Leasing versus Buying a Vehicle

If you are in the process of purchasing a vehicle you may be asking yourself if you should buy new or used or lease a car or truck. Most people want to find the most economic strategy especially when purchasing a vehicle because of the value of depreciation and the outlook on our current economy. Is it more cost effective to lease or own your car or truck? What are some of the advantages or disadvantages of both? This topic has even been in the news recently and was discussed on Fox News. Here is a look at the comparisons of leasing versus buying a vehicle.

If you need a loan to purchase the vehicle, you should know that the types of loans are different. A loan for leasing a vehicle is for the use of it. While on the other hand, a loan to purchase the vehicle is for the ownership of it. You have to decide if you want to pay the loan simply for using the car or truck or owning it. It is important to analyze your financial situation and what costs you can or want to afford. Leasing allows you to drive a new vehicle every two to three years, or when a new model is introduced. Buying will offer you lower monthly payments over a long term payoff. Essentially, owning is more cost effective.

The next comparison is cost. When you lease a vehicle you do not have to worry about the depreciation value, but at the end of making your payments to use the car you will have nothing to show for it. Once your use of the car is up, you stop making the payments to lease and have to return the vehicle. You will also have to pay for any damages that it incurred while you were leasing it. When you buy a vehicle, you own it. The car or truck will lose value because of depreciation and if you decide to sell or trade in, you will not receive as much for it that you purchased it for. If you make a decision to buy, you can then have the option of buying new or used.

Buying a used car or truck is the most cost effective option if you decide to purchase. When you buy a used car the down payment and monthly payments are much lower than a new car. You will also lose less in depreciative value because you have paid less for it. Overall, the total cost is much less than a new car. New vehicle cost has gone up in recent years while most people’s paychecks have not. The overall yearly cost to purchase a used car is three times less than leasing a new one.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

The Value of a Classic Car

When a classic car drives by on the road, you cannot help but to stop and admire it. They are breathtaking, unique, and coveted by many. For some people, a classic can bring back memories from their youth and for others it inspires a dream to own one of these fine cars. Classics do not come cheap and you will pay a pretty penny to own one, especially if it has been restored. So what makes a car a classic and why are they so valuable?

A classic can be defined as a car that is twenty five years or older, but this is a very vague classification for a classic. There is more to it than simply the age of the car. Older cars that were really popular during the time they were manufactured can now be classified as a classic. Old cars that are hard to find because they are rare or were limited editions are often called a classic. A lot of muscle cars, rare, and limited edition models are often classics.

The value of a classic increases as the desire to have one goes up. There is an inverse relationship between desirability and rareness and the amount of value they are worth. Limited editions are often the most valuable classic because a lot of people want them but there are few available. Some common classics that are widely available because they used to be in mass production are less valuable.

Askmen.com came up with a list of the ten most expensive classic cars. To make the list, the cars had to be at least twenty years old and had to be on the market for a “quantifiable amount.” Here is the list of expensive classics and the value that was compiled by askmen.com starting with number ten.

10. 1956 Ferrari 860 Monza – Valued at $2.5 million
9. 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Spider Corsa - $2.53 million
8. 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster - $3.63 million
7. 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 - $4.07 million
6. 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe - $4.4 million
5. 1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo B - $5.6 million
4. 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM - $6.5 million
3. 1931 Type 41 Bugatti Royale - $8.7 million
2. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $16.6 million
1. 1954 Mercedes W 196 – Valued at $24 million

As you can see, these classics are worth millions of dollars. If you have a rare or limited edition car in your garage, it could be worth millions twenty years from now.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.


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Off Road Techniques and Places to Go

If you have a truck or SUV, you may like to take your vehicle off the open road and onto the muddy trails throughout Texas. Off roading is a lot of fun, but needs to be taken seriously because of the dangers of the unpaved roads and trails. There is a lot of open country in Texas, and there are parks where you can take your trucks and other off road vehicles to explore the terrain and have fun in. Here are some parks in Texas to go off roading and some tips and tricks to remember.

