Thank you!  Seven months ago when I first began askthecarbuyguy.com, I never figured it would gain such a following in such a short amount of time! It goes to prove one thing! When you write from the heart, people will read and understand.

 I’m going to attempt to address several comments from readers in this blog. If you have been following me for awhile you know I don’t post any comments pertaining to any other websites or anything that does not pertain to the blog content! Yes, I  read every comment that the page receives. Yes, I have stories!

 For all of you that have commented on the page design; I’m attempting to get my IT designer to agree to let me advertise his business. Without Shareff, this page would just be a universal design, generic blog page. He and I worked together to make the appearance what it is today! Obviously it holds some appeal to readers and I’m very proud of that feature!

 So many readers want to contact me and that’s a great thing! First, I can be contacted directly through the contact tab at the top of the home page!  If you require other means of contact, I can be reached by email at jim@askthecarbuyguy.com If you email me with a good proposition or good comment, I will personally get back to you!

 SORRY! If your comments mean nothing to the material, I will not publish! To those of you who have commented about an article (whether GOOD or BAD ) I have published and also thank you!  There are times I get a little chocked up when I read some of these comments.  Let me tell you why and also answer some people’s questions.

 I’m the only writer of these articles; I hire no outside sources. (hell I can’t afford it) The articles are my own concept from beginning to end. I do not, nor will not, cut and paste information like others do. I believe the personal concept of content, is the drawing factor to readers. Yes, a lot of the content is the way I believe and think. Isn’t this what a blog is supposed to be??? To all that have commented that they would like to debate me on any subject; please come forth now!!  As above I can be reached at jim@askthecarbuyguy.com  Trust me, I will not do this for free!  But, I will gladly debate you on just about any subject!!!!!!!

 I have had numerous comments of “because I have read your blog, it has inspired me to write again”. This is one of those choke up moments for me! OMG!! I rekindled an inner desire with my blog? How fantastic is this?!?!? I have readers that say, “please don’t quit with the informative info”. Well, I don’t plan on it anytime soon.  I’m here to stay! All of my articles may not pertain to car buying, I’m getting in a mode of life experience with the page and I hope I don’t lose readers with the new concept!

 To those that have commented about me saying a lot about nothing, well here I go again! To those who have commented about how to write the way I do???  Write from the heart. Keep your word count below 700 words. If the content is important to you, then it will be important to others!! And by all means the most important factor in writing is to be HONEST and TRUTHFUL!

I wanted to take a moment and wish a happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers. 

As the close of another year soon approaches, I believe we should all take a moment and consider what we have all been blessed with this past year! The Thanksgiving traditions in America have changed so much over time! I believe today we celebrate this time of the year giving thanks for another year under our belts and enjoying time spent with our families and friends. As I write this, the wife and I have been very busy in the kitchen, preparing today’s meal. What a meal this will be with all the flavors and tastes ; some of these dishes from the past as well as some new recipes that will carry on for years to come.

Our youngest child is calling about every hour to ask questions about dishes he is cooking to share with military friends. Oh, how I wish we could spend this time with them, but we’ll be there during Christmas.  With each dish we prepare, I can’t help but  think about my Mom who I lost at the beginning of this year!   Because of her, I am the chef I am today, able to cook like no body’s business!  Hello Bobby Flay, let’s get together!!

Seriously though! Happy Thanksgiving to all and enjoy the time spent with friends and family! Please remember to be safe when traveling to and from your locations and arrive alive. Party responsibly and enjoy this time together! Life is short and we never know what tomorrow may bring!

 The truth about car buying is something of a misnomer. I’m so glad you found my web blog. Trust me when I say, “ I don’t have the monetary resources to hit page one of the search engines!” So, thank you for finding my page! I do my best to give up to date information to my readers. So many pages on the web are completely outdated to say the least! My belief is if buying a car in 2010 or whatever year, you should have up to date info assisting you with your purchase.

 I continue to see these pages that rank higher than my page. What you don’t realize is the pages are composed and published by car dealerships or someone affiliated with multiple dealerships. These people have lots of money to put thier pages in the number one slot of each search engine. PERIOD! It really upsets me to no end when I log onto a page and I see affiliation with multiple dealerships in the United States. These number one pages offer no real information to you the consumer. They are used as capture pages only.  Get your best quote here! Well, you will receive a quote from an internet department of a dealership . Each time you get this quote, the web page receives $10 to $20 dollars for your Name, Email address and phone number!  Once you sign up with these people they will hammer you with emails and phone calls. You actually open the door to a can of worms! When you logged on to that page, all you wanted was helpful information. You walk away with no information what so ever!  You should never subscribe to these dealership internet ploys! I offer my readers the ability to get car price quotes only if the reader wants to participate! To get helpful information on this page cost nothing.  I have nothing imbedded within the page to capture the reader.

