To avoid the credit hassles when buying a new car, there are some easy steps you can take.
1. Get your credit report.
Verify your credit score. Get a current copy of your credit report from Experian, TransUnion and/or Equifax.
2. Get over 680.
If your credit score over 680? You are in great shape to buy a new car. Skip down to #6. Yours isn't? Keep reading.
3. 550 is the basement.
Is your score under 550? You are not in a position to buy a car. Learn how to repair your credit before you consider buying a new car.
4. Put on some makeup...
On your credit score. If you are above 600, but not up to 680, dress up your credit report. Correct incorrect information and resolve old debt. Make certain you do not have any late payments in the 90 days before you shop for your car.
5. Pay it off.
Never trade in a car if you still owe. Dealers are not diligent about paying off your old car, and their late payments go on your credit report. Plus, paying it off raises your credit score.
6. Shop for the perfect car.
No, this don't pick out a color to match your eyes. Find the car for your credit power. How? Put documents in a folder which answer these questions:
* What is the credit approval price for my car?
Your bank will tell you exactly what they will loan you for a particular car. This price is what you want to pay and need to demand from the car dealer. It is what you car is really worth.
* Does someone sell it cheaper?
Bring three quotes for the car you want from web sites like Cars.com, Edmunds.com or InvoiceDealers.
* Where's my rebate?
Find out how much car options (MP3 player/power windows) cost, rebates and incentives available to you. Find these at FinghtingChance.com.
* What will I pay?
Use an auto loan calculator to know exactly what you will be paying each month. Remember, you will also be paying for gasoline and insurance.
* How much is insurance?
Get a quote from your auto insurer for your new car.
* Does it come with a warranty?
Probably, but better ones are less expensive. Check out extended warranties online for a real idea of what a warranty covers and for how much.
* Can I get a loan?
Apply for an online or bank auto loan. Know that you can get the loan before you shop so the dealer cannot tell you no.
* Can I get 0% financing?
If you can, do. But, refinance the car. The 0% is for a short time, not the length of the loan. Pay as much as you can during 0% time, and get refinance loan for a reasonable APR for the balance of the loan.
* The dealer says my credit is bad.
Dealers have a secret: FICO Auto Industry Option Score. This is not the FICO Beacon score you bought from credit bureaus and have with you. You cannot see or buy a copy either. It is almost always be lower because it factors in your auto loan buying history. If the dealer insists on his score, shop somewhere else.
You can drive away in a new car with no credit hassles.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Avoid Car Theft: Protect your Car
A car is stolen every 26.4 seconds in America.(1) Avoid car theft using anti-theft devices and some basic common sense practices.
Devices
When choosing a new car, consider some anti-theft features. With older cars, try some upgrades or mechanical devices.
~ Window tint
Where laws allow, window tint protects a car from theft by preventing a thief from seeing how to get into the car without being noticed.
~ Alarms
Siren car alarms, or silent alarms which signal law enforcement, are the most standard of anti theft devices. When a thief tampers with the car, especially door locks and steering column or trying to "hot wire" the car, the alarm sounds.
~ Keyless (Remote) locks
The car locks are activated by a remote control: not a key in the door. Without the key chain remote, the windows must be broken to get into the car.
~ Vehicle immobilizers
These sophisticated companions to car alarms disable portions of the electrical or fuel systems, making it nearly impossible for a would-be thief to steal the car.
~ Keyless ignition
Buttons on key chain remotes control these ignitions. More expensive versions of the keyless ignition are voice-controlled or push-button inside the car with driver identity recognition.
~ Mechanical devices
Steering wheel and tire locks prevent car thieves from moving cars. The Club offers anti-theft products including its original steering wheel lock and Wheel Club.
Other choices include: Wolo Krook Lock, Lawman Unbreakable Car Bar, UNBREAKABLE AutoLock, The Wrap and SuperHooks
~ GPS locater
The two leading companies in locating stolen cars: OnStar and LoJack.
