7 Auto Repair Tips

It can be a confusing and overwhelming time when you find yourself staring at possible auto repairs. You can always benefit from understanding how to do some auto repairs yourself. When doing DIY work on your automobile, understand that you’re saving yourself some money by doing it yourself, but if you're not sure about something, you need to find out or let a professional handle the matter. Meantime, here are some tried-and-true automotive tips.

1. It is a good idea to add an injector cleaner to the fuel you put into your gas tank regularly. You will get better gas mileage if the fuel injectors in your car’s engine are kept clean. Adding enough cleaner to treat a full tank once a month is usually enough to improve your mileage.
2. If you need new tires, do not get used ones from a garage or a junk yard. Used tires are not a good choice since they might be worn thin or have already been patched. Brand new tires are expensive but they are a good investment and will help you remain safe.
3. When you have a burnt out light on your car, it can save you some money if you're able to repair it yourself. It is simpler to do in certain vehicles, but it is much less expensive than hiring someone else to do it. See if you can get instructions from someone you trust.
4. You can easily fix scratches yourself. You will need to fill the scratch with a primer that corresponds to the colors of your car, apply some paint once the primer is dry and sand the entire area. Start with a fine sand paper and increase the grain progressively before waxing. You’ll also need to find a custom spray paint supplier to match OEM specs. If custom touch-up paint for cars and the like is your side hustle or full-blown business, connect with a custom paint supplier to score great deals on bulk orders.
5. You can fix small dents with a suction cup dent puller. This usually works for very small dents that can easily be covered with the suction cup. If the cup does not work, you will have to apply some filler into the dent, sand and paint until it becomes invisible.
6. Make sure that the technician working on your car is knowledgeable on the make and model. Cars very greatly from one brand to the other. The only way to get the best service is to work with a technician that is well versed on the inner works of your specific automobile.
7. Your car can be in a lot of trouble if you ignore or postpone maintenance. Your car's individual parts or entire system can fail. Even ignoring or neglecting simple maintenance jobs like checking the coolant or changing the oil can lead to costly issues.

Many people are overcome with panic when their car has problems. If you don't know much about auto repair, you may have trouble finding a place to fix your car. With any luck, the preceding article has given you the guidance you needed to get the process rolling in the event of a problem.

The Art of Vacation

Maybe you’ve heard of the Art of War, whereby one feigns weakness to lure his enemy in, only to overpower them later. Well, this isn’t that. This is the Art of Vacation. The following pointers will help you make any of your worldly travels better.

• If you know that you are going to have a long layover in a city, check what there is to do beforehand. A 3 hour layover in Washington D.C. can easily turn into a quick tour of the Washington Mall or a long sit in Minneapolis can become a quick shopping trip to the Mall of America!
• Ask a friend or family member to drive you to the airport. You can save on cab fare and long term parking fees. Many people will be happy to perform this favor for you, especially if you are willing to reciprocate later on down the road, when they are taking a vacation.
• When traveling, don't forget that you can travel by bus to many areas in North and South America. It can be much less expensive than flying and is generally lower-stress for the travelers. Traveling by bus has lost much of its stigma in recent years, with many companies purchasing new vehicles and even hiring security guards to ride along.
• Surfing. If you find yourself in either the East or West coast, ride the waves. A smart surfer knows he is only as good as his surfboard fins setup. Single fin, dual fin, tri-fin… make sure you choose the correct surf fins setup for the current surf conditions. And don’t forget to round out the surf gear kit with proper surfboard leashes and surfboard bags to carry it all. Keep the surfboard pristine and the surfboard fins configuration correct for better rides.
• If you have a guidebook to help you in your travels you can tear out the sections you will be using and staple the pages together. This will lighten the load you are carrying. When you are leaving a place you can leave the used sections behind for other travelers to use.
• Set sail on a luxury cruise. Cruise ships are pretty much floating cities with just about everything to do. Not only that, but your vacation never gets stale because you travel from port to port which allows you to experience new cities and various cultures in bite-size time periods. It’s all about relaxing and getting to see and do more than you could by simply going to one place.
• Keep your valuables and identity secure when traveling. Do not overlook the fact that most hotels offer a safe. Ask the hotel to use it. Pay a small fee, if any, and you can avoid any potential complication that could arise from lost or stolen items. You will usually have constant access if you should need to get in the safe.

How to Make You Trip Better

Making the most of every trip that you take is how you get your money's worth. This article will give you all sorts of ideas and tips on how to make your vacation more enjoyable than ever.

