Articles written by Ray Paulsen

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About me - Ray Paulsen

In the automotive industry for over 35 years. Including Management - Retail - Wholesale - Auctions - appraisals - Vintage.
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Having a website sharing my knowledge I sometimes feel like a traitor towards an industry that provided me with a very financially

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Autos > Buying Used Cars Good reasons for buying a used vehicle: 1 of 6
When you consider depreciation factor buying a brand new vehicle could be as high as 30% the first year from what you paid out the door, buying a use vehicle becomes an attractive option subject to buyer having done proper homework getting valid value and not ending up with a lemon parked in the driveway.A well maintained 1 t... More..
Autos > Buying Used Cars Tips for test driving a used car: 2 of 10
Having appraised thousand of vehicles, here is the simple steps I used on every test drive, I don't expect you to be an expert overnight but pick up a few pointers will help you getting valid value for your bucks.Starting the test drive...drive the car slowly at first, feel and count the shift changes, Any slipping ? Any hesi... More..
Autos > Buying Cars (Other) Can you trust your dealer? Safeguards to consider: 1 of 5
Having worked with dealerships most of my life buying and selling cars and now retired, am I proud of my accomplishments having served the consumer in a fair and respectable manner, no I am not.But in all fairness it's an easy out for consumers today to say that all car salespeople and the dealerships they work for are scum. ... More..
Autos > Buying Cars (Other) Common errors people make when buying cars: 2 of 8
listed are the 10 most common errors consumers make buying a vehicle. Any one of these mistakes could cost you thousand of dollars or have a lemon parked in your driveway.Be honest with yourself, how many of these steps did you cover buying your last vehicle, I don't expect anybody to be an expert overnight, but when your rea... More..
Autos > Buying New Cars Understanding the F&I department at your dealership: 2 of 7
Mr Smith is relieved. Negotiations to buy his new car are finishing when he is informed that his worksheet is being turned over to the business office for processing the bill of sale for him to sign. Sounds easy, right? If Mr Smith thought his day was over, he is in for an unpleasant surprise. He is about to be shattered as r... More..
Autos > Buying Used Cars How to find out if your used car has been in an accident: 5 of 10
Being in the selling business of used cars over 40 years I must admit today's technology is almost one step beyond me. You got the internet your parents did not experience, you can pay to see if a vehicle has been in an accident through anInsurance claim, it will cost you " it's all about $$$$ " you can enter sites like Carfa... More..
Autos > Buying New Cars How to read a new car window sticker: 10 of 18
Many consumers navigate to sites like kbb or edmonds to get dealer cost but it really is not true cost, consider why is this information available to the public and how can a dealer sell for below or a few hundred dollars above invoice and still stay in business ? read on to get an understanding of what you see on the window ... More..
Autos > Buying Used Cars CARFAX: Friend or foe when buying a used car?: 5 of 9

Whom ever is the CEO for CARFAX " congratulations " you rate as the second biggest scammer in the auto industry today, the number one spot belongs to the oil company's whom regulate the price of gas at the pumps to empty consumer pockets.I know I am making nasty comments, but consider the way how CARFAX advertise their servic... More..
Personal Finance > Auto Insurance Top tips for saving money on car insurance: 7 of 11
In most households a renewal Auto policy arrives via post annually for another term with payment options via credit card or enclosed cheque, if you fit into this mold you could be paying as much as 30% more for Auto Insurance.Does you current policy cover " deminished value " if not it could lead you to shop for policy that f... More..
Autos > Buying New Cars Tips for buying new or used automobiles: 9 of 14

.Sitting in a brand new car you can smell the freshness and it's what we all want to buy, but when you consider you can buy the same type car " used " one year later and save as much as up to 30% it now becomes emotions VS logic.If you have a heavy wallet there is no question buying brand new is the way to go, on the other ha... More..