 Askthecarbuyguy will never affiliate with a dealership! All the information contained on this page is free for you the consumer. Even if you comment on an article on this page, I will not save your email address. I will send you a personal thank you for your comments. That’s all I will ever do. Of course, if you would like to discuss indepth an article that has been published, then we would communicate with each other. To have this one on one, you must contact me through my contact page offered on the home page of the blog.

 My sole purpose is to help people with their car buying decisions and help everyone keep the vehicle they have running and well maintained.  I put years of experience into each article, with up to date material and pertinent information, to help YOU the consumer! To be informed before the purchase of a large item, can save you the consumer, $1000’s of dollars and several hours of your time!!

 If this page has benefitted you in anyway, please share this with me and other readers. Your comments are valuable to me and the longevity of this page!  Be smart and BUY INFORMED!

As most of my readers know by now, there are times, I feel I just have to vent! Yes, I know the page was originally set up to give information pertaining to car buying. There comes a time that I just veer off the road slightly and share other information that is in my heart. This is one of those times. I know some will take offense to this article and some may even shed a tear. Americans have been given a bad world review for some time now. Unfortunately people of the world see us in a bad light due to the actions of a select and elected few. The day will come that we finally realize we are ONE person. It will matter not color, language or religious beliefs. Once we realize this; the world will finally know PEACE!

At a time when our president and other politicians tend to apologize for our country`s prior actions, here`s a refresher on how some of our former patriots handled negative comments about our country.

JFK’S Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France in the early 60s when deGaulle decided to pull out of NATO.  deGaulle said he wanted all US military out of France as soon as possible. 
Rusk responded “does that include those who are buried here?
 
 deGualle did not respond.  

(you could’ve heard a pin drop) 

When in England , at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush.
 
He answered by saying, ‘Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders.  The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.’  

(you could’ve heard a pin drop)
 

There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American.  During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying ‘Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims.  What does he intended to do, bomb them?’

A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: ‘Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck.  We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?’ 

(you could’ve heard a pin drop) 

A U.S. Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., England, Canada, Australia and France.  At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, ‘Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?’
 
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied, ‘Maybe it’s because the Brit’s, Canadians, Aussie’s, and Americans arranged it so you wouldn’t have to speak German.’

(you could’ve heard a pin drop) 

Robert Whiting , an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.
 
“You have been to France before, monsieur?” the customs officer asked  sarcastically. 
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. 
“Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.” 
The American said, ‘The last time I was here, I didn’t have to show it.” 
“Impossible, Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !”

The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look.  Then he quietly explained, ”Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn’t find a single Frenchmen to show my passport to.”

(did you hear the pin drop?)
Are you sitting now with a tear in your eye and a knot in your throat as I am right now? Because of a select few, we are viewed by the world as the BAD GUY! As I say, we may have different cultures, different skin color and/or a different religious belief. But, we all share one thing in common and that one thing each of us desire  is a world that can exist peacefully together!

I’ve recently had something nagging at me and it wasn’t my lovely wife! What has been nagging at me was to write an article about voodoo economics and help to prepare my reader’s for what I believe is to come in the next few years. I realize I have followers from all over the world, but this article pertains to my American readers and I apologize to the rest of you. Although some of the information I’m about to provide may be of interest to the rest of the world.

 For the last couple of years we have been living by what I call Voodoo economics. What I’m referring to is the cost of a gallon of fuel for our automobiles. Someway, somehow our government has held producers and refiners to a false price per gallon of petroleum! We have been lulled into a false state of security! BUT, now that the 2010 elections are over and the results are in, I want us all to be prepared! The price for a gallon of gasoline has fluctuated between 2.45 and 2.65 per gallon, for the last two years. Now that America has spoken at the voting polls, bend over and prepare for the worst!

 It is my belief that we are fixing to see a slow rise in the price per gallon to around 4.00 or better per gallon of fuel. The major question has got to be WHY? I will attempt to sum this up in a very short answer.

 After the deep water blow out in the Gulf of Mexico, our government made many knee jerk reactions to the situation. Finally our president was able to shut the drilling and production DOWN in the Gulf! Without thought, this was the gravest mistake that could’ve been made at the time! When you shut down U.S. rigs from making a living, they quickly move to foreign companies and waters. What people do not realize is once gone, it takes time to get them back into the U.S. market. The other item is the American public believes that most of our oil comes from foreign markets. This is the farthest from the truth! The U.S. obtains half of our oil from the Gulf of Mexico. I could write an entire article about my last statement, but I won’t. Not yet!

