Habitual Traffic Offender Seal Tips

Becoming a habitual traffic violator doesn't happen overnight. But it also doesn't happen only to bad drivers. Those who drive often for work, whether all day commuting or long-distance travel, are often faced with time crunches, leading them to drive a little faster than they would if they were not limited by time restrictions and deadlines. Realtors, contractors, salesmen, and more are all common victims of speeding and seatbelt tickets because they are often traveling from one obligation to another.

So whether a product of vocational lack of time, or simply an unmindful driver, 10 traffic offenses in a period of 10 years, with 1 being a major violation (i.e. DUI, reckless driving, driving while suspended, etc.), will eventually suspend you of your driving privileges and mark you as an official habitual traffic violator for at least 5 years.

Sounds harsh, doesn't it?

But it's not so bad if you live in a state that allows record sealing and expungement. If you qualify to have your driving records sealed from the public, it can help you get your license back, that job you've applied for, that promotion you've been working toward, or obtain a professional license that was inaccessible before.

Qualifications vary from state to state, and not all states even offer the option, but the most influential factors are time and severity of offenses. Talk to a criminal record expungement lawyer to see if you are eligible for record sealing in your state. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about habitual traffic violator driving records and personal privacy.

While Awaiting Eligibility

After you are convicted as a habitual traffic violator, you must remain one for at least 5 years; however, you can petition to get a probationary drivers' license after only 3 years. In order to qualify for a probationary license, one must have:

Never previously been granted a probationary license as a habitual traffic offender;
Never been guilty of more than 3 unrelated major traffic offenses in one 10-year period;
Never been guilty of a major traffic offense that resulted in bodily harm or death of another;
Never been guilty of violating the habitual traffic offender probation guidelines.
In some cases where the offender is a person who operated a vehicle for the purpose of business, such as a traveling salesmen or delivery person, the waiting period may not apply since their poor driving record may be partly a result of their frequent commuting. It is important to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure you are receiving due justice in traffic court.
Call 317-636-7514 to petition for Indiana record sealing, today. They are a seasoned criminal defense law firm that is well-versed in the new Indiana second chance laws. They offer their services starting as low as $850. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to determine your eligibility for record sealing in Indiana, today.

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Lease Car Vs Buy

If you’ve ever seen commercials from car dealerships that advertise “no-money down” or “no credit needed” lease agreements, you may be wondering what a lease agreement is and why anyone would rather lease a car instead of buying one. A lease is essentially long-term renting, and there are many benefits that come with this type of agreement.

Short-Term Affordability
One of the most common reasons people choose to lease a vehicle instead of buying one is the short-term affordability that they offer. When someone purchases a vehicle, they either have to cover the entire cost of the vehicle out of pocket up-front or secure a loan. When someone leases a vehicle, though, he enters into a long-term agreement to pay a monthly amount over a specified period of time. When that period of time ends, the vehicle is returned to the dealership. Because the nature of a lease involves long-term payments and the intent of the dealership to recoup the value of the vehicle at the end of the lease agreement, lessors usually don’t require the lessee to pay any significant down payment, if any at all.

Tip
If you use your leased car for mostly business purposes, you can file the cost of the percentage of time that you use your car as a business expense on your annual tax return. For example, if you pay $5,000 a year -- $416 per month -- in lease payments, but you use your vehicle for business purposes 80 percent of the time, you can write off $4,000 off on your taxes as a business expense.

Trade-In Value
If you are nearing the end of your lease agreement or have built up any owner equity by paying a large down payment or trading in a car to begin with, you may be able to trade your vehicle in as a down-payment toward a new lease on a different vehicle. If you do it correctly, you may be able to keep trading in your used vehicle for a new one every few years, which would allow you to forgo the maintenance costs of an ever-depreciating car while also never being stuck with the same old vehicle for more than a few years.

Warning
Trade in your vehicle before your lease agreement expires or you won't have any equity left to put down on a new lease.