OnStar is a subscription service that is offered on all new General Motors (GM) cars sold in the US and Canada after 2007. Drivers receive remote activated door unlock, lights and horn and stolen vehicle location.(2)
LoJack is a theft recovery system. If the car is stolen and reported to the police, LoJack police tracking units can follow the signal of the radio transmitter to the location of the car.
All LoJack transmitters are registered in a global police database. 90% of all LoJack equipped stolen cars are recovered. (3)
Common sense
It does not take a lot of smarts to outsmart a car thief. A little thinking takes away most opportunities for a thief to steal your vehicle.
~ Park safely
Park in a well-lit area. Park close to walkways to prevent the thief from having uninterrupted time to steal the car.
~ Turn it off
Never leave a running car unattended. It only takes a moment to drive away.
~ Hide assets
Place valuables, like laptops and shopping bags, in the trunk or glove compartment. Cars with visible valuables are more enticing.
~ Lock doors and close windows
Thieves will try handles to find the easiest car to steal. If a thief can reach in the window and open the door, he will.
~ Keys in your pocket
Thieves know where keys are hidden on a car. Better (and cheaper) to be locked out of your car than have your car stolen.
~ Disable the ignition
If the car will be parked for more than 24 hours or in a theft area, don't let it drive away.
Beginner: Disconnect one battery cable.
Intermediate: Unplug the distributor cap.
Advanced: Remove the distributor rotor.
Keep your car from becoming a statistic by choosing anti-theft devices and exercising common sense.
(1) Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Uniform Crime Report: 2006
(2) OnStar by GM
(3) LoJack Global Licensee Network
Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request.Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Driveway Safety for Children and Drivers
Driveways can be dangerous places for children and drivers. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports children under age four are the most likely to be killed in a back-up accident off-road. All of these accidents can be avoided.
While these children are only 6% of the American population, they represent more than 30% of this type fatality. The elderly, school-aged children and teens make up almost all of the statistics. Very few adults are killed in back-up, off road accidents.
The NHTSA calls these fatalities “non-occupant” since the child is not an occupant of the car. These “accidents” are off-road because they happen while drivers are backing out of driveways instead of on the street or highway.
Why are the statistics so high?
Since young children do not have physical stature (height), they cannot be seen easily from inside the car. This means drivers must exercise more caution when driving when children are present around the vehicle.
The child’s lack of comprehension places them in greater risk than older children and adults. Simply put, they do not understand the danger of a moving vehicle or the finality of death.
How to avoid these accidents
Watch the children.
Always know where the child is. Know each child’s location, especially when around motor vehicles: cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUV), off-road vehicles, motorcycles and recreational vehicles (RV), as well as lawn equipment (like mowers), tractors and agricultural equipment (like threshers).
It’s not a play toy.
Do not allow children to play in, on, under or around vehicles of any type. Children can become trapped under a vehicle. They can unknowingly put the vehicle into gear and hurt another child while playing inside. Falls from the top of a vehicle can be fatal for a child.
It's not a playground.
Avoid letting the driveway be a "playground". If children are allowed to play in the driveway, let them do it when no cars are present. Place a barricade at the end of the driveway. Separate the driveway from the street so the children will know that the street is not an acceptable place to play.
Get out and look.
Before backing out of the driveway, physically look around and under the car. Be sure to know the location of each child before starting the vehicle.
Look, listen and stop if needed.
Look behind the vehicle as you back slowly out of the driveway. Put the window down so that you can listen for children. Be prepared to stop immediately.
Turn it off and lock the door.
Children will want to emulate parents and adults. Turn the ignition off to keep children from moving the vehicle. Even when in the garage or driveway, keep the doors locked. This will keep the children from playing inside the vehicle.
Keeping children safe in the driveway is the number one way to avoid non-occupant, off-road fatalities. Take these simple steps to keep more children from being killed by cars. Teach the children in your life to take care around all vehicles.
Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request.
While these children are only 6% of the American population, they represent more than 30% of this type fatality. The elderly, school-aged children and teens make up almost all of the statistics. Very few adults are killed in back-up, off road accidents.
The NHTSA calls these fatalities “non-occupant” since the child is not an occupant of the car. These “accidents” are off-road because they happen while drivers are backing out of driveways instead of on the street or highway.
Why are the statistics so high?
Since young children do not have physical stature (height), they cannot be seen easily from inside the car. This means drivers must exercise more caution when driving when children are present around the vehicle.
The child’s lack of comprehension places them in greater risk than older children and adults. Simply put, they do not understand the danger of a moving vehicle or the finality of death.
How to avoid these accidents
Watch the children.
Always know where the child is. Know each child’s location, especially when around motor vehicles: cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUV), off-road vehicles, motorcycles and recreational vehicles (RV), as well as lawn equipment (like mowers), tractors and agricultural equipment (like threshers).
It’s not a play toy.
Do not allow children to play in, on, under or around vehicles of any type. Children can become trapped under a vehicle. They can unknowingly put the vehicle into gear and hurt another child while playing inside. Falls from the top of a vehicle can be fatal for a child.
It's not a playground.
Avoid letting the driveway be a "playground". If children are allowed to play in the driveway, let them do it when no cars are present. Place a barricade at the end of the driveway. Separate the driveway from the street so the children will know that the street is not an acceptable place to play.
Get out and look.
Before backing out of the driveway, physically look around and under the car. Be sure to know the location of each child before starting the vehicle.
Look, listen and stop if needed.
Look behind the vehicle as you back slowly out of the driveway. Put the window down so that you can listen for children. Be prepared to stop immediately.
Turn it off and lock the door.
Children will want to emulate parents and adults. Turn the ignition off to keep children from moving the vehicle. Even when in the garage or driveway, keep the doors locked. This will keep the children from playing inside the vehicle.
Keeping children safe in the driveway is the number one way to avoid non-occupant, off-road fatalities. Take these simple steps to keep more children from being killed by cars. Teach the children in your life to take care around all vehicles.
Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Blog on the move....
Check out the new publications sprouting from this blog:
Cost Saving Customer Service: The Human Touch
Marriage: Don't Settle for Less
Tips for Controlling Your Child's Tantrums in Public
Weigh in with your comments today!
Cost Saving Customer Service: The Human Touch
Marriage: Don't Settle for Less
Tips for Controlling Your Child's Tantrums in Public
Weigh in with your comments today!
Pedestrian Fatalities: When, Who & Why
Let's look at more facts about pedestrian crash fatalities in the United States.
When does it happen?
Every 107 minutes a pedestrian dies from a crash. On average, a pedestrian is struck every 12 minutes, every day.
New Year’s Day and Halloween account for the highest number of pedestrian fatalities, consistently 20%. The third day has changed from December 23 to December 1. October, November and December account for 32% of all pedestrian crashes.
Weekends are deadliest for pedestrians. More than 45% of all pedestrian crashes occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with nearly 18% occurring on Saturday.
Three hours pedestrians should stay off the road are 6-9 p.m., when 25% of the deaths occur. Another 21% happen between 9 p.m. and midnight. Only 6% happen between 9 a.m. and noon. Darkness is considered the number one factor.
Who gets killed?
More than 33,000 men were killed. Even though men represent 49% of the American population, they are killed in pedestrian crashes 69% of the time.
60% of pedestrians killed are white and 15% black. American Indian, Pacific Islanders and Asian represent another 5%. 19% of the deaths were determined to be of unknown race, based on corresponding death certificates.
Contrary to public perception, children under 16 only account for 10% of pedestrian deaths each year, even though children make up 21% of the American population.
People over 65 represent 13% of the population, yet represent 21% of the pedestrian fatalities. Different factors cited in this anomaly are frailty, poorer mobility and poorer eyesight.
Why does it happen?
In most cases, the pedestrian has to bear some of the blame for the crash. Their actions are represented by the following statistics:
Percentage/Action
27.3 Improperly crossed the street
25.4 Walked against the traffic flow
13.9 Failed to yield the right of way
12.1 Darted into the flow of traffic
9.8 Not visible to the driver
2.6 Were inattentive to traffic
1.5 Failed to obey traffic control
More than one-fourth of the deaths occurred because the pedestrian crossed the street improperly. Another fourth of all pedestrian deaths were attributed to walking, working or playing near the road. Nearly 14% of the crashes were caused by the pedestrian failing to yield to the vehicle.
Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request.
When does it happen?
Every 107 minutes a pedestrian dies from a crash. On average, a pedestrian is struck every 12 minutes, every day.
New Year’s Day and Halloween account for the highest number of pedestrian fatalities, consistently 20%. The third day has changed from December 23 to December 1. October, November and December account for 32% of all pedestrian crashes.
Weekends are deadliest for pedestrians. More than 45% of all pedestrian crashes occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with nearly 18% occurring on Saturday.
Three hours pedestrians should stay off the road are 6-9 p.m., when 25% of the deaths occur. Another 21% happen between 9 p.m. and midnight. Only 6% happen between 9 a.m. and noon. Darkness is considered the number one factor.
Who gets killed?
More than 33,000 men were killed. Even though men represent 49% of the American population, they are killed in pedestrian crashes 69% of the time.
60% of pedestrians killed are white and 15% black. American Indian, Pacific Islanders and Asian represent another 5%. 19% of the deaths were determined to be of unknown race, based on corresponding death certificates.
Contrary to public perception, children under 16 only account for 10% of pedestrian deaths each year, even though children make up 21% of the American population.
People over 65 represent 13% of the population, yet represent 21% of the pedestrian fatalities. Different factors cited in this anomaly are frailty, poorer mobility and poorer eyesight.
Why does it happen?
In most cases, the pedestrian has to bear some of the blame for the crash. Their actions are represented by the following statistics:
Percentage/Action
27.3 Improperly crossed the street
25.4 Walked against the traffic flow
13.9 Failed to yield the right of way
12.1 Darted into the flow of traffic
9.8 Not visible to the driver
2.6 Were inattentive to traffic
1.5 Failed to obey traffic control
More than one-fourth of the deaths occurred because the pedestrian crossed the street improperly. Another fourth of all pedestrian deaths were attributed to walking, working or playing near the road. Nearly 14% of the crashes were caused by the pedestrian failing to yield to the vehicle.
Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Pedestrian Fatalities: On the decrease & Where
What do New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix and Houston have in common? More pedestrian deaths than all other cities in the United States.
Pedestrian deaths are on the decline. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration commissioned a ten year study to examine the trends in crashes resulting in pedestrian deaths.
Twelve percent of all vehicle crash deaths are pedestrians. This means they are not occupants of a vehicle, motorcycle riders or bicycle riders: they are on foot.
The study, authored by Dow Chang, Ph.D. and P.E., revealed trends in those killed and the conditions under which they were killed.
A look at the numbers
Between 1997 and 2007, the number of pedestrian deaths decreased from 5,321 to 4,784, representing a decrease of nearly 10%. Pedestrians are the only group of people whose fatality statistics have declined. They represent 12% of all fatalities in vehicle crashes.
While this sounds like good news, the chances of being killed has increased. In 1997, the chances a pedestrian would be killed in a crash was 5.3%. By 2006, that chance increased to 7.1%.
What did not change over the decade was the number of pedestrians killed in single vehicle crashes. Ten times more pedestrians are killed each year by single vehicles than those killed by multiple car crashes.
Where does it happen?
You already read about the top five cities, but there is more. Cities do account for 67% of the fatalities, but 87% of the cities in the United States do not report any fatalities. More than 90% of the cities which did have fatalities had nine or fewer. Less than 1% of cities had over 100 pedestrian fatalities.
Pedestrians are not being killed on the Interstate highway system, which forbids pedestrian travel. Nor are they on interstate highway roads (10%) or expressways (only 4%), instead 51% of pedestrians are killed on major traffic arteries around and inside cities. Local roads and streets accounted for another 30%.
The top five states are New Mexico, Florida and Arizona, with Washington D.C. and Nevada tied. Per capita, these states average more than 2.5 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 population.
Tomorrow we will look into when these crashes happen, to whom and why.
Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request.
Pedestrian deaths are on the decline. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration commissioned a ten year study to examine the trends in crashes resulting in pedestrian deaths.
