Buying used? How to avoid getting bitten by repair costs

(ARA) – If your old clunker is gasping its last, you might think (like millions of other Americans these days) you can save yourself some money by buying a used car instead of a new one. You can — if you make smart buying decisions. Hasty or unwise used-car buying can end up costing you much more in the long run.

As new car sales have crashed, purchases of used cars continue to rise, according to many news reports. In March, PBS reported that dealerships sold more than 2 million used cars in recent months, about 25 percent higher volume than you would expect in a healthy economy. The math behind the trend is simple: new cars cost more than used, depreciate faster and are generally costlier to insure, so more Americans are buying used to save money.

But what about repair expenses? If you buy a used car for $15,000 and it costs you $5,000 in repairs in the first year, have you really saved? To ensure you’re buying a used vehicle that won’t turn into a money pit, follow a few simple steps:

Early in the Process:

Repairs are a reality of used car buying. As vehicles get older, they begin to need more maintenance and repairs. Some newer model used vehicles may still have some factory warranty left, but older models usually do not. An impending need for repairs, however, may not necessarily be a deal-breaker if you find out ahead of time how much those repairs might cost and budget appropriately.

You probably already have a few makes and models in mind. Before you settle on one, compare the cost of the parts needed for the most common repairs and maintenance. One model may have a sales price that’s $5,000 less than another you’re considering, but if the cost of parts is 20 or 30 percent higher than parts for another vehicle, the higher priced model might actually be a better deal.

Turn to resources like RockAuto.com to compare parts prices. The site’s Repair Index automatically pulls prices from the company’s vast auto parts catalog based on year, make, model and type of part. It’s a quick, easy way to compare parts costs for different models and the results can be surprising.

For example, you might think a Chevy Metro is an economical car, but parts for one can be expensive, according to RockAuto, which sells parts for an average 20 to 60 percent less than other parts dealers. The bulk of the company’s business is selling parts direct to consumers, so it’s possible to save even more money by buying parts directly and doing repairs yourself. Visit www.RockAuto.com to learn more.

Next, check the repair history for a particular make and model from a credible source like Consumer Reports. The independent ratings organization maintains a huge database of information on virtually every make and model vehicle available in America. Actual owners and drivers contribute the information based on their experiences with a particular vehicle.

Once You’ve Narrowed it Down

When you find a vehicle you’re interested in, check the repair history and maintenance for that specific car. Pull a vehicle history report from a third-party source like CarFax, which will generally list major (reported) maintenance and accidents. The report can also help you spot discrepancies in odometer readings, if the vehicle has been used in an area prone to flooding, or if it’s been rebuilt after being in an accident so severe it was declared a total loss.

Never buy a used car until you’ve had it checked by your own mechanic – not even from a dealership that offers “certification” on its used vehicles. If a seller isn’t willing to let you take the vehicle to your mechanic, walk away.

Finally, consult your insurance agent to see how much it will cost to insure the vehicle. A used car that actually increases your annual premium may not be the great deal you thought it was.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Budget conscious Americans are dining in — in style

(ARA) – As the economy took a downturn, there was a major shift in how Americans shopped and entertained. ‘Nesting’ made a comeback, and as such, dining out has been replaced with invitations to friends and family to dine in.

And, while we’re looking for ways to cut spending and save money, we still want to keep our decor — in the kitchen and on the dinner table — fresh, modern and fun for everyday and the occasional soiree.

There are several ways to wow party goers and stay within your budget. You can repurpose the plates you have or purchase a couple of inexpensive but key pieces like linens and silk flowers to create an entirely different look. Before you do anything, however, take stock. This season’s dining decorating trend may already be in your cupboards.

Urban elegance
This year, lemongrass is making the statement. Incidentally, Michelle Obama chose to wear the color on her husband’s inaugural day.

