How to Get the Most Cash for Cars in Los Angeles

– brought to you by Cash For Cars

If you’re looking for cash for cars in Los Angeles then you should consider that a clean, well-kept and maintained used car will usually sell much faster, and for quite a bit more money than a dirty, unkempt vehicle in need of repairs. The tips below are intended to be a checklist of things you can do to help get the most cash for your car in Los Angeles. Some of them are things you can get right before putting the car up for sale, and others are more regular maintenance tips that should be taken care of on a regular basis. Companies that purchase used autos including Cash for Cars in Los Angeles will pay a lot more money for a car in good condition.

Belts & Hoses

Before listing your car for sale, check that all the belts and hoses bend easily and are in good shape. If anything shows signs of wear and tear or drying out, replace them immediately. While this may seem like a small detail, any prospective buyer will want to look at the engine, and will likely be put off if they see hoses or belts in bad condition.

Exhaust

California has strict laws regarding emissions. Because of this, your exhaust system needs to be in tip top condition, and if it is not, it is unlikely that you will be able to get the most cash for your car. You should inspect your exhaust system prior to putting your used car on the market. Check for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Also check for holes in the exhaust pipe or the muffler. If you see any holes, rust, or broken or loose supports, then you should consider having the problems fixed before listing your vehicle for sale.

Lights

Ensure that all the lights on your vehicle are clean, and in good working order. A light bulb is usually inexpensive but a non-working light can greatly reduce how much a prospective buyer is willing to pay for a vehicle, and  in many cases by more than it would cost to fix the problem.

Wiper Blades

Inspect your wiper blades every time you clean your windows, and prior to listing your car for sale. If the rubber is brittle or worn, replace the blades. Faulty wiper blades are something else that can depreciate the resale value of your vehicle by more than it would cost to replace them.

Fluids and Oil

All fluids and oil should be checked on a monthly basis. This includes transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and washer fluid. If any fluids are low, add the correct type of fluid to top them off. Engine oil should be completely drained and changed every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. However, if you use synthetic oil, you can usually go longer between oil changes.

After Market Accessories

If you have any aftermarket accessories on your vehicle, such as bug guards, and light covers, etc., then you should consider leaving them on the car when you sell it. This is because they can add value to your vehicle and you will likely be able to sell it for more than you would if you removed them. It is also unlikely that the accessories will fit on your new vehicle unless you are purchasing the exact same make and model car.

Conclusion

Many of the above tips are things that you should do on a regular basis regardless of whether you are selling your car or not. However, if you are planning on selling your vehicle, following these tips will help you get the most from Cash for Cars in Los Angeles. It also shows prospective buyers that you have taken the time to keep your vehicle in good condition during the time that you have owned it, this should help you sell your car much faster than if it were in bad shape.

By: Derek Emery

The post Cash For Cars In Los Angeles – The Easy Way appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

Selling on Your Own vs. Using Cash for Cars in San Diego

– brought to you by Cash For Cars

The most important thing to consider when selling a used car is the selling price. Of course, you want to be able to get the most cash for your car and in order to do that, you need to take a few things into consideration.  Thes include how, when, and where you want to sell the car.

How Quickly Do You Want to Sell?

The resources you use to sell your car in San Diego should depend on how quickly you want to sell the vehicle. How fast you want to sell your vehicle will often also play a part in how much cash you will be able to make for your car, because some resources will cost more than others.

The quickest way to get cash for cars in San Diego is to use the Cash for Cars website. This will provide you with a fast, convenient, and easy way to sell your car, with an appraisal often only taking a few minutes. If you aren’t in a hurry to sell your car, you could list it in your local auto trader newspaper, or online on websites such as AutoTrader, Craigslist, Cars.com, and even eBay. However, most of these options will charge a fee anywhere from $25-$300 or more and can also take a percentage of the sale. They might take a long time for your vehicle to sell, especially if it has body damage, does not run, or needs work.

How Much Time & Effort do You Want to Put into Selling Your Car?

