Showing posts with label title. Show all posts
Showing posts with label title. Show all posts

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Do It Yourself: Tips for Selling Your Car

FooteWork
Thinking of selling your car privately?  According to Kelley Blue Book, "Selling a car on your own can seem complicated, troublesome and even, sometimes, scary. As a result, most people choose to trade in their cars to a dealer rather than sell privately, thus taking a hit on the transaction price. But private-party sales don't have to be difficult, and will often result in higher transaction prices than trade-ins." The editors at KBB put together 10 steps that zero in on exactly what you need to know with helpful links to determine a price.

1.  Fully assess your car's condition.
"It's important to know the condition of your car before setting a sale price. Kelley Blue Book offers a Condition Quiz that can assist you and can be accessed from within the Private Party Value section of our web site. After assessing your car's condition, you'll feel more confident deciding on an acceptable, and reasonable, price. The Kelley Blue Book Private Party Value can be used when setting your price but, remember, only you know the condition of your car and only you can best judge if any flaws might warrant a price cut. It's also very important to be brutally honest with yourself about your car's condition. Generally, sellers tend to over-rate their cars' conditions, and buyers tend to be fairly good at spotting problems. Therefore, if you over-rate it, and thus over-price it, you'll only prolong the time it takes to make a sale. Remember, the idea is to sell the car and, even if you accept a lower price than you might like, it will still likely be more than you would have made on a trade-in. 

Do not decide that you "need" to get a certain amount for the car if that amount you "need" is more than the reasonable market value. That will just mean you'll never sell it. The buyer doesn't care how much you need. Remember; your car is in the market, competing with every other car in the market, and it is the market, and the market alone, that determines a fair and reasonable price.

You may also want to do some homework before showing the car to a potential buyer. If you were a dealer, you would give the vehicle a certain amount of preparation before putting it on the lot for sale, and you would do this preparation in order to get a better price. The same principle applies when selling your car to a private party. You may not want to spend a lot of money on your car just to sell it, but you do want it to look presentable and, just as important, you want to avoid unpleasant surprises while showing it to potential buyers.

2. Pretend to be the Buyer
Before you show your car to a buyer, look at it as if you were interested in buying it for yourself. Look for scratches and dings. Are the tires in decent condition, do they all match and are they wearing evenly all of the way across the treads? Start the car and operate all the knobs, switches and controls. Does everything work? How about the lights, the turn signals, the wipers, the sound system, the power windows? Does the air conditioning and heating system work in all modes and blow hot and cold air? Try everything. Many people, for example, don't know if their cars' rear windows work because they've never used them, and don't know if the brake lights work because they never see them. If something doesn't work properly, either fix it or accept the reality that it will reduce your price."

Read more here:http://www.kbb.com/car-advice/car-selling/step-1-communicating-with-potential-buyers/

Can't find the title to your vehicle? A duplicate can be done at FooteWork within minutes. We also have notaries on staff who can notarize your vehicle title if you are in the process of selling.  Let us help you sell your car and transfer title quickly and easily. 

At FooteWork, we can handle all of your vehicle needs and transactions are completed in about 15 minutes! Come see us at one of our three offices in Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Williams. 
 
Fast! Friendly! FooteWork!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Get the Best MPG Possible with What You Drive Now!

Who wouldn't love to get one of the latest efficient cars to save money at the pump but that is not an option for most people.  Instead, there are some great ways to get the best millage possible with the car you drive now. Consumer Reports did a thorough report on fuel economy using a fuel meter and came up with valuable tips to improve your MPG as well as debunking some commonly thought myths about gas consumption.  According to CR, "Tests with a Toyota Camry and other vehicles show there are ways to minimize what you spend at the pump with your current car.

Drive at a moderate speed

This is the biggest factor. You may have to be a little patient, but driving at 55 mph instead of 65 or 75 will save you money. When we increased the Camry's highway cruising speed from 55 mph to 65, the car's fuel economy dropped from 40 mpg to 35. Speeding up to 75 mph cost the car another 5 mpg. One reason is that aerodynamic drag increases exponentially the faster you drive; it simply takes more fuel to power the car through the air.

Drive smoothly

Avoid hard acceleration and braking whenever possible. In our tests, frequent bursts of acceleration and braking reduced the Camry's mileage by 2 to 3 mpg. Once up to speed on the highway, maintain a steady pace in top gear. Smooth acceleration, cornering, and braking also extend the life of the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires.

Reduce unnecessary drag

At highway speeds, more than 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. So don't carry things on top of your vehicle when you don't have to. Installing a large Thule Cascade 1700 car-top carrier on our Camry dropped its gas mileage from 35 mpg to 29 at 65 mph. Even driving with empty racks on the car reduces its fuel economy.

