Power, speed and performance – those are the three major traits of a muscle car. When first produced, muscle cars were just pretty darn amazing because they combined the efficiency of a lightweight, mid-sized body with the performance of a high- power V8 engine and special design features that further increased the cars? acceleration capabilities. Because muscle cars topped all other vehicles in terms of power, speed and performance, they were ideal for racing.

Muscle cars were produced from the mid-1960s into the early 1970s, but the production of such beasts fell drastically due to a number of factors. First was the controversy over whether it was wise and responsible to make such powerful vehicles available to the general public, primarily due to road racing. Because muscle cars were often used irresponsibly, liability relating to them was pretty high which forced insurance companies to increase rates for insuring muscle cars. Emission control requirements intended to curb pollution also played into the picture making it near impossible for automakers to produce muscle cars that met the standards they had to adhere to.

Needless to say, the muscle car industry changed quickly due to these influences. Demand decreased because many ?would-be? buyers of muscle cars couldn?t fathom paying the enormous insurance rates for a high-power vehicle and automakers had to meet the challenges presented by pollution control standards.

Since muscle cars were produced for a limited number of years, they are valuable items for collectors and are still highly desirable to those who enjoy racing or desire a quick, powerful, mid-sized car. Since the decline in the production of muscle cars, some automakers have attempted to bring the muscle car era back to life by producing powerful vehicles that resemble the legendary muscle cars, but in my opinion, they don?t hold a candle to classic muscle cars like the GTO, the Road Runner or the Chevelle SS.

It will be interesting to see how the history of muscle cars plays out. Will present day automakers renew production of true muscle cars that are fast and powerful? Will there be enough demand to make muscle car production worth it to them? Or, will muscle cars continue to be limited to those classic models that were produced in the 60s and 70s?

Classic muscle cars are pretty amazing pieces of machinery. One that is restored and in cherry condition is really worth a lot of money. As time goes on, there are fewer muscle cars available which makes them even more valuable to classic car collectors and muscle car enthusiasts.

Cars - Too Bad They're A Necessity!
Doc Phillips
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Okay – that old car you've been driving for the last 17 years is finally on its last legs. This is a bad thing! You haven't had a car payment in more than 10 years. This is a good thing!

Now, it's time to replace that old car so you can get to work, the grocery store, drop the kids off at school, take the spouse out for a night on the town, go see Grandma 300 miles away… well, you get the idea. You have to have a dependable car to accomplish these ventures. Now what?

Before You Buy, Line Up Your Ducks

First, arm yourself with the information that will keep you from making a bad deal. If you simply go to the dealer, find the car you want and pay the price on the sticker, you're cheating yourself!

It's going to take some time and effort, but knowing what you need to know puts you in a much better position to negotiate. Believe me, it's a position you want to be in. You can save yourself literally thousands if you're prepared.

Pick out the vehicle and model in which you're interested. Better yet – pick out 2 or 3. This way you won't just go from dealership to dealership “looking for the best deal”. You CAN get the car you want and at a price that won't necessarily break the bank.

Now, check the Blue Book value of the car (if it's used) or the factory invoice (if it's new). Don't expect to pay low Blue Book value, either. You should be prepared to pay somewhere between the loan value and the retail value. Car dealers and those that sell cars for those dealers are never – let me repeat that – NEVER going to lose money on a deal, regardless of what they tell you. It's also important to keep in mind that dealerships are still businesses. And, as such, they are entitled to make a profit. However, because they work on commission, the more they can sell you the car for, the more they make.

Do I Need All These Extras?

Next, be aware of those “needed” extras, many if not all of which you do not need. At least you don't need them for the price they're going to charge you. Once you and the salesman have agreed on the car deal, you'll be re-directed to the F & I guy. He will attempt to sell you insurance coverage, extended warranties, and finance your deal with “the best rates available”. NOT!!

Get pre-approved through your own financial institution prior to car shopping. This will not only save you a lot of headaches, but money as well. YOUR hard-earned money.

It Ain't Worth What You Paid For It Once You Drive It Away

Another important factor to keep in mind is that automobiles depreciate the minute you drive them off the lot, whether the car you buy is used or new. I have yet to see a car increase in value, unless, of course, it's a classic and in like-new condition. Please do yourself a favor and keep this in mind at all times when car shopping.

“No” May Not Be Popular, But It's Necessary

Lastly, and this is of utmost importance, learn to say, “No”! Learn to say it with conviction. Go to the mirror, look at yourself and say, “No”… repeat… repeat again for however many times it takes to convince yourself that you mean business. It's a good word. It belongs in your vocabulary.

Cars are money pits. But, they're absolutely necessary. Say, “No”… until you've made the deal YOU want.

It will make you feel as though you triumphed when purchasing your next car.

© Doc Phillips Productions | All Rights Reserved

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