Less Maintenance
In addition to not having to pay for major issues that an older vehicle would incur, most lease agreements include a bumper-to-bumper warranty for the first year that will cover any damages or problems with the vehicle. Most leases also include a manufacturer’s warranty than can last for a decade or more, which will cover most major damages.

GAP Coverage

Another benefit of leasing a vehicle is that most lease agreements offer GAP insurance coverage, which is essentially an insurance plan that covers the difference between the cost of repairs and the amount that your car is worth. Most lease agreements require you to have both collision and comprehensive insurance, but GAP coverage is an optional policy that could protect you from thousands of dollars in liability. 

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Design Your Custom Truck

To compete in today's technologically savvy market, most car and truck companies have included on their websites a way in which consumers can customize their vehicle to their specific liking before making a purchase. In a matter of minutes, alterations to the standard stock options of a truck can be made and viewed in 3D online. Before you make your next vehicle purchase, consider visiting a company's website to customize your options.

Determine the brand of truck you want to purchase. Research both American and foreign-made trucks until you know exactly what you're looking for. Compare prices, fuel efficiency, size, engine size, transmission and other specifications. Top-ranked trucks can be found on websites such as the U.S. News Rankings and Reviews and Consumer Reports.

Pick out the make and model of your truck. Locate truck manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet or Dodge, and search through their truck listings to find the truck that suits you best. Pick out a small truck for better gas mileage. Pick a truck with four-wheel drive for added safety in winter weather. Choose a truck with fold-down backseats for storage purposes. Determine what you need in a truck, and search accordingly.

Click on the "Build" option. Each truck manufacturer will offer a build-your-own option on their website. Browse through all options for the exterior and interior of your truck. Add a moon roof for days when you want to feel the warmth of the sun. Add heated seats for cold winter mornings. Choose embellished rims to spice up the exterior of your truck, or a cargo rack for hauling outdoor equipment like a bike or canoe. Customize the design of the truck you want to purchase.

Summarize and price your customized truck. Use tools on the manufacturer's website to determine monthly payment options, trade-in values, etc. You will be prompted for your zip code at some point throughout the "building" of your truck. Enter your five-digit zip code so that payment options and values will be as accurate as possible.

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Build Your Own RV Online

Building an RV online will allow you the opportunity to see the various custom features available in various models of RVs on the market today. Dream up your own personalized vehicle down to the color and upholstery, without ever having to leave your computer. Many RV dealers are now making this possible so they can give their clients a better idea of what's available. This a la carte approach to RV shopping allows Internet users to pick what they want, leave out what they don't and to adjust the specs to meet their price range.

Write out a list of any specifications you want on your RV. This could include a particular size, gas mileage, color, interior features, or even a price range. Put whatever you visualize as ideal on your list. While you may not find it all through a custom building website, you will find quite a bit.

Log onto a website that features a custom RV feature. CrossRoads RV and RV Wholesalers are two examples. Depending upon the website you will use, your first step will be to select either a product line or type of RV such as travel trailer, park trailer or a toy hauler.

Select a floorplan to view. You will find these in a right handed column on RV wholesalers, and directly on the page with CrossRoads. Select your decor and construction options. Select safety and maintenance options, if available.

Calculate your payments using the website's online calculator. Add or take away what you need to in order to stay within your price range. Print out photos of your custom RV, and either order online or at your local dealer.

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Specifications of GMC C5500

The General Motors Corporation has a long history manufacturing trucks. The first "trucks" were actually motorized horse-drawn vehicles. However, the company expanded to begin producing light-duty and heavy-duty trucks for urban deliveries. The GMC C5500 is a heavy-duty addition to its line. The vehicle has a 330-hp engine and can support several tons of weight on its front and rear axles. It is equipped for towing and other commercial and industrial uses.

Engine, Transmission and Brakes
The C5500 is equipped with a 6.6-liter Durham engine manufactured by Isuzu. The engine is turbocharged and has 330 horsepower. The vehicle runs on a six-speed automatic transmission and has a spring suspension system. It is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes in the front and rear.

