By: Gregg Hall
Hybrid cars definitely help fight the pollution problem by
reducing emissions.
Hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine with a battery-powered
electric motor. The electric motor kicks in at certain because
of this hybrid engine gets significantly better gas mileage than
a conventional gas engine.
Hybrids consume less gas and produce less pollution per mile
than conventional gasoline engines. Hybrid cars have been on the
market in the United States since 1999, but more and more are
being developed and introduced each year.
The hybrid engine currently sold in the Honda Civic Hybrid gets
10 to 15 miles more per gallon than a regular gas engine in the
same car. The hybrid engine of the Prius, made by Toyota,
produces 90 percent fewer harmful emissions than a comparable
gasoline engine. No doubt about it, these cars are good for the
environment!
Hybrids are more expensive. Just like with any new technology,
you will pay for the privilege of being a pioneer. The hybrid
cars on the market today cost as much as $6000 more per car than
comparable cars with conventional gas engines.
This means that the amount of money you save, or don't save, by
buying a hybrid is very much dependent on gasoline prices and
also depends upon how long you intend to keep the vehicle.
If you are the type person who trades every two years you may
very well not benefit from the savings. If gas is priced at
$1.80 per gallon (we wish), it could take the average driver
(15,000 miles per year) between 10 and 15 years to amortize the
$3500 increase in the initial price.
If gas prices stay the way they are at the time of this writing
in October, 2005 you will realize savings much more quickly.
The Federal government is still offering tax breaks to buyers of
hybrid cars through 2006. The amount of the tax break you are
able to claim depends on the year in which you file and the tax
bracket you're in. Some individual states also offer tax breaks
for hybrid buyers. So maybe being an environmentalist has its
tax advantages.
About the author:
Gregg Hall has been in the automotive industry for over 20 years
including owning and managing several dealerships. Ge the auto parts you need
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
How To Protect Your Car From Rust?
By: Gregg Hall
Next to our homes, our vehicles are the next biggest investment
we make. Some of the cars, trucks, and SUVs today cost more than
some homes! Therefore, we want to protect them from the ravages
of the environment such as rust. Certain problems are
inevitable, but rust is one that can be prevented.
Some of the areas of vehicles that are most affected by rust are
body panels including doors, fenders, the hood, and tailgate.
The reason for this is that they inherently have areas that
retain moisture. Depending upon the model of vehicle, there are
many other areas that can retain moisture as well. Certain cars
retain more moisture just due to the way they are designed, so
you have to be especially careful and vigilant with them.
Some factors that you have no control over include the
environment in which you live. If you live in a coastal area you
are exposed to more salt air for example. If you live in an area
where there is snow and ice on the road, the authorities usually
use salt on the roads which can result in rust on your car's
undercarriage.
When you find yourself in these types of environments you must
wash your car more frequently. I recommend washing your car down
weekly if you are in an area with salty roads or if you are
living so near the coast that you get a salty film on your car.
Here are some overall tips for rust prevention that will go a
long way to helping you to prevent rust formation on your
vehicle:
1. Keep your car clean and coated with a finish protectant at
all times.
2. Keep the underneath of your car rinsed continually when you
are in an area where a lot of salt is present as mentioned above.
3. Keep your tires and wheels clean and polished and free from
moisture holding material like leaves.
4. Make sure any drainage holes in the frame, floor, and the
bottoms of the doors so that any moisture can get out.
5. Always open your doors after washing your car to allow any
accumulated water to drain out.
Remember this, rust proofing only helps with new vehicles. If
you try to do it on a pre-owned vehicle you may trap dirt and
moisture and increase the risk of rust.
About the author:
Gregg Hall has over 20 years experience in the automotive
industry including managing and owning several dealerships. He
recommends these car care
products
Next to our homes, our vehicles are the next biggest investment
we make. Some of the cars, trucks, and SUVs today cost more than
some homes! Therefore, we want to protect them from the ravages
of the environment such as rust. Certain problems are
inevitable, but rust is one that can be prevented.
Some of the areas of vehicles that are most affected by rust are
body panels including doors, fenders, the hood, and tailgate.
The reason for this is that they inherently have areas that
retain moisture. Depending upon the model of vehicle, there are
many other areas that can retain moisture as well. Certain cars
retain more moisture just due to the way they are designed, so
you have to be especially careful and vigilant with them.
Some factors that you have no control over include the
environment in which you live. If you live in a coastal area you
are exposed to more salt air for example. If you live in an area
where there is snow and ice on the road, the authorities usually
use salt on the roads which can result in rust on your car's
undercarriage.
When you find yourself in these types of environments you must
wash your car more frequently. I recommend washing your car down
weekly if you are in an area with salty roads or if you are
living so near the coast that you get a salty film on your car.
Here are some overall tips for rust prevention that will go a
long way to helping you to prevent rust formation on your
vehicle:
1. Keep your car clean and coated with a finish protectant at
all times.
2. Keep the underneath of your car rinsed continually when you
are in an area where a lot of salt is present as mentioned above.
3. Keep your tires and wheels clean and polished and free from
moisture holding material like leaves.
4. Make sure any drainage holes in the frame, floor, and the
bottoms of the doors so that any moisture can get out.
5. Always open your doors after washing your car to allow any
accumulated water to drain out.
Remember this, rust proofing only helps with new vehicles. If
you try to do it on a pre-owned vehicle you may trap dirt and
moisture and increase the risk of rust.
About the author:
Gregg Hall has over 20 years experience in the automotive
industry including managing and owning several dealerships. He
recommends these car care
products
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Car Care Tips - How to Keep Your Car in Immaculate Condition
By: Paul MacIver
There are several things you must do to keep your car in
immaculate condition and retain its value. Apart from regular
mechanical servicing and maintenance, your car must also be
groomed regularly to keep it looking like new. This means more
than simply putting it through the carwash each week. Although
it takes a bit longer, you'll find that hand grooming your car
achieves a far better result. There's no need to spend a lot of
money on car care products, however you will need to buy a few.
These are some tips I use every time I clean my car.
Exterior
Rinse your car down to get rid of excess dirt, and then wash it
with a sponge and soapy water. Once you've washed the whole car,
rinse it off and then dry it with a soft cloth. If you don't dry
your car afterwards, water droplets gather dust, and when they
dry out, you're left with many spots all over the body of the
car. This is especially noticeable with dark colored cars.
Every month or so you should use a bug and tar removal product
on the body of your car. There are many of these types of
products available at most car care stores. A great product to
go for is one which removes bugs, tar and other spots, while
polishing the car's surface at the same time.
Polishing and waxing your car regularly maintains the "shiny
look" and also protects the paint from being damaged by the sun.
Always clean the wheels and shine the tires. If your car has
alloy wheels, dirt shows up more easily and makes them look
dull. You can buy wheel cleaning products which remove the build
up of brake dust, but if you clean them each time you wash your
car, you should only need to use water and a cloth. When shining
the tires, I always use a spray-on tire shine which is quick and
easy to use. This not only keeps them looking like new, but
protects them from the sun and makes the whole car look
magnificent.
For other external areas, use a surface protecting product which
is designed to protect rubber, vinyl and plastic from the sun's
UV rays. This can be used on bumpers, rubber seals around doors
and windows, and for the interior as well.
Interior
Purchase some car seat covers to protect your seats from getting
worn out. They can easily be taken off and washed once in a
while. I vacuum the seats and carpet every time I clean my car.
Dirt and grit which falls deep into the carpet causes it to wear
out quickly, so regular vacuuming is the best way to prevent
this. Buying a set of floor mats will keep the majority of dirt
from getting into your carpet.
Clean the inside of your car's windows with a glass cleaning
product and a soft cloth. I use a normal household glass
cleaning spray for this and it seems to do the job. When
cleaning the dashboard and other interior surfaces, be careful
you don't use a product that will damage them. Some vinyl and
plastic surfaces can be ruined simply by using the wrong product
when cleaning. Once cleaned, you can use a surface protecting
spray on these areas also.
When you aren't using your car, park it in the garage. This not
only keeps it out of the weather, but also prevents it from
getting dirty. If you don't have access to a garage, consider
buying a car cover. Protecting your car from the weather as much
as possible will ensure it remains immaculate.
For info on vehicle
covers, auto accessories, or car seat covers visit
the Auto
Accessories website.
There are several things you must do to keep your car in
immaculate condition and retain its value. Apart from regular
mechanical servicing and maintenance, your car must also be
groomed regularly to keep it looking like new. This means more
than simply putting it through the carwash each week. Although
it takes a bit longer, you'll find that hand grooming your car
achieves a far better result. There's no need to spend a lot of
money on car care products, however you will need to buy a few.
These are some tips I use every time I clean my car.
Exterior
Rinse your car down to get rid of excess dirt, and then wash it
with a sponge and soapy water. Once you've washed the whole car,
rinse it off and then dry it with a soft cloth. If you don't dry
your car afterwards, water droplets gather dust, and when they
dry out, you're left with many spots all over the body of the
car. This is especially noticeable with dark colored cars.
Every month or so you should use a bug and tar removal product
on the body of your car. There are many of these types of
products available at most car care stores. A great product to
go for is one which removes bugs, tar and other spots, while
polishing the car's surface at the same time.
Polishing and waxing your car regularly maintains the "shiny
look" and also protects the paint from being damaged by the sun.
Always clean the wheels and shine the tires. If your car has
alloy wheels, dirt shows up more easily and makes them look
dull. You can buy wheel cleaning products which remove the build
up of brake dust, but if you clean them each time you wash your
car, you should only need to use water and a cloth. When shining
the tires, I always use a spray-on tire shine which is quick and
easy to use. This not only keeps them looking like new, but
protects them from the sun and makes the whole car look
magnificent.
For other external areas, use a surface protecting product which
is designed to protect rubber, vinyl and plastic from the sun's
UV rays. This can be used on bumpers, rubber seals around doors
and windows, and for the interior as well.
Interior
Purchase some car seat covers to protect your seats from getting
worn out. They can easily be taken off and washed once in a
while. I vacuum the seats and carpet every time I clean my car.
Dirt and grit which falls deep into the carpet causes it to wear
out quickly, so regular vacuuming is the best way to prevent
this. Buying a set of floor mats will keep the majority of dirt
from getting into your carpet.
Clean the inside of your car's windows with a glass cleaning
product and a soft cloth. I use a normal household glass
cleaning spray for this and it seems to do the job. When
cleaning the dashboard and other interior surfaces, be careful
you don't use a product that will damage them. Some vinyl and
plastic surfaces can be ruined simply by using the wrong product
when cleaning. Once cleaned, you can use a surface protecting
spray on these areas also.
When you aren't using your car, park it in the garage. This not
only keeps it out of the weather, but also prevents it from
getting dirty. If you don't have access to a garage, consider
buying a car cover. Protecting your car from the weather as much
as possible will ensure it remains immaculate.
For info on vehicle
covers, auto accessories, or car seat covers visit
the Auto
Accessories website.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Attention Motorheads
A little change of pace. Here's a nice article defending gas guzzlers.
As A Motor Head
By David Atkin
As a motor head, I spend a lot of time studying my favorite thing, and that is muscle cars, I love them right to the end, and I don’t think anything can or should ever take them away from us, all these people that don’t see the use of the muscle cars or what they did for the automotive industry, I’m about to explain what they did, and will still do for the industry.
The first point that I will make here is simply this, the automotive manufactures use racing to test the durability and strength of their cars, they didn’t just build these cars on a whim, they were planed and thought out very carefully, racing is used to innovate new ideas for the safety and comfort of the people driving the car.
The competition makes the motor companies continue to develop better and better cars every year, it helps them make new metal alloys designed for strength and longevity, it help the oil companies make advances in their product that will ultimately help our cars last longer and run better.
Form racing the motor companies will build better suspension and steering components to help your car handle better and ride smoother, it will help you to feel your car better so you can know what’s on the road before it has a chance to hurt you or your car.
Racing is not just about the good old boys going out to have some fun on the weekend, although you can bet they do have fun driving their cars, especially when their in the winner circle in the end, the idea of racing cars is here to serve a purpose, and that purpose is to help keep you safe, and behind the wheel of your car, rather then in the back of an ambulance.
It’s obvious what one of the other this that racing does is, and that is to help promote the car companies products, because you know everybody likes a winner, so therefore it does help promote the sales of cars.
But you can bet without racing, the cars that we drive would not be anywhere near as safe as they are, so while those of you with limited thinking are out there saying that racing is just a waste of gas and time, I’ll bet you like all the neat things that it does for your cars, and the safety of the passengers in them, and no the imports don’t do it better then we do.
You have no idea how many times I’ve heard that all muscle cars are is gas guzzling dinosaurs that should be eliminated from the entire automotive world, and I guess it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around, but this just proves to me that a lot of people are nothing but idiots.
David C. Atkin
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Atkin
As A Motor Head
By David Atkin
As a motor head, I spend a lot of time studying my favorite thing, and that is muscle cars, I love them right to the end, and I don’t think anything can or should ever take them away from us, all these people that don’t see the use of the muscle cars or what they did for the automotive industry, I’m about to explain what they did, and will still do for the industry.
The first point that I will make here is simply this, the automotive manufactures use racing to test the durability and strength of their cars, they didn’t just build these cars on a whim, they were planed and thought out very carefully, racing is used to innovate new ideas for the safety and comfort of the people driving the car.
The competition makes the motor companies continue to develop better and better cars every year, it helps them make new metal alloys designed for strength and longevity, it help the oil companies make advances in their product that will ultimately help our cars last longer and run better.
Form racing the motor companies will build better suspension and steering components to help your car handle better and ride smoother, it will help you to feel your car better so you can know what’s on the road before it has a chance to hurt you or your car.
Racing is not just about the good old boys going out to have some fun on the weekend, although you can bet they do have fun driving their cars, especially when their in the winner circle in the end, the idea of racing cars is here to serve a purpose, and that purpose is to help keep you safe, and behind the wheel of your car, rather then in the back of an ambulance.
It’s obvious what one of the other this that racing does is, and that is to help promote the car companies products, because you know everybody likes a winner, so therefore it does help promote the sales of cars.
But you can bet without racing, the cars that we drive would not be anywhere near as safe as they are, so while those of you with limited thinking are out there saying that racing is just a waste of gas and time, I’ll bet you like all the neat things that it does for your cars, and the safety of the passengers in them, and no the imports don’t do it better then we do.
You have no idea how many times I’ve heard that all muscle cars are is gas guzzling dinosaurs that should be eliminated from the entire automotive world, and I guess it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around, but this just proves to me that a lot of people are nothing but idiots.
David C. Atkin
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Atkin
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Auto Parts Advice
Auto Parts Advice
By Michael Russell
If you are in need of difficult to find auto parts, the Internet is a resource that should not be overlooked. In fact, many auto part dealers sell various parts online and for those individuals having a hard time finding the right thing, this particular fact may seem like a blessing. No longer will consumers be forced to scour the nearest junk yard in hopes of funding used parts, now, thanks to the advent of the Internet, consumers can purchase their products from an online dealer.
What kinds of car parts are offered online? You may be pleasantly surprised by the diversity. Car part dealers allow web customers to search for parts by make and model of the vehicle. They also provide full online catalogues for browsing. Moreover, consumers can even search for special tools and equipment that they may need to install the parts they are searching for.
Conveniently, car part dealers online will list store locaters so that you can visit their nearest store and pick up the part you require. Parts are sold for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and all sorts of recreational vehicles. Moreover, you can easily purchase repair manuals from auto parts dealers online and get all the instructions you require to properly install they parts you purchase.
When you order your car parts online you can choose next day delivery and have your parts in 24 hours. Of course, you will be required to pay additional shipping and handling fees, but for those hard to find parts the additional cost is really inconsequential. Alternatively, if you can afford to wait a bit you can have to parts delivered standard delivery and save yourself some money when it comes time to pay shipping and handling fees.
Replacement parts, accessories, tools, equipment, performance parts, chemicals, and fluids can all be purchased from car part dealers on the World Wide Web. All you need to do is visit one or more websites and conduct a site search or begin browsing the site's offerings. Thus, online parts dealers allow you to shop from the comfort of home and you don't have to waste your precious time shopping around the local parts stores in your neighborhood.
Looking for some automotive advice? Auto parts websites supply articles and question answer sessions for every individual looking for repair or maintenance advice. Do you need advice from a professional repair man? Find and locate a variety of automotive professionals from any number of parts websites. Thus, the various parts websites that are accessible via the Internet serve as a resource for the automotive owner and the home mechanic.
Now that you know you can easily get parts online, why shop anywhere else? Clearance deals and fantastic sales are frequently offered by automotive part dealers and distributors online. Moreover, you have a better chance of finding the part you desire with a resource as big as the Internet at your fingertips! Good luck and be sure to have fun - check out all of the car accessories - you may find something you really like.
-------------------------------------------------------
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Auto Parts
-------------------------------------------------------
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Driving Essentials : Tips For Driving In The Snow
By: Justin Brown
Whether you are a driver that has recently passed, or an
experienced driver, travelling in the snow can greatly affect
the way you need to drive the car and also how your car behaves.
Regardless of whether your car has the best braking system
available, it is often not the car brakes that will cause an
accident in such conditions, but the lack of grip between the
road surface and the tyres. This is fairly apparent,
nevertheless many people believe that their vehicle is safer to
driver in snow as it is high-performance or has the latest
stability control technology, which may not be the case.
The cornering ability of the car is almost non-existent, and it
may feel like you can not control the vehicle and might slide
sideways slightly. It is essential to remain focused and refrain
from any sudden braking, sharp acceleration, and travelling at
high speeds. Be aware of what is around you and allow plenty of
time to react to any situation, such as moving traffic. Before
reaching the turn, ensure that you have slowed down long before
taking the corner, and also make certain that you do so in a
straight line so that you avoid loss of control.
When pulling away from a stand-still; try and do so a higher
gear such as in second as opposed to first. This will limit the
degree of wheel spin you could encounter. Likewise, whilst
travelling, drive in as high a gear as possible to also limit
wheel spin.
A remarkable point to make is that most drivers, however
experienced they are at driving in typical conditions, will in
fact have driven fewer miles in the snow than they will have in
normal driving conditions when they were learning to drive. This
shows the amount of drivers on the road that may be unproven
drivers in snow.
When braking, avoid any sudden slowing down as this will cause
the car to skid if you are on ice or snow. Should you find
yourself skidding, release your foot from the brake and reapply
(you may remember this from your driving lessons, although with
ABS technology doing this for you in the dry, this may not have
been the case). Additionally, you can also use the gears to help
slow down the vehicle somewhat. Change to a lower gear carefully
and allow the engine help the car lessen its speed.
Although there is a lot to consider when driving in the snow, it
is also highly important that you bear in mind that other
drivers may not be experienced in the snow. Consequently, do not
assume that other drivers are going to do something; in other
words, expect the unexpected. One example would be to assume
that a driver is going to stop and give way whilst you are
manoeuvring around a roundabout, although this may not occur if
the driver has not applied their brakes early enough.
Importantly, before setting off on your journey, consider the
following: - Do you have to take the journey, and if you do can
it wait until the roads are clear? - Do you have a mobile phone
with you in case of an emergency? - Have you informed someone of
where you are going? - Have you checked that your destination is
accessible by road? - Do you have a blanket or appropriate
clothing in case you become stranded in traffic?
About the author:
Justin Brown is the owner of the site http://www.idealauto.co.uk
where you can find information on a variety of automobile
related subjects, and also sell any used cars in the UK.
Whether you are a driver that has recently passed, or an
experienced driver, travelling in the snow can greatly affect
the way you need to drive the car and also how your car behaves.
Regardless of whether your car has the best braking system
available, it is often not the car brakes that will cause an
accident in such conditions, but the lack of grip between the
road surface and the tyres. This is fairly apparent,
nevertheless many people believe that their vehicle is safer to
driver in snow as it is high-performance or has the latest
stability control technology, which may not be the case.
The cornering ability of the car is almost non-existent, and it
may feel like you can not control the vehicle and might slide
sideways slightly. It is essential to remain focused and refrain
from any sudden braking, sharp acceleration, and travelling at
high speeds. Be aware of what is around you and allow plenty of
time to react to any situation, such as moving traffic. Before
reaching the turn, ensure that you have slowed down long before
taking the corner, and also make certain that you do so in a
straight line so that you avoid loss of control.
When pulling away from a stand-still; try and do so a higher
gear such as in second as opposed to first. This will limit the
degree of wheel spin you could encounter. Likewise, whilst
travelling, drive in as high a gear as possible to also limit
wheel spin.
A remarkable point to make is that most drivers, however
experienced they are at driving in typical conditions, will in
fact have driven fewer miles in the snow than they will have in
normal driving conditions when they were learning to drive. This
shows the amount of drivers on the road that may be unproven
drivers in snow.
When braking, avoid any sudden slowing down as this will cause
the car to skid if you are on ice or snow. Should you find
yourself skidding, release your foot from the brake and reapply
(you may remember this from your driving lessons, although with
ABS technology doing this for you in the dry, this may not have
been the case). Additionally, you can also use the gears to help
slow down the vehicle somewhat. Change to a lower gear carefully
and allow the engine help the car lessen its speed.
Although there is a lot to consider when driving in the snow, it
is also highly important that you bear in mind that other
drivers may not be experienced in the snow. Consequently, do not
assume that other drivers are going to do something; in other
words, expect the unexpected. One example would be to assume
that a driver is going to stop and give way whilst you are
manoeuvring around a roundabout, although this may not occur if
the driver has not applied their brakes early enough.
Importantly, before setting off on your journey, consider the
following: - Do you have to take the journey, and if you do can
it wait until the roads are clear? - Do you have a mobile phone
with you in case of an emergency? - Have you informed someone of
where you are going? - Have you checked that your destination is
accessible by road? - Do you have a blanket or appropriate
clothing in case you become stranded in traffic?
About the author:
Justin Brown is the owner of the site http://www.idealauto.co.uk
where you can find information on a variety of automobile
related subjects, and also sell any used cars in the UK.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Auto Service Contracts: What You Need to Know
By: Cat Tobin
During the car buying process, your dealer may try to talk you
into additional extras and services. One, in particular, is an
auto service contract. Though they aren't necessarily required,
many car buyers feel enticed into buying one in order to protect
themselves against unforeseen circumstances, such as expensive
car repairs.
In general, auto service contracts pledge that the responsible
agency, usually the car dealer, will provide the necessary
services or repairs that the contract holder is entitled to.
When it comes time to make a decision about an auto service
contract, these are the factors you need to consider:
1. Be aware of the terms and conditions stipulated in the auto
service contract. Make sure you're clear as to what services and
repairs are included, and which are not.
2. You should know exactly who will be performing the required
services. Will the car dealership be making the repairs or
performing all services onsite? Or, do they outsource it to a
third party?
3. You should find out the reputation of the company repairing
or servicing your vehicle. How long have they been in business?
Have any complaints been filed against them?
Finally, the most important thing to consider is the cost of the
auto service contract. Will it be money well spent?
If it's a brand new car, or one still under the manufacturer's
warranty, is the added expense really economical?
Would it be cheaper to pay for any mechanical problems yourself
should they come up before the warranty expires? Or, would it be
cheaper to have regular maintenance performed by your regular
mechanic?
These are important factors that should be taken into
consideration before purchasing any auto service contract.
About the author:
My Free "Car Buyer's Guide" Could Save You Thousands. Get Yours
Today! http://www.autoa
uctionfinder.com/carguide
How Much Could You Save With Auto Auctions? Begin Your Local
Auto Auction Search at http://www.autoauc
tionfinder.com/search
During the car buying process, your dealer may try to talk you
into additional extras and services. One, in particular, is an
auto service contract. Though they aren't necessarily required,
many car buyers feel enticed into buying one in order to protect
themselves against unforeseen circumstances, such as expensive
car repairs.
In general, auto service contracts pledge that the responsible
agency, usually the car dealer, will provide the necessary
services or repairs that the contract holder is entitled to.
When it comes time to make a decision about an auto service
contract, these are the factors you need to consider:
1. Be aware of the terms and conditions stipulated in the auto
service contract. Make sure you're clear as to what services and
repairs are included, and which are not.
2. You should know exactly who will be performing the required
services. Will the car dealership be making the repairs or
performing all services onsite? Or, do they outsource it to a
third party?
3. You should find out the reputation of the company repairing
or servicing your vehicle. How long have they been in business?
Have any complaints been filed against them?
Finally, the most important thing to consider is the cost of the
auto service contract. Will it be money well spent?
If it's a brand new car, or one still under the manufacturer's
warranty, is the added expense really economical?
Would it be cheaper to pay for any mechanical problems yourself
should they come up before the warranty expires? Or, would it be
cheaper to have regular maintenance performed by your regular
mechanic?
These are important factors that should be taken into
consideration before purchasing any auto service contract.
About the author:
My Free "Car Buyer's Guide" Could Save You Thousands. Get Yours
Today! http://www.autoa
uctionfinder.com/carguide
How Much Could You Save With Auto Auctions? Begin Your Local
Auto Auction Search at http://www.autoauc
tionfinder.com/search
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Should You Buy An Automotive Extended Service Contract?
By: Jerry Christopher
The decision to purchase an extended service contract or
mechanical break down policy as they are sometimes called is a
decision that has many variables. Depending on the age of the
vehicle, the usage, how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle
for are just a few questions that need to be considered.
If you look online, some of these so called guru's who write
scam pieces will tell you--Don't Buy--it's a scam. I whole
heartily disagree with their opinions, I question if they have
real world knowledge and experience to begin with. If they did,
then I firmly believe their opinion would be other wise.
The scam comes when you are charged outrageous and inflated
prices for an extended service contract, they are not cheap to
begin with, but those who exasperate the cost are the ones who
are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Or perhaps even
requiring you to purchase as a condition of buying the vehicle,
you should never be forced to buy under any circumstances.
With automotive repair labor rates ranging easily up to $100.00
per hour or more, it doesn't take a huge repair to cost you
major bucks, and with the electronics and technologies of
today's automobiles, parts prices are equally as expensive.
During my 26 years in the automotive service industry, I can
recall countless and numerous times where customers wished that
they had purchased, and those that did were glad they made such
a sound financial decision.
Consider the following examples of repair cost:
Air Conditioner Repairs can easily cost $1500.00 for compressor
replacements. Transmission Overhaul or Replacements--$3000.00
Water Pump replacements--$600.00 Power Steering Pumps and
Steering Gears--$600-$2000.00
However, don't be mislead into believing a mechanical break down
policy covers every nut and bolt on the vehicle, there are
variables and different kinds of policies as well. Some cover
seals and gaskets, wear and tear items, consequential damages
etc and others don't. Be aware of what it does and does not
cover before buying, this will save you a lot of grief in the
event you have a mechanical failure.
It is a major decision, and one that requires weighing the
advantages and disadvantages. My personal and professional
opinion is that if you are going to use the vehicle on a daily
basis, you plan on keeping for 2 years or more after the
original factory warranty has expired, then you should purchase
the extra protection.
It is after all, like an insurance policy, you hope that you
don't have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind in
the event that you have to have an expensive repair.
About the author:
Jerry Christopher/Owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offers a new
and innovative training course teaching you "How To Buy A Used
Car The Right Way"
The decision to purchase an extended service contract or
mechanical break down policy as they are sometimes called is a
decision that has many variables. Depending on the age of the
vehicle, the usage, how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle
for are just a few questions that need to be considered.
If you look online, some of these so called guru's who write
scam pieces will tell you--Don't Buy--it's a scam. I whole
heartily disagree with their opinions, I question if they have
real world knowledge and experience to begin with. If they did,
then I firmly believe their opinion would be other wise.
The scam comes when you are charged outrageous and inflated
prices for an extended service contract, they are not cheap to
begin with, but those who exasperate the cost are the ones who
are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Or perhaps even
requiring you to purchase as a condition of buying the vehicle,
you should never be forced to buy under any circumstances.
With automotive repair labor rates ranging easily up to $100.00
per hour or more, it doesn't take a huge repair to cost you
major bucks, and with the electronics and technologies of
today's automobiles, parts prices are equally as expensive.
During my 26 years in the automotive service industry, I can
recall countless and numerous times where customers wished that
they had purchased, and those that did were glad they made such
a sound financial decision.
Consider the following examples of repair cost:
Air Conditioner Repairs can easily cost $1500.00 for compressor
replacements. Transmission Overhaul or Replacements--$3000.00
Water Pump replacements--$600.00 Power Steering Pumps and
Steering Gears--$600-$2000.00
However, don't be mislead into believing a mechanical break down
policy covers every nut and bolt on the vehicle, there are
variables and different kinds of policies as well. Some cover
seals and gaskets, wear and tear items, consequential damages
etc and others don't. Be aware of what it does and does not
cover before buying, this will save you a lot of grief in the
event you have a mechanical failure.
It is a major decision, and one that requires weighing the
advantages and disadvantages. My personal and professional
opinion is that if you are going to use the vehicle on a daily
basis, you plan on keeping for 2 years or more after the
original factory warranty has expired, then you should purchase
the extra protection.
It is after all, like an insurance policy, you hope that you
don't have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind in
the event that you have to have an expensive repair.
About the author:
Jerry Christopher/Owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offers a new
and innovative training course teaching you "How To Buy A Used
Car The Right Way"
Monday, January 16, 2006
Best Buy Used Car Tips: When it pays to be Meticulous
By: Jerry Christopher
Nowadays, more and more people are enticed to buy used cars.
With so many financial choices available and cars "living
longer," many people just opt to buy used cars.
In fact, many smart consumers contend that buying used cars is
just the same as buying new ones if the buyer knows how to buy
used cars.
So, to help those who wish to buy a car but cannot afford a new
one, here are some of the best tips that can be implemented when
buying a used car.
1. Research
It is extremely important for an individual to conduct some
research when buying used cars. In this way, the buyer will be
able to know the ideal make and model to buy, the kind of
performance to seeks, and the prices of used cars in the market.
Moreover, the risk of buying used cars is lessened if the buyer
knows the important details to consider when buying used cars.
2. Check the cars history
The car's history will definitely provide the buyer some solid
information regarding the performances, repairs, and problems of
the car. So if you CAN discover some history it would be to your
advantage. In this way, the buyer will be able to compare and
differentiate one car from the other. There are instances
wherein used cars are being sold because of some past accidents
or negative experiences. Buyers might consider more if the car
he or she is about to buy has a history like this one.
3. Check the safety features
What more can you expect with a used car but it does not
necessarily mean that the buyer will neglect the availability of
safety features in the car.
By all means, an ideal car must possess safety features, whether
it is old or new. According to some reports, almost 80% of the
accidents are heightened because safety features are not
available in the car.
4. Buyers should be wary about the documents that are included
when buying used cars.
Buyers should be sure that the car is not stolen, there are no
liens on the vehicle, and that the one who signed on the "Bill
of Sale" is the true vendor and the possessor of the property.
5. Before buying a used car, it is best to meticulously inspect
the overall condition of the car first. Buyers should be wary of
any rust or damage; the tires should be checked, etc.
Indeed, buying a used car can be very tedious. Nevertheless, it
will give the buyer some satisfaction and assurance that what he
or she has bought is a good buy.
About the author:
Jerry Christopher/Owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offers a new
and innovative training course teaching the average consumer
"How To Buy A Used Car The Right Way"
Nowadays, more and more people are enticed to buy used cars.
With so many financial choices available and cars "living
longer," many people just opt to buy used cars.
In fact, many smart consumers contend that buying used cars is
just the same as buying new ones if the buyer knows how to buy
used cars.
So, to help those who wish to buy a car but cannot afford a new
one, here are some of the best tips that can be implemented when
buying a used car.
1. Research
It is extremely important for an individual to conduct some
research when buying used cars. In this way, the buyer will be
able to know the ideal make and model to buy, the kind of
performance to seeks, and the prices of used cars in the market.
Moreover, the risk of buying used cars is lessened if the buyer
knows the important details to consider when buying used cars.
2. Check the cars history
The car's history will definitely provide the buyer some solid
information regarding the performances, repairs, and problems of
the car. So if you CAN discover some history it would be to your
advantage. In this way, the buyer will be able to compare and
differentiate one car from the other. There are instances
wherein used cars are being sold because of some past accidents
or negative experiences. Buyers might consider more if the car
he or she is about to buy has a history like this one.
3. Check the safety features
What more can you expect with a used car but it does not
necessarily mean that the buyer will neglect the availability of
safety features in the car.
By all means, an ideal car must possess safety features, whether
it is old or new. According to some reports, almost 80% of the
accidents are heightened because safety features are not
available in the car.
4. Buyers should be wary about the documents that are included
when buying used cars.
Buyers should be sure that the car is not stolen, there are no
liens on the vehicle, and that the one who signed on the "Bill
of Sale" is the true vendor and the possessor of the property.
5. Before buying a used car, it is best to meticulously inspect
the overall condition of the car first. Buyers should be wary of
any rust or damage; the tires should be checked, etc.
Indeed, buying a used car can be very tedious. Nevertheless, it
will give the buyer some satisfaction and assurance that what he
or she has bought is a good buy.
About the author:
Jerry Christopher/Owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offers a new
and innovative training course teaching the average consumer
"How To Buy A Used Car The Right Way"
Saturday, January 14, 2006
How To Buy Your Dream Car And Avoid Car Dealers' Dirty Tricks
By: Amit Laufer
Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our
home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our
life.
There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste
and style, our economic status and our character. Some women
even claim that a car is a man's extension of his reproductive
organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out
there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by
choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice
them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they "fall in
love" with a certain car model.
There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on
the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of
the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats
the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.
In our modern life it's almost impossible to function without
one and it's expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.
Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique
smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a
brand new car is a great feeling.
When is the best time to buy a new car?
There are two "best times" to buy a car. The end of December is
a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out
buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of
customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end
sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October
as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space
for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be
$1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!
How and where to search for prices:
Invoice price - what the dealer pays the manufacturer - has
become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer's
need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere
between sticker and invoice.
Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and
in most cases their buying tools automatically add
option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the
process.
Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate
summation of a car's value, which immediately puts him or her in
a stronger negotiating position.
Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective
buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various
parts of the country. http://www.Edmunds.com/
for example, reveals the True Market Value: http://www.CarsDirect.com/,
which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed
CarsDirect price http://www.Intellichoice.com/ sorts out the Best Deals of the Month.
The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:
After you made your research via the Internet, it's important
you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some
written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the
car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between
several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.
You would be much better off selling your old car yourself
rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer
will have to earn some money on it as well.
Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car
is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership
arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained
sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of
tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.
There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales
courses, it's called "throwing a lowball", in this tactic a
customer is offered a very good price on a car, Perhaps as much
as $500 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not
genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to
buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the
decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out,
extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows,
customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice
they have now made.
Then something happens. All of a sudden an "error" in the
calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to
add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer
insists on having it, then $500 must be added to the price...
The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they
let the bank handling the financing find the "mistake", other
times the boss is not approving the deal because "we'd be losing
money". They make it look as if it's not that big mistake as
it's a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and
as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.
The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to
make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries
to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a
different vehicle, just say "no" and go somewhere else.
If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers
scams and how to avoid them go to: http://www.carbuyingt
ips.com/scams.htm
Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in
which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into
extras you don't want and probably don't need. These can include
added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust
proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection,
anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.
Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the
car, looking for scratches or dents; anything that mars the
perfect finish. If you're not happy, get a written agreement
(known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later
return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.
About the author:
MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University.
Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University
- C.W Post Campus. Hobby: Photography & Cars. Married with two
Children. Owner Editor of: http://www.Cars-I-Like.com
Buying a car is usually our second biggest investment after our
home purchase and most of us will do it more than once in our
life.
There is something emotional about cars, it represents our taste
and style, our economic status and our character. Some women
even claim that a car is a man's extension of his reproductive
organ. One the other hand (the good hand) there are women out
there that might express their exhibitionism and extravagance by
choosing to drive a red flashy car for the whole world to notice
them. Both sexes would agree they sometimes feel they "fall in
love" with a certain car model.
There are people who get very existed from a small scratch on
the cars lower side, as if it were their own skin. The beauty of
the car, its aerodynamics shape, the gadgets inside, the seats
the feel of it all play a major part in our decision making.
In our modern life it's almost impossible to function without
one and it's expensive to acquire, to finance and to maintain.
Buying a new car is a lot of fun, the new car has its unique
smell no doubt about it, the very fact you can afford to own a
brand new car is a great feeling.
When is the best time to buy a new car?
There are two "best times" to buy a car. The end of December is
a good time for car buyers to buy a new car. Everyone is out
buying Christmas gifts, leaving new car dealer lots void of
customers, motivating dealers to cut costs, and break year end
sales records. Another good time to buy a car is July to October
as new car dealers sell off cars at low prices to clear space
for new car models. Secret factory to dealer incentives can be
$1000-$6000 in addition to new car consumer rebates!
How and where to search for prices:
Invoice price - what the dealer pays the manufacturer - has
become the real negotiating point. Allowing for the dealer's
need to make a profit, the price you pay should be somewhere
between sticker and invoice.
Virtually all car buying sites on the Internet show invoice and
in most cases their buying tools automatically add
option/package invoice amounts as you work your way through the
process.
Any car buyer, with very little effort, can get an accurate
summation of a car's value, which immediately puts him or her in
a stronger negotiating position.
Happily for the consumer, the Internet now allows a prospective
buyer to uncover market conditions at any moment in various
parts of the country. http://www.Edmunds.com/
for example, reveals the True Market Value: http://www.CarsDirect.com/,
which sells cars online, has its own version called Guaranteed
CarsDirect price http://www.Intellichoice.com/ sorts out the Best Deals of the Month.
The negotiation phase and the dirty tricks:
After you made your research via the Internet, it's important
you make some phone calls to car dealers and ask for some
written offers to be sent to you via the fax or email for the
car of your dreams. That way, you can compare prices between
several dealers without being pressured by a salesperson.
You would be much better off selling your old car yourself
rather than to trade it in through the dealer because the dealer
will have to earn some money on it as well.
Remember, everything is a negotiable, car too. Buying a new car
is tricky from the moment you step into the car dealership
arena, you might be manipulated by scam artists, well trained
sales persons that will use every trick in their fat book of
tricks to extort every last Dollar out of your bank account.
There is one well known trick they teach in car dealers sales
courses, it's called "throwing a lowball", in this tactic a
customer is offered a very good price on a car, Perhaps as much
as $500 below competitors prices. The good deal, however, is not
genuine, its only purpose is to cause a prospect to decide to
buy at this dealership and not from the other dealers. Once the
decision is made a raft of purchase forms are filled out,
extensive financial terms are arranged. The dealer knows,
customers develop a range of new reasons to support the choice
they have now made.
Then something happens. All of a sudden an "error" in the
calculations is discovered, It might be the salesman forgot to
add in the cost of the air conditioner and if the customer
insists on having it, then $500 must be added to the price...
The cover up operation is played sophistically, some times they
let the bank handling the financing find the "mistake", other
times the boss is not approving the deal because "we'd be losing
money". They make it look as if it's not that big mistake as
it's a relatively small percentage of the price of the car and
as they stress out it only brings it to be equal to competitors.
The impressive thing about the lowball tactic is its ability to
make a person feel pleased with a poor choice. If anyone tries
to change the originally-quoted terms or talk you into buying a
different vehicle, just say "no" and go somewhere else.
If you are interested to learn about many others car dealers
scams and how to avoid them go to: http://www.carbuyingt
ips.com/scams.htm
Until all the papers have been signed there are still ways in
which a shrewd dealer may add to his profit by talking you into
extras you don't want and probably don't need. These can include
added and overpriced insurance, extended warranties, rust
proofing (absolutely unnecessary), paint or fabric protection,
anti-theft plans, and more. Smile and firmly turn them all down.
Finally, before you drive away, do a careful inspection of the
car, looking for scratches or dents; anything that mars the
perfect finish. If you're not happy, get a written agreement
(known as a Due Bill). It means you have the right to later
return the vehicle in order that flaws can be corrected.
About the author:
MBA - International Trade & Finance - Heriot-Watt University.
Bsc. Computers and Information Systems - Long Island University
- C.W Post Campus. Hobby: Photography & Cars. Married with two
Children. Owner Editor of: http://www.Cars-I-Like.com
Friday, January 13, 2006
Easy Ways to Save on Car Expenses
Easy Ways to Save on Car Expenses
By Matthew Keegan
For some drivers, their cars have become money pits. Higher fuel prices have been the monkey wrench that has spoiled many a motorists driving experience. No longer can any of us count on cheap fuel, high gasoline prices are here to stay. However, you can save money on your overall car expenses and restore your driving pleasure quickly. Here are some tips to guide you along the way:
Regular Gas v. Premium Gas -- Very few vehicles built today require premium gasoline. Thanks to knock sensors, which adjust the mixture of air and fuel to your engine, many cars can run on “87” octane fuel v. “91” octane fuel. By selecting the cheaper priced grade of fuel, you can save a nice amount of money over one year’s time.
Wash it Yourself. No one does a better job of washing and waxing your car then you do. Avoid those all too frequent trips to the car wash and save some money today. Of course, if you live in a more northerly climate where snow and road salt usage is pervasive, going to a car wash is a must in order to protect your vehicle’s body. Buy a coupon book to save on multiple washes.
What’s in Your Wallet? If you aren’t already using a rewards credit card for your gasoline purchases, you should be. Some cards are designed to give you an instant price reduction at the pump. Shop around for the card that is right for you.
Check Your Tires. Under inflated tires can reduce gasoline mileage by as much as 10%. In addition, under inflated tires will wear out faster too.
Review Your Insurance Policy. You may be paying for too much insurance on your car especially if it is worth less than $3000 and you still have collision coverage. Drop the collision coverage and bank the savings toward a down payment on your next car. Make certain that all of your other personal information is accurate too as an incorrectly listed zip code can impact your rates.
Change Your Oil. Granted, not too many people change their car’s oil anymore. With ten minute oil change shops so widespread, the convenience factor is a big consideration. Still, if you have someone else changing your oil, you do not need to change it every 3000 miles unless you subject your car to severe driving. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations and change it according to their specifications, not Jiffy Lube’s.
Do the Work Yourself. Some maintenance you can do yourself thereby avoiding having to pay high labor charges and too much for your parts. Air filters, oil filters, belts, batteries, and many other smaller parts can be changed by most motorists. Shop online through a discount wholesaler and you can save even more money on premium automotive parts.
Gas prices are likely to remain high, so saving money elsewhere becomes even more important. A wise consumer shops around for the best deals and there are plenty of them out there. In the face of a fuel crisis, you may have to curtail some of your driving or at least change your driving habits, however the “Great American Past Time” is alive and well and cruising down a freeway near you. Safe driving!
Copyright 2006 – For additional information regarding Matt Keegan, The Article Writer, please visit his blog for wit, quips, and freelance writing tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Car Performance: 5 Weight Savings tips for Performance and Fuel
By: Carlo Morelli
In the air travel industry, airlines live and die by their
operating costs, a large component of which is their fuel costs.
That is why aircraft manufacturers have whole departments whose
purpose in life is to track and reduce the weight of the
airplanes, ounce by ounce and gram by gram. Auto performance
enthusiasts can take a tip from aerospace engineers- by
instituting a weight reduction program, you can get dramatic
performance and power increases and save gas.
What other mod to your car can effect braking, cornering,
acceleration and gas mileage, reduces wear on your engine,
suspension and brakes, and doesn't void your warranty? Not many.
Here are a few ways to reduce your car's weight you may want to
consider.
1) Remove all the broken parts you don't plan on fixing. For
example, if have a broken power antenna motor or an old cassette
stereo unit you never use- you can take them out.
2) Clean out your trunk. You might be surprised how much gas
you're wasting if you haven't looked in your trunk in awhile.
Your spouse or teenager (or you!) may have decided this was good
place for long-term storage. It's not. Old phone books, folding
lawn chairs, sandbags for winter traction, cases of dog food,
we've seen it all. They belong in the garage or basement.
3) Lose the flashy bling-bling rims. Get forged aluminum wheels
to replace showy steel wheels. Those are for show, not for
speed, usually. While you're at it, look for lightweight tires.
Compare weight on your current tires to some others on the
market. The differences can be significant.
4) Carbon Fiber Panels instead of steel. They may be a little
pricy, but are certainly a cost-effective replacement over time.
Depending on your local vehicle code, you may also be able to
replace your steel hood and trunk lid with carbon fiber ones.
Major savings here.
5) Replace power seats with racing seats. Power seats can weigh
in at up to 75 pounds each. Replacing them with lightweight
fixed-back racing bucket seats that weigh ten pounds or less
each will shave 150 pounds off your car.
About the author:
Carlo Morelli writes for www.Caroom.us, where you can find custom car floor mats and all weather rubber car mats
In the air travel industry, airlines live and die by their
operating costs, a large component of which is their fuel costs.
That is why aircraft manufacturers have whole departments whose
purpose in life is to track and reduce the weight of the
airplanes, ounce by ounce and gram by gram. Auto performance
enthusiasts can take a tip from aerospace engineers- by
instituting a weight reduction program, you can get dramatic
performance and power increases and save gas.
What other mod to your car can effect braking, cornering,
acceleration and gas mileage, reduces wear on your engine,
suspension and brakes, and doesn't void your warranty? Not many.
Here are a few ways to reduce your car's weight you may want to
consider.
1) Remove all the broken parts you don't plan on fixing. For
example, if have a broken power antenna motor or an old cassette
stereo unit you never use- you can take them out.
2) Clean out your trunk. You might be surprised how much gas
you're wasting if you haven't looked in your trunk in awhile.
Your spouse or teenager (or you!) may have decided this was good
place for long-term storage. It's not. Old phone books, folding
lawn chairs, sandbags for winter traction, cases of dog food,
we've seen it all. They belong in the garage or basement.
3) Lose the flashy bling-bling rims. Get forged aluminum wheels
to replace showy steel wheels. Those are for show, not for
speed, usually. While you're at it, look for lightweight tires.
Compare weight on your current tires to some others on the
market. The differences can be significant.
4) Carbon Fiber Panels instead of steel. They may be a little
pricy, but are certainly a cost-effective replacement over time.
Depending on your local vehicle code, you may also be able to
replace your steel hood and trunk lid with carbon fiber ones.
Major savings here.
5) Replace power seats with racing seats. Power seats can weigh
in at up to 75 pounds each. Replacing them with lightweight
fixed-back racing bucket seats that weigh ten pounds or less
each will shave 150 pounds off your car.
About the author:
Carlo Morelli writes for www.Caroom.us, where you can find custom car floor mats and all weather rubber car mats
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Test Driving Tips
By: Gregory Ashton
Are you thinking of getting a used car? Are you searching for
tips on what to check and look for when considering buying a
car? It is of utmost importance to have a thorough knowledge of
the car that you are going to acquire. This will ensure your
enjoyment and contentment for the years to come using your car.
The proper mind set
First of all, you must keep in mind that test driving a car is
not a simple procedure. It will determine the claimed
performance of the car you want by the dealer and contrast it
with the performance in real conditions. This is the time
wherein you can see if the car that you have always wanted
measures up with your ideals and standards.
Prepare a checklist of criteria
It is important to make a checklist of criteria by which you
will be able to judge a car's performance without having any
problems regarding objectivity. It will help you see the car's
advantages and disadvantages without the influence of other
factors that are not as important. This will also enable you to
conduct the test drive faster since you already have a set list
of the things that you are looking for in a car.
Explore other weather conditions
You should consider test driving a car in inclement weather
conditions to have a better feel of the car's overall
performance regardless of the type of weather it will be used
in. It is good to know the car's feel when driving in rainy
conditions or at night. If the dealer requires that a
representative accompany you on the test drive, let the person
know what you are planning to do and what route you will be
taking.
Drive in different kinds of terrain
When test driving a car, outline a route that will take you to
different kinds of terrain like bumpy roads and steep hills.
When checking a car's turning capabilities and braking power,
consider doing it in a side street that has very little traffic.
If you are going to evaluate the car's acceleration and speed,
then taking it to the open highway or the interstate is a good
idea. You should also do a lot of driving on the types of roads
that you encounter in everyday driving like your route from work
going to your house or vice-versa.
Inside the car
When you are inside the car and behind the wheel, some of the
things that you should check are the following:
Look to see if the gauges are working properly and are easy to
read. Make certain you can easily see beyond the steering wheel
and it does not in any way obstruct your view.
On the dashboard
After checking the gauges and steering wheel, the next thing to
look at is the dashboard. Check that all the dashboard controls
are within easy reach and you do not need to significantly move
out of a comfortable driving position. Search for any extensions
on the dashboard that may potentially cause injury to the driver
or passenger during sudden stops or when surging forward.
Visibility
Check that windshield wipers are working properly. Use the
squirting mechanism that applies the wiper fluid onto the
windshield and find areas that may not be reached by it. This is
critical since it may affect your night time driving and when
driving during bad weather conditions. Does the car have a tint?
If the tint is too thick, it will impair night visibility and
cause you to have a hard time driving at night. There are also
laws that prevent the windshield from being tinted. Check the
rules and regulations in your state to determine if that applies.
On the road
While driving, check for blind spots by looking closely at the
side mirrors as well as the rear view mirror. Evaluate the
performance of the car's suspension by checking if it offers a
comfortable ride and you feel that you are in control at all
times. Look for a parking lot without too much vehicles and
conduct a few sharp turns as well as a U-turn. Does the
suspension work well or does the car wobble too much?
Steering performance
Observe that the car has a responsive steering mechanism. A
little turn of the steering wheel should be enough for the car
to respond efficiently. The steering should be balanced enough
so as to have enough power for easy steering and at the same
time it should correctly render the feel of the road to the
driver.
These are some of the things to consider when taking a car for a
road test. Remember to put a car's performance first in your
priority before its other aspects.
About the author:
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to
you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents
for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and
maintianing the car that is ideal for you.
http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com
Are you thinking of getting a used car? Are you searching for
tips on what to check and look for when considering buying a
car? It is of utmost importance to have a thorough knowledge of
the car that you are going to acquire. This will ensure your
enjoyment and contentment for the years to come using your car.
The proper mind set
First of all, you must keep in mind that test driving a car is
not a simple procedure. It will determine the claimed
performance of the car you want by the dealer and contrast it
with the performance in real conditions. This is the time
wherein you can see if the car that you have always wanted
measures up with your ideals and standards.
Prepare a checklist of criteria
It is important to make a checklist of criteria by which you
will be able to judge a car's performance without having any
problems regarding objectivity. It will help you see the car's
advantages and disadvantages without the influence of other
factors that are not as important. This will also enable you to
conduct the test drive faster since you already have a set list
of the things that you are looking for in a car.
Explore other weather conditions
You should consider test driving a car in inclement weather
conditions to have a better feel of the car's overall
performance regardless of the type of weather it will be used
in. It is good to know the car's feel when driving in rainy
conditions or at night. If the dealer requires that a
representative accompany you on the test drive, let the person
know what you are planning to do and what route you will be
taking.
Drive in different kinds of terrain
When test driving a car, outline a route that will take you to
different kinds of terrain like bumpy roads and steep hills.
When checking a car's turning capabilities and braking power,
consider doing it in a side street that has very little traffic.
If you are going to evaluate the car's acceleration and speed,
then taking it to the open highway or the interstate is a good
idea. You should also do a lot of driving on the types of roads
that you encounter in everyday driving like your route from work
going to your house or vice-versa.
Inside the car
When you are inside the car and behind the wheel, some of the
things that you should check are the following:
Look to see if the gauges are working properly and are easy to
read. Make certain you can easily see beyond the steering wheel
and it does not in any way obstruct your view.
On the dashboard
After checking the gauges and steering wheel, the next thing to
look at is the dashboard. Check that all the dashboard controls
are within easy reach and you do not need to significantly move
out of a comfortable driving position. Search for any extensions
on the dashboard that may potentially cause injury to the driver
or passenger during sudden stops or when surging forward.
Visibility
Check that windshield wipers are working properly. Use the
squirting mechanism that applies the wiper fluid onto the
windshield and find areas that may not be reached by it. This is
critical since it may affect your night time driving and when
driving during bad weather conditions. Does the car have a tint?
If the tint is too thick, it will impair night visibility and
cause you to have a hard time driving at night. There are also
laws that prevent the windshield from being tinted. Check the
rules and regulations in your state to determine if that applies.
On the road
While driving, check for blind spots by looking closely at the
side mirrors as well as the rear view mirror. Evaluate the
performance of the car's suspension by checking if it offers a
comfortable ride and you feel that you are in control at all
times. Look for a parking lot without too much vehicles and
conduct a few sharp turns as well as a U-turn. Does the
suspension work well or does the car wobble too much?
Steering performance
Observe that the car has a responsive steering mechanism. A
little turn of the steering wheel should be enough for the car
to respond efficiently. The steering should be balanced enough
so as to have enough power for easy steering and at the same
time it should correctly render the feel of the road to the
driver.
These are some of the things to consider when taking a car for a
road test. Remember to put a car's performance first in your
priority before its other aspects.
About the author:
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to
you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents
for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and
maintianing the car that is ideal for you.
http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com
Friday, January 06, 2006
How To Estimate A Used Car's Value
By: Gregory Ashton
When searching for a used car, one of the most important factors
to consider is whether the car you are looking for really is
worth its tag price. Even though the car may look like quite a
deal, it is possible that you are being ripped off. Here are a
few tips to help you make that decision when considering used
cars.
1. Do a Little Research
When you find a used car that catches your fancy make sure you
do research on that car. Find out how much that car costs if it
were brand new. You should also look into whether the car is
still in production and if its parts are still available. You
could also try a little shop hopping to compare used car prices
among cars of the same value and same age.
If a car's price is too low, that should send you into a state
of alarm. It is possible that the car is much more trouble than
it is worth.
If it is too expensive, you may want to ask why that is so.
2. The Older the Car the Cheaper is Should Become
Brand new cars typically lose up to 30% in their value in 3
years, and by the time the car is 5 years old, it may have lost
up to 65%. If you know the car's original price, you may want to
use this rule of the thumb for your estimation.
3. Use a Third-Party Information Service
Car Fax is a good way to find out about used car histories. They
offer a service that will give you a detailed history of the car
you are interested in. The information included will typically
include accident history and insurance data.
Kelly Blue Book is one of the most comprehensive used car value
listings around. It would be a good idea to take a peek into
their services for an updated list of hundreds and hundreds of
used car values.
4. Take a Mechanic with You
A car's value is also directly related to its running condition.
If you are not that well versed in mechanics and cars, you may
want to take a mechanic along so that he or she can evaluate
whether the car really is worth the used dealer's tag price.
Some used car dealers will offer cars that are defective and try
to hawk them by sweetening the deal. Beware of these kinds of
car dealers.
Try to look for a reputable dealer. The past experience of your
acquaintances will be very valuable in evaluating a car
dealership.
About the author:
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to
you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents
for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and
maintianing the car that is ideal for you.
http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com
When searching for a used car, one of the most important factors
to consider is whether the car you are looking for really is
worth its tag price. Even though the car may look like quite a
deal, it is possible that you are being ripped off. Here are a
few tips to help you make that decision when considering used
cars.
1. Do a Little Research
When you find a used car that catches your fancy make sure you
do research on that car. Find out how much that car costs if it
were brand new. You should also look into whether the car is
still in production and if its parts are still available. You
could also try a little shop hopping to compare used car prices
among cars of the same value and same age.
If a car's price is too low, that should send you into a state
of alarm. It is possible that the car is much more trouble than
it is worth.
If it is too expensive, you may want to ask why that is so.
2. The Older the Car the Cheaper is Should Become
Brand new cars typically lose up to 30% in their value in 3
years, and by the time the car is 5 years old, it may have lost
up to 65%. If you know the car's original price, you may want to
use this rule of the thumb for your estimation.
3. Use a Third-Party Information Service
Car Fax is a good way to find out about used car histories. They
offer a service that will give you a detailed history of the car
you are interested in. The information included will typically
include accident history and insurance data.
Kelly Blue Book is one of the most comprehensive used car value
listings around. It would be a good idea to take a peek into
their services for an updated list of hundreds and hundreds of
used car values.
4. Take a Mechanic with You
A car's value is also directly related to its running condition.
If you are not that well versed in mechanics and cars, you may
want to take a mechanic along so that he or she can evaluate
whether the car really is worth the used dealer's tag price.
Some used car dealers will offer cars that are defective and try
to hawk them by sweetening the deal. Beware of these kinds of
car dealers.
Try to look for a reputable dealer. The past experience of your
acquaintances will be very valuable in evaluating a car
dealership.
About the author:
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to
you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents
for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and
maintianing the car that is ideal for you.
http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com
Thursday, January 05, 2006
An All-New SUV for 2007 from GMC
By: Terry Brown
An all-new full-size SUV, General Motors Company has introduced
the new 2007 Yukon to the public with its distinctive styling,
spacious and totally refined interiors, and enhanced safety
features.
According to John Larson, GMC's general manager, "The all-new
2007 Yukon brings GMC's professional grade philosophy to a new
level - we're aiming to provide customers more than they expect
in all respects." For the new Yukon has been crafted with
distinguished sleek, expressive styling that brings about a new
look for GMC vehicles. This new look conveys GMC's professional
grade qualities and a distinct design from the other brands of
the company. Also, the new vehicles present and exude more power
and better fuel economy than the vehicles they had replaced,
thus accentuating the company's "more than expected" reputation.
The new 2006 GMC Yukon is made available early this first
quarter of 2006 with SLE in cloth trim, and SLT trim with
leather appointments, and it also has 2WD and 4WD
configurations. The distinct design for this model is that it
has a sleeker, and more taut form with wraparound front and rear
fascias, styled mirrors, and integrated running boards that
provide a seamless, contemporary appearance. There are tight
tolerances between its exterior components, and has a tuned,
wheels-to-the-corners proportion. And giving the vehicle a
confident, broad-shouldered attitude are its wheels that had
been aligned on the same place as the outer edges of its
fenders.
The interior of this new GMC vehicle for 2006 has been made to
be more spacious and more refined. It includes an increased
cargo capacity with a spacious, luxurious environment all owing
to the premium two-tone color scheme and lower-positioned
instrument panel. It also carries thinner and sculpted seat
designs and detailed trims. Amenities have been added in for
comfort and luxury - heated seats for first- and second-row
passengers. The front row seats offer more fore/aft and recline
travel. The second-row seats, on the other hand, have an
increased seatback recline angle for additional comfort.
As for this new vehicle's safety and security, GMC has certainly
made sure that this would not be added just as an afterthought.
This 2006 GMC Yukon is made to
feature a 360-degree safety system designed around the pillars
of occupant protection, driver control, and personal safety. The
amazing list includes exclusive safety belt pretensioners that
are linked to sensors for rear-end crashes, and have been
integrated into a stronger vehicle structure that is also
designed for improved compatibility with other vehicles. This
helps out in protecting those people that are either inside or
outside of the vehicle, during or after a crash. Also, these
pretensioner sensors has the ability to trigger the front seat
pretensioners during a rear-end collision, so as to hold the
occupants firmly in place and thus help prevent any kind
whiplash injury.
With only a selected few car parts manufacturers having the
ability to match the quality GMC replacement and GMC parts, Auto Parts Information boasts of
an notable assortment of these parts. The company's commitment
to its patrons is to provide the finest in the industry at
extremely low prices that beats the automotive industry
standard. <>Auto Parts Inner is strongly dedicated to the utmost
satisfaction of its customer base just like General Motors
Company who has the primary concern of fulfilling the essentials
of its customers across the globe.
About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an
enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes
auto-related articles for several publications.
An all-new full-size SUV, General Motors Company has introduced
the new 2007 Yukon to the public with its distinctive styling,
spacious and totally refined interiors, and enhanced safety
features.
According to John Larson, GMC's general manager, "The all-new
2007 Yukon brings GMC's professional grade philosophy to a new
level - we're aiming to provide customers more than they expect
in all respects." For the new Yukon has been crafted with
distinguished sleek, expressive styling that brings about a new
look for GMC vehicles. This new look conveys GMC's professional
grade qualities and a distinct design from the other brands of
the company. Also, the new vehicles present and exude more power
and better fuel economy than the vehicles they had replaced,
thus accentuating the company's "more than expected" reputation.
The new 2006 GMC Yukon is made available early this first
quarter of 2006 with SLE in cloth trim, and SLT trim with
leather appointments, and it also has 2WD and 4WD
configurations. The distinct design for this model is that it
has a sleeker, and more taut form with wraparound front and rear
fascias, styled mirrors, and integrated running boards that
provide a seamless, contemporary appearance. There are tight
tolerances between its exterior components, and has a tuned,
wheels-to-the-corners proportion. And giving the vehicle a
confident, broad-shouldered attitude are its wheels that had
been aligned on the same place as the outer edges of its
fenders.
The interior of this new GMC vehicle for 2006 has been made to
be more spacious and more refined. It includes an increased
cargo capacity with a spacious, luxurious environment all owing
to the premium two-tone color scheme and lower-positioned
instrument panel. It also carries thinner and sculpted seat
designs and detailed trims. Amenities have been added in for
comfort and luxury - heated seats for first- and second-row
passengers. The front row seats offer more fore/aft and recline
travel. The second-row seats, on the other hand, have an
increased seatback recline angle for additional comfort.
As for this new vehicle's safety and security, GMC has certainly
made sure that this would not be added just as an afterthought.
This 2006 GMC Yukon is made to
feature a 360-degree safety system designed around the pillars
of occupant protection, driver control, and personal safety. The
amazing list includes exclusive safety belt pretensioners that
are linked to sensors for rear-end crashes, and have been
integrated into a stronger vehicle structure that is also
designed for improved compatibility with other vehicles. This
helps out in protecting those people that are either inside or
outside of the vehicle, during or after a crash. Also, these
pretensioner sensors has the ability to trigger the front seat
pretensioners during a rear-end collision, so as to hold the
occupants firmly in place and thus help prevent any kind
whiplash injury.
With only a selected few car parts manufacturers having the
ability to match the quality GMC replacement and GMC parts, Auto Parts Information boasts of
an notable assortment of these parts. The company's commitment
to its patrons is to provide the finest in the industry at
extremely low prices that beats the automotive industry
standard. <>Auto Parts Inner is strongly dedicated to the utmost
satisfaction of its customer base just like General Motors
Company who has the primary concern of fulfilling the essentials
of its customers across the globe.
About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an
enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes
auto-related articles for several publications.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Three Steps to Getting A Good Deal on a New Car
By: Mike Cotter
We've all heard the horror stories of car shopping. Someone paid
too much for a new car because the dealer refused to negotiate.
Another person walked away with monthly payments higher than
they could really afford. Yet another person settling for a car
that had way more features than they wanted or needed because it
was the only car on the lot.
While it's true that finding and then negotiating for a new car
can be challenging, chances are that if you're prepared before
walking into a car dealership, you'll walk out with a better
deal. Here are three things that you can do to prepare yourself
to get the absolute best deal. Research
You should know what type of car you're interested in, and how
much it should cost before you ever walk into a dealership. The
salespeople are paid on a commission, and their objective is to
get you to pay as much as they can for your car. Your objective,
of course, is just the opposite! Begin by doing some online
research to find out the going rate of the car, and then check
around in various dealerships. You should know that the
"sticker" price that is on the windshield of the car isn't the
cost at all--but instead it is the starting price. You will be
able to negotiate between 10-20 percent off of that
price. Trade-In
If you have a car that you plan to trade in, don't present it to
the dealer until after you've negotiated your best price. In
addition, you should be aware--after conducting a lot of
research--how much your old car is worth. Many times, dealers
will try and pay a fraction of what a trade-in is worth in order
to increase the price of the new car. Once you have done your
research on the wholesale value of your car, stand firm and
don't allow the salesperson to take advantage of you. If you
find that you can't get as much trade-in value as you think you
should, be prepared to walk away from the deal, sell the car on
your own, and then return with the money to use as a down
payment. This will take some time, but you will come out
financially better for it. Financing
Be aware that the dealer offered financing isn't always the
best. It's important for you to compare the interest rates and
terms with those of a private lender, and then select whichever
one will offer you the best deal. In addition, look closely at
how your down payment will affect your loan balance and monthly
payments. Remember, a 1 percent change in your interest rate
will not only affect your monthly payments, but your overall
loan balance as well! Finally, be sure that the dealer hasn't
included any life insurance or warranties in your loan balance
that you didn't authorize, otherwise you could find yourself
paying thousands of dollars that you hadn't intended to. Ask to
see a complete listing of all charges before you sign on the
dotted line.
About the author:
Mike Cotter has been a professional lender for over 30 years. He
began his career in the commercial banking industry in 1972 and
steadily progressed to become Vice President of Retail Banking
with a major Denver bank. In 1982 he opened his own commercial
bank and served as President and CEO for 10 years. In 1992 he
left commercial banking for the mortgage banking field. Rocky Mountain
Mortgage Rates
We've all heard the horror stories of car shopping. Someone paid
too much for a new car because the dealer refused to negotiate.
Another person walked away with monthly payments higher than
they could really afford. Yet another person settling for a car
that had way more features than they wanted or needed because it
was the only car on the lot.
While it's true that finding and then negotiating for a new car
can be challenging, chances are that if you're prepared before
walking into a car dealership, you'll walk out with a better
deal. Here are three things that you can do to prepare yourself
to get the absolute best deal. Research
You should know what type of car you're interested in, and how
much it should cost before you ever walk into a dealership. The
salespeople are paid on a commission, and their objective is to
get you to pay as much as they can for your car. Your objective,
of course, is just the opposite! Begin by doing some online
research to find out the going rate of the car, and then check
around in various dealerships. You should know that the
"sticker" price that is on the windshield of the car isn't the
cost at all--but instead it is the starting price. You will be
able to negotiate between 10-20 percent off of that
price. Trade-In
If you have a car that you plan to trade in, don't present it to
the dealer until after you've negotiated your best price. In
addition, you should be aware--after conducting a lot of
research--how much your old car is worth. Many times, dealers
will try and pay a fraction of what a trade-in is worth in order
to increase the price of the new car. Once you have done your
research on the wholesale value of your car, stand firm and
don't allow the salesperson to take advantage of you. If you
find that you can't get as much trade-in value as you think you
should, be prepared to walk away from the deal, sell the car on
your own, and then return with the money to use as a down
payment. This will take some time, but you will come out
financially better for it. Financing
Be aware that the dealer offered financing isn't always the
best. It's important for you to compare the interest rates and
terms with those of a private lender, and then select whichever
one will offer you the best deal. In addition, look closely at
how your down payment will affect your loan balance and monthly
payments. Remember, a 1 percent change in your interest rate
will not only affect your monthly payments, but your overall
loan balance as well! Finally, be sure that the dealer hasn't
included any life insurance or warranties in your loan balance
that you didn't authorize, otherwise you could find yourself
paying thousands of dollars that you hadn't intended to. Ask to
see a complete listing of all charges before you sign on the
dotted line.
About the author:
Mike Cotter has been a professional lender for over 30 years. He
began his career in the commercial banking industry in 1972 and
steadily progressed to become Vice President of Retail Banking
with a major Denver bank. In 1982 he opened his own commercial
bank and served as President and CEO for 10 years. In 1992 he
left commercial banking for the mortgage banking field. Rocky Mountain
Mortgage Rates
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
What To Look For When Buying Cars Online
by: Dr. Drew Henry
Ten years ago, you would be laughed at if you were to tell someone that people would buy cars without first inspecting them in person. Well, today thousands of people are buying cars on the internet through sites like eBay, without ever physically coming in contact with their cars before the purchase!
Let’s face it: The internet is a hassle free place to shop for cars. There are many advantages to shopping cars online. When buying a car online, you don’t have to listen to a dealer talk about the specs of a car. You just have to read all about it in a website. You don’t have to go to a showroom, you just to have to point and click your mouse and you could browse through different make and models of cars. And if you want to take a second look at a car it’s very easy.
Furthermore, transactions can be done without you having to go out of your room. After ordering the car you want and paying the price, all you have to do is to wit for your brand new vehicle to be delivered to the nearest dealer. Some dealers would even deliver the car right at your doorstep.
Depending on the sites you are visiting, the method in which they sell cars to you will differ. Some websites will only get you in touch with a real car seller. This means you have to transact the traditional way. Then there are websites that would take car of everything. Some websites would even deliver the car at your doorstep. Of course this would mean a bigger amount of service fee.
However, before you decide to buy a car online, you must first know exactly what kind of car you want. How? By determining the types of car you’re looking for and the price you are willing to pay for that car.
Below are some helpful tips for buying cars online:
1. Make sure it’s safe. Make sure that the website you go to is secure and reliable. Most sites would let you browse by car type, by price range or both.
2. Research carefully. The most important thing to do is to research. Don’t get too excited. Check on the different packages available.
3. Read Third Party Reviews. Read reviews about the different make, model and year of cars. A good website must also have reviews and ratings for the cars they are selling. But you should also cross check by visiting independent car sites or sites that do not sell cars or are connected to car companies to get a more objective review.
4. Ask yourself what features are important to you. Do you give much ore importance to fuel efficiency than speed or vice versa? Are you more concerned about safety features than a good sound system? After you’ve done all these, it’s time to determine your budget. Just how much are you willing to spend for a vehicle?
5. Check on the history of the particular car line. You can easily do this by consulting consumer magazines and websites. You could also check out the website of the car’s manufacturer.
6. See if you can meet the seller offline. If you don’t want to make all transactions online then you could ask the dealer to meet you in person once you found him on the Internet. Upon meeting the dealer, negotiate with him as you would a normal car dealer and then sign the papers.
7. Do a detailed background check of the website or person you are about to buy from. It is advisable to buy only from websites which has detailed information about the vehicles they are selling. Ask if they have conducted inspections of each car in their lot through independent mechanics. If they have, then you’ll know that that website is a good place to shop for cars.
By following the above tips and always being aware that you are dealing with a legitimate, trustworthy seller, buying cars on the internet can in fact be a fun and rewarding experience. Now, who says you have to visit your local car dealer to buy a car?
About The Author
Dr. Drew Henry is the webmaster of a chain of auto-related websites, including http://www.carpricesnow.info and http://www.carquotesecrets.com. For more articles and resources about cars, visit his sites today.
Ten years ago, you would be laughed at if you were to tell someone that people would buy cars without first inspecting them in person. Well, today thousands of people are buying cars on the internet through sites like eBay, without ever physically coming in contact with their cars before the purchase!
Let’s face it: The internet is a hassle free place to shop for cars. There are many advantages to shopping cars online. When buying a car online, you don’t have to listen to a dealer talk about the specs of a car. You just have to read all about it in a website. You don’t have to go to a showroom, you just to have to point and click your mouse and you could browse through different make and models of cars. And if you want to take a second look at a car it’s very easy.
Furthermore, transactions can be done without you having to go out of your room. After ordering the car you want and paying the price, all you have to do is to wit for your brand new vehicle to be delivered to the nearest dealer. Some dealers would even deliver the car right at your doorstep.
Depending on the sites you are visiting, the method in which they sell cars to you will differ. Some websites will only get you in touch with a real car seller. This means you have to transact the traditional way. Then there are websites that would take car of everything. Some websites would even deliver the car at your doorstep. Of course this would mean a bigger amount of service fee.
However, before you decide to buy a car online, you must first know exactly what kind of car you want. How? By determining the types of car you’re looking for and the price you are willing to pay for that car.
Below are some helpful tips for buying cars online:
1. Make sure it’s safe. Make sure that the website you go to is secure and reliable. Most sites would let you browse by car type, by price range or both.
2. Research carefully. The most important thing to do is to research. Don’t get too excited. Check on the different packages available.
3. Read Third Party Reviews. Read reviews about the different make, model and year of cars. A good website must also have reviews and ratings for the cars they are selling. But you should also cross check by visiting independent car sites or sites that do not sell cars or are connected to car companies to get a more objective review.
4. Ask yourself what features are important to you. Do you give much ore importance to fuel efficiency than speed or vice versa? Are you more concerned about safety features than a good sound system? After you’ve done all these, it’s time to determine your budget. Just how much are you willing to spend for a vehicle?
5. Check on the history of the particular car line. You can easily do this by consulting consumer magazines and websites. You could also check out the website of the car’s manufacturer.
6. See if you can meet the seller offline. If you don’t want to make all transactions online then you could ask the dealer to meet you in person once you found him on the Internet. Upon meeting the dealer, negotiate with him as you would a normal car dealer and then sign the papers.
7. Do a detailed background check of the website or person you are about to buy from. It is advisable to buy only from websites which has detailed information about the vehicles they are selling. Ask if they have conducted inspections of each car in their lot through independent mechanics. If they have, then you’ll know that that website is a good place to shop for cars.
By following the above tips and always being aware that you are dealing with a legitimate, trustworthy seller, buying cars on the internet can in fact be a fun and rewarding experience. Now, who says you have to visit your local car dealer to buy a car?
About The Author
Dr. Drew Henry is the webmaster of a chain of auto-related websites, including http://www.carpricesnow.info and http://www.carquotesecrets.com. For more articles and resources about cars, visit his sites today.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Auto Loan Rates - How to Negotiate a Better Rate
By: Austin Davis
Auto Loan Rates
While applying for auto loans, you can avail competitive auto
loan rates by negotiating best deal. Although auto loan
companies fix auto loan rates, you can bring remarkable change
in these rates through skillful handling of facts in your favor.
What affects loan rates?
Your credit is the most important deciding factor for auto loan
rates. Good credit rating can help you negotiate strongly for
lowering loan rates than if you have bad credit. Some car
companies organize various contests and prizes each month. Buy
your car towards end of month as then sales representatives
reduce car rates largely as they need to increase sales numbers.
Reduction in car prices lowers your loan rates.
Negotiation is the key to best auto loan rates. While applying
for loan, do not put forth your maximum repayment amount.
Instead, negotiate with auto loan provider to get lower
repayments. Do not stick to single auto loan provider always.
You have many such auto loan providers offering competitive
rates on your loan amount.
Visit and inquire with different auto loan providers to get best
auto loan rates. Go into minutest detail of available loan
amount and various charges like closing fees and costs. Some
auto loan companies include these charges within total loan and
you pay interest thereon. Some others do not include these
charges into total amount and thus, your annual percentage rates
are lower here.
Down payments lower your monthly repayments and interest
thereon. Time for repayments is also less. Therefore, you can
repay loan faster and project good credit as shorter repayment
periods ensure you repay less interest. Auto dealers charge
differential auto loan rates for different makes of car.
Therefore, decide which car you want buy before applying for
auto loan. If you are unable to decide car type, go in for
flexible auto loan so that you can adjust rates according to car
you buy. Your credit scores also influence your loan rates.
Normally, scores above 750 speak well of your credit position
and you receive best rates for your auto loan.
About the author:
Get quotes on Auto Loan Rate Bad Credit Auto Loan
Auto Loan Rates
While applying for auto loans, you can avail competitive auto
loan rates by negotiating best deal. Although auto loan
companies fix auto loan rates, you can bring remarkable change
in these rates through skillful handling of facts in your favor.
What affects loan rates?
Your credit is the most important deciding factor for auto loan
rates. Good credit rating can help you negotiate strongly for
lowering loan rates than if you have bad credit. Some car
companies organize various contests and prizes each month. Buy
your car towards end of month as then sales representatives
reduce car rates largely as they need to increase sales numbers.
Reduction in car prices lowers your loan rates.
Negotiation is the key to best auto loan rates. While applying
for loan, do not put forth your maximum repayment amount.
Instead, negotiate with auto loan provider to get lower
repayments. Do not stick to single auto loan provider always.
You have many such auto loan providers offering competitive
rates on your loan amount.
Visit and inquire with different auto loan providers to get best
auto loan rates. Go into minutest detail of available loan
amount and various charges like closing fees and costs. Some
auto loan companies include these charges within total loan and
you pay interest thereon. Some others do not include these
charges into total amount and thus, your annual percentage rates
are lower here.
Down payments lower your monthly repayments and interest
thereon. Time for repayments is also less. Therefore, you can
repay loan faster and project good credit as shorter repayment
periods ensure you repay less interest. Auto dealers charge
differential auto loan rates for different makes of car.
Therefore, decide which car you want buy before applying for
auto loan. If you are unable to decide car type, go in for
flexible auto loan so that you can adjust rates according to car
you buy. Your credit scores also influence your loan rates.
Normally, scores above 750 speak well of your credit position
and you receive best rates for your auto loan.
About the author:
Get quotes on Auto Loan Rate Bad Credit Auto Loan
Sunday, January 01, 2006
The Top Ten Autos of 2005
By: Dylan Miles
Each year experts in the automobile industry come up with their
lists of the top ten vehicles of the year. Some experts put the
vehicles through a series of tests, while others create their
lists purely on market and consumer response. Vehicle choice is
certainly a personal one, but experts like Cars.com, Consumer
Reports magazine, Automobile magazine, and Car and Driver
magazine, are certainly worth listening to. What did they have
to say this year?
Well, the Cars.com list of most popular vehicles in 2005 was
topped by the Honda Civic. Cars.com analyzes the vehicular
market to come up with the most popular new car models based on
consumer interest (i.e. on the number of email requests for
price quotes sent to dealers) and not car tests. Here's their
top ten list for 2005:
1. Honda Civic 2. Honda Accord 3. Toyota Corolla 4. Honda
Odyssey 5. Toyota Camry 6. Toyota Prius 7. Toyota Sienna 8.
Honda CR-V 9. Toyota Highlander 10. Toyota Tacoma
The Consumer Reports magazine list was also topped by a Honda,
only this time it was a Honda Accord Hybrid, but the method of
choosing the top cars is very different. Consumer Reports
magazine took 200 vehicles and put them through 45 tests. At the
end they chose the top cars according to nine categories. For
example, the Subaru Forester was the best "Small SUV", the Lexus
RX330 was the best "Midsized SUV", the Lexus LS430 was the best
luxury sedan, the Subaru Impreza was the "most fun to drive",
and the Toyota Prius was the best "green car." Meanwhile,
Automobile magazine chooses the top vehicles in 13 different
performance categories, such as, Coupe, Family Car, Luxury
Sedan, Minivan, Pickup, Small car, Sports car, Sport sedan,
amongst others. They come up with one "ultimate vehicle" and
this year it was the Chrysler 300C.
According to Car and Driver magazine, the Chevrolet Corvette
topped the list as a best "performance car" and the Ford Mustang
was the best "muscle car".
About the author:
Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He
is the owner and co-editor of http://www.autocarplanet.com on
which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this
article.
Each year experts in the automobile industry come up with their
lists of the top ten vehicles of the year. Some experts put the
vehicles through a series of tests, while others create their
lists purely on market and consumer response. Vehicle choice is
certainly a personal one, but experts like Cars.com, Consumer
Reports magazine, Automobile magazine, and Car and Driver
magazine, are certainly worth listening to. What did they have
to say this year?
Well, the Cars.com list of most popular vehicles in 2005 was
topped by the Honda Civic. Cars.com analyzes the vehicular
market to come up with the most popular new car models based on
consumer interest (i.e. on the number of email requests for
price quotes sent to dealers) and not car tests. Here's their
top ten list for 2005:
1. Honda Civic 2. Honda Accord 3. Toyota Corolla 4. Honda
Odyssey 5. Toyota Camry 6. Toyota Prius 7. Toyota Sienna 8.
Honda CR-V 9. Toyota Highlander 10. Toyota Tacoma
The Consumer Reports magazine list was also topped by a Honda,
only this time it was a Honda Accord Hybrid, but the method of
choosing the top cars is very different. Consumer Reports
magazine took 200 vehicles and put them through 45 tests. At the
end they chose the top cars according to nine categories. For
example, the Subaru Forester was the best "Small SUV", the Lexus
RX330 was the best "Midsized SUV", the Lexus LS430 was the best
luxury sedan, the Subaru Impreza was the "most fun to drive",
and the Toyota Prius was the best "green car." Meanwhile,
Automobile magazine chooses the top vehicles in 13 different
performance categories, such as, Coupe, Family Car, Luxury
Sedan, Minivan, Pickup, Small car, Sports car, Sport sedan,
amongst others. They come up with one "ultimate vehicle" and
this year it was the Chrysler 300C.
According to Car and Driver magazine, the Chevrolet Corvette
topped the list as a best "performance car" and the Ford Mustang
was the best "muscle car".
About the author:
Dylan Miles, journalist, and website builder, lives in Texas. He
is the owner and co-editor of http://www.autocarplanet.com on
which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this
article.
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