• When traveling internationally, do not keep all your valuables in one place. Separate your passport, identifying information, cash, and travelers checks from each other. In the event you misplace a bag or are the victim of theft, you will lose all your essential documents.
• Whether you are traveling within the United States or in a foreign country, always make sure the taxi cabs you use are certified with the city. There is usually a sticker visible from the back seat of the vehicle. If you are unsure, research city-licensed cabs before you travel. This way, you can avoid unlicensed cabs that overcharge their patrons, and save money to do more fun things during your travels. That, or you can just use Uber or rent someone else’s car.
• Save on money and calories during all of your travels by packing snacks, meals and beverages ahead of time. You can make healthier choices when you plan ahead of time, and you will be less likely to overspend on a sugar or fat filled snacks that are grossly overpriced.
• If you’re staying stateside, before you head down to RV storage lot and grab the mobile family fortress, plan to have plenty of snacks and beverages ready for that road trip so stops are kept to a minimum. More miles, more smiles.
• If you're traveling to a foreign country and have any allergies or medical conditions, plan ahead. While most modernized countries can provide anything you might need, some specialty items that are available in the United States aren't available elsewhere. Planning ahead will make your trip much less stressful and will allow you to enjoy yourself more.
• Before leaving on an overseas vacation, ensure that there are at least six months from your planned date of travel and when your passport expires. Many airlines will refuse to allow you to board unless you meet this minimum requirement. In other cases, you will not be able to enter your destination country. In any case, it is easier to 'be safe than sorry.'
• Bring a power strip along with you when you go out of the country. This may seem like a silly idea to some, but if you have a room with two outlets and you have two cell phones, two laptops and an MP3 player that needs recharging, what are you going to do? Having a power strip prevents these dilemmas and also, you will only need to buy one adapter for foreign plugs.
• When traveling internationally with disabilities it is best to check which countries best accommodate disabled citizens. Many countries are well equipped to offer travelers with wheel chair ramps, scooter ramps and have hotels that are equipped to deal with disabilities. Unfortunately, every country is not so well equipped to support travelers with disabilities.

If you are well prepared it will only add to the experience. You can use the information you've read here so that you always have a better time wherever you may roam.

These tips are brought to you Staley RV Storage, the Celina RV storage choice of those who know best!

Time Saving Travel Advice

Maybe it’s time to head down to the RV storage, fuel up the ol’ recreational vehicle and hit the open road. Or maybe it’s time to call Uber and get to the airport to catch your flight. Maybe it’s a short drive to the mountains for some camping. Or maybe a quick hike over to the water for some kayaking in the rapids. Whatever it is, you’re taking a trip and it’s time to get some money-saving tips to make things go as smooth (and enjoyable) as possible. These tips are aimed at all aspects of your trip: before, during and possibly even after. 

1. If you are planning a trip to a country you have never been to before, you may want to consult with a professional travel agent. They will be able to alert you to any special information you may need such as customs, weather patterns, and needed vaccinations.
2. When traveling in developed nations, always assume your hands are contaminated. Don't put your fingers in your mouth and avoid eating with your hands. Chances are good you've come into contact with hundreds of people and thousands of surfaces, any one of which could be carrying a disease that you aren't prepared for.
3. If you plan to travel for more than a weekend, inform your bosses two weeks prior to leaving so that they can find someone to cover your responsibilities beforehand. This way, you are not relying on someone who merely says they will cover for you and you have respectfully informed them the reasons of your absence.
4. When booking your room on a cruise, always pay extra for a balcony. Having your own private balcony can be one of the best parts of a cruise. You'll get great views, have a nice quiet place to relax, and you won't have to worry about other people being around.
5. There are lots and lots of cruise lines offering great deals. Some are more memorable than others, though: Consider a barefoot windjammer cruise as an exciting alternative to a more modern, conventional cruise ship. Visiting the islands of the Caribbean powered along by wind and the tides is more romantic than steaming around them on a massive cruise liner. FYI: Ever wanted to go to Cuba? You can book a Cuban cruise now!
6. To avoid paying high airport prices for snacks and food, make sure to pack your own bag of treats before you leave home. Pretzels, crackers, trail mix and dried fruit, are all great airplane snack ideas. If you bring your own, you won't have to pay an arm and a leg for snacks at the airport or on board the plane.
7. If you plan to travel more than a few weeks, you will want to make sure you have paid up all your obligations prior to leaving. This will ensure that you do not come home to discontinued services. Travel lasting longer periods of time can result in reconnection fees when you return if not planned in advance.