 We have been lulled into a very false sense of ease. Now that the elections are over and change is on the horizon, things are going to change drastically. The first change I predict will be the price for gasoline. I see 4.00 per gallon by next summer. This will be used to degrade the new politicians in office and their agenda’s. Who suffers when these political games play out. WE DO!! This price increase will be used to obtain votes in the 2012 elections, I promise you!

 I had predicted this increase several weeks before the elections to close friends. I really do hope I am wrong with many of my predictions, but I can’t help this one. Forty eight hours after the polls closed and we saw a conservative surge, I witnessed the price of a gallon of gasoline increase 20 cent per gallon in my home town. Now this was 20 cents per gallon in 48 hours! WHY? I’m not really sure, but I have an idea as discussed earlier. I pray that I am totally wrong! I and I’m sure you, can’t afford this drastic increase at this time in our economic problems. Will this be worldwide? Maybe!

 I really hope I have to eat my words. I would do this gladly! Let’s see what happens in the next 24 months, but just remember; you heard it here first at askthecarbuyguy.com.

 The following will be things to be mindful of as you go about your daily routines. Following a couple of common sense rules will help you to not be a victim of FRAUD.

 In my estimation this one item will save you many sleepless nights and stress; your bank will NEVER e-mail or call you for your account number or any banking information. Never wire money to people you don’t personally know. Be very cautious of work at home job offers. Before you make a decision, check the company out with the Better Business Bureau. I have provided a direct link to the BBB’s website here on the home page. There are no legitimate jobs that involve reshipping items or financial instruments from your home. Foreign lotteries are illegal in the U.S. You can’t win no matter what they say! Check your monthly bank statements and credit card statements for charges you don’t recognize. Finally order a copy of your credit report from each of the three national credit bureaus once a year.  (annualcreditreport.com)

 Never click on a link from inside an email to visit a website! Type the address into your browser instead. It’s easy for a business to look legitimate online. Before doing anything, check them out! Only 2% of reported identity theft occurs through the mail. Approximately 75% occurs online! Always retain your receipts, statements and packing slips. Review them for accuracy. SHRED all confidential documents instead of simply discarding them in the trash. SHRED even the special offers received in the mail from your bank or credit cards. This even includes offers from department stores that includes your personal information. SHRED everything that contains any of your personal information. When making online purchases, make sure to be on a secure site and that you are dealing with a reputable retailer.

GET INVOLVED

 It’s never too early to become an informed consumer. Point out too good to be true offers to your kids and teach them to be skeptical! Take an active interest in the financial activities of your aging parents. Share information about scams with friends and family. Use social networking to help keep them safe.

WHO TO CONTACT

 If you’ve received a suspected fraudulent document through the U.S. Mail or if the mail was used in the furtherance of a crime that began on the internet, telephone or in person, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

http://www.postalinspectors.uspis.gov or 1-877-876-2455

 The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, works to prevent fraud and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid it. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit :

http://www.ftc.gov/complaint or call 1-877-ftc-help or 1-877-382-4357.

The first step avoiding FRAUD is to be informed!! Next we must help one another and share what we have learned. By working together we can put a real dent in this form of crime. Good luck and let’s all be ever vigilant!!

DON’T BE A VICTIM

The content of askthecarbuyguy has always been mainly automobile related. I hope none take offense to me writing about a very current subject that is close to my heart. I feel there is a need for information on this particular subject and I want to share with you.

It has always been my intention to hold car dealerships, salespeople, customers and myself to a higher standard of honesty! I have published several articles pertaining to this subject. It has come to my attention in the last couple of years of a new type of criminal mind. I believe they should be tagged the internet criminal.

The internet has opened the window of opportunity to so many people who previously were unable to interact with the people on a worldwide forum. Unfortunately, it has also opened an opportunity to the criminal minded segment. This opportunity is borderless, ageless and worst of all faceless.

 I believe I will write this in a two part segment due to the amount of information I have to share. Let’s begin with the warning signs. Have you ever received that email, phone call or letter that sounds too good to be true? Well, it more than likely is! Has anyone ever pressured you to sign up or act “ right away”, promising unusually high returns and they require an upfront investment – even for a free prize? When you read their pitch you just wish it was true, but you know in your heart that it just doesn’t feel right! Listen to your heart!

 I have five different email accounts and one of them I have had for 15 years. This older account is the one that they hit the most. Due to the content of most of these SCAM emails, they end up in my junk or spam emails, due to the filters that I have in place. Have you received that email that you are a beneficiary of some foreign individual and once you provide certain personal information and of course a small amount of money, they will deposit your millions in a bank account of your choice? FRAUD – FRAUD – FRAUD!!!!