Off roading, sometimes referred to as mudding, requires a lot of open space, unpaved terrain, and mud. You can take your vehicle off road anywhere that you see a lot of open unpaved roads or trails. Keep in mind not to trespass on someone’s property or take your vehicle off road where the conditions are unsafe. If you are taking your truck on an off road adventure and you are not at a park, explore and survey the area first to avoid unsafe roads or trails. For example if you are near water, you do not want to end up in a deep area where your vehicle can get stuck or flooded.

There are parks that are designed for off roading in Texas. Some popular off roading parks are: General Sam’s Off Road Park in Huntsville, Mud Creek Off Road Park in Jacksonville, and Gator Park in Easton to name a few. In Alto, there is a park that holds an annual party called the Redneck Offroad party on their 250 acre park. A great way to find some great off road places is to join clubs or groups and be involved on off road forums online.

When you do take your vehicle on an off road adventure, it is not recommended to buy a new truck for this. Used trucks and ATVs are great for this type of thing. Austin used cars dealers have great selections of used trucks as well as cars. A lot of damage can be done to your vehicle when you are off road, so buying a new truck can be very expensive, especially if there is damage that cannot be fixed.

When you are ready to take you r vehicle off road, you will probably find these tips helpful. First, choose a course based on your skill and knowledge of off roading techniques. If you are a beginner, you should not be on an advanced trail. The next tip is to let some of the air out of your tires. Doing so will allow for better traction. Also, if you are going over a large object, such as a rock, go over it head on with your tire and do not have the object in the middle of your vehicle. If you do not want to damage your vehicle too much or do not want a lot of scratches on it, give your vehicle a good and thorough wax job.

When you are going off road, be sure to find a park that has trails that are not too advanced or too easy for your skills. Once you have a place, remember the off roading tips and you will be sure to have a fun adventure.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

SUTs versus Full Sized Trucks

If you spend a lot of time on the road, you may have noticed that there are a lot of trucks in Austin, TX and surrounding areas. Having a large vehicle can be necessary if you live in a rural area such as the surrounding hill country of Austin. A new style of trucks that a lot of people are driving is called a sport utility truck or SUT. An SUT has the luxury of an SUV, but some of the functionality of a full sized truck. Depending on what your needs are for a large vehicle or a truck will determine which one will offer more benefits and advantages for your driving needs.

There are different sport utility trucks that you can choose from. A lot of car makers ranging from Hummer, Chevrolet, and Cadillac make an SUT model. If you prefer luxury over functionality then an SUT may be exactly what you are looking for. A sport utility truck has the look and feel of a full sized truck but offers the comfort and luxury of an SUV or large car. In summary, it is an SUV with an open cargo container. An SUT is still capable of off roading and hauling, but does not have the same large pickup bed size as a truck. A great off road vehicle that can withstand any terrain is the model made by Hummer.

If you need or require the day to day functionality for a working truck then a full sized truck may be more appropriate. A full sized truck is still very comfortable but is not as glamorous or luxurious as an SUT. The pickup bed is larger and better for hauling and heavy duty work. For example, if you work in construction this would be a better choice because you would require the functionality and practicality over luxury. Full sized trucks have great towing capabilities too. In some cases, there is more cab room inside of a large truck than there is in a sport utility truck.

Both types of trucks have a lot of functions and capabilities. They are great for on road and off road driving. If you do not need the space of a full sized truck, then you may appreciate the glamour, comfort, and luxury of an SUT. Other drivers may prefer the original make and functionality of a truck. You can always contact an Austin used cars dealer to test drive their selection of trucks. It is better to make a choice based on your needs or wants for a vehicle. Texas does have a lot of trucks on the road but there is always room for a sport utility truck too.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Leather or Cloth Car Seats?

You may be in the market for purchasing a vehicle. There are so many things to consider and a lot of research should be done before making your final purchase. Some factors you may consider are: do you want a car or a truck or an SUV, new or used, black or blue, leather or cloth, and many more factors. Some people prefer to be an impulse shopper, but when it comes to automobiles you should take the time to research your purchase. Used car dealers are great resources and do not be afraid to ask questions from your dealer.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, you should then decide on the interior you want for your vehicle. One interior may be better in certain climates, and one may be beneficial for your needs. Fortunately, this choice does not have to be too time consuming because your choices are leather or cloth. Here are some of the advantages of each to help you in making your decision. You can weigh out the advantages of each and see which interior will best suit your needs.

Cloth interior is less expensive than leather, and for a shopper on a budget this would be the way to go. Another advantage of choosing this interior is that it can be more comfortable, especially for kids. Young kids often fall asleep in car rides, and the cloth interior is comfortable to sleep on. The interior absorbs sweat and will not make you perspire. If you live in a really hot climate this will be advantageous for you especially if you do not like to sweat. Another great advantage of cloth interior is that the temperature of your car seats will not be extremely hot or cold. The cloth holds the same temperature.

On the other hand, a lot of people prefer a leather interior. If you are buying a Austin used cars, this interior can increase the value of your vehicle. Leather has more of a luxurious appearance and is very comfortable to sit on. Another great advantage is that it is very easy to clean. Liquid cannot be absorbed into the material and you will not have to worry about your car or truck smelling bad. You can even purchase leather interior treatment products from your car dealer. Because leather does not absorb odors, the smell of your car will always be good.

There are advantages with both types of interiors. The type you choose should be about your personal preferences. After looking at the benefits of both interiors, you should be able to make a choice that is best for you and your driving needs.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Does Car Color Matter?

What kind of car you drive can say a lot about the person driving it and their personality. Does the color of the car also affect how people or police officers may or may not perceive you? There are myths that red colored cars tend to get pulled over more often for speeding. Is this myth actually a reality? Does the color of your car really matter? Are certain colors better for warm or cold climates? Here are some examples of car color and what people say about it.

According to some studies, the red car myth is false. A lot of people believe that red colored cars are usually pulled over for speeding because the bright color attracts the notice of police officers and is an attention grabber. Studies have shown that speeding red cars get pulled over just as often as other colored speeding cars or trucks. However, most sports cars have a higher chance of being caught for speeding than a truck or SUV.

A study published in the *British Medical Journal from December of 2003 reports that car color can matter when it comes to car accidents. Certain color cars are more prone to being in accidents. Brown, green, and black cars have higher chances of being involved in an automobile accident. If you want to be safe and not sorry you should drive either silver or a white car. Silver cars were reported as the safest color. They believe this to be true because colors that are lighter in color are more visible on the road.

If you live in an area that is hot with high temperatures, it is better to drive a lighter color car or truck. Darker colors heat up faster than lighter colors. This is also true with the interior of the car. The sun can also fade the color of your vehicle. You may notice that people who live where it is hot most of the time drive white cars with a light interior. This is not true for all people though. Even if you drive a blue car in a hot climate it will still heat up.

The color of your vehicle can also say something about your personality. This is not true in all cases however. Some people choose a certain color for practical reasons or maybe they will choose blue if it is their favorite color. Here are some rare colors for cars and what it could mean about your personality. If you drive an orange vehicle it can mean that you like to be the center of attention and that you seek attention. Pink is also not common and could mean that you like to comfort people and also need comfort in your life.

*Original Article http://bit.ly/buRA9l

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Cars and Personalities

Deciding what car, truck, or SUV to purchase for you can be a challenging task. There are many factors you have to consider when making your decision. Those factors include choosing a brand, style, color and features for example. Do you like small fast cars or do you prefer a rugged, hefty truck? What kind of vehicle you choose can say a lot about your personality. Now, of course there are not any scientific findings with the association. Here is a fun way to look at cars and personalities. What does your vehicle say about you?

There are conditions that control how you choose a vehicle to drive. You may need to consider your budget, how many people will be in your vehicle like kids, parents, or friends, and location. Small cars are not as functional in the hill country as trucks or SUV’s are for instance. On the other hand, smaller cars are perfect for city living and narrow roads. Some of these conditions may also affect what your car says about your personality too. For example, maybe you like fast paces and large crowds so you probably own a smaller car because you live in the city.

Driving a luxury car such as Lexus, Mercedes, or BMW can mean that you enjoy the finer things in life, work hard for what you have, and prefer a high end style. You are flashy and like to be the center of attention sometimes. You want the best of the best and do not settle for anything less.