Selling a car takes both time and effort. If you do not want to spend the time detailing the car and getting it ready to sell, then dealing with marketing, taking it on test drives, negotiating price, and dealing with payment collections and paperwork, then selling a vehicle yourself is probably not a good option.

Getting a vehicle ready for sale takes a lot of time. You need to make sure that the car is clean and detailed, that all of the lights work, and that the tires are in good condition. It is also a good idea to have the car serviced with either a tune up or an oil change as that can be an additional selling point. All of these things have to be done before listing your vehicle for sale, if you want to make the most cash for your car, Cash for Cars in San Diego might be a much better option.

Determining How Much Your Car is Worth

Once you have decided how quickly you want to sell your car, how much work you want to put into making the sale, and what resources you want to use, it is time to find out roughly how much your car is actually worth. You can do this online, and there are several fantastic websites that list car values. They include Edmunds, NADAGuides, and Kelley Blue Book. You will need to enter some information about your vehicle in order to get the projected value of the car. However, remember to deduct any money you have spent getting the vehicle ready for sale and listing it on any resources, and don’t expect to be able to sell the vehicle for the exact amount listed if you sell it as a private party sale. You can also check places such as Craigslist, Auto Trader, and eBay to see what comparable cars are being sold for.

Conclusion

As you can see, selling a vehicle privately, and getting the most cash for your car takes time and effort, and there is no guarantee that your vehicle will sell quickly. Because of this, many people choose to sell their vehicles to a place such as Cash for Cars in San Diego. Doing so will often allow you to get the best value for your vehicle with the least amount of work.

By: Derek Emery

The post Cash for Cars vs. Sell By Owner in San Diego appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

– brought to you by Cash For Cars

We’ll buy any car in Long Beach for Cash. Click here to get a free quote.

If you have a used vehicle to sell and want to get the most money for your auto in the Long Beach area, you might want to consider Cash for Cars. The Long Beach Cash for Cars can help you sell your quickly and easily, and with as little stress and headaches as possible.

Quick & Simple

Selling a used vehicle to Cash for Cars in Long Beach is relatively easy. Most of the time, the entire process only takes 3 to 4 steps and you will usually receive an offer within a day or two. Because of their large network, Cash for Cars in Long Beach can also offer you the most money for your car. Despite the ease of selling your car, you also won’t be charged any fees for the process.

Getting Cash for Your Car

Cash for Cars will usually purchase any make or model vehicle, regardless of the condition, even if the car doesn’t run or has been wrecked. In fact, they will usually purchase used vehicles in almost any condition and with any mileage.

If your used car is wrecked, has very high mileage, or doesn’t run at all, it might be extremely hard to sell it on your own as most people are looking for a vehicle that they can drive away. However, Cash for Cars gives you an easy way to sell a used vehicle that is not drivable so that you don’t have to send it to a scrapyard.

How does it Work?

Getting money for your car in Long Beach using Cash for Cars is very easy. You simply give them a quick call, or use their simple form to give them some details about the vehicle. They will then give you an offer, most of the time within an hour or so. If you accept the offer, they will then come to pick up the vehicle and give you your cash.

Most of the time, the entire transaction, from contacting them with the vehicles details, to receiving your funds can be completed within 24-48 hours, although there are certain circumstances, such as geographic location that may cause the transaction to take a little longer.

What You Need to Complete the Transaction

If you accept an offer, you will have to furnish Cash for cars a copy of the title to the vehicle and your driver’s license in order for the transaction to be completed. This is to show that you are the legal owner of the vehicle and that there is no money owed on it. If you are not the owner, or don’t have a title, then a power or attorney and a copy of the owners driver’s license will normally be required.

Why Use Cash for Cars?

Some people may believe that they won’t get as much cash for their used car in Long Beach if they sell to Cash for Cars. However, because of the size of the company, they can usually make you a very competitive offer. You will also sell your vehicle quickly and easily without having to deal with placing ads, dealing with test drives, or haggling with potential customers. Because of the speed and convenience, selling your used vehicle to Cash for Cars in Long Beach is often the best choice.

