The days when people had to go out of their homes and venture downtown to locate the right kind of vehicle for themselves or even simply just to buy a couple of Plymouth body parts to replace the damaged ones are gone. Well, not entirely gone, for there are still consumers who personally shop around for those things that they need. However, with other options like online shopping and the like, more shoppers would rather stay at home and log in on the Internet and just order through that medium.
On the other hand, online shopping has given shoppers the chance to use more of their time on other things. The time that they would have spent just roaming around stores and finding the right vehicle could now be spent on other important things like picking up the kids or cleaning up the backyard. Aside from that, shoppers can access the information that they need on the vehicles and auto parts that they are interested in purchasing. These are a few reasons why Americans have certainly found the Internet to be a godsend.
Statistics have it that around twenty per cent of purchases for used cars are done over the Internet. And this is not very surprising knowing that most Americans do everything online, except fill up their gas, according to one popular radio ad. But still it is important that you keep in mind some tips from experts in the field when you do your online shopping for cars and for car parts.
If you are looking around for a vehicle, make sure that you look for one that matches your lifestyle. Keep in mind that you have a different weekday lifestyle and a different weekend lifestyle. So make sure that the vehicle you choose can match both of these lifestyles. After that, you should be able to work up a budget on how much are you really willing to spend on a vehicle.
The Internet is very useful to look for information on the vehicle you chose. You can make price comparisons from various sources. That way, you can see which store or dealer offers the best price for the vehicle of your dreams.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Vehicle Shoppers Do It Online
The Things your Car Should Have
When I am talking about things that your vehicle should have, I am certainly not referring to those simply Daewoo auto parts or Volvo performance parts or Ford truck parts. What this article is referring to are those items or technologies that would certainly give your car that further boost that it, and you, need.
There are already various types of high technology created and developed for vehicles and these technologies have already been made available in the market. However, most of these can only be found on those high priced models or are given out as very expensive options. But still, the future seems to have changing and maybe soon enough, these could already be made available as a standard option and there would be no need for us to shell out any additional cash just to have those technologies for our vehicle.
The Parking Technology If you certainly hate parking, especially parallel parking, then you may be very grateful for the Intelligent Park Assist system which has been developed by Toyota's Lexus brand. This feature has been made available in the newest versions of the Lexus LS units as well as in the Toyota Prius. There would be no need to sweat through parking. The car will do it all for you.
The Eye For Blind Spots Most of the accidents that occur in our roads and streets are all because drivers are simply not aware that there are other vehicles around him. This is because those other vehicles are in the driver's blind spot. So the kind of technology that would solve this problem would be those that allow the driver to see through every inch around him including blind spots. Audi already has the Side Assist system which uses LED displays while Volvo has the Blind Spot Information System which utilizes cameras.
The One Which Senses Collisions This type of system or technology is called the precollision system and it can actually do know if a collision is about to happen. And when it does sense that such a misfortune is about to take place, it actually takes control of some areas of the vehicle so much so that the vehicle is not totally involved in that untoward accident. The Advanced Pre-Collision System from Lexus is an example of such.
The Owl's Eyes Given the eyes of an owl, one can see through the dark. And if your vehicle sure did give you that kind of vision, accidents at night would surely be lessened. The Night Vision is the name of the system and it has already been offered in various vehicle brands like Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Lexus.
What to Look For In an Auto Body Repair Shop
It's unfortunate but every day of the week all around the world auto accidents occur and they do occur few are prepared for the costly repairs that result. To make sure that you are getting quality repairs for the best price here's what to look for in an auto body repair shop.
Selecting the right auto body repair shop will save you a lot of stress and money and you'll know that you'll get a decent repair. The first thing you need to do is have a look around the auto body repair shop. You might only be able to sneak a glance but that can tell you an awful lot as to whether you want to hire them.
Is the shop well lit? Is it nice and clean? Does the equipment look modern and well maintained? Up to date equipment means you are getting the best in repairs.
If they will allow you to take a tour of their shop it's nice to browse around and talk to staff. Don't be surprised if they deny your request because due to safety precautions. However some also allow for short tours while no jobs are in progress.
While you are in there take a quick scan of the area and see if there are signs of plaques that indicate special training staff has undergone or safety awards that have been won. These are often displayed out in the office where they are visible to customers.
Training and qualifications are really important when it comes to doing high quality auto body repairs. If the team knows what they are doing your repair will look just like new and no one will know there was even a repair.
Windows may need to be replaced, parts such as lighting, fenders, grill, or doors may be damaged and either need to be repaired or fixed, and chances are you are going to need some painting.
When you receive your vehicle back inspect the paint for small paint bubbles that are still there after the work is completed and set. You should also check the glass to make sure it is secure and doesn't, shake, rattle, or leak.
Before you turn your car over for repairs you will want to know their policy if you are not happy with the work. Will they fix it for no charge or will there be additional fees. How long is the warranty for? How long will it take for the repairs to be completed?
When you pick up your car it is important to take some time to exam all the work that has been done and if you spot anything that does not appear to be right mention it immediately. If you notice nothing at the shop but spot something when you get home then it is important to notify them as soon as possible.
Now that you know what to look for in an auto body repair shop there's a good chance that your vehicle repairs will be good as new and nobody will ever know that your car was in an accident.
The Right Auto Body Shop
Experiences in accidents tell us the right body shop for our car. But those could not be enough. Read this article as a guide, from a reliable auto website, in choosing the right body shop for your car. We may have different standards, requirements and definitions of what quality work is. But this can probably help in choosing the right one.
First up, make sure that what you pay is what you get. In other words, see to it that the shop you chose is a reliable one – the one that counts quality a lot. Make sure that the shop worker does not destroy or damage your Saab antenna when he is doing the repairs.
Talk with friends and work associates or ask your mechanic to find a body repair shop. You can also opt for talking to your neighbors and getting their opinions. You may talk to someone who has good or bad experience on their auto body shop – you can get a lesson from both experiences and way the consequences. Another alternative is to call the dealership where you had purchased your car for a referral. At this point, it is wise to listen when people talk about their cars and experiences they have had.
And when you think that you have narrowed it down to a specific shop, check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if there is any lodge complaint on that shop. It is understandable that no business can keep everyone happy by having no records of complaints from their clients. At this point, you need to way the consequences.
For any questions or concerns, better talk with the shop manager.
Visit the shop and observe. Its being not 100 percent clean is considerable due to the type of work, but there should be no dust and filth, and spilled chemicals on floors.
It is also wise to ask them see their work. It is much better if they have before and after pictures of their work and will also have picture of cars they are currently working on. Letters of recommendation are also determinants of a good car body shop.
Some body shops offer a limited warranty; anyway, what is important is the warranty itself.
And finally, a good body shop takes time to answer your questions completely. So if they seem putting off, then it is about time to look elsewhere.
