Cars, Technology and Neotropolis Western Reserve PBS

 Technology and cars has come so far. When I think about when I first got into the car business almost 19 years ago, the options were much simpler. The major "cool" options were only for the people willing to pay the big bucks. Although there is still some truth to this, technology has allowed cool options to be available on all levels of vehicles. When Luke Frazier from Neotropolis Western Reserve PBS spoke with me about doing a piece on technology in cars and how it affects us, I jumped at it. Luke has been doing this show for a little while now and really gets to see a different side to technology. I think some of us have a love/hate relationship with technology. From Kia to BMW to Chevy, they all offer great features! The nice connection is that you can get Bluetooth, backup camera, USB connections, heated steering wheel, hot and cold seats and navigation on all of them. I just leased a Kia soul recently and was able to get the UVO (Microsoft) upgraded audio system  the streaming audio and all the goodies.It even can read my text messages! Ford has a similar option called SYNC . I stayed under budget and Love the cool technology. On the other side of that, I felt frustrated with the voice commands and the delay that comes from a computer reading my I pod. But the biggest frustration is the voice commands. The lady just does not understand what I need sometimes!!!! One of the other frustrations is generation gaps and understanding how the technology works. This can be very frustrating for the older generation that cannot understand how to make a phone call through Bluetooth and gets overwhelmed.
                          That all being said, one of the things that Luke brought up when we were driving around in the 2012 Kia Optima SX with the camera man, is safety. This is huge! Technology in cars is allowing us to be safer while answering the phone if we need to. I do believe that every car should come off the assembly line with Bluetooth. That is just my opinion.I think it is important as making sure that the car has turn signals. Most of the word talks on cell phones, even when we drive. It takes us away from paying attention to what is going on in front of us.Haven't we all received the email that showed a picture of a crash where someone was texting?
 Hyundai has the coolest new thing called Bluelink. It is like Onstar and is available on almost all Hyundai  models. You do not need Navigation with that. It downloads route to your car! Safety is important to all of us. Whether we are putting our teenager, parent or spouse in a car we want them to be safe.

At the end of the day, we love to have the cool new technology. Whether it is in you car or your business or your home. Luke Frazier talks about that all the time on Neotropolis Western Reserve PBS. Check out the website and check out Katie the Carlady with Luke on May 22, 2012  on PBS Western Reserve.
 www.neotropolis.org
If you want more info about Katie the Carlady and Diamond Auto Lease & Sales:
www.diamondautolease.com



            

Networking, Non profits and Katie the Carlady

I think in all of of us is the feeling of "wanting to help". Whether it is sending a donation to a local charity, supporting a friend in a walk, silent auction, raffle ticket sales or sponsorship. Most people want to participate in what is good! That to me is the beauty of getting involved in non profits and fundraising while meeting new people and networking. I am involved in two non profits, Taste of Hudson in the city I live in. Also Recovery resources of Cleveland. I am passionate about both, but for different reasons.
Taste of Hudson is a non profit I got involved with 2.5 years ago with the intention of just trying to network and start the Luxury Auto Show. What I realized once I stepped in and got involved was all the GOOD that this organization does. All the money that stays in the community to help Summit County and so many local children and groups. I have met so many great people who do to tons of work to make this event happen. That right there is a great bonus. It also taps into the networking aspect. When you go into these events with an unselfish agenda, the rewards will come. They may not be in the time that you want them, but they will come.

Taste of Hudson is held on Labor day week end. This year it is September 2-3 2012. It is their 8th year. When the 35000 people come strolling through Hudson to eat from the amazing restaurants, buy beautiful art, play with their children on the little tikes toys, visit the local vendors, listen to talented musicians and spend time with family and friends it makes a connection to enjoying life and helping others to enjoy life too.
I have learned that there are some things I am good at, and some things I need to leave to others in the group to do. I can use those qualities that I am good at to help the non profit, I am involved in. The business connections we make through the non profit can help us personally and the connections we already have can benefit your chosen nonprofit! Its a beautiful thing.
The volunteers that show up to make this event happen are outstanding. Again, from all over Hudson/Summit county get to network with others through giving of their time. Its the whole "givers gain" that BNI networking groups talk about. The more you give, the more you get! In business we need to remember that the paycheck we get can come different forms. Although we need it in $$$$ to help live and support our families, paychecks materialize in our lives through people and fulfillment. This is a direct result of helping others without an agenda.