In an urban-inspired decor, this chartreuse-like shade is the color that gets attention and leaves a lasting impression. “It says ‘optimism, vibrancy and cheerfulness,’” says Ed Wonder, director of design for Fiesta Dinnerware, an iconic American brand. “Throughout history, when our country is in turmoil, we’ve often looked to bright colors to lift our spirits.”

Consider adding a few pieces in this contemporary color to each place setting, either a solid napkin or bud vase holding a single fresh orchid. If you already have chocolate- or ivory-colored china, mix in lemongrass-colored serving platters and bowls; the three-way color combo sets the stage for a metropolitan meal.

To make guests gasp, go bold with the colors of lemongrass, black, white and several shades of purple.

Bohemian but chic
The bohemian lifestyle is all about collecting pieces over time, mixing and matching similar with dissimilar items, and creating a feeling of overall freedom. With that said, almost anything goes. So, don’t rely on a standard ’set’ of dishes to enhance the dining experience. The key is to mix different shapes — like round dinner plates with square bowls — as well as sizes, colors and patterns.

Fiesta recently introduced square dishes to its nearly 75-year-old signature circular design. The layering effect achieved when the two shapes are combined not only adds dimension, but a bit of playfulness to the setting.

Most importantly, be unconventional with your color and pattern choices. Mix brights with earth tones, like Fiesta’s peacock and tangerine with chocolate and evergreen dinnerware. And, incorporate decorated glassware, cups and saucers and dessert plates — in any pattern, even paisley — with solid pieces.

The good news is you can achieve ‘bohemia’ without breaking the bank. Purchase one or two new, but inexpensive, pieces that you can add to your everyday dishes, like a set of square bowls to layer with round designs. Or add chargers in a shade that acts as an accent to the current color scheme.

Your best bet is to raid your grandma’s boxed up dishes in the basement or scout out bargains at local antique stores and garage sales.

Patriotic plating
What better way to show your patriotism than with dinnerware in the colors of the flag, and made right here in the U.S.A?

Fiesta offers its scarlet, cobalt and white (or ivory) dinnerware. Chances are, you already have a set of white or ivory everyday dishes (the top colors on bridal registries), so you can easily add splashes of scarlet and cobalt without spending lots of your hard-earned cash.

A simple table runner, flatware and a few large vases in all three colors, and you are all set to celebrate the blessings in life and support your country on July 4, Labor Day, or any day of the year.

A unisex tabletop
For a serious, sophisticated dinner setting that appeals to both ‘him’ and ‘her,’ turn to colors that mimic menswear. Choose dinnerware in the following color combinations: black, evergreen, marigold and white, or black, chocolate, cobalt blue and ivory.

Consider covering the table with a herringbone, houndstooth or plaid tablecloth. This doesn’t have to be a designer label; buy the fabric by the yard at a local arts and crafts store.

Place stacked settings — charger, dinner plate, salad or fruit bowl — on top of leather placemats. Use solid napkins, but in a bright accent color to soften the look for female guests. Tangerine works well with chocolates, as does a sunflower shade.

Whatever your design preference is for the season, be it urban, bohemian, patriotic, or more masculine, you can be a trendsetter and achieve these looks on a budget.

Just combine a few new pieces, dishes you already have, and a little creativity.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Vacation locally to save big this summer

(ARA) – With a down economy and the potential for higher gas prices this summer, many Americans are looking to take a more budget-friendly trip. Taking a “staycation,” instead of a traditional vacation, is a great option to save money. A staycation means you spend your vacation exploring what your city, county and state have to offer instead of traveling far and spending an excessive amount of money.

Many state and county parks and recreation sites offer the opportunity to go kayaking, canoeing, sailing, biking and fishing, or just rent a cabin and relax. To find what your area has to offer, simply conduct an online search for your state’s tourism department. This will reveal all the travel destinations and activities available to you, so you can best plan your staycation this summer.

Bringing essential gear with you instead of buying or renting it when you reach your destination is another way to save money. Make a list of needed supplies, including food items, clothing and other gear you’ll need and pack your vehicle ahead of time.