Traveling to new places should be fun, not stressful. This advice will help take the worries out of your travel and let you have a great time.

Got an RV, but no place to store it while home? Google search “RV storage near me” for great options!

Quick History of Popular Auto Makers

When it comes to automobile brands, there are mainstays and there are newcomers, but in order to be considered a classic, it takes more than just time. Check out the following brand histories.

Jeep is a brand of American automobiles that is a division of FCA US LLC (formerly Chrysler Group, LLC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Italian-American corporation Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Jeep has been a part of Chrysler since 1987, when Chrysler acquired the Jeep brand, along with remaining assets, from its previous owner: American Motors Corporation (AMC).

Jeep's current product range consists solely of sport utility vehicles and off-road vehicles, but has also included pickup trucks and roadsters in the past; Jeep will return to the pickup truck market in early 2019. 

Some of Jeep's vehicles—such as the Grand Cherokee—reach into the luxury SUV segment, a market segment the Wagoneer is considered to have created. Jeep sold 1.4 million SUVs globally in 2016, up from 500,000 in 2008, two-thirds of which in North America, and was Fiat-Chrysler's best-selling brand in the U.S. during the first half of 2017. In the U.S. alone, over 2400 dealerships hold franchise rights to sell Jeep-branded vehicles, and if Jeep were spun off into a separate company, it is estimated to be worth between $22 and $33.5 billion—slightly more than all of FCA (US).

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep

To connect with your nearest Jeep dealership, go to https://www.jeep.com/find-dealer.html today!

Dodge is an American brand of automobile manufactured by FCA US LLC (formerly known as Chrysler Group LLC), based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Dodge vehicles currently include performance cars, though for much of its existence Dodge was Chrysler's mid-priced brand above Plymouth.

The Dodge brand has withstood the multiple ownership changes at Chrysler from 1998 to 2009, including its short-lived merger with Daimler-Benz AG from 1998 to 2007, its subsequent sale to Cerberus Capital Management, its 2009 bailout by the United States government, and its subsequent Chapter 11 bankruptcy and acquisition by Fiat.

In 2011, Dodge, Ram, and Dodge's Viper were separated. Dodge said that the Dodge Viper would be an SRT product and Ram will be a manufacturer. In 2014, SRT was merged back into Dodge. Later that year, Chrysler Group was renamed FCA US LLC, corresponding with the merger of Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler Group into the single corporate structure of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge

To connect with your nearest Dodge dealership, go to https://www.dodge.com/find-dealer.html.

Kia Motors Corporation, commonly known as Kia Motors, headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 3.3 million vehicles in 2015. As of December 2015, the Kia Motor Corporation is minority owned by Hyundai, which owns a 33.88% stake valued at just over US $6 billion. Kia in turn is a minority owner of more than twenty Hyundai subsidiaries ranging from 4.9% up to 45.37%, totaling more than US$8.3 billion.

The company opened its first integrated automotive assembly plant in 1973, the Sohari Plant. Kia built the small Brisa range of cars until 1981, when production came to an end after the new military dictator Chun Doo-hwan enforced industry consolidation. This forced Kia to give up passenger cars and focus entirely on light trucks. Prior to the forced 1981 shutdown, Kia rounded out its passenger car lineup with two other foreign models assembled under license: the Fiat 132 and the Peugeot 604. 

Starting in 1986 (when only 26 cars were manufactured, followed by over 95,000 the next year), Kia rejoined the automobile industry in partnership with Ford. Kia produced several Mazda-derived vehicles for both domestic sales in South Korea and for export into other countries. The first Kia-branded vehicles in the United States were sold from four dealerships in Portland, Oregon, in February 1994.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Motors

To connect with your nearest Kia dealership, go to https://www.kia.com/us/en/dealer.

The Hyundai Motor Company, commonly known as Hyundai Motors is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul. The company was founded in 1967 and, along with its 32.8% owned subsidiary, Kia Motors, and its 100% owned luxury subsidiary Genesis Motor, altogether comprise the Hyundai Motor Group. It is the third largest vehicle manufacturer in the world.

Hyundai operates the world's largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility in Ulsan, South Korea which has an annual production capacity of 1.6 million units. The company employs about 75,000 people worldwide. Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 5,000 dealerships and showrooms.

The group was formed through the purchase of 51% of South Korea's second largest car company, Kia Motors, by Hyundai Motor Company in 1998. As of December 31, 2013, Hyundai owns 33.88% of Kia Motors. The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group also refers to the group of affiliated companies interconnected by complex shareholding arrangements, with Hyundai Motor Company regarded as the de facto representative of the group.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Motor_Company

To connect with your nearest Hyundai dealership, go to https://www.hyundaiusa.com/dealer-locator.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. In 2011, Mitsubishi Motors was the sixth-biggest Japanese automaker and the sixteenth-biggest worldwide by production. From October 2016 onwards, Mitsubishi has been one-third (34%) owned by Nissan, and thus a part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance.

Besides being part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, it is also a part of Mitsubishi keiretsu, formerly the biggest industrial group in Japan, and the company was originally formed in 1970 from the automotive division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation was formerly a part of Mitsubishi Motors, but is now separate from Mitsubishi Motors, which builds commercial grade trucks, buses and heavy construction equipment, and is owned by the German automotive corporation Daimler AG (though 

Mitsubishi continues to own a small stake).

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Motors

To connect with your nearest Mitsubishi dealership, go to https://www.mitsubishicars.com/dealers.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Nishi-ku, Yokohama. The company sells its cars under the Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun brands with in-house performance tuning products labelled Nismo. The company traces its name to the Nissan zaibatsu, now called Nissan Group.

Since 1999, Nissan has been part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, a partnership between Nissan of Japan, Mitsubishi Motors of Japan and Renault of France. As of 2013, Renault holds a 43.4% voting stake in Nissan, while Nissan holds a 15% non-voting stake in Renault. In 2013, Nissan was the sixth largest automaker in the world, after Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen Group, Hyundai Motor Group, and Ford. Taken together, the Renault–Nissan Alliance would be the world's fourth largest automaker. Nissan is the leading Japanese brand in China, Russia and Mexico.

Nissan is the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, with global sales of more than 320,000 all-electric vehicles as of April 2018. The top-selling vehicle of the car-maker's fully electric lineup is the Nissan LEAF, an all-electric car and the world's top-selling highway-capable plug-in electric car in history.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan

To connect with your nearest Nissan dealership, go to https://www.nissanusa.com/dealer-locator.html.

Chevrolet, colloquially referred to as Chevy and formally the Chevrolet Division of General Motors Company, is an American automobile division of the American manufacturer General Motors (GM). Louis Chevrolet and ousted General Motors founder William C. Durant started the company on November 3, 1911 as the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. Durant used the Chevrolet Motor Car Company to acquire a controlling stake in General Motors with a reverse merger occurring on May 2, 1918 and propelled himself back to the GM presidency.

After Durant's second ousting in 1919, Alfred Sloan, with his maxim "a car for every purse and purpose", would pick the Chevrolet brand to become the volume leader in the General Motors family, selling mainstream vehicles to compete with Henry Ford's Model T in 1919 and overtaking Ford as the best-selling car in the United States by 1929.

In North America, Chevrolet produces and sells a wide range of vehicles, from subcompact automobiles to medium-duty commercial trucks. Due to the prominence and name recognition of Chevrolet as one of General Motors' global marques, Chevrolet, Chevy or Chev is used at times as a synonym for General Motors or its products, one example being the GM LS1 engine, commonly known by the name or a variant thereof of its progenitor, the Chevrolet small-block engine.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet

To connect with your nearest Chevy dealership, go to https://www.chevrolet.com/dealer-locator.

Those brief histories, of which you can read much more via the source links provided begin to unfold the rich, powerful backstories of some of the automobile giants of the past century. The brands have stood the test of time and are as reliable as vehicles get.

The next time you actually have time, test drive one of these auto makers. Get behind the wheel of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe. Rev the engine of the ultra-sporty Kia Stinger.  Take the new Mitsubishi Outlander on an off-road adventure. Experience the joy that any of these top auto manufacturers can bring. Make your great car deal today.

How to Overcome Car Dealer Option Overload

If you are in the market for a new car, it can seem like a daunting task with all the different auto dealers advertising 24/7 on TV, morning commute billboards and popping up on your favorite websites. A simple Google search of “car dealers near me” will produce a giant map with near-endless location pins representing a cornucopia of automotive dealerships of all shapes and sizes. 

This is where the journey to finding the perfect dealer for you begins.

You’ll no doubt see a Jeep dealership, a Dodge dealership, a Toyota dealership, a Chrysler dealership, a BMW dealership, a Mercedes dealership, a Kia dealership, a Chevy dealership, a Ford dealership, a Hyundai dealership, a Honda dealership, a VW dealership, a Mitsubishi dealership, a Nissan dealership, maybe even a Ferrari or Lamborghini dealership, too, all with their different deals and incentives.