Don't use premium fuel if you don't have to

If your car specifies regular fuel, don't buy premium under the mistaken belief that your engine will run better. The only difference you'll see is about 20 cents more per gallon. Most cars are designed to run just fine on regular gasoline. Even many cars for which premium is recommended will run well on regular. We have found that the differences are imperceptible during normal driving. Check your owner's manual to find out if your engine really requires premium or if you can run on other grades.

Minimize driving with a cold engine

Engines run most efficiently when they're warm. In our city-driving tests, making multiple short trips and starting the engine from cold each time reduced fuel economy by almost 4 mpg. Engines also produce more pollution and wear faster when they're cold. When possible, combine several short trips into one so that the engine stays warm.

Keep tires properly inflated

The Camry experienced a 1.3 mpg loss in highway fuel economy when the tires were underinflated by 10 psi. More important, underinflated tires compromise handling and braking, and wear faster. And they run much hotter, which can lead to tire failure. Check the pressure of your vehicle's tires at least once a month with a tire gauge. The owner's manual explains how to do it.

Buy tires with lower rolling resistance

A tire's rolling resistance can add or detract another 1 or 2 mpg. In our tire ratings, look for high-rated tires with low rolling resistance. They generally won't cost more, and replacing a worn tire could save you more than $100 a year in fuel.

Avoid idling for long periods

Think of it this way: When you're idling, your car is getting zero miles per gallon. When we let a Buick Lucerne, with a V8, idle for 10 minutes while warming up, it burned about an eighth of a gallon of gas. A smaller engine would probably burn less, but idling still adds up over time. As a rule, turn off your engine if you expect to sit for more than about 30 seconds. An engine warms up faster as it's driven anyway."

Read more: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/01/fuel-economy-save-money-on-gas/index.htm

Also remember to combine errands and avoid unnecessary trips whenever possible. Conveniently located, FooteWork has three offices in Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Williams. We can handle all of your vehicle needs and most transactions take under fifteen minutes! Fast! Friendly! FooteWork!


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Prescott Antique Auto Club 38th Annual Car Show this Weekend at Watson Lake!

This weekend, August 4th & 5th 2012, is the Prescott Antique Auto Club 38th Annual Car Show, Parts Exchange, and Old Engine Fire-up at Watson Lake. There will be vintage motorcycles and cars for sale too!  If you have a 1987 or older vehicle you want to show, there is no pre-registration!

At FooteWork, you can get a historical plate for your car or motorcycle. If your vehicle is 25 or more years old, It qualifies!

http://arizonacarshows.com/


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Cool Watercraft: Ride Like a Dolphin....


Check out this cool watercraft that will have you feeling like a dolphin...or a shark!  




Don't spend time waiting in line when you can be having fun on the water this summer.  At FooteWork, we handle all types of boat, ATV and OHV paperwork. Come see us at one of our three offices in Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Williams, Arizona!  

Monday, July 16, 2012

Oversize, Overweight Vehicle Permits at FooteWork

Did you know you can get a Oversize, Overweight Permit for your vehicle at FooteWork?
The Class A Oversize, Overweight permits are issued for vehicle and load combinations that are within specific size and weight limits. The load must be non-reducible. The Class A permit is issued for a single trip or thirty days.

Class A permits are issued only for travel on state routes.

The following eligibility criteria must be met before issuing a Class A permit:
  • Non-reducible
  • Specifically described load
  • Width of vehicle and/or load is 14 ft or less
  • Height of vehicle and/or load is 16 ft or less
  • Length of vehicle and/or load is 120 ft or less
  • Combined weight of vehicle and/or vehicle combination is 250,000 lbs or less
  • If load projects from side of vehicle and load is 12 in or more deep, the projection must not exceed 3 ft on either side
  • If load projects from side of vehicle and load is less than 12 in deep, the projection must not exceed 2 ft on either side
  • Permit may not be used to routinely transport legal loads on over width trailers
  • Vehicle must be currently registered for 80,000 lbs
Other special permits you can obtain through us:
  • Single Trip Permits
  • Envelope Permits
  • Registration or Use Fuel Permits
  • Class C Permits/Approvals 
Call us at 928-635-2006 for more information or come see us at one of our three offices in Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Williams.  At FooteWork, we can handle all of your vehicle needs and transactions are completed in about 15 minutes!

Fast! Friendly! FooteWork!

Friday, May 11, 2012

The Difference Between A Moped and A Motor-Driven Cycle

A question we often get at FooteWork: What is the difference between a moped and a motor-driven cycle and what are the licensing requirements?

