Buying a car used to be the ultimate “good news/bad news†experience. On the one hand, you’re excited at the prospect of a shiny new car with the latest bells and whistles. On the other hand, you know you’re going to have to put yourself at the mercy of a car dealer.
But thanks to Internet companies like PriceGrabber.com and LowerMyBills.com, you can be firmly in the driver’s seat for the entire transaction.
Once you know the exact make and model car you want to buy, visit www.PriceGrabber.com, build your dream car, choose the dealerships you’d like to work with, and sit back and let the dealers come to you. Only the dealer quoting the best price will get your contact information, so you won’t be inundated with unwanted phone calls.
“The system works because consumers get the best price, and dealers know they are receiving truly interested shoppers who are looking to buy a car now,†says Kamran Pourzanjani, president of PriceGrabber.com, an industry innovator in online comparison shopping.
In order to make an informed purchase, here’s a checklist of things to do before asking for quotes:
* You probably know what type of vehicle you want, whether it’s a sporty little two-seater or a minivan. The next step is to pick a specific make and model. Perhaps you have your eye on a particular car, or you always buy a certain brand. If so, your decision is simple.
Otherwise, you’ll want to do some research. If you know people who own vehicles similar to the one you’re looking at, get their opinions. Is the vehicle reliable? Is it well-built? What options do they have or wish they had? Also consider visiting a Web site that rates cars for reliability and value.
* Go for a test drive. Even if you’re getting quotes online, you still need to visit a dealer. If you’re having a tough time deciding between two different cars, a test drive can help you make the choice. You may find the ceiling is too low or there’s not enough leg-room in the back for your friends. One caveat: If you visit a dealer and give them your name and contact information to get a quote, then look at the car at the same dealership online, they will likely consider you a “retail†buyer and may not give you the online price quoted for the car, so stay incognito.
* Get your financing in order. “Dealer financing isn’t necessarily the best option. Chances are you’ll get better interest rates and terms if you arrange a loan on your own,†says Matt Coffin, president and founder of LowerMyBills.com, a free online service where consumers can shop around for the lowest rates on monthly bills, including car loans and insurance. Simply complete a short online form with basic information and the kind of loan you’re looking for and you’ll be matched with recommended providers in your area.
* Find insurance. If you are buying that little sports car, you may be surprised how much the insurance will cost you. Don’t be blindsided by this hidden cost -- once you know what car you’re interested in, visit www.LowerMyBills.com and get a quote on the year, make and model of the car before you buy it.
Putting the Internet to work saves you time, money and aggravation, making the road to owning a new car much more pleasant. Visit www.PriceGrabber.com to find out more about buying a car; to save money on car loans, car insurance and other necessities of life, visit www.LowerMyBills.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.
Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.
The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.
Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.
Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.
Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.
The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.
The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.
Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.
Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years.
He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.
Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.
Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.
Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.
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