Get involved in a non profit in your local area. You will be amazed how the rewards with materialize in your life! Also Check out the site to help Taste of Hudson.

www.tasteofhudson.com

Katie the Carlady & Taste of Hudson

Taste of Hudson is a local non profit in the city I live in Hudson, Ohio. A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to get involved in a very cool way!  Katie the Carlady and Diamond Auto Lease & Sales got involved by starting a Luxury Auto Show. This allows some local dealers to exhibit some of the options in the luxury car marketplace. Its a great way to check out cars like Lexus, BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Infiniti, Land Rover and Jaguar without feeling the pressure of a dealer showroom and support the locals!. Diamond Auto Lease & Sales and Katie the Carlady are also present to talk to and educate the 35,000 consumers on what is happening in the car marketplace. This year the 8th annual Taste of Hudson with be September 2-3, 2012.  This will be the third year for the Luxury Auto Show. We have some great plans and ideas. There is so much more to experience along with the Auto Show at Taste of Hudson. The vendors, entertainment and beer and wine tent are all AMAZING. Come Join us. If your interested in being a vendor, please let us know!

First New /Used Car

Every parent comes to that moment when they realize that their child needs their FIRST  car. It is so bittersweet, because the child getting a car is so helpful to the parent, but the insurance and the credit , cash layout and the money needed to maintain can be overwhelming. There is also the question of how to teach the student to be a responsible driver and hold them accountable for a percentage of taking care of the car. How do parents navigate through this? The truthful answer, the best that they can.
 I will share some of what I have learned and hopefully it will be helpful.
The first topic I want to address is credit for a teenager/college student. I have found that if you come out of high school or college with no score on your credit, your will be punished. What I mean buy that is no bank will loan you money to buy a car on your own. There are some manufacturers that do have "college grad" programs which will allow you to lease or buy a car on your own as long as you have some sort of credit, no negative trade lines and a college grad working in your field . Some are Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and Nissan.

 The other option I have helped with other than paying cash for a vehicle is leasing a inexpensive car and making the payments with that cash you were going to spend on a car. This is not a bad option. But it is not for everybody. It does allow for very low maintenance costs due to the car being under new car warranty. You just need to be honest with yourself about mileage that the student will be driving. As you know with a lease there are mileage restrictions. Also there is a turn fee that could be between $300.00 and $400.00. Although sometimes those can be waived depending on the choices you make at the end of the lease.  The last thing to think about is holding the student accountable when it comes to the care, there can be charges at the end of the lease due to wear and tear. But this can make financial sense for some people.

 I know of some parents that added their children as authorized users on their credit cards at age 16. This way the student had 700 or higher credit scores when they reached graduation. This is providing that the parent maintains their own credit. This is just information shared with me and I think it is important. When it comes to financing, it is all about the FICO score.