By: Derek Emery

The post Use Cash for Cars to Sell Your Car in Long Beach appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

Cash For Cars In Maryland

When you are researching who buys cars in Baltimore, you can begin by looking for a convenient buyer in your area. Do you live downtown, in the Central District near the Camden Yards Sports Complex, the National Aquarium in Baltimore or the Convention Center? Find someone who buys cars in Baltimore that is located in the downtown core area or who is willing to travel. Don’t waste time driving to different corners of the city allowing dozens of buyers to inspect and possibly reject the car in question. If you do find a company or service who buys cars in Baltimore, Maryland that requires travel make sure you discuss with them the paperwork required to make the final sale before making the trip.

Cash For Cars

Perhaps you live in the Northern District, home to America’s first planned suburbs. While there may be options for selling your car in this area, be sure to research the competition to get the best price for your vehicle. It may take a few phone calls to find out who buys cars in Baltimore, MD suburbs for the highest amount with the least hassles. Ask how long the entire process will take and discuss any concerns about the car to be sold over the phone. Bring along or have ready a file containing the car’s history.

Maybe you live or work near one of Baltimore’s many college campuses. Find out who buys cars in Baltimore, Maryland from near the universities by doing research on or near the actual campuses themselves. Whether looking for a company who buys cars in Baltimore near one of the public schools such as the University of Maryland, University of Baltimore or Morgan State University or the private schools like The John Hopkins University, Loyola University Maryland or Notre Dame of Maryland University there are plenty of options. Don’t settle for an unprofessional scam artist who buys cars in Baltimore when you can find a reputable company through a few phone calls or online searches.

By: Derek Emery

Get Cash For Cars In Maryland

The post Cash For Cars in Maryland! Who’s buying cars in Baltimore? appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

At the start of each new model year each fall, Consumer Reports, a trusted source for all things consumer, releases its Car Reliability Survey. Not all car owners stash away the survey because most owners have no idea when they might be selling a used car.

But its results can be telltale whether your used car sale will go smoothly, or if you’re in for a prolonged effort.

Used car buyers want a vehicle that is dependable enough to get them to work, school and play, consistently.

The Consumer Reports survey looks at new models, but with information gathered during the spring of the previous model year. The survey this year considered responses from Consumer Reports readers for more than 1.4 million vehicles.

That’s an enormous amount of vehicles and indicates the survey results are trustworthy, particularly if you’re in the mode to sell a used car.

Most Reliable Cars and Selling a Used Car

The magazine’s top picks in each segment is interesting to look at:

• Small Car: Scion xD
• Family Car: Toyota Prius
• Sporty Car, Coupes & Convertibles: Lexus SC
• Upscale/Luxury Car: Infiniti M35 (rear wheel drive)
• Wagons & Minivan: Toyota Matrix
• Small SUV: Honda Element
• Midsized SUV: Honda Pilot
• Large SUV: Toyota Sequoia
• Pickup Truck: Toyota Tundra (V6)

Think about how many of the most reliable vehicles are Toyota’s: four from its parent brand, plus Lexus is the Japanese automaker’s luxury wing, and Scion is its small car maker. Additionally, every single top pick is an import.

While not in the top picks list, Ford proved to be the most reliable American brand, Consumer Reports reported.

When you start the process to sell a used car, understand its pros and cons. If a notable source such as Consumer Reports notes that it’s reliable, or very fuel-efficient, or just plan cool, show it off to potential buyers. After all, you want the most cash for a used car as possible, right?

For example, the current Consumer Reports survey also ranked automakers as a whole. The list this year was topped by Scion, followed in order by Acura, Honda, Toyota and Lexus.

 Applying Reliability Reports toward Selling a Used Car Wisely

It’s clear that if you have a Toyota or any of the company’s spinoffs, the reputation is built strongly to use reliability as a key selling point. In selling a used car, you are marketing its strengths and must rely on them to get top dollar.

