I am the first to admit I love my Escape. It's a vehicle I wanted and worked hard to get post BK. My old car was a 1999 Saturn Station wagon that gave me many years of service and over 232,000 miles. It started to die a very expensive death at the end of it's life and that slow decline corresponded to my BK filing. In fact, my transmission blew up on my way back from my 341 hearing costing me the remaining $300 in my checking account and my next paycheck. Was it fate or just the universe testing me? I knew as soon as I could I needed to replace the Saturn that gave me many years of trouble free service.
Needless to say. I decided on a new to me car from a dealer instead of temporary clunker since my past experience with clunkers was not good. I've had the Escape for two years now and it's chugging along. I take it in for oil changes approximately every 5,000 miles. I've been taking it to one of the two local Ford dealerships for the past 10 months. I was going to a local oil change shop that was increasingly trying to sell you additional services and fluid changes. The service department at the new dealership has been great, does more than the 21 point inspection of the vehicle during the oil change and does it for less than $35. The other Ford dealership seemed to be only interested in making a buck. Each time I would take the car in for an oil change (they offered a $25 oil change) I would get a laundry list of much needed repairs. What drove me over the edge was taking the Escape in for an ABS sensor repair (Estimated cost $400 if new parts were needed) and getting an estimate for $1200 worth of "work". Plus the snotty attitude of the mechanic and the patronizing attitude of the service manager when I said No was annoying. I guess they saw a female with a car and saw $$$$ signs.
The other Ford Dealership that I now go to is much more straight up and honest. Instead of insisting on all these services, they check and re-check during the oil change and talk to you like a person and not a bank account. This oil change was no exception. I had the service and instead of insisting on the full 80,000 mile service, they told me that all looked good and would recommend a radiator flush and fill sometime in the next few months. They said all looked good and probably would be fine, but it did not hurt to do the flush and fill later this spring. I'll plan and budget that for in the upcoming couple months. When the Escape had some problems this past fall, I logged onto a Ford Escape Forum researched the site and found what looked like my problem with my Escape. When I went to the dealership, I told them what I was feeling/hearing in the car, what I found on the forum and left the Escape for the diagnostic test. The service manager listened to me and what I found. He thought maybe the back end of the Escape was shot, but he also looked up on same forum my problem and low and behold, instead of a new back end, all I needed was a repair of a frozen joint of some sort. He did not assume my Escape needed a new back end, He did not dismiss my input, he thought it might a bad rear end on the Escape, but he was open to looking at the forum and also looking at my Escape with my eyes. He told me my type repair was the first he had done on an Escape at his shop and he was glad I told him about the Forum. The repair was under $200 (including the oil change) and this dealership now has my business as long as I have my Escape. This dealership is in the business of repairing cars and maintaining good customer relationships no matter your age or gender.
I did treat the car to a spring cleaning on Saturday inside and out. My car has been freshly serviced and freshly washed. Good way to start the spring!
Showing posts with label car. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car. Show all posts
Monday, March 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
What Got Done At Lunch today
Loan Application neatly filled out-Check
Copies of pay stubs-Check
Letter explaining the BK and why I would like to do a refinance-Check
Copy of car note statement-Check
All of the above FINALLY dropped off to the credit union-Check.
I have to call back on Friday to see if I've been approved for my car refinance. Think happy thoughts and keep your fingers crossed for me.
Copies of pay stubs-Check
Letter explaining the BK and why I would like to do a refinance-Check
Copy of car note statement-Check
All of the above FINALLY dropped off to the credit union-Check.
I have to call back on Friday to see if I've been approved for my car refinance. Think happy thoughts and keep your fingers crossed for me.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Maybe It's The Full Moon
or maybe it's the fact I am just tired of having my middle name be DOORMAT.
I got a call last night from the Ford dealership looking for feedback on my "recent visit and service experience." I gave the poor girl my feedback. I think she was rather taken aback by my response. I told her that I was happy with the repair and fully expected it to be done and done professionally, but was sincerely UNhappy with the up sell and subsequent condescending attitude of the employee who handled my paperwork when I declined the additional services. The main service manager was very pleasant, his underling was condescending. The dealership tried to sell me not only the oil change I originally went in for (and had the ABS light checked out at the same time), but a new fuel filter and a transmission flush and fill. My $30 oil change ended up with a estimated bill of $750 IF I had agreed to all their "suggested and much needed" services. I told the poor girl that the eye rolling by the technician in front of me was less than professional and that the up sell on the other services was more than a little irritating. Plus I can read the owners manual and the recommended fuel filter change was not until the 60k service, the car came into the dealership with 50K on it. I was nice, but very direct with my feedback to the young lady. I don't think she gets many people who give the specific feedback I did.
My check for last months second job work had not arrived by last week. The barn went on a new payroll schedule and I was expecting a check to be sitting in my mail box when I got back from my conference. It was not there. I called the barn and was told they had forgotten to cut me a check and I'd get the check in a couple weeks (the next payroll cycle). I told the barn manger who processes the auxiliary help checks that this was just not acceptable, especially since I did that work in the beginning of October and fully expected (as in the past) to be compensated in a reasonable period of time. Six weeks later was not reasonable. Again I was polite and professional, but I was very firm. I needed that check now. It was in my mail box on Monday.
