With the economy nearing a recession, job layoffs at a high, exorbitant gas prices and a failing housing market, saving money where one can, is vitally important. If you are in the market for a new car, finding a car that is inexpensive and good on gas mileage will be top priority. In this article, we will show you where to find cars that will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Your best bet in finding an inexpensive car is to buy used. Cars depreciate so fast, that it makes little sense to purchase a new car. Most people are upside down when they attempt to trade in their vehicles unless they have provided a down payment, or have paid their car off early. Buying a used car that is only a few years old, will allow you to get a nice, newer car, with only a few thousand miles on it. You can purchase used cars at dealerships, from other individuals, and even auctions. Depending on where you purchase the car, you may or may not get a warranty and the car may be sold “as is.” Below, we will discuss various places where you can purchase used cars.
1. New Car Dealerships: Most new car dealerships will also sell used cars on their lots. These cars tend to be late models that are fairly nice to very nice. Often times, these cars are old leases, trade-ins or program cars. These dealerships often provide some type of warranty.
2. Used Car Dealerships: These types of dealerships only sell used cars. The cars on their lot are generally not in as good condition. They are often older and may not have a warranty or a return policy. You are essentially accepting the car “as is.”
3. National Dealerships: There are some national car and truck dealerships such as CarMax that sell used vehicles. They are reputable and offer no hassle sales. You are likely to be offered a warranty as well.
4. Auctions: Auctions are another place to find great prices on used cars. Often times, these cars were seized or repossessed from other individuals. You can find some really great car auctions online.
5. Independent Car Dealers: These types of car dealers typically offer older vehicles that are really inexpensive. Their clientele is generally comprised of individuals that have poor credit. They often offer car loans with expensive interest rates and stringent payment guidelines.
With economic times being hard, individuals in the market for a car must make careful consideration of the price of the car. In this article we have discussed various places where you can find a car for an affordable price. You can check out the used car lot of a new car dealership, an independent used car dealership, national dealerships or auctions. Which of these places you choose to purchase your car from will likely depend on your credit, whether or not you require financing, want a warranty and the amount of money you have available in your budget.

Perhaps youâ??ve just got a great deal by winning a motorbike off eBay or through Autotrader, the only downside being that it is located on the other side of the country.  Or perhaps the motorbike is a non-runner and you need to get it from A-B ready for repairs or scrap?  Whatever your reasons, getting your motorcycle delivered by a motorbike transporter is a fairly straightforward process.  Service TypeThere are a few different service options available when looking to move a motorcycle.a) Motorcycle transported inside commercial vehicles on specially built bracketsb) Motorcycle transported on open trailerc) Motorcycle transported in enclosed trailerQuite often, the cheapest option will be for your motorcycle to be transported as a part-load with other goods in a commercial vehicle (van or HGV).  However, be sure that the transport provider has experience with moving motorcycles and that they are using industry standard brackets/securing mechanisms to help prevent damage in transit. Custom-built motorcycle trailers do tend to result in a slightly higher cost, however this will help ensure that your motorcycle is clear of other goods.  Open trailers are more susceptible to damage and theft as the bike is clearly visible (in particular when parked).  Enclosed trailers on the other hand offer a more secure solution and do not carry the risk of stone chips or damage from debris on the road.Getting Quotes / PricesJust like any service, you wouldnâ??t just accept the first price you receive.  It pays to shop around, so aim to get at least 5 quotes.InsuranceWithout a doubt the most important thing when choosing a motorcycle transporter is to check their insurance documentation.  If they are not adequately insured, you run the risk of not only not being able to file a claim in the event of damage but even losing your motorcycle altogether if their transporter is impounded by the police.  Policies do vary from company to company, but the key areas you will want to check are the value of the level of cover and cover for both theft and damage.Your own motorcycle insurance policy may provide some cover for â??vehicles in transitâ?, so it is worth checking this for extra peace of mind.Establishing the trustworthiness of motorcycle transport companiesRight, youâ??re happy with the insurance document and you like the price, but how can you be sure that they are reliable & have the necessary experience to take care of your motorbike?  First off, you should do some background checks on the company.  A simple search of the company name on Google should bring up some impartial reviews.  The company themselves should also be able to offer you testimonials and references.  It is up to them to prove to you that they are trustworthy.  If they find it hard to do that, then they probably arenâ??t worth the risk.Payment termsGeneral practice is that the motorbike delivery firm will take a deposit (definitely no more than 25%) upon booking their services, with the rest payable on delivery.  Usually cash or check is accepted but it is advised to use credit card where possible as you will be able to dispute these charges later should a problem occur.Go through contractVerbal promises mean nothing, insist upon a written contract for the services to be carried out.  If you are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to deliver within the specified timeframe.Preparing the motorcycle for transportNow that you have agreed dates and signed on the dotted line, you will need to ensure that you spend adequate time preparing your motorcycle for transit.  99% of problems on delivery are down to poor preparation.  So, donâ??t leave this to the last minute.  The transport firm will no doubt offer you tips as well, but be sure to do the following:1) Wash the motorcycle thoroughly2) Make a written note of any pre-existing damage (chips, dents etc)3) Take photos of the bike from several angles and close-ups of any pre-existing damage4) Date the photos and written record5) If your motorbike is being moved as freight along with other goods, be sure that you remove the battery and drain all fluids and fuel.Remove any accessories and loose items from your bike, the transporter is not responsible for these items if they go missing or are damaged.If the motorcycle is being trailered, although not always necessary, it is helpful if the bike is in working order in the case that it needs to be driven a short distance between transporters.So, you should:1) Inflate tyres2) Charge battery3) Fill petrol tank to ¼ – ½ full4) Check and fix any fluid leaksWhat to expect from the motorbike transport company on pickup / deliveryBefore you release your motorbike to the transporter, be sure to record the current mileage, although you bike may be ridden a very short distance to get on/off trailers there should be no major increases in mileage between pickup and delivery.Make sure that you have the driverâ??s contact details and that they have yours.Upon delivery, you need to inspect your motorbike thoroughly.  Do not rush this step or sign anything until this is complete.  Check for any new damage or increase in mileage.  Only once you are happy should you sign any documents, there is generally no come-back once the papers are signed.In the unlikely event that new damage has been caused in transit, you should file a claim with the transport company and follow their usual procedures. You should also file a claim with your own insurance company within 24 hours.Post DeliveryThe vast majority of motorbike transport transactions go smoothly, however if there were any problems, first try to iron these out with the firm directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. If you had tried but feel you are not getting anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with agencies such as trading standards.