Wednesday, October 15, 2008
GUIDES ON HOW TO BUY NEW AND USED CARS
GET THE
TIPS TO HELP YOU BUY A NEW OR
USED CAR, AND OTHER CAR GUIDES HERE
What First Time Car Owners Must Remember by: Charlie Angeles
The days when you had no other option but to hire an irport limo service company when you had to fetch or drive somebody to the airport are finally over—you are now a proud owner of a beautiful piece of automotive engineering miracle. Before you start shifting gears and channeling your inner Michael Schumacher however, remember that there are a variety of things--from automotive diagnostics to the real importance of getting car insurance-- you must know and remember.
First, always, always get car insurance. Not only is this a responsible and smart thing to do, in some countries, it is the lawful thing to do too as well. In the United States for example, failure to purchase an insurance policy for your car can lead to fines, license suspension and, in some cases, jail time. Now how are you supposed to enjoy being king of the road if you’re held up inside jail?
Remember too that when it comes to driving, safety always comes first. As a first time car owner, it is understandable that you would want to floor the pedal every chance you get. But remember that when you drive recklessly, you don’t just put yourself in danger, you risk the lives of the other people on the road with you too. So be careful on the road and try to suppress the urge to see if your Prius can roar like a Formula One car (just for the record, it can’t).
Also, regularly check your car’s safety devices and make sure they’re always working. Are your seat belts ok? Are the air bags functioning? And most especially, are your brakes working properly? Does your car slow down or stop the moment you step on the break pedals? If not, then better bring your vehicle to the shop for auto brake repair services now.
Another important thing you need to remember is that when it comes to cars, you must treat everything like a major problem. Things you shrug off and dismiss as “minor inconveniences” could snowball and cause major headaches for you. When you think your car is not running as smoothly as it did before or when a gallon of gas is now only good for a couple of miles, take it for an tune up before your engine gets any worse. A tune up (which can includes the adjusting the carburetor, replacing the air filter and inspecting the ignition system) will improve your car’s performance and efficiency.
When you are experiencing problems with your car’s performance but you or your mechanic is not sure what exactly is wrong, then better take your car to an automotive diagnostics center and let their specialists run tests on your vehicle and determine what is or isn’t wrong with it. This would give you more reliable and accurate information about your car and let you avoid paying for costly repairs and parts replacements that would later prove to be unnecessary and useless.
Owning your very first car comes with a tremendous feeling of pride, exhilaration and freedom. But it also comes with a trunk full of duties and responsibilities too.
Visit this site http://www.ridesmartsedan.com for more information about Phoenix airport transportation and Phoenix airport limo services.
About The Author
Charlie Angeles is affiliated with an airport limo service company that offers Phoenix airport limo services. Visit their site http://www.ridesmartsedan.com for more information about Phoenix airport transportation service.
The days when you had no other option but to hire an irport limo service company when you had to fetch or drive somebody to the airport are finally over—you are now a proud owner of a beautiful piece of automotive engineering miracle. Before you start shifting gears and channeling your inner Michael Schumacher however, remember that there are a variety of things--from automotive diagnostics to the real importance of getting car insurance-- you must know and remember.
First, always, always get car insurance. Not only is this a responsible and smart thing to do, in some countries, it is the lawful thing to do too as well. In the United States for example, failure to purchase an insurance policy for your car can lead to fines, license suspension and, in some cases, jail time. Now how are you supposed to enjoy being king of the road if you’re held up inside jail?
Remember too that when it comes to driving, safety always comes first. As a first time car owner, it is understandable that you would want to floor the pedal every chance you get. But remember that when you drive recklessly, you don’t just put yourself in danger, you risk the lives of the other people on the road with you too. So be careful on the road and try to suppress the urge to see if your Prius can roar like a Formula One car (just for the record, it can’t).