If you’re hauling kayaks, a boat or any other large recreation items, you’ll need to use your pickup. Your truck bed is a great place to store items during your road trip, but you’ll want to make sure those items are protected from the elements and prying eyes. One way to protect your gear is with a roll-up truck bed cover.

These affordable roll-up covers are easy to install and will give you 100 percent bed usage for hauling your gear. You simply roll up the cover to retrieve items in your truck bed. A high quality and budget-friendly option is the Access Roll-Up Cover, manufactured by ACI (Agri-Cover, Inc.), a North Dakota truck accessory company.

This soft roll-up cover is made of heavy-duty, double-coated vinyl material that holds up to the elements and numerous years of use in all different weather conditions. The roll-up cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp-on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck model. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up behind the cab and never has to be removed when hauling your gear, making it a great option for your summer road trip.

A truck bed cover can also provide you with immediate gas mileage improvement, which may come in handy as gas prices tend to increase during the summer. A truck bed cover will help you save at the pump by reducing drag and making your vehicle more aerodynamic at high speeds. Most truck owners can see as much as a 10 percent increase in their fuel economy.

One Access Cover owner found the truck bed cover to come in very handy while on vacation. “Incredibly well made and functional product. If I would have carried a dozen of these with me on vacation I could have sold them all,” says Mike C. of Carpentersville, Ill.

For more information on the Access Roll-Up Cover or the Access Roll-Up Cover & Rack, visit www.agricover.com or call (888) 874-7205.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Smart ways summer travelers can cut hotel costs

(ARA) – How does your family plan to save money on summer vacation this year?  Driving rather than flying?  Maybe carrying all the items you need instead of renting once arriving at your destination?  These are all great ways to save!  But how do you cut back on one of the biggest, yet totally necessary costs of travel – accommodations?

After airfare (which many travelers are eschewing in favor of less costly motoring), accommodations can be the largest cost associated with summer travel. Short of staying with nearby family (too much togetherness for some of us) or popping a pup tent at the local campground (roughing it isn’t for everyone), how can you cut accommodation costs?

Here are a few helpful hints for both families and business people traveling this summer:

* Stick with a suite deal – If you’re traveling with more than three people in your party, there’s a lot to be said for staying in a suite, from both a cost and comfort standpoint. Suites offer room for larger parties and one suite in a quality hotel can be more cost-effective than booking multiple rooms in a budget property.

Factor in the free extras that come with a suite at a quality brand like Embassy Suites, and the savings can add up further. You’ll save money on food and beverage at Embassy Suites because they offer a free cooked-to-order breakfast every morning and your favorite beverages at an evening Manager’s Reception.

* Timing is everything – If you’re traveling on business, you may not have much flexibility on timing. Still, it’s wise to avoid traveling to a destination during a well-attended festival or event – unless, of course, your business is connected to the event. For leisure travelers, a wiser course might be to choose your destination based on attractions and proximity to home, and then book travel during times when demand is likely to be lower.

Every destination has a “shoulder season” – a time when fewer people are looking to book rooms. Check with the hotel you’re interested in, or the area convention and visitors bureau, to find out when lower demand times occur. You can sometimes save substantially by traveling at those times.

* You’ve earned your rewards – Sign up for travel rewards programs. Look for programs that allow you to move points between accounts. For example, some airlines and hotel chains have programs that award you extra points for traveling with their partners or allow you to apply their points toward travel with their partners. Your points accumulate value faster with these types of programs.

* Shop smart – Comparison shopping is easier than ever thanks to the Internet. Numerous Web sites allow you to quickly find great deals, check out nearby attractions and even create a full travel itinerary. Once you’ve found a great online deal, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone, call the hotel and ask someone there if they can do better than the advertised online rate. If they can’t lower the rate, they may be able to throw in some extra incentives like discount coupons to nearby attractions or even a complimentary meal in the hotel’s restaurant.

To learn more about how to save on accommodations and get a “suite deal,” visit www.EmbassySuites.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent