Caveat Emptor: "Let the Online Car Buyer Beware"

Selling Your Car Online/Buying a Car from an Individual

“For Sale By Owner”

Thousands of Americans every year attempt to sell their car online. Sites like Autotrader, eBay and others seem to make it so easy for the average person to sell their car for top dollar. Individuals are turning more and more to the internet to list their car "For Sale By Owner" for a variety of reasons. One would think that it’s usually because the big car dealers are offering them too little money for the cars. While that can be true sometimes-it is not always the case.

The main reasons individuals try to self-sell their cars online:

The Car Was Wrecked

Maybe it’s on the CARFAX, maybe it’s not. But either way, the dealers can spot a wrecked car before the CARFAX or AutoCheck reports. At BobStallingsCars.com we use a device, called an Elcometer. We can detect the thickness of the paint. For the most part, panels read roughly the same number. For example, if all doors and panels read a “6” and the hood reads “18” we know that the hood was repainted. Our skilled professionals are able to then assess the damage and make sure that all repairs were made properly. Folks should know, it’s okay to buy a car with some touch up work, as long as it’s been disclosed, been painted with factory paint and a discount has been offered. Even the most professionally done touch ups are noticeable to dealers and when you go to trade out of the car, your offer will be lower than a car with no touch ups.

The Seller is “Upside Down” on the Car

Meaning they owe more on the car than the market value of the car. Americans have seen this happen in the mortgage industry and it is a common problem in the automotive industry now. During economically difficult times, many consumers obtain loans with $0 Down, or leased their vehicles. Not only does the individual seller need more money for the car- HE ALSO DOESN’T HAVE THE TITLE in hand. Never buy a car without the title.

The Car has been Modified

Upgraded, tricked out, “pimped”, after market, custom…all of these terms mean MODIFIED. The seller has modified the car in a way that not only usually devalues the car but, voids the warranty. Sure- a lowered car with low profile tires and non-factory wheels can look really hot! But, the second you change the suspension on a car you void the warranty. Only in rare cases can non-factory wheels increase the value of a used car. Buyer beware of “custom” work that is being sold by an individual online. Custom Paint? Same thing. A complete paint job is usually a tell-tale sign of someone trying to cover up an accident. Even if it’s in a complimentary shade to the car.

BobStallingsCars.com Vehicle Finder!

Unhappy with the Dealer’s offer on your car? Check out the BobStallingsCars.com Consignment options. Instead of taking your own photos, have your car professionally photographed. Instead of trying to write your own listing, let BobStallingsCars.com professional listing writers market your car appropriately. Not sure on how much to ask for a selling price? Who knows better than an auto dealer? Scared to meet strangers to “test drive.” Let BobStallingsCars.com help those strangers in our convenient location based near the Addison Airport.

Financing

The most important issue that affects self sellers---How their customers will pay for their car. Most Americans do not pay cash for their cars. Most, even wealthy Americans, Lease or Finance their PreOwned Vehicles. At BobStallingsCars.com we have an extended book of lenders who can make sure your customers get approved!

Have More Questions on Consignment? Call Lindsey Stuart: 972.248.2277

2007 Mercedes Benz SL Class 5.5L

2007 Mercedes Benz SL Class 5.5L

The Stunning exterior profile and retractable hard top on the 2007 Mercedes Benz SL Class 5.5L will let the neighbors know you own the block.  ABC or Active Body Control is a standard feature on the SL5.5 and only available on a limited amount of other models. This active suspensions system reduces body roll in cornering, acceleration and braking. The meticulously placed sensors on the exterior of the car detect and counteracts vertical body roll by regulating suspension via hydraulic servos at each corner of the vehicle. The ABC system is throttled into high gear for some aggressive driving with the “Sport Mode ABC” activated by the driver in front consol. The difference in the two modes is highly noticed in the improved weight transfer and the sharp lateral handling around bends.

Heading into the driver seat the next most dynamic feature is the hard top retractable roof. With one quick pool of the rear flap the roof retracts within 15 seconds. Once open your nosy neighbors will gawk at the clean, streamline interior of the Mercedes cockpit. The interior gets straight to the point with an impressive amount of timber covering the steering wheel and shifter. The interior is a mix of leather for main components and black plastic for the accents. Overall, the 2007 Mercedes Benz SL Class 5.5L combines luxury, performance and technology to gain respect from its competition. The starting retail value on the 2007 Mercedes Benz­­­­ SL Class 5.5L is around $100,000 and now is priced less than half of the starting value for the gently used car buyers.  ­­­Entire article here.

At Bob Stallings Cars of Carrollton we encourage our future car buyers to be confident in their car buying experience. Not only do we offer a FREE CARFAX report to show how much pride we have in our inventory. BobStallingsCars.com performs a Championship Inspection before the vehicle enters our showroom.

Suze Orman on Financing with HELOC

Should I finance a car with a home equity line of credit (HELOC)? The line of credit will have a higher rate but the interest can be deducted from our tax return…

Suze Orman discusses this question in a recent article in Oprah Magazine, with tax season approaching this question is on many family’s minds. With the benefit of deducting the HELOC interest during tax season, is it worth taking out a car loan against your house?

“You should NEVER use a home equity line of credit for a car loan”. Suze Orman also mentions entering into a loan against your house will add your house to your collateral. If you become a few months behind on payments you risk losing the roof over your head, which is a much bigger loss than a possible repossession.

Her strategy for buying a new car is to look at the vehicle as an asset and factor in depreciation and interest. Buying a gently used car avoids the steep depreciation car buyers will experience in the first few years. This also allows a lower buying price and overall decreasing the interest on your loan. Suze Orman also suggests not taking out a loan longer than 36 months, the longer time period for the loan the more interest you will end up paying in the end. Read the full story here!

BOBSTALLINGSCARS.COM HAS AGGRESSIVE RATES AS LOW AS 2.24% FOR WELL QUALIFIED BUYERS. AND OUR PRICES BEAT ANY SAVINGS THAT YOU WOULD FIND AT ANY OTHER DEALER! Find out if you qualify here!

Lexus LX 570 “I Can See Around Corners”

The Lexus LX 570 is the first ever car with the ability to see around blind corners that drivers can’t see. The Lexus LX 570 has a standard blind corner monitor installed in the front navigation panel. This front and side video monitoring system displays blind spots for the driver and assists with parking. The cameras are installed below the logo on the front bumper; to see a 180 degree view on the front, exterior left; to view the back side, right outside of the back passenger door. All of this amazing technology doesn’t change the luxurious and refined look of the Lexus that we are all expecting. If the vehicle goes below 5 miles per hour the navigation automatically goes onto the navigation screen. The Lexus LX 570 was the first car to add this feature. Lexus is always thinking ahead and truly knows today’s driver.

Another notable feature is the “Crawl Control” feature. Name stemming from cruise control, this is an additive off-road-capable feature made for multi-terrain driving. Off roaders also enjoy the multi-view cameral in order to avoid any scratches or dents by the rough terrain. The antilock breaking system is also designed for terrain by reducing stopping time on sand or gravel. The Lexus LX 570 is made strong enough to battle the toughest terrain and is still packs in the luxury of Lexus.

Speed, intelligence, functionality, luxury and room for 7! This fully loaded Lexus LX 570 is the perfect blend of family hauler, daily driver and mudder-both on and off Main Street. Please visit your trusted used car dealer of Carrollton here to find out more about the Lexus LX 570!