How Do You Parallel Park?

September 2nd, 2010 admin

Most drivers would attest that parallel parking is possibly one of the hardest parts that they would have to learn in driving. Even experienced drivers would even share that this kind of move actually still brings some sweat out. On the other hand, automobile experts suggest that if you would really like to do parallel parking with ease, it is best if you practice much. By doing so, you become used to the whole drill and everything comes as second nature to you.

Keeping your mind and concentration on the whole task ahead would help you out do parallel parking. Also, it is important that you are calm and collected as to go through the whole experience.

Now, to parallel park, you should use your turn signal. This would indicate exactly the direction of the parking spot or area that you are intending to park on. On the other hand, if the space is not yet vacant but you notice that the car occupying that spot is about to leave, wait behind the spot so that you can park there.

When the spot is already vacant, pull ahead of it. Pull up until you have actually found your car beside the car parked in front of the space you are planning on occupying. Make sure that your rear bumper should be even with that other cars rear bumper. You should have about two feet of road between your car and the car you pulled up beside.

Start putting your car in reverse and begin backing up slowly. As soon as you get the start moving, turn the steering wheel as far as it will go towards the curb. Then, back slowly into the space. When you see that the back of your cars front door is already even with the rear bumper of the car beside you, you should start turning the wheel away from the curb. Keep on turning the wheel away from the curb while backing slowly into the space.

Then, straighten out the wheel. You should pull forward or back into the space. You should do this to actually center your car between the cars in front of you and behind you. Remember that your car should be around six to eight inches from the curb when you are already parked on the spot you chose.

 

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Hubcaps: The History of the Great Cover-Up

August 30th, 2010 admin

Now wait a minuteare they called hubcaps or wheel covers? Is there a difference between the two? And while were at it, why did they start using hubcaps to begin with? These and similar questions have baffled the great minds of the world for many years. So to get to the bottom of these questions, its best to examine the long, tortuous and yes, actually interesting history of the automobile hubcap.

Car enthusiasts have had a running love affair with hubcaps for decades. Some say that the art deco styling of the famous Chrysler Building in New York is a tribute to the hubcap. But, how did hubcaps come about in the first place? Well, originally there was a functional necessity for the cap. See at first, autos were made with wooden spokes like a buggy or wagon wheel. The wooden spokes connected the outer steel rim to the center hub which contained the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing was packed with grease. Something was needed to cover the center hub which could keep the dust out and the grease in. What was needed was a hub cap. Some people today actually spell it hub cap rather than the technically correct spelling of hubcap. So this hub cap (which could have also been called a dust cover) came into existence strictly for functional reasons, but it was a small center cap designed to go over the center hub leaving the wooden spokes exposed. Unfortunately, the wooden spoke wheels were not long for this world. Although they were varnished and sometimes even decorated with pin-striping when new, they would soon begin to age and crack and look pretty lousy. You could always hear from a distance a car with aging wooden spoke wheels creaking down the road.

In the late twenties and early thirties, steel wire-spoke wheels began to replace the wooden spoke wheels. These also required the center cap over the hub, which still left the steel welded wire spokes exposed. By the thirties, function gave way to style and decoration. The hubcaps became larger and stamped with the auto manufacturers name in brass or stainless steel and were utilized as a decorative design feature, but still covered only the hub. The wire-spoke wheels were a problem because they were hard to keep clean and made an annoying wind noise as the cars would go down the street.

In 1934, Cadillac fitted its new model with a stainless steel disc which was held in place by the screw-on center hubcap which fit over the top of the disc. The disc actually covered most of the wheel, covering up the wire-spokes completely. This new styling feature gave the wheel a luxurious streamlined look.

So where does the term wheel covers come in? In 1938, Cadillac began using pressed steel wheels similar to what is used today. They covered the wheels with luxurious full sized hubcapsor wheel covers. So the term wheel cover was born, but for some reason the term hubcap has never yielded its top position as the most commonly used term for that thing-a-ma-jig that covers up the wheel of a car. The important thing is that Cadillac made the full sized wheel cover the symbol of luxury and class. Soon, hot rodders began to seek out the old Cadillac wheel covers for their 1930-1950s custom rods. Probably the most classic Cadillac hubcap was the heavy, brilliantly chromed 1950 wheel cover nicknamed the Sombrero because its profile resembled a sombrero hat. Cadillac owners soon began to realize that their hubcaps were very much in demand. They would usually figure this out when they would go to get in their car and happen to notice that they no longer had any hubcapsouch; another victim of hub capping (hubcap stealing) which was the sad state of affairs in the forties and fifties.

Youve probably heard the term Moon (or racing disc) hubcap which became popular in the fifties. Interestingly enough, the first spun aluminum Moon wheel cover was not invented in the fifties. Bob Rufi, the fastest man alive in 1940, used spun aluminum hubcaps from, of all things, a WWI Jenny war plane to help streamline his 140 mph record breaking speed machine at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Early drag racers used to soup up their cars and on weekends drive them to the drags. Drag racing soon became as American as apple pie. As cars got faster, some safety issues arose. The hubcaps had a nasty habit of flying off and giving unprepared spectators a new part in their hair. New rules were instated that required drag racers to remove their hubcaps before racing, for safety reasons and also for proper inspection of the wheels. Racers began just leaving their hubcaps off after the drags and driving around town like that. Soon, seeing a car with no hubcaps came to mean drag racer. Drag racers began painting their wheels and decorating them with chrome lug nuts and chrome dust covers (center caps). Some believe this led to chrome wheels followed by the mag (magnesium) and aluminum wheels which became very popular in the sixties.

Finally, in the 1970s auto manufacturers began fitting their new vehicles with ABS plastic hubcaps. These wheel covers look like chrome or brushed aluminum caps. By the 1980s, ABS plastic wheel covers virtually replaced the use of steel hubcaps by auto manufacturers. Although plastic might sound cheap or flimsy, the fact is, ABS plastic is rugged and durable and most importantly, it is light. The lighter the hubcap, the less likely that it will fly off. Now, you need to know that some plastic wheel covers made by auto manufacturers are not that great at all; they fly off too easily. Being sturdy, rugged and light alone is not enough. The wheel cover needs to have a good solid retention system. The best is an all steel 360 degree retention ring that can really grip the steel wheel and help the hubcap stay on the wheel.

Now that you have become an expert on the world history of hubcaps, you can dazzle all of your friends at the next party with your amazing knowledge of the mysterious hubcap. Well, maybe not dazzle themmaybe more like not completely bore them to death. Hopefully, you enjoyed the overview and actually learned something along the way.

 

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Innovative Design For Those Who Are Driven: The 2006 BMW

August 28th, 2010 admin

Innovative Design For Those Who Are Driven: The 2006 BMW 3 Series

BMW will tell you it isnt so, but the new 3 Series is the start of a softening of Chris Bangles most angular design language. The car you see is not an evolution of an existing car but a ground up model, an energetic attempt to re-invent the most popular BMW model with unarguably good looks that match its top class driving dynamics.

The first thing you notice is that the car has dropped the current teardrop headlamps and done away with the aircraft carrier trunk lid. Next to go are the cut lines and the aggressive mix of concave and convex panels. Its still recognizably a BMW though. The big news underneath is the new multitude independent suspension (borrowed from the 5 series) is designed to combine unrivalled ride comfort, with taut handling. On top of that you can expect Dynamic Drive (thats adjustable anti-roll bars), Active Steering, and a four wheel drive system as options. The fifth generation BMW 3 Series superstar shines brighter than the predecessor with a torque loving, direct injection, and environmentally conscious engine. (Dont rule out a hybrid just yet by 2009 BMWs partnership with DaimlerChrysler and GM will have born a fruit, enabling the Germans to catch up with Lexus.) Additionally, the new 3 Series features increased passenger room and enhanced safety features.

Step inside the cabin of the 2006 BMW 3 Series, youll find the interior has an instinctive feel to it; every switch and readout is ergonomically placed for a reason, where you will look for it. The surrounding materials are made from high quality wood, leather and plastics enhancing the appeal of this sports machine. The seats offer ample support to the lower back and thigh while enhancing the bodys disposition for spirited driving. And the intuitively placed center display rewards the enthusiast spirit by enabling the driver to easily read every dial and be in touch with the engine.

Turn the key and put the car in gear, youll find the car engineered to move. The smooth delivery of speed is exhilarating. The engine pulls like a conditioned sprinter all the way up to its 6800 redline. The real joy is experiencing the sound of the engine. The loud, visceral scream is clean and mechanical, distinct from any muffler or aftermarket accessory. Additionally, the optional Active Steering reduces steering inputs at high speed and increases inputs at low speeds, enhancing the overall tactile responsiveness of the car. The 2006 BMW 3 Series features the first magnesium block engine to reduce engine weight. The new inline six-cylinder produces 215 horsepower in the 325; and 255 horsepower in the 330i. Linear velocity is smooth due to BMWs revolutionary Valvetronic system that helps the engine breathe more efficiently even at low RPMs. To experience more fully, simply find an open road and press the accelerator.

In terms of handling and cornering, the 2006 BMW 3 Series also features a perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution, making it extremely responsive in turns and at the limits. The rear wheels provide the thrust while the front steers the vehicle with exceptional feedback. The new suspension with double-joint aluminum control arms in front and a five-link fully independent system in the rear is borrowed from the larger 5 Series. Additionally, the new 3 Series also features BMWs most sophisticated Dynamic Stability Control with more sensors to monitor and enhance the ride.

For those of you who prefer the stick shift, the 2006 BMW 3 Series transmission and gears have also been refined; a six speed manual, an optional six speed automatic, or the six speed electro-hydraulic Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) are three very promising choices. The SMG is a manual with no clutch pedal, a welcome relief for the enthusiast drivers who prefers sporty shifting but dislikes using the clutch in toe-to toe traffic.

Additionally, the 2006 3 Series builds on BMWs lineage on passive and active safety by adding advanced, intelligent safety systems. The passive safety begins with BMWs rigid safety cage that surrounds the occupant with deformable energy absorbing tubes. In case of an extreme crash, impact energy is absorbed and routed around the passenger cabin. Sensors throughout the car measure crash severity and deploy airbags as needed. Six airbags are on hand to shield occupants from harm, two in front and the rest as part of the side curtain that protects from the A-pillar in front to the C-pillar at rear. All BMW 3s are also equipped with Dynamic Brake Control which is designed to help you stop more quickly during emergency braking. Brake sensors determine how forcefully you step on the brake pedal and apply maximum braking power to stop the car if needed.

As BMWs most successful model, the 3 Series was first introduced in 1977, and now accounts for 40 percent of all sales worldwide. Gradually, the car has formed a loyal following. To meet enthusiast drivers individualistic needs, the 2006 3 Series is available in nine iterations: 325i sedan, 325xi sedan, 325Ci coupe, 325Ci convertible, 325xi sports wagon, 330i sedan, 330xi sedan, 330Ci coupe and the 330Ci convertible, with MSRP ranging from $30,900 to $44,900. Although not available as a Hybrid yet, the 2006 BMW 3 Series averages 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway to successfully reinvent a top automotive performer.

 

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Jaguar XK: Car Of The Year, Best Coupe Awardee

August 26th, 2010 admin

Another set of honors goes to the Jaguar brand. During the 2006 Auto Express New Car Honors, the Car of the Year award was granted to the Jaguar sports car XK. Another award was given to the Jaguar brand as per the Best Coupe award was presented to the coupe version of the Jaguar XK.

The Jaguar XK also is known by other names such as the XK8, XKR, and the XK. It is manufactured by the Ford Motor Company and is marketed under the Jaguar brand. It has been in production since 1997 and up until the present, this remarkable vehicle continues to be produced. It took over the spot of the Jaguar XJS in the line up of Jaguar vehicles. It is a GT car and has been produced in two body styles which comprise of the FR sports car with two doors and the FR convertible also holding two doors.

Geoff Cousins is the managing director at the Jaguar Cars in the United Kingdom. On the awards that the Jaguar XK took home, he remarked, We are delighted that Auto Express shares our view that the new Jaguar XK is very special. At the outset Jaguars aim was to deliver a sporting Grand Tourer that on the one hand cossets the driver and on the other offers an involving and rewarding experience the true heart and soul of a sports car. For those who have had the pleasure to experience the new XK, I am sure they will agree that we achieved just that.

As on the end of Auto Express, David Johns, the editor in chief of the mentioned group, expresses, From the moment we first heard rumors about the new Jaguar XK we were excited. When the first pictures appeared we were hooked and early passenger rides in prototypes merely served to heighten our anticipation.

Whats more it proves Britain still has the expertise, experience and ability to produce world beaters. Ground-breaking, bold, beguiling, and breathtaking, the Jaguar XK is a British sports car that we can all be proud of.

 

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Having Trouble With Your BMW Wheels?

August 23rd, 2010 admin

If you own a BMW you all to well know the luxury and style that your BMW has to offer. And Im sure that you would take good care of your vehicle. So it would be quite annoying when you notice something wrong with your wheel. If you notice that it wobbles a little now and then, you should get them replaced as soon as possible. You wouldnt want anything to happen to your car right?

The faster you replace them, the less youll have to worry about getting into an accident. That would seriously ruin anybodys day. If you notice any signs of trouble in your wheels get them checked out and replaced if needed, it will save you a big headache that is surely to come down the road.

BMW wheels are a mediator between your car and the road. The reason for this is because the wheels transport the energy from your engine into a forward motion. The wheels keep you in control no matter what; they can withstand big amounts of force in any direction. If theres anything wrong with them they wont be able to give you quality and safety that you want.

The wheels are made with a circular frame with spokes or a solid disc that will rotate on a shaft or axle. You have the choice of what kind of wheel you want. There are wheels with a natural, clear, powder-coated finish, so there are many options you can choose from. There are also many different designs that you can choose from. For example, split-spoke mesh design, which has a polished stainless steel lip and it also, has bolts that make it look like a two piece wheel. You can also customize your BMW anyway you want.

So there isnt any reason to not get your BMW wheels checked out or replaced, the consequences will be much more. Dont be lazy take care of those wheels as you do the rest of your car.

 

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How to lose $20,000 selling your car on-line

August 22nd, 2010 admin

You have your car listed for sale on the Internet and it looks like you have an easy sale. The emails are rolling in from interested buyers. But wait, a lot of these interested buyer may have a plan that will take a lot of your hard earned money.

Because we get into the details, there are four rules that you must follow not matter what. If you violate either of these rules you will lose your money:

1) Never accept payment which is not for the exact amount of the sale.
2) Do not assume that any cashier check or money order is valid.
3) Do not assume any payment if valid just because your bank gives you cash for it.
4) Another persons problem is not your problem to solve.

Before I explain these simple rules we will look at two actual emails I received from people wanting to buy my used car. I listed a price above market value as an experiment and did not believe anyone would answer my ad.
Both of these emails had IP addresses from outside the USA. In the first one an address and phone in the USA were given. You cannot rely on IP address, phones or postal addresses for identification of where a purchase is actually from.

First email:

HELLO,

INQUIRY ON YOUR CAR, PLEASE GET BACK TO ME WITH YOUR ROCK BOTTOM ASKING PRICE AND THE PICTURES IF THE CAR IS STILL AVAILABLE.

HAVE A NICE DAY

JAMES THOMAS

[address]

[phone]

In response, I answered using an almost obscene name and told him the car was as described on the web and gave him a price that was higher than what I stated on the web.

If you notice he does not really ask any questions about the car. You can be pretty sure he emails the same email to thousands of people and cannot remember which email is about which car.

Mr. “Thomas” replies:

HELLO,

THANKS FOR YOUR URGENT RESPONCE, HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU. AFTER CONSIDERING THE PRICE, I HAVE ACCEPTED MAKING PAYMENT FOR THE CAR. BUT THE ISSUE IS THAT I HAVE A FRIEND WHO IS OWING ME HE WORKS WITH INTER TRUST FINANCIAL IN CANADA BUT HE IS PRESENTLY ON VACATION IN SAUDI ARABIA. I HAVE CONSIDERED USING THE MONEY ON THIS TRANSACTION, SO HE WILL BE MAKING THE PAYMENT DIRECTLY TO YOU WITH A CASHIERS CHECK, BUT THE MONEY IS IN EXCESS OF THE PRICE OF THE CAR, SINCE WE HAVE AGREED ON US$15, 100 FOR THE PRICE, SO YOU HAVE TO SEND THE EXCESS TO THE AGENT THAT WILL COME FOR THE PICK UP SO THAT HE CAN BE ABLE TO OFFSET SHIPPING CHARGES. THEREFORE, I URGE YOU TO PROVIDE YOUR MAILLING INFORMATION WHICH ARE YOUR LEGAL NAME, HOME ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER SO THAT HE CAN BE ABLE TO MAIL THE CASHIERS CHECK TO YOU VIA COURIER SERVICE. AND ALSO YOU ARE TO STATE THE PRESENT LOCATION OF THE CAR FOR EASY PICK-UP.THANKS AS I WAIT TO RECIEVE YOUR CONSENT ON THIS TRANSACTION SOON.

THANKS AND GOD BLESS

JAMES THOMAS

Here comes the problem. To sell my car to Mr. “Thomas” I will need to violate all four rules I listed above. The bottom line is that Mr. “Thomas” will send me a cashiers for more than the amount of the sale, the bank will give me cash the day after I deposit the cashiers check, I will refund the extra to him (I am not “solving” his “problems”). My surprise will be that in a month or so, my bank will tell me the cashiers check was forged and remove the full amount from my back account; but I have already refunded the extra to Mr. “Thomas” so my bank balance will likely end up well below zero!

If I am lucky, I will be out the $5, 000 and find out before I actually sign the title of my car over to Mr. “Thomas”!

Here is another email which is basically the same. Again, they are not interested in any details of the car, though some scam emails do ask a few questions. They do not specifically mention a cashiers check, but instead refer to a “check payable in the US”. The email also implies that the car will need to be shipped to a client. I will not comment on his horrible spelling.

Hello,

my clinet is intrested in your car..if is still avalebbile please contact me. which you will receive a payable check in U.S. Hope to read from you soon.

Regards.

mark

We should add an additional rule, if you are not a professional in the import, export business, do not think about shipping your car overseas. Not for one second. Not even if the “buyer” has arranged for shipping. Even if it were legitimate (and it is not) you would be in for more headaches that you want.

We need to review the 4 simple rules again:

1) Never accept payment which is not for the exact amount of the sale.

Any normal purchaser will make payment to you in the correct amount. If someone has a check for the “wrong” amount it is not your problem to resolve. You are just trying to sell a car, your are not in the banking business! Really you should be selling your car to someone you see in person with cash or a check from a local bank you can verify at their bank.

2) Do not assume that any cashier check or money order is valid.

The FDIC issues regular reports about stolen and forged money orders and cashiers checks. It is not a rare event. You cannot assume any payment is valid unless you personally verify it at the bank that issued the payment, ie: by walking into that bank and cashing it.

3) Do not assume any payment if valid just because your bank gives you cash for it.

Under U.S. Banking Laws, your bank is obligated to “clear” cashiers checks in one business day. That means if you deposit a cashiers check today, your bank must allow you to withdraw cash tomorrow. That does not mean the payment is good. A forged cashiers check can take weeks for your bank to discover. When they do the entire amount plus service charges will be removed from your account! You see the trick?

4) Another persons problem is not your problem to solve.

Many of these scamsters develop involved stories about all kinds of problems they have, in this case a cashiers check for too much money. They offer you a bonus or easy sale for helping them solve the problem. In reality the only problem is that you will lose lots of money trying to “help” them.

Your only problem is to sell your car to an actual buyer, that has actually looked at the car and makes a payment you can actually verify (cash) at their bank. This will never include someone that wants the car shipped somewhere. It will never include someone that has a check of any kind for too much money.

No one will ever pay you an extra $500 much less an extra $1,000 or $5,000 for your car for helping them.

BOTTOM LINE Do not ever involve the “problems” of someone else in your transaction. Do not accept any “cashiers check” as valid — no matter what the teller at your bank says.
The real question is who would buy a car they do not look at? But if you must sell your car to someone who is not local, please make sure you use an escrow service.

 

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In-Car Cell Signals Increased for Safety

August 20th, 2010 admin

There are two issues that affect in-car signal loss. Either you are driving through a dead zone – an area where the signal is weakened or nonexistent – or your car might actually be blocking part of the signal.

This signal loss can be a problem, because one of the many reasons new users purchase a cell phone is for security. And according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, nearly half of all users have used their cell phones to report car trouble, medical emergencies, crimes and drunk or reckless drivers. These well-timed calls have saved lives and prevented accidents.

“A weak car signal is problematic for people who rely on their cell phones for safety. In some cases, you may be driving along and get too weak of a signal to use your phone,” says Lloyd R. Meese, chief executive officer of Wi-Ex, a company that uses a patent-pending technology to increase signal strength inside the car.

“Although safety is a good reason to have a cell phone in the car, the cell phone has expanded beyond voice applications for many drivers and commuters. They need continued signal to catch up on returning phone calls, check Web sites for travel information or check on the location of their child’s soccer match.”

New technology that amplifies and improves the signal is available in the form of a U.S.-manufactured signal booster called zBoost. The zBoost wireless unit, when installed in the car via an adaptor plugged into the cigarette lighter, provides more miles of uninterrupted signal, decreases dropped or missed calls and extends the battery life of the phone. It works with major phones and carriers and supports simultaneous use.

Wi-Ex’s zBoost is available at premier consumer electronic stores such as Radio Shack or Fry’s and online at Tiger Direct or Solid Signal.

 

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It Can Be Easier Than You Think To Cut Motor

August 16th, 2010 admin

It Can Be Easier Than You Think To Cut Motor Vehicle Costs

The cost of vehicle ownership is increasing and now more than ever, it’s important to find ways to stretch your fuel budget. According to a new survey from Shell, 78 percent of drivers believe it is possible to increase fuel economy by following driving and vehicle maintenance tips; however, four out of 10 drivers are not using the tips available. Eighty-one percent of Americans say they are interested in doing anything they can to stretch their fuel budgets. Here are some tips from Shell on how to stretch your driving dollar:

• Drive smoothly, avoiding heavy acceleration or braking. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gasoline mileage by 5 percent at lower speeds around town and by 33 percent at higher highway speeds.

• Replace dirty or clogged air filters. Replacing a dirty or clogged air filter with a clean one can improve gasoline mileage by as much as 10 percent. Your car’s air filter can protect your engine from impurities.

• Keep your engine well-tuned and repair any problems immediately. If your car has failed an emissions test or is noticeably out of tune, repairing the problem could improve your gasoline mileage by 4 percent on average.

• Make sure your tires are at the correct pressure and not over- or underinflated. Proper air pressure cuts down on fuel used while driving. Keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by about 3.3 percent.

• Minimize vehicle drag. Keep your trunk and back seat clear of unnecessary items that only add weight. Removing excess weight can improve your gasoline mileage.

• Use cruise control on major roads and in free-flowing traffic. Maintaining a constant speed can improve gasoline mileage.

• Avoid idling. When you idle, you get 0 miles per gallon.

• Avoid higher speeds. Gasoline mileage usually decreases when driving at speeds over 60 mph.

• Plan your outings to avoid separate trips. Combine your errands into one outing to avoid short separate trips. This helps avoid unnecessary cold starts and keeps your car’s engine running warm and more efficiently.

• Reward yourself by using a rebate credit card. Choosing the right card can help you save money at the pump. For instance, the Shell Platinum MasterCard from Citi Cards offers a 5 percent rebate on Shell gasoline purchases and a 1 percent rebate on all other purchases. At the national average of $2.91 per gallon for regular- grade gasoline, cardholders earn 14 cents per gallon back on their gasoline purchases.

“We all want to be more fuel efficient, and incorporating Shell FuelStretch principles into your daily routine is an easy way to get the most out of every gasoline purchase,” says Shell Engineer and ASE-Certified Technician, Mark Ferner.

 

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How To Purchase A Used Car

August 13th, 2010 admin

Buying a used car is a bit trickier than buying a new car although you can follow most of the same guidelines for both.

First, know what car you have in mind. Research the car. There is a wealth of information online. Check the car manufacturers web site, consumer reports and the edmunds.com. web site. Know the approximate value of the car before you head out to the dealer. Go to your bank or to your credit union before you go shopping and see how much money they’ll be able to lend you on a used car. This way you’ll have a much better idea what you can realistically spend.

Realize that there are many different models of the same car. You may not find exactly the car with all the extras you want, or the exact color, but you may find something close that is a great deal.

Most dealers are upright and honest when selling used cars. They offer limited warranties with them. In the case of luxury end cars a lot of them still have warranties in effect when you purchase them.

If you are buying from a private seller ask to see service records. Go online and order a carfax car history report. Find out if the car will be sold “as is” or already state inspected. When you are serious about a used car make sure that you have time to take the car to your mechanic for him to give the car the once over, especially if it’s being sold “as is”. You don’t need to find out after the fact that it needs many more repairs than you thought. You can’t tell just by a visual inspection.

The cosmetics of the car are an important factor in determining it’s value. Cars are generally rated as being in good, fair or excellent condition. However, especially when purchasing from a private seller you’ll find that these ratings vary, sometimes greatly.

Whatever you do, don’t let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision, especially a private seller. If you hear something like “I already have someone else who’s willing to give me a down payment” let the car go. Stick to your guns, and your budget. If you don’t get this car it wasn’t meant to be and there will always be another, and better one.

 

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German Vehicles Comparison: BMW Vs. Mercedes

August 12th, 2010 admin

German cars have long been recognized as some of the best engineered and most luxurious cars in the world. Two manufacturers, BMW and Mercedes, rule the roost with offerings from Audi, Porsche, and even Volkswagen getting some attention. Lets take a look at some current offerings from these Bavarian giants and see how they are impacting the auto industry.

BMW Give BMW credit for moving outside of the box by building a plant in South Carolina. Opened in 1994, the Spartanburg, SC plant has produced the Z3 now Z4 roadster as well as the X5 SAV. Seeking to become more of a world player, BMW has also purchased controlling interest in other automakers including Rolls-Royce and Rover during the 1990s. Later, BMW sold off the Rover and MG portions of Rover, but has kept the Mini brand.

BMW vehicles are well represented in the US. Coupes, sedans, convertibles, roadsters, and SUVs make up the American fleet with new cars at various stages of development being prepared for release.

Mercedes Benz As part of the Daimler Chrysler fold, Mercedes Benz has been producing high quality automobiles for over a century. In 1998, seeking to expand its reach, Daimler Chrysler [DCX] bought out the Chrysler Corporation. Names such as Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, and Mopar became part of the DCX fold, although Plymouth was discontinued a few years later.

The Mercedes Benz name is synonymous with luxury vehicles and in the US the company is well represented by a host of sedans, coupes, convertibles, tall wagons, SUVs, roadsters, and other fine vehicles.

Owners of BMWs and Mercedes Benz do have some things in common: vehicle maintenance. As high end vehicles, the automakers are noted for equipping their cars with only the finest OEM parts. Well represented manufacturers used by both companies include: Bosch, Hella, Mahle, Textar, Brembo, Bilstein, Febi, SKF, and others. Most are German born and bred and are recognized the world over for producing the highest quality parts for auto manufacturers.

Replacement auto parts purchased through dealer parts departments are priced at a premium. When you take into consideration any tariffs, import fees, and third party mark ups, consumers can expect to pay a mint for each part. The growing internet wholesale market has been changing the paradigm lately as companies such as Car Parts Stuff are selling direct to consumers. The better online wholesalers have lowered costs significantly as overhead is low and they buy direct from leading manufacturers. This translates into real savings for you, the consumer.

When purchasing any parts for your luxury car, always determine that the parts you order meet or exceed OEM specifications. There are a lot of counterfeit parts on the market; shop wisely and you will get premium parts at low prices.

 

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