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Archive for the ‘Used Cars’ Category
Wed, August 27, 2008 6:25 am By James Coolridge  Printer friendly version
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 ‘Used cars’ – this term is certainly not seen in the positive light by most car buyers. Tradition says that buying a used car is like buying someone else’s problem. But changing times have changed the perception too. Today the risk of buying a late model is no longer an act of inhibition because the new car quality has gone up tremendously.
In fact it has now bagged a new title which reads Certified Pre-Owned, or CPO.
Well, we all know that buying a used car, especially if it is put through the process of Certified Pre-Owned program, helps us to by the latest models at much lower prices. The amount you save over buying the same model can certainly be called as a big favor you doing to your account. Even experts think so.
Only if we knew, almost one-third of all the vehicles sold come with a Certified Pre-Owned designation. For all those who didn’t know, these vehicles, esp. those which have low mileage, are put through a series of tests to undo all the anomalies in it and bring it back in top condition. Vehicles that fall into this category are mostly just off-lease, secured from factory executive car auctions, from rental fleets, or the very best trade-ins.
If you drive a vehicle pretty exhaustively, it depreciates by 15 to 20 percent on an average. The deal is if you buy one that’s Certified Pre-Owned, you avoid taking the initial depreciation, yet have an almost new car with a strong warranty and in some cases a better warranty than a new one. So how much do you pay?
Ideally, you can pay a premium in the range of 4 to 7 % for a automobile which is Certified Pre-Owned. Yes, you may find the amount a little more than what you would have paid for a new car but when you look at all the checks and balances; you realize that every thing is actually worth it.
Hence the term ‘used cars’ is no longer than a cliché today. Changing times have finally brought with it better systems to cater to its consumers to make sure that they think of these vehicles as the best and brightest in their class.
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Thu, July 31, 2008 2:09 pm By James Coolridge
 By buying a used car, you can save a lot of money, but remember it can be a bit of a gamble as there are no guarantees about the cars mileage, maintenance or history. So when buying a used car you need to be very alert and careful that you don’t buy a lemon by mistake.
Here are a few points to take into consideration
•Don’t look for cheapest car, the “best deal” doesn’t mean the cheapest one, try to look for a car in good condition for practical price.
•Check if the car has a current Warrant of Fitness (WoF). A car for sale must have a WoF that is less than one month old.
•You will most probably have to spend money on repairs in order to bring the car without a warrant up to WoF standard, so ask the seller if there are papers recording the vehicle’s service or repair history.
•Check out the car yourself very carefully, ask a knowledgeable person who knows about cars to help you.
•Be particularly attentive when doing the paperwork, make sure that the person who signs the Bill of Sale is the actual owner of the car.
•Look carefully for signs of rust on any of the weight-bearing parts, as well as on the steering mechanism mountings. When you get into the car, look under the carpets, the boot liner and in the spare tyre area.
•Check the treads of all the cars tires, including the spare, treads must be at least 1.5mm deep across 3/4 of the tread pattern, around the entire circumference of the tire.
•Also look for uneven tire wear, which may indicate problems with the cars steering, suspension or alignment.
•Open and shut all the doors, the bonnet and the boot, making sure they are aligned properly and move smoothly, also check that the windows open and shut easily, and make sure they will stay open halfway.
Tags: maintenance, Used Cars, cars mileage, Warrant of Fitness, tire treads,
Thu, July 17, 2008 1:29 pm By James Coolridge
 Driving a car is not an easy and simple task. You may drive like a saint, but what if the tires are not in good condition? If your part worn tires have not hit every kerb and been speed testing on the local car park gravel, then you are in danger. How do you know if you are safe? How do you know what you are getting, will the part worn tire be safe at high speed or in the wet? Just read out these tried and tested guidelines that will help you in making a decision. Always take into account your safety while driving.
While purchasing a used tire, the first thing that must be considered is aquaplaning. Always take care about a good grip. If any lapse on this part is done, then remember at a particular speed, the vehicle can lose control. Always take care to avoid mishaps.
The more tread you have it will be better for the tire. The patterns of used tyre are designed to clear water from the road surface so that it can make good contact with the road. The deeper the tread, it could clear more water from the road making the journey safe. Aquaplaning happens when a level of water gets build up between the road surface and the tire. This may prevent brakes and steering from working. If this happens, the anti brake system (ABS) and electronics will be of no use causing accident.
A part worn tire, with a not so deep thread will have less grip in nasty wet conditions which is simply lethal. All tires must wear indicators which are little raised areas between the tread.
The damaged tires may even come apart which will lead to accidents while you are on driving seat Beware, avoid risks to save your life.
Tags: Cars, Safety, accident, driving, tires, brakes, wheels, used tires, aquaplaning, steering
Thu, June 26, 2008 5:30 am By James Coolridge
 Salvage cars have gained popularity in the present day because they are cheaper than new cars. It doesn’t take much time to buy a salvage car. If you want to buy a car fast, salvage car auctions are waiting for you.
If you are not an expert car driver, then buying a cheaper car will be a good idea. You can learn driving in a salvage car and then switch over to your new car if you have gained the required proficiency. A salvage car will indeed act as a second car for you and your family. This is because salvage cars are available cheap and fast.
Salvage car auctions are very cheap. The buyer won’t have to bargain for a huge price as the salvage cars are sold out for small price. So if you are low on money and urgently want to buy a car, visit the nearest salvage car auction site.
The deal won’t take much time for both the buyer and the seller. If you are announced the winner of the salvage car auction, it will take only few days to have the car in your hands to drive it. The time is taken to get all the papers ready.
Many faults can be spotted in a used car. The quality is questionable in a salvage car. Hence, it becomes important to carefully examine your salvage car before completing all the formalities on papers.
If you don’t feel like buying a salvage car to drive down, you can buy the car for body parts. The car parts of your salvage car can also be used as spare parts for your own car. This is an added advantage of buying salvage car from auctions.
Tags: Cars, salvage, used, rescue
Sun, May 25, 2008 8:41 am By James Coolridge
 The market is now clustered by numerous used car dealers who assure you to get the best used car in the market. However, we suggest you to look before you leap. Yes, there are many aspects to be kept in mind before purchasing a used car. Here are they.
How old is the car?
The very first thing to look for is the age of the car, that is how old is the car. You need to keep this in mind because newer cars are less polluting. They are generally cleaner cars. The older the car is the more is the pollution. So, make sure that you purchase a used car which is not too old.
Was the used car given proper maintenance?
Of course, a used car which is not too old is preferred but, you should also know that an older car that was given good care is much better than a five-year-old car that has been poorly maintained. So, always check the owner’s manual and the maintenance record to be sure that the car has been properly maintained.
What is the fuel efficiency of the car?
Look at the emissions inspection sticker and make sure that it is valid. The sticker shows whether or not the vehicle meets the minimum requirements for emissions in your State. Also check for the fuel-efficiency rating of the car, that is, the amount of carbon monoxide emissions. Ideally, the car should emit lower carbon monoxide per mile. Car that pollutes less is more efficient and more efficiency means you save money!
Is the engine of the car on a fair condition?
Start the engine of the car and listen to it. If it sounds smooth it is okay. But, you should not stop yourself from getting it thoroughly checked by a qualified mechanic. Get the catalytic converter and other pollution control devices checked by the professional.
What is the mode of payment?
If you have checked all the aspects of the car and have decided to purchase it, check the mode of payment. That is, do you to pay in full cash or installment? Do you have to make the payment in cash or credit? Do you have to pay the cost of credit, interest and other loan costs? You must also check how much money you can put down, the monthly payment, the loan term and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
Keep all these tips in mind and make sure that you end up buying a reasonably good used car.
Tags: engine, fuel efficiency, used car dealer, mode of payment
Sat, May 3, 2008 11:43 am By Kevin Park
 Are you planning to sell your car online? If yes then here are few tips about how to sell your car online in a profitable way.
First of all, provide the buyers with plenty of pictures of your car so that they will get a clear idea of how your car will look like. But hey, wait! Before you start taking the snapshots, make sure that your car is clean in both interiors and exteriors. Nobody will like to buy a dirty car, isn’t it?
Next, take the shots in the best weather. Look out for bright sunny days to come out with the best snaps. If you have taken 20 exterior and interior shots, short- list the best shots to use them in your auction.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that while taking the pictures, blank your number plate to avoid car cloning. Use the image manipulation software for this purpose with a blur or pixelate feature which can hide your number plate.
When you are selling your car, be very honest. Don’t boast about your car for something which it doesn’t have. If the buyer comes to collect the vehicle and discovers that they have been misleading, they will simply dump the deal. So, honesty is the best policy!!!
Low bid price attracts interest: There are many websites these days which are reliable and which facilitate to start the bid at low prices which attracts buyers’ interest.
Once the auction is live you’ll start getting questions from existing and potential bidders. Make sure that you answer all the questions otherwise the bidders might switch to another vehicle.
Last but not the least; you must possess the logbook of your vehicle. You cannot you’re your car legally without logbook.
Tags: auction, bidders, used vehicle, Internet
Mon, April 21, 2008 5:52 am By James Coolridge
 Cars are more than a means of mobility. It is a passion riding cars for many of us. When it comes to purchasing a motorcar, it is very important to have a checklist even if you have expertise in riding one.
I have seen people who DO prefer used cars than brand new cars. The sole reason behind this is the price of brand new cars. Many people are satisfied with used cars rather than opting for newer ones.
If you are planning to purchase a used car from someone, here are a few tips to ensure that you ride the right car.
Many people have the tendency of purchasing a motorcar during the “peak” season, when the cars’ prices sore. I would rather suggest you to get the deal in the best time. That is, wait for the prices to fall.
Chances are there that the car may have bald tires, worn engine and many more to add to the list. So, examine the car in the day time for all these problems. If the problems are major, drop the car in a garage and get it thoroughly checked by a good mechanic.
Make the most of your new second-hand car by executing all the above tips and enjoy your passion of riding the vehicle!
Tags: garage, worn out engine, bald tires
Sun, April 20, 2008 9:10 am By Kevin Park
 Internet has now become a favorite hub for the savvy bargain hunters. Shopping online has made it easier for the Americans to instantly put their hands on many things ranging from the purchase of music, plane tickets, and paintings etc. and now, used cars!
Yes, it is true. According to a survey, more than 40 million used cars are exchanged every year in the United States. The credit goes to Internet to make the business flourish. Let us know the reasons behind the boom in the purchase of used cars.
According to John Davis, executive producer and host of the critically acclaimed PBS weekly automotive magazine series MotorWeek, “A two- to four-year-old car today can offer customers much of the comfort, performance, styling and reliability of a new model, and it sells for 30 to 60 percent less than a new vehicle.” He also adds that “cars are better built these days, and the styling is changed less often and less radically than it used to be, so a three-year-old car looks and drives a lot like a new one.”
Another reason for the purchase of used cars is the lesser risks involved in the deal. The car warranties for premium cars are twice as long as new car warranties. The corrosion and rust protection and roadside assistance for used cars now lasts even longer.
Car dealers have also made the whole thing easier and consumer-friendly by providing certified used vehicles, which are nearly equal to new cars in terms of specific qualifying standards. These standards are thoroughly inspected and serviced.
Now that you know why used cars have become great deals, it is equally important to get certain tips before buying a used car. This includes a proper research about the purchase. While you are shopping online, look for the written reviews of the used cars and other information for the consumers provided in the website via which you are doing the purchase.
Tags: comfort, Used Cars, online shopping, new cars.
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