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Article #281: Car Buying Tips: Don't Get Ripped Off in the Finance Office

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When the negotiations are done, most totaled a vehicle with a lien on it can
consumers relax when buying a car. The attest to the wonders of Gap Insurance.
hard work is done. The hard sell is In essence, it covers the "gap" between
over. It's time to celebrate a what a vehicle is worth and how much is
victorious purchase of a new or used owed when a car is totaled. For example,
vehicle. if someone totals their vehicle and the
Most consumers don't realize that the insurance company agrees to pay $7,000
true hard sell is just about to start. while the driver still owes $11,000, gap
In a perfect world, a finance manager, insurance is designed to cover it.
business manager, or whatever title is Without gap, the insurance company will
given to the person in the back that be forced to leave the remaining $4,000
prepares paperwork will be just that: the to be paid out of the customer's pocket.
person that prepares paperwork. Usually ranging from $300-$700, it is a
In the real world, the finance manager is good investment for consumers who (1)
probably one of the best and most finance vehicles without securing equity
persistent salespersons the consumer will by putting a lot of money or trade equity
ever meet. down on the car, (2) drive more than 10k
They aren't necessarily bad people. Most miles per year, and/or (3) purchase new
are exceedingly friendly and vehicles, especially high dollar ones.
professional, dressed to impress and EXTENDED WARRANTIES
possessing an easy way that puts people Not all warranties are created equal. A
at ease. To a car dealership, the consumer who plans on keeping a vehicle
finance manager is the last and best beyond the factory warranty should
chance the dealer has to make money on a strongly consider an extended one.
vehicle sale. Research beforehand into some extended
There are dozens of methods that the warranties available online for the
finance manager can make money from you. vehicle you are considering. Know the
The good part is that not all of the ways cost, deductible, what is and isn't
are bad and not all of the products that covered, and whether a prorated balance
they will offer are rip offs. In most is refundable if the vehicle is traded,
cases, though, some of the offerings are sold, or totaled.
just not worth the money the consumer Armed with this knowledge, it should be
will pay. easier to get a good deal on a good
Instead of going over the details of the warranty, whether it's the one that the
different products and suites that aren't finance manager offers or a separate one.
really worth it, here is a short list of CREDIT LIFE AND DISABILITY
items that a consumer should really Most life insurance policies are designed
question and investigate before to help with cost of living. Debt should
purchasing: not be paid through standard insurance.
Undercoating, paint sealant, oil change In case of tragedy, having a credit life
plans, VIN etching, scotch guard, and disability plan will help to pay off
preowned vehicle leasing, personal the balance of a vehicle loan. There are
vehicle insurance, and tires for life. few things worse after dealing with a
There are others that are somewhat tragedy than to find that the loved one
legitimate like the ones listed above, also left major bills and debts behind.
and there are some that are downright Final Thoughts
scams, but we're here to focus on the Not all "bad" items are that bad. Some
potentially good ones. may fit into a consumer's needs. Not all
Dealerships such as Toledo Chevrolet "good" finance items are good, either.
Dealers and Portland Lincoln Mercury The key is to do the research before
Dealers and other honest dealers around getting caught off guard by a finance
the country offer a basic, short list of manager ready to spray a $20 can of
products that consumers should consider: Scotch Guard in your new or used car for
GAP INSURANCE an additional $179.
Some call it a scam, but most who have






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