Talking About Cars' Tires
Taken for granted. Usually, your car's tires are taken for granted. In fact, you do not even try to see if everything is doing fine with your tires. You would not even know what their condition is until you experience a flat tire or a tire blow up.
Tires are one of the most and oftentimes ignored parts of your vehicle. But it is one of the most vital parts of your vehicle, even compared to your car's well-crafted Porsche factory parts. What these tires do for you and your passengers' safety is they act as the medium and the in-between for your car and the pavement. With good tires, you can control your car better. But with tires that are already used up and are already wearing down, you might find driving to be quite a difficult task and could lead you to accidents or collisions.
These tires may seem to be insignificant to you, but the designers and engineers of tires work to the best of their capacities and capabilities so as to create new breeds of tires that would greatly help car drivers and owners be safe. In fact, did you know that there are tires that can be actually created as per your preferences as the driver. Some factors that you can have customized are tread design, the inner cord structure, the tire profile, rubber compounds to be used, load rating, and even the tread life. With these in mind, you now know why your car's tires are very essential.
Keeping your tires in good condition would help you out best as it also ensures that your car wheels are in optimum performance. And if you need to replace your car's tires, automobile experts suggest that you should try, as much as possible, to replace these tires with the same kind of tires that was fitted to your vehicle when it was purchased from the dealership. You can find the tire specifications in your car owner's manual.
Suv Trucks are Phenomenal Vehicles
SUV trucks are popular because of their stylish build and also because of its capacity. It is built in a way that it not only caters to the travel for passengers; it can also be used for other reasons. It is very spacious, and it has a large cargo area. This is ideal for those who would like to use these vehicles for long distance travel.There are several hundreds of SUV truck models to choose from, so the designs are not limited. It opens the door for an individual to have a various choice to pick from. They are also reasonable priced, and they have several interesting accessories too. The SUV truck vehicles as well as accessories are built to please the user.
The vehicles are a pleasure to ride, as they have the capacity to meet any kind of terrain. They are also ideal for hauling heavy items, for use in any trade. Since these vehicles are also stylish, they are a pleasure for passengers to travel in. To make the driving quality better than ever, those who buy this vehicle must choose accessories well. By choosing the newest and the best accessories, it not only enhances the look of the vehicle, it also allows the users to be comfortable in all ways when using the vehicle. These trucks will also come with luggage carriers if you need them. They offer excellent seat covers, and also protection for the floor.
By maintaining the SUV trucks, you will also ensure that it has a long life. Most of the time, it is always better if you choose to service these vehicles at known dealers. You can make sure that they will not tamper with your parts. They will also have the most professional team to work on the vehicle.
This team will be trained exclusively to handle SUV trucks, and they will be the best to perform the job. When you want to shop for SUV trucks, you can of course compare all the models and makers too before taking a decision. You will have catalogues in such a way, that the trucks will be filed according to the model and make. You will also get to see the price side by side, so making a choice will be easy, depending on your budget. Some of the popular makes of SUV trucks are Chevy, Ford and Toyota. Most of the makers in the business of selling these trucks, are in the field for years. So a buyer need not worry about the quality of the trucks.
They will be designed in a perfect way, and all safety measures will be taken. These trucks when sold by dealers, also hand out safety instructions to the buyer. This way, the buyer can make sure that he safeguards his vehicle from all ways, and drive accordingly. SUV trucks are powerful, so one need not bother about being indecisive on certain terrains. What the owner of the vehicle must do, is to make sure he maintains his vehicle, and checks its performance often.
Sports Utility Vehicles are the Coolest to Drive
There are several thousands of sports utility vehicles that are sold across the world. Most people prefer to buy and use these vehicles, as they have a lot of space and are also extremely useful for a long drive. It has a large capacity to carry passengers, and also has the strength of a pickup truck.This is special feature of the sports utility vehicles.These vehicles most of the time do not have an exclusive trunk, as it is expected with such sized vehicles. They are designed more like station wagons, and are passenger oriented. These vehicles are also designed with four wheels, and have thus been named the “four wheel drive” in several countries.
Though most of the sports utility vehicles are designed with four wheels, not all of them are. These vehicles have a good cargo area in the back, and naturally have a separate engine compartment. The cargo and the passenger compartments are combined. All sports utility vehicles are designed to be medium sized.They are not at all commercial in nature. They are also designed to use petrol or diesel. These vehicles were designed for rural users, because they needed such vehicles to travel in undeveloped areas. However these vehicles slowly became popular with the city people, as it was appealing.
It is now one of the most sought after vehicles because it is spacious and also very stylish to use. The most appealing things about these vehicles, are the large space, the height and the safety measures that it is designed with. These features allowed this type of vehicle to become very popular with women.Since sports utility vehicles are designed for rough terrain, they are used in most areas in Asia, South America and the Middle East. Of late, these vehicles are also designed in a way to only meet the requirements for paved roads.
These vehicles are also different from others because they are able to move from higher to lower levels of road with complete ease. These vehicles need to be repaired immediately if anything goes wrong, and the spare parts are pretty expensive too. There has been a lot of criticism about the maintenance and safety of the vehicles. The vehicles are also popular because it can just about travel in any terrain.Sports utility vehicles have their drawbacks too.
Though they are very sophisticated in nature and also very smooth to drive,it has a low mileage. It also means that it is contributing a lot to air pollution. The emission of the gas is also very fog like. The users of these vehicles take it for granted that they are safe.There has still been a lot of negative issues about the vehicles, regarding its safety issues. Many people feel that these vehicles are not built in a way that they can be controlled on highways .However, the sale of these vehicles are still popular because of its style and also the spacious passenger compartment.
Shoppers Rate Auto Stores
Based on the poll conducted in the spring by Pied Piper Management Co. of Pacific Grove, Calif., dealers selling the Honda Motor Co.'s premium Acura vehicles won the highest marks from car shoppers, followed by Land Rover, Saturn, Jaguar and Volkswagen stores.
Acura, the luxury division of the Honda Motor Co., has etched a good name in the American auto industry. Before, Japanese cars were primarily economical in design and largely targeted at low-cost consumers. With Acura’s arrival, the standing of exported vehicles from Japan was elevated to new heights.
As reported by The Auto Channel, the poll shows luxury brand dealers give customers best treatment. At the other end, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep, Lincoln, Kia and Scion scored poorly, according to the poll conducted in the spring by Pied Piper Management Co. of Pacific Grove, Calif.
The brands with the highest ratings also tended to have higher sales and profits, noted Fran O'Hagan, the president of Pied Piper. “We found that eight of the top ten brands averaged more than 250 units per year, and only three of the ten lowest rated brands averaged more than 250 units. There are exceptions, but still, it makes me think those numbers are a proxy for dealer profitability,” he declared.