Towing Capacity and Dimensions
The truck's rear end ratio is 4.78, its wheelbase measures 176 inches, its front axle capacity is 8,000 lbs. and its rear axle capacity is 13,500 lbs. The vehicle's fuel tank holds up to 40 gallons. Front tow hooks and rear trailer wiring assist in its towing and trailing capacity.

Other Specifications
The truck has a dual front passenger seat, interior lamp, cruise control and power steering. It's equipped with a heater and air conditioning, 750 cca dual batteries, and an AM/FM radio. Additionally, the C5500 has an air cleaner restriction gauge, as well as a transmission temperature gauge.

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Buying a Car from Japan

Despite the convenience of the Internet, buying a car directly from Japan can be a complex process taking up to two and a half months. With Japanese online car export companies requiring an advance payment of the lump sum, it's important to make sure the company is reliable and the car meets your expectations before proceeding with the transaction. Additionally, it's important to be prepared for Japan's different business methods and the language barrier.

Purchase Process
Find a reputable, legitimate Japanese car exporter. Check out the company's status, which should be Houjin Limited (Ltd.), known as yuungen gaisya, or Houjin Incorporated (Inc.), known as kabushiki gaisya. The company should ideally have a Foreign Trade Chamber registration number, which indicates a history in exports or trading and adequate staff for such purposes. According to Japan-Partner.com, Japanese banking laws required that registered limited and incorporated businesses have their exact registered names on their bank account, so be wary of companies that have bank accounts under a different name.

Find the car you want online and examine its details, such as make, model, production year, gas mileage and transmission. Most Japanese exporters list the registration year, as opposed to the production year, so check for this using the chassis number.

Check with U.S. import laws to make sure that the car you'd like to purchase doesn't break these regulations and that you have the proper paperwork. The restrictions usually have to do with gas emissions and the year of the vehicle. The paperwork is a bill of lading, which is issued by the shipping agent, as well as an original deregistration certificate in Japanese, its translation into English and an invoice.

Pay for the vehicle. Most often 100 percent of the payment is due up front by Japanese exporters. The most common way of paying when buying a car online from Japan is CIF, which includes the car cost, insurance and freight costs.

When your payment is accepted, it can take two to three weeks before your car is shipped, or up to six weeks. When the car has been shipped, a package with your vehicle's documentation is express-mailed. Shipping can take three to four weeks.

Pick up the car by checking with your closest shipping agent, showing your car paperwork that was mailed to you, and arranging for off-loading of the car, which will require a small fee. Custom related paperwork may also be necessary, which the shipping agent will handle.

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Closed-End Car Lease

Leasing a car is actually a long-term car rental. It's an affordable way to be able to drive a brand new auto. Leasing payments can be up to 60 percent less than normal car payments. Down payments on leased cars are also less than if you would buy a car. Use these tips to learn how to get a closed-end car lease.

Visit one or more car dealerships to find the car you want to lease. If you're not sure what type of car you want, visit Autobytel.com on the Internet. You'll find out which are the ten most popular cars and trucks, which vehicles get the best mileage, which are the least and most expensive, etc.

Decide on one or more cars you're interested in leasing. Check out their values from the Kelley Blue Book.

Agree on a firm selling price for the exact car you want before you do anything else. The selling price will determine several aspects of your lease agreement such as the amount of the monthly payments.

Request a "closed-end" car lease and negotiate the details of your car lease. This type of lease basically allows you to return the car after the lease ends. You'll have to pay charges like "excessive mileage" or "wear-and-tear," if applicable. Once you've fulfilled your lease, you're free from it.

Get all of the details of the closed-end car lease in writing before you sign on the dotted line. Read the contract thoroughly and ask questions about any parts you're not sure about.

Get copies of the lease agreement and all other documents you have signed. Then, drive away in your new auto.