Something new in the Consumer Reports survey is a first look at hybrid vehicles. So many people bought them last year, and so many are brand new models, that few reports are out there yet.

Consumer Reports had sufficient information about nine hybrid models, and they all rated above average in predicted reliability. For the American cars, Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid small sport utility vehicles rated above average in predicted reliability.

Being fair to the Americans, some Japanese models were singled out in the survey. For example, three Toyota models fell to below average – the Camry V6, Tundra V8 four-wheel drive, and the Lexus GS all-wheel drive.

For Chevrolet, the redesigned Malibu fared well. Elsewhere in General Motors, the Buick Lucerne V8 and Pontiac C6 were rated above average for reliability.

Used cars and reliability walk hand in hand when you’re trying to sell a used car. Not everyone does the research before buying a used car, so it is up to you to inform them. Learn about how your used car stacks up, and let it be known.

The post Selling a Used Car Based on Reliability appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

The story focuses on the credit crunch, and how it not only has made it difficult for potential car buyers to secure a loan, but also for auto dealers to keep funds coming in and to deal with inventory.

For those seeking cash for used cars, some of the article’s information and quotes offer great tips:

• One used-car dealer said so far sales have been decent, but there are worries that 2008 model year used vehicles will change that.
• “It’s the guy that was making $200,000 a year last year who’s now making $90,000 a year that’s the problem,” a general manager for a New York dealership said. “They can’t make the BMW payments anymore, so they’re turning to used Chevrolets.” Read: the market for used cars may be expanding.
• The same dealership noted a trend of stocking up on more affordable cars. Whereas a year ago the average price was $28,000, now he wants cars that cost $15,000 to $18,000. See above: used cars might become a hot commodity very soon.

Other Roadmaps for Cash for Used Cars

So assuming you seek cash for used cars, which models and makes will be most attractive?

The Fox News article hints at anything other than a truck. “Hondas are selling. They’re just on fire, because Honda is not in the truck market,” one used car manager said. “The cars and the SUVs, I can’t keep them.”

What are other media outlets saying?

According to the Orlando Business Journal, there may be a demand for hardly used General Motors vehicles, because the company no longer owns its financing wing, GMAC, and that lending operation is focused on making loans rather than selling cars.

That makes buying a new GM model that much more difficult, and could steer buyers to used versions.

If you seek cash for used cars and happened to buy a two-passenger Smart ForTwo once they started being sold in America in January 2008, you might be in business, according to information from Automotive News.

No major changes are planned for the gas-sipping ForTwo in coming years, and gas prices are hardly expected to drop significantly. Penske Automotive Group, the U.S. distributor of the car, sold 18,156 ForTwos through August 2008.

 Competition Shrinking to Get Cash for Used Cars

Also helping your cause is the demise of auto leasing in America. Think reduced competition from other car sellers, expanding your potential market to get cash for used cars.

Domestic auto dealerships are feeling the pinch when American automakers started dramatically cutting back or dropping entirely car leasing as a sales option, according to the Pittsburgh Business Times in October 2008.

One Ford dealership said 30 to 40 percent of his business was from new-car leases just five years ago.

Add to your cash for used cars quest the fact that used car-selling powerhouses like CarMax are shrinking due to poor sales.

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle in early October 2008, CarMax – operating 99 used car superstores in 46 markets in America – plans to eliminate 600 associates from its service operations work force at production superstores nationwide.

That is, of course, due to poor sales of new and used cars. The bad news for those seeking cash for used cars is the company’s sales of used vehicles fell 12.5 percent the past 12 months.

It may be an indication that used car sales are down overall, which could impact the ability to collect cash for used cars as a private seller.

But the bottom line from recent media reports is competition overall has eased, always a good thing from a used car sales perspective if you’re in that business.

The post Media Reports: Great Time if You Seek Cash for Used Cars appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

It was so popular, it became known simply as “The OC.”

Back to the Future

It seems that the OC is reverting back to its mid-1990s form, with cash shortages not only by local government agencies, but also wealthy residents who made a ton off stocks or the booming housing market.