The survey's findings dispelled a deeply rooted myth about the business, O'Hagan said. While most people associate car shopping with overbearing sales staffers, “the reality is, it's four times more likely for a customer leaving the dealership to feel that they were undersold than oversold,” he added.
Other surveys measure car owners' satisfaction with their dealers and dealer service, but O'Hagan said that his study is the first that gauges prospective car buyers' fresh impressions.
Pied Piper surveyed shoppers at 1,592 dealerships. O’Hagan said that Acura, the top-rated brand, showed a high level of consistency, with survey respondents giving dealers high marks across the board. Of the 55 attributes measured, “they were always up in the top five or six,” he said. In addition, there were not any sharp variations in the scores of individual Acura dealers.
Chip Elliott, a sales manager at Suburban Acura in Farmington Hills, said the store strives to achieve the right balance. Staffers do not go out to the parking lot to greet visitors as they pull in. “Once they come into the dealership, there’s a meet-and-greet,” Elliott said. “If they choose to be left alone, that’s OK. We stay close by for questions or concerns, until we can take it to the next level.”
If are heading to Pennsylvania auto parts store or any dealership, try to compare and rate them. This is your opportunity to have the best slice of the auto industry.
Problems With Aging Plastic Headlights & the Solution to Restore Headlights With Headlight Cleaners
In the past, automakers designed headlight lenses made from glass so they were limited in the size and shape they could produce. Since then, auto manufacturers began designing cars with plastic headlights. This modification mainly occurred due to the change in the design of cars---cars became lighter and more aerodynamic, plus plastic was by far less expensive to produce than glass. Today this plastic material is the chosen choice because it is very light and can be transformed into unlimited sizes and shapes to satisfy new car designs.
Polycarbonate has its advantages but also has its disadvantages---namely oxidation / discoloration. To the naked eye one cannot tell that these plastic lenses are actually a porous material that expands ever so slightly when it gets hot. Degradation of the lens occurs over time. Having your headlights on or being exposed to the heat of the day causes the pores to open allowing debris from the road to get in. Debris, together with a combination of environmental factors such as the sun (UV rays), smog, acid rain, car exhaust, and harsh chemicals used to wash you car can cause the plastic headlight lenses to become oxidized.
Plastic oxidation leads to lens discoloration, which transforms new, clear, bright, shiny plastic to a dull yellow tint that appears to be foggy, hazy, or cloudy. This process (oxidation), as described above, not only becomes an eyesore but also is unsafe. Because of the degradation of the plastic lens, less light passed through resulting in diminished visibility during night driving. The car owner either had to deal with these cloudy yellow, oxidized headlight lenses posing serious safety issues or purchase expensive replacement headlights costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.
"The Headlight Solution" at www.headlightsolution.net wants the public to know and learn how to restore, clean, polish, and clear those cloudy, yellow plastic headlight lenses on their own without putting more money into the car manufacturer's pocket. One can restore headlights to like-new condition by taking off the top layer of oxidized plastic. This can be achieved through polishing, wet sanding, or through the use of chemicals. Auto manufacturers would rather you go to them for a headlight repair (charging as much as $150) or headlight replacement ($100-$1,000). The top layer of plastic on the headlights contains a UV polymer that retards or slows down the aging of the plastic lens. Therefore, it is important to use a polish (containing UV polymers) or UV coating to slow down the oxidation or discoloration of the lens. Parking your car in the shade or garage, or maintaining the lens by washing, waxing, and polishing a minimum of every three months, could avoid damage to the headlight lens.
"The Headlight Solution" specializes in headlight restoration. The products we use on a daily basis to renew headlights are indeed the products we sell. Rest assured that when placing an order for any of our headlight restoration kits you are getting the real deal and top quality products. Our business is restoring headlights on used vehicles, as well as restoring the emergency lighting on service vehicles. We not only come to your home or place of business to refinish your headlight lens, but also sell a headlight cleaner or headlight lens cleaner. As a matter of fact, we sell two types of plastic lens cleaners:
1. Basic Headlight Restoration Kit (for light discoloration)
2. Advanced Headlight Restoration Kit (for more severe discoloration)
Both kits work extremely well. Choosing a kit depends on the severity of your vehicle's lenses. Our kits are very easy to use and do not require the use of special tools or training. Beware of kits that offer backing plates and drill attachments. While they may save time, they may cause irreversible damage due to various drill speeds causing burning or swirls in the plastic lens. First-time users should avoid these kits because it takes skill and practice to control the drill from making these mistakes and possibly slipping off and ruining a perfectly fine paint job.
In our Advanced Headlight Restoration Kit, we even supply a small roll of blue painters tape to mask your headlight to protect your paint job during the restoration process. Along with both kits, one also receives a step-by-step brochure outlining how to clean headlights appropriately to obtain bright, shiny headlamps while restoring optical clarity to your lenses. Both of our kits carry a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with either of our products, simply return the remaining contents of the kit for a full refund. If anyone has any questions while reconditioning their headlamps, feel free to email us and one of our trained technicians can walk you through the quick and easy process of headlight restoration.
Got Yellow Headlight Lenses? Need a Headlight Cleaner? Want Us to Restore Your Vehicle's Yellow Headlight Lenses? Contact The Headlight Solution.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Online Street Maps Could Help Cure you of your Driving Fears
When it comes to planning your summer holidays, making decisions can be difficult. Whether you're travelling with a large family, a big group of friends or you're simply taking a peaceful holiday for two, it can be just as hard to decide how you're going to get to your destination as it is to decide where you're going! If you're travelling within the UK, then driving could be your easiest option in the way of transport. For starters, driving will ensure that you avoid any crowded trains and coaches, as well as making sure that you'll always have space to stack your luggage!
However, many UK travellers are put off the idea of a driving holiday for a number of reasons: as well as the forbidding spectre of traffic jams, many drivers are wary of taking wrong turns and getting lost. A simple drive from Newcastle to Edinburgh, for instance, could well turn into an aimless excursion to the Scottish Highlands if you don't follow the right directions. What's more, many drivers may be reluctant to let their partner or designated right-hand man read out directions from a road atlas during the journey.
But, while these worrying factors can cause some significant concern to drivers - especially those that are prone to stress - the internet has made it much easier for people to take a successful driving holiday. Today, drivers will find a variety of UK street maps services online - each of which offers a range of services to make planning your journey easier. You'll be able to find simple directions from A to B, and some online street maps will even offer a specific journey planner service so drivers will be able to plan out their journey for every twist and turn.
Online street maps eliminate the element of unpredictability that many ordinary road atlases may throw up. For instance, if you're planning a long journey - say, from London to Penzance - mapping out your journey in detail using an online street map can ensure that your trip takes as little time as possible. Many online street map facilities will even tell you how long it takes to get from your home to your holiday destination, so you'll be able to accurately estimate the appropriate departure and arrival times on your journey.
