To Be-lieve or not to Be-lieve...

That is the question.
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them?

You may feel as conflicted about buying your next car, as Hamlet did about life. Not to diminish the struggles of life but buying a car can be stressful for some.

I am always talking to people about CarFax reports, especially as a guide to buying a car. Generally most everyone I talk to believes that if a car has a clean CarFax, it is a good car. This is just simply not the case. CarFax reports are a tool to be used to judge the story the seller is telling, they are not the answer to the story. 

CarFax uses data from state Divisions of Motor Vehicles, insurance industry databases, dealership service records, etc. to generate a history of a car's life. The information is only as good as what is reported.Consider the millions of vehicles that are owned by private individuals or especially corporations/fleets who are self-insured or only carry liability insurance. If that vehicle is sent to the junkyard by its owner (And not paid off, or "Total loss" by an insurance carrier)it will still have a "clear" title. Many auto salvage yards also carry state-issued used motor vehicle dealers' licenses, which allows them to resell the car with a clean title like any other dealer could do. I have seen many cars which would have been "Totaled" by insurance, then sold privately and rebuilt with clean titles, and therefore a clean CarFax. 

It is also possible that a car may be sold privately to a re-seller who does not transfer the title into their name. This is called "Jumping" titles and is actually a form of tax fraud. It also does not leave a trace for CarFax to pick up in the databases, and it may look like a car hasn't had as many owners as it really has. 

Unscrupulous dealers may take a car in as trade or purchase that has high miles. They are supposed to report the accurate mileage when the title is transferred to the dealership. However, they have some time before they are required to do this, and some dealerships will tamper with the odometer, or replace the entire odometer with one from a low-mileage wrecked identical car, then register that new, lower mileage on the title at the state motor vehicles title division. For example: Sally Smith trades in her 1998 Toyota Corolla at WAY LOW Auto Sales. She bought the car used with 21,000 miles on the odometer, and this is on the title. Hannah drives a lot for her job as a pharmaceutical representative. Her car now has 143,000 miles on the odometer. After Sally leaves the car, WAY LOW Auto Sales locates a wrecked 1998 Corolla with only 68,000 miles and buys the gauge cluster from the car, replacing the cluster in Sally's old car. Since Sally bought the car with 21,000 miles on it, and the dealership registers the title as having 68,000 miles on it, and CarFax won't catch that. Since the car was used for mostly freeway miles and Sally took care of it, it would LOOK like a lower mileage car. Once the car is dealership-detailed the car, it would be very impossible for a buyer to discover this fraud ever happened. WAY LOW Auto Sales just added $thousands to the value of this car for the price of a $50 instrument cluster. 

How can you protect yourself? Firstly, look at the entire story and read between the lines. Examine commonly replaced items. If the car is only 4 years old and only has 30,000 miles on it, should it have four new tires, a new water pump and a new battery? Often, date codes from items like batteries and tires can tell the truth of when they were REALLY installed. 

Second, most manufacturers label the car's parts at the factory. Fenders, hoods, doors, bumpers, all have stickers or stamps permanently attached that have the car's serial number. Hoods also often have a sticker that lists the emissions control information, air-conditioner service information, or air-bag warnings. If you see those stickers are not there, odds are the car has had collision parts replaced. If you see dealership service parts decals, like "GM CERTIFIED REPLACEMENT", you also know it's had parts changed. 

Third, have a qualified mechanic inspect the car prior to purchase. The prospective buyer would pay for this and an honest seller would have no problem allowing a car to be inspected before the sale. If they don't want to do this, find another car. A good mechanic will charge $100 or so and spend about a half hour to an hour looking over the car. If possible, watch while the mechanic looks the car over and ask questions. 

Fourth, only buy from someone you would trust. Unfortunately there are disreputable dealers and shady private sellers are out there. You can usually spot them by asking good questions. How long have you owned the car? Who did you by it from? Why are you selling it? What work has been done on it? Then confirm your answers with the paperwork. People who are taking good care of their cars keep paperwork. They have service receipts, owner's manuals, even window stickers. Don't believe the car just had a major service performed unless you can confirm it with the records. If the owner can't find oil-change, or service record receipts to prove major servicing, assume they don't exist or look for evidence of it. 

Lastly, know what the model and year the car you are buying is actually worth, with the options, and what those cars are being advertised for near you. Then when you see what you want, you can look at the car objectively: Why is this dealer selling a 5-year-old Chevy for $3500 under blue-book value? Are there a lot of similar cars on the market or on his lot? Or is it one he wants to get rid of? You have to figure that out.