I also ran into one of my "friends" this morning at the coffee shop. This was the supposed friend who did me no favors in my quest to find Poochie 2 a new home, in fact, she referred a prospective owner to someone else other than me. Supposed friend gives a pleasant greeting and proceeds to ask me a lot of real estate questions about an impending purchase she is making in another state, she is helping her daughter buy a house. And the purchase is not through me or my agency. Call me petty, call me vindictive, call me many things, but don't call me asking for advice on your purchase and sale of a property. Like in many businesses, real estate professionals do referrals if a prospective purchase and sale is really out of our jurisdiction. When this supposed friend needed some advice, I helped her out and asked that if she was serious about a purchase, please let me know as I would love to do a referral. I also gave her the contact information of several agencies. I was told yes, but the referral never came through. All I needed was the name of the agency and agent to process the referral. I was given a song and dance about how the daughter "found" the same agencies (oh my!) that I had given her. She would not be paying for the referral fee, it would come from the other agency. I know we had many conversations about purchasing a home in this market. I more than earned that referral, I did not get it for what ever reason. I did not forget that or the incident with the dog. And I found out about the prospective home purchase through the ever popular and usually reliable grapevine of gossip (remember that 6 degrees of seperation thing). Her explanation of why I did not get this referral was pretty much BS. At the time, I let the situation drop for a variety of reasons. When supposed friend started to ask specific questions, I politely cut her off and said, you really need to talk to your agent about this. Supposed friend was a bit taken aback and said the agent had not returned a phone call. I picked up my coffee and said, I really could not help at all, not my purchase or sale and I don't have a financial interest in the transaction, so I could not help. I smiled, said good luck with the transaction, and walked out of the door.
I had actually given this woman a lot of help and advice for her out of state transaction. The fact that she could not be bothered to do the referral really got to me. I don't need supposed friends or business acquaintances like this. I was polite, I was professional, but I was quite firm when I said Not my problem, use your own agent. I don't get paid to do other peoples work.
What has this got to do with personal finance? It's about sticking up for yourself and getting what you deserve, whether it's better service, a referral, a discount, a bonus, a lead, or what ever. In the past, I probably would have given in and waited the extra two weeks for the check, or spent the 15 minutes giving out free advice or not have spoken up in my own defence. In these tough economic times, we have to do what we have to do and not allowing one self to be used is an important concept. it's about asking for the lower interest rate, asking for the referral, asking for the discount, asking for the extension, asking for the business, it's about getting what you deserve. I may have lost a "friend" over the above incident, but this "supposed friend" has been less than honest on several occasions and I don't need friends or business associates like that. We all deserve better.
I got a call last night from the Ford dealership looking for feedback on my "recent visit and service experience." I gave the poor girl my feedback. I think she was rather taken aback by my response. I told her that I was happy with the repair and fully expected it to be done and done professionally, but was sincerely UNhappy with the up sell and subsequent condescending attitude of the employee who handled my paperwork when I declined the additional services. The main service manager was very pleasant, his underling was condescending. The dealership tried to sell me not only the oil change I originally went in for (and had the ABS light checked out at the same time), but a new fuel filter and a transmission flush and fill. My $30 oil change ended up with a estimated bill of $750 IF I had agreed to all their "suggested and much needed" services. I told the poor girl that the eye rolling by the technician in front of me was less than professional and that the up sell on the other services was more than a little irritating. Plus I can read the owners manual and the recommended fuel filter change was not until the 60k service, the car came into the dealership with 50K on it. I was nice, but very direct with my feedback to the young lady. I don't think she gets many people who give the specific feedback I did.
My check for last months second job work had not arrived by last week. The barn went on a new payroll schedule and I was expecting a check to be sitting in my mail box when I got back from my conference. It was not there. I called the barn and was told they had forgotten to cut me a check and I'd get the check in a couple weeks (the next payroll cycle). I told the barn manger who processes the auxiliary help checks that this was just not acceptable, especially since I did that work in the beginning of October and fully expected (as in the past) to be compensated in a reasonable period of time. Six weeks later was not reasonable. Again I was polite and professional, but I was very firm. I needed that check now. It was in my mail box on Monday.
I also ran into one of my "friends" this morning at the coffee shop. This was the supposed friend who did me no favors in my quest to find Poochie 2 a new home, in fact, she referred a prospective owner to someone else other than me. Supposed friend gives a pleasant greeting and proceeds to ask me a lot of real estate questions about an impending purchase she is making in another state, she is helping her daughter buy a house. And the purchase is not through me or my agency. Call me petty, call me vindictive, call me many things, but don't call me asking for advice on your purchase and sale of a property. Like in many businesses, real estate professionals do referrals if a prospective purchase and sale is really out of our jurisdiction. When this supposed friend needed some advice, I helped her out and asked that if she was serious about a purchase, please let me know as I would love to do a referral. I also gave her the contact information of several agencies. I was told yes, but the referral never came through. All I needed was the name of the agency and agent to process the referral. I was given a song and dance about how the daughter "found" the same agencies (oh my!) that I had given her. She would not be paying for the referral fee, it would come from the other agency. I know we had many conversations about purchasing a home in this market. I more than earned that referral, I did not get it for what ever reason. I did not forget that or the incident with the dog. And I found out about the prospective home purchase through the ever popular and usually reliable grapevine of gossip (remember that 6 degrees of seperation thing). Her explanation of why I did not get this referral was pretty much BS. At the time, I let the situation drop for a variety of reasons. When supposed friend started to ask specific questions, I politely cut her off and said, you really need to talk to your agent about this. Supposed friend was a bit taken aback and said the agent had not returned a phone call. I picked up my coffee and said, I really could not help at all, not my purchase or sale and I don't have a financial interest in the transaction, so I could not help. I smiled, said good luck with the transaction, and walked out of the door.
I had actually given this woman a lot of help and advice for her out of state transaction. The fact that she could not be bothered to do the referral really got to me. I don't need supposed friends or business acquaintances like this. I was polite, I was professional, but I was quite firm when I said Not my problem, use your own agent. I don't get paid to do other peoples work.
What has this got to do with personal finance? It's about sticking up for yourself and getting what you deserve, whether it's better service, a referral, a discount, a bonus, a lead, or what ever. In the past, I probably would have given in and waited the extra two weeks for the check, or spent the 15 minutes giving out free advice or not have spoken up in my own defence. In these tough economic times, we have to do what we have to do and not allowing one self to be used is an important concept. it's about asking for the lower interest rate, asking for the referral, asking for the discount, asking for the extension, asking for the business, it's about getting what you deserve. I may have lost a "friend" over the above incident, but this "supposed friend" has been less than honest on several occasions and I don't need friends or business associates like that. We all deserve better.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Is It Winter Already?
We had snow last night in my area of New England. Not a lot, just some flurries and it was sticking to the deck at work. The sun has come out and it's melting, but sigh, I really wish it did not snow soo early in the season.....