What's more, many online street maps include clear aerial photographs of locations - which means that drivers will be able to familiarise themselves with images of their destination before they arrive. Plus, online street maps are more likely to carry up-to-date details of road-works or changes to a road’s layout – something your atlas won’t be able to help you with!
Utilise an online street map service effectively, and you might even discover alternative routes to your holiday destination. For example, if you're driving from Leeds to Blackpool and you anticipate getting stuck in rush hour traffic near Manchester, you'll be able to figure out an alternative route. And if you’re using online street maps that are integrated with aerial photography, you can even find more scenic routes before you leave the house.
So whether you're taking a seaside holiday in Cornwall, visiting Mount Snowdon in Wales or exploring the Western Isles of Scotland, consult an online street map to ensure that the drive to your holiday destination is as efficient - and enjoyable - as possible.
Make the Holiday Drive Without the Hassle
With the holidays just nearing and just right about the corner, it has become quite a habit for people to take a long drive with their friends and their families and spend their vacation that way. Of course, not all people choose to do so but quite a number still choose to venture out on the roads and go somewhere new for the holidays.
However, people also do experience lots of pressure and stress and hassle during such drives. Primarily, this is because drivers and car owners do forget to check their vehicles before they actually start the journey. In the process of the long drive, sometimes the car breaks down or the car experiences trouble making the whole experience quite stressful.
First off, people should check their vehicles. It may help if you replace your worn out Ford parts or damaged Infiniti auto parts with new ones. That way, you would not have to start finding an auto parts store in the middle of nowhere if these fail you in the middle of the road.
Another thing that you should focus on would be your tires. Check if the tire tread depth is within acceptable range. For most states, they do ask for a minimum legal tread depth of 2/32 of an inch. To check this, you can place a penny in the most shallow treat groove with the head down. If the top of the head of the coin is visible, then the tires should already be replaced. Also, make sure that the tires of your vehicle are also just right. Make sure that they are not too inflated or are under inflated. It would do you no good if they are.
You should also check the turn signals of your vehicle. Make sure that they work just right. Check the signals if they respond to your directions. Also do check both front and rear signals as well as check the lenses if there are signs of damage or aging.
By thoroughly checking your vehicle before you drive off would certainly save you a lot of trouble, time, pressure, and expenses on your holiday trip.
Guide to buy a cheap used car
Are you hunting for used car? Buying a used car is not a headache like previously it was. Now-a-days one can easily find a used car for which he is looking for. Let us see some pint which one should keep in mind before purchasing a use car.
What do you look out for?
A good car is never old. First make your mind that which model are you looking for and is it in your budget and from where you want to buy from auto dealer or online. All this will definitely help you to make a proper decision.
Selecting your car
One way to select your dream car is to first identify the car which you are indent to buy. Make sure are you looking for a family car or not. You can get used car of your choice in a very attractive price from any auto dealer.
Appearance of your selected car
Make sure that the car appearance is good and no where hidden rusting is there. Sometimes many auto dealers apply a fresh coat of paint to get hide all the rust. Check whether any major accident marks are there or not.
Paperwork
You have selected your car. Now for your facility check all the legal paperwork Number of previous owners, their antecedents, registration details, one-time tax entry and insurance papers - all need to be cross-checked. Once the above is done and your apprehensions are solved, get ready for the most important aspect of the buying process.
Test Drive
For a good deal never buy a second-hand car without first driving it. Sometimes old engines need to be warm up. A low battery and bald tyres gives you opportunity to bargain more.
Finalizing the deal
As now all the things have be done, ask auto dealer to transform all the legal car document on your name, legally. Remember to get all the legal formalities you complete before you take the car key in your hand.
All this guidelines will help you to make a good and healthy deal and to get your dream car in your hand.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist having experience of many years writing articles and news releases on various topics such as pet health, automobile and social issues. She also has great interest in poetry and paintings, hence she likes to write on these subjects as well.
Lady Drivers Can Make Savings On Their Car Insurance
Unfortunately your sex can make a huge difference to the amount of car insurance that you pay. Women drivers while having been the brunt of many jokes, particularity from male drivers, can in fact get cheaper car insurance than men.
Statistics have shown that women are indeed safer drivers than men, this is because women have been proven to make less claims than men do on their insurance. They also usually go for much less flashier cars than men choose, instead going for the more reserved and what is classed as the safer car.
There are many online companies now taking advantage of this fact and as such are offering deals specifically aimed at the women driver. Lady drivers can now search online for companies aimed at them and by doing so they can make huge savings on the amount of premiums they pay for car insurance.
However, there are other factors that determine how cheap you get your car insurance, regardless of your sex. The best, cheapest and quickest way to look for your car insurance is by doing so online. By looking online for your car insurance you are able to get instant quotes from many companies which ensures that you choose the cheapest deal possible.
Policy features and benefits and the cost of car insurance does vary from company to company and all policies have exclusions hidden within them so it is essential that you understand just what is included in the quote.
Other factors which are taken into account include the area in which you live. Depending on your postcode you can be charged a higher premium for your car insurance. While there isn't much you can do to change this you can make sure you have the best security features installed on your car, by doing so you can help to reduce the premium.
Car Financing
One of the biggest decisions you will have to make when it comes to buying a new car is how you are going to get the money to pay for it. The majority of people will have to think about finance options in order to make the purchase and when it comes to car financing there are many ways you can choose to go.
One of the most popular ways that many people choose to take when it comes to buying their car, simply because it is the quickest and easiest option the majority of the time, is taking the finance options available at the dealership where you buy your car. While in some cases this can work out well there are also some cons to consider. Taking a loan this way usually means that it isn't the most competitive way and the salesman could pressure you to include add-ons to bump up the cost of the loan.
Another popular way and sometimes one which can work to your advantage especially if you take advantage of low interest rates is to go for a personal loan. By looking around online and comparing rates of interest, this is very usually the cheapest way to get car financing, one of the biggest benefits you can gain from going down this avenue is that with cash in hand you can usually get more discounts from the dealer if you pay cash outright. This however isn't as convenient as taking finance through the dealership and means that you will have to have a figure in mind when it comes to requesting your personal loan.
When it comes to car financing without a doubt the best and first place you should to look is on the internet. Whichever type of insurance you go for you are able to get a huge amount of information and if you have decided to go for a personal loan then you can take advantage by getting several quotes for the cheapest rate of interest. It is important that you check out several because by doing so you will be able to make comparisons which ensures you are getting the best deal.
