Tag Archives: used cars

Best Car Features for Snow and Winter Driving

This entry was posted in Repo Cars and tagged repo cars, repossessed cars, used cars, winter driving on January 12, 2022 by Val.

If you live in a cold-weather state, you’ll need a dependable vehicle to carry you through the snowy, icy winter months. Thankfully, there are many features in modern vehicles that make driving in the winter easier, safer and more convenient. But how do you know which features are actually worth it – and which ones you can skip over?

Below are the best car features to look for when buying a vehicle to drive in the snow and ice. They will keep you safe and make winter driving more comfortable.

Winter Tires

Once the first snowfall hits, you’ll need a reliable car with good tires. But not just any tires – you need tires that can handle the snow and ice.

Winter tires, or snow tires, are not the same as all-season tires. They feature a unique material that allows them to stay flexible in below-freezing temperatures. Snow tires also have a unique tread pattern and deeper treads to reduce snow buildup.

However, you won’t want to use these tires in the summertime because they’re much less effective at dispersing heat. To save money and drive safely, it’s best to switch out these tires in the summer.

Advanced Safety Features

Today’s vehicles have a host of advanced safety features, so which ones are really necessary? Obviously, we recommend anti-lock brakes and stability control (both required by law), adaptive headlights and forward collision avoidance. These features help improve visibility on the road.

While not necessary, heated seats and heated steering wheels can make your drive more comfortable. Some other features that will help you drive easier in winter weather are:

Automatic high beams
Blind spot monitoring
Emergency braking
Ground clearance
Headlight washers and wipers
Rain-sensing wipers
Heated windows
Remote start

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive (AWD) delivers power to all of your wheels instead of just two. This is crucial when driving in snow because if one or two tires lose traction, power is delivered to the other tires to help the car stay in control.

Many modern vehicles drive the front or rear wheels continuously, while delivering power to the other set of wheels as needed. This is most efficient on fuel. However, there are some vehicles that deliver the same amount of torque to all four wheels at all times, though they are less fuel efficient.

Winter driving is not for everyone, but if you live in a cold-weather state, you’ll probably be out on the roads in snow or ice at least a couple of times. To ensure you are safe and comfortable on the road, be sure to look for these features in your new vehicle.

Car Buying Mistakes that Can Make Your Insurance More Expensive

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged auto insurance, online car shopping, repo cars, used cars on December 20, 2021 by repofinder.

When buying a new or used vehicle, most people are looking at the car itself and its features. They generally aren’t thinking about how much the vehicle will cost to insure, that is, until they call their insurance company. Some cars are more expensive to insure than others, so it’s smart to consider insurance costs before buying a car, not after.

Let’s check out some car buying mistakes that can raise the rates of your auto insurance for the duration of time you own your vehicle.

Buying a Car Lacking Safety Features

When insurance carriers set their premiums, one of the things they look at is the risk of collision. If a vehicle has good safety features, such as collision avoidance technologies and plenty of air bags, the chances of having to pay out a large claim are lower. Therefore, the cost of insurance is lower, too.

On the other hand, if a car is lacking essential safety features, the chances of something going wrong is greater. As a result, insurance rates are higher. As you shop for vehicles, pay attention to the safety features that are included. They can lower your auto insurance – and save a life.

Purchasing a Car with an Accident History

Another thing that insurers track is the accident history. A car that has a history of being involved in accidents is going to cost more.

For the buyer, it’s not exactly easy to know the accident history on every vehicle unless you pull a report. But we do recommend checking the accident history on a car before you buy it, as well as obtain several different quotes for auto insurance.

Buying a Car that’s More Likely to be Stolen

Some cars are more likely to be stolen by thieves than others. If you own one of these cars, your insurance will be more expensive. Insurers have to charge more because they typically provide coverage for stolen cars as long as the buyer has comprehensive coverage.

And, if you think that the chances for your car being stolen are slim, think again. In 2020, there were over 810,000 vehicles stolen. One of the main ways that cars are stolen is from drivers who leave their keys in the car.

Not Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes

A lot of buyers aren’t aware that they can compare auto insurance quotes on different vehicles before making a selection. If you’ve narrowed down your options, ask your insurance provider to run a quote for each vehicle. This way, you can determine how much you’ll be paying each month for insurance. If one car is a lot cheaper to insure, this can be your deciding factor.

If you’re on a tight budget, keeping these four factors in mind will help you trim your auto insurance rates. To shop for affordable vehicles, visit RepoFinder.com today. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, reach out to your insurance company and have them run a few quotes for you!