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Buying a New Car Online

When you are considering buying a new car, you want to go into the deal with as much knowledge as possible. You also want the full range of choices available to you, which buying online can provide. You can buy a car from the comfort of your living room, and have it delivered to your home or you can go pick it up from a local dealer. There is no pressure to buy, and no hassle. Sounds good!

Visit the official Web site of the maker of your car. The site should have specific information on various new models.

Seek out a third party reviewer like Edmunds.com, which reviews cars as well as presenting new and used cars for sale, for a more objective opinion. The more sources that you can use to compare, the more accurate your information is likely to be.

Conclude the transaction online or have the car held at the dealership for your approval once you have chosen a car and the place to buy it.

Pick up your car, or have it delivered. And don't forget to enjoy the ride!

Tips & Warnings

Check to see if any of the Web sites you are using have a comparison feature to evaluate more than one car at once.
Don't forget important features like gas mileage.
Consider buying a slightly used car-one that is only a year or less old, but already up for resale.
Look for a new car that is local, or a dealership that does not charge you to have the car imported to their lot.
Don't believe everything you read on a dealer's Web page. Remember, they want you to buy the car.

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Open-End Car Lease

An open-end car lease is an alternative way for you to purchase a new car. Leasing will normally give you lower monthly payments and a lower down payment as well. But you'll likely have a large payment-and possibly other costs-to make at the end to finish paying for the car. Use these valuable tips to learn how to get an open-end car lease.

Visit one or more car dealerships to find the auto you want to lease. To help you decide on the right make and model for you, read car reviews, get new car prices and look at pictures of vehicles.

Begin negotiating your car lease by agreeing on a firm selling price for the exact car you want.

Tell the sales person you want an "open-end" car lease. An open-end lease is best for drivers who rack up a lot of miles on their cars because there are no mileage constraints. At the end of the term, you'll need to pay the difference between the "residual value" and the "actual market value" of the vehicle.

Get all of the details of the car lease in writing before you sign on the dotted line. Read the contract completely. Ask questions about any sections that don't seem clear to you.

Obtain copies of the lease agreement and all other documents you have signed.

Pick up your new vehicle.

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Tips to Buy Maserati

At a starting price of $112,000 for some models, the Maserati is not a car that everyone can afford. If you are one of the lucky few who can afford one, then you should do significant research before you buy your Maserati and go into the dealership with confidence.

Determine whether you want a new or used vehicle. Most people who can afford to spend this type of money on cars want a new one, but getting a used Maserati is still a status symbol and still will cost a significant amount of money. If you will be getting a used car, then you should have a price range, a year and the model in mind before you start looking.

Look up the prices. There are guides available that will give you an idea of how much the price is likely to be. You can find these guides for any car, of course, but if you buy a Maserati, the price tag is so high that you need to know that you are getting a good price.

Choose a model. With cars at this level, there are few models out there, which means you should be able to pick the model you would like before you begin your search. At the very least, you can limit it to two or three options.

Find a Maserati dealership near you. These dealerships aren't like Honda or Toyota dealerships. This Fiat-owned company does not have many dealerships in the United States, though it is quickly becoming the hottest market for this luxury sports car. Many states have no dealerships, and the others have only one or two. Find the one closest and check to see if they sell used as well if you are going that route.

Look at classified ads. Now, people looking to buy a Maserati typically will not find an ad in the local paper. Instead check online at used car websites and other places you think you could find people who are selling these cars. Also ask around. If you can afford this car, chances are people in your network know others who have them and may give you pointers.

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Bargaining With a Car Dealer

Whether you are buying a brand new car or a used one, remember there is always room for bargain. Most of us think that asking the dealer for a discount on a brand new car with the prices listed everywhere would be naive. But it is not. Dealers have multiple ways of earning profit on their inventories, selling car above the invoice price is just one of them. For instance, some manufacturers may give one car free for every 'n' number of cars sold by the dealer.

After you have decided which brand of car to buy your next step is to find the authorized dealer.