I am sticking to my plan of not watching American National News. It's been blissful. I turn on my local news to get the weather, then I turn it off. As I said before, I can pick and choose the news I want to watch via the Internet. I'm not being oblivious to what is happening in the world, I am just being selective.
My Escape is in for it's ABS tone ring repair. I'm not thrilled to pay a $410 (with tax) repair bill, but it is what it is. I did my research and hopefully this type of repair won't crop up again in 20,000 miles. The Ford Escape forums were very helpful.
I just don't have a great vibe about this dealership. I have this feeling they were a bit put out that I did not cave in to their pressure to have extra service done to the vehicle. They also are trying to up sell folks on various additives for the various car fluids. I'm not buying that up sell. I did speak with my own mechanic and he quoted me a price a bit less than the Ford Dealership and did confirm that the Escape can have this particular repair. The difference in price was about $50 and I'd prefer to have the $50 in my pocket instead of Fords, but I really wanted to see what the dealership was like. Regretfully, it's nothing special and the up sell attitude does not make me want to go back for even a regular oil change.
My old Saturn dealership and repair service was great. I never got an up sell, they had a nice customer lounge and I got a complimentary car wash and vacuum, even with the oil change. If I had to fork over a lot of money, at least I had free coffee, tea and donuts to placate me!
I am sticking to my plan of not watching American National News. It's been blissful. I turn on my local news to get the weather, then I turn it off. As I said before, I can pick and choose the news I want to watch via the Internet. I'm not being oblivious to what is happening in the world, I am just being selective.
My Escape is in for it's ABS tone ring repair. I'm not thrilled to pay a $410 (with tax) repair bill, but it is what it is. I did my research and hopefully this type of repair won't crop up again in 20,000 miles. The Ford Escape forums were very helpful.
I just don't have a great vibe about this dealership. I have this feeling they were a bit put out that I did not cave in to their pressure to have extra service done to the vehicle. They also are trying to up sell folks on various additives for the various car fluids. I'm not buying that up sell. I did speak with my own mechanic and he quoted me a price a bit less than the Ford Dealership and did confirm that the Escape can have this particular repair. The difference in price was about $50 and I'd prefer to have the $50 in my pocket instead of Fords, but I really wanted to see what the dealership was like. Regretfully, it's nothing special and the up sell attitude does not make me want to go back for even a regular oil change.
My old Saturn dealership and repair service was great. I never got an up sell, they had a nice customer lounge and I got a complimentary car wash and vacuum, even with the oil change. If I had to fork over a lot of money, at least I had free coffee, tea and donuts to placate me!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
It's Easy, But It's Not Cheap
The oil change took longer than anticipated this AM for a couple reasons. I had to have a diagnostic run on the car for an ABS warning light. As suspected based on my research I have damaged tone rings. Cost to repair $395.00 (Ouch) and the car has to be there for like half the day. I went to my local Ford dealership for a couple reasons.
1) I had a coupon for an oil change ($29.00) and I wanted to try them out.
2) My regular mechanic did not have a slot open until sometime next week, and I wanted to get this brake code thing checked out in case it was dangerous.
I got the oil change and the "complimentary" inspection of the car. The verdict, I needed not only the ABS work done, but a new fuel filter and a new transmission flush and fill. I only authorized the oil change and made an appointment to come back for the ABS work. I am not going to do the other two recommended services because I think the dealership is trying to pull one over on me. I don't think they were too happy when I said I'd pass on the other items until I had a chance to check my sales paperwork at home. The estimate on those items was an additional $220. This is one female that does her homework.
When I got the car, supposedly it was fully serviced, new filters, new fluids,new tires, new brakes, etc. I'll double check the sales paperwork when I get home. If that is the case, it does not need a the new filters and fluids. I have no hesitation calling the dealership where I got the car and ripping them a new one if need be. I don't think I need to. I have put some decent milage on the car (15,000 miles) in the past 7 months, but a fuel filter should not be replaced every 15,000 miles.
I've had my other oil changes at a local place, $34.99 for a full oil service, exterior car wash and interior vacuum. They are not a national chain and many people (including my boss) use them for the basic maintenance on their vehicles. The last time I was in (in August), there was no indication that I needed a tranny flush and fill or new fuel filter. Plus if I do need the servicing the Ford dealer said I do, the local oil change place will do it for one half the cost, in one third the time and I still get a complimentary car wash!
1) I had a coupon for an oil change ($29.00) and I wanted to try them out.
2) My regular mechanic did not have a slot open until sometime next week, and I wanted to get this brake code thing checked out in case it was dangerous.
I got the oil change and the "complimentary" inspection of the car. The verdict, I needed not only the ABS work done, but a new fuel filter and a new transmission flush and fill. I only authorized the oil change and made an appointment to come back for the ABS work. I am not going to do the other two recommended services because I think the dealership is trying to pull one over on me. I don't think they were too happy when I said I'd pass on the other items until I had a chance to check my sales paperwork at home. The estimate on those items was an additional $220. This is one female that does her homework.
When I got the car, supposedly it was fully serviced, new filters, new fluids,new tires, new brakes, etc. I'll double check the sales paperwork when I get home. If that is the case, it does not need a the new filters and fluids. I have no hesitation calling the dealership where I got the car and ripping them a new one if need be. I don't think I need to. I have put some decent milage on the car (15,000 miles) in the past 7 months, but a fuel filter should not be replaced every 15,000 miles.
I've had my other oil changes at a local place, $34.99 for a full oil service, exterior car wash and interior vacuum. They are not a national chain and many people (including my boss) use them for the basic maintenance on their vehicles. The last time I was in (in August), there was no indication that I needed a tranny flush and fill or new fuel filter. Plus if I do need the servicing the Ford dealer said I do, the local oil change place will do it for one half the cost, in one third the time and I still get a complimentary car wash!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Little Warning Light Is On
And I can't find out what it means. I have my new to me car, purchased with the double digit interest rate (that's what happens post BK) because my old car was well on it's way to dead. I'd spent a ton of money resuscitating it.