One more important factor to consider... how many of us have backed into something or someone in a parking lot, or nudged someone at a stop? The police are called, insurance claims are submitted, and yes it will hit the Carfax. If you investigate a car that shows an accident and can establish using these same techniques the extent of damage and quality of repair, you can save $1,000's. This may prove favorable BUT, INVESTIGATE THOROUGHLY or have a professional do it for you. I've see many cars with accidents showing on a Crafax in much better condition that so called "Clean Carfax" automobiles and over time, the depreciated value can largely diminished.

Now the best and most easy way to be sure your getting a great value for a fair price, call or come see us at Draper Auto LLC. Every automobile we sell has been meticulously inspected for damage, mechanical issues and are up to date in service. Don't settle for a car that doesn't have what you want. If we don't have it, we will get it for you!

Devaluing your trade... What most car dealers DON'T want you to know.

    Are you concerned about trading in your car for that much wanted upgrade? Wondering how much it will be vs how much it SHOULD be? I'm going to give you a bit of information that will hopefully help.

To put this into perspective, consider this scenario;
If you've ever sold real estate, your agent gave a "free" evaluation. They brought comps(comparisons) to show to you and proceeded to walk through your home in order to see what it offers, right? Well, hopefully that is the case but some may also have been looking for things to devalue your home. Things that you probably don't have any control over. Then you will have sat down to look at comps. Those same agents looking to "devalue" would then show you an incomplete list of homes and proceed to tell you why you need to lower you price. A good agent on the other hand, could be simply helping you to be realistic if you are overpriced. The rest are trying to get you to lower your price to where it is an easy sell. Translation; "let me sell this place cause I got bills to pay." (grammatical error intentional because that is probably how those agents talk.) Be sure the "comps" are complete and include all aspects and criteria in the market. If the "translated" version was your agent, you may want to consider a new agent because in real estate, your agent's fiduciary responsibility is to YOU, the seller.

Now, you are probably wondering what that scenario has to do with trading in your car, right? Well, the only difference is that a car salesman or "dealer" has a fiduciary responsibility to his wallet or his boss, NOT to you the person trading in the car. Other than that, pretty much the same thing. Now I'm not saying don't trade in your car, because more times than not, it does make sense due to the sales tax savings. Also the trouble of advertising, meeting potential buyers, and time. So here are a few tips when trading in your car;

• Know what your car's value before you go in for the deal. NADA is the guide that your bank or credit union is going to use and is the most reliable for accurate information.
• Search the features your car has to offer and don't forget them when it comes to negotiating. Often some of those features add value such as navigation, auto trans., etc.
• Know your cars trim level. For instance is it an S, SL, SE, (examples as each car manufacturer has their own trim level symbols). Trim level can have a significant impact on value.
• Understand the process. Know that when a dealer is walking around your car, touching the bald tire or the door ding, that touch is a subliminal message to you that this is going to hurt. Think about it... your car, he or she touches a flaw... how does that make you feel? You probably flinch or look down. That touch is for a reason. Don't be intimidated and counter back with a positive feature.

Now if the prospect of trading your car and getting exactly what you want is still a bit intimidating, look us up at Draperautos.com and we will make it simple for you.

~Gary Lauritzen, Draper Auto LLC

P.S. Be sure and "like" us on Facebook

My Making Decisions Resolution

Whether your new years resolution is to lose weight, eat healthy, drink less alcohol, or whatever the case may be, making decisions are the basis for nearly all change. You may say your going to do something but until you truly decide, it's just another BS resolution.

Making decisions is a skill that takes PRACTICE and many people just can't or won't do it. Accountability... maybe that will work for you but the reality is that successful people make decisions quickly, and seldom IF ever change their minds. Think about it... some of the biggest and most important decisions are made in a snap. People who are successful cease opportunity immediately when they see it or the opportunity will be gone.

Think about people you know who are accomplished at what they do. Maybe your boss or a leader in you church or community. Would you say they are good decision makers? How about someone who strolls through life like a tumble weed, blowing which ever way the wind blows... rather obvious isn't it. Seems simple no? Reality is though, we even need to decide to make decisions more quickly and PRACTICE, PRACTICE PRACTICE!