Locate at least 3 dealers through Internet.

Ask for quotes from multiple dealers.

Identify at least 2 dealers that offer the best price and visit their dealerships to test-drive.

Leave your contact details with the dealers so that they would be able to contact you.

Check the price of the car in Kelly's Blue Book. Make sure you record the invoice price.

Ask the dealers to email you the price quotes. It is easy and convenient to bargain via email route.

Once you get the price quotes, make your best offer. Start from the invoice price (which you got from Kelly's Blue Book) you may start even lower than that but remember that the dealer will not sell lower than what he bought the car for.

After you make an offer be patient. Wait for the dealer to call you. Do not sound like you are in a hurry to buy but at the same time do not look like you are a years away from purchasing.

Make your best offer to all the dealers that you have on your list. Buy from whoever yields to your best bargains

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Tips to Choose Car Color

Not only do you have to decide which make and model of car, truck, SUV, or van is best for you, but also what color it should be. With a huge pallet of colors available, the possibilities are numerous. Use these tips to help decide which color is right for your next car purchase.

Check out the Colors Matter website. Scientific studies have shown that colors can make a psychological impact in your life. While some of this may seem cliché, it certainly is something to consider when making such a large investment. Although you will be inside of the car most of the time, its appearance from when you first see it on the showroom floor to the point of others viewing you as you drive down the interstate just might make a difference in certain circumstances.

Choose a safe color. There have been several studies done to show which is the "safest color" in a vehicle. Lime yellow was picked after one of these studies to paint on fire and rescue vehicles due to its visibility. This color is not widely available or esthetic for most cars. White is highly visible at night and an appealing look on most cars.

Choose a classic color. Style has always taught us that black is classic. This is true on cars as well. Black cars tend to get noticed and are easily visible in daylight, but they show dirt quickly and are far less noticeable at night or in the rain.

Go for a popular color. Silver has been the most popular car color for many years. This is a good color because it reflects the light at night and is visible like white, and also tends to look clean the longest as it is great at hiding dust. The bad thing is that due to its popularity, some people might shy away from the same color as everyone else and at dusk or in the fog it has been reported that the color tends to fade into the pavement and appear invisible to oncoming traffic.

Go for a color that hides dirt. Sand and beige colors hide dirt, but do not draw much attention and this can sometimes lead to danger when you are out in traffic.

Choose a color that stands out. Blue and green stand out more and are both well liked and calm colors. They can look really sharp when clean and shined up, but show dirt easily. You might get tired of these colors if you plan to own the car a long time.

Go for sexy red. This popular choice looks great on sports cars, but also can imply speed. Red attracts the notice of police and leads to tickets and accidents reportedly more than any other car color. Some insurance companies even increase your premium if you choose to drive a red vehicle, something to consider.

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Tips to Buy BMW

BMW is one of the world's greatest luxury cars and now offers styles and options more consumer-friendly brands, like Chevrolet, offer. A BMW is an investment and often seen as much more than just a car. If you think of the buying process this way, you are more likely to be happy with your new BMW.

Decide on the style of BMW you would like. They offer sedans, SUVs, sports wagons and coupes. If you aren't familiar with all the options BMW has to offer, visit their website to check out all the models available and the features they include.

Make a list of the features and options that are the most important to you. If you have a lot of custom features you would like to have, consider custom-ordering your BMW and having it delivered to a dealer near you. This option is available both on the website and at a BMW dealer.

Choose the top three models you are interested in and do more research. The BMW 650 series is rated negatively as having a rough ride, jerky transmission and throttle problems. The BMW X5 is rated as one of the most luxurious SUVs and has a V8 under the hood that is popular with many car owners. These are important things to know about each of the models.

Consider the warranties offered by BMW. The manufacturer offers a 12-year warranty for the bodywork, three years for the paint and an entire automobile warranty that covers original BMW parts and accessories for 2 years regardless of mileage, but not including replacement of worn parts.

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Tips to Buy New Ferrari

Buying a new Ferrari is a fantasy for many people, but for those who can afford the luxury, the process is quite specific. Buying a new Ferrari is not like walking onto a car lot and leaving with the car a few hours later. With a few tricks up your sleeve though, you can speed up the process and get treated like a VIP.

Research the new Ferraris available. This should be done a number of ways. Start on the Ferrari website to see the new models available. Decide which is your favorite. Read reviews about the car from one of the well-known car magazines, like "Car & Driver". This will give you an unbiased perspective.

Locate a Ferrari dealer near you. Check out the DuPont Registry for a list of Ferrari dealers and to compare their prices and inventory. Most of these will be used Ferraris, as listed on the site, but a quick call to the dealer will get you information about purchasing a new Ferrari.

Make an appointment. In order to talk with most sports or high-end car dealers, you will need to make an appointment to go to the dealership. They will be able to show you what is in their inventory and what can be ordered for you. High-end cars are often very customized to the client's needs and wants. This meeting allows you to talk about those needs and wants.

Test drive and buy. If the Ferrari you desire is in stock, you can test drive, often with a large deposit, and decide if it is the right car for you. If so, you will talk with the dealer about payment options. If you are looking to finance, you need to have an excellent credit rating. If you are paying cash, you may be able to get a slight price break, but don't count on it. People who can afford Ferraris generally aren't looking for price breaks.

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Choose a Car Buying Service

We all know the routine of making the rounds to the car dealerships to buy that new or used car. Next time, do the legwork on the Internet. Here is how to choose a car buying service to help you buy your dream car for a great price.

Choose a full-service car buying service. These provide free quotes upfront. Once you secure this price, they will handle your deal from start to finish.

Select a car buying service that gives you the initial quote but then allows you to choose whether to deal directly with the dealer or let them handle the process start to finish.

Join an organization such as AAA. Most of the auto clubs have car buying services free of charge to their members.

Advise your car club that you would like to use their car buying service. Simply provide them with the new or used car information you want to purchase and they will provide a list of car dealerships in your area that participate in the program.

Call the car dealership and tell them your club affiliation. They will give you the discounted price. Purchase the car with the best deal.

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10 Best Safest Cars

There are a lot of different factors to think about when deciding on a new vehicle. Safety should be the most important factor to consider. While gas mileage and appearance are also deciding factors, the ways in which a vehicle can prevent an accident or protect you in the event of one, is more important than any thing else.

Cars
2009 Acura RL rated five stars on the NHTSA Frontal Crash Test, and comes standard with eight safety features. These include pretensioners, anti-whiplash, and stability control, to name a few.

2009 Acura TL also rated five stars. It features front, side, and overhead airbags. It also features stability control and anti-whiplash. Parking assist and keyless access are optional.

2009 Saab 9-3 rates a four on the NHTSA testing and comes equipped with most of the standard safety features. However, it is a bit expensive.

2009 Honda Civic Sedan sports six airbags, and an occupancy sensor. It also has rear child safety door locks and low tire pressure warning. All of this and more comes standard.

Vans and SUV's
2009 Honda Odyssey ranked five stars on all of the NHTSA Crash tests, with the exception of the rollover test, which was ranked four stars. Electronic brake assistance, traction control, and vehicle stability control system come standard.

2009 Audi Q7 is ranked the safest large SUV by NHTSA. It comes standard with occupancy sensor, delay off headlamps, and illuminated entry. It also features ignition disable and panic alarm. Rear side airbags are available as an option.

2009 Acura MDX ranked five stars on both driver and passenger frontal crash tests. Panic alarm, illuminated entry, and rear safety child door locks are just a few of the standard safety features on this small SUV.

2009 Ford Escape is not only safe, but environmentally friendly as well. Another five star vehicle, it comes standard with occupancy sensor, delay off headlamps, and headlight washer. A content theft deterrent alarm system and daytime running lamps are optional.