My new to me vehicle has been AWESOME. I've been getting regular oil changes and I've not had an issue. Until this weekend when the little ABS warning light came on. Then flickered off, then came back on and stayed on, then went off. Then did not go back on until today and stayed on. I did some on line research (various Ford Escape forums).
Verdict, probably something called a tone ring or just the ABS sensor. Cost to repair/replace unknown at this point, I've not been able to find out exactly what the problem is or what the cost will be. I'll find out tomorrow, I had an oil change scheduled anyway. We shall see....sigh...
My new to me vehicle has been AWESOME. I've been getting regular oil changes and I've not had an issue. Until this weekend when the little ABS warning light came on. Then flickered off, then came back on and stayed on, then went off. Then did not go back on until today and stayed on. I did some on line research (various Ford Escape forums).
Verdict, probably something called a tone ring or just the ABS sensor. Cost to repair/replace unknown at this point, I've not been able to find out exactly what the problem is or what the cost will be. I'll find out tomorrow, I had an oil change scheduled anyway. We shall see....sigh...
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The New To Me Car
I had, in a much earlier post, complained that Personal Finance bloggers don't often post photos of things they bought, they only seemed to complain about their debt. I had made a promise to post a photo of anything spiffy I managed to budget and buy. I'd post photos of my new tea kettle bought at Christmas time, but it's really just a very nice yellow tea kettle.
Just to brag a bit, here is a photo of my new to me car. It is in sore need of a wash, and this weekend it will get a bath and a good interior scrubbing. This baby has to last a while with me, it needs to be treated with care. I worked hard post BK to be able to get a car loan, so I am very happy to have a new to me and very reliable vehicle.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Phone Calls and More Credit Offers
I have posted in the past about the credit card and car loan offers that came in the mail to me just after my bankruptcy was discharged. Seems these folks knew about it before I did. To date I have gotten 7 car loan offers (some with really ridiculous rates, 23.9% on one in the fine fine print), and 5 credit card offers.
Last night the phone rang and I picked it up before I read the caller ID. It was the car loan company wanting to do two things 1) verify my information and 2) tell me about their great products and services.
I really hate telephone solicitations of any kind. I am on the do not call list pretty much for that purpose. But since I now have an existing relationship with these folks, they can call.
I politely asked the car loan folks what information they wanted verified. They wanted to tell me about their additional products and services first and did I have a pen. I politely declined, said they could mail me information so I could read it at my leisure and again asked what information they wanted verified. Again, they wanted to tell me about their products and services first.
So I changed tactics and said, Look, it's 8:15 PM, I am tired, I have already verified my information twice with your company, I've already gotten two letters from you about the loan outlining payment dates, etc, I don't want a marketing speech, I don't want phone calls to work or home, what information do you need verified again? The rep asked if there was another number she could call me at. I said, no, I don't want to be called period, what information do you want verified, you now have 30 seconds more of my time?
I never got an answer as to what information they wanted verified. Never. I asked to be taken off their phone telemarketing list, I did tell them they could mail me their offers so I could read them when I had the time and inclination. I told the rep that this was quickly becoming a waste of my time and I would have to terminate the conversation unless she cold tell me what information they wanted verified. Since it was obvious she had no information to verify, the call ended.
I did scroll through the caller ID and saw that the loan company had called 8 times in the past 3 days. 8 times and no messages. If the information verification was soo important, they would have left a message.
I've got to remember to check the Caller ID.
Last night the phone rang and I picked it up before I read the caller ID. It was the car loan company wanting to do two things 1) verify my information and 2) tell me about their great products and services.
I really hate telephone solicitations of any kind. I am on the do not call list pretty much for that purpose. But since I now have an existing relationship with these folks, they can call.
I politely asked the car loan folks what information they wanted verified. They wanted to tell me about their additional products and services first and did I have a pen. I politely declined, said they could mail me information so I could read it at my leisure and again asked what information they wanted verified. Again, they wanted to tell me about their products and services first.
So I changed tactics and said, Look, it's 8:15 PM, I am tired, I have already verified my information twice with your company, I've already gotten two letters from you about the loan outlining payment dates, etc, I don't want a marketing speech, I don't want phone calls to work or home, what information do you need verified again? The rep asked if there was another number she could call me at. I said, no, I don't want to be called period, what information do you want verified, you now have 30 seconds more of my time?
I never got an answer as to what information they wanted verified. Never. I asked to be taken off their phone telemarketing list, I did tell them they could mail me their offers so I could read them when I had the time and inclination. I told the rep that this was quickly becoming a waste of my time and I would have to terminate the conversation unless she cold tell me what information they wanted verified. Since it was obvious she had no information to verify, the call ended.
I did scroll through the caller ID and saw that the loan company had called 8 times in the past 3 days. 8 times and no messages. If the information verification was soo important, they would have left a message.
I've got to remember to check the Caller ID.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
My Old Car Has A New Home-Just Across the Street
When I got my new car, the dealership was not going to give me much of anything as a trade in, so I posted it in the classifieds and on line. Since it had high mileage and needed some work, I was not asking for a lot of money. I figured if it did not sell, I'd give it to Goodwill or some other charity for a tax write off.
My neighbors daughter jumped at the chance to "buy" the car from me. The kid is 19, never thought she would want my frumpy 1999 station wagon, but she does. We wrote up a payment contract (three equal installments, she is still in college for another month) and the car now happily sits in their driveway instead of in front of my house.
I did warn her that the car is 1) old 2) needs work, I disclosed all the things my mechanic told me at my last two visits and gave them copies of the repair bill 3) should not be taken on huge road trips and 4) that being said, it was being sold as is. She just wants a vehicle that can take her to and from work and to and from her boyfriends house. She's happy, I'm happy and her parents are happy.
Funny how things work out...
My neighbors daughter jumped at the chance to "buy" the car from me. The kid is 19, never thought she would want my frumpy 1999 station wagon, but she does. We wrote up a payment contract (three equal installments, she is still in college for another month) and the car now happily sits in their driveway instead of in front of my house.