Well, the housing bubble burst and the stock market has taken a tank, and going down with them are huge chunk of Orange County residents.

It’s the return of the so-called Lemon County, and more and more residents there are seeking quick cash fixes. Selling your home in this market is probably not the most prudent choice, considering dropping prices and an unpredictable market.

What about selling your lemon? We’re talking about cars, and it’s interesting that services that buy used cars in Orange County talk about offering cash for “junk cars.”

What about selling a used car that’s not junk? There are plenty of them out there in the OC – the fifth most-populated county in America. That means lots of cars that can get good, cold cash for used cars in Orange County.

The Market for Cash for Used Cars in Orange County

Today, not everyone is hurting financially in Orange County. Those who positioned themselves well might be looking to take advantage of others’ misfortune, by helping them part with valuables such as used cars.

They probably scour extensive classified listings in the Orange County Register or the Orange County Auto Trader, looking for that poor sap who must part with his Mercedes in Manhattan Beach, or a Lexus in Laguna Beach.

These folks most definitely are ready to present cash for used cars in Orange County – if you’re not too picky about the final price.

On your side is the fact that local media outlets have reported in recent months that new-car sales in Orange County have been terrible. With the uncertain economic forecast, people are either holding onto their cars longer, or buying used.

That expands the market – and your odds for cash for used cars, Orange County.

The Orange County Register reported that from May 2007 to May 2008, new-car sales in the OC dropped more than 18 percent.

Your Model’s Impact on Cash for Used Cars, Orange County

The same Register article offered insight into which types of cars Orange County residents want – or no longer want. Take notice of these vehicles to ascertain whether it’s good or bad for you in your “cash for used cars Orange County quest.”

Gas guzzlers are out – duh. Registrations of new trucks in May 2008 were down 30.4% compared with a year prior. Subcompacts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius grew in sales by 3%.

Strikingly, sales of Kia models soared 69% upward during the year ending May 31, 2008 in Orange County. The most popular was the Rondo, a small SUV that gets 26 miles per gallon on the highway and has a starting price of $17,045.

Mini, Volkswagen, Buick, Mazda and Hyundai also saw increased sales in Orange County through May. Scion is the most popular brand in the OC, but its sales fell 19.9% through May.

If you own a vehicle with increasing sales as outlined above, you’re in great shape to get cash for used cars, Orange County, and fast. If your car is listed as among those with declining sales, well, perhaps you should start looking for that old baseball card collection in the attic.

The post Economic Downturn Means More Seeking Cash for Used Cars in The OC appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

Getting good cash for used cars in Los Angeles should be easy…Right?

You Have to Sell What People Want

Well, it’s good to know which used cars are in demand. It goes without saying that your ability to get good cash for used cars in Los Angeles is limited if you’re looking to sell that ’69 VW van with the rusting roof.

Several sources say the Toyota Camry is the most popular used car in the Los Angeles area. The Honda Accord is also sought by used car buyers.

Through 2007, the Ford F-Series truck held its demand and remained a popular car in the area, however high gas prices are starting to chip away at used truck sales.

Aside from make and model, think about your vehicle’s color. It’s going to be a challenge to secure cash for used cars in Los Angeles if your car is burnt orange.

Sources say the most-popular vehicle colors in Los Angeles are silver, white, and black. Los Angeles is a very diversified area, but that is not reflected by Angelenos’ favorite car colors.

Popular Choices for Good Cash for Used Cars in Los Angeles

Selling a used car in Greater Los Angeles is easier if you take the time to discover demographic details.

What do Angelenos desire most from a used car? Today it’s a no-brainer that fuel economy is a huge factor.

This is evident while reviewing the list of the most popular used cars in Los Angeles. Among the top are Honda’s Accord and Civic; Toyota’s Corolla; and the Nissan Altima.

But area families are still enamored with people movers, the Dodge Caravan / Grand Caravan and Chevy TrailBlazer are still selling well used.