However always make sure that you know what the total amount of the loan will cost you in the end and also be aware that if you choose a bank from which to take your loan then most probably they will try adding optional payment protection insurance to the cost of the loan which can boost up the repayments a lot.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
How to Fix and Repair Headlights for Maximum Safety
Basically, fixing and repairing your cars headlights is something everyone can do. You could take your car to your local car dealer and pay hundreds of dollars or you could repair them yourself for as little as $15. I would rather keep my money than make my local dealer rich with their outrageous markups and prices. Here is how to properly evaluate, fix and repair almost any automotive headlight problem.
First, determine what the problem is. Are they dim, not working at all, hard to see with at night, have water inside, failed inspection? If they don't come on at all either you have a burned out bulb or an electrical problem. An electrical problem can be expensive and very labor intensive to fix – but they are usually vary rare. So lets first look at the bulb. The bulb unscrews out of the back of the headlight lens on most newer cars (on older cars with glass headlights the whole lens is the bulb and you just replace it with a new glass replacement $10 – $20 at Walmart). After removing the bulb, look at it. Does it look burned out? Is it black, melted, discolored? If so, replace with a new one. You can purchase replacements at your local automotive store or Walmart for under $20. Insert the new bulb or bulbs and make sure not to touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers – the grease we emit on our fingers will cause the bulb to wear more quickly or even blow. After installing the bulb try the lights. 99% of the time this is the reason they will not turn on. If it still doesn't light you have an electrical problem and this should be referred to your local mechanic.
If you have water in your lens this is caused by a leak, crack, or hole in the lens. With the newer plastic lenses you need to remove the lens and then carefully drill a small hole into the bottom of the lens (be careful not to hit the bulb. Let the water run out and then patch with silicone (easily obtained at Walmart or your local automotive store). Then find the source of the water. Usually the seals start to go bad after 3-5 years. You can cover the seal around the lens with silicone to reseal the lens. If the leak was caused by a crack a clear sealant like urethane can be used to seal the crack or small hole. If it is a large hole it would be best to replace the lens.
The other major problem is cloudy, yellow headlight lenses which can lead to diminished output, poor nighttime visibility and basically an unsafe car. There are now headlight repair, restorer and cleaner kits available to cure this problem. In the past you had to resort to replacing your lenses which can be very expensive – $200+ per lens not including installation and labor at your local car dealer. Now for under $20 you can fully restore your headlight lenses to like new optical clarity and greatly improve your nighttime safety. For more information on these kits please see the link below.
There you have it – the three biggest problems with automotive headlights and how to fix and repair them for greater safety for nighttime driving – and save big by doing it yourself. Please take the time to make your headlights and rest of your car as safe as possible. As having volunteered for a volunteer emergency squad for years I have personally witnessed dozens of fatal crashes that could have easily been avoided by just properly repairing and fixing the headlights. Be safe, drive safe – remember the life you save may be your own. Please pass this around so that it may benefit as many people as possible and increase the safety on our roads.
Hands-free Units With Bluetooth Launched By Parrot
Driving does require you to have your full concentration on the road ahead. It is also very essential that your mind does not wander anywhere else. However, because of the frantic pace of the world today, it seems like anywhere a person goes, there is always something that you would need to take care of - bills to be paid, friends asking for advice, family members giving you last minute instructions, bosses looking for report, clients asking for a meeting, and many others.
Good thing that Parrot, a company that has already become a specialist in Bluetooth hands-free telephony, has been able to create the BTHFU (Bluetooth Hands-Free Units) for cars and vehicles. In fact, Parrot is actually a member and the current chair of the Bluetooth SIG Automobile working group. According to the company, the products that they are designing and developing have been made just especially for vehicles. And the BTHFU has been actually created along with the company Visteon. This new unit would be coming with digital signal processing, noise reduction features, as well as echo cancellation. You would be able to find this one in the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy which would be roaming the streets of China.
Henri Seydoux is the founder and the CEO of Parrot and he comments, "We are very happy to collaborate with Visteon, one of the leading automotive equipment suppliers worldwide, on the development of hands-free systems which should become widely applicable as a car standard equipment."
This kind of innovation and change in the automotive industry just simply shows that as everything in the world evolves, the automotive industry is also evolving along and simply not just in terms of Buick parts and the like. During the time that the passengers needed much protection during crashes, the air bags were created. During the time when people were very much affected by high gas prices, hybrid vehicles were sent out. And during this time when communication and being in touch is a very important aspect of life, the Bluetooth Hands Free Units became a reality.
Cadillac Escalade, Thieves' Most Desired Car
Cadillac Escalade, the sleek, bold and luxurious sport-utility vehicle which is famed by some Hollywood's personalities, did not only attract celebrities but the elusive thieves as well. Escalade has been a hot item in the news for several years now because of its record in theft losses. So far, the hype is retained.
To circumvent this fact, Escalade owners see to it that their cars are insured. To date, Escalade has the highest rate of insurance theft claims for 4 consecutive years including this year. This datum was released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Divulged in the study were the top three vehicle models that are often subject to thievery. Escalade bags the highest rank. It was followed by Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab pickup.
In the data given by Highway Loss Data Institute, an affiliate of the insurance institute, Escalade offers plenty of eye candy parts Cadillac to tempt thieves, from chromed wheels and leather seats to rear-seat DVD systems. Not to mention a marketing campaign that links the Escalade to the hip and trendy.
According to Kim Hazelbaker, senior vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute, "This is the car that Tony Soprano drives. It's seen in a lot of rap videos. There are a lot of NFL players who are photographed in it. It's part of our pop culture as a very large, flashy SUV."
The overall results show the Escalade has not only the highest rate of claims but also very expensive claims when they are filed. In fact, almost one-quarter of theft claims for the Escalade are for $40,000 or more, indicating that thieves often are stealing the whole vehicles and not just their parts," Hazelbaker, further added.
This is the fourth year of Escalade's record. In fact, 4 models of Escalade top the list of the worst overall insurance losses for theft among all passenger vehicles.
On the part of the automaker, engineers are making sure that electronic ignition system of the car will not start unless the proper key is used. This is done to lessen the percentage of thievery.
Diesel vs. Unleaded: The Truth About Fuel Economy
Ahh, you remember it, don't you? Sitting in the back of your family's station wagon as a kid, your father pulls up to the gas pump and a station attendant-an occupation about as extinct as the dinosaurs-came running out with a rag in his hand, leaned into the driver's window and said... "Diesel or unleaded?"
Those days are long gone. And I'm not just referring to the attendant. Nowadays, at least in the U.S., you can expect to find three things at a gas pump: self-serve, pay first, and unleaded gasoline only.
Misconceptions about diesel fuel being "dirtier" than unleaded gas several years ago ultimately led to diesel's obsolescence in the more environmentally progressive United States. Car companies began to manufacture cars that, for the most part, ran on traditional gasoline.
In response, however, steps were taken to improve the cleanliness of diesel and now major car companies have begun to sell diesel-powered vehicles to consumers once again.