Moped - A bicycle -human-powered vehicle (with pedals)
  • Has a 50 cc or less helper motor 
  • 1.5 hp or less braking power 
  • Rated at maximum top speed of 25 mph (on a flat surface with less than a one per cent grade)
  • Any class of driver license can be used to operate a moped
  • A moped must be registered, but a vehicle title is not issued
  • Emissions testing is not required 
  • Vehicle liability insurance is required
Motor-driven Cycle - A motor scooter and motorcycle
  • Has a 50 cc or higher motor
  • Manufactured to exceed 20 mph
  • Rated at 5 hp or less
  • Not more than three wheels in contact with the ground
  • Includes motor scooters rated at 5 hp or less
  • A motorcycle license or endorsement is needed to operate any motor-driven cycle
  • A motor-driven cycle must be both titled and registered 
  • Emissions testing is not required 
  • Vehicle liability insurance is required
Whether you own a moped, scooter, motorcycle, car, OHV, airplane, boat, commercial vehicle, or RV,  FooteWork provides complete full service vehicle registration and title services. Footework is your one stop vehicle registration office!  Licensed and bonded, FooteWork processes your title work while you wait.  For a nominal service fee, you'll leave our office with a new title, registration or license plate in as little as 10 minutes.  Come see us!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Jerry Hokenson, U.S. Marine Vet, Wins at FooteWork Auto License and Title Service of Prescott

FooteWork customer Jerry Hokenson, a U.S. Marine Veteran and resident of Prescott, has won the TOMTOM GPS giveaway contest with the most votes in the "Why do you love Prescott Photo Contest".

On a regular basis, FooteWork runs online promotions through the FooteWork Facebook page and during this contest, Jerry Hokenson won hands down with the most votes with the entry pictured right. The submission included caption:

"Why I Love Prescott by Charity Hokenson
Hello! This is me Charity. On the top is a picture of me when I lived in Surprise, AZ. I am soooooo hot and uncomfortable. My Dad had to shave off all of my beautiful coat. I am embarrassed!

The bottom picture is of me in my new home in Prescott, enjoying a beautiful, cool snowy day. My coat can now be beautiful again! 
PS if I win, I will give the "Tom-Tom to my Mom and Dad, Jerry & Trudy Hokenson."

Be looking for another promo from FooteWork soon on FooteWork Facebook 

Congrats Jerry, Trudy and Charity Hokenson!



Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Win a New TomTom GPS! Enter Your Photo With "Why You Love Prescott"!

Why do you LOVE Prescott? WIN a TomTom GPS!
Enter your photo of Prescott and "why you love Prescott" to WIN a NEW TomTom GPS XXL 550M!

Celebrate Arizona's Centennial with FooteWork!
Prescott is where it all began! 

Enter here!>>    https://www.facebook.com/prescottmvd?sk=app_79458893817





Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Towing something? Do you know you know your GCWR, or, Gross Combination Weight Rating?

GCWR, or, Gross Combination Weight Rating is something every weekender or commercial operator towing something should know, but few do and this is something we get asked a lot at FooteWork after our customers have purchased a vehicle or RV and completed their necessary title and registration work with us.

Understanding how much you can tow or GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is more than just combining your truck, car, or SUV's maximum towing weight with the vehicle being towed.  "According to Ford Motor Company, the GCWR is calculated by adding the following weights together: The vehicle's listed curb weight, allowable payload, driver and passenger weight and trailer weight 
[source: Ford Motor Company]." 
-source: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle/gcwr.htm 


"The primary reason for setting a GCWR for any vehicle is safety. Overloading a tow vehicle or a trailer is dangerous enough. Overload both and you've really got a problem. Not only is a heavy load difficult to control on the road, but several other components could also be at risk. For example, the braking systems may overheat and fail, reducing or even eliminating the possibility of safely slowing or stopping your vehicle. The tires may not be able to handle the extra load, potentially causing a blow out situation. The engine and transmission in the tow vehicle may overheat due to the added strain, causing a mechanical failure. Components within the tow vehicle or trailer's suspension system could bend or even break, causing you to lose control on the road. The truth is that a variety of problems could result from overloading. Again, you should never surpass your vehicle's GCWR."
-source: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle/gcwr.htm 


How do you know what your GCWR of your vehicle?  Typically, it is found inside of the door frame of the driver's door.  Most vehicle manufacturers also publish this information on the web.  It is also most likely found within the vehicle manual that you may have received if you purchased the vehicle new.


RELATED LINKS:


Info on GCWR:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle/gcwr.htm 

Glossary of terms on GCWR: