‘KF for Women’ Archives
Getting the Best Deal on a New Vehicle
The purchase of a new vehicle is often based on emotions rather than on objective decision-making. To ensure that you get the best deal, here are a few simple steps you can follow. First, you must determine your need for a new vehicle. Would a used vehicle fit your need? Advertising is often intended to entice customers into buying a new [...]
What is Your Favorite Road Trip?
It's getting to be about that time of the year. You pack your stuff and go on a road trip. The fact is that Americans love going on road trips between June and August. According to AAA, the average trip this year will be about 620 miles and we will spend about $1,052 on this year's road trip. They also predict that lodging and rental cars will be [...]
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 [...]
Part Two: Parents, Arm Your Kids With the Skills to Survive
In Part 1, you learned about the problem with teen driving and what you can do about it. Here's a look at what you'll be getting into if you decide to enroll in a high performance driving event. I recently had the opportunity to participate in Bridgestone’s Drivers Edge program (www.driversedge.com). It is specifically geared towards teens and [...]
Part One: Parents, Arm Your Kids With the Skills to Survive
So, your 16 year old kid just passed their driving test. Elated, they grab the keys to your ready for an adventure. The doubt you are feeling about their safety isn't just normal parental concern, but rather you know that they are under-prepared and under-trained. The news that drivers’ training in the US is sub-par… well, it isn’t really [...]
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 [...]
What’s Your Favorite Driving Music?
"Here in my car... I feel safest of all... I can lock all my doors... It's the only way to live... In cars..." Maybe, Gary Numan's new-wave synth pop doesn't make your drive anymore inspiring... how about some Def Leppard? Van Halen? So what song makes you feel good when you're driving or make you want to go out and drive? Imagine [...]
Manual Transmissions 101 (Part 3)
From someone who has been driving sticks for quite a bit of time, I have a few words of warning for you. If you master these next steps, it's highly unlikely you'll ever buy a performance car again with an automatic. Having earned the right to be in the elite company of manual transmission pro's, you will not want to step down. Some think it is [...]