In the past, especially in the United States, diesel fuel was considerably dirtier than unleaded gasoline. Vehicles in the United States also tended to be built for traditional gasoline, with the exception of large trucks, buses, and semis. In recent years, however, steps have been taken to improve the cleanliness of diesel fuel through regulation, and many companies have begun selling popular consumer cars that run on diesel fuel.
One such company is Isuzu Motors, known for its popular 5-passenger Ascender SUV, and two models of high-performing pick up trucks (the i-290 and i-370). Isuzu's diesel engines have won a laundry list of awards in past years including "Truck of the Year" by Motor Trend Magazine, "Executive Diesel Car of the Year 2002" by Diesel Car Magazine (a publication in the U.K.), "Germany's best small and compact car of the Year 2001" by Mot Magazine (published in Germany), as well as having been named multiple times by Ward's Communications of the U.S. as one of the "10 Best Engines." In addition, Isuzu vehicles were voted the top medium-duty truck brand six times in seven years by truck dealers. Impressive, but not fully convinced that diesel's better? Keep reading...
Diesel fuel actually burns more efficiently than gasoline, thus having a better fuel economy-about 30% more efficient on average. Why?
Diesel is denser than its unleaded competitor. Proponents of gasoline are quick to point out that diesel engines produce more greenhouse emissions, which is true, emissions with diesel are about 15% higher than those of traditional unleaded gas due to higher volumetric energy density. However, the increased fuel efficiency more than offsets the higher percentage, so in the long run, diesels produce less emissions- 15% more per gallon used, but a trip in the good ole family car will use 30% less fuel to get to wherever you're going.
Granted, this wasn't the case with Dad's old wagon. Back then, before the anti-diesel crusade, diesel engines were creating more emissions because they simply weren't efficient. Now, with the modern diesel engine achieving a 20- 40% better fuel economy, it's time to give diesel a second look.
But that's not the only exciting news about diesel. Originally, the diesel engine was created as a way to run vehicles using vegetable oils. While farmers originally couldn't compete with big oil companies, with gas prices soaring, there's been a renewed interest in alternative fuel sources-and food-based diesel fuels can be produced quickly, cheaply, and with the abundance of products grown in our very own country. These "hybrid diesels" also known as "biodiesel" are compatible with existing diesel engines and can also be made from waste oils gathered from restaurants or homes-an alternative that serves several ecological benefits at the same time.
Friday, August 3, 2007
How I Sold My Teachers Used Car in Less Than Two Hours!
Class Project
Marketing teachers have always been dynamic, which is probably why I enjoy my marketing courses so much in school. One teacher in particular stands out to me, he made a big deal of utilizing real life examples to demonstrate his curriculum. Generally searing the concept into our ripe minds. His most recent brainstorm came last week when he told the class that whoever could sell his used car the fastest and for the most money would be excused from the midterm. This was not a 'sell a used car' lesson, this was a 'market value' lesson.
Everyone was game for the task and ready to get started, but there was just one question left to ask; what was the car and where was the car? The car was in the parking lot, and by the looks of it had been there a while, it was a ratty old Honda Accord that had seen better days. Everyone cringed as they saw it, but then the look of steely determination took over most faces, the idea of skipping a hefty midterm high in everyone's minds.
Method Options
This class met twice a week for two hours both times, he gave us this assignment at the beginning of the class period and told us to research our options and the market value of the vehicle, and to have something to show him by the end of the class period. Everyone went to work right away, some of the guys even borrowed a hose from maintenance and went to town washing the Accord in the hopes of raising its value.
I took another route, I jotted down all of the information about the vehicle, then I went directly to the computer lab. I had a secret weapon, the fastest way to sell a car is to go online. My sister had just sold her car to an online service, and had raved about how easy it had been.
Online Solution to a Real Life Problem
I went to their website and filled out their brief online form, which allowed the car to start accumulating bids right away. Then I called their 800 number to cover all my bases. The woman who answered the phone was very helpful and when I explained the project to her she was eager to help me win.
She said it was lucky I called when I did because they had an appraiser near the school who would be finished with his appointment shortly. She phoned him and asked him to come see my teachers Accord, sure enough he appeared in the parking lot 15 minutes later.
No Midterm For Me
My fellow students didn't know what hit them. I called my teacher out to the parking lot and less than half an hour later he had cash in his hand for his ratty old Honda. Not only did I eliminate one midterm off my schedule, but I earned the respect of a teacher I respected.
How to Check a Used Car
If you do not have the money to buy yourself a brand new car maybe it is a idea to buy yourself a second hand car. If you dont mind that the car has been used before by someone else then you can get some great deals. All you have to do is pick up a used car listing to see that brand new cars lose anywhere from 30 to 40 percent of their original price in as little as two years. That's a pretty steep number. Here's another number, 65 percent this is the amount you save if you buy a used car that is five years old instead of a brand new one.
Theoretically speaking cars of this age, as long as they have been well cared for will perform just as well and are just as reliable as their brand new counterparts. In fact, they may even be better customized for daily use since it has already been broken in and properly set up.
Of course, you cannot discount the possibility that the used car you are looking at is not in the best of conditions. Therefore when surveying used cars to purchase consult the following tips.
1. Check the Exterior
The first thing to look at is the overall condition of the car's body and finish. Look out for paint blotches and poor body fit. Also look for body filler. You may want to use a simple magnet to help you pinpoint suspicious spots. Finding any of these is evidence of a previous car collision.
Also look out if the car is newly painted. You may want to inquire why this is so. It may mean a major overhaul due to some extensive damage. Rust is a bad sign of body damage, so is dampness in the trunk.
2. Check Suspension
Go to each corner of the car and push down on them. If the car bounces more than once, you may need to have shocks installed.
Try nudging or pulling the wheels from beside the car. If the wheels can be nudged, or if they move in or out, there could be serious damage to the CV joints or the bearings.
If tire wear is uneven, this is indicative of bad suspension. If the car you are checking has new tires, you will have to exercise more caution and test the suspension thoroughly.
3. Check the Insides of the Car
Make sure the upholstery, odor, and condition of the car's interior are acceptable and in line with the age of the car.
4. Take It for a Spin
Have a friend observe you while you take the car for test drive. The car should be stable and should not show signs of shifting from side to side. If so, there could be a major problem with the frame or suspension. If you can, have a mechanic look at it too.
The internet has changed the way everyone does business. Businesses have begun to explore how the internet can facilitate better, faster and more convenient operations. This has resulted in businesses that offer anything online - from selling clothes and shoes, to ordering pizza online and even searching for available realty. Believe it or not, you can even search for used cars online too.
Get Your Automotive Needs Online
If you are frustrated with the high prices of replacement parts for your car, you haven't been looking in the right places. When you search online, you will find many websites that offer automotive products at prices that are much lower than if you went to the auto parts store.