Trucks
2009 Ford F150 is loaded with safety options from ABS and driveline traction control to height adjustable safety belts. It also includes an occupancy sensor, panic alarm, and illuminated entry. Stolen vehicle tracking is optional, as is daytime running lamps.

2009 Toyota Tacoma is a good option if you are looking for a smaller truck. It features front and side airbags, occupancy sensor, and traction control. Also included is Park Pilot which detects objects five feet from the vehicle.

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Different Types of Auto Loans

Consumers have a variety of options when seeking auto loans. It's important to consider all potential financing methods prior to signing a loan. Among the different types of auto loans available to car buyers are pre-computed loans, simple interest loans, auto equity loans, lease buyout loans, and car title loans. The best loan must fit with a borrower's financial goals and budget.

Pre-Computed Loan
The pre-computed loan, which is the most common, is a standard principal and interest loan. Before a borrower and lender agree and sign the financial paperwork, the interest and principal payments are "pre-computed," or pre-calculated. Once you sign, you'll need to repay every dollar owed in the contract.

Simple Interest Loan
Simple interest loans are for financially savvy customers. These loans calculate interest on a daily basis based on the outstanding balance of the loan, much like a credit card. Customers can save on interest payments by paying more than their standard monthly payments. Another way to reduce interest payments is to make biweekly payments--this will ensure 26 half-payments a year (13 full payments instead of 12).

Car Equity Loans
Equity car loans are normally for short-term loans. In most cases, a lender will not secure a car equity loan if there is currently a lien on the car. Guidelines vary from lender to lender, but in almost all cases, you'll be unable to borrow up to 100 percent of the vehicle's value. Cars rapidly depreciate, unlike properties, and therefore banks like to mitigate their risk with lower loan amounts.

Lease Buyout Loans
Lease buyout loans are just what they seem--loans used to purchase a car that was being leased. These loans are often financed through the dealership where a lease was obtained. In many cases, leasing dealerships do not allow other finance companies to buy out their leases. Be prepared for your payments to increase substantially if you buy out a lease.

Auto Title Loans
Auto title loans are a relatively new car loan product. These loans are made by small finance companies that make you surrender your car title prior to obtaining loan proceeds. These businesses have come under legal and congressional scrutiny; tread carefully before obtaining a car title loan.

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Leasing Versus Renting a Car

Although the terms may appear to have similar meanings, there is a big difference between leasing and renting a car. Both methods tend to be costly if all restrictions within the contracts are not followed, but for those who need a car for only a short time or for limited driving, these options can be cost effective. It's important to understand the differences between these two methods of obtaining a car before making your way to the dealership or rental location.

Leasing
A car lease is a long-term contract. A lease usually lasts about three years. The lessee can keep the car for the period of the lease and must return it in good condition, allowing for normal wear and tear. The lessee must pay finance charges related to the transaction and make monthly payments to the financing company.

Renting
Renting a car is a short term arrangement that lasts from a day to several months. Car rental prices are set by the rental company and depend on the date and time of the rental, the place where the car will be picked up, the type of car, the age of the driver, and the date the car is to be returned.

Costs
With regard to monthly payments, a car lease is very similar to a basic auto loan. The monthly cost depends on the type of car leased and the interest rate, but will generally be between $250 to $400 for a mid-range, intermediate car (such as a Nissan Sentra or Toyota Corolla). Renting a similarly sized car will cost about $50 to $60 per day or $100 to $200 per week. For that reason, it may be cost prohibitive to rent a car for many months. The driver would be better off seeking out a short-term lease of about six months to a year.

Choices
When you lease a car, the car is brand new (in most cases) and you have a broad choice of makes, models, styles and colors to select from. A car dealership can order a new car to lease, according to your exact requirements.

When you rent a car, you are limited to the choices that are available on the lot, and in many cases the car will already be used.

Rules
There are strict rules regarding the use of both leased and rental cars. If a leased car is not returned in an acceptable condition, the lessee may be charged an expensive lease fee. There are also bank fees, taxes, and the lessee must put a security deposit down on the car. The driver must be of legal driving age with a good credit score in order to be approved for a car lease.