 The new SCAM is the foreign lottery winner. Even if you have legitimately won a lottery outside of the United States, you will not be able to except the funds. It’s against federal law!! Trust me, you have not won anything. The internet criminal is phishing for your personal information. Once they get this information, they can and will exploit you until you think there is no hope or reconciliation.

 I will follow this with an article entitled “ Fraud Facts and How to Play It Safe”. For your future protection please follow up and learn about the new criminals and how to avoid and fight back!

 The no haggle or let’s just say “we will not negotiate price with you” dealerships are the newest sales concept. It all began with a company called CarMax and they are taking this concept to ever higher levels. Here is the deal with the no haggle car price – there is a built in profit margin with this no haggle price. Now, if you have followed this page for awhile, you know that I will just come right out and say what I think. I have NEVER said, “a dealership should not make a profit to sell a car”, but the amount of profit needs to be controlled or should I say, “Negotiated”.

 In most cases, this no haggle car price equals to approximately $2,000 to $3,500 net profit per vehicle sold. Can you add this up? WOW, I’d love to make this kind of profit. The weird thing is, these people are receiving rave reviews for their business practices from consumers. I have to admit, they have employed a great sales marketing team and plan.

  If you’re looking for a nice used vehicle and there is a CarMax in your area, you will be able to find the vehicle of your choice. They have a great selection to choose from and it is a simple car deal. You pay their price or “see ya”, period. They know what they have and they know people are looking for that exact vehicle and they will sell it to you for their price only! Who could ask for anything more? ME!

 This set price or “no haggle” sales concept is beginning to bleed into the entire pre-owned sector of the car market and dealerships.  Consumers are buying into this sales angle hook, line and sinker. As long as Edmund’s and Kelly Blue Book keep their vehicle resell values high, this concept of no haggle car price, will spread like wildfire, creating very nice profit margins for used car sales.

 Don’t get me wrong, KBB and Edmund’s are great research tools before buying or selling a vehicle. Unfortunately, in the real world (how do I put this?) the car values they give are not real world prices. I used to tell customers, “if they want KBB or Edmunds price for your trade; go sell the car to them”! Unfortunately, neither one has ever written a check for a car, trade or sell.

 Why hire an auto negotiator if you are going to attempt to negotiate a deal yourself! A negotiator does all the leg work for you. They keep all the usual dealership bullshit out of the deal. When a negotiator presents a drive out price to a customer, it is locked in stone! I always have a buyers order or buyer presentation page to present to a customer. If I ever have a dealership waiver on this negotiated price at the end of the deal, I hold them to the agreed upon price and it’s the last time I do business with them.

 I and we charge a fee for our services. The fee charged for services should never be figured into a customer’s deal price. Almost every customer includes this fee into the final selling price of their vehicle! Why? I guess it’s just human nature. The customer will never sit and break down what it cost them to negotiate their own deal! I have never advertised that I can obtain a better price than the average consumer. It’s just that I obtain the best price quickly and while you carry on with your everyday life. Period!

 I’ve had customers come to me with their negotiated price and expect me to get a better price and my fee had to be included with this price. In the past I have negotiated a deal for $675.00 better than the customer obtained, after they had spent many hours of negotiation with the same dealership. When I present the better price to them, they say it’s only $275.00 better because of my fee. My price was documented and theirs was not! I’m not paid and they go to get their “GREAT” deal. Uh oh, the cost of the dealer adds was not included in their negotiated price! Their price was now increased $350.00. My negotiated price included these dealer adds! Did they buy? Yes, two days later after they found out that no other dealer offered a better price. My $400.00 fee ended up being a trivial amount compared to what they actually spent in time and money!

 Today 02/11/2010 is election day in the U.S.

Election day is so important! If the past is not working, election day is the time to make changes. This is what a Democracy is all about. Here’s my problem with the whole process!

I am a registered voter in the state and county that I live in. Unfortunately, I can’t vote in this election. Stupid me! I was unaware that each time you change an address, you must change your voters registration. I’m a living, breathing, American citizen and I am unable to vote. Dead people vote, illegal people vote BUT, I can’t because of an address change. Am I the only person that sees a fault with this situation? Dead people and illegal’s can vote but, I can’t!!!!! 

This is unbelievable to me! Trust me, I have filled out a new registration today but, day late and dollar short! I’m a living breathing,  American Citizen and I’m turned away at the polls!

 I want to hear some comments on this!! Speak out and I will publish your comments. Let me hear from you!!!!