I did warn her that the car is 1) old 2) needs work, I disclosed all the things my mechanic told me at my last two visits and gave them copies of the repair bill 3) should not be taken on huge road trips and 4) that being said, it was being sold as is. She just wants a vehicle that can take her to and from work and to and from her boyfriends house. She's happy, I'm happy and her parents are happy.
Funny how things work out...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The New Car is Great!
And I am really happy with it. Plus a couple of my various friends and relatives have been very supportive about the new vehicle, a couple saying it was long overdue (hey-I went Bankrupt~ a new or new to me car was NOT in the picture until NOW). I just said I was happy that I was finally able to get the vehicle.
I've posted on a couple on line sites the old car for sale. I've had some interest (just posted yesterday afternoon) and I will see if anyone would want to buy it. The dealer said he could only give me about $200 for the car (too much mileage, too old, etc) and he was right, I could probably sell it for more. If I can sell it, I'll put the money in the old "car fund". If no one wants the car, I will donated it to a local charity for parts or to be refurbished for a needy family. I can get some sort of a tax write off next year. We shall see.
Right now, I'm having fun with the sun roof, all the gadgets, and putting all my junk, ah, stuff, neatly in the new car. I am such a child at times.........:)
I've posted on a couple on line sites the old car for sale. I've had some interest (just posted yesterday afternoon) and I will see if anyone would want to buy it. The dealer said he could only give me about $200 for the car (too much mileage, too old, etc) and he was right, I could probably sell it for more. If I can sell it, I'll put the money in the old "car fund". If no one wants the car, I will donated it to a local charity for parts or to be refurbished for a needy family. I can get some sort of a tax write off next year. We shall see.
Right now, I'm having fun with the sun roof, all the gadgets, and putting all my junk, ah, stuff, neatly in the new car. I am such a child at times.........:)
Monday, March 24, 2008
The New to Me Car Has Been Purchased
After negotiating and looking, I have found a car that suits all my needs. In a much earlier post on this blog, I posted how I had hoped to be able to buy a new to me car/SUV (or the Ford Escape in blue!) I have now done that. Due to the demise of my 8 year old car, I jumped back into the credit market and got a new to me used car. It's a couple years old and has things I would normally not get in a car (power drivers seat, cruise control, 6 CD changer~but maybe some of this stuff is now standard?). It has a sunroof, which is something I've always wanted in a car :). It has 37,000 miles on it. I had actually been looking at Toyota Highlander, but the dealer was not moving on the price, it had much higher mileage and my mechanic thought he "knew" the truck from a previous client and was not 100% about this particular vehicle. In general, he's not had an issue with a Toyota, but he was fairly certain this was an exception to the rule. Since the salesman was also looking a little uncomfortable when my mechanic was looking at the car, I have this feeling the Highlander was a trade in from my mechanics client.
My mechanic looked at the Escape and said it was in excellent shape, and the car comes with a 2 month 6,000 mile limited warranty. The dealership also threw in three free oil changes (no expiration date). I paid $16,500 once the dust was settled (taxes, dealer prep fee). The private sale value for this particular car was about $14, 500 and the dealer cost $17,900 and I got the car closed to the private sale value. I talked to my insurance company and my premium is only increasing about $8.50 a month. Not bad at all for an SUV.
I get to pick up the car tonight and I'll post a picture of it later this week. While I am not 100% thrilled with a car payment, I am very relieved to have a reliable vehicle once more and so are my family and friends.
My mechanic looked at the Escape and said it was in excellent shape, and the car comes with a 2 month 6,000 mile limited warranty. The dealership also threw in three free oil changes (no expiration date). I paid $16,500 once the dust was settled (taxes, dealer prep fee). The private sale value for this particular car was about $14, 500 and the dealer cost $17,900 and I got the car closed to the private sale value. I talked to my insurance company and my premium is only increasing about $8.50 a month. Not bad at all for an SUV.
I get to pick up the car tonight and I'll post a picture of it later this week. While I am not 100% thrilled with a car payment, I am very relieved to have a reliable vehicle once more and so are my family and friends.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Why I'm Jumping Back into the Credit Market
I had a comment on one of my blog posts about the new to me car purchase, and since I was planning on blogging about this very comment this weekend, I'll just jump in and post now.
Just out of curiosity, but why are you looking to get back into a high interest loan for a car, as opposed to purchasing a small, cash-only used car from a private party?
Very valid and a great comment and I'm sure others are wondering the same. I have decided to go with a car loan for a decent vehicle for a number of reasons.
1) I need to re-establish credit to start boosting my FICO score (which is currently really low.......). I had planned on getting a secured credit card and using it for things like my gas purchases and pay off in full each month and hope to qualify for lower interest rate loan later this year. Instead, it's a car loan about 5 months earlier than planned. Frankly, you have to start somewhere. It might as well be a car loan.
2) The current car repair was not expected, I figured an oil change, yearly tune up, and front end alignment ($250) would get me through to the summer. The projected repairs on the car push the bill over $1,000, and that is without further investigation as to why the car seems to be drinking oil. It was "in my grand plan" to save up for a decent down payment for a new to me car. This current repair bill just changed my plans. I don't want to sink $1,000 in a car that is only worth about $700-$950. Up until this past year, I had little to no repair cost in my current car, just regular maintenance (oil change, the occasional brake job, new tires, etc).
3) I had hoped to already have a real second job in place to offset the car payment. The prospective job has been put off until late April/early May, but I've been looking at alternative sources of income if this job is not to be (Virtual Assistant work, I am a Notary Public and can do loan signings for title companies, doing some back office work for a couple other real estate agents in the agency that hold my real estate license, etc). I've had second jobs on and off most of my adult working life and have usually used them to pay for "extras"-hobbies, vacations, and now it's a car. Arse backwards yes, I have a car loan, now I will get a second job. There are a number of local businesses that have started to advertise for summer help, the hours (and probably the salary) are not as good as the job at the horse farm if that does not come to fruition, but hey, it's a job! I totally admit, I've been sitting on heels waiting to see what happens at the horse farm. I could have gotten my act in gear earlier for a second job and this would not be as much of an issue, but I did not and only have myself to blame. I need to stop being sooo fussy.
