Automotive GPS are the dashboard mounted electronic devices which tell you your position on an electronic map and guide you to your destination via voice instructions. With a database full of various Points Of Interest (POIs), these ‘must have’ gadgets of modern day world, can take you to hotels, gas stations, hospitals, airports or even an unknown address, with quite an ease.

However, as easy it is to use these systems, it is equally cumbersome to choose the perfect one for your vehicle, unless you opt for an Automotive GPS Price Comparison.

The reason is simple, these systems come in a wide variety of brands, price ranges ($150 -$1000), features and upgrades. An Automotive GPS Price Comparison, available on numerous sites these days, helps make your decision easier, as it provides you the following information –

•    It tells you what all brands are available for the device, along with the different models available with each brand. You can also see the pictures of the devices available with brands like – Alpine, Garmin, Goodyear, Magellon Maestro, Navigon, Nextar, TellyNay, TomTom, etc.

•    The Automotive GPS Price Comparison allows you to go through the various features of each product and then compare them with those of the others. Some of the basic features available in all models are – Multi-segment routing facility, text-to-voice conversion, POI database, etc. Some model specific features are – screen size, onboard map database, traffic navigation systems and the multimedia features.

•    The reviews and star ratings on the Automotive Price Comparison sites give you a clear idea of the product’s performance on road.

•    Some of the Automotive GPS Price Comparison sites allow their users to choose from the mapping software, map books and service stations too.

Here are a few vital points to be kept in mind while choosing your system-

•    Automotive GPS are of two major types – Stand-alone Navigation Systems and the PC/PDA based systems. The former further are sub categorized into – Entry level navigation systems, advanced navigation systems, fully loaded navigators, multi–purpose navigators and Europe navigation systems, based on their features.

•    It is important to know one’s specific requirements and then decide on the model, keeping the budget in mind.

•    While buying from an Automotive GPS Price Comparison site, ensure your system has all the basic features and its map database should suit your area of movement.

•    Before buying also consider the latest products in the market, what they offer and the possibility of updation in the system of your choice. Bluetooth integration, multimedia options and live updating of software are some of the frills worth considering.

•    You’ll can get a decent deal on an Automotive GPS Price Comparison site for $200 – $300.

Getting a great deal on an automobile purchase is nearly impossible, but there are places to turn for good buys and even better cars. One such place is a repo auction. But, many people don’t quite understand what repo auctions are and they don’t seem to realize what hidden treasures can be found at them.

Let’s look at some of the top questions and answers surrounding repo auctions:

What is a repo auction?

A repo auction is one that’s held on behalf of banks and other lenders to help liquidate merchandise that’s been defaulted back into the bank’s ownership. Everything from houses and cars to boats and trucks can be had at repo auctions. In the automotive market, a repo auction can be a very good place to get a good deal on a vehicle that’s newer and generally in pretty good shape.

Why do banks take part in repo auctions?

Banks that write car loans or mortgages don’t want to own a fleet of vehicles or a neighborhood of homes. They want the interest earned on the loan, not the merchandise. To help them recover the financial loss experienced in a default, they often host auctions to recoup their money. This doesn’t mean the bank will necessarily let a car go for thousands and thousands less than its value, but since it really is only interested in covering its loss, savings likely will be realized. Sometimes the savings can be great.

What kind of cars can be found at repo auctions?

Just about any type of car, truck or van that a bank will write a loan for can be found at a repo auction. Typically these are newer model vehicles that are worth the “risk” to the bank.

What is the condition of vehicles at these auctions?

That will vary from vehicle to vehicle quite honestly. Most vehicles are in very good shape, but that doesn’t mean all of them are. It’s important to ask questions about items you might bid on. Don’t take it for granted the car is in perfect working order.

Are their warranties on purchases from auctions?

Sometimes. Generally, the banks themselves auction the cars off “as is,” but it’s possible manufacturer warranties will extend to the purchase. It will all depend on the banks, the cars in question and who made them.

What kind of deals can be had?

Again that will depend on the car in question and the loan that was outstanding on it, but generally you can pick up newer cars for a fraction of the sticker price by going to auction. Of course, you have to place the winning bid to do so.

How do you find these auctions?

They are generally listed in newspapers, magazines, on television and there are even special computer programs that know exactly where to look to find upcoming auctions. Some of these programs can sort auctions by those that have particular cars, too.

A repo auction is a different way to buy a car, but the truth is it can be a great way to do so. There’s no reason to pay full price, but it is a good idea to exercise judgment and look carefully before bidding.