Whether you drive an Audi, Honda, Lexus or Lincoln, you can find exactly what you need when you shop for parts and accessories online. Many websites don't just offer low prices; they offer articles and how-to so that you can fix your car yourself and learn how to protect yourself from unsavory mechanics.
It is often cheaper to take care of minor repairs before a more expensive job is needed. Many times people let their small problems go until the car no longer will. This often costs lots and lots of money and can throw your financial budget into a tailspin. If you take care of the minor problems immediately, you can avoid this upsetting scenario.
When you visit automotive parts and accessories websites, you can find out just when you should do routine maintenance. You can find out at how many miles the oil and filters should be changed, when the tires should be rotated, as well as many other tips about how to keep your car running at optimum levels.
If you have a foreign car, this can make the situation worse. If you have an estimate done on your car, see if you can buy your own parts. Oftentimes the labor costs far exceed the price of the parts, so if you can bring your own part at a cheaper price, it may take the sting out of the final bill.
For simple repairs like replacing windshield wipers, keeping the fluid levels for antifreeze, water and transmission at their proper places, you should be able to do that yourself. You can find many of these automotive parts that are made by big name companies for a fraction of the cost you would pay in the store. You can take the time to comparison shop so that you can find the best price for the part or accessory that your car needs.
If you are handy with tools and don't mind getting under the hood, you will be able to save even more money when you search online. You can find warehouses where you can buy oil and transmission fluid, not to mention plugs and filters in bulk and this will save you more money than you could imagine. Before the next time you visit the auto parts store to pick up some things for a repair, check online and see what prices and what deals you will be offered. Many times when you search on the internet, you can find deals with prices that can only be found on the internet.
Maintaining your car can get expensive if you keep buying from traditional stores. Get online and find out where you can find the hot deals on automotive parts and accessories that will keep your car running smoothly.
Borrowing To Buy A Car
Unless you are lucky enough to have a huge wad of money lying around, and very few of us have, then when it comes to buying a new car you are going to have to think about the best choice for you when it comes to borrowing to buy a car.
One of the most popular ways of borrowing is to take out a loan with the dealer you are buying the car from, while there are many benefits to this option there are also downsides. One of the biggest pluses is that providing you have a good history of credit then this is one of the easiest ways to get finance, although it isn't always the cheapest rate of interest you can get deals which are very attractive. The majority of dealerships will put together deals such as giving you free tax and test or will give you a great deal on your car insurance for the first year or two. When you take things such as this into account you can make savings and it could be worthwhile taking this option.
Another option when it comes to borrowing to buy a car is taking out a loan yourself, sometimes this can be the best way to get a good rate of interest and if you go with the money in hand then you can sometimes negotiate with the dealer to knock something off the price of the car. If you are considering going this way for your finance then you should look around to give you a good idea of how much the make and model of the car is roughly going for and this will give you an idea of how much you will have to borrow. Of course you should have weighed up the low rate of interest against any deals that the dealer might offer you if you take out finance from them.
Whichever way you choose to go when it comes to borrowing to buy a car, the internet is always the best place to start. You can check out the lowest rate of interest at the bank and loan companies and very often the lowest rates on interest can be found online, not only this but you are able to check out the many car dealerships and this is without a doubt he quickest and easiest way to compare any special offers they might have.
How To Decide What Used Car To Buy
The majority of people who wish to buy a used car have a clear picture in their mind of the type of car that they want, or at the very least some idea of whether they want a saloon or a hatchback. However by the time they have visited the showroom they can leave the forecourt driving away something very different from what they envisaged.
The reason behind this could be the salesman persuading you away from what you know is the right choice or you simply buy on impulse only to realize your mistake later. Here are some practical tips to help ensure you don't make a big mistake when it comes to purchasing your car.
The first thing you should take into account is the size of the car; factors to take into consideration here are the size of your garage or drive and whether or not you have a family. If you have a family then purchasing a small two seated model is probably not the right choice. The same applies if you have limited space as then you aren't going to be able to fit a big car into it.
The size is also determined by the build you are, for example if you are a tall person then you will have to ensure that you have adequate room, you don't want to have to open the sunroof and stick out your head in order to see where you are going.
Take into account what it is that you need the car for. Are you going to be towing a caravan or attaching a trailer to it on a regular basis? If you are then you should consider a car with a bigger engine such as a four wheel drive. If you only want something to run about in the city then your choice might be better suited to a smaller hatchback model. The car you choose should fit in with your lifestyle.
Another important factor that you should always take into account when considering the type of car is how much it will cost to insure. The size, make and model of the car are all factors that are taken into consideration when it comes to determining the quote for your premium for the car insurance.
Finally, you have the choice of going for a petrol or diesel model; there are many advantages to choosing a diesel model rather than petrol. The diesel engine is considered to be more reliable and the fuel is more economical. However there are bad points too and these include the engine of the car being worked harder which means a major overhaul. Cars that run on diesel are also often overpriced and they aren't considered to be environmentally friendly when compared to petrol engines.
How to by a Cheap (but Good) Used Car
Many of us dream of buying a cheap used car. Well, let’s amend that a bit. Many people dream of buying a cheap, good, used car. Unfortunately it’s all too easy to get a cheap used car that’s, well, cheap. You’ve probably already got one of those, though. Here is how you can get one of the cheap, good used cars.
There are several things to consider. The first thing to think about when you’re looking for a used car is what your requirements are in a vehicle. If you need to drive yourself 40 miles a day to work, a Chevy Suburban is probably not your best choice. Conversely, if you take your family of 7 on trips while towing your boat, a Suburban would be a great vehicle for you. You can save quite a bit of money by getting only what you really need in a vehicle. While that may not be very exciting, the money you save will be.
Once you’ve decided what type of vehicle suits your needs the best, narrow down which vehicles in that category will be the most desirable. The less picky you are when it comes to things such as colors, brand, and features, the easier it will be to get a great used car, cheap. A few features you shouldn’t overlook are safety and reliability. After all you, and possibly your family, will depend on this car, and if you think about it, your lives are at stake every time you ride in it. Check Consumer Reports and MSN autos for reliability figures. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does some very good tests to determine the vehicle safety in a variety of different collision situations. Check them out as well.
Once you’ve narrowed down the field a bit, it’s time to start looking for your new, used car (isn’t that an oxymoron?). Look for some of the less popular, but still functional, reliable, and safe brands. You’ll save some money for example, by foregoing a Honda for a Nissan, or skipping a Toyota and landing in the driver’s seat of a Mazda. One other point to consider is that today’s vehicles hold up remarkably well with far beyond 100,000 miles showing on the odometer. In fact, they can still look and run almost new at this figure. So, don’t let a few miles scare you. You’re buying the car for what it has left, not what it has.
