‘Ask KF’ Archives
Electric Vehicle or Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles?
Despite hybrid vehicles being the standard of green vehicles today, the debate rages on. The big debate in the future of automobiles comes down to these two major technologies - electric batteries or hydrogen fuel cells. Let's get this straight, they are both electric vehicles. But the differences are how the electricity is generated and [...]
Today’s Women in Automobile Racing
The world of Automobiles is a male-dominated place. Automobile racing? Now there's a place where estrogen is only found with Mr. Spock's triquarter. Unless the ladies are in skimpy bikinis, or even nude, women are considered to be no more than decorations to the automobiles. Not only do these ladies compete with and against men, but sometimes [...]
Which Payment Protection Plan is Best?
Hyundai started it all. The Hyundai Assurance was the genesis (no pun intended) of the 'payment protection plans.' Now Ford has one called Advantage Plan and GM named theirs Total Confidence. The TV ads seem so sympathetic towards the consumers and are well produced. They all look genuine, but they don't tell you what the really important [...]
Anatomy of an Auto Insurance Policy
Picture this scenario: A woman leaves her car securely locked and safely parked on a quiet side street. But the unexpected happens. When she returns, her car is severely damaged. This scenario has a happy ending. After the initial shock, she calls her insurance agent. The agent guides the woman through the claim process and explains that [...]
What Is Gap Insurance?
When you finance a vehicle, you finance the vehicle, sales tax, licensing, and documentation fees. That adds up to about 110% of the selling price. With an average down payment of 20%, you are barely covering more than the sales tax and other applicable fees. For the ease of math, let's go ahead and use this example: Selling price [...]
Should You Get an Extended Warranty?
You ask your friends for opinions on the possible cars you might purchase, and most of them will recommend you something that they believe are reliable. The car companies and salesman will have you believe that today's cars are more reliable than ever before. Therefore you can skip the extended warranty, right? You've done all the research and [...]
Dealership Operation 101 – Sales Department
The sales department is often called the 'front end' of the business. It is the face of the dealership. Once this part of the dealership was overrun with dishonest people who were in it for the quick money. Not unlike the mortgage brokers of today. Back about one or two generations ago (15-40 years), the sales department made a ton of money for [...]
Myths About Dealer’s Invoice
"Why is the dealer's invoice different than the amounts I see online?" "The dealers show you the fake invoice; don't fall for it. According to this website, the car's invoice is this..." "Dealers only pay half of the car, you can get a better deal." The above are some of the things you often hear from your smart friends. KarFarm wants [...]
New vs. Used – Which is the Better Deal?
The Myth: It's better to buy a one or two year old car than a brand new one. The Truth: It depends! If you're looking to buy a domestic vehicle or a second/third tier import, you are often better off purchasing used. But if you're looking to purchase a top tier import such as a Corolla, Camry, Accord, Civic, or Altima, you should be better [...]
Leasing vs. Buying
"Should I lease or purchase?" This is one of the questions I get asked all the time. If you tend to keep your cars less than 4 years and drive less than 20,000 miles per year, then you could be a perfect candidate for leasing! Most people don't understand leases and upon hearing nightmarish stories about them, many shy away. What makes it [...]
Ways To Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premium
If you're like me, you're always looking for a smart way to save money. Sometimes, saving money can come in the most unlikely place - such as your insurance. There are several ways you may be able to cut your auto insurance costs. Higher deductibles can lower your premium as will selecting only the coverages you feel you need. Many insurance [...]
Enthusiast Forums 101
Having spent countless hours over many years posting on car forums, I've come across some universal truths to get you from the new kid on the block phase, to a seasoned vet quickly. While the process may seem a little daunting at first, there are many benefits to becoming part of the community. Whether you are a proud new owner looking to show off [...]
Vehicle Systems 101
A typical car is made up of over 30,000 parts. Vehicles released in the last couple years have no less than 12 computers, over 250 sensors, and their electronics are at least five times more complicated than the Voyager Spacecraft. The various mechanical and electronic systems in a vehicle are vital for peak performance, efficiency, and passenger [...]
Hybrids, Are They Really Worth It?
If you are asking this question... then NO! You would have to drive more than 25,000 miles per year and the price of the gas would have to be well over $5 per gallon for it to be worth it from a cost perspective. For comparison sake, let's look at the Toyota Corolla -- KarFarm's pick for you commuting champions -- and the world's best [...]
Maintenance 101
Maintenance can be a daunting task for a lot of people. Here at KarFarm, we are all about explaining technical stuff in easy to understand manner, so we'll break it down in simple terms. Usually depending on the make, you would do regular maintenance in the 3,000 or 5,000 mile increments. Very few manufacturers will have a 10,000 mile interval, [...]
