Tag Archives: car buying

car prices

Are Car Prices Going Down in 2023? Hear What the Experts Say.

This entry was posted in Vehicle Trends and tagged , on by .

It’s a question that everyone is asking, “Will car prices go down in 2023?” 

In 2020 and 2021, chip shortages, the pandemic, factory shutdowns and other factors made car buying a very different experience. There was a massive shortage of cars, which led to high prices, low inventory and essentially no good offers. 

So what does 2023 look like so far, and will we continue to see car prices decrease? Let’s find out what the experts are saying! 

Why 2023 Has a Strong Outlook for Car Buying 

Experts predict that car prices will be coming down after two years of inflated prices brought on by the pandemic. Prices could drop by 5 percent for new vehicles and 10 to 20 percent for used vehicles, according to a report from J.P. Morgan. 

The worst of the microchip shortage is behind the auto industry, which is good news for everyone. But that doesn’t mean that things will automatically revert back to pre-pandemic days. It still takes time to rebuild inventory and manufacture the same number of cars. 

Here are some signs that the auto industry is recovering: 

  • More inventory. Most dealerships are no longer struggling with inventory issues, which means they’re able to drop the prices on their vehicles. Production is improving and over one million vehicles are being delivered each month. 
  • Longer time on car lots. Cars are also spending more time on the lot – another sign that inventory is improving. In December 2022, an estimated 47 percent of vehicles sold within 10 days, down from 57 percent in March 2022. 
  • Popular models are available. Although vehicle availability is still limited among certain models and vehicle types, buyers are increasingly able to get their hands on popular models compared to last year. 

But…Car Prices Remain Elevated

Even though things are looking up for the automobile industry, car prices are still heavily inflated. J.D. Power estimated the average new-car transaction price to be $46,382 in December 2022, a 2.5 percent increase from the year before. Furthermore, the median price for all new cars among Cars.com dealers was up nearly 6 percent in a single year. 

Experts are predicting the landscape to improve even more later into 2023, but this doesn’t mean that things will go back to what they were. Mortgage interest rates, groceries, gas, etc. are all elevated and will probably stay that way, and this is no different for vehicle prices. 

For those who can’t wait any longer to buy a car, check out RepoFinder.com. This website offers a full list of credit unions and banks that are selling repo inventory. There are many safe, reliable vehicles available for purchase, and they cost a fraction of the price of what you’ll find at the dealerships. 

There is no cost for RepoFinder, so see what you have to gain by buying a repo car! 

leasing a car

4 Biggest Disadvantages to Leasing a Car

This entry was posted in Repo Cars and tagged , , , on by .

Leasing a car might sound like a good idea, especially when comparing prices. Generally speaking, a leased vehicle has lower monthly payments than a new vehicle. Plus, you don’t have to worry about most repairs because they’ll be covered by the manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. And when it comes time for a new vehicle, you can trade your lease in – no selling required – and move onto your next car.

But leasing is not for everyone. Below are four major pitfalls of leasing a vehicle that you’ll want to be aware of. 

1. You’ll always have a car payment. 

Most lease contracts are between two and three years. This means that every couple of years, you’ll have to trade in your lease and look for a new vehicle. On top of that, you’ll have a car payment until you buy a vehicle and pay it off. 

While leased car payments are generally lower than financing a new car, you won’t save money over the long term because you’ll always be making payments. On the flip side, you can purchase a vehicle and get rid of the payments once you pay it off. 

2. It’s hard to get out of a lease.

Leasing contracts are difficult to get out of. You’re usually stuck with the vehicle until you pay off everything you owe or wait until the end of the term. Ending your lease early often results in early termination fees. 

If you buy your own vehicle, you can sell your car when you’re ready for something else. And you don’t have to pay any extra fees to the lender – all you have to do is pay off the loan amount from the sale. 

3. There are mileage limits.

Leased cars usually have annual mileage limits of 10,000, 12,000 or 15,000 miles. This helps leasing companies prevent unnecessary wear and tear on their vehicles. If you drive more than this in a year, leasing probably isn’t for you. Otherwise, you’ll be responsible for paying extra mileage fees.

When you buy a vehicle, you don’t have to worry about any mile restrictions. You can drive where you want, when you want. Having high mileage will affect your resale value, but you don’t have to pay any more for it while you own the vehicle. 

4. Fewer options for borrowers with poor credit. 

If you have poor credit, you may not be eligible to lease a car. However, you have more options if you want to finance a vehicle, especially when you choose a repossessed vehicle. Repo sellers like banks and credit unions are highly motivated and usually able to negotiate a deal. 