4) I talked to both my credit union and my bank and both said the same thing, they could refinance me in as little as 6-9 months if all my installment payments are current (mortgage, student loan and car) and the rate would be competitive for the market. They did say I would not qualify for the "red carpet lease and loan terms" (less than 5% interest rate), but at a much better rate than 14.9%. My bank is a small local bank and they could not even offer me a car loan at any rate until my FICO gets above 600. One advantage to a local bank and credit union is the personal touch and the fact they know me as a person and not just a credit report. While I may be spending my raise on a car, I will still be able to keep to my projected savings plan. A second job or alternative income source will be snowflaked to the car fund account. I hope to be able to accelerate loan payments. Depending on the final price, the additional interest I pay may not be that much.
5) And simply, I do not have enough money saved to do a cash purchase on a used car that fits my criteria (age, mileage reliability, space requirements), I've been looking at that option as well for a motivated seller. The last two cars I bought from private parties both ended up costing me a lot (even with my mechanic looking at them prior to sale) in repairs and aggrivation. One repair hit 5 weeks after I bought the used car and was $700 to fix. This makes me a little leary of a private purchase, once bitten, twice shy as they say. The two cars I've bought through a dealership have had minimal upkeep and cost. At least with a dealer, I have some sort of a warrenty for the next couple months.
I did a test drive last night of the two vehicles that made my final cut. I did my Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds research on both (both private party and dealer price) and I started the bid process on one of them. I'm not interested in a dealership extended warrenty (you can actually find warrenties on line at less than half the dealer price) if one is needed or wanted. Plus I was surprised at how much wiggle room there was, especially on one vehicle. I think in this current economy, even car dealers want to move inventory and are willing to negogiate on price.
So we shall see! Thanks for the feedback!
BB
Just out of curiosity, but why are you looking to get back into a high interest loan for a car, as opposed to purchasing a small, cash-only used car from a private party?
Very valid and a great comment and I'm sure others are wondering the same. I have decided to go with a car loan for a decent vehicle for a number of reasons.
1) I need to re-establish credit to start boosting my FICO score (which is currently really low.......). I had planned on getting a secured credit card and using it for things like my gas purchases and pay off in full each month and hope to qualify for lower interest rate loan later this year. Instead, it's a car loan about 5 months earlier than planned. Frankly, you have to start somewhere. It might as well be a car loan.
2) The current car repair was not expected, I figured an oil change, yearly tune up, and front end alignment ($250) would get me through to the summer. The projected repairs on the car push the bill over $1,000, and that is without further investigation as to why the car seems to be drinking oil. It was "in my grand plan" to save up for a decent down payment for a new to me car. This current repair bill just changed my plans. I don't want to sink $1,000 in a car that is only worth about $700-$950. Up until this past year, I had little to no repair cost in my current car, just regular maintenance (oil change, the occasional brake job, new tires, etc).
3) I had hoped to already have a real second job in place to offset the car payment. The prospective job has been put off until late April/early May, but I've been looking at alternative sources of income if this job is not to be (Virtual Assistant work, I am a Notary Public and can do loan signings for title companies, doing some back office work for a couple other real estate agents in the agency that hold my real estate license, etc). I've had second jobs on and off most of my adult working life and have usually used them to pay for "extras"-hobbies, vacations, and now it's a car. Arse backwards yes, I have a car loan, now I will get a second job. There are a number of local businesses that have started to advertise for summer help, the hours (and probably the salary) are not as good as the job at the horse farm if that does not come to fruition, but hey, it's a job! I totally admit, I've been sitting on heels waiting to see what happens at the horse farm. I could have gotten my act in gear earlier for a second job and this would not be as much of an issue, but I did not and only have myself to blame. I need to stop being sooo fussy.
4) I talked to both my credit union and my bank and both said the same thing, they could refinance me in as little as 6-9 months if all my installment payments are current (mortgage, student loan and car) and the rate would be competitive for the market. They did say I would not qualify for the "red carpet lease and loan terms" (less than 5% interest rate), but at a much better rate than 14.9%. My bank is a small local bank and they could not even offer me a car loan at any rate until my FICO gets above 600. One advantage to a local bank and credit union is the personal touch and the fact they know me as a person and not just a credit report. While I may be spending my raise on a car, I will still be able to keep to my projected savings plan. A second job or alternative income source will be snowflaked to the car fund account. I hope to be able to accelerate loan payments. Depending on the final price, the additional interest I pay may not be that much.
5) And simply, I do not have enough money saved to do a cash purchase on a used car that fits my criteria (age, mileage reliability, space requirements), I've been looking at that option as well for a motivated seller. The last two cars I bought from private parties both ended up costing me a lot (even with my mechanic looking at them prior to sale) in repairs and aggrivation. One repair hit 5 weeks after I bought the used car and was $700 to fix. This makes me a little leary of a private purchase, once bitten, twice shy as they say. The two cars I've bought through a dealership have had minimal upkeep and cost. At least with a dealer, I have some sort of a warrenty for the next couple months.
I did a test drive last night of the two vehicles that made my final cut. I did my Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds research on both (both private party and dealer price) and I started the bid process on one of them. I'm not interested in a dealership extended warrenty (you can actually find warrenties on line at less than half the dealer price) if one is needed or wanted. Plus I was surprised at how much wiggle room there was, especially on one vehicle. I think in this current economy, even car dealers want to move inventory and are willing to negogiate on price.
So we shall see! Thanks for the feedback!
BB
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Loan Investigations Continue
The other dealership called, I have been approved for a loan with similar terms and conditions (15% instead of 14.5% and a max of $19,000 instead of $18,000). I called the credit union I just joined and since the account is so new (like two weeks), and I have the BK, they could only approve me with similar terms and conditions as the dealerships. It was not worth pursuing with them at this point in time,
They did say if I did on time payments for my three loans (mortgage, student and now car) they could do a refinance in about 9 months at a much more competitive rate, 6-7% because of the BK. Except for a couple blips when my fiscal life fell apart, I've always paid my mortgage on time and the same with my student loan. That is a good thing. I did not know you could refinance a car loan, this is all news to me. I'm learning a lot about my new adventures into automotive financing.
