By: Amy Metz
Be honest- are you one of those people who just loves new cars?
I knew it. That's OK, we are in the same boat. I love new cars
just as much as you do. But I like not overpaying just as much
if not more than you do. That's why, when it comes to car
leases, I make sure and really get to know my options and
whether I should be leasing or buying my vehicles. As I've
learned (the hard way) a few times, there are all sorts of
hidden costs involved in leasing a new car. And they aren't what
you think they are. Lets look at a few of them.
1)The monthly lease payment. Did you know that there are
unscrupulous car dealers out there who will blindly rip you off
if you let them. That's right. And your monthly payment might
have been arbitrarily made up by one of these dealers on the
spot just by looking at you and deciding how much money they
should charge you. Make sure and question everything on the
lease form and ask in depth questions as to why you should be
paying what you are. The fine print can be your friend, use it
against the car dealer to negotiate a better deal somewhere else.
2)Keep an eye on your mileage. This is a biggie. A lot of people
get wooed by the idea of a lease and it's low payments. However,
these same people are living the high life until the day comes
when they have to finally return their vehicle. This is the day
of reckoning because they get charge for overage miles. It's not
a pretty site and it can seriously damage your bank account. If
you lease your car, make sure your mileage doesn't exceed it's
limit.
3)The lack of equity. When you buy a car, you own it (or the
bank owns the note on it). You don't build equity with a car
lease. Your car is basically being rented. Compare the equity
costs and gains before deciding on a least.
There are a ton of other hidden costs involved in car leases
that make points #1-3 look small by comparison. Learn all about
them.
About the author:
Amy Metz is author of "The Car Lease Hidden Cost
Guide." Grab your copy at http://www.learncarleases.com.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Basic auto tune up
By: Jerry Lemke
A tune up is a simple task that almost anyone can do. This will
make your vehicle more fuel efficient. This applies for any
motorized vehicle. The filters are a good place to start.
Depending how often you do a tune up will affect how much of an
improvement that you will see. Most mechanics suggest a tune up
by 60,000 miles. The engine air filter can be your first tune up
item. The air filter is located over a carburetor on older cars.
The air filter is in the airbox on fuel injected motors. The
fuel filter can be located anywhere between your engine and the
fuel tank and should also be replaced. If the fuel filter is
clogged it can make your engine run lean. Many times if your
check engine light has been on it is due to the o2 sensor not
working correctly. This is normally only replaced when it fails
but usually will not last long anyways. Now is also a good time
to have your transmission filter replaced. If the transmission
filter has alot of miles on it the transmission could be
slipping.Replacing this may need to be done by a mechanic,
unless you feel comfortable enough to it. The filter is usually
found under the transmission pan. The transmission filter will
usually pull straight down and out. Unless you have the scarce,
screw on filter like saturns. The ignition system is also very
important and requires attention. The spark plug wires will
usually wear out even faster than the 60,000 mile tune up. Try
half that mileage and it will save you money and troubles. Spark
plug wires wear out and lose resistance, making the car run
rough and use more fuel. While replacing the spark plug wires it
is also a good idea to replace the distributor cap and rotor.
The engine's distributor cap will come off easy, usually with
two screws. It may be easiest to remove the distributor cap
first to keep the wires running to the correct spark plug. When
the cap is removed, the rotor will be located under it and
usually has a push in tab to release it. Reinstall the new
distributer cap and proceed to remove one spark plug wire only.
Now it is time to replace the spark plugs. The spark plugs will
usually come out with a 5/8" or 13/16" socket. Replace the spark
plug with a new compatible plug. Check the gap with a feeler
gauge and tap on or pry the electrode back in until you have the
gap the size it needs to be. Most engines run the spark plug gap
between .030" and .045" depending on the vehicle. Now refer to
the wire set up on the old distributor cap. Trace the one wire
back to where it needs to be on the new cap. Do this to all the
wire and plugs so that they can't be mixed up. The ignition
timing should also be checked by connecting a timing light to #1
spark plug wire. The timing setting should be around 8 to 12
degrees advanced or zero on newer cars. The actual timing spec,
along with the spark plug gap, will be displayed under the hood
on a tag. Also if excessive oil was found in the air filter, you
should replace the PCV (positive crankcase valve) which will be
usually be found in the head, valve cover or air cleaner/box. If
there is no oil in the air filter then the PCV valve is o.k.
This will return your car to the factory oem specs and will
probably improve the power, smoothness and fuel economy.
About the author:
Glad to have you on my site. I have worked in the engine
industry for the last ten years. Everywhere from outboard motor
companies (Mercury Marine), to working with direct injection
lightweight motors that will burn any fuel, to nascar (Joe Gibbs
Racing). www.freeengineinfo.com
A tune up is a simple task that almost anyone can do. This will
make your vehicle more fuel efficient. This applies for any
motorized vehicle. The filters are a good place to start.
Depending how often you do a tune up will affect how much of an
improvement that you will see. Most mechanics suggest a tune up
by 60,000 miles. The engine air filter can be your first tune up
item. The air filter is located over a carburetor on older cars.
The air filter is in the airbox on fuel injected motors. The
fuel filter can be located anywhere between your engine and the
fuel tank and should also be replaced. If the fuel filter is
clogged it can make your engine run lean. Many times if your
check engine light has been on it is due to the o2 sensor not
working correctly. This is normally only replaced when it fails
but usually will not last long anyways. Now is also a good time
to have your transmission filter replaced. If the transmission
filter has alot of miles on it the transmission could be
slipping.Replacing this may need to be done by a mechanic,
unless you feel comfortable enough to it. The filter is usually
found under the transmission pan. The transmission filter will
usually pull straight down and out. Unless you have the scarce,
screw on filter like saturns. The ignition system is also very
important and requires attention. The spark plug wires will
usually wear out even faster than the 60,000 mile tune up. Try
half that mileage and it will save you money and troubles. Spark
plug wires wear out and lose resistance, making the car run
rough and use more fuel. While replacing the spark plug wires it
is also a good idea to replace the distributor cap and rotor.
The engine's distributor cap will come off easy, usually with
two screws. It may be easiest to remove the distributor cap
first to keep the wires running to the correct spark plug. When
the cap is removed, the rotor will be located under it and
usually has a push in tab to release it. Reinstall the new
distributer cap and proceed to remove one spark plug wire only.
Now it is time to replace the spark plugs. The spark plugs will
usually come out with a 5/8" or 13/16" socket. Replace the spark
plug with a new compatible plug. Check the gap with a feeler
gauge and tap on or pry the electrode back in until you have the
gap the size it needs to be. Most engines run the spark plug gap
between .030" and .045" depending on the vehicle. Now refer to
the wire set up on the old distributor cap. Trace the one wire
back to where it needs to be on the new cap. Do this to all the
wire and plugs so that they can't be mixed up. The ignition
timing should also be checked by connecting a timing light to #1
spark plug wire. The timing setting should be around 8 to 12
degrees advanced or zero on newer cars. The actual timing spec,
along with the spark plug gap, will be displayed under the hood
on a tag. Also if excessive oil was found in the air filter, you
should replace the PCV (positive crankcase valve) which will be
usually be found in the head, valve cover or air cleaner/box. If
there is no oil in the air filter then the PCV valve is o.k.
This will return your car to the factory oem specs and will
probably improve the power, smoothness and fuel economy.
About the author:
Glad to have you on my site. I have worked in the engine
industry for the last ten years. Everywhere from outboard motor
companies (Mercury Marine), to working with direct injection
lightweight motors that will burn any fuel, to nascar (Joe Gibbs
Racing). www.freeengineinfo.com
Friday, November 25, 2005
Reducing cost of gas with hybrid cars
By: Dylan Miles
The first successfully designed, engineered and launched hybrid
car was by Ferdinand Porsche all the way back in 1899. How
surprisingly long ago it has been since the first hybrid car and
only of recent years have we been able to find a way to bring
hybrid cars to the home users.
With the continual rise in the cost of gasoline, most consumers
welcome the new breed of cars in the form of hybrid cars. Hybrid
cars use multiple propulsion systems to provide power. It
combines the use of gas and also electric to power up the car.
Hybrid cars are comparatively smaller than the usual internal
combustion engines and have been known to save consumers quite a
bit of money every month on gas.
One question lingers on...how can a hybrid car save me, the
consumer, money? Well, the basic reason is because hybrid cars
don't use as much gas as the normal cars we see on the road.
When the hybrid car is being driven or in use, they are
recharging their batteries. And when the hybrid car is cruising
or stationary, it also charges the batteries.
Of course, we've heard of the all-electric cars which use
nothing but electric which requires one to charge the car up
whenever not in use through an external source and we've also
heard of the range extending trailer. But if convenience, safety
and money are important to you, consider the hybrid car as a
complete life saver. Although not completely certified to be so
because the hybrid car continues to use gas (which is not
environmental friendly), the hybrid car, when compared to the
conventional car, is more environmentally-friendly. In fact, the
fuel economy advantage provided by hybrid cars is good enough
for the US Government because they provide a tax credit of up to
$3,400 for owners of hybrid cars.
How can a hybrid car save me money? Because the use of
self-charging electrical components within the car means that
the hybrid car uses less fuel.
Because the internal combustion engine in a hybrid car is much
smaller than the conventional car. Therefore, it is not only
smaller, but it is much lighter and more efficient than any
other cars we've known.
Because when the car is moving, is idle or stationary or when
the car brakes, it is a chance for the batteries to recharge
itself. The more electricity it uses from the batteries, the
less fuel it uses. Simple and logical.
About the author:
Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He
is the owner and co-editor of http://www.gascosts.info on which
you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
The first successfully designed, engineered and launched hybrid
car was by Ferdinand Porsche all the way back in 1899. How
surprisingly long ago it has been since the first hybrid car and
only of recent years have we been able to find a way to bring
hybrid cars to the home users.
With the continual rise in the cost of gasoline, most consumers
welcome the new breed of cars in the form of hybrid cars. Hybrid
cars use multiple propulsion systems to provide power. It
combines the use of gas and also electric to power up the car.
Hybrid cars are comparatively smaller than the usual internal
combustion engines and have been known to save consumers quite a
bit of money every month on gas.
One question lingers on...how can a hybrid car save me, the
consumer, money? Well, the basic reason is because hybrid cars
don't use as much gas as the normal cars we see on the road.
When the hybrid car is being driven or in use, they are
recharging their batteries. And when the hybrid car is cruising
or stationary, it also charges the batteries.
Of course, we've heard of the all-electric cars which use
nothing but electric which requires one to charge the car up
whenever not in use through an external source and we've also
heard of the range extending trailer. But if convenience, safety
and money are important to you, consider the hybrid car as a
complete life saver. Although not completely certified to be so
because the hybrid car continues to use gas (which is not
environmental friendly), the hybrid car, when compared to the
conventional car, is more environmentally-friendly. In fact, the
fuel economy advantage provided by hybrid cars is good enough
for the US Government because they provide a tax credit of up to
$3,400 for owners of hybrid cars.
How can a hybrid car save me money? Because the use of
self-charging electrical components within the car means that
the hybrid car uses less fuel.
Because the internal combustion engine in a hybrid car is much
smaller than the conventional car. Therefore, it is not only
smaller, but it is much lighter and more efficient than any
other cars we've known.
Because when the car is moving, is idle or stationary or when
the car brakes, it is a chance for the batteries to recharge
itself. The more electricity it uses from the batteries, the
less fuel it uses. Simple and logical.
About the author:
Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He
is the owner and co-editor of http://www.gascosts.info on which
you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Tips to Buying a Car
By: Steven Anderson
I need a car. I've been a pedestrian for too long. I need
information. I'll hop on the web. Search for "car buying
guides." Whoa! Over 15 million sites/pages! Refine my search.
"Free first time car buyer guides" and narrow it down to only 4
million. That's about as refined as I can get right now. Look
over the first page of my results, chose some links with names I
recognize. Open some pages. Lots of interesting articles. Let's
see if I can pull together a cohesive list.
What type of vehicle do I need? Notice I wrote "need" not want?
I want a cool car, but this is a major investment and cool
doesn't really last that long. Do I buy new or used? What kind
of driving am I really going to be doing, and in what kind of
conditions? How much can I reasonably spend for monthly
maintenance? How much can I spend on a loan or lease payment?
Should I buy from a dealer, an auction or private sale? How's my
credit rating? Where should I buy insurance? Lots of questions
to answer, and probably some I haven't included here.
Before you search for that cool car," decide exactly what your
needs and wants are. Don't buy what you want, buy what you need.
Don't get into a cash bind because you spent more than you can
really afford because the "cool" factor fades fast but those
monthly payments continue. Review your budget to determine how
much you can really afford. That means not only the car payment,
but insurance and an estimate of your monthly maintenance (gas,
oil, etc.) Check your credit so you have an idea of what type of
loan you can qualify for. Decide on a firm price (payment or
full-purchase), because dealers and salespeople will be doing
their best to get more out of you. Be firm and stick to your
dollar amount. If financing, decide on a realistic maximum
payment you can make. If possible, check with your bank to see
what type of loan you qualify for.
With the internet, it's now much easier to compare vehicles.
Take the time to check out some websites that offer information
about vehicles and compare. Don't just rush out and buy the
first car you see. Remember, your vehicle is a major investment
and unless you can change vehicles every year, this car will
probably have to last you 4 or 5 years. Be choosy. Look at the
pictures, sure, but READ the information. Check to see if the
dealership offers web discounts (that is, if you buy from them
they will offer some discount for using the web).
Educate yourself about vehicle pricing. Dealerships have to make
a profit; otherwise they would not be in business! Simple
economics. Dealers will negotiate, but YOU have to be prepared
as well. The dealers and salespeople know their bottom line on
any vehicle. Again, check the web for information regarding
pricing. Ask family and friends to help you learn about vehicle
pricing. There are many factors that most people don't even know
about.
Make certain you qualify for insurance. Check out your state's
department of motor vehicles website and learn the minimum
insurance necessary. Check around the web and you'll find many
major insurance companies with rate comparison features. Use
those resources. Be very aware that your past driving record
will affect your rates, but also if you are a first time buyer,
be ready for slightly higher rates to begin with. After all, the
insurance company is really gambling on your not making any
claims against the insurance. Think about the type of driving
you will be doing and review the "extras" offered by the
insurance provider. Also, the type of vehicle you are looking to
purchase will affect your rates as well. Older cars usually mean
less safety features, so rates will be higher. Your vehicle
insurance is just as important as your health insurance.
A short note here about car dealerships (and not just the new
vehicle showroom guys). I personally have not had good results
buying from a private seller. Way too many variables and
basically no recourse if something isn't right. Dealers have
certain rules and restrictions they must comply with, such as
title registration time limits, the lemon law, and the "buyers
remorse" (3 day changed my mind) rules. Dealerships must be
licensed and follow the laws; private sellers often don't.
Dealerships also can provide a wider range of options than a
private seller. Go to your state motor vehicle or department of
licensing website and educate yourself. What you don't know can
hurt you.
Also, there is a list called the Customer Service Index (or
something similar) which each car maker maintains for
dealerships. The ranking indicates who a dealership satisfies
customers not only in sales, but also in service. Basically, go
to the manufacturer's website, search for customer service index
and then navigate the website to find that manufacturer's
criteria for a great dealership. Yes it takes time, but this is
a major investment. Family and friends can help here as well.
Once you have decided what type of vehicle you want, and which
dealerships you want to check out (always try at least 2
dealerships, don't just settle on one!), take someone with you,
preferably someone knowledgeable about the vehicle you have
chosen (a family member or friend you feel comfortable with).
That person will probably ask some questions you didn't think
of! I'm a wimp when it comes to negotiating, but my hubby isn't,
and he knows about cars. I let him do most of the questioning,
even though I was the one purchasing the car. Believe me, it
helped, because he asked questions I really never thought about.
Last, but certainly not least, TEST DRIVE THE CAR! Sounds
simple, but it is very important. Just because you found what
looks like the car of your dreams, it may still not be right.
You need to be comfortable behind the wheel, your sight lines
should be clear, you should be able to judge your surroundings
based on the size of the vehicle, and you should be able to find
all those little areas of vehicle maintenance you can do
yourself.
Remember, a vehicle is a major investment. It should be chosen
with care and deliberate thought. There a many factors to
consider and, ultimately, you are the one that has to pay for
any mistakes in your choice.
About the author:
Steven Anderson is the Reservations Director for Hawaiian
Discount Car Rentals, specialists in car rentals
Kauai. He has personally researched and experienced many of
the Hawaiian activities and as described above.
I need a car. I've been a pedestrian for too long. I need
information. I'll hop on the web. Search for "car buying
guides." Whoa! Over 15 million sites/pages! Refine my search.
"Free first time car buyer guides" and narrow it down to only 4
million. That's about as refined as I can get right now. Look
over the first page of my results, chose some links with names I
recognize. Open some pages. Lots of interesting articles. Let's
see if I can pull together a cohesive list.
What type of vehicle do I need? Notice I wrote "need" not want?
I want a cool car, but this is a major investment and cool
doesn't really last that long. Do I buy new or used? What kind
of driving am I really going to be doing, and in what kind of
conditions? How much can I reasonably spend for monthly
maintenance? How much can I spend on a loan or lease payment?
Should I buy from a dealer, an auction or private sale? How's my
credit rating? Where should I buy insurance? Lots of questions
to answer, and probably some I haven't included here.
Before you search for that cool car," decide exactly what your
needs and wants are. Don't buy what you want, buy what you need.
Don't get into a cash bind because you spent more than you can
really afford because the "cool" factor fades fast but those
monthly payments continue. Review your budget to determine how
much you can really afford. That means not only the car payment,
but insurance and an estimate of your monthly maintenance (gas,
oil, etc.) Check your credit so you have an idea of what type of
loan you can qualify for. Decide on a firm price (payment or
full-purchase), because dealers and salespeople will be doing
their best to get more out of you. Be firm and stick to your
dollar amount. If financing, decide on a realistic maximum
payment you can make. If possible, check with your bank to see
what type of loan you qualify for.
With the internet, it's now much easier to compare vehicles.
Take the time to check out some websites that offer information
about vehicles and compare. Don't just rush out and buy the
first car you see. Remember, your vehicle is a major investment
and unless you can change vehicles every year, this car will
probably have to last you 4 or 5 years. Be choosy. Look at the
pictures, sure, but READ the information. Check to see if the
dealership offers web discounts (that is, if you buy from them
they will offer some discount for using the web).
Educate yourself about vehicle pricing. Dealerships have to make
a profit; otherwise they would not be in business! Simple
economics. Dealers will negotiate, but YOU have to be prepared
as well. The dealers and salespeople know their bottom line on
any vehicle. Again, check the web for information regarding
pricing. Ask family and friends to help you learn about vehicle
pricing. There are many factors that most people don't even know
about.
Make certain you qualify for insurance. Check out your state's
department of motor vehicles website and learn the minimum
insurance necessary. Check around the web and you'll find many
major insurance companies with rate comparison features. Use
those resources. Be very aware that your past driving record
will affect your rates, but also if you are a first time buyer,
be ready for slightly higher rates to begin with. After all, the
insurance company is really gambling on your not making any
claims against the insurance. Think about the type of driving
you will be doing and review the "extras" offered by the
insurance provider. Also, the type of vehicle you are looking to
purchase will affect your rates as well. Older cars usually mean
less safety features, so rates will be higher. Your vehicle
insurance is just as important as your health insurance.
A short note here about car dealerships (and not just the new
vehicle showroom guys). I personally have not had good results
buying from a private seller. Way too many variables and
basically no recourse if something isn't right. Dealers have
certain rules and restrictions they must comply with, such as
title registration time limits, the lemon law, and the "buyers
remorse" (3 day changed my mind) rules. Dealerships must be
licensed and follow the laws; private sellers often don't.
Dealerships also can provide a wider range of options than a
private seller. Go to your state motor vehicle or department of
licensing website and educate yourself. What you don't know can
hurt you.
Also, there is a list called the Customer Service Index (or
something similar) which each car maker maintains for
dealerships. The ranking indicates who a dealership satisfies
customers not only in sales, but also in service. Basically, go
to the manufacturer's website, search for customer service index
and then navigate the website to find that manufacturer's
criteria for a great dealership. Yes it takes time, but this is
a major investment. Family and friends can help here as well.
Once you have decided what type of vehicle you want, and which
dealerships you want to check out (always try at least 2
dealerships, don't just settle on one!), take someone with you,
preferably someone knowledgeable about the vehicle you have
chosen (a family member or friend you feel comfortable with).
That person will probably ask some questions you didn't think
of! I'm a wimp when it comes to negotiating, but my hubby isn't,
and he knows about cars. I let him do most of the questioning,
even though I was the one purchasing the car. Believe me, it
helped, because he asked questions I really never thought about.
Last, but certainly not least, TEST DRIVE THE CAR! Sounds
simple, but it is very important. Just because you found what
looks like the car of your dreams, it may still not be right.
You need to be comfortable behind the wheel, your sight lines
should be clear, you should be able to judge your surroundings
based on the size of the vehicle, and you should be able to find
all those little areas of vehicle maintenance you can do
yourself.
Remember, a vehicle is a major investment. It should be chosen
with care and deliberate thought. There a many factors to
consider and, ultimately, you are the one that has to pay for
any mistakes in your choice.
About the author:
Steven Anderson is the Reservations Director for Hawaiian
Discount Car Rentals, specialists in car rentals
Kauai. He has personally researched and experienced many of
the Hawaiian activities and as described above.
Monday, November 21, 2005
3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car
By: Charlie E. Hendersen
I have always purchased my cars used. And every single time, I
got a great deal because of a few secrets that is easy to do.
These secrets will save you money. And the good news is there is
no luck involved.
If you follow these steps you are guaranteed to save lots of
money, so please pay attention.
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #1 - Check Consumer Reports on the
safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but never ignore
safety.
Here's what you do: Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if
you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over.
There is a 99% chance they will say "yes".
While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most
often. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it
takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing -
just to be safe.
Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a
written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs.
Be sure the report includes the vehicle's make, model and VIN.
If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the
inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate
the price of the vehicle.
Do you see how easy it is?
Are you going to purchase from an individual? If yes, then here
is your next tip.
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #2
Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used
Car Rule and don't have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you
can use the Guide's list of an auto's major systems as a
shopping tool.
It's simple.
You can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by
your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice
the car appears, something fishy is going on.
Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless
your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states
otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to
live up to the contract.
The car also may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty or a
separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean
that the warranty and service contract are transferable.
Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car,
ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review
that baby carefully.
Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle
inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case,
though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state
Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency.
Hey, it's just a phone call. And it will take less than 5
minutes.
Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker,
or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can
about the car:
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #3
Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection
checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine
articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used
car.
Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test
the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it
didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to
check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn
that air on full blast and make sure it works!
Test drive the car under varied road conditions--on hills,
highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Ask for the car's maintenance record. If the owner doesn't have
copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the
work was done. They may share their files with you.
Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is
unfamiliar with the car's history.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
There you go.
Follow those three "used car buying" tips and you are guaranteed
to save a ton of money buying a used car.
About the author:
Charlie E. Hendersen is the author and creator of the FREE
website: GetAnotherCar.com A site
dedicated to providing useful tips for buying and maintaining
your car.
I have always purchased my cars used. And every single time, I
got a great deal because of a few secrets that is easy to do.
These secrets will save you money. And the good news is there is
no luck involved.
If you follow these steps you are guaranteed to save lots of
money, so please pay attention.
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #1 - Check Consumer Reports on the
safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but never ignore
safety.
Here's what you do: Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if
you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over.
There is a 99% chance they will say "yes".
While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most
often. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it
takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing -
just to be safe.
Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a
written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs.
Be sure the report includes the vehicle's make, model and VIN.
If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the
inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate
the price of the vehicle.
Do you see how easy it is?
Are you going to purchase from an individual? If yes, then here
is your next tip.
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #2
Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used
Car Rule and don't have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you
can use the Guide's list of an auto's major systems as a
shopping tool.
It's simple.
You can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by
your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice
the car appears, something fishy is going on.
Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless
your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states
otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to
live up to the contract.
The car also may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty or a
separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean
that the warranty and service contract are transferable.
Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car,
ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review
that baby carefully.
Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle
inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case,
though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state
Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency.
Hey, it's just a phone call. And it will take less than 5
minutes.
Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker,
or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can
about the car:
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #3
Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection
checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine
articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used
car.
Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test
the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it
didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to
check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn
that air on full blast and make sure it works!
Test drive the car under varied road conditions--on hills,
highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Ask for the car's maintenance record. If the owner doesn't have
copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the
work was done. They may share their files with you.
Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is
unfamiliar with the car's history.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
There you go.
Follow those three "used car buying" tips and you are guaranteed
to save a ton of money buying a used car.
About the author:
Charlie E. Hendersen is the author and creator of the FREE
website: GetAnotherCar.com A site
dedicated to providing useful tips for buying and maintaining
your car.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Buyer Beware of Flood Damaged Used Cars
By: Austin Davis
Is a flood car coming to a town near you?
Hurricanes have done major devastation to the southern
coastline, and the clean up project will likely take years to
return things to some what normal. What I am concerned about is
the potentially HUGE number of vehicles that will soon come on
the market to be sold as used cars. The problem is not that the
vehicle is used, but that it is potentially a casualty of the
hurricanes and high water. These used cars are generally known
in the business as "flood cars."
Now I know what you are thinking, "I don't live in these
Southern areas, so I am not at risk of unknowingly purchasing
one of these flood cars." Sorry, but you are dead
wrong...actually the farther away you live from the hurricane
damage, the greater you are at risk for being scammed into
buying one of these cars.
Why are you more at risk? Think about it. The flood damage took
place in New Orleans, don't you think that the residents there
know that used cars on the market in that area have a HUGE
potential to be flood cars? You bet they know that.
But do you think the used car buyers in Arizona would suspect
flood cars were brought into their area? Probably not, and the
scam artists behind these flood cars know this. I would suspect
theses car will be on the used car market for about a
year...maybe more. This issue is huge and will hurt many people
who make the mistake and purchase one of these vehicles.
What is the big deal about a car that got water inside it if it
seems to run just fine? Great question...even if I made it up
myself. The engine itself might be fine, and long term engine
damage might not have occurred, but there are many other
components of the vehicle that can seem to be working normally
now, but can deteriorate in the near future.
Electrical components and wiring are usually affected most.
There is a ton of complex wiring under the hood, in the
dashboard, and under the carpeting of the vehicle. Water gets
inside the vehicle from underneath from holes in the frame and
body and around the door openings. If the carpet gets wet, so
does the vast network of wiring under the carpet. The carpet can
easily be replaced, but the wiring under the vehicle is usually
too complex and therefore too expensive to replace, so new
carpet is laid on top of them, concealing potential damage.
So what if the wires get wet? Rust my dear friend. Rust is your
enemy, and rust you will soon have. These wires will now slowly
begin to break down and rust will form on any part of the wire
that is not protected. When the electricity traveling inside
these wires makes contact with this rust, it will make a ground,
and the electricity will stop traveling. Whatever component the
electricity was traveling to, a fuel pump for instance, will
soon stop working. Finding the trouble spot in the miles of wire
is not an easy task. The carpets and seat will probably have to
be removed and hours of diagnostic time will probably be
accumulated as the mechanic tries to find the trouble spot.
In most cars, the onboard computer system is located in the
lower part of the passenger dashboard area, just inches above
the carpeting. Some Japanese vehicles have the computer located
under the passenger seat, on top of the carpet! If the computer
system gets wet, not only will it need to be replaced, but it
can damage many other electrical components as well.
The computer can be replaced now, and all might seem well, but
the rust will soon make its way to these other electrical
components and a domino effect will probably start to happen.
One sensor after another will fail, intermittent electrical
problems will begin to happen, and your pocketbook will soon
start to feel the ill effects of multiple monthly mechanic
visits. I consider rust the cancer of automobiles, you have to
keep cutting and cutting and cutting to stop its growth.
Transmissions are another big ticket item that can be affected
by water and not show symptoms for some time. When moisture
enters the transmission, the normally light pink fluid becomes a
light white/pinkish frothy mix, like a strawberry milkshake. The
entire workings of the transmission are extremely complex and
full of wires, sensors, and lots of rubber seals and O-rings.
The water will cause the rubber parts to swell and leak, and the
sensors and electrical components will soon succumb to rust and
water damage as well.
So what can you do to protect yourself from buying a flooded
time bomb?
1. Be cautious of every used car on the market.
2. Take your time inspecting and test driving. A good deal today
is usually a good deal tomorrow too, so don't succumb to pushy
sales people.
3. Inspect under the driver and passenger seats for obvious
signs of rust on the seat tracks and metal seat frame.
4. Look at the headliner (the fabric on the roof inside the
car). Once wet, the glue that holds this fabric in place will
begin to weaken, and the fabric will begin to fall down
completely, or will fall in small sections that will look like
bubbles.
5. Inspect the undercarriage and the exhaust system for signs of
large scale rust. I would expect a small amount of rust as being
normal; ask your mechanic if you have questions.
6. Use your nose. If the inside of the vehicle smells damp and
moldy, or feels damp to your skin...run!
7. Remove the wheels and inspect the brakes. This should be done
anyway if you are inspecting a used car, but rust damage will
really show itself on the brake components.
8. Inspect all under-hood fluids for water contamination. Oil
and water will look like a chocolate milkshake, oil and
transmission or power steering fluid will look like a strawberry
milkshake.
9. Get the dealership or the seller to give you a written
statement that to the best of their knowledge that 1. the car
has not been in a flood, and 2. the car was not involved in any
type of insurance claim that might have resulted in the original
owner selling the vehicle to their insurance company as a "total
loss."
10. Get a CarFax report. These reports can provide very valuable
information about the car, but I would not rely solely on them.
CarFax may not have complete or updated information critical to
your decision.
11. Look in the trunk under the caper ting and under the spare
tire. Water and rust will tend to puddle here since it is one of
the lowest places of the vehicle. If you see standing water, or
signs of rust in and around the spare tire area it is probably a
flood damaged vehicle and should be avoided.
My website provides one of the best used car checklists I have been able to
find. I highly recommend a would-be-buyer to print it out and
follow the step-by-step guide. If you aren't in the market for a
used car yourself, be sure to pass this article and checklist
information on to your co-workers, friends, and family who are.
About the author:
Austin Davis operates a car repair advice website filled with
insider tips about auto repair related issues. Visit his site
at http://www.trustmymechanic.
com to learn more about your vehicle.
Is a flood car coming to a town near you?
Hurricanes have done major devastation to the southern
coastline, and the clean up project will likely take years to
return things to some what normal. What I am concerned about is
the potentially HUGE number of vehicles that will soon come on
the market to be sold as used cars. The problem is not that the
vehicle is used, but that it is potentially a casualty of the
hurricanes and high water. These used cars are generally known
in the business as "flood cars."
Now I know what you are thinking, "I don't live in these
Southern areas, so I am not at risk of unknowingly purchasing
one of these flood cars." Sorry, but you are dead
wrong...actually the farther away you live from the hurricane
damage, the greater you are at risk for being scammed into
buying one of these cars.
Why are you more at risk? Think about it. The flood damage took
place in New Orleans, don't you think that the residents there
know that used cars on the market in that area have a HUGE
potential to be flood cars? You bet they know that.
But do you think the used car buyers in Arizona would suspect
flood cars were brought into their area? Probably not, and the
scam artists behind these flood cars know this. I would suspect
theses car will be on the used car market for about a
year...maybe more. This issue is huge and will hurt many people
who make the mistake and purchase one of these vehicles.
What is the big deal about a car that got water inside it if it
seems to run just fine? Great question...even if I made it up
myself. The engine itself might be fine, and long term engine
damage might not have occurred, but there are many other
components of the vehicle that can seem to be working normally
now, but can deteriorate in the near future.
Electrical components and wiring are usually affected most.
There is a ton of complex wiring under the hood, in the
dashboard, and under the carpeting of the vehicle. Water gets
inside the vehicle from underneath from holes in the frame and
body and around the door openings. If the carpet gets wet, so
does the vast network of wiring under the carpet. The carpet can
easily be replaced, but the wiring under the vehicle is usually
too complex and therefore too expensive to replace, so new
carpet is laid on top of them, concealing potential damage.
So what if the wires get wet? Rust my dear friend. Rust is your
enemy, and rust you will soon have. These wires will now slowly
begin to break down and rust will form on any part of the wire
that is not protected. When the electricity traveling inside
these wires makes contact with this rust, it will make a ground,
and the electricity will stop traveling. Whatever component the
electricity was traveling to, a fuel pump for instance, will
soon stop working. Finding the trouble spot in the miles of wire
is not an easy task. The carpets and seat will probably have to
be removed and hours of diagnostic time will probably be
accumulated as the mechanic tries to find the trouble spot.
In most cars, the onboard computer system is located in the
lower part of the passenger dashboard area, just inches above
the carpeting. Some Japanese vehicles have the computer located
under the passenger seat, on top of the carpet! If the computer
system gets wet, not only will it need to be replaced, but it
can damage many other electrical components as well.
The computer can be replaced now, and all might seem well, but
the rust will soon make its way to these other electrical
components and a domino effect will probably start to happen.
One sensor after another will fail, intermittent electrical
problems will begin to happen, and your pocketbook will soon
start to feel the ill effects of multiple monthly mechanic
visits. I consider rust the cancer of automobiles, you have to
keep cutting and cutting and cutting to stop its growth.
Transmissions are another big ticket item that can be affected
by water and not show symptoms for some time. When moisture
enters the transmission, the normally light pink fluid becomes a
light white/pinkish frothy mix, like a strawberry milkshake. The
entire workings of the transmission are extremely complex and
full of wires, sensors, and lots of rubber seals and O-rings.
The water will cause the rubber parts to swell and leak, and the
sensors and electrical components will soon succumb to rust and
water damage as well.
So what can you do to protect yourself from buying a flooded
time bomb?
1. Be cautious of every used car on the market.
2. Take your time inspecting and test driving. A good deal today
is usually a good deal tomorrow too, so don't succumb to pushy
sales people.
3. Inspect under the driver and passenger seats for obvious
signs of rust on the seat tracks and metal seat frame.
4. Look at the headliner (the fabric on the roof inside the
car). Once wet, the glue that holds this fabric in place will
begin to weaken, and the fabric will begin to fall down
completely, or will fall in small sections that will look like
bubbles.
5. Inspect the undercarriage and the exhaust system for signs of
large scale rust. I would expect a small amount of rust as being
normal; ask your mechanic if you have questions.
6. Use your nose. If the inside of the vehicle smells damp and
moldy, or feels damp to your skin...run!
7. Remove the wheels and inspect the brakes. This should be done
anyway if you are inspecting a used car, but rust damage will
really show itself on the brake components.
8. Inspect all under-hood fluids for water contamination. Oil
and water will look like a chocolate milkshake, oil and
transmission or power steering fluid will look like a strawberry
milkshake.
9. Get the dealership or the seller to give you a written
statement that to the best of their knowledge that 1. the car
has not been in a flood, and 2. the car was not involved in any
type of insurance claim that might have resulted in the original
owner selling the vehicle to their insurance company as a "total
loss."
10. Get a CarFax report. These reports can provide very valuable
information about the car, but I would not rely solely on them.
CarFax may not have complete or updated information critical to
your decision.
11. Look in the trunk under the caper ting and under the spare
tire. Water and rust will tend to puddle here since it is one of
the lowest places of the vehicle. If you see standing water, or
signs of rust in and around the spare tire area it is probably a
flood damaged vehicle and should be avoided.
My website provides one of the best used car checklists I have been able to
find. I highly recommend a would-be-buyer to print it out and
follow the step-by-step guide. If you aren't in the market for a
used car yourself, be sure to pass this article and checklist
information on to your co-workers, friends, and family who are.
About the author:
Austin Davis operates a car repair advice website filled with
insider tips about auto repair related issues. Visit his site
at http://www.trustmymechanic.
com to learn more about your vehicle.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Oxygen Sensor Solutions
By: Matthew C. Keegan
Virtually every car produced since the early 1980s contains a
sensor that regulates oxygen flow to your engine. The oxygen
sensor works by sending information to your vehicle's engine
management system to help your car fun efficiently as well as to
reduce noxious emissions. When an oxygen sensor fails your
vehicle will run less effectively and devour more fuel. Thus,
when oxygen sensor failure has been determined the sensor must
then be replaced, a costly proposition if you rely on a garage
to do the work for you. However, replacing an oxygen sensor is a
task that you can do yourself, thereby saving you precious time
and money. Let's take a closer look at just what an oxygen
sensor does and the steps you can take to do the work yourself.
As a backgrounder, your oxygen sensor works like this: placed
inside of your exhaust pipe, the oxygen sensor detects the ratio
of air and gasoline your engine is fed. If the mixture is too
rich or too lean than the oxygen sensor adjusts the amount of
fuel entering your engine accordingly. The wrong mix of gasoline
and oxygen can increase pollutants that exit your vehicle --
thereby harming the environment -- as well as potentially
causing your catalytic converter to fail or even damage your
engine. So, a properly working oxygen sensor is a must for any
vehicle.
There are some clear signs that your oxygen sensor is no longer
functioning. They can include:
--A rotten egg odor emitting from the exhaust.
--A reduction in fuel economy.
--Your catalytic converter fails unexpectedly.
--Exhaust emissions reach undesirable levels.
--Your engine surges or hesitates.
You can diagnose the problem yourself if you have access to the
right tools including a digital voltmeter, an oxygen sensor
socket, and a propane enrichment device. These specific tools,
along with a proper Haynes or Chilton manual by your side,
should be all that you need to determine if the oxygen sensor is
no longer working. If it has failed, than consider ordering your
replacement part online through a reliable wholesaler such as
the Oxygen Sense shop to obtain a high quality OEM part at
discounted prices. Once your part has arrived than all you will
need is one or two automotive wrenches to accomplish the job.
Again, reference your car's manual for exact instructions.
With the abundance of sensors and technical gadgetry on today's
vehicles it can seem fairly intimidating to do the work
yourself. Fortunately, an oxygen sensor is one of the easier
parts to replace, so if you do the work yourself you will save
time and money as well as gain an important sense of
achievement. Go ahead you weekend mechanic, you can do it!
About the author:
Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a automotive fan and a writer
for Oxygen Sense site,
a leading retailer of BMW oxygen
sensors. Please click here
for information on how to replace an oxygen sensor.
Virtually every car produced since the early 1980s contains a
sensor that regulates oxygen flow to your engine. The oxygen
sensor works by sending information to your vehicle's engine
management system to help your car fun efficiently as well as to
reduce noxious emissions. When an oxygen sensor fails your
vehicle will run less effectively and devour more fuel. Thus,
when oxygen sensor failure has been determined the sensor must
then be replaced, a costly proposition if you rely on a garage
to do the work for you. However, replacing an oxygen sensor is a
task that you can do yourself, thereby saving you precious time
and money. Let's take a closer look at just what an oxygen
sensor does and the steps you can take to do the work yourself.
As a backgrounder, your oxygen sensor works like this: placed
inside of your exhaust pipe, the oxygen sensor detects the ratio
of air and gasoline your engine is fed. If the mixture is too
rich or too lean than the oxygen sensor adjusts the amount of
fuel entering your engine accordingly. The wrong mix of gasoline
and oxygen can increase pollutants that exit your vehicle --
thereby harming the environment -- as well as potentially
causing your catalytic converter to fail or even damage your
engine. So, a properly working oxygen sensor is a must for any
vehicle.
There are some clear signs that your oxygen sensor is no longer
functioning. They can include:
--A rotten egg odor emitting from the exhaust.
--A reduction in fuel economy.
--Your catalytic converter fails unexpectedly.
--Exhaust emissions reach undesirable levels.
--Your engine surges or hesitates.
You can diagnose the problem yourself if you have access to the
right tools including a digital voltmeter, an oxygen sensor
socket, and a propane enrichment device. These specific tools,
along with a proper Haynes or Chilton manual by your side,
should be all that you need to determine if the oxygen sensor is
no longer working. If it has failed, than consider ordering your
replacement part online through a reliable wholesaler such as
the Oxygen Sense shop to obtain a high quality OEM part at
discounted prices. Once your part has arrived than all you will
need is one or two automotive wrenches to accomplish the job.
Again, reference your car's manual for exact instructions.
With the abundance of sensors and technical gadgetry on today's
vehicles it can seem fairly intimidating to do the work
yourself. Fortunately, an oxygen sensor is one of the easier
parts to replace, so if you do the work yourself you will save
time and money as well as gain an important sense of
achievement. Go ahead you weekend mechanic, you can do it!
About the author:
Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a automotive fan and a writer
for Oxygen Sense site,
a leading retailer of BMW oxygen
sensors. Please click here
for information on how to replace an oxygen sensor.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
The Importance of Wheel Alignment
The Importance of Wheel Alignment and of Having High Quality
Auto Wheels
By: Sarah McBride
Motorists or car users are luckier nowadays for having millions
of choices of top quality replacement auto parts. Maintaining a
vehicle, upgrading it or even modifying it has never been easier
than it is today. Every auto part is virtually available for a
common car user who wants to work on his own vehicle. Whether he
wants to improve its safety features, enhance its gas mileage
and fuel efficiency or upgrade its style, he can do it with ease
and convenience through these available replacement auto parts.
Among the leading auto parts dealers that provide the best
quality replacement Ford truck parts, Chevrolet parts, Toyota parts, Volkswagen parts, GMC parts, Jeep parts and more top-rated auto
parts is Auto parts Deal. This store offers you not only a wide
variety of automotive parts but great auto parts discount deals
as well.
This time it features finest line of auto wheels, including
premium class alloy Ford wheels,Mazda wheels, Jeep wheels and Mercedes Benz wheels.
Auto Parts Deal high quality wheels are all sourced from the
most reliable auto wheels manufacturers so you can be sure of
their toughness, durability, and excellent finish.
As we all know the wheels are the closest car parts to the road
so they must be kept in excellent form and condition as much as
possible. They also significantly affect handling and ride
quality so they must be properly taken cared of. Moreover, the
wheels lend the vehicle a more stylish look and thus, they too
can make the car a lot more fun to drive.
When it comes to quality, design and durability, Auto Parts Deal
wheels including GMC truck wheels, Toyota wheels, and Ford wheels are stand out. They
are made to match every make and models specifications and
various likes of auto users.
Auto Parts Deal provides the best deals on auto
wheels and other auto parts like Ford bumpers, Dodge fog lights, Chevrolet headlights, Toyota radiator and Mazda spoilers, so you can
truly enjoy shopping for your replacement part needs. And with
its long-time experience in the auto parts business, you can be
confident that your getting only the best replacement auto parts
for your car.
However, every auto user must not only concern himself with the
quality of the parts he is purhasing but also on how he is going
to install the parts to his vehicle. In installing the wheels,
proper wheel alignment is important so as not to sacrifice the
tires life and hence, the cars ride and handling.
Often times, wheel alignment is confused with wheel balancing;
the two, however are two different terms. Wheel alignment
consists of adjusting the angles of the car wheels so that they
are perpendicular to the road or the ground and are parallell to
each other.
Improper alignment of the wheels result to excessive tire wear,
steering and tracking problems so make sure you check your car
wheels proper alignment before you hit your hot new car wheels
from to the road.
About the author:
Sarah McBride As a manager of one of the largest auto stores in
Springfield,Massachussets, Sarah has extensive experties on auto
parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a
certified car enthusiast.
Auto Wheels
By: Sarah McBride
Motorists or car users are luckier nowadays for having millions
of choices of top quality replacement auto parts. Maintaining a
vehicle, upgrading it or even modifying it has never been easier
than it is today. Every auto part is virtually available for a
common car user who wants to work on his own vehicle. Whether he
wants to improve its safety features, enhance its gas mileage
and fuel efficiency or upgrade its style, he can do it with ease
and convenience through these available replacement auto parts.
Among the leading auto parts dealers that provide the best
quality replacement Ford truck parts, Chevrolet parts, Toyota parts, Volkswagen parts, GMC parts, Jeep parts and more top-rated auto
parts is Auto parts Deal. This store offers you not only a wide
variety of automotive parts but great auto parts discount deals
as well.
This time it features finest line of auto wheels, including
premium class alloy Ford wheels,Mazda wheels, Jeep wheels and Mercedes Benz wheels.
Auto Parts Deal high quality wheels are all sourced from the
most reliable auto wheels manufacturers so you can be sure of
their toughness, durability, and excellent finish.
As we all know the wheels are the closest car parts to the road
so they must be kept in excellent form and condition as much as
possible. They also significantly affect handling and ride
quality so they must be properly taken cared of. Moreover, the
wheels lend the vehicle a more stylish look and thus, they too
can make the car a lot more fun to drive.
When it comes to quality, design and durability, Auto Parts Deal
wheels including GMC truck wheels, Toyota wheels, and Ford wheels are stand out. They
are made to match every make and models specifications and
various likes of auto users.
Auto Parts Deal provides the best deals on auto
wheels and other auto parts like Ford bumpers, Dodge fog lights, Chevrolet headlights, Toyota radiator and Mazda spoilers, so you can
truly enjoy shopping for your replacement part needs. And with
its long-time experience in the auto parts business, you can be
confident that your getting only the best replacement auto parts
for your car.
However, every auto user must not only concern himself with the
quality of the parts he is purhasing but also on how he is going
to install the parts to his vehicle. In installing the wheels,
proper wheel alignment is important so as not to sacrifice the
tires life and hence, the cars ride and handling.
Often times, wheel alignment is confused with wheel balancing;
the two, however are two different terms. Wheel alignment
consists of adjusting the angles of the car wheels so that they
are perpendicular to the road or the ground and are parallell to
each other.
Improper alignment of the wheels result to excessive tire wear,
steering and tracking problems so make sure you check your car
wheels proper alignment before you hit your hot new car wheels
from to the road.
About the author:
Sarah McBride As a manager of one of the largest auto stores in
Springfield,Massachussets, Sarah has extensive experties on auto
parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a
certified car enthusiast.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Maintaining Your Car Will Make It Last Longer
By: Matthew C. Keegan
Regular maintenance of your vehicle will extend its life perhaps
well beyond what you or others may think is its normal lifespan.
Today's cars can easily top the 100,000 mile mark with many cars
on the road exceeding 150,000, 200,000, even 250,000 miles. Ask
owners of high mileage cars how they got to that point and most
will point to their own rigorous and disciplined maintenance
schedules as being the chief factor. By carefully and diligently
following a maintenance schedule, you can extend your vehicle's
life too. Let's take a look at several important maintenance
steps you must take in order to avoid costly repairs and to help
you hold onto your vehicle longer.
Regular oil changes - The 30 minute oil change
specialists recommend that you change your oil every 3,000 miles
or three months, while some manufacturers state you only need to
change your oil once every 7,500 miles or six months. Opt for
more frequent changes than lengthy manufacturer recommended
intervals, but change your oil [and oil filter] every 3,000
miles if your car is subject to hard driving.
Change your air filter - Your engine will run better and
cleaner if you change your air filter at least once per year;
more so if you do a lot of "stop and go" driving or put on many
more miles per year than average.
Rotate your tires - Evenly wearing tires will help ensure
that your car stops properly and stays on the road. Have your
brakes and shocks inspected too to avoid potential handling and
control issues.
Transmission fluid - Your transmission isn't guaranteed
to run forever. Change your fluid at manufacturer recommended
intervals, generally once every 30 or 60 thousand miles. Neglect
it and face costly repairs and potentially fatal [to the car]
consequences.
Drain the radiator - Periodically draining the radiator
and replacing the antifreeze will help flush out rust and dirt
particles that can clog up your cooling system. When the
coolant's rust inhibitors get used up then corrosion will show
up within the radiator as well as in the engine block
Change the spark plugs - Some manufacturers have
installed long life spark plugs meaning that changing spark
plugs once every 60 or even 90 thousand miles or more is a
possibility. Keep in mind that the longer your spark plugs sit
in place, the more difficult it may be to remove them later.
Optimally, replacing your spark plugs once every 30 thousand
miles is ideal.
Examine your exhaust system - Your muffler, catalytic
converter, and remaining exhaust system parts can wear out. A
poorly functioning exhaust system saps your engine of needed
power.
Wash and wax - Yes, your car may mechanically run well,
but if the body falls apart, then what do you have left? Regular
washings and a once a year wax job should do the trick.
Other stuff - Replace your battery, fuel filter, PCV
valve, belts, and hoses as needed and every other part that
wears out. Sensors come and sensors go; usually you will only
have to replace your knock or oxygen sensors if and when a
problem arises.
Ultimately, refer to your manufacturer's repair book for
guidelines as to when to perform maintenance. The key to
extending your vehicle's life is in doing the maintenance when
needed to head off costly repair bills. Otherwise you will be
neglecting your car to the point where it "dies" prematurely.
You can extend the life of your vehicle. If you aren't up to the
task, hire a qualified mechanic to service your vehicle
regularly.
About the author:
Matt Keegan writes for The Parts Bin, a retailer
of high quality K&N
filters, EBC
brakes, and
Husky floor mats available to you at deeply discounted
prices.
Regular maintenance of your vehicle will extend its life perhaps
well beyond what you or others may think is its normal lifespan.
Today's cars can easily top the 100,000 mile mark with many cars
on the road exceeding 150,000, 200,000, even 250,000 miles. Ask
owners of high mileage cars how they got to that point and most
will point to their own rigorous and disciplined maintenance
schedules as being the chief factor. By carefully and diligently
following a maintenance schedule, you can extend your vehicle's
life too. Let's take a look at several important maintenance
steps you must take in order to avoid costly repairs and to help
you hold onto your vehicle longer.
Regular oil changes - The 30 minute oil change
specialists recommend that you change your oil every 3,000 miles
or three months, while some manufacturers state you only need to
change your oil once every 7,500 miles or six months. Opt for
more frequent changes than lengthy manufacturer recommended
intervals, but change your oil [and oil filter] every 3,000
miles if your car is subject to hard driving.
Change your air filter - Your engine will run better and
cleaner if you change your air filter at least once per year;
more so if you do a lot of "stop and go" driving or put on many
more miles per year than average.
Rotate your tires - Evenly wearing tires will help ensure
that your car stops properly and stays on the road. Have your
brakes and shocks inspected too to avoid potential handling and
control issues.
Transmission fluid - Your transmission isn't guaranteed
to run forever. Change your fluid at manufacturer recommended
intervals, generally once every 30 or 60 thousand miles. Neglect
it and face costly repairs and potentially fatal [to the car]
consequences.
Drain the radiator - Periodically draining the radiator
and replacing the antifreeze will help flush out rust and dirt
particles that can clog up your cooling system. When the
coolant's rust inhibitors get used up then corrosion will show
up within the radiator as well as in the engine block
Change the spark plugs - Some manufacturers have
installed long life spark plugs meaning that changing spark
plugs once every 60 or even 90 thousand miles or more is a
possibility. Keep in mind that the longer your spark plugs sit
in place, the more difficult it may be to remove them later.
Optimally, replacing your spark plugs once every 30 thousand
miles is ideal.
Examine your exhaust system - Your muffler, catalytic
converter, and remaining exhaust system parts can wear out. A
poorly functioning exhaust system saps your engine of needed
power.
Wash and wax - Yes, your car may mechanically run well,
but if the body falls apart, then what do you have left? Regular
washings and a once a year wax job should do the trick.
Other stuff - Replace your battery, fuel filter, PCV
valve, belts, and hoses as needed and every other part that
wears out. Sensors come and sensors go; usually you will only
have to replace your knock or oxygen sensors if and when a
problem arises.
Ultimately, refer to your manufacturer's repair book for
guidelines as to when to perform maintenance. The key to
extending your vehicle's life is in doing the maintenance when
needed to head off costly repair bills. Otherwise you will be
neglecting your car to the point where it "dies" prematurely.
You can extend the life of your vehicle. If you aren't up to the
task, hire a qualified mechanic to service your vehicle
regularly.
About the author:
Matt Keegan writes for The Parts Bin, a retailer
of high quality K&N
filters, EBC
brakes, and
Husky floor mats available to you at deeply discounted
prices.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
5 Tips On Making Your Car More Fuel Efficient
By: Craig Rowe
With gas prices sky high most individuals who drive are
interested in ways they can make their car more fuel efficient
and save as much money as possible. While there are no fuel
saving tips that will keep your car full of gas without filling
up, there are some tips that really can help you save money on
fuel over the long run. All of these tips focus on making your
car more fuel efficient.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #1 Drive When You Crank Up This might seem
obvious, but as soon as you crank up your car you should drive
off. However, many people crank up and leave the car idling for
a while. Instead of this, when you crank up drive off and only
keep your car running when it is absolutely necessary.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #2 Don't Ride the Break Many drivers hit the
break more often than is necessary. Additionally there are quite
a few drivers that slow down for a braking car when they could
easily switch lanes. Not riding the break can increase your fuel
efficiency by up to 30%, so this is a great tip you should
follow.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #3 Turn Off Your Car If you are going to be
stopping for more than 10 minutes you should switch off your car
to keep fuel efficiency at its peak and not burn more gas than
is necessary.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #4 Don't Turn Off Your Car If you are only
stopping for a brief moment or less than 5 minutes then don't
turn off your car because the amount of gas used to crank up is
more than you would burn in that short period of time.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #5 Inflate Tires Properly Too many drivers
never think of their tires, unless one goes flat. However,
having tires that are properly inflated can save fuel and make
your car more fuel efficient, saving you money. Because of this,
you should check your tire pressure on a regular basis.
While gas prices don't seem like they will be dipping
considerably in the next few months every tip to help you make
your car more fuel efficient is helpful. So, follow the above
fuel tips and you will see that over time your car really is
more fuel efficient.
About the author:
SearchArticles.Net offers articles, tips and information on a
variety of subjects including cars and trucks. For more tips for
your car visit http://www.SearchArticles.Net
With gas prices sky high most individuals who drive are
interested in ways they can make their car more fuel efficient
and save as much money as possible. While there are no fuel
saving tips that will keep your car full of gas without filling
up, there are some tips that really can help you save money on
fuel over the long run. All of these tips focus on making your
car more fuel efficient.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #1 Drive When You Crank Up This might seem
obvious, but as soon as you crank up your car you should drive
off. However, many people crank up and leave the car idling for
a while. Instead of this, when you crank up drive off and only
keep your car running when it is absolutely necessary.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #2 Don't Ride the Break Many drivers hit the
break more often than is necessary. Additionally there are quite
a few drivers that slow down for a braking car when they could
easily switch lanes. Not riding the break can increase your fuel
efficiency by up to 30%, so this is a great tip you should
follow.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #3 Turn Off Your Car If you are going to be
stopping for more than 10 minutes you should switch off your car
to keep fuel efficiency at its peak and not burn more gas than
is necessary.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #4 Don't Turn Off Your Car If you are only
stopping for a brief moment or less than 5 minutes then don't
turn off your car because the amount of gas used to crank up is
more than you would burn in that short period of time.
Fuel Efficiency Tip #5 Inflate Tires Properly Too many drivers
never think of their tires, unless one goes flat. However,
having tires that are properly inflated can save fuel and make
your car more fuel efficient, saving you money. Because of this,
you should check your tire pressure on a regular basis.
While gas prices don't seem like they will be dipping
considerably in the next few months every tip to help you make
your car more fuel efficient is helpful. So, follow the above
fuel tips and you will see that over time your car really is
more fuel efficient.
About the author:
SearchArticles.Net offers articles, tips and information on a
variety of subjects including cars and trucks. For more tips for
your car visit http://www.SearchArticles.Net
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
SUV Owners Pay More for Insurance
By: Rob Sliver
Hortencia Privett is like thousands of other owners of Sports
Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Privett admits that she loves what she
drives, a silver 2002 Jeep Liberty, but insurance experts
caution that she and other SUV owners have to pay considerably
more for insurance than those tooling around town in smaller
cars.
The cost to insure an SUV is generally 10 to 20 percent more
than a car, depending of course on a driver's location, claims
experience, credit history and other factors, confirms Loretta
L. Worters, vice president of communications for the Insurance
Information Institute, in New York. "Yes auto rates for SUVs are
generally higher than for automobiles," says Worters. "Rates of
course correlate to risk -- and there are a lot of risk factors
with SUVs. Not so much what affects them, but what they do to
other vehicles."
Cutting to specifics, Worters pointed out that an SUV's
"potential for liability and medical payments coverage losses is
a real concern to the industry. Pedestrians hit by SUVs have a
300 percent higher risk of serious injury than if they were
struck by a passenger car. There's also greater injury in cars
that are hit by SUVs than it would be with another car."
Privett acknowledges that she has to pay more for coverage, but
that's okay with her under the circumstances. "I feel safer in
my SUV," explains Privett, an office secretary in Illinois.
"I've had an SUV for three years, and I wouldn't go back. Even
though I have to pay more for insurance, it's worth the added
cost to me."
Privett's SUV sentiments are hardly unique. It's been reported
that SUVs accounted for upwards of 24 percent of all new-vehicle
sales in the United States for 2003 and, with well over 20
million on the road today, SUVs represent almost 12 percent of
all registered vehicles in the U.S.
The safety reputation of an SUV or other vehicle type certainly
has a bearing on insurance costs. On the subject of SUV safety,
a spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS) brings up what he considers to be a misconception about
SUVs.
"The misconception is that many people think that SUVs are safer
than cars, and they're not," says IIHS's Russ Rader. "Vehicle
crash statistics that we compile each year show that pound for
pound, if you're comparing vehicles of a similar weight, SUVs
tend to be less safe than cars."
Rader says that cost of repair is a big issue from an insurance
standpoint. "SUVs can be costly to repair in minor crashes,
because they don't have to meet the federal government's
standards set for bumpers on cars in terms of withstanding
crashes in commuter traffic or parking lots," explains Rader.
Says Rader: "Most SUVs aren't built like cars and don't drive
like them. Yes, they're higher and you can see the road ahead
better, but that height also gives them a higher center of
gravity, which makes them less balanced than sedans -- and more
likely to flip."
Insurance trade organization officer Dan Kummer focuses on high
liability claims costs involving large SUVs in vehicular
accidents. "If you have a large SUV and you hit a mid-sized or
smaller vehicle, you are likely to pay higher liability costs
when your policy comes up for renewal," says Kummer, director of
personal lines for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of
America, in Des Plaines, Ill.
For more information about auto insurance please go to: Insurance.com
Hortencia Privett is like thousands of other owners of Sports
Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Privett admits that she loves what she
drives, a silver 2002 Jeep Liberty, but insurance experts
caution that she and other SUV owners have to pay considerably
more for insurance than those tooling around town in smaller
cars.
The cost to insure an SUV is generally 10 to 20 percent more
than a car, depending of course on a driver's location, claims
experience, credit history and other factors, confirms Loretta
L. Worters, vice president of communications for the Insurance
Information Institute, in New York. "Yes auto rates for SUVs are
generally higher than for automobiles," says Worters. "Rates of
course correlate to risk -- and there are a lot of risk factors
with SUVs. Not so much what affects them, but what they do to
other vehicles."
Cutting to specifics, Worters pointed out that an SUV's
"potential for liability and medical payments coverage losses is
a real concern to the industry. Pedestrians hit by SUVs have a
300 percent higher risk of serious injury than if they were
struck by a passenger car. There's also greater injury in cars
that are hit by SUVs than it would be with another car."
Privett acknowledges that she has to pay more for coverage, but
that's okay with her under the circumstances. "I feel safer in
my SUV," explains Privett, an office secretary in Illinois.
"I've had an SUV for three years, and I wouldn't go back. Even
though I have to pay more for insurance, it's worth the added
cost to me."
Privett's SUV sentiments are hardly unique. It's been reported
that SUVs accounted for upwards of 24 percent of all new-vehicle
sales in the United States for 2003 and, with well over 20
million on the road today, SUVs represent almost 12 percent of
all registered vehicles in the U.S.
The safety reputation of an SUV or other vehicle type certainly
has a bearing on insurance costs. On the subject of SUV safety,
a spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS) brings up what he considers to be a misconception about
SUVs.
"The misconception is that many people think that SUVs are safer
than cars, and they're not," says IIHS's Russ Rader. "Vehicle
crash statistics that we compile each year show that pound for
pound, if you're comparing vehicles of a similar weight, SUVs
tend to be less safe than cars."
Rader says that cost of repair is a big issue from an insurance
standpoint. "SUVs can be costly to repair in minor crashes,
because they don't have to meet the federal government's
standards set for bumpers on cars in terms of withstanding
crashes in commuter traffic or parking lots," explains Rader.
Says Rader: "Most SUVs aren't built like cars and don't drive
like them. Yes, they're higher and you can see the road ahead
better, but that height also gives them a higher center of
gravity, which makes them less balanced than sedans -- and more
likely to flip."
Insurance trade organization officer Dan Kummer focuses on high
liability claims costs involving large SUVs in vehicular
accidents. "If you have a large SUV and you hit a mid-sized or
smaller vehicle, you are likely to pay higher liability costs
when your policy comes up for renewal," says Kummer, director of
personal lines for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of
America, in Des Plaines, Ill.
For more information about auto insurance please go to: Insurance.com
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
You Can Examine Your Brakes
By: Matthew C. Keegan
Regular brake inspections are an essential part of good
automotive maintenance that can save you money and keep your car
from wrapping itself around the first tree out of your driveway.
