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Buying A Used Car In Australia – Two Factors You

0 July 23rd, 2010

Buying A Used Car In Australia – Two Factors You Must Consider Carefully Before Buying A Used Car

If you are going to buy a used or second hand car, what will be your main concerns? What are the most important factors to consider if you wish to buy a used car?

I find myself asking these same type of questions when I was faced with a limited budget and a need to change to a newer, but used or second hand car to cut down on initial investment costs.

I have read from one car club for motoring enthusiasists that it should be the age of the car. Briefly, this car club recommended that I spend the most time to look out for a car that was about 3 years old to get the best value out of a used car which still looks good and has depreciation factored into it.

But essentially was that the main factor I should be concerned about when hunting for a good used second hand car?

Are there more important factors I should rightly spend more time to look at if I am looking for a used or second hand car?

Indeed, I was not too surprised when I read a report from the Monash University Traffic Research Centre and supported by the RACV, Traffic Accident Centre and several other motoring clubs that for anyone looking for a used car, the most important criteria in determining the selection of a used car is not its age, but is the safety the used car provides the driver and the people on the road!

In the world’s largest crash study conducted in 2006 (and updated recently in mid July 2007), results assessed the performance of 305 vehicle models in more than 1.7 million crashes in Australia and New Zealand from 1987 to 2004.

From the study, it is now possible to have a good understanding of how each car model correlated to its age would perform with regards to its crashworthiness (how much protection the vehicle provides the driver in a crash) and aggressivity (how badly the vehicle is likely to harm other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, in a crash).

By means of this study, if you are looking for a used car in Australia and New Zealand, it will be possible for you to have a general assessment of the protection the used car model will provide you as well as the potential harm it can cause to other road users in a crash.

Dr Newman who led the study reported that of the 305 vehicle models assessed, 87 provided an above average level of driver protection and 72 provided a below average level of driver protection in a crash.

With this report, it is now possible for you to check the make of your car and the model against the report to have a quick understanding of its car crashworthiness and aggressivity.

Further if you are in Australia and if you agree that the aspect of car safety is or paramount importance to you, then before you make a decision to buy any used car, check the make of your car and the model against this Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) report.

From this report there are clear indications of some superior makes and models that are standout cars, and where safety is your consideration, it will be wise to give a lot more consideration to these cars when you purchase your next used car.

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Posted in Car News |

Buying a car online in San Diego

0 July 16th, 2010

Todays car shopper is faced with many choices on how to buy a vehicle, but none offers more information and up-to-date information like the Internet. In years past, when you in were in the market for a car, you would go to the dealership empty-handed, test-drive the car and put together the deal based on what you thought the car was worth. Unfortunately, many times buyers ended up getting a raw deal, with the dealerships using their salesmanship and behind the scenes knowledge to turn the deal in their favor.

But now, things are different. The Web offers shoppers a tool which they can research, price and even take a virtual test drive of the car they want. They can e-mail or call, and have all the information at their fingertips at sites like Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and Edmunds (www.edmunds.com).

Possibly one of the best examples of a site dedicated to the car buyer is www.sandiegocardeals.com, run exclusively by the internetfleet department of Kearny Mesa Toyota in San Diego. The site offers a complete virtual inventory of all new Toyota and Scion models as well as complete pre-owned inventory listings. But what really sets this site apart from the others is that they actually post retail and invoice prices so that the buyer can simply name my price, based on the research theyve done online prior to coming to the site.

This approach, of providing the buyer with as much information as possible, is a product of Kearny Mesa Toyotas realization that it is not status quo in the car business anymore.

We found that the buyer responds to being treated like an intelligent human being, said Melissa Amick, InternetFleet Director at the San Diego Toyota dealer. They have done the research, and they just love it when they talk to one of our Internet specialists and get a straightforward, honest answer.

Kearny Mesa Toyota has even taken it a step further buy training and authorizing their entire Internet department staff so that they can quote prices over the phone without having to check with management.

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Posted in Car News |

Buying a Car Can Turn You Upside Down

0 July 9th, 2010

It’s expensive buying a car and it only gets more so as time goes on. Over time, the price of new cars has increased faster than the rate of inflation. This isn’t entirely due to greed on the part of automakers; cars are also more complicated and useful than they used to be. Sure, they were cheaper in the 1960’s, but they didn’t include air conditioning, air bags and video systems. Convenience and safety comes at a price.

With the increase in price comes an increase in the length of time people are taking to pay off their cars. Few people pay cash; most people take out loans and pay over time. The average car loan, which used to be repaid over a period of three years, now averages about six years in duration. That’s a long time to pay for a car, especially if you have no plans to own it for that long.

Taking six years to pay for a car has its advantages, as the payments are lower than they would be over a shorter loan term. Such a long loan does have a significant disadvantage, though – you can find yourself in a negative equity, or “upside down”, situation. This can be a serious problem – if you should total the car in an accident, your insurance company will only pay you the value of the car, and not the amount you still owe.

A buyer is described as being upside down when he or she owes more on a car loan than the car is worth. It’s easy to find yourself in an upside situation, and it can occur under any of the following circumstances:

Insufficient down payment – Cars depreciate as much as 25% the minute you drive them off of the lot. If you haven’t provided enough of a down payment to cover that depreciation, you may find yourself upside down immediately.

Trading in too often – Buyers like to trade cars in and roll their outstanding balance into a new loan. These unpaid debts can contribute to negative equity.

Too long a loan – Five and six year loans often lead to negative equity. You can often avoid it by keeping the length of loans to three years or less.

In order to avoid a potential problem in the event of an accident, you should contact your insurance provider to make sure that you have “gap insurance.” Gap insurance will make sure that you are protected should you have an accident while in an upside down situation. Without gap insurance, you may find yourself still making car payments even though you no longer have a car. That is the last thing any car owner wants.

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Posted in Car News |

Are You Really Safe From Carjackers?

0 July 2nd, 2010

Carjacking. What is it? Well, it is a crime of motor vehicle theft. Most of the time, a carjacker is armed so much so that the owner of the driver of the car is forced out of the vehicle.

Aside from the fact that you may never see your vehicle again, carjacking could also be very hazardous to both your physical safety as well as the carjackers. You see, if you are the victim, you may try to maneuver your way out and in the process run the carjacker over. On the other hand, the carjacker could use their weapon and try shooting you. They also try pushing the occupant out of the car.

If you are simply going to park your car, make sure that you park it somewhere that has lots of lights. Also, be sure that it is a busy area with plenty of motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic. If possible, try parking somewhere that is very close to your destination. The more people around, the lesser the chances of a carjacker striking and working up the nerve to attack your car.

Also, make sure that everything valuable is hidden. Keep your windows rolled up and check all doors and windows before leaving the car. Make sure everything is locked up. And when you are going back to your car, have your keys handy. These carjackers could attack when you are posed trying to search for your keys. Be on the alert always.

On the other hand, if you are on the road, make sure that your car is always well-maintained. This assures you that the chances of your car breaking down are slimmer. Cars that have broken down are the usual targets for carjackers. Driving should also be something to plan ahead of time. It would be best if you try going through routes that are busy and well-lit.

The center lane is more safe. Remember that once you get stuck in traffic, the carjackers would have to go though a tough time first before they actually reach your car.

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Posted in Car News |

Are You Giving Gas Back To The Gas Station?

0 June 25th, 2010

Are You Giving Gas Back To The Gas Station?

You May Be Paying For Gas, And Leaving It Behind.

That’s right; you could be losing a fortune by trying to get that extra bit

in because it is pennies cheaper at this gas station.

If you try to overfill your gas tank by squeezing that extra bit of gas in

after the pump has clicked off it could be going back into their tanks.

Let me explain.

The fuel pump at the gas station has a venting system which takes the fumes

out of the air as you fill up you tank. If this did not happen you would get

a face full of noxious fumes every time you fill up.

If you try to get more in after the pump has clicked off, it may suck some of

the fuel into the venting system instead and back into their tank.

Also, when you put the gas in your tank it is coming from buried storage

tanks and is colder than if it was stored above ground. What this means is

that as the gas warms up to the temperature of the day it expands.

If you overfill you tank and then park your car up, the fuel may go into the

cars fuel tank breather system and cause unknown damage or even leak from the

breather onto the floor. Now along with the wasted fuel you also have a fire

hazard. (Is you insurance up to date?)

For you pocket and you safety I recommend that you stop filling when the gas

pump clicks.

If you are going away on holiday, or business, early in the morning and think

it would be quicker to fill up the night before it may be wise to think again.

There are many 24 hour gas stations.

As fuel is sold by volume it will be colder, early in the morning and as the

day gets warmer it expands and you get less for your money.

It will only take minutes to fill up in the morning and gives you enough time

to remember things you forgot to pack (where’s the kids?) before travelling

to far.

If you are driving for a long distance it would be a good idea to use your

cruise control as often as possible. A smoother speed will be more

economical.

What about all the clutter in your car. It all adds weight and means more

gas used. If you need to carry a full toolkit around in your trunk then it

is time to think about replacing your car. Clear out the stuff you don’t

need (Compact discs, half empty pop bottles, Kylie tapes, those old papers

you were going to take to recycling). A tidy car makes you feel good too.

More………..
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When you are driving does your steering wheel pull to one side or the other.

The wheel alignment may need checking. If the alignment is out it will cause

the tires to drag on the road and you will use more gas.

Also the tires will wear out extremely fast, usually on one side. The

handling of the vehicle will also be affected.

So for safety and economy get your alignment checked regularly.

For more tips I recommend you see this e-book.
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Posted in Car News |

All about the benjamins – selling

0 June 18th, 2010

There, of course, are some questions that the seller is likely to ask. Having the answers ready will reassure the seller.
1.What if you wreck the car?
The insurance company will issue a check with both your name and the lien holder’s name on it. This check will be applied towards repairing the vehicle.
2 What if you get a ticket while driving this car?
Any points are charged to my individual driver’s license, not to the car.
3 What if you hit someone?
The Suggested Assignment Contract states that I am driving the vehicle, and am responsible for all liabilities. Your liability is limited because I will carry 100/300/50 liability coverage or whatever your Purchase Agreement with the lien holder requires, which will protect you. As the owner of this car, you are put in the same position as an independent leasing company or car rental agency. You own the car, but you are not driving it.
4.How do I know that you’ll make these payments?
You’ll receive a cashier’s check or money order made out to the lien holder at least ten days before your payment due date. If I’m late, you have the legal right to take the vehicle back. Believe me I don’t want to lose it. The agreement basically states that I will make the remaining payments or pay it off early. As long as I do this, you are under contract to sign over the title to me. Nothing hidden, no surprises, it’s fair and legally binding.
5.What about the license plates?
You are still the legal owner, just as leasing companies and rental agencies are. As such, the license plates on the car will have to be yours. However, I am the one who is primarily liable for what happens while it’s in my possession.
6.What if you move and cannot be located?

I am giving you a list of personal references, my driver’s license number and my social security number. Any repossession firm could track the car in a matter of hours. I can understand your concern, but let me assure you that I have no intention of going to jail for car theft.
As far as insurance is concerned, keep in mind that regulations differ widely from state to state. The simplest and most widely accepted structure for this arrangement is to list the owner as primary insured and you as additional insured. The loss payee will always be the lien holder.
The policy address can be that of either the buyer or seller. Insurance can remain on the existing owner’s policy by just adding the buyer as an additional insured. The owner may prefer to set up a new policy so that the buyer’s driving record will not affect the rates that he pays for his other vehicles.
Recommended liability limits should be 100,000/300,000/50,000: 100,000 maximum limit of liability per person, per accident; 300,000 maximum limit of liability for all persons per accident; 50,000 maximum liability limit for property damage, per accident. These higher liability limits normally will account for a minor increase in rates.
If the seller has a poor driving record, that would make your insurance premiums prohibitive; however, you do have some options. Some insurance companies will allow you to list the buyer as Primary Insured and the seller as Non-Driving additional insured.
They will treat the policy just like a normal lease. In the place of the leasing company, they will insert the name of the seller. The Loss Payee remains the bank or lien holder. Let the insurance company know that you have the Power of Attorney for this vehicle.
If this is the direction that is most economical for you, then you may want to find a creative, knowledgeable agent (this is not always easy). Many agents may reject your policy without fully understanding the relationship or legality of it.
It is generally recommended that you talk directly to the underwriters if the agent does not seem knowledgeable. If you do set up your policy in this manner, then you may want to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to see if a lease tag can be issued in your name without changing the title.
When registering the vehicle, most states again have different policies regarding an agreement such as this. The most common is to register the vehicle in the seller’s name in care of buyer’s name and address.
You should keep Limited Power of Attorney with registration. In most states, limited power of attorney along with the assignment contract is sufficient to register a vehicle. Registration and license plates are to remain in seller’s name, (normally leave the same license plate on the vehicle).
This may seem like an impossible arrangement and one that no one would agree to, but think again. When a person has a large car payment and they are in danger of having the car repossessed, they want to avoid having such a large hit on their credit report.
Many people will explore whatever options they have to avoid repossession and the blemish it will leave on their credit. If you can show them that you are serious about owning your own car and that you can easily make the payments, this is a win-win situation for both of you!