What is a person to do when overwhelmed with so many choices?  After all, there are so many makes and models out there it makes choosing just one a real challenge. That new 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander is a great compact SUV for a good price. But, then that new Hyundai Santa Fe SUV has great reviews and looks cool. Oh, man, did you forget that you maybe wanted to go a whole different direction and get that sporty new Kia Stinger? That’s a smooth-looking ride for a great price. There are just too many options!

A new or pre-owned vehicle is a major investment, so you've got to be able to make the right choice. We know there are lots of options, so here are some smart tips to keep in mind when you are car shopping.

• Anytime you are thinking about purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle, you first need to know the true value of the car. Check out KBB.com and CarFax.com. Valuable insight is found by searching online for the MRSP and comparing it with other offers you find in your area.
• Go into the dealership with a bottom line price in mind. The salesman might try to focus on the monthly payments or financing terms, but your goal should be to get the price you want on the car you want. You can always negotiate the financing terms later, or even finance with your own bank outside of the dealership.
• Rather than buying a brand-new car, purchase a lightly used one that is only a couple of years old. Many cars come with transferable warranties that last for three years or 36,000 miles. You will save a significant amount over buying new, and the warranty will give you peace of mind for the first year or so.
• Do not allow anyone to intimidate you into making a purchase that may not be the right one for you. Do not fall for lines like "This will be gone if you try to buy it later." These types of statements are usually made to sway you into make a purchase right away.
• Know what type of vehicle you are looking for before stepping foot into a dealership. Do your homework to find the best car for your needs. Read Consumer Reports and Edmunds to read reviews and become aware of the prices to expect on a particular vehicle, making it less likely that you will be taken advantage of by a fast-talking salesperson.
• Due diligence should be exercised when planning your car budget. It is imperative that you take a full and realistic look at your budget. Not only must you consider a car payment, you must also consider insurance, gas and maintenance for the vehicle. There is nothing worse than having a vehicle that you cannot afford to drive.
• Most salesmen will have monthly goals or quotas to make. Use this against them by shopping at month end. Due to their quota, salesmen become a lot friendlier at the end of the month in most cases. That way, you have more leverage as you negotiate.
• Never take a car at face value. Though you may not be a mechanic, it is a good idea to do a thorough inspection of the vehicle. An important part of the inspection is a test drive. This allows you to feel the car on the road, listen for any wayward noises and possible spot issues with performance.
• If you are car shopping and want to test drive some different cars, make sure you bring your license and insurance card with you. Many dealers will want a photo copy of them before you drive. This is just to protect them in case someone steals or damages a car. If you do not have them with you, they might not let you test drive.
• Set a spending limit before shopping for your new car. It is easy to get swayed by pushy salesmen or a nice leather interior, but it is important that you stay within your budget. You may like the cause of spending extra, but you will not like it when it comes time to pay for it.
• Read all the documents that are presented to you when you purchase a new car. They will usually have a large stack for you to sign. Don't feel pressured into signing anything that you do not understand. If you do not understand something, ask about it before signing. Until you sign your name to all the paperwork, you can walk out of the dealership and not owe a dime.
• Decide whether you want a pre-owned car or a new one. A new car has the obvious advantages, but used cars can be a pretty good deal as well. There are many certified used cars now that have been found to perform well, and cost substantially less than new cars do.

Car shopping is serious. Whether your research and due diligence has culminated in wanting a new Kia, Hyundai, Chevy, Mitsubishi, Ford or Ferrari, take your time and look at all the options available to you.

Popular VW Makes and Models

Volkswagen (German pronunciation: [ˈfɔlksˌvaːɡn̩], shortened to VW (German: [ˈfaʊ̯ˈveː]), is a German automaker founded on May 28, 1937 by the German Labour Front, and headquartered in Wolfsburg. It is the flagship marque of the Volkswagen Group, the largest automaker by worldwide sales in 2016 and 2017. – Wikipedia.com

Visit your nearest VW dealership to test drive and buy today!