Make sure that your brakes and rotors are receiving the proper
maintenance by following the steps outlined. Your safety as well
as that of your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers is at
stake.
1. Time for a free inspection. Many local brake shops as
well as national brake repair chains offer customers free brake
inspections at no obligation to you. The inspection typically
includes the following steps:
Check your vehicle's brake pads and shoes for signs of wear;
Fill and/or replace hydraulic fluids;
Examine rotor/drum wear and calipers;
Examine the anti-lock brake system [if you have one]
An annual check up of your brakes is wise, but do it more often
if you drive well above the national average [about 15,000 miles
per year] or if you do heavy stop and go driving.
2. Awareness is the key. Most brake system problems can
be avoided if motorists would pay attention to certain signs of
pending problems including:
Your brake warning light comes on.
Your brake pedal is either squishy, difficult to push down, or
you must pump the brakes to get them to work correctly.
Your brakes grind continuously and you hear a loud metallic
racket when you push down on them.
Your car pulls to one side when you push down on the brakes,
instead of stopping in a straight line.
Your car jerks to a halt when you push down on the brakes.
One or more wheels are strikingly hot even after a brief trip.
You observe fluid leaks in the vicinity of any wheel or in the
engine section near the master cylinder.
If you are an at home mechanic, you can complete your own
inspections and fit your vehicle with top notch replacement
parts including brake pads and calipers. You can save on parts
by purchasing them from a reputable online wholesaler such as
Pit Stop Auto Parts who can offer to you top quality
parts at sensible prices, typically much lower than what your
dealer or an auto parts store would charge you.
Take care of your vehicle and it will take car of you especially
in an emergency situation where a properly working brake system
is an absolute must.
About the author:
Matt Keegan is an auto enthusiast and contributing writer
for PitStop Auto
Parts, a seller of discount auto accessories including
Akebono Brakes and EBC Brakes for your car.
Regular brake inspections are an essential part of good
automotive maintenance that can save you money and keep your car
from wrapping itself around the first tree out of your driveway.
Make sure that your brakes and rotors are receiving the proper
maintenance by following the steps outlined. Your safety as well
as that of your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers is at
stake.
1. Time for a free inspection. Many local brake shops as
well as national brake repair chains offer customers free brake
inspections at no obligation to you. The inspection typically
includes the following steps:
Check your vehicle's brake pads and shoes for signs of wear;
Fill and/or replace hydraulic fluids;
Examine rotor/drum wear and calipers;
Examine the anti-lock brake system [if you have one]
An annual check up of your brakes is wise, but do it more often
if you drive well above the national average [about 15,000 miles
per year] or if you do heavy stop and go driving.
2. Awareness is the key. Most brake system problems can
be avoided if motorists would pay attention to certain signs of
pending problems including:
Your brake warning light comes on.
Your brake pedal is either squishy, difficult to push down, or
you must pump the brakes to get them to work correctly.
Your brakes grind continuously and you hear a loud metallic
racket when you push down on them.
Your car pulls to one side when you push down on the brakes,
instead of stopping in a straight line.
Your car jerks to a halt when you push down on the brakes.
One or more wheels are strikingly hot even after a brief trip.
You observe fluid leaks in the vicinity of any wheel or in the
engine section near the master cylinder.
If you are an at home mechanic, you can complete your own
inspections and fit your vehicle with top notch replacement
parts including brake pads and calipers. You can save on parts
by purchasing them from a reputable online wholesaler such as
Pit Stop Auto Parts who can offer to you top quality
parts at sensible prices, typically much lower than what your
dealer or an auto parts store would charge you.
Take care of your vehicle and it will take car of you especially
in an emergency situation where a properly working brake system
is an absolute must.
About the author:
Matt Keegan is an auto enthusiast and contributing writer
for PitStop Auto
Parts, a seller of discount auto accessories including
Akebono Brakes and EBC Brakes for your car.
Monday, November 07, 2005
The Secret to Saving 14% at the Gas Pump!
By: Scott Siegel
If you know the smart way to purchase your gas you can save a
considerable amount of money. The following strategies could
save you 4 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent or even 14 percent of
your gas costs.
In this article you will learn the secret to using two
strategies that together should provide you with a significant
discount on your gas costs.
There are a number of alternatives that will result in savings.
Among the best is the use of credit cards that offer rebates. By
using the right cards you can lower your costs without having to
change your driving habits or do any special maintanance on your
car.
Many gas companies offer credit cards that pay rebates on gas
purchases. The typical card will rebate you 10% on your gas
purchases for the first two or three months and then rebate you
5% on your gas purchases thereafter.
For example currently Hess Oil has a credit card that will pay
10% for the first 60 days for Hess gas purchases and 5% for Hess
gas purchases after 60 days.
Marathon Oil has the same 10% for 60 days 5% thereafter program.
Speedway has an 8% for 60 days and 4% thereafter credit card
program. All these cards also offer 1% rebates on other
purchases and can be used anywhere Visa or MasterCard is
accepted.
The examples just listed are issued by gas companies. There are
also general market credit cards that will provide you with
discounts off your gas costs.
Many credit card companies offer cards that have special rebate
amounts for gasoline. For example: currently Discover Card is
issuing a Discover Gas Card that will give you back a rebate of
5 percent of the gas you purchase with the opportunity to
increase it to 10 percent at selected retailers. It also gives
you a 1 percent rebate on other purchases.
Another example: Chase has a gas MasterCard that will give you a
rebate of 5% for gas purchases and 2% for purchases everywhere
else. The advantage to using a general market card as opposed to
a gas credit card is that you can use the general market credit
card to buy gas at any station and get the high rebate. The gas
company card only pays you the high rebate at the gas company's
own stations. On the other hand the gas company credit card will
generally pay you a premium of 10 percent or 8 percent for the
first 60 days where the general market card may not.
That is the main strategy for getting a discount of anywhere
from 4 percent up to 10 percent. Certainly any rebate is welcome
in light of the cost of gasoline. 4% is good and 10% is even
better. But there may be a way to cut your cost of gas even
more. Maybe even to 14%.
Here's how. Many gas companies offer pre paid gas cards or gas
gift cards. In many cases these prepaid cards will offer a bonus
or discount. For example in some cases you can purchase a $50
gas card for $48.
That means you pay $48 for the card but the card allows you to
buy $50 worth of gas. That is the same as getting a 4% discount.
In most cases you must buy these prepaid cards at the gas outlet.
Now here is where the extra savings comes in. If you purchase
the prepaid card using the gas company credit card during the
initial period when you are getting a 10% rebate you will get a
10% rebate on the prepaid card.
Then if you are buying a prepaid card that gives you a 4%
discount, the $50 dollar card for $48 cost, you are compounding
your savings.
You are getting a 10% savings on the rebate and you are getting
a 4% savings on the prepaid card. In total you are getting a 14%
savings!
About the author:
Scott Siegel is the author of "Beat The Gas Pump!", a 143 page
manual of industry insider information on saving gas and money
at the pump. Scott has leveraged the knowledge he gained in his
30 years in distribution, managing fleets of trucks, vans and
cars. You can take advantage of this industry insider
information to save your money. Take your money out of your gas
tank, put it back in your pocket now. Go to:
http://www.beatthegaspump.com
If you know the smart way to purchase your gas you can save a
considerable amount of money. The following strategies could
save you 4 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent or even 14 percent of
your gas costs.
In this article you will learn the secret to using two
strategies that together should provide you with a significant
discount on your gas costs.
There are a number of alternatives that will result in savings.
Among the best is the use of credit cards that offer rebates. By
using the right cards you can lower your costs without having to
change your driving habits or do any special maintanance on your
car.
Many gas companies offer credit cards that pay rebates on gas
purchases. The typical card will rebate you 10% on your gas
purchases for the first two or three months and then rebate you
5% on your gas purchases thereafter.
For example currently Hess Oil has a credit card that will pay
10% for the first 60 days for Hess gas purchases and 5% for Hess
gas purchases after 60 days.
Marathon Oil has the same 10% for 60 days 5% thereafter program.
Speedway has an 8% for 60 days and 4% thereafter credit card
program. All these cards also offer 1% rebates on other
purchases and can be used anywhere Visa or MasterCard is
accepted.
The examples just listed are issued by gas companies. There are
also general market credit cards that will provide you with
discounts off your gas costs.
Many credit card companies offer cards that have special rebate
amounts for gasoline. For example: currently Discover Card is
issuing a Discover Gas Card that will give you back a rebate of
5 percent of the gas you purchase with the opportunity to
increase it to 10 percent at selected retailers. It also gives
you a 1 percent rebate on other purchases.
Another example: Chase has a gas MasterCard that will give you a
rebate of 5% for gas purchases and 2% for purchases everywhere
else. The advantage to using a general market card as opposed to
a gas credit card is that you can use the general market credit
card to buy gas at any station and get the high rebate. The gas
company card only pays you the high rebate at the gas company's
own stations. On the other hand the gas company credit card will
generally pay you a premium of 10 percent or 8 percent for the
first 60 days where the general market card may not.
That is the main strategy for getting a discount of anywhere
from 4 percent up to 10 percent. Certainly any rebate is welcome
in light of the cost of gasoline. 4% is good and 10% is even
better. But there may be a way to cut your cost of gas even
more. Maybe even to 14%.
Here's how. Many gas companies offer pre paid gas cards or gas
gift cards. In many cases these prepaid cards will offer a bonus
or discount. For example in some cases you can purchase a $50
gas card for $48.
That means you pay $48 for the card but the card allows you to
buy $50 worth of gas. That is the same as getting a 4% discount.
In most cases you must buy these prepaid cards at the gas outlet.
Now here is where the extra savings comes in. If you purchase
the prepaid card using the gas company credit card during the
initial period when you are getting a 10% rebate you will get a
10% rebate on the prepaid card.
Then if you are buying a prepaid card that gives you a 4%
discount, the $50 dollar card for $48 cost, you are compounding
your savings.
You are getting a 10% savings on the rebate and you are getting
a 4% savings on the prepaid card. In total you are getting a 14%
savings!
About the author:
Scott Siegel is the author of "Beat The Gas Pump!", a 143 page
manual of industry insider information on saving gas and money
at the pump. Scott has leveraged the knowledge he gained in his
30 years in distribution, managing fleets of trucks, vans and
cars. You can take advantage of this industry insider
information to save your money. Take your money out of your gas
tank, put it back in your pocket now. Go to:
http://www.beatthegaspump.com
Saturday, November 05, 2005
How To Switch Car Insurance Companies
By: Rob Sliver
It may be easier than you think!
There are many reasons why you may choose to move your auto
insurance coverage to another company. You might have changed
jobs and are eligible for a group discount through another
insurer, or maybe you're unhappy with the service that your
present company provides. Perhaps you've simply found another
company willing to offer you the same level of coverage for
considerably less money. Nowadays, many insurance companies
provide 24-hour rate information through their toll-free numbers
or websites, so investigating your options has never been
easier. Another valuable source of information is your state's
Department of Insurance.
Why switch to a new insurance carrier? Regularly review
your auto coverage to make sure that you're receiving the best
insurance value for your money. You'll discover that it pays to
shop around. In some states, premiums for identical policies
vary widely among different companies. The reasons for this
price variation can be very complicated, but they boil down to a
company's claims experience with policyholders in your coverage
group (e.g. people of similar age, number of accidents, type of
vehicle). For example, if a large number of people in your
coverage group files claims during a given year, your rates will
likely rise. When this happens, better discounts and lower
overall premiums may be available at other companies, although
some states strictly regulate the price of coverage. When you
decide to switch your auto insurance to another company, you'll
find that it's fairly easy to do so.
How to cancel your old policy Generally, all you need to
do to cancel your auto policy is to inform your insurance
company in writing, specifying the date you want the policy
canceled. In some states, your new agent must notify your
previous agent of the policy change. Some companies ask that you
send back the actual printed policy. Your insurance company will
send you a cancellation request form that you should sign and
return. Examine the form carefully to make sure that all
information regarding your policy is correct. If you do not
receive such a form within two weeks of sending your letter,
call your agent or the company immediately to check on the
status of your cancellation. Don't just walk away from your old
policy without formally canceling it. Otherwise, the insurance
company might assume you wished to continue your coverage, and
it might eventually terminate the policy for failure to pay
premiums and report your lack of coverage to your state's
Department of Motor Vehicles. This can hurt your credit rating
and your ability to get a new policy.
Be sure to get a new policy first Always have a new
policy in place before canceling your old auto insurance
coverage. You don't want to have a gap in protection for even
one day. Fortunately, there is little danger of this happening.
Most states require all drivers living within their borders to
carry a minimum level of auto insurance. So, most insurance
companies now require policyholders to present proof of new
coverage before they will cancel an active policy. You may need
to show your old carrier copies of a new insurance
identification card or the Declarations Page of your new policy.
Your new company will be able to time the onset of your new
policy to coincide with the cancellation of your old coverage.
When to switch policies The best time to switch auto
insurance carriers is just before your old policy is about to
renew. This will allow you to avoid paying for printing and
start-up expenses the company incurs as part of the policy
renewal process. You also avoid the inconvenience of figuring
out the amount of any unused premium that should be returned to
you.
A renewal notice will be sent to you approximately a month
before a new policy period begins, depending on the regulations
in your state. The notice will describe your coverage,
discounts, and the amount of premium you owe. Should you decide
to switch policies, you'll need to line up a new policy by the
time your current policy renews, although most states allow
about a month after renewal to switch. If you miss the deadline,
you may end up paying a cancellation penalty.
You don't have to wait until renewal All standard auto
insurance policies contain a provision giving you the right to
cancel your policy at any time, once proper notice is given to
the insurance company. You don't necessarily have to wait until
renewal time. Cancellation after a policy has renewed is most
convenient at the end of a payment cycle. That way, you're not
forced to deal with recovering the unused portion of your paid
premium. But if you choose to cancel in the middle of a cycle,
the company will prorate your latest premium payment up to the
cancellation date and return the remainder to you. However, a
special "short rate" (cancellation penalty) will be deducted to
pay the administrative costs of renewing the policy.
How long does it take to switch? When you switch
companies, your new agent or insurer can execute the change in
as little as one day. You'll need to provide a cancellation
date, your former agent's name, and the name of the insurer. It
would also be helpful to show your new agent a copy of the old
policy's specifications page in order to match the coverage.
Please note that this description/explanation is intended only
as a guideline.
For more information about auto insurance please go to: Insurance.com
It may be easier than you think!
There are many reasons why you may choose to move your auto
insurance coverage to another company. You might have changed
jobs and are eligible for a group discount through another
insurer, or maybe you're unhappy with the service that your
present company provides. Perhaps you've simply found another
company willing to offer you the same level of coverage for
considerably less money. Nowadays, many insurance companies
provide 24-hour rate information through their toll-free numbers
or websites, so investigating your options has never been
easier. Another valuable source of information is your state's
Department of Insurance.
Why switch to a new insurance carrier? Regularly review
your auto coverage to make sure that you're receiving the best
insurance value for your money. You'll discover that it pays to
shop around. In some states, premiums for identical policies
vary widely among different companies. The reasons for this
price variation can be very complicated, but they boil down to a
company's claims experience with policyholders in your coverage
group (e.g. people of similar age, number of accidents, type of
vehicle). For example, if a large number of people in your
coverage group files claims during a given year, your rates will
likely rise. When this happens, better discounts and lower
overall premiums may be available at other companies, although
some states strictly regulate the price of coverage. When you
decide to switch your auto insurance to another company, you'll
find that it's fairly easy to do so.
How to cancel your old policy Generally, all you need to
do to cancel your auto policy is to inform your insurance
company in writing, specifying the date you want the policy
canceled. In some states, your new agent must notify your
previous agent of the policy change. Some companies ask that you
send back the actual printed policy. Your insurance company will
send you a cancellation request form that you should sign and
return. Examine the form carefully to make sure that all
information regarding your policy is correct. If you do not
receive such a form within two weeks of sending your letter,
call your agent or the company immediately to check on the
status of your cancellation. Don't just walk away from your old
policy without formally canceling it. Otherwise, the insurance
company might assume you wished to continue your coverage, and
it might eventually terminate the policy for failure to pay
premiums and report your lack of coverage to your state's
Department of Motor Vehicles. This can hurt your credit rating
and your ability to get a new policy.
Be sure to get a new policy first Always have a new
policy in place before canceling your old auto insurance
coverage. You don't want to have a gap in protection for even
one day. Fortunately, there is little danger of this happening.
Most states require all drivers living within their borders to
carry a minimum level of auto insurance. So, most insurance
companies now require policyholders to present proof of new
coverage before they will cancel an active policy. You may need
to show your old carrier copies of a new insurance
identification card or the Declarations Page of your new policy.
Your new company will be able to time the onset of your new
policy to coincide with the cancellation of your old coverage.
When to switch policies The best time to switch auto
insurance carriers is just before your old policy is about to
renew. This will allow you to avoid paying for printing and
start-up expenses the company incurs as part of the policy
renewal process. You also avoid the inconvenience of figuring
out the amount of any unused premium that should be returned to
you.
A renewal notice will be sent to you approximately a month
before a new policy period begins, depending on the regulations
in your state. The notice will describe your coverage,
discounts, and the amount of premium you owe. Should you decide
to switch policies, you'll need to line up a new policy by the
time your current policy renews, although most states allow
about a month after renewal to switch. If you miss the deadline,
you may end up paying a cancellation penalty.
You don't have to wait until renewal All standard auto
insurance policies contain a provision giving you the right to
cancel your policy at any time, once proper notice is given to
the insurance company. You don't necessarily have to wait until
renewal time. Cancellation after a policy has renewed is most
convenient at the end of a payment cycle. That way, you're not
forced to deal with recovering the unused portion of your paid
premium. But if you choose to cancel in the middle of a cycle,
the company will prorate your latest premium payment up to the
cancellation date and return the remainder to you. However, a
special "short rate" (cancellation penalty) will be deducted to
pay the administrative costs of renewing the policy.
How long does it take to switch? When you switch
companies, your new agent or insurer can execute the change in
as little as one day. You'll need to provide a cancellation
date, your former agent's name, and the name of the insurer. It
would also be helpful to show your new agent a copy of the old
policy's specifications page in order to match the coverage.
Please note that this description/explanation is intended only
as a guideline.
For more information about auto insurance please go to: Insurance.com
Friday, November 04, 2005
You Can Protect Your Car From Mother Nature
By: Matthew C. Keegan
Mother Nature has it out for you...your car, that is. The moment
you bring your vehicle home from the dealership, the assault has
begun. Sun, rain, snow, hail, dust, birds, debris, pollution,
and a host of other elements and items can doom your "new car"
look in no time. What can you do? Fight back, that's how. Let's
take a look at some smart ways you can protect your vehicle's
finish and keep it from looking old before its time.
Wash and wax. Okay, so you don't have a hose handy. If
you go to the car wash, make sure that it is brushless,
otherwise the circular marks on your finish will certainly do a
number on your car's appearance in no time. As far as waxing
your vehicle, polishes made by popular brands including
Turtle Wax should do the trick. Yes, I know, a friend
recommended a particular brand that can give your car a look
that is better than new. Go ahead and use it...just follow the
directions on the bottle precisely!
Keep it covered. Yes, driving down the street with a car
cover on your car will certainly get you some attention! I do
not recommend that you do that, but having a car cover
available for your vehicle makes sense even if you keep your
prized possession garaged. Dust and indoor pollution can take
its toll even when your car sits in your garage while bird crap,
moisture, hail, tree sap, the sun, and small impacts can hurt
your car's finish when parked outside. The more layers your car
cover has, the better the protection it will offer too. Select
one that has mirror pockets for the best fit.
Minor details. Other accessories that offer protection
for your vehicle include: floor mats and liners, seat covers,
vent shades, hood protectors, and brake dust shields. If you
carry pets regularly then a pet pad or pet box can protect your
interior like nothing else.
When purchasing cleaning products make sure you read all labels
carefully. That cleaner you use may not be the best thing for
your wheels and the interior of your car should have its own
type of cleaner. Check manufacturer's recommendations to make
sure that the product you use is the right one; some cars come
with an initial supply of cleaning materials to help you
properly treat your brushed aluminum or burl wood interior.
About the author:
Matt Keegan is an auto aficionado and contributing writer
for PitStop Auto
Parts, a seller of discount auto accessories including
Ventshade visors and
Mother Nature has it out for you...your car, that is. The moment
you bring your vehicle home from the dealership, the assault has
begun. Sun, rain, snow, hail, dust, birds, debris, pollution,
and a host of other elements and items can doom your "new car"
look in no time. What can you do? Fight back, that's how. Let's
take a look at some smart ways you can protect your vehicle's
finish and keep it from looking old before its time.
Wash and wax. Okay, so you don't have a hose handy. If
you go to the car wash, make sure that it is brushless,
otherwise the circular marks on your finish will certainly do a
number on your car's appearance in no time. As far as waxing
your vehicle, polishes made by popular brands including
Turtle Wax should do the trick. Yes, I know, a friend
recommended a particular brand that can give your car a look
that is better than new. Go ahead and use it...just follow the
directions on the bottle precisely!
Keep it covered. Yes, driving down the street with a car
cover on your car will certainly get you some attention! I do
not recommend that you do that, but having a car cover
available for your vehicle makes sense even if you keep your
prized possession garaged. Dust and indoor pollution can take
its toll even when your car sits in your garage while bird crap,
moisture, hail, tree sap, the sun, and small impacts can hurt
your car's finish when parked outside. The more layers your car
cover has, the better the protection it will offer too. Select
one that has mirror pockets for the best fit.
Minor details. Other accessories that offer protection
for your vehicle include: floor mats and liners, seat covers,
vent shades, hood protectors, and brake dust shields. If you
carry pets regularly then a pet pad or pet box can protect your
interior like nothing else.
When purchasing cleaning products make sure you read all labels
carefully. That cleaner you use may not be the best thing for
your wheels and the interior of your car should have its own
type of cleaner. Check manufacturer's recommendations to make
sure that the product you use is the right one; some cars come
with an initial supply of cleaning materials to help you
properly treat your brushed aluminum or burl wood interior.
About the author:
Matt Keegan is an auto aficionado and contributing writer
for PitStop Auto
Parts, a seller of discount auto accessories including
Ventshade visors and
Thursday, November 03, 2005
5 Reasons to Take a Defensive Driving Course
By: John Mancini
If you or someone you know and love drive or ride in a car, then
you know the importance of being able to drive defensively.
Defensive driving courses are so important for so many different
reasons. Driving defensively allows you to appropriately react
to a multitude of situations in time to save the lives of
everyone around you. Taking a course in defensive driving will
help you to become a safer driver.
1- When considering taking a defensive driving course, it is
important to research the options that are available to you. The
most common type is the still the traditional, classroom type
course. However, with today's technology classes are becoming
popular both as online and correspondence courses.
2- One of the most popular reasons to take this type of course
should be to improve your driving skills, to increase your
chances of not being involved in an accident. Reality, however,
proves that the most common reason to participate in a defensive
driving course is that it is court ordered. Many times the court
will require a driver take a driving course in place of fines or
jail time for a driving infraction.
3- Another reason to take a course of this nature is to reduce
auto insurance rates. Most insurance companies offer a discount
for taking and completing a driving course. The amount of the
discount varies among insurance companies, but will be between
2-10% on average. Call your personal auto insurance agent for
the amount you could save.
4- The length of time required will vary upon the type of course
you choose to participate in. The traditional, classroom type
classes run much the same way as a normal school. These will
normally run a couple of hours for two or three weeks or they
will be in session for on or two all day sessions. Online and
correspondence courses are usually the type of course where you
work at your own pace.
5- Cost may also be a concern when choosing which type of course
to take. A traditional course is generally more expensive then
the other types that are available. However, they do have the
distinct advantage of a teacher and classmates to ask questions
to and receive answers from. If cost is a prohibitive factor in
joining a classroom course, then a correspondence or online
course could be the answer. These courses are usually less
expensive and have the advantage of being able to complete the
work at your own pace.
About the author:
John Mancini writes about defensive driving online and offline.
You can read more about defensive driving
schools in Texas and Texas
defensive driving schools on his websites.
If you or someone you know and love drive or ride in a car, then
you know the importance of being able to drive defensively.
Defensive driving courses are so important for so many different
reasons. Driving defensively allows you to appropriately react
to a multitude of situations in time to save the lives of
everyone around you. Taking a course in defensive driving will
help you to become a safer driver.
1- When considering taking a defensive driving course, it is
important to research the options that are available to you. The
most common type is the still the traditional, classroom type
course. However, with today's technology classes are becoming
popular both as online and correspondence courses.
2- One of the most popular reasons to take this type of course
should be to improve your driving skills, to increase your
chances of not being involved in an accident. Reality, however,
proves that the most common reason to participate in a defensive
driving course is that it is court ordered. Many times the court
will require a driver take a driving course in place of fines or
jail time for a driving infraction.
3- Another reason to take a course of this nature is to reduce
auto insurance rates. Most insurance companies offer a discount
for taking and completing a driving course. The amount of the
discount varies among insurance companies, but will be between
2-10% on average. Call your personal auto insurance agent for
the amount you could save.
4- The length of time required will vary upon the type of course
you choose to participate in. The traditional, classroom type
classes run much the same way as a normal school. These will
normally run a couple of hours for two or three weeks or they
will be in session for on or two all day sessions. Online and
correspondence courses are usually the type of course where you
work at your own pace.
5- Cost may also be a concern when choosing which type of course
to take. A traditional course is generally more expensive then
the other types that are available. However, they do have the
distinct advantage of a teacher and classmates to ask questions
to and receive answers from. If cost is a prohibitive factor in
joining a classroom course, then a correspondence or online
course could be the answer. These courses are usually less
expensive and have the advantage of being able to complete the
work at your own pace.
About the author:
John Mancini writes about defensive driving online and offline.
You can read more about defensive driving
schools in Texas and Texas
defensive driving schools on his websites.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Red Light Cameras Continue to Ticket Innocent Drivers
By: David M. Bresnahan
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - A red light camera ticket given in error to
a driver in Philadelphia is just one of many such reports all
around the country, and motorists are worried that they will be
the next victim of a system that does not work.
A blurry red light camera photo showing a license plate with
numbers that cannot be read was sent to a Coventryville man as
evidence that he went through a traffic light. The ticket
arrived by mail with a photo that did not match the man's car.
It wasn't even the same color, according to a report in the
Philadelphia Inquirer.
The ticket was one of many that have been sent out in error all
around the country by a system that is less than perfect and has
motorists scrambling to find ways to protect themselves from
becoming the next victim.
"Drivers are tired of getting tickets they do not deserve. The
cost in time and money to defend themselves is excessive, so
they would rather use PhotoBlocker (tm) spray to save money by
preventing the unjust tickets. We want our roads to be safe, and
we do not encourage anyone to break the law. But we know how
frustrating it is to get a ticket you do not deserve," explained
Joe Scott of PhotoBlocker.com.
PhotoBlocker (tm) is a simple aerosol spray that when applied to
a license plate does not in any way alter the appearance of the
plate to the naked eye, but the flash picture from a red-light
camera or speed camera makes the number on the plate unreadable.
The incident that happened in Philadelphia is not an isolated
one. Similar reports have appeared in the news around the
country.
A woman in Davenport, Iowa received a similar ticket in error
and tried to appeal her red light ticket twice and was turned
away both times. She gave up work and followed instructions on
the ticket for making an appeal, but was sent home in
frustration.
Millions of people each year receive tickets from red light and
speed cameras, and many complain that those tickets were sent in
error. Most believe that the process of defending themselves is
so challenging and expensive that it is easier to just pay the
fine and move on with life.
How many innocent drivers are getting tickets in error and end
up just paying the fine to avoid the hassle with fighting the
system? There is no way to know, but the man who received the
faulty ticket in Philadelphia sums it up this way:
"If they can do this to me, what about the poor little old lady
that doesn't have the ability to do all this?" he was quoted as
saying in the report.
More and more worried drivers are turning to a very inexpensive,
simple method to prevent most red light and speed cameras.
PhotoBlocker (tm) is considered to be a form of self-defense
against the imperfect red light and speed cameras.
As more and more incidents like these are reported in the media,
the demand for cans of PhotoBlocker (tm) spray continues to
rise. The company reports sales of over 350,000 cans protecting
over 1 million vehicles in 23 countries on six continents. The
product is available from many local distributors, retail
outlets, and over the Internet at www.PhotoBlocker.com .
"We get calls, e-mails and letters from many professionals who
are very happy with the effectiveness of PhotoBlocker spray.
Journalists, doctors, lawyers, firefighters, teachers, and
judges themselves have resorted to using PhotoBlocker spray to
avoid entrapment," said Scott.
About the author:
David M. Bresnahan has more than 30 years experience as a
journalist, broadcaster, author, and public relations
consultant. He maintains a web site at http://ThatPRGuy.com.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - A red light camera ticket given in error to
a driver in Philadelphia is just one of many such reports all
around the country, and motorists are worried that they will be
the next victim of a system that does not work.
A blurry red light camera photo showing a license plate with
numbers that cannot be read was sent to a Coventryville man as
evidence that he went through a traffic light. The ticket
arrived by mail with a photo that did not match the man's car.
It wasn't even the same color, according to a report in the
Philadelphia Inquirer.
The ticket was one of many that have been sent out in error all
around the country by a system that is less than perfect and has
motorists scrambling to find ways to protect themselves from
becoming the next victim.
"Drivers are tired of getting tickets they do not deserve. The
cost in time and money to defend themselves is excessive, so
they would rather use PhotoBlocker (tm) spray to save money by
preventing the unjust tickets. We want our roads to be safe, and
we do not encourage anyone to break the law. But we know how
frustrating it is to get a ticket you do not deserve," explained
Joe Scott of PhotoBlocker.com.
PhotoBlocker (tm) is a simple aerosol spray that when applied to
a license plate does not in any way alter the appearance of the
plate to the naked eye, but the flash picture from a red-light
camera or speed camera makes the number on the plate unreadable.
The incident that happened in Philadelphia is not an isolated
one. Similar reports have appeared in the news around the
country.
A woman in Davenport, Iowa received a similar ticket in error
and tried to appeal her red light ticket twice and was turned
away both times. She gave up work and followed instructions on
the ticket for making an appeal, but was sent home in
frustration.
Millions of people each year receive tickets from red light and
speed cameras, and many complain that those tickets were sent in
error. Most believe that the process of defending themselves is
so challenging and expensive that it is easier to just pay the
fine and move on with life.
How many innocent drivers are getting tickets in error and end
up just paying the fine to avoid the hassle with fighting the
system? There is no way to know, but the man who received the
faulty ticket in Philadelphia sums it up this way:
"If they can do this to me, what about the poor little old lady
that doesn't have the ability to do all this?" he was quoted as
saying in the report.
More and more worried drivers are turning to a very inexpensive,
simple method to prevent most red light and speed cameras.
PhotoBlocker (tm) is considered to be a form of self-defense
against the imperfect red light and speed cameras.
As more and more incidents like these are reported in the media,
the demand for cans of PhotoBlocker (tm) spray continues to
rise. The company reports sales of over 350,000 cans protecting
over 1 million vehicles in 23 countries on six continents. The
product is available from many local distributors, retail
outlets, and over the Internet at www.PhotoBlocker.com .
"We get calls, e-mails and letters from many professionals who
are very happy with the effectiveness of PhotoBlocker spray.
Journalists, doctors, lawyers, firefighters, teachers, and
judges themselves have resorted to using PhotoBlocker spray to
avoid entrapment," said Scott.
About the author:
David M. Bresnahan has more than 30 years experience as a
journalist, broadcaster, author, and public relations
consultant. He maintains a web site at http://ThatPRGuy.com.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Researching used car prices on the Internet
By: Dakota Caudilla
No sooner have you started searching for car prices on the
Internet, your head will be spinning with competitive car prices
and promises of prompt delivery, dedicated customer service
response, and huge discounts. Are all of those promises and
claims to be believed? Your guess is as good as mine, if you
want the truth. But then, there are ways to help you find the
less unscrupulous ones on the Internet and bring you
honest-to-goodness car prices that are well worth your time and
money.
There are tons of car and used car websites where you can
research on car prices on the Internet. Some of the more popular
ones are www.cars.com, www.invoicedealers.com, www.autoweb.com,
www.carsdirect.com, www.edmunds.com, www.autos.com, www.car.com,
and www.autousa.com. These websites are, essentially, websites
that lets car sellers and dealers post their cars and used cars
for sale together with the car prices that they are willing to
sell the car for. Car buyers will log into the website looking
for the car that they want and when the sale goes through, the
car seller and car buyer will perform a transaction and the
website gets a cut and the car seller gets the rest. The car
prices consist of the price of the car, the commission of the
seller and the commission due to the listing website. Well,
that's if we assume that there are no other parties involved in
this transaction. If there are more people stuck in the middle
trying to make a quick buck out of the car sale, the car price
will hike up accordingly.
If you already know the make and model of the car you're
interested to purchase, the only thing left to do is to go to
those car listing website, search through their database, check
out the car prices they have there and compare the car prices
they have with the ones in other websites. Don't forget to
compare the car prices with the local car dealer and used-car
dealer too, just for good measure. You'll be surprised,
sometimes, the local car dealer may have better car prices for
you. if not, perhaps the used car dealer may have a fabulous
deal in store for you with a car with an unbelievable price and
in perfect condition (not the banged-up, knocked-around, and
shabbily fixed-up) kind.
Comparing car prices is important. You can do this with a
spreadsheet like Excel file. This is easy but if you are going
to take your own sweet time researching the car prices, make
sure you mark down the date you extract the prices. Car prices
go up and down faster than you can imagine. Try find car prices
at http://search.ebay.com/car_eBay-Motors_W0QQsacatZ6000
When researching car prices, the more important thing to ensure
is the condition of the car. One of the ways to determine if the
car price is worth it is to take a look at the picture of the
car, if personal examination is not possible at that point in
time. However, pictures can be manipulated. And some pictures
are not genuine, i.e., the picture is not the real car picture
of the car that is for sale. So, be wary, keep in touch with the
seller and if the seller sounds dodgy, dodge him...or her.
About the author:
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla
lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of
http://www.great-car-deals.com on which you will find a longer,
more detailed version of this article.
No sooner have you started searching for car prices on the
Internet, your head will be spinning with competitive car prices
and promises of prompt delivery, dedicated customer service
response, and huge discounts. Are all of those promises and
claims to be believed? Your guess is as good as mine, if you
want the truth. But then, there are ways to help you find the
less unscrupulous ones on the Internet and bring you
honest-to-goodness car prices that are well worth your time and
money.
There are tons of car and used car websites where you can
research on car prices on the Internet. Some of the more popular
ones are www.cars.com, www.invoicedealers.com, www.autoweb.com,
www.carsdirect.com, www.edmunds.com, www.autos.com, www.car.com,
and www.autousa.com. These websites are, essentially, websites
that lets car sellers and dealers post their cars and used cars
for sale together with the car prices that they are willing to
sell the car for. Car buyers will log into the website looking
for the car that they want and when the sale goes through, the
car seller and car buyer will perform a transaction and the
website gets a cut and the car seller gets the rest. The car
prices consist of the price of the car, the commission of the
seller and the commission due to the listing website. Well,
that's if we assume that there are no other parties involved in
this transaction. If there are more people stuck in the middle
trying to make a quick buck out of the car sale, the car price
will hike up accordingly.
If you already know the make and model of the car you're
interested to purchase, the only thing left to do is to go to
those car listing website, search through their database, check
out the car prices they have there and compare the car prices
they have with the ones in other websites. Don't forget to
compare the car prices with the local car dealer and used-car
dealer too, just for good measure. You'll be surprised,
sometimes, the local car dealer may have better car prices for
you. if not, perhaps the used car dealer may have a fabulous
deal in store for you with a car with an unbelievable price and
in perfect condition (not the banged-up, knocked-around, and
shabbily fixed-up) kind.
Comparing car prices is important. You can do this with a
spreadsheet like Excel file. This is easy but if you are going
to take your own sweet time researching the car prices, make
sure you mark down the date you extract the prices. Car prices
go up and down faster than you can imagine. Try find car prices
at http://search.ebay.com/car_eBay-Motors_W0QQsacatZ6000
When researching car prices, the more important thing to ensure
is the condition of the car. One of the ways to determine if the
car price is worth it is to take a look at the picture of the
car, if personal examination is not possible at that point in
time. However, pictures can be manipulated. And some pictures
are not genuine, i.e., the picture is not the real car picture
of the car that is for sale. So, be wary, keep in touch with the
seller and if the seller sounds dodgy, dodge him...or her.
About the author:
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla
lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of
http://www.great-car-deals.com on which you will find a longer,
more detailed version of this article.
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