3 Car Buying Tips in Today’s Market

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged car shortage, online car shopping, repo cars, repossessed cars, used cars on December 15, 2021 by repofinder.

If you need to buy a used car in today’s market, it’s probably going to look a lot different than it did the last time you shopped around. Between vehicle shortages, high prices and a booming demand, it’s important to know how to navigate a car purchase in these unprecedented times.

Let’s check out three tips from the experts that will help you make a smart car purchase in 2022.

1. Realize What You’re Up Against – and Adjust Your Expectations

First thing’s first – you need to realize what type of market you’re buying a car in. There’s a computer chip shortage, which means new vehicles aren’t getting made. Plus, car manufacturers are still catching up from other pandemic-related factors such as shutdowns and quarantines.

The cost of materials is also high. Steel, for example, increased by 200% last summer. Despite these challenges, there’s a booming demand for cars. A strong economic recovery, low interest rates and government stimulus checks have boosted much of this demand. However, automakers can’t keep up.

2. Be Flexible – Don’t Limit Your Options

Right now, flexibility is key. There’s a good chance that you won’t find exactly what you’re looking for at the price point you’re used to, so it’s important to keep an open mind. Chances are, there are a variety of brands, models and options that will fit your needs.

It’s also worth considering older models, as many haven’t changed that much in terms of design and features. You can also expand your search by browsing less popular car types such as sedans, hatchbacks and smaller SUVs.

3. Prepare to Pay Up – Vehicles Cost More Than They Used To

Even if you’re able to find everything that you want, be prepared to pay more than what you’re used to. New cars are selling at or above MSRP. Used cars are worth thousands more than they were before the pandemic. This is supply and demand at its finest.

And remember, dealers and private sellers are aware of the shortages and high demand. They likely won’t be interested in negotiating much, if at all. Expect to pay at least sticker price for the car you want. If you don’t want to pay this price, someone else will.

If you need to buy a car in these unprecedented times, browse the inventory at RepoFinder.com. We have repossessed cars, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles at affordable prices – and they’re available to buy today!

Three Reasons to Wait Until 2022 to Buy a Car

This entry was posted in Repo Cars and tagged chip shortage, online car shopping, repo cars, repossessed cars, repossessions, used cars on December 3, 2021 by repofinder.

Are you thinking about buying a new or used vehicle before the end of the year? You might be better off waiting until 2022, if you’re able to. Why? A number of negative factors have come together to make 2021 one of the worst years to buy a car. Between supply shortages, few incentives and a lack of choice, many people have delayed online car shopping.

Below are the top three reasons why it’s best to wait until 2022 to buy a new or used car. Thankfully, it’s just around the corner, so you can start preparing for your car purchase today!

1. Inventory is Low

Inventory for vehicles is low right now. The computer chip shortage is largely to blame, as some electronic parts use 500 to 1,500 chips depending on their complexity. As this article points out, car manufacturers like Toyota only have an 18-day supply of new cars.

But what if you can’t wait and need a new car right now? Rest assured you can find a used vehicle through RepoFinder. We continue to maintain a strong inventory of repo cars, trucks, vans and SUVs that are available to purchase.

2. Few Incentives are Available

With high demand and low inventory, there are few incentives available. Normally, both car manufacturers and dealerships offer incentives so they can sell more cars. But since there aren’t many vehicles available to buy, you won’t find many good incentives.

This also means that negotiations probably won’t get you far, either. Car dealers know that if you don’t want to buy the car for the price it’s listed for, the next person will. Again, if you want a good car at a decent price, it’s best to open up your options and consider repo cars.

3. Dealers Prices are High

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the price the manufacturer suggests selling the car for. To be competitive, dealers usually stick to this price range, but this is not the case today. Many dealers are charging $10,000-$20,000 over sticker price.

Cars are already expensive, so you have to ask yourself how much you are willing to spend on a car. Keep in mind that you must be able to afford your monthly payments, too. Also, since dealers are raising the prices of new cars, the banks are valuing them higher and this can make it harder to get approved for an auto loan.

Need a Car Now? RepoFinder Has Inventory Available!

RepoFinder maintains a steady inventory of vehicles. Even though there is a car shortage, we’ve been able to turn over our inventory because the banks are repossessing vehicles due to outstanding loan balances. If you can’t wait until 2022 for prices to decrease and inventory to increase, you can find what you need through RepoFinder.

What is a Vehicle Trim Level?

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged online car shopping, used cars on October 25, 2021 by repofinder.