The Ford Mustang is also among the most popular cars in Los Angeles, especially in recent years when Ford went retro with that model.

Your odds of getting good cash for used cars in Los Angeles increase considerably if you’re looking to sell any of the models listed above.

It’s somewhat surprising that Porsche or Mercedes-Benz are not among the most popular used cars in Los Angeles. Perhaps owners of those vehicles are less likely to sell, impacting used version sales figures.

Market Appropriately to Secure Cash for Used Cars in Los Angeles

If your used car is not mentioned above, don’t be alarmed. You just need to find the right buyer to get the most cash for used cars in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles metropolitan area has a total area of 4,850 square miles – a lot of land to cover for commuters, and for you to scour for buyers to best sell your used car.

Focus on marketing points. If you took good care of your vehicle, hopefully you saved service receipts and can prove to your buyer how well-maintained the car is.

Getting good cash for used cars in Los Angeles, you need to sell your vehicle’s strong points, and sell them hard.

Fuel economy is king today, so if your car gets good gas mileage, don’t forget to mention that over and over.

Finally, if it’s cash for used cars you seek, and not a check or money order, you need to market your vehicle to get as many buyers interested as possible.

The more choices you have, the better. You can be picky about who you sell to – and how they pay.

The post Popularity Contest: Best Bets for Cash for Used Cars in Los Angeles appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

It seems appropriate, considering their family surname name starts with the term “econo.”

America’s Cheapest Family

Today they call themselves “America’s Cheapest Family,” a couple who paid their first mortgage off in nine years, as they started having children, by paying a bit more than was due every month.

Among their “Principles for frugal family living”?  Paying cash for used cars instead of buying new cars on credit.

It’s no secret that the financing of large purchases has become a booming business for those who front the cash to consumers. If you can avoid financing, the savings can be enormous.

Paying cash for used cars is one of the secrets of the Economides’ success. But, of course, not everyone has the ability or resources to do so.

And paying cash for used cars is just one of the large purchases Americans face in life. Of course there is the home mortgage, and other finance-able transactions such as student loans or home improvement projects.

But for any such transaction, the Economides say, it pays to shop around.

The World of Financing – When Paying Cash for Used Cars is Not Possible

Shopping around is crucial if you cannot apply cash for used cars, or for that matter cash for any large purchase. If you do finance, do so patiently.

For example, before purchasing their first house, the Economides looked at 40 homes and called 10 banks to find the best deal. Then, prior to refinancing three years later, they again called 10 lenders.

It’s almost like the KISS theory, albeit without the K for “keep.” It’s simple. The more time you dedicate to searching and learning, the more money saved.

Home financing is much more challenging than automobile purchases, hardly anyone can pay cash for a used house like they pay cash for used cars.

So the time needed to research multiplies by several factors. But enough about financing and home purchases…back to cash for used cars.

Purchasing cars is one thing. But what if it’s the other way around: you need cash fast?

Maybe it’s for a family financial emergency, or to buy a different car, or perhaps you just have an extra car that’s expendable (more commonplace now that gas prices have hit the roof).

You can receive cash for used cars, too.

On the Flip Side: Receiving Cash for Used Cars

The Economides list “5 Steps to Money Saving Purchases” includes “Consider buying Used or borrowing an item instead of purchasing it.”

That means there are people out there thinking the same thing. So if its cash for used cars you seek, understand that there is a market out there.

There are two avenues to explore. First there is the tried-and-true method of selling to a private party.

Advertise your car for sale somehow, whether in a classified advertisement, signage, a word-of-mouth campaign, or all of the above. Buyers will surface.

From there you have to deal with inquiries, questions, meetings, test drives, etc. Few people appreciate such processes. Are there options?

Another route is to seek new services out there that offer cash for used cars. The number seems to be increasing in recent years, and they understand the power of the Internet and many have robust websites to help.

Usually these services use paying cash for used cars – as opposed to trade-ins or other lures – as a major marketing message. That can be attractive if it’s fast cash you need.