Twelve percent of all vehicle crash deaths are pedestrians. This means they are not occupants of a vehicle, motorcycle riders or bicycle riders: they are on foot.
The study, authored by Dow Chang, Ph.D. and P.E., revealed trends in those killed and the conditions under which they were killed.
- Men are more likely to be killed as pedestrians than women.
- January 1 and October 31 were the deadliest days of the year.
- People over the age of 64 are more likely to be killed as pedestrians.
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) increase the probability of dying as a pedestrian.
- 58% of pedestrian deaths are not in a crosswalk.
- Most pedestrian fatality crashes occur between 6 and 9 p.m., on Friday or Saturday, under sleet conditions and/or in the dark.
A look at the numbers
Between 1997 and 2007, the number of pedestrian deaths decreased from 5,321 to 4,784, representing a decrease of nearly 10%. Pedestrians are the only group of people whose fatality statistics have declined. They represent 12% of all fatalities in vehicle crashes.
While this sounds like good news, the chances of being killed has increased. In 1997, the chances a pedestrian would be killed in a crash was 5.3%. By 2006, that chance increased to 7.1%.
What did not change over the decade was the number of pedestrians killed in single vehicle crashes. Ten times more pedestrians are killed each year by single vehicles than those killed by multiple car crashes.
Where does it happen?
You already read about the top five cities, but there is more. Cities do account for 67% of the fatalities, but 87% of the cities in the United States do not report any fatalities. More than 90% of the cities which did have fatalities had nine or fewer. Less than 1% of cities had over 100 pedestrian fatalities.
Pedestrians are not being killed on the Interstate highway system, which forbids pedestrian travel. Nor are they on interstate highway roads (10%) or expressways (only 4%), instead 51% of pedestrians are killed on major traffic arteries around and inside cities. Local roads and streets accounted for another 30%.
The top five states are New Mexico, Florida and Arizona, with Washington D.C. and Nevada tied. Per capita, these states average more than 2.5 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 population.
Tomorrow we will look into when these crashes happen, to whom and why.
Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Car Facts & Safety
Driving safety is important to everyone, even those who do not drive. This week's blog will investigate some interesting statistics on vehicles, driving safety and the combination of children and cars.
A view of the future
Driveway accidents
Children under four are the most likely to be killed in accidents in driveways while adults (or teens) are backing up.
Be on the lookout for safety tips and advice on how to protect your child from this type of accident.
Vehicle Fires
Vehicle fires on the highway took the lives of 365 people in the United States in 2007.
Do you know what to do in the case of a car fire? Do you know how to prevent one? I will be answering both of these questions in this week's blog.
Teen Drivers
35% of teens who die do it in a vehicle crash.
What causes teen crashes? Do you know the best ways to help teen drivers (and passengers) survive to age 20? Both of these questions will be highlighted and answered this week.
Pedestrian crashes
January 1 and October 31 are the most dangerous days for pedestrians. More pedestrians die on these two days than any others.
This week we will look at which pedestrians are at the highest risk (and it may not be who you think), what conditions are the most dangerous and how to avoid becoming a pedestrian fatality.
Stay tuned or subscribe to get a full palette of driving safety tips.
Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request.
A view of the future
Driveway accidents
Children under four are the most likely to be killed in accidents in driveways while adults (or teens) are backing up.
Be on the lookout for safety tips and advice on how to protect your child from this type of accident.
Vehicle Fires
Vehicle fires on the highway took the lives of 365 people in the United States in 2007.
Do you know what to do in the case of a car fire? Do you know how to prevent one? I will be answering both of these questions in this week's blog.
Teen Drivers
35% of teens who die do it in a vehicle crash.
What causes teen crashes? Do you know the best ways to help teen drivers (and passengers) survive to age 20? Both of these questions will be highlighted and answered this week.
Pedestrian crashes
January 1 and October 31 are the most dangerous days for pedestrians. More pedestrians die on these two days than any others.
This week we will look at which pedestrians are at the highest risk (and it may not be who you think), what conditions are the most dangerous and how to avoid becoming a pedestrian fatality.
Stay tuned or subscribe to get a full palette of driving safety tips.
Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request.
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