A small fast car such as Honda, Acura, or Nissan means you like fast paces and love speed! You find roads that are curvy and have a strong sense of adventure. You are probably competitive in nature and find yourself racing other cars on the road, even if that means being the first to accelerate at a green light.

Or perhaps you prefer to drive a big rig like an SUV or a truck. You like big vehicles that are dependable and can be used in any work situation. You most likely enjoy the outdoors, working hard, or the country way of life. You most likely live outside of the city or grew up in the hill country or mountains.

If you are driving a used vehicle you are most likely sensible, smart, frugal, and dependable. You recognize the value of a dollar and appreciate the earnings from your hard work. You may be a bargain shopper and are always on the lookout for the best deals in life.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

How to Test Drive a Used Car

When you are purchasing a vehicle, whether it is new or used, the most important thing to do while on the lot is to ask the seller for a test drive. You want to make sure that the car or truck is easy to drive and fits your needs as the driver. There are a lot of components that your should check while you are taking the prospective vehicle for a test drive. New and used cars should be tested differently because used ones have had previous owners and most likely repairs and replacements unlike a new one. Here are some things you should remember when test driving a used car.

The most important thing to remember to ensure your safety is to perform a vehicle check. You should check to make sure there are proper fluids in the car or truck including break, steering, and windshield washing fluid for example. All of the lights should be in proper order such as the brakes, reverse lights, and signals. It is imperative to check the tires because bad or badly worn tires can make the driving experience feel completely different if the tires are in bad shape.

When you are test driving a used car do not be afraid to take your time. Do not feel rushed by the seller or used car dealer. You need to feel comfortable with the feel of the car and how it operates. Be sure to test the blinkers, the radio, the air condition, heater, and windows for example. It is really important to feel how cold or hot the air condition and heaters are. If you are living in an area where it gets really hot in the summers such as Austin, you want your Austin used cars to have cold air. If you live in a very cold area in the winter like in the east, you would want the heater to be in perfect working order.

It is also very important to have an open mind while you are test driving used cars or trucks. You may have your mind set on a certain model or brand, but keep your options open. Used cars run just as good, if not better, than new cars. If you are looking for a new vehicle, do not count out a used car as an option. There are many advantages of buying a used car, and you should take the time to test drive a few used models.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Tips for Buying a Used Car or Truck

There are many advantages for purchasing a used vehicle rather than a new one. The number one advantage is that you do not have to worry about rapid depreciation rates like you would with a new car or truck. The value of a used vehicle is better, and the prices are more affordable and reasonable. There are a lot of selections for used cars and trucks, and you can decide on many different styles and models to choose from. Older vehicles that are well maintained run great and usually only need minor adjustments. When you are ready to purchase a used car or truck here are some tips for buying your vehicle.

Because you are not the sole driver of the used vehicle, it is important to check the history of the car or truck you want to purchase. Properly maintained vehicles can operate and run smoothly for years, but the reliability can decrease if it was in numerous accidents or not maintained. You can get a history report that documents if the vehicle was in any type of accident. If it was, check the repairs to make sure they were addressed.

There are many things you should look at before you drive a used vehicle off the lot. First you should check the body of it and take your time doing so. There should not be visible damage or scratches. You should also look at the interior and make sure there are not any torn seats or other ripped materials. You can tell if the vehicle was well maintained if the interior and body look nice.

If the vehicle you are looking at has power windows, locks, and steering, you should check to make sure everything is in working order. Ask to take the vehicle on a test drive and make sure the windows roll up and down easily, the steering can be maneuvered to your satisfaction, and check to see if the locks work. Electrical problems can be very costly and can cause annoyance if your windows do not roll down for example.

Another important thing to check for is the heating and air conditioning. This is especially important if you live in a very hot or cold climate. For example, the summer in Austin is extremely hot and you will want your Austin used cars to have cold air condition. If you live in the north, for example, it will be very important to have a working heater for the cold winter months.

Used car dealers also do a lot of these inspections for themselves before the purchase a vehicle from someone. You can ask if they have a history report. If you are uncomfortable checking the interior, exterior, and electrical work you can hire a mechanic to look at some of the more technical components. Used vehicles are a great way to go because of the affordability, value, and running lifetime.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Courteous Driving Skills

Safe and courteous driving should be practiced every day. If more people drove this way then there would be less road rage and fewer accidents. Being nice will get you a long way in life and this also pertains to the road. As drivers, we should follow all driving rules and laws. Take your time, be polite, and drive safely from destination A to destination B. Following these driving tips, and following the rules of four way stops and yield signs, will make you a courteous driver on the road.