When shopping online for a new or used vehicle, you might come across the term “trim level.” Some car shoppers are aware of the auto industry lingo but many aren’t. No judgment here – we’ll teach you everything you need to know about trim levels to ensure you’re getting the right features in your vehicle.

What is a Vehicle Trim Level?

A trim level (sometimes called a trim package) is a version of a vehicle model that comes with a combination of features pre-selected by the manufacturer.

Cars with higher trim levels come with better features and a higher price, whereas cars with lower trim levels are more basic and have a cheaper price tag. To differentiate trim levels, you’ll see lingo like Chevrolet Corvette 3LT or BMW 320i.

Every vehicle has a trim level, even if it’s basic with no extra features. However, the features used to determine trim levels have changed. In the past, trim levels were based on aesthetic features like chrome accents and leather upholstery.

Today, trim levels include functional updates like high-end technology and performance upgrades. Some vehicles have up to 6-10 different trim levels due to the variety of upgrades included in the model!

How Does a Trim Level Differ from an Accessory Package

At first glance, it might seem like a trim level rivals an accessory package. But there are clear differences. First, accessory packages are often a la carte, meaning that you can pick and choose what you want. Trim levels cannot be modified.

Second, accessory packages can be added onto most car models. Again, trim levels are already set by the manufacturer and cannot be changed or added. Whether you’re buying a car from a dealership, a private seller or an online repo directory like RepoFinder, the trim level you see is what you get.

Hopefully this information has helped you understand what a trim level means when shopping for new or used vehicles. The more you know, the easier time you’ll have looking for cars that fit your needs and budget. To shop a wide selection of vehicles at affordable prices, shop at RepoFinder today.

Budgeting for a Car: 5 Tips for Paying in Cash

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged online car shopping, repo cars, repossessions, used cars on September 20, 2021 by repofinder.

Cars are expensive, which means you shouldn’t make spur-of-the-moment decisions! In fact, by taking your time to look for vehicles and putting away money each month, you might be able to pay cash for your vehicle! This will eliminate your car payment and give you more breathing room in your monthly budget.

While saving enough money to pay for a car in cash isn’t easy, it is possible with proper planning. Here are five tips to help you pay for a used or repossessed vehicle with hard-earned cash.

1. Determine Your Budget

First, determine how much you can afford to spend on a car. The rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t spend any more than 20% of your income on a vehicle. So if you make $100,000, your car should only cost $20,000. Most people pay way more than this! Plus, you need to make room for surprise repairs.

2. Start Saving Early

Start saving as early as you can. Even small amounts of money add up over time. Think of it this way: To save almost $1,100 a year, you only need to put away $3 a day. By making coffee at home or bringing a sack lunch to work, you can save thousands of dollars in just a year or two!

3. Avoid Temptation

Don’t walk into a dealership or start shopping for repos online until you have something saved up. Maybe it’s not enough to purchase the car in its entirety, but it will at least be enough for a down payment and title and registration fees. The more temptation that’s in front of you, the harder it is to stick to your goals.

4. Narrow Down Your Search

Keep your search as narrow as you can. Do this by identifying your needs and researching the cars that will work. Otherwise, it’s easy to be swayed by the latest features like heated seats and remote start. While these features are nice, you don’t want to be paying for them for the next 5 to 6 years!

5. Know How to Negotiate

If you plan to buy a used or repossessed car, strengthen your negotiation skills. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground and know what you’re willing to compromise on. Of course, being a good negotiator is not the same as being stubborn. It requires you to know what you’re buying and what you can save on.

These five tips will help you pay for your repo vehicle in cash. Paying in cash offers a number of benefits, including stronger negotiations and not having to pay interest. To browse a wide selection of repossessed cars in great condition, visit RepoFinder and click on your state!

What Type of Inspection Should I Do on a Used Car?

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged inspections, repo cars, used cars on September 14, 2021 by repofinder.

Thinking about buying a used or repossessed vehicle? A careful evaluation will help you avoid hidden problems. This is especially important if you plan to buy a repo car, as these vehicles are sold as-is. In exchange for buying the car in its current condition, you’ll get a nice discount from the seller.

RepoFinder offers a huge directory of repossessed cars, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles at low prices. There is no middleman – the vehicles listed on our site are sold straight from the banks and credit unions. They’re highly motivated sellers who are often willing to negotiate.

As long as you do your research and perform an inspection before signing the paperwork, you should have no trouble finding a decent car at a great price. Below is the type of inspection you should do before buying a repo car.

Exterior

Check each panel carefully, along with the roof. It’s not uncommon for used vehicles to have some dents and scratches, but do pay attention to rust. Rust is a cause for concern because it eats away at the metal. The places to look for rust include the wheel wells, the panels beneath the doors and the door bottoms.

Open and close each door, including the hood and trunk. If anything seems loose, the car has likely had long use. Also look for shoddy repair work such as discolored paint, misaligned panels, large gaps or patched dents.

Glass

Look carefully at the glass to make sure there are no cracks. A small chip isn’t a cause for concern, though we still suggest bringing it up in negotiations. You’ll eventually have to replace the glass to prevent it from cracking further.

Suspension

Walk around the car to see if it’s sitting level. Push down on each corner. As long as the shock absorbers are in good condition, the car should rebound just once. Grab the top of each front tire and give it a tug. If you hear a clunking sound, it’s likely that the wheel bearings and suspension joints need replacing.

Lights and Lenses

Make sure all lights and reflectors are working properly. They should be in good condition with no fogging, cracking or moisture.

Tires

Even though you can replace tires easily, they can still tell you a lot about a car. A car with less than 20,000 miles should have its original tires. Cars that have low mileage and new tires are a red flag. The tires should also be the same brand with even treadwear across all four.

Interior

Now for the fun part – the interior of the car! Remove the floor mats and check for signs of water. Upholstery shouldn’t be ripped or worn, especially in a newer car. The pedals should be in good condition, and all of the instruments and controls should work accordingly. If you’re able to turn on the engine, make sure the AC and heat work.

By performing a detailed inspection, you can catch hidden problems with your vehicle. When you shop for a car with RepoFinder, you’ll have access to tons of cars in good condition! Communicate with the seller to schedule an inspection. And, if you’re not comfortable doing the inspection on your own, bring along a mechanic or knowledgeable friend.

Your Top 5 Questions On Buying a Repo Car…Answered!

This entry was posted in Repo Cars and tagged cheap cars, repo cars, repos, repossessed vehicles, repossessions, used cars on August 31, 2021 by repofinder.

Thinking about buying a repossessed vehicle? This is a great way to save money while getting a reliable car with all the latest features. But chances are, you probably have a few questions about what the process entails and how to find the best deals. We’re here to help!

Shopping for repo cars is easy, but it helps to be an informed buyer. This is the best way to ensure you bid on the right vehicles and walk away with something safe, reliable and reasonably priced.

Below are the top five questions we hear from people interested in buying repos, along with our responses.

1. What are repossessed cars, exactly?

When people can’t afford to make their car payments, the bank that gave them the loan can take the car back. Some cars are returned voluntarily while others are taken by the repo man. Based on 2021 data, there are over 2 million repossessions every year. While there are many repos out there, not all are available to the public. Many repos are sold at dealer-only auctions.

2. Should I buy a repossessed vehicle?

Only you can make the decision as to whether or not you should buy a repossessed vehicle. However, we can tell you that there are many reasons to consider this avenue such as:

Cheaper than used vehicles sold at a dealership
Able to negotiate the price – repo sellers are highly motivated
Quick turnaround times, especially in today’s market
Save money on insurance and interest

3. How do I know I’m getting a repo car?

The only way to know that you’re getting a true repo is by buying directly from a bank or credit union. Dealerships sometimes advertise repos, but this isn’t really true. Usually in these cases, the dealer purchased the car at a discount, cleaned it up and is now selling it for a profit.

You can research repos in your local area or use a site like RepoFinder to find repossessed cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and motorcycles. RepoFinder gives you a much better selection and you can feel good knowing that all transactions are between you and the seller – no middleman.

4. What concerns should I have when buying a repo?

The hard thing about repo cars is that you don’t know how well the previous owner took care of them. Some repos are in great condition while others need some work. The key is to place a smart bid that leaves room to afford necessary repairs.

We always recommend that buyers do their research, ask questions and schedule an inspection before signing the paperwork. Avoid overbidding as well. Even though we’re experiencing a car shortage, you shouldn’t pay more than you need to. Patience goes a long way in this industry!

5. Why should I shop for repos at RepoFinder?

RepoFinder lets you buy repossessions directly from local banks and credit unions. Our site is free to use, though you can upgrade to RepoFinder Pro for just $4.95 a month – cancel anytime. We add new repos on a regular basis and make it easy to research and place bids directly on our website.

Don’t take our word for it – shop at RepoFinder and find affordable repos in your area.

Retail Price vs Wholesale Price: How Much is a Used Car Really Worth?

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged cheap cars, online car shopping, repo cars, used cars on August 25, 2021 by repofinder.

