Tips on Buying a Used Car

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So you want to buy a used car, what is the first thing that you do? Knowing that you need a car is easy, but knowing what to do is not. The easy and shortest answer is to go into a dealership. But what about preparing? What is it you need to do before you even set foot in a dealership?

One of the first things to do is set a budget. This budget is to help you know what you can and can’t afford in a vehicle. To do this, you need to know what you are able to comfortable spend on a monthly basis. In case something happens, it is best to set an amount that you can spend if money gets tighter. You’ll always want to check out cars in this price range and set an idea of what you want to spend.

The next step is to head into the dealership and give the vehicle you think you can afford a look-around. Does it hold up to expectations? It probably won’t, it’ll be difficult for it to, but is it suitable for what you need?

To get a better idea, take it for a test-drive. Never forget that you can ask to take a vehicle you’re interested in a drive around the block. You’ll want to see how it feels and how it performs. If something seems off or it is not what you’re looking for, keep other vehicles in mind to give a try.

If you need help with purchasing a new or used vehicle, be sure to contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. If you need further assistance in finding financing for a new vehicle on bad credit, contact our financing department.  We love to say yes, you’re approved!   Be sure to like Bayside on Facebook, following on Twitter, or subscribing on YouTube.

Used Car Prices Are Lower Than Ever, And There Is A Good Reason Why

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Did you know that when new car sales go up, prices on used cars go down? It’s true! In 2014, new car sales were up, and there were more affordable used cars for all price ranges. The reason is that most people purchasing new cars were trading in their last cars to put towards a down payment, and as a result, there is a better variety of cars available for smart shoppers.

The good news is that new car sales are continuing to hold strong so far in 2015. According to CNN Money, car sales are the best they have been in almost a decade, and it is showing no signs of slowing down. This means that more used cars will be hitting the market soon, and with low, low gas prices, owning a car is cheaper than it has ever been.

At Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge, we want to help you make your dream of owning a great car a reality, and we will work with you to find the right car to fit your needs. You can get pre-approval, check out our monthly specials, and shop our online inventory by make, model, and year. Click here to visit our website today, or stop by and visit us in person at 21219 Northern Blvd in Bayside, NY. You can also get our latest deals and news by following Bayside on Twitter and Facebook and subscribing to our YouTube channel!

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Tax Liens: How Unpaid Taxes Will Hurt Your Credit Score

ID-10034355The deadline for filing 2013 Federal Tax returns is April 15, only a few days away, and while some people have already made plans for how they will spend their tax refund, others have yet to file their return or are still making payments.

Most advice for improving or maintaining a good credit score tends to focus on credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, but a tax lien can hurt a credit score significantly. The IRS will report non-payment of taxes to the credit bureaus, and tax liens are listed on credit reports under public records.

Tax liens can drop a credit score by 100 points or more depending upon the amount owed and the number of tax liens listed on the report. Someone who hasn’t paid their taxes in several years will have their payments owed listed separately for each year, and it reflects poorly on the consumer if they apply for a loan, a credit card, or another form of credit.

How can you avoid a tax lien? First, work out an installment plan with the IRS and file for an extension if need be. They will look over your finances and determine how much you can afford to pay. Second, stick to your payment plan. Do not miss a payment. If something changes in your financial situation and you think you will miss a payment, contact the IRS immediately. By missing a payment, you are violating the goodwill extended by the IRS in working out a payment plan, and you will have more worries than a damaged credit score.

Do you have poor credit or no credit? Obtaining an auto loan can be tough, but it is achievable. Contact a sales person at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and find a time to come in so we can work with you to find the proper loan. We’ll get you driving away in the new or pre-owned vehicle best suited for your lifestyle. Be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to us on YouTube to see our monthly specials.

Image courtesy of renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net