I recently had a client, not a FB friend mind you, that wanted a great deal on a certain make/model automobile. had the capacity to purchase but just could not make the decision. The client went through 3 different make/models form Infiniti to Mercedes-Benz, imposing on MANY of friends who pointed out the literally many thousands of $$$ I would be saving said client, and getting EXACTLY what they wanted right down to specifications and color. ONE AND A HALF YEAR LATER... expressing regret and still no car!

Now I'm not saying you should decide to come down here and have me find you your dream car or SUV. Getting exactly what you want is not for everyone... but if that is in your resolve, Let's BEGIN NOW by contacting me and let me know, Why Now and Why you?

Come a point in life when everything changes, or remains exactly as it is... that point is called a "decision".

~Gary, Draper Auto llc

P.S. Know anyone planning to buy a car or just trying to make change? Feel free to share or Visit us at;  Draperautos.com

Taxes, Taxes, and more Taxes.

Ok Friends, This in not related directly to the Automobile but... well... it certainly does effect all of us! A very interesting column. COMPLETELY NEUTRAL Be sure to Read the Poem at the end.

Charley Reese's final column for the Orlando Sentinel...



He has been a journalist for 49 years.
He is retiring and this is HIS LAST COLUMN.

Be sure to read the Tax List at the end as well.

This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be. The article below is completely neutral, neither anti-republican or democrat. Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgments made that impact each one of us every day. It's a short but good read. Worth the time. Worth remembering!

545 vs. 300,000,000 People - By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? John Boehner. He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it's because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan ...

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They and they alone, have the power.

They and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.

Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

What you do with this article now that you have read it... is up to you..
This might be funny if it weren't so true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for
peanuts anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid...

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax


STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'

I hope this goes around THE USA at least 545 times!

Now, If you need a good Tax Write-off or want to save some serious sales tax, Come see us at Draperautos.com  Here to make it easy for you!

Drive a late model car almost free of charge

Drive a nearly new car every three years almost for free. And I'm not talking about leasing, either.

What I mean to say is, we all know that cars depreciate very quickly when they are first sold. Drive a new car off the lot and it can lose 20 percent of its value, right? So where's the secret?

OK so there are certain types of cars that hold their value at a mostly constant level for three years. Then, in the fourth or fifth year, the value begins dropping off more steeply again. What this means for you, the savvy consumer, is that you can drive a (nearly) new car for (almost) free.

Furthermore, if you combine this concept with a sharp eye for the market you'll make out like a bandit. Currently, the used car market is very soft. You could get a great deal on a two-year-sweet ride, drive it for two years and then, when the market improves, recapture most of your money.

Pick a car and look at the depreciation from year to year. At first you will think that the depreciation is constant. However, the percentage depreciation is actually accelerating since more loss is detracted from a smaller total value.

Hopfully I have not confused you so here is a recap; There is a huge drop-off when you first buy a car. Then the depreciation isn't too scary in the second, third, fourth and fifth years. But once the car is five years old, the value drops dromaticly.

While this drop doesn't look severe in the grand scheme of things, it is a well-known fact among car dealers. A longtime friend and used car bargain hunter was asked if there was a second drop in a car's price. "Oh yeah," he answered without hesitation. "It's really true in the high-end American cars — the Cadillacs, Lincolns and Chryslers." Now understand it is not my intention to denigrate any car manufacturers brands.

To understand the reason behind the second drop you have to look at where a car is in its fifth year. If the car has been driven for 12,000 miles each year, there are 60,000 miles on the clock. At 60,000 miles, if the car has been babied, it still is comfortably below the 100,000 mark. However, there are some rather major service issues looming such as the replacement of timing chain, another set of tires and the slow oxidation of the paint job. (Buying tip: Make sure to ask for valid service records on any car with about 60,000 miles to see if this work has been done.)

Why should you care about this? Well, here's the good news. And here's why I made you sit through math class. If you buy a car that is one or two years old, and drive it for three years, you can sell it for close to what you bought it for. In other words, you can let someone else get hit by the depreciation at the beginning and the end of this car-buying cycle. And you can drive it while it's on that flat spot on the graph.

Let me put one other factor into this mix. The used car market goes up and down like a roller coaster, a bit like the real estate market. If you find yourself in a buyer's market, drive a hard bargain for a good used car. Then you are ahead of the game from the beginning. Baby the car and put it up for sale again in a few years. You may find that you've had the pleasure of driving a (nearly) new car for (almost) free.

Not all cars age at the same rate. And the condition of a used car is still the most important factor. So forego the new car price tag and head for Draper Auto LLC. Then you can put your money on something more stable — like a sure thing at the race track.

Visit us at;  Draperautos.com