Archive for the ‘Department of Motor Vehicles’ Category

Suzuki Auto Service Wilmington N.C.

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Suzuki auto repair requires complex knowledge and some very specialized equipment.

That is why our Suzuki car repair shop technicians are ASE certified and experts in the field. Our technicians have been factory training and we use the latest computer diagnostic equipment. This high level training and equipment is just one of the ways we ensure your complete satisfaction.

 

Wilmington N.C. Suzuki Auto Service
Here are some of the reasons to choose us:

  • Quality Service & Repairs

  • Technicians Trained in Suzuki Vehicles

  • Same Day In & Out Service

  • 24 Month 24,000 Mile Warranty on All Repairs*

  • 25+ Years of Experience

  • Trust

  • Done Right The First Time

  • Good Advice

  • No “Guess” Work

  • The Right Team

  • Auto Maintenance is Cheaper than Auto Repairs

  • Nationwide Warranties on Most Auto Repairs

  • No Warranty “Gotchas”

Suzuki Services We Perform

  • Engine
  • Suzuki Auto Transmission

  • Manual Transmission

  • Heating/Cooling

  • Steering/Suspension

  • Alignment

  • Road Trip Inspection

  • Pre-Purchase Inspection

  • Smog

  • Suzuki Clutch

  • Air Conditioning

  • Suzuki Maintenance

  • Suzuki Tune-ups

  • Battery

  • Tires

  • Brakes

  • Shuttle Service and Rental Vehicles

Make an appointment for your Suzuki today
You won’t be disappointed with our work. We think you’ll be impressed with our customer service.  “Give Us One Chance to Earn Your Trust”

Buying your First Car

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

Buying first car

No matter how old you are, buying your first car can be nerve-racking and stressful. It’s a new concept and there are some things that are helpful to know going into the experience. Even if you’re dealing with a nice car salesman who isn’t pushy (most likely not the case) it’s helpful to have a heads up. Check out the information from the Department of Motor Vehicles about purchasing your first car.

Start at the Beginning

The beginning is not the point at which you start looking at cars. The beginning is the point at which you start doing some research. Before you begin searching for the perfect first car, you should first ask yourself several important questions:

“How much money can I spend on a car?” This includes the price of the car, the price of making it legal, i.e., titling and registering, and the cost of insurance coverage. Don’t spend every penny you have saved for the car, and don’t purchase a car you can’t afford to maintain.
“What kind of car is best suited for my needs?” Your needs could include anything from how many passengers you expect to carry to how often and how far you’ll be driving the car. For example, you’ll want something that gets good gas mileage if your everyday commute to work or school is a long one.
“Should I buy a new or used car?” Most of us want our first cars to be brand new; however, your budget and other personal needs are going to have the final say as to whether your car is new or used.

Once you’ve confidently answered these questions, you can start thinking of the exact models and makes of cars you’re interested in. Do some research on these vehicles, such as reading up on their safety ratings, as well as the rate of theft for those particular vehicles.

During the Search

It’s time to head out and begin looking for your first car. You’re probably going to visit several dealerships; many people feel more comfortable doing business with a licensed dealer. Try checking out the dealership ads in your local paper for special sales that may be going on.

It’s true that doing business with a licensed dealer gives you a bit more assurance due to your rights under the Lemon Laws. But, you shouldn’t rule out a private sale from an individual; some very good deals can be found by purchasing a used vehicle from someone who has properly maintained the vehicle and is just looking to sell it. Check your local newspaper and trade journal for people advertising to sell their cars.

If you find a used car you like, consider requesting a vehicle history report for it and find out if the vehicle is salvaged, has been in an accident, or has had odometer changes.

Regardless of the route you choose, try to take someone along who’s been through the buying and selling process before. Prices are usually negotiable, so you’ll want someone who knows the ropes to accompany you. And, if your Uncle Billy just happens to be a mechanic―well, he should be your first choice. It’s always wise to take a test drive and a peek under the hood before committing to a purchase―especially if you’re buying a used vehicle, or from a private seller.

The Paperwork

Yes, the paperwork is so important that it deserves its own section. Whether you’re buying your first car from a dealership or a private seller, once you’ve selected a car you’re going to have some paperwork to complete.

It’s usually less stressful to deal with paperwork when you purchase your car from a dealership―dealers are trained to handle it all. However, that doesn’t mean your only role is to sign on the dotted line. When you drive off the lot in your first car, you should understand everything from the warranty to the title. Make sure the dealer reads the paperwork with you, and don’t be embarrassed to ask questions.

If you’re buying your first car from a private seller, the paperwork is up to you and the seller. The most important part of the transaction is usually the Bill of Sale, which documents the sale of the vehicle. A proper Bill of Sale will include thorough contact information, vehicle information, and the selling price. Many states require Bills of Sale to be notarized.