Once you found a car that seems to fit your requirements, there are some things you should check to make sure you are in fact getting a good, cheap car, not just a cheap car. Locating one that has been well taken care of is vital. While today’s vehicles are remarkably robust, they do require regular maintenance to ensure they will provide the years of service of which they are capable.
They may run like Swiss watches, with the highly engineered, internal parts spinning about in a fine, choreographed ballet, but that example of modern engineering could turn into a pile of very expensive junk if it doesn’t get the care it feels it deserves. The subsystems for modern vehicles are very expensive. It’s not uncommon for a transmission to cost between $3,000 and $6,000. An engine may set you back almost $10,000. The moral here is that a bit of careful investigation could save you a big headache later. You need to act like a horse trader in the old west. Look at the old girl to be sure you really want to take her home.
When you’re out shopping, you should definitely check the vehicle’s history. You may discover all manner of horrors hiding in it’s sordid past. Carfax works very well for this. Bring a laptop or mobile device to access the web while you’re shopping. You can get unlimited uses for a month for a pretty reasonable price, so you can check out a large number of prospective vehicles as you’re shopping.
When you’re actually looking at the car, kneel down and sight down the car’s body lines. If they are wavy or you can see obvious imperfections in the paint, chances are the car has been damaged and repaired at some point. Another trick is to bring a small magnet with you. If the car has metal body that’s been repaired with body filler putty, the magnet will not adhere to the repair as well as it does to the other parts of the body. Crawl under the car and check the frame or unibody members for any signs of bending, corrosion or other damage. See if it looks like the car’s underside has been places you wouldn’t take a car you loved.
Pop open the hood. Pull out the dipstick to check the oil. See if the oil is between the “add” and “full markers, and if it’s black or a nice, golden brown. If it’s thick and black, the oil probably has been neglected. Check to see of there’s any white substance mixed with the oil. That’s usually engine coolant. It’s not supposed to be in there with the engine’s oil. If it is, there’s a blown gasket or an even more serious engine problem. That won’t be an inexpensive car, but it may be a cheap one.
Check the tires for uneven wear. If the tires need to be replaced soon, that may not be a trivial expense on many cars. You could spend $350 - $600 on a new set of treads, mounted and balanced. The car’s tires are extremely important to vehicle safety, handling, braking and acceleration however, so don’t skimp if you do have to put on a new set of tires. Just be sure you use the fact in your negotiations. Uneven tire wear may also be indicative of a greater problem, such as a suspension or alignment issue. It could also mean the car has been wrecked in the past and not repaired correctly.
You need to decide where you want to look for your car. You can choose a private party. You can often get a great deal from a private party. See if you can discover their reason for selling the car. Some insight here may determine if you have a highly motivated seller and give you the upper hand in the negotiation. Another benefit to a private party is that you’ll often get the car’s service records. These can boost the resale for you later and shed light on any past problems.
You can obviously buy from a dealer. There are hundreds of lots brimming with shiny used cars in most metro areas. You won’t get as good a deal from a dealer (?) in most cases, but you won’t have to meet 46 different sellers either. In addition, you can possibly get some kind of warranty of the dealer offers one. If you do elect to avail yourself of a warranty, read the entire contract vewy, vewy carewfuwy.
You can buy your cheap, used car from an auction. There are many different kinds of vehicle auctions. Many law enforcement agencies sell off vehicles confiscated according to property forfeiture laws. These laws allow the agencies to keep property of those arrested for a variety of crimes, particularly drug crimes. If the perp had pride in his ride, you can get a very nice vehicle. Other auctions are held to dispose of vehicles seized by customs officials, abandoned at towing yards, or to satisfy tax liens. You can also find fantastic deals at auctions held to liquidate vehicle fleets of large businesses, such as phone and utility companies. It’s not uncommon for vehicles to be sold for far lower than they would in any other marketplace, often at only pennies on the dollar..
The downside of auctions is, you guessed it, you know nothing about these cars. In addition you can’t drive them in most cases. In the cases where you can drive them, you’ll only be permitted to take them for a slow spin around the auction yard. Another downside is inventory selection at many vehicle auctions. The selection available to you can range from outstanding to very limited. You know what, though? Many used cars on dealer lots are found at auctions. The dealers keep this little secret tucked safely away inside their little book of tricks. If you could get your new car at an auction you could pay what the dealer’s pay, sometimes less.
Next time you need to buy a cheap, used car, remember there is one for you out there somewhere. You just need to find it. Remember, buy cheap and good!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Buying a Second Hand Car - Some Top Tips
Buying a second hand car can be something of a lottery if you are not well informed about cars and their values. And even if you are, there are still some obvious pitfalls you should avoid if you want to ensure that you've bought a quality used car.
The first thing to do when considering buying a second hand car is to acquire a second-hand car price guide. Many newsagents stock these and failing that there are plenty of online guides available. While these won't be free, but they will be a great investment, and the few pounds you spend on a guide could save you hundreds, or even thousands when it comes to buying your car. You'll also get a good indication of what type of vehicle you can afford and what price you should expect to pay.
Although the next tip sounds obvious, it is amazing how many people don't follow it: when you go to look at the car you are interested in, make sure you view it in the daylight! All the flaws, scratches and any other body faults will be clearly visible, and you'll get a much clearer perception of the car than if you viewed it at night. This applies equally, whether you are interested in buying from a garage or a private individual.
Getting a second opinion is a must. But get it from someone who can give you an unbiased opinion and preferably someone with mechanical knowledge. If you don't know anyone personally, major road organisations such as the AA and RAC will inspect the car for you for a fee, although it wouldn't be advisable to organise an inspection until you were sure that that was the vehicle you wanted to buy.
When carrying out visual checks on the car, remember to check the tyres for even wear. If the wear is uneven, then there may be a problem with the car's suspension. Some unscrupulous dealers or individuals may tamper with the mileage on a car, so check that the wear and tear on the vehicle is consistent with the recorded miles. For example, if the car is advertised as doing only 5,000 miles but the tyres are worn and the bonnet is covered in stone chips, then that evidence isn't consistent with the advertised mileage. And if the car is over three years old ask to see its MOT certificate.
Never buy a car without taking it for a test drive - however great it looks stood on the drive or forecourt. But do make sure that you are insured to do so before getting into the driver's seat! By driving the car you'll not only get a feel for whether this is the car for you, but also you can be alerted to any potential problems. Drive at a variety of speeds, up and down hills and in reverse. This way you'll be able to highlight any suspension or clutch problems.
Lastly, stick to your guns; If you are after a particular make of car - whether it's a used Ford car, a second-hand Renault Clio or a classic Land Rover - make sure you buy the one you want! Don't be persuaded to come away with a car you didn't really want but that the salesman insists is far superior and a much better deal to your original choice. The chances are it's not!