I spoke to one finance manager and she said I was approved for the following reasons:
1) I had all my documents that they required~being organized and following directions helps!
2) I have longevity in my job (2 years with this employer, 5 with my previous and 7 with the one prior to that).
3) I meet a minimum salary level.
4) I own my own home and have lived there for almost 8 years.
5) I had a car loan in the past, it is marked paid in full and in good standing (even with a couple late payments) with a reputable lender.
6) No car repossession or turn in and no mortgage foreclosure or preforeclosure marks on my credit report.
7) I don't owe anything on my current car.
8) My budget falls within their guidelines for granting credit.
9) Depending on what vehicle I select and length of loan, my payment will be between $300 and $375 each month. High, but doable, especially if I can re-finance later this year to a lower rate.
I am still amazed that less than four hours after my application for credit was submitted, I've been approved by two lenders. I am just floored.
I will do a test drive at each dealership this evening and make my decision after I drive the cars and sleep on it.
Now I really have to pursue a second job-no freaking excuses anymore. I still feel like I should go home and have a whiskey.
They did say if I did on time payments for my three loans (mortgage, student and now car) they could do a refinance in about 9 months at a much more competitive rate, 6-7% because of the BK. Except for a couple blips when my fiscal life fell apart, I've always paid my mortgage on time and the same with my student loan. That is a good thing. I did not know you could refinance a car loan, this is all news to me. I'm learning a lot about my new adventures into automotive financing.
I spoke to one finance manager and she said I was approved for the following reasons:
1) I had all my documents that they required~being organized and following directions helps!
2) I have longevity in my job (2 years with this employer, 5 with my previous and 7 with the one prior to that).
3) I meet a minimum salary level.
4) I own my own home and have lived there for almost 8 years.
5) I had a car loan in the past, it is marked paid in full and in good standing (even with a couple late payments) with a reputable lender.
6) No car repossession or turn in and no mortgage foreclosure or preforeclosure marks on my credit report.
7) I don't owe anything on my current car.
8) My budget falls within their guidelines for granting credit.
9) Depending on what vehicle I select and length of loan, my payment will be between $300 and $375 each month. High, but doable, especially if I can re-finance later this year to a lower rate.
I am still amazed that less than four hours after my application for credit was submitted, I've been approved by two lenders. I am just floored.
I will do a test drive at each dealership this evening and make my decision after I drive the cars and sleep on it.
Now I really have to pursue a second job-no freaking excuses anymore. I still feel like I should go home and have a whiskey.
Loan Approval in Less than 2 Hours
I just got a call from one of the dealerships, I was pre-approved for a loan maximum of $18,000 at a rate of 14.5%. Christmas Crackers, they only submitted the information at 9:00 AM and it's about two hours later.
For someone with a fresk BK discharge, 14.5% is a great rate. From what I'v read, I was girding my loins for an interest rate of around 20%.
Lets see what the other dealership comes up with.
For someone with a fresk BK discharge, 14.5% is a great rate. From what I'v read, I was girding my loins for an interest rate of around 20%.
Lets see what the other dealership comes up with.
Splutter, Splutter, Cough, Cough, Shudder,Shudder-Part 3 or how Bankrupt Betty has to Brave the Credit Market
I called my mechanic after pouting for an hour and said, just do the oil change, hold off on the other repairs, I guess I'm going to have to look for a car. I could hear a loud sigh of relief on his end of the phone. Well thank God he said, I was going to feel guilty repairing it for ya if that is what you really wanted (this is the same mechanic who told me the car was not worth the transmission repair last October-he was right, but the timing was wrong). You need to put this baby to rest. Yikes, even my mechanic is recommending getting rid of the car. I think it is in the stars, I need to get a new to me car.
The gist of it is the car is not worth fixing. It has 232, 000 miles on it (and no that is not a typo), I put on all the mileage except for the original 41 that was on the car when I got it. The AC is shot ($800 plus to repair that, I spent a lot of long hot drives last summer cooling myself down with cold wet rags from my cooler), plus the long list of the latest and the greatest. AND he said, the oil level was kinda low, maybe too low indicating some sort of impending engine issue that they have not even looked for or addressed.
I live by the motto that a car should last a long time as long as you let it breathe (change air filters regularly-especially in the country where we drive on dirt roads) and don't let it boil (regular oil changes, proper fluids in the radiator). And look, that philosophy got me 232,000 on my car. I think I can safely say I have run out the useful life on this car.
I spent part of the afternoon doing my on line research for available cars in my price range. I found four dealerships that met my criteria and have narrowed my choices to two for the following reasons.
1) They have the cars I am looking for that fall within my (now totally revamped) budget.
2) They clam they can work with folks who have bad credit (or as one finance manager said, sub-prime credit).
3) They have been recommend to me by folks who use the dealership either for service or vehicle purchase.
I did some phone calls and some Internet communication and eliminated one dealership solely on the fact the e-mail I got from the Internet sales manager was just obnoxious. I inquired on two specific cars (both used) and I get back this e-mail full of irritating graphics, large print is a variety of colors and sizes and he was trying to push a car I had no interest in. I thanked him for his time and said in my return e-mail, you obviously did not read my e-mail to you as to what I was looking for and why I was inquiring about two specific vehicles, I have no interest in the one you have tried, in the past three e-mails, to "sell" to me. My feeling was he felt he could take advantage of a woman looking for a car-that vibe came through loud and clear in his e-mails to me. Plus the fact he said "This car is very popular with women" in one of his e-mails to me. I felt I was dealing with some misogynistic idiot. Sorry not this woman. Find someone else to brow beat.
The other dealership, although local and I'd prefer to keep my business local, I eliminated because they had a lot of management turnover and they seem to be in a bit of a transition. I don't need a dealership in transition at this point.