I have mixed feelings about the co- signing thing. It so depends on the child/adult! I think if you prepare and teach your child, it will not be necessary. If they have made some mistakes on their credit, then I think they need to repair it. That can be the biggest consequence.
When it comes down to buying the first car with cash, there are some good buys. You must give your self some realistic expectations. Buying "cheap" cars are always a gamble.
It s the endless battle of trying to find the $5000.00 that has no issues. It is not an easy task. Here are somethings I tell my clients:
1) Check out Craigs List. Sometimes you will find good buys from local people. Local newspapers are also a good place to look
2) Let people in your social media network know that your looking. You can reach many people with one ask.
3) Any vehicle you find, get it inspected. It will be the best $20.00 to $60.00 you ever spend. If someone won't let you get it inspected, WALK away!Cars can look really pretty on the out side and have a ton of issues under the hood.
4) Just know that any car in this price point will need some care. So allow yourself a little buffer.
5) Let the student help and ask for them to put in some cash and agree to help do oil changes etc. Nothing unrealistic to their money saved or income.
 6) Give yourself some time to find a car. It does take time to find a good one.
 7) As long as the child is still a dependent, keep the car in the parents name. Saves money on insurance.
8) When you find a car, look online at the year make and model to see what the repair problems could be. There are certain cars that I would not put my child in if they had high mileage or older. please consult a mechanic. I cannot stress that enough when your purchasing a "cheap" car!

We all have different perceptions of what we thing is best for our finances, children, car purchases. There is a lot of information out there that can be confusing. Put it on paper. Weigh out all your options. It will save you TIME and MONEY!

Driving my DREAM!

                                                          Driving my DREAM!

As a woman in the car business, I see things differently than most. It is a occupation dominated by men. I love the challenge and enjoy bringing a different set of views to my customers. Growing up my dream was not to be working in the automotive industry and yet here I am.  The dream that I thought was supposed to be something different is being realized. When I started helping people over 17 years ago find car solutions to their car problems, I never imagined that life as the "Carlady" could be so fulfilling. Make no mistake that my customers help me as much as they think I help them.

Over the years I have been acquiring information and learning from others that have walked before me about all aspects of the car buying, selling, leasing, wholesaling and financing. There is so much information out there to be sorted through. That is just one of the ways that I try to help others. I try to learn from my own mistakes and the mistakes of others. The passion that drives me motivates me to help my clients "drive their dream".

Building a dream career is not always what we picture it to be. I am so grateful that mine was not what I pictured. I love what I do.

Top 10 Ways to Shop for a Car Like a Pro

Have you ever been negotiating at the car dealer and felt like your not sure what your next move should be? Here are a few tips that can help everybody get a fair deal!

1.  Always buy or lease on the price of the car, NOT the payment. The agreed price of the vehicle is how you know your getting a good value.  Do NOT rely on the dealer to educate you. Do your homework.
2. Do NOT depend on the dealer to inform you about your credit. Know your FICO and reporting history before you go in. One out of every four credit bureaus has something reported incorrectly.
3. Know about GAP insurance. Most leases include it and you don’t need it if you’re putting a large amount money down on a purchase.  You can usually get it for less through your agent instead of the dealer. It is important if you have negative equity.
4. Weigh out the pros and cons of a warranty. Warranties are expensive. I recommend checking out the cost of the warranty vs. the repair reviews on the used car your looking to purchase.
5. ALWAYS take a used car to be inspected by your mechanic. It will be well worth your time and money. It could save you considerably. Even if it is “certified.”
6. As you go into the finance office to sign papers, remember you are  buying or leasing a vehicle. NOT INSURANCE. It’s a vehicle loan and could put you in a negative equity situation when you add all that extra stuff into your financing.
7. If you have a lease that is up, check to see if you have equity. The residual on your car could be under market value. You can use that money to put towards another car.
8. While negotiating your lease, be honest with yourself about the miles per year you drive. Miles cost less upfront usually. The difference in payment is minimal over the term.
9. When trading in a car, have an idea of value. While nobody pays for emotional attachment you want to get a fair number. www.NADA.com is a great tool.  You can also go to other dealers and ask what they would pay for it. You don’t have to buy a car from them.
10. FOLLOW your GUT! It is your best meter. If something does not feel right, walk away. It’s your money and I promise you that there is another car out there that will fit your needs!

Is there Gap insurance covererage included in my lease agreement?

Most manufacturer leases include Gap insurance. I know that Toyota does NOT include it in their lease as of today. Read the contract though and make sure. It is important! You can usually get Gap through your local insurance company  for less than what the dealer will charge you. Make sure to compare.