The warranty will start protecting you as soon as you pull out of the lot. A great used car can sometimes be not so great of a deal once you get it home unless you do some research first to make sure that you got a great deal. A good way to check out the used car that you are looking at is to do a title search using the vehicle identification number (VIN). This will give you a lot of pertinent information about the car that you are looking at. The title search will include an actual mileage check, how many owners the vehicle has had and show how long a new vehicle has been sitting on the dealer’s lot.

Knowing these bits of critical information can help you negotiate a great price on your car and make that cheap car deal even cheaper on your pocket. A title search will also show you if the car was ever flooded and if it was ever in a major accident. These are important things to know when negotiating the sale price of a car.

You will also need to look into the auto sales criteria of the state that you live in. Each state has its own rules and regulations when it comes to selling or buying a car. The things that need to pass inspection also vary from state to state.

Last but not least, try to gather as much information as you can before making an offer on a cheap car. Ask questions, consult your friends, and ask people who own the particular model/make you are interested in about their own experience. Some cars have much higher maintenance costs than others (like expensive luxury cars), so it is advisable to choose a car that will cost you less in the long run, otherwise there is little use of buying a cheap car in the first place. Shopping for and buying a used car can be a little trying at first, but if you know what you want and know what to look for, the experience can actually be a lot of fun.