I have credit applications into the two remaining dealerships, both know about the Bankruptcy (one is a dealership that sent me one of those post BK letters), both say "The BK is not an issue" and I have already given them all the information they have requested (pay stub, W2, utility bill, mortgage statement, budget, promise of first born child or a couple pounds of flesh). I'm going to see who approves me and then go for a test drive. I'm also doing a kelly blue book and edmunds search on each vehichle make, model and year so I can go in prepared as well.
As I posted earlier, I got a raise and it has come out to be an additional $300 a month. I really would have preferred to take that money and use it to fund my emergency fund and my car down payment fund. Plus I had planned on a part time job to help specifically with a car payment. All I can say right now is we will see what happens.
The gist of it is the car is not worth fixing. It has 232, 000 miles on it (and no that is not a typo), I put on all the mileage except for the original 41 that was on the car when I got it. The AC is shot ($800 plus to repair that, I spent a lot of long hot drives last summer cooling myself down with cold wet rags from my cooler), plus the long list of the latest and the greatest. AND he said, the oil level was kinda low, maybe too low indicating some sort of impending engine issue that they have not even looked for or addressed.
I live by the motto that a car should last a long time as long as you let it breathe (change air filters regularly-especially in the country where we drive on dirt roads) and don't let it boil (regular oil changes, proper fluids in the radiator). And look, that philosophy got me 232,000 on my car. I think I can safely say I have run out the useful life on this car.
I spent part of the afternoon doing my on line research for available cars in my price range. I found four dealerships that met my criteria and have narrowed my choices to two for the following reasons.
1) They have the cars I am looking for that fall within my (now totally revamped) budget.
2) They clam they can work with folks who have bad credit (or as one finance manager said, sub-prime credit).
3) They have been recommend to me by folks who use the dealership either for service or vehicle purchase.
I did some phone calls and some Internet communication and eliminated one dealership solely on the fact the e-mail I got from the Internet sales manager was just obnoxious. I inquired on two specific cars (both used) and I get back this e-mail full of irritating graphics, large print is a variety of colors and sizes and he was trying to push a car I had no interest in. I thanked him for his time and said in my return e-mail, you obviously did not read my e-mail to you as to what I was looking for and why I was inquiring about two specific vehicles, I have no interest in the one you have tried, in the past three e-mails, to "sell" to me. My feeling was he felt he could take advantage of a woman looking for a car-that vibe came through loud and clear in his e-mails to me. Plus the fact he said "This car is very popular with women" in one of his e-mails to me. I felt I was dealing with some misogynistic idiot. Sorry not this woman. Find someone else to brow beat.
The other dealership, although local and I'd prefer to keep my business local, I eliminated because they had a lot of management turnover and they seem to be in a bit of a transition. I don't need a dealership in transition at this point.
I have credit applications into the two remaining dealerships, both know about the Bankruptcy (one is a dealership that sent me one of those post BK letters), both say "The BK is not an issue" and I have already given them all the information they have requested (pay stub, W2, utility bill, mortgage statement, budget, promise of first born child or a couple pounds of flesh). I'm going to see who approves me and then go for a test drive. I'm also doing a kelly blue book and edmunds search on each vehichle make, model and year so I can go in prepared as well.
As I posted earlier, I got a raise and it has come out to be an additional $300 a month. I really would have preferred to take that money and use it to fund my emergency fund and my car down payment fund. Plus I had planned on a part time job to help specifically with a car payment. All I can say right now is we will see what happens.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Splutter, Splutter, Cough, Cough, Shudder Part 2
Oh I am not in a happy mood. I touched base with the mechanic and my poor car needs the following
1) Oil Change-
2) Tune Up-causing the cough
3) Two new sensors
4) New exhaust system, including throttle plates and catalytic converter.-That is making splutter noise.
5) Front End Alignment-causing the shudder
Quoted repair price is: $1,000
Oh the things I'd like to say that are not really fit to print....................... I really wish I could head home for a very large whiskey right now.
1) Oil Change-
2) Tune Up-causing the cough
3) Two new sensors
4) New exhaust system, including throttle plates and catalytic converter.-That is making splutter noise.
5) Front End Alignment-causing the shudder
Quoted repair price is: $1,000
Oh the things I'd like to say that are not really fit to print....................... I really wish I could head home for a very large whiskey right now.
Splutter, Splutter, Cough, Cough, Shudder, Shudder
Or so sounds the car this week. I dropped it off this morning for an oil change and a "look see". The noises are new noises, not the usual noises it makes. It' s been temperamental to start first thing in the AM (and sometimes after work as well) and I'm hoping it's only making them because it's close to spring tune up time. My mechanic said he'd call me around lunch time.
The good news is I have paid all my bills for the month of March! I have nothing on my desk that has to be paid. I paid my phone bill twice in February, and had a credit on the bill. Kinda nice to know that I have met all my fiscal obligations for the month of March with ten plus days to go. My plan for my first April pay check is to pay the electric bill (should be arriving in the next few days, due by April 10th), my car insurance, my health insurance, and my student loan. I'd like to re-adjust my payments by May so I'm also paying my Mortgage during the first week of the month. It currently is not due until the 16th, with the grace period going until the 25th. I usually pay it around the 15th of the month. I'd like to get as many bills paid at the beginning of the month as possible.
After having such a fiscal mess for the past couple years, it's kinda nice to be able to have my "house in order". What a nice feeling. I need to keep it up.
The good news is I have paid all my bills for the month of March! I have nothing on my desk that has to be paid. I paid my phone bill twice in February, and had a credit on the bill. Kinda nice to know that I have met all my fiscal obligations for the month of March with ten plus days to go. My plan for my first April pay check is to pay the electric bill (should be arriving in the next few days, due by April 10th), my car insurance, my health insurance, and my student loan. I'd like to re-adjust my payments by May so I'm also paying my Mortgage during the first week of the month. It currently is not due until the 16th, with the grace period going until the 25th. I usually pay it around the 15th of the month. I'd like to get as many bills paid at the beginning of the month as possible.
After having such a fiscal mess for the past couple years, it's kinda nice to be able to have my "house in order". What a nice feeling. I need to keep it up.
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