Volkswagen Atlas (cat: vw atlas)                              

MSRP: From $30,895

Dimensions: 198″ L x 78″ W x 70″ H

MPG: Up to 22 city / 26 highway

Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs

Cargo volume: 20.6 ft³, 96.8 ft³ with seat area

Volkswagen Tiguan (cat: vw tiguan)                       

MSRP: From $24,295

Dimensions: 185″ L x 72″ W x 66″ H

MPG: Up to 22 city / 29 highway

Cargo volume: 12 to 37.6 ft³, 65.7 to 73.5 ft³ with seat area

Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs           

Volkswagen Golf (cat: vw golf)                 

MSRP: From $21,845

Horsepower: 147 hp

MPG: 29 city / 37 highway

Dimensions: 168″ L x 71″ W x 58″ H

Curb weight: 2,963 to 3,023 lbs

Volkswagen Beetle (cat: vw beetle)                                      

MSRP: From $20,895

Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder

MPG: 26 city / 33 highway

Curb weight: 3,045 to 3,239 lbs

Horsepower: 174 hp

Volkswagen Jetta (cat: vw jetta)

MSRP: From $18,745

MPG: 30 city / 40 highway

Horsepower: 147 hp

Dimensions: 185″ L x 71″ W x 57″ H

Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gal

How Find a VW Dealership Near You

Finding several Volkswagen dealerships close to home is easy on the web. Simply Google or Bing search “VW dealership near me” and you’ll get a list of dealer options to choose from. Read reviews and exercise due diligence to pick the best dealer in order to get the best deal!

Advice On Buying a New or Used Volkswagen

Maybe you’re a Volkswagen loyalist who’s been rolling that VW Bus since the 1970s and there is nothing that can separate you from your iconic set of wheels – except a new VW Bus. Or, maybe you’re taking your first steps into this majestic world of automobile royalty and need a little hand-holding to secure the best deal from a VW dealership. VW veteran or entry-level rookie, you’re gonna be a car buying boss after these tips. It’s a VW world. Let’s get started.

• Look for deals online. You can save thousands by doing an Internet search. After finding the right car, just head over to the dealership to arrange for a purchase. If the dealership is close, think about going to them to save a little more money.
• Learn about the true market value of the car before making an offer. Oftentimes, VW dealers will have the car marked up a certain percent over the value so they have some wiggle room. If you know the market value, you can better haggle with them about the price you will pay out the door.
• If you are in the market for a used VW, a great way to tell if the speedometer is correct is to look at the gas and brake pedals. If someone says the car has 30,000 miles on it, and the brake and gas pedals are worn, it is a good indication the odometer was turned back.
• Don’t pay for lots of extras when you are buying a VW car or SUV. Sure, it would be nice to have a lot of fun features in your new ride, but do you really need them? Every toy or gadget you add jacks up the price of the car considerably. Figure out what you really need, and just stick to that.
• Call the bank to see if you can get the financing you need for the vehicle you are interested in. Doing this ensures your security. Dealerships usually can help you get a rate that's better than your personal bank, but you should always know beforehand the interest rate that you are willing to work with.
• Due diligence should be exercised when planning your car budget. It is imperative that you take a full and realistic look at your budget. Not only must you consider a car payment, you must also consider insurance, gas and maintenance for the vehicle. There is nothing worse than having a vehicle that you cannot afford to drive.
• Once you have found the perfect car, ask for a vehicle history report. CarFax comes to mind. A vehicle history report will list any instances that the vehicle has been involved in. If your dealer does not offer this service, you can purchase one yourself online for a nominal fee. This report will help you avoid purchasing a car that has been in a wreck.
• Find out how much it will cost to insure a specific vehicle before you purchase it. Insurance agencies charge a lot more to insure sports cars than other vehicles. Even the color of the car can influence the insurance cost. To guarantee that you are not surprised once you have already paid for the car you must do your research.
• Admittedly a bit paranoid “tin foil” but, don't hand over the keys to your trade-in until the deal is signed. If they have your car "hostage," they can use it to pressure you to buy the new car. Wait until the deal is done to ensure you keep control of the situation at all times during the transaction.
• You should test drive the car you want with every feature you desire. For example, test driving a manual model when you want automatic won't show you anything. Getting behind the wheel of a VW Tiguan doesn’t make sense if you’re dead set on getting a VW Atlas. If they don't have the exact model on the lot, go to a lot which does for the test drive as you can always go back for the purchase, if you want to.
• Watch out for dealership advertising fees. These are often tacked on to new car purchases, and you should not have to pay them. Car dealerships have to advertise as part of doing business, and many shoppers who challenge this fee will win. If your salesman will not remove this fee, ask to speak with a manager.

There you go. Tips to make your VW shopping experience easy and breezy. Buy like a boss.

Can’t find a local dealer that meets your needs? Hop on Google and type in “VW dealership near me” and you’ll get more dealers than you can shake a stick it. Go from there and find your dream car.