Buying Used Cars

I've known about auto brokers who take all the bickering out of purchasing a new car. But I hadn't been aware that there are companies that locate used cars too.

According to Mary Makarushka, "anyone can buy a car this way, in any price range" with such a dealer.

Here's how you can take advantage of this service and save big bucks:

1. Use Consumer Reports to research automobiles.

2. Test-drive similar autos.

3. Prioritize your options.

4. Use Kelley Blue Book for suggested retail values and then visit other sites to see what your dream car is actually selling for. Don't expect to pay less than a sale by private party or a lease trade-in.

5. Find a dealer or independent who's willing to work with you. Ask for references. Do not pay deposits or sign any contracts.

6. Read the Carfax report (the vehicle's history).

7. Get the automobile checked out by a reliable mechanic (the cost is well worth it since he/she can find proof of accidents, etc. that may not be listed on the Carfax).

Good luck!

For more on buying cars, car repair and maintenance, check out 50somethinginfo.com

Car Pickings

We can only fool Mother Nature for so long. Then our mental sharpness, multi-tasking and reaction times begin to look for new occupants.

Ailments associated with aging such as arthritis, stroke and diabetes further compound the effects of the aging process. We are challenged with changes in flexibility, vision, strength and range of motion. So when we are selecting a car, we might want to pay close attention to these options (so sayeth Peter Bohr of the AAA magazine):

1. Active head restraints cushion the head in a rear-ender.

2. Adjustable pedals for shorter drivers keep them at a safe distance from the steering wheel if air bags deploy.

3. Power-operated seats provide easy adjustment.

4. Larger audio and climate control knobs help find them faster and easier.

5. Large/wide-angle mirrors provides wider viewing (without having to turn heads as far).

6. Lower step-in height makes access easier.

7. Tilting steering wheels put less strain on the body.

8. Brake assist makes braking easier.

9. Low trunk height makes loading more convenient.

10. Dual-stage/dual-threshold air bags are suggested for obvious safety reasons.

For more on cars and driving, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Auto Insurance For Seniors: Save Money While Being Safe

Senior drivers often pose a greater risk than other drivers so they face higher auto insurance costs. In order to get the lowest possible rates, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Pay close attention at intersections where accidents often occur. When stopped, make sure your tires face straight ahead so that a rear-ender won't push you into oncoming traffic.

2. Drive at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding.

3. Know and follow the laws about yielding right-of-way and lane changes.

4. Sit high enough to view at least 10 feet in front of your car. You may need a cushion.

5. Sunglasses or tinted glasses are for daylight only, not at night when your vision is reduced.

6. Be familiar with the quirks of the car you are driving.

7. Take driving refresher courses.

8. Rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare are recommended.

9. When in the market for a new car, select ones with front AND SIDE air bags.

10. Consider the ease (automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes) and comfort (seat-belt adjustment) of driving the car.

11. Select a car that is less expensive to insure (yes, some makes and models beat others in insurance costs and this should be factored into the overall cost of the car).

12. Ask for senior discounts.

For more on car insurance and on driving, visit50somethinginfo.com.

Buying Pre-Owned From the U.S. Government

Every month thousands of vehicles are seized and then auctioned to the public by different government agencies. Some of these vehicles are listed and sold at up to 95% off their original value. Most are only 2-3 years old and cannot be found other than on this site on the internet.

You have immediate access to over 4,000 updated auctions nationwide. Learn about auctions on a members-only tutorial. Find out what's listed in your state. Even read the testimonials from people like you.

For more on cars and driving and everything else an over-50 should know, visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Rental Cars For Less $$$

1. Because higher fees and taxes are charged at airports, it is often cheaper to take a shuttle into a city and rent your car there. 2.Call the local rental agency directly.  You can negotiate the cost better with people who know their car inventory. 3. Use your digital camera or phone (with date and time activated, if possible) to show the dings and dents to the rental agent prior to your use (get his/her full name). 4. Know the refuel policy so you can decide which is cheaper--paying upfront or refueling it yourself. 5. Saturday is generally the cheapest day to rent for one day. 6. Watch rental prices (they can fluctuate many times during the same day!!).  Even though you may have a reservation, you may be able to get an even lower price. Check prices online and if they are lower, speak to the local rental agent.   Find out if you are too old to rent a car and how to prepare for car trips at this website.

Car Alarms

I've had it. Car-man doesn't like the car alarm chirp and I do. He finds the sound loud and annoying. I, on the other hand, know that when it's activated, my assortment of water bottles and dirty laundry (even in plain view) are safe. Intruders run the risk of my trustworthy siren.

Granted I recognize that most people nowadays ignore the racket. Even I've been known to "turn the other way" in my passion at completing another round of errands. Yet the cacophony gives me a fleeting sense of security.

What I didn't realize until today was that the familiar chirp also could have preserved what remaining dignity I have.

After I victory-lunched with my incredible team of wild web women (explanation to follow in a future blog), I tried to retrace my steps to where I parked my car. Just my luck there wasn't a trail of bread crumbs like those used by Hansel and Gretel. Nor were there any numbers or letters like those posted in some mall lots. I'd have to rely on pure instinct to guide me to the safe and warm confines of my sedan.

After stewing for 10 minutes (and not thinking too kindly of Car-man!), I realized that if I had my chirp, I wouldn't be stranded. I wouldn't even have to act like I knew where I was going.

I was reduced to plan 2. I travelled up and down the aisles hoping to spot the car with the open trunk before anyone else did.

The moral of the story:
Hansel and Gretel had the right idea.

Buying a Used Car

Want a luxury car but your pocketbook goes into cardiac arrest? Maybe you can have your cake and eat it too.

If you purchase a certified pre-owned car, you may be able to achieve the level of luxury you want AND protect yourself from surprise visits to the car mechanic. Since the cost of certification is built into the price, these cars obviously cost more than your average pre-owned or used car.

Before you make this investment:

Check out how long the manufacturer limits certification

Be aware that each manufacturer has its own policies regarding inspection and warranty

Is the warranty limited to 100,000 miles? 50,000 miles? Or less?

Scan the used vehicle report to find out if the car was in any accident.

Here's another option: Consider buying a used vehicle which is not certified but does have a separate extended warranty.

Revive your pocketbook by applying by my gas-saving tips.

Good luck! I'll watch for you flying down the highway in that sporty convertible!