First and foremost, know where you are going. If you are driving to a place you have never been before or are driving in unfamiliar locations, look up maps of the area. You can look up maps online or buy a road map to familiarize yourself with the location you will be driving in. It is a great safety tip to have printed road maps in your vehicle for emergency situations. Even if you have GPS, you should still be familiar with where you are going beforehand. If you know which roads or freeways to take, you are less likely to drive slow, cause traffic, or cut people off. We have all seen the driver that slows down at every road sign to check the name of a street, and sometimes we have even been that driver.

Being courteous on the road will require you to be tolerant and polite. There are different ways to be courteous to other drivers. If someone is driving faster than you or seems to be in a hurry, you should let them pass you safely. Yield when you need to and don’t ignore stop signs or yield signs. If you are making a lane change or a turn, it is polite and safe to use your signal. Doing so will avoid accidents or cutting off other drivers. If you are the driver who is going faster, don’t tailgate or act with road rage. Also, if someone happens to cut you off don’t honk your horn or yell at them through the window. If the driver is really aggressive, you can call the police and report the driver. If you accidently cut someone off, you can apologize by waving your hand in the rearview mirror for them to see and to acknowledge you made a mistake.

You don’t need to be a bully on the road or try to enforce driving rules for other drivers. Be polite, tolerant, and aware of how and where you are driving. Being a courteous driver will ensure your safety and you can avoid accidents and road rage.

About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Emergency Preparedness Kit for Your Car

Driving a vehicle can be a very pleasant experience, but we have to keep in mind that safety should always be our top priority. As a driver, you hope that there won’t be any car accidents, traffic jams, terrible weather, or accidents in the car from kids or other unruly passengers. Living in Austin, TX, most of us know how the weather can take a turn for the worse. During the winter months, we have to be cautious of ice storms, freezing, and heavy rain when we are lucky. Unfortunately, inclement weather can make the roads hazardous. If you live in the hill country you have to be on the lookout for deer on the roads in the spring which can cause some very serious accidents. If something were to go wrong, you should be prepared for any situation with an emergency preparedness kit for your car.

If you are a parent driver, you know that kids can get cuts or scrapes from playing around in the car. It is always handy to have plenty of band aids available. There are other necessities that you will need for your car kit, including fluids for your car in case there is a break down. Here are some tips and materials to use when making an emergency preparedness car kit.

If nothing else, you should always make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. In the event of a breakdown, you can do some trouble shooting to see what the problem is. A lot of times the vehicle is out or low of proper fluids. Your car kit should include motor oil, a gallon of water, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, power-steering, and brake fluid. If you have the space in your kit or somewhere else, include a funnel so that pouring liquids in will be easier. It’s also a good idea to keep a few old rags to clean up with.

Once you have fluids for your car, you can work on materials for your car kit in case someone in the vehicle is hurt from an accident or other mishap. A standard first aid kit should include band aids, gauze, bandages, something for sterilization like alcohol wipes, scissors, instant cold pack, adhesive tape, gloves, and pain relievers. If you have medication that you need daily, such as insulin or an inhaler, you should include them in your kit as well.

Other items that will come in handy in case you are stranded or lost should be considered as well. When ice storms hit in Austin, some cars can get stranded over night on the road. This happened to a lot of people commuting out of Austin on their way home from work. Your emergency kit should include blankets, flash lights, batteries, energy or protein bars, toilet paper, jumper cables, road flares, and a battery powered or solar powered radio. These items are especially important if you are going on a long road trip, camping trip, or a day of off-roading.

You should always be prepared for any situation that might arise while you are in your car and on the road. It is better to be safe than sorry. You can encounter bad weather, a break down, or a car accident whether you are in Austin used cars or new cars, and you should always be prepared. Being prepared is your key to safety while on the road.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable Austin used cars and is known as one of the best used cars austin dealers. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.