Most individuals sell their vehicles “as is,” meaning you’re agreeing to purchase the vehicle in the condition it’s in. In other words, once you pay for it, it’s yours. If, however, you’re buying from a seller who wants to offer you some sort of guarantee, make sure to get it in writing and notarized.
If you’re confused about how to handle paperwork during the buying and selling process between individuals, contact the agency in your area that handles motor vehicle-related transactions.

Congratulations!

You’ve just bought your first car! If you purchased the car from a private seller, you’ll need to take a few more steps. Take all of your paperwork to your DMV to handle the titling and registration process.
However, if you purchased it from a dealership, all of the paperwork has been handled for you, and you’ll probably need to make few, if any, trips to the DMV. You’ll be given a temporary license plate to use until your permanent one arrives.

To read this article from the DMV website, click here

Registering Your Vehicle in North Carolina

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

Welcome to NC With all the transplants coming to live in North Carolina from other places, it is important to know the requirements of the state for registering your vehicle, as it may be drastically different than the requirements of your previous home state. Read below to understand the process you must go through in order to properly register your vehicle in North Carolina. Its not exciting reading, but necessary!!


General Requirements

Registration Renewal
If you’ve registered the car in this state before, go to Registration Renewals.

First-Time Registration
If you have recently:

- Purchased a car
- Been given a car
- Moved into the state
Then you’ll need to get the car registered.

If you’re new to the state, you must register your car at the end of 30 days or when you accept gainful employment (whichever occurs first).

You must register and title newly-acquired cars right away, or risk a citation.

Get Insurance
The state requires you to have liability insurance in order to register your car. To shop for rates, check out our Insurance Center.

Prepare the Paperwork
Probably the most important piece of paperwork to have at hand is the title, which the previous owner should have signed over to you. If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, make sure you get the title before you leave. If your title is lost, get a replacement.

Before you go to the DMV’s Vehicle & License Plate Renewal Office, have these documents ready:

1. A Title Application. Do not sign until you get the DMV; it needs to be notarized.
2. The odometer statement, if the car is less than 10 years old. Make sure both you and the seller signed it. If you’re transferring your car from out of state, you can simply note the odometer reading on the registration application.
3. Title and lien release, if applicable.
4. A Bill of Sale, if it’s a new car.
5.A Damage Disclosure Statement if you bought the car from a dealer.
Getting a Vehicle History Report for your car is essential if you’re still at the shopping stage. This will tell you the car’s history and whether you’re getting a fair deal.

Calculate the Fees
The DMV bases registration and titling fees on the class of vehicle you are registering. Additionally, there’s a 3% Highway Use Tax every time the title changes hands. If you have a used car, this fee is based on the estimated value, and not what you paid.

Residents of Durham, Orange, and Wake counties must also pay a $5 Regional Transportation Authority Registration Tax.

You may also have to pay for an emissions check, license plate fees, and local fees.

Go to the DMV
Bring all your paperwork to your Vehicle & License Plate Renewal Office. If you haven’t done so, they’ll have you fill out a Title Application, and sign it in the presence of their notary.

If the vehicle was purchased from a dealer, you must declare all liens on this form.

License Plates
You’ll get a license plate in the office, or you may apply for a specialized plate. There are many available. For instance, if you’re a NASCAR fan, you can get a NASCAR plate. You can even personalize your plates with your nickname or favorite saying―just be sure to keep it clean.

Take it one step further with a specialized frame. These can reflect everything from a sports team to a hobby, and make your car stand out further.

Emissions Inspection
After you get your plate, you have 10 days to get an emissions inspection or safety inspection, if applicable. The office will tell you whether it’s required based on your county and car year.

Affix Your Stickers
Your stickers come with your plate. Read the directions on how to apply them, so they don’t come off and so thieves can’t make off with them.

Get a Tax Deduction
Deducting a portion of your registration fees may be possible. The IRS allows you to deduct the amount that’s based on the value of the car, and not on weight or anything else. Your receipt should have a fee breakdown that will tell you what the portion is.

For further questions about your taxes, consult a tax attorney.

Safely Get on Your Way
When you get a new vehicle, it’s a good time to do a few safety checks before you get back out on the road. Are you covered if your car breaks down? A roadside assistance program will come to your aid if you need it; likewise, a car emergency kit is handy to have stashed in your trunk.

And if the breakdown is big, having an after-market warranty covering your major systems can save you a ton of cash. Before anything like that happens, you should find a mechanic that you’re comfortable with.

Along the lines of accessories, you’ll want to make sure you’ve updated your cell phone with a hands-free headset. A child safety seat check is important if you’ve got little ones; make sure it fits your current needs (and your new car).

 This article is written and published by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. To read the article from the website and for more information, click here.