Additionally, because there are different lenders with varying credit types, you can find more options in terms of financing. While you can expect your payments to be higher than someone with good credit, you can at least get your payments to an affordable amount each month.

Shop for Repossessed Cars 

These are just some of the reasons why leasing is not for everyone. It’s important to be informed, as this will help you make the best decision for your next car purchase. RepoFinder has a huge database of repossessed cars, trucks, luxury vehicles, SUVs and more. Browse our selection today and see how affordable a new vehicle can be! 

car shopping during chip shortage

How Long Will the Car Chip Shortage Last?

If you’ve gone shopping for a new or used car lately, you’re probably very familiar with the chip shortage. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, car shopping has been a rollercoaster ride. First, the pandemic prompted many dealership showrooms to shut down, and both demand and production plummeted as a result. 

To bring in sales, automakers quickly responded with incentives and financing. The plan worked – probably too well. Consumers snatched up vehicles faster than automakers could produce them. Combine that with a global chip shortage and now inventory for new vehicles has significantly decreased. 

So how long is the car chip shortage expected to last? And when can you expect car shopping to return to normal? We answer your questions below. 

How Long is the Chip Shortage Expected to Last? 

Reports are saying that the chip shortage will last until 2022 or 2023. To try and work around the shortage, dealers are encouraging customers to order the cars they want in advance. With a hefty deposit and a bit of patience, shoppers can have their vehicle delivered rather than buying it straight out of inventory. 

If you need a car right away, it’s recommended to shop outside of your local area and be flexible on the features you want. Unfortunately there are not enough vehicles to meet consumer demand, leading to high prices and a low selection. And it’s not expected to get better for a long time. Flexibility is key!

What Other Alternatives Do Car Buyers Have? 

If you need a reliable vehicle sooner than later, a better option is to shop for a repossessed vehicle. RepoFinder has the largest database of repo vehicles, including SUVs, pickup trucks, luxury cars, sedans and recreational vehicles like boats and RVs. 

Banks, lenders and credit units sell their vehicles directly on our site, which means the transaction is between you and the seller – no middleman. These sellers are highly motivated, so you can usually work out a deal with them. 

While a repo car purchase is not for everyone, it’s definitely worth considering if you need a quick, reliable vehicle to get you to and from work. And you don’t have to worry about chip shortages, putting down a deposit for a vehicle you won’t see for months and so forth. You can pick out the car you want and take it home right away!

red repo truck

What are the Cheapest Cars to Insure?

When buying a new car, it’s a good idea to consider how much your insurance rates will be. To help you out, there are several studies that provide this research so that consumers know which cars will be most affordable. Fortunately, knowing this information can help you save hundreds of dollars a year on car insurance! 

What Determines the Price of an Auto Insurance Policy? 

First, it’s helpful to know how car insurance is calculated, as it’s not all about the car you drive. Each company has their own formula, which is why rates vary among car insurance companies. However, most companies use the following factors to determine the price of their auto policies: 

  • Your driving record
  • Your credit history  
  • How often you use your car 
  • Where you park your car 
  • Your age and gender
  • The type of car you drive

What Cars Have the Cheapest Insurance Rates? 

Even though there are many factors that influence what you pay for insurance, the type of car you buy can make a big difference on your rates. If you’re trying to keep your monthly expenses down, you’ll want to be aware of the most and least expensive cars to insure. And as always, compare rates with multiple carriers. 

Generally speaking, minivans and small trucks are the cheapest to insure compared to other vehicles. On the other hand, large sedans, sports vehicles and luxury cars have some of the most expensive insurance rates. New cars are also more expensive to insure because they’re worth more. 

Specifically, here is a breakdown of the ten least expensive vehicles to insure: 

  1. Honda CR-V – Small SUV
  2. Chrysler Pacifica – Minivan
  3. Honda Odyssey – Minivan
  4. Ford F-Series – Standard pickup truck
  5. Toyota RAV4 – Small SUV
  6. Chevrolet Equinox – Small SUV
  7. Chevrolet Colorado – Small pickup truck
  8. Toyota Tundra – Standard pickup truck
  9. Honda Ridgeline – Small pickup truck 
  10. Ford Fiesta – Subcompact car

Other Ways to Save on Your Auto Insurance 

Aside from the type of car you buy, there are some other ways to save on car insurance. Bundling your auto insurance with a life or home policy is one of the best ways to get a discount. Also ask the insurance carrier about discounts they offer for safe driving, having no claims, being a good student and having safety features in the vehicle. 

For a great price on vehicles, shop with RepoFinder.com. We have a huge database of cars, small and standard pickup trucks, SUVs and more that are owned by banks or lenders. They don’t want these cars and are motivated to sell them to a new owner! You can get a great deal this way, and if you shop smart, you can save on car insurance, too! 

repo cars

What are the Steps to Buying Repossessed Cars?

When making the decision to buy a repossessed car, the best thing you can do is educate yourself on the process. Even though buying a repo car is similar to buying a used car, there are still some differences to be aware of. The more you know, the better position you’ll be in to make strong bids and take home the car you want.

Below are the steps to follow to make repo car shopping smooth and stress free!

Visit RepoFinder.com 

RepoFinder makes buying a used car easy. We are a directory of banks selling repossessions across the country. You can browse our listings for free and become a member and start bidding for just $4.95 a month! Our site is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it easy to find valuable information on the cars you’re interested in. 

Narrow Down Your Search 

Make sure you do the proper research when browsing and closing in on a car. You can also filter vehicles by different categories to find something that’s just right for you! Repo car listings include the vehicle information, specifications and features. Most sellers do a good job of posting images, so be sure to examine the photos for the condition of the vehicle, possible damage and more. 

Bid on the Car You Want

Once you find the car you would like to purchase, you will need to bid on the vehicle. The most common is an open bid where all buyers are able to view the highest bid. Sometimes it’s a closed bid, meaning you won’t see what others have offered for the vehicle. Don’t get bid-happy though! Only offer what you feel comfortable and leave some budget for repairs and maintenance. 

Schedule an Inspection

You probably won’t be able to test drive the vehicle for liability reasons, but you should have it inspected. You can hire a mechanic to assess the vehicle or bring along someone who understands cars. If the vehicle is in another state, you’ll have to find an inspection company within that state. The mechanic will provide updates and their analysis of the car. Mechanics may not always find all the issues but their input is critical. 

Pay for the Car

After getting the analysis on the car you recently bid on, you’ll have to complete payment. Buying the car from a credit union is similar to buying from a car dealer or private party. The banks will assist you with the financing, and you’ll have to fill out paperwork and make a down payment. 

Buying a repossessed car is a process that most people may not be as familiar with, but it’s easier than you think! And you can get a great deal by shopping for bank-owned vehicles. Check out RepoFinder’s database today to start viewing the cars we have available! 

car keys buying a car

Car Fees to Expect When Buying a Used Car

This entry was posted in Repo Cars and tagged , , , on by .

Buying a new vehicle is an exciting experience, that is, until you see the number of fees you’re hit with! Some of these fees are conveniently rolled into your monthly payments, but you still want to be aware of what extra things you have to cover. You don’t want to get stuck paying for fees that aren’t really necessary. 

Below we’ll cover the most common fees you encounter when purchasing a new or used vehicle. Keep in mind that every state is different in how they charge sales tax on trade-ins and rebates. Plus, most states don’t have a cap on documentation fees, so they can range from $50-$400 or more depending on where you live.

What Fees Can I Expect When Purchasing a Car? 

Generally speaking, there are three categories of fees you will encounter when purchasing a used or repossessed vehicle:

  • Title and registration fees. When you buy a used car, you’ll need to transfer the title and register the vehicle in your name. Without a title in your name, there is no way to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle. 
  • Used car sales tax. You’ll probably have to pay a used car sales tax when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. The amount you pay depends on the state you’re buying the car in. 
  • Documentation fee. Most states require you to pay a documentation fee before driving away with the vehicle. This fee covers things like processing paperwork, storing documents and writing up contracts. 

Aside from these fees, you may have to pay the following as well: 

  • Export and shipping fees. If you purchase a repossessed vehicle from a different state, consider how you’ll get the car. You may have to pay a third party to ship the repo to you.
  • Sales taxes. Depending on your state, you may have to pay sales taxes on the vehicle. Some factors can influence the taxes you pay, such as trading in another vehicle or qualifying for rebates and incentives. 
  • Repairs. Cars sold through auctions often need some repairs, so be sure to factor these into your cost. It’s best to stick with cars and trucks that only require light repair work like tire and break changes. 

Shop for Your New Car with RepoFinder

Are you thinking about buying a repossessed car from an online site like RepoFinder.com? Many people have had great experiences with their purchases through us. We have a full list of banks, credit unions and lenders that are selling cars, trucks and recreational vehicles. Most are in great condition and ready for a new owner! Browse our site today and find your dream vehicle.