Also, regularly check your car’s safety devices and make sure they’re always working. Are your seat belts ok? Are the air bags functioning? And most especially, are your brakes working properly? Does your car slow down or stop the moment you step on the break pedals? If not, then better bring your vehicle to the shop for auto brake repair services now.
Another important thing you need to remember is that when it comes to cars, you must treat everything like a major problem. Things you shrug off and dismiss as “minor inconveniences” could snowball and cause major headaches for you. When you think your car is not running as smoothly as it did before or when a gallon of gas is now only good for a couple of miles, take it for an tune up before your engine gets any worse. A tune up (which can includes the adjusting the carburetor, replacing the air filter and inspecting the ignition system) will improve your car’s performance and efficiency.
When you are experiencing problems with your car’s performance but you or your mechanic is not sure what exactly is wrong, then better take your car to an automotive diagnostics center and let their specialists run tests on your vehicle and determine what is or isn’t wrong with it. This would give you more reliable and accurate information about your car and let you avoid paying for costly repairs and parts replacements that would later prove to be unnecessary and useless.
Owning your very first car comes with a tremendous feeling of pride, exhilaration and freedom. But it also comes with a trunk full of duties and responsibilities too.
Visit this site http://www.ridesmartsedan.com for more information about Phoenix airport transportation and Phoenix airport limo services.
About The Author
Charlie Angeles is affiliated with an airport limo service company that offers Phoenix airport limo services. Visit their site http://www.ridesmartsedan.com for more information about Phoenix airport transportation service.
Where To Get Great Used Cars by: Gregory Ashton
A franchised new car dealership is a reliable, if not the only, source for anyone who wants to buy a new car. But to those who prefer buying used or previously owned cars, there are plenty of options and sources one could choose from to be able to make that vehicle purchase the perfect one.
The following are some of the readily as well as easily available resources to consider when buying a used car.
The Used Car Superstore
Imagine it as the Wal-Mart of used cars. There have been numerous used car superstores that have mushroomed for the last five years. These superstores usually have a large inventory of used cars, more or less numbering from four hundred to five hundred vehicles. The cars found in these stores more often than not are late models. The vehicles found in these stores came from auctions that cater specially to car dealers. The good thing about buying from these used car superstores is that the warranty they provide are often equivalent to the warranty coverage provided by dealers who sell new cars. However, it is still best to compare.
New Car Dealer
The logic here is that since new car buyers usually trade in their old cars when they buy a new one, the collection that new car dealerships have are almost always extensive. So used car buyers have a wider range of vehicles to choose from. Also, new car dealerships provide better reconditioning to the used cars traded to them. They are also more reliable source of used cars because their business is more established compared to other used car dealers. Be aware though that sometimes it would take a lot of negotiation on the price of the vehicle to be purchased. They may also attempt to make you buy more cars than what you would actually need.
Used Car Dealers
There are a hundred used car dealerships in every area of the state. Sometimes, they occupy a small section that contains not more than fifteen cars in a lot. Other used car dealerships, usually the more established ones, have a total of one hundred cars in their vicinity. The great thing about buying from used car dealers is that the prices they offer are a lot less than new car dealerships. Also, it is fairly easier to negotiate with them. A little bit of not so good news though, the quality of these cars are usually less than the new ones of course. There are also not many great selections to choose from.
Private Owners
The good thing about buying from private owners, the price that they offer are usually reasonable compared to other dealers because this is in accordance with book values. One also would get the opportunity to actually speak with the owner of the vehicle and witness for yourself how the car was cared for or not so cared for. A potential disadvantage of this scenario, however, is that it could be a bit inconvenient driving to the private owner’s place especially if one is considering looking at eight different cars. Basically that would be eight different places, time and appointments. Beware though; private owners who have a stable of used cars to sell may actually be a dealer. Do not be afraid to ask if you could possibly see the title and registration. Start to get suspicious if you see it has only been a few days old.
Car Auctions
The last decade has seen the development of public auctions for vehicles. Originally, auctions like these are reserved primarily for licensed car dealers. Now, even individuals have the opportunity to bid aggressively for used cars. The quality of these cars put up for auction, as well as the selections of vehicles, actually vary from one auction to another. There are those auctions which specialize dealing in late model vehicles while there are others which dedicate themselves to cheaper and less expensive vehicles. The good thing about buying used cars from auctions is that one could conveniently compare prices and cars because they are shown side by side with each other. Also, the prices that they offer are most likely lower than they do dealerships. However, there is not much chance for one to thoroughly inspect the vehicle being auctioned off. And since one is buying from an auction, it is therefore understood that all sales are final. Any car purchased is automatically yours. Plus, the bidding frenzy could take a hold on anyone and there is a great possibility that one could pay way too much than what a vehicle actually costs.
About The Author
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years ofvehicular 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.
A franchised new car dealership is a reliable, if not the only, source for anyone who wants to buy a new car. But to those who prefer buying used or previously owned cars, there are plenty of options and sources one could choose from to be able to make that vehicle purchase the perfect one.
The following are some of the readily as well as easily available resources to consider when buying a used car.
The Used Car Superstore
Imagine it as the Wal-Mart of used cars. There have been numerous used car superstores that have mushroomed for the last five years. These superstores usually have a large inventory of used cars, more or less numbering from four hundred to five hundred vehicles. The cars found in these stores more often than not are late models. The vehicles found in these stores came from auctions that cater specially to car dealers. The good thing about buying from these used car superstores is that the warranty they provide are often equivalent to the warranty coverage provided by dealers who sell new cars. However, it is still best to compare.
New Car Dealer
The logic here is that since new car buyers usually trade in their old cars when they buy a new one, the collection that new car dealerships have are almost always extensive. So used car buyers have a wider range of vehicles to choose from. Also, new car dealerships provide better reconditioning to the used cars traded to them. They are also more reliable source of used cars because their business is more established compared to other used car dealers. Be aware though that sometimes it would take a lot of negotiation on the price of the vehicle to be purchased. They may also attempt to make you buy more cars than what you would actually need.
Used Car Dealers
There are a hundred used car dealerships in every area of the state. Sometimes, they occupy a small section that contains not more than fifteen cars in a lot. Other used car dealerships, usually the more established ones, have a total of one hundred cars in their vicinity. The great thing about buying from used car dealers is that the prices they offer are a lot less than new car dealerships. Also, it is fairly easier to negotiate with them. A little bit of not so good news though, the quality of these cars are usually less than the new ones of course. There are also not many great selections to choose from.
Private Owners
The good thing about buying from private owners, the price that they offer are usually reasonable compared to other dealers because this is in accordance with book values. One also would get the opportunity to actually speak with the owner of the vehicle and witness for yourself how the car was cared for or not so cared for. A potential disadvantage of this scenario, however, is that it could be a bit inconvenient driving to the private owner’s place especially if one is considering looking at eight different cars. Basically that would be eight different places, time and appointments. Beware though; private owners who have a stable of used cars to sell may actually be a dealer. Do not be afraid to ask if you could possibly see the title and registration. Start to get suspicious if you see it has only been a few days old.
Car Auctions
The last decade has seen the development of public auctions for vehicles. Originally, auctions like these are reserved primarily for licensed car dealers. Now, even individuals have the opportunity to bid aggressively for used cars. The quality of these cars put up for auction, as well as the selections of vehicles, actually vary from one auction to another. There are those auctions which specialize dealing in late model vehicles while there are others which dedicate themselves to cheaper and less expensive vehicles. The good thing about buying used cars from auctions is that one could conveniently compare prices and cars because they are shown side by side with each other. Also, the prices that they offer are most likely lower than they do dealerships. However, there is not much chance for one to thoroughly inspect the vehicle being auctioned off. And since one is buying from an auction, it is therefore understood that all sales are final. Any car purchased is automatically yours. Plus, the bidding frenzy could take a hold on anyone and there is a great possibility that one could pay way too much than what a vehicle actually costs.
About The Author
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years ofvehicular 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.
Top Tips for a Used Car Title Search by Alisha Delphi
For many of us, buying a new car can be an expensive proposition. In comparison, buying a secondhand car is often a more affordable option. The problem with a used car, however, is that youneed to be sure you are getting your money's worth.
Sellers naturally want the best possible prices on used cars. Towards this end, they often manipulate the records of vehicles, to raise their value. A rigorous used car title search,can, however, help you to know the truth.
These are five tips to help you to buy a used car:
1. Get an expert's opinion. Even before you do a used car title search, get the car evaluated by a competent mechanic. He will help you arrive at an accurate estimate of how much you should pay for the car.
2. Check the VIN. A preliminary check in your used car title search should be to ascertain if the VIN (vehicle identification number) on the dashboard or engine compartment matches that specified in the used car title. If these numbers differ, ask your dealer for an explanation.
3. Examine records. A proper used car title search involves thoroughly investigating the history of the vehicle. Scour through the car title certificate and other records to ascertain the car's previous ownership details-such as whether the car was driven by the owner, or whether it leased or rented out-and condition at the time of sale. Your used car title search should also ascertain whether the car has been through any accidents, been stolen, or been labeled for "salvage". A vehicle marked "salvage" means that it is damaged up to, or over, 70% of its market value.
4. Verify inconsistencies. If you are in doubt about the information contained in the records shown by the car dealer, don't hesitate to probe further. A thorough used car title search may require you to approach sources such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the police department, or the car manufacturer for further information.
About the AuthorAlisha Delphi holds a degree in Economics and Commerce from USC. She started out as financial advisor with a bank and has moved on to become a loan consultant with more than ten years of experience.
For many of us, buying a new car can be an expensive proposition. In comparison, buying a secondhand car is often a more affordable option. The problem with a used car, however, is that youneed to be sure you are getting your money's worth.
Sellers naturally want the best possible prices on used cars. Towards this end, they often manipulate the records of vehicles, to raise their value. A rigorous used car title search,can, however, help you to know the truth.
These are five tips to help you to buy a used car:
1. Get an expert's opinion. Even before you do a used car title search, get the car evaluated by a competent mechanic. He will help you arrive at an accurate estimate of how much you should pay for the car.
2. Check the VIN. A preliminary check in your used car title search should be to ascertain if the VIN (vehicle identification number) on the dashboard or engine compartment matches that specified in the used car title. If these numbers differ, ask your dealer for an explanation.
3. Examine records. A proper used car title search involves thoroughly investigating the history of the vehicle. Scour through the car title certificate and other records to ascertain the car's previous ownership details-such as whether the car was driven by the owner, or whether it leased or rented out-and condition at the time of sale. Your used car title search should also ascertain whether the car has been through any accidents, been stolen, or been labeled for "salvage". A vehicle marked "salvage" means that it is damaged up to, or over, 70% of its market value.
4. Verify inconsistencies. If you are in doubt about the information contained in the records shown by the car dealer, don't hesitate to probe further. A thorough used car title search may require you to approach sources such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the police department, or the car manufacturer for further information.
About the AuthorAlisha Delphi holds a degree in Economics and Commerce from USC. She started out as financial advisor with a bank and has moved on to become a loan consultant with more than ten years of experience.
CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING OLD OR CLASSIC CARS
Be it a Classic Austin, Classic Ford, Classic Lotus, Classic Mini, lets face it, it is a classic for a reason! It is invariably going to be over 20 years old and as such, will most probably not be in the best condition. So, what do you look for when buying classic cars?
1. Classic Cars Documentation.Classic cars or old cars may have had quite a history to them. It is not just the official documentation you need to look out for although this is the most important classic car documentation you need. If the car was let's say in a film as the classic mini was in the Italian Job then there is a good chance that you may just want to buy it for the fact that it was one of the classic cars in the film but what proof do you have? Ask for any proof that the car was once in a film or owned by a famous person.
2. Classic Car Storage.Where is the car kept? If it is in classic cars storage then it will most probably be in a better condition than if it is kept on someones drive along with half a dozen other rust buckets.
3. Classic Cars For Sale. How long has the classic car been advertised for sale? Has it had any interest? (remember, you may not get the truth to these questions) Search it on the Internet, look in Classic cars auction sites, search for some classified classic car ads sites or any site that lists cars for sale. UK Classic Cars.com is but one site that lists many classic cars for sale. Why are they selling the car, does it come with any spare parts.
4. Classic Cars Rust.Asses the immediate visual impact of the classic car. If you can see signs of rust or damage then there is a good chance that there will be much more hidden rust or unrepairedhidden damage.
5. Inside the Classic Car. Check inside the car, not just the cockpit but the boot (trunk for our American friends), over the wheel arches is a good place for rust, lift the carpet, the boot floor and the spare wheel compartment are also good places to find potential problems. It is a classic car, it will have rust somewhere!
6. Under the Bonnet.Suspension mountings, inner wings, engine mountings, bulkhead, all places that rust and wear and tear can set in causing you hundreds if not thousands of pounds (dollars) in repair bills.
7. The classic car engine.Just how original is it? A Classic Car Engine that was manufactured in China three months ago is not really a classic car engine now is it? Does it startfrom cold (feel the engine, was it started before you got there)? Is there any knocking? Does the engine have any excessive shake (potential engine mounting problems)? Knocking. Well, it could be for a number of reasons, light tapping on the top of the engine could be a worn camshaft or a small end on its way out. Knocking from underneath could be a big end bearing breathing its last. An expensive repair. A rumbling noise could be a main crank shaft bearing on its way out, yet another expensive repair.
8. Classic Car Exhausts.Check the exhaust smoke. Is it blue? Is it black? If you see blue smoke on startup that quickly clears it could mean the classic car valves are tired and leaking oil into the combustion chambers. If the smoke does not clear that could indicate a very tired classic car engine, something that wil have to be added to the budget, not only for investigation but for the repairs. Black smoke, probably just an over rich mixture but could just as easily be a worn carbuettor, more costs.
9. Classic Car Fluids.Check the various hydrolic fluids and water levels. Look for any stains around the compartment and on the engine. Does the radiator smell of anti-freeze? Is there any oil lying around? Not a good sign. Keep the engine running for a while, some problems wont show up until the engine is warm. Clouds of steam on startupcould indicate a blown head gasket or even a cracked cylinder head.
10. If the car is driveable, take it for a spin. How does it "feel" on the road, does it "pull" to the right or left? Is the clutch "spongey" or firm? Does braking throw the car into oncoming traffic? (eek!) Wiggle the steering wheel,any clunks? When you accelorate does the car lurch in any particular direction?
And Finally.Once you have weighed up all the options, just remember, do you actually have enough garage space to put all the Classic car parts, Classic car body pannels, Classic car chassis and of course, your tools?How much to pay? Well, the actuall value of a classic car will vary considerably. It depends on condition, make, model, year and of course, what is it worth to you?Just how much would you pay to have that special car sitting on your drive at home? Be realistic! Just because you can isnt a good enough reason to buy a chassis of a Rover P4 if you have no idea where to get the rest of the car and no idea of what to do with the parts if you can get them. Unless of course, you have more money than sense and just farm out the entire restoration project. But then, did you really restore it yourself? Anyway, enough ranting and back to the point, the value. Providing you followed the advice above on checking the car over, you should have a good idea of whether you are paying for a car you can drive away or one that will take months before it even has wheels. Both kind of cars will have different buy prices. If you have looked around the magazines and browsed the Internet to get a good idea of what your aimed for car is selling for, then you should have a price in mind that you will pay for the car depending on its condition. At the end of the day, it is up to you and your budget. If you feel happy with what you have paid for your car then that is all that matters.
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