Whether you’re buying a car online, from a dealership or from a private party, it’s important to know what the car is worth. A car’s value depends on a number of factors like its age, mileage, condition, trim level and the location where it’s being sold. For every vehicle, there are two prices: retail and wholesale.

To get the best deal on a used car, it’s important to know the difference between these two numbers. Later in this post, we’ll also cover what “asking price” means so that you can be an effective negotiator.

Retail Price

The retail price is always higher than the wholesale price and what you would expect to pay for the car if it was being sold at a dealership. If you are buying the car from a private seller, you’ll probably pay a bit less. Retail prices are also higher because the dealerships are banking on you getting less from the trade-in, giving them a profit margin.

Wholesale Price

Wholesale pricing is essentially a car’s trade-in value at the dealership. The dealer will then turn around and sell it to someone else for a profit. Understandably, trade-in prices are a lot lower than retail prices. You’re not likely to find a car being sold at a wholesale price, unless you shop for a repossessed vehicle through RepoFinder.

In the wholesale end of business, there are different figures to be aware of. Every step of the way, there’s a middleman that takes their cut, which ends up giving the car a new value.

Trade-in. This is what the dealer is offering the customer. What they get for trading in their car can be used toward their next vehicle purchase.
Dealer-to-dealer. This pricing happens when one dealer sells the car to another.
Auction. If the car goes to auction, which many do, it will have an auction price. Dealers and brokers often buy cars at auction for resale.

Asking Price

When shopping for used cars, you’ll definitely come across the term “asking price.” This is different from retail and wholesale prices – and it’s negotiable. The asking price refers to the amount the seller is asking for the vehicle. But, dealers and private sellers know the customer will probably come back with another offer, which is why this price is not set in stone.

Shop for Cars at Wholesale Prices

Now that you are aware of this car shopping lingo, you can be a more effective shopper. RepoFinder is a directory of banks, credit unions and public auctions that sell repossessed cars directly to the public. There are no middlemen, allowing you to work out a deal between you and the seller. To start shopping for an affordable vehicle that rivals wholesale prices, shop with RepoFinder today.

Should I Buy a Car with Over 100,000 Miles?

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged cheap cars, repo cars, used cars on August 23, 2021 by repofinder.

Buying a high-mileage car might seem like a risky purchase to some, but if you’re on a strict budget, it’s worth considering. In general, buying a car with a lot of miles is not a bad idea. Cars are a lot more reliable these days, so a car with over 100,000 miles is likely capable of traveling another 100,000 miles!

With that said, cars do start to experience more problems once they reach the 100k mile mark. The car is technically past its prime, so you’ll need to be prepared to put some work into it. The good news is that the cost of the vehicle should offset repairs and maintenance.

Let’s learn more about the benefits of purchasing a car with over 100,000 miles and why you may very well come out on top!

Lower Purchase Price

If you don’t have a lot to spend on a vehicle, you’ll have to compromise on a few things. Fortunately, when you do make these decisions, you’ll decrease the purchase price significantly. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price for a new vehicle is $40,472!

With these prices, you’re almost forced to go into debt just to afford a new car. That’s why a car with 100,000 miles can be so appealing. You can still get a great car with all the latest features and technologies at a fair price. In fact, you might even be able to save up and pay cash for a vehicle. Without a car payment, you can save on interest and instead put this money into repairs.

Minimal Depreciation

If you do purchase a new car, did you know that it will depreciate by 20 to 30 percent in the first year?! This means that if you purchase a vehicle for $40,000, it might only be worth $28,000 a year later. A car with over 100,000 miles will not depreciate this much – maybe $1,000 or so depending on how much you paid for it. This sounds like a much better deal, doesn’t it?

Cheaper Insurance

Auto insurance isn’t getting any cheaper, either. And the more expensive the car, the more expensive the insurance. A newer car is worth more money so insurance companies are going to charge a premium that reflects this risk. They have to protect themselves, too.

When you buy a high-mileage vehicle, your insurance will be a lot lower because your car isn’t worth as much. And, if you pay in cash, you don’t need to carry full coverage.

Lower Registration Fees

Registration fees are lower with a high-mileage car. States do vary on this, however, so you’ll need to check with your state to find out how much you can save by choosing an economic vehicle. Add these savings to a lower purchase price, cheaper insurance and minimal depreciation and now you’re really starting to see the difference!

Don’t be afraid to purchase a car with 100,000 miles or more on it. Cars have become a lot more reliable these days, so you can still get many years from this vehicle while saving significant money. To find an affordable vehicle that meets your needs, shop with Repofinder today.