If you can pull it off, consider another of the Economides’ axioms: Pay with cash, not credit.

The Economideses don’t use credit cards. They save for large expenses and pay not only cash for used cars but also cash for home repairs, groceries and new clothes.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all could do so? At least learning from their example, we know it’s possible.  It just takes a strong commitment.

The post Cash for Used Cars: When Buying, and Selling appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

Certified pre-owned vehicles.

In short, when they ain’t sellin’ new, try sellin’ used.

Automakers Selling Their Used Cars Online

Chrysler announced in late June 2008 that it was teaming with eBay to list Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge certified pre-owned cars on the new eBay Motors’ Certified Pre-Owned Showroom.

Chrysler’s attempt to push more used cars is of interest, but equally noteworthy is eBay’s acknowledgement of the market.

The eBay Motors’ CPO Showroom is aimed at marketing franchised dealers’ certified used-vehicle inventory.

It claims 12 million monthly unique visitors, and more than 15,000 late-model, fully inspected and reconditioned Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

They come with amenities which include

• Factory-backed warranties
• A free CARFAX vehicle history report
• Road-side assistance
• Rental car allowances

Offering warranties, car histories, rental car assistance and the like has become commonplace for the large automakers, to keep their models on roadways and help maintain brand image while making a few extra dollars.

But as the new-car market dries up, American automakers are keen on growing their share of the used-car market.

They are tapping ways to expand their reach, such as engaging enormous online companies, and even figuring ways to hinder competition.

Big Brother Always Watching?

Earlier this year General Motors unveiled its UsedCarAmbush.com, which airs website video clips of what the company deems shady used car lot operators.

The intent is to attack sellers of non-certified pre-owned vehicles.

The site uses hidden camera clips to highlight the benefits of GM’s certified used cars.  Such as:

• 5-year / 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
• 3-month / 3,000-mile new vehicle warranty extension
• 24 / 7 roadside assistance and courtesy transportation
• CARFAX Vehicle History Report
• 3-Day / 150-mile “No Questions Asked” customer satisfaction guarantee
• GMAC new car-like financing
• 117-point inspection by factory-trained technicians

The new website “reveals risks of purchasing used vehicles without manufacturer certification”, according to GM’s media release announcing it.

The intent is to discourage private car dealers from selling cars not deemed worthy by the manufacturer, in this case, GM.

It seems to make sense, since GM certified used vehicles are the industry’s top-selling certified brand.

Even so, in June its sales were down 10% from the same month a year ago, at 36,445 vehicles.

But some makes, particularly those at the higher end, are up. Sales of Cadillac certified pre-owned vehicles, for example, were up 5%; Saab, up 10%; and Hummer, up 37%.

Brand Spankin’ Used

The Internet continues to play a bigger role in marketing for large American corporations. Large homebuilders, for example, are shying away from print advertisements in favor of online campaigns.

Chrysler’s certified pre-owned program is marketed as “Brand Spankin’ Used.” Already it partners with Cars.com and AutoTrader.com.

“In today’s economy, consumers are more Internet savvy and shop for quality products online”, a Chrysler senior manager of certified pre-owned vehicles said.

The new eBay Motors CPO Showroom lets consumers see certified pre-owned inventory from Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers within their local area, in a format similar to newspaper classified listings.

For cars to qualify and be certified under Chrysler’s used-vehicle program, they must be a 2003 through 2008 model with less than 65,000 miles, and pass a stringent 125-point mechanical, safety and condition standard inspection.

They come with

• Eight-year / 80,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
• 24 / 7 roadside assistance
• $35 per day rental car allowance
• Three-month or 3,000-mile Maximum Care warranty, on top of any remaining three-year / 36,000-mile comprehensive new vehicle warranty

Competition among automakers in the used-car market is blossoming.

“There’s great confusion among consumers about what constitutes a certified used vehicle”, said Mark Mathews, director, GM Used-Vehicle Activities. “Manufacturer certified vehicles offer new-vehicle-like benefits and financing options where others do not; private sellers being the most risky option”.

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