Some rental car companies require a driver to be 21 or older to take a car off the lot (25 is the minimum age at some companies). The renter is responsible for covering any damages to the car, and must pay additional fees if it is not returned on time. Credit checks are not common with car rentals. The driver must simply present a valid driver's license and credit card.

More Considerations
When a car is leased, the lessee agrees to drive the car no more than a certain number of miles during the term of the agreement (usually about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year). If the mileage limit is exceeded, the driver will be charged a fee for each mile over the limit as defined in the lease agreement. For that reason, a leased car is not an ideal choice for someone who frequently takes long road trips or commutes long distances to work. The lessee may also opt to purchase the car at the end of the lease agreement.

Some rental car arrangements come with mileage limits and restrictions on where you can drive the car. For instance, if you go outside of the state where you rented the car, or exceed a certain number of miles per day (usually about 100 to 150 miles), you may be charged a per-mile fee. While a rental cannot be purchased at the time of return, rental agencies often sell used fleet cars that they no longer need.

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Auto Brokers to Buy New Car

If you don’t have the time or desire to haggle with a dealership, consider hiring an auto broker to buy a new car. These professional car buyers usually charge a flat fee to negotiate the lowest price for you. Many auto brokers have worked at dealerships and know how low dealers can go on a car’s price. Using a broker can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, according to one automotive consumer website, Edmunds.com.

Hiring an Auto Broker
Check the auto broker’s credentials. After you find a broker online or in the phone book, verify that the business is licensed to sell cars in your state. Search for the broker’s name in the business license database on the secretary of state’s website for your state or contact the Better Business Bureau.

Make sure the auto broker will represent your best interests. Edmunds.com recommends that you ask brokers about their car-sales background, how they set their fee and how their company started. Ask how they find car deals and whether dealerships or car manufacturers pay them anything when they sell a vehicle. Call dealerships and ask what they say about the broker, and see what previous customers say on auto chat boards online about the broker you are evaluating.

Confirm the auto broker’s fee. To get the best price, verify that the broker charges a flat rate and agree on it before you buy the car. Fees can range from about $200 to about $1,000, Edmunds.com says.

Tell the auto broker about the car you want. The broker will contact dealerships and car manufacturers to find the lowest price for the make, model, options and color you are looking for.

Check the auto broker’s price. Don’t take the broker’s word that you are getting the best deal. Check car-pricing websites to see what a vehicle like the one you want is selling for in your area. You might be able to get a better deal by contacting the fleet or Internet sales manager at a dealership.

Buy the car. The auto broker purchases the car from the dealership or manufacturer, and you buy it from the broker.

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Break in New Truck Engine

Break-in periods for vehicles used to be much longer than they are today, often exceeding 1,000 miles. Today, the recommended break-in period for many cars and trucks is 500 miles. Following proper break-in procedures can extend the life of your truck's engine. The following recommendations apply to new Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet trucks.

Do not tow a trailer or any other cargo carrier during the first 500 miles. Your internal engine components are not properly lubricated to handle the stress of towing. You should also avoid carrying heavy loads of cargo in the bed.

Do not exceed 50 mph during your first 500 miles of towing. This should be observed whether you truck has 2,000 miles on it or 20,000. Stay at speeds between 40 and 50 mph to prevent long-term damage.

Go easy on the accelerator during the first 500 miles. Take extra precautions not to spin your tires or make full-throttle starts after you come to a stop. Stay at a variable speed while on the highway or interstate. Adjust your speed by 10 to 15 mph every 15 to 20 minutes.

Avoid hard braking if possible during the first 200 miles. Not only will this reduce wear and tear on your engine, it will prevent damage to your brake pads. This should also be observed after new brake pads are installed.

Do not exceed a top speed of 55 mph for the first 500 miles to prevent excessive wear and tear on your engine.

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