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Advice On Dealing With A Defective Car Seat And Getting

0 June 11th, 2010

Advice On Dealing With A Defective Car Seat And Getting Help

The automobile market can be intimidating, and if you are just starting out in the wonderful world of wheels you may need advice on buying your first car. There are so many options for car buyers: new or used, red or blue, sports car or SUV, two or four doorsand that is just for starters! Also, as a new car buyer you need to be wary of advice on buying your first car, because there are still quite a few snake-oil salesmen out there in the automotive market looking to sell you a lemon. Following you will find some solid advice on buying your first car.

The first consideration for anyone who wants to buy his or her first car is usually whether to buy new or used. Many first car buyers are young people who are just starting out, so the necessity of buying used is often present. Advice on buying your first car new from a showroom is fairly straightforward: buy from a reputable dealer, research the best type of vehicle for you, and seek out the best deals including free extras, low interest and rebates. However, if you plan to buy a used vehicle, where should you look to avoid getting taken advantage of? Most car dealerships also sell gently used cars, usually those that have been previously leased. When these are out of your price range, there are also many used car lots with lower-priced second-hand vehicles. Look for a car dealer who is willing to do all the necessary repair work to get your first car in top running condition, and who also has all the necessary certifications to be in business. Ask whether you can talk to other people who have bought cars from the dealer and find out if they have had major problems with the vehicle. Always test-drive a car before you buy!

When it comes to the car itself, there are a number of things you should check out on your first car. You can examine the tires, the body and the interior on sight and look for possible problems. When considering the tires, be alert for rips and gouges and demand replacements for poor tires or ask for a lower purchase price. Also, uneven wear on tires indicates an alignment or suspension problem, in which case you should tell the dealer to perform the repairs before you will consider buying. On the body of the car, a few dents and scratches wont affect the performance – but several of them could indicate the car has been in an accident. Also, rust along the bottom of doors or on the frame can attack the structure of the vehicle. Excessive rust is a bad sign. Check the interior of the car thoroughly for missing mirrors, frayed seatbelts, loose knobs and switches that dont work. Test the audio system as well. Any of these points can be used as a bargaining tool to lower the asking price!

With any used vehicle, you should always obtain a used car report such as those from CARFAX. This information will tell you whether there are any outstanding liens, holds, or fines associated with the vehicle, and whether its been involved in an accident.

What is the best advice on buying your first car? Take your time, and have fun. With some careful research and a bit of the right knowledge, you can soon say, This is my car!

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Posted in Car News |

A Global Solution To Regional Mass Transit

0 June 4th, 2010

As gasoline prices continue to fluctuate, regional mass transit systems look better and better as an alternative to personal automobiles for daily commuting. But, as these systems expand to meet the growing demand, they often run into an increasingly common dilemma.

Much of the best technology available today is from Europe and Asia, but most regional systems are government entities that must observe “Buy American” mandates when upgrading their infrastructure. Fortunately, reconciling the two demands doesn’t always require settling for a less-than-optimal solution.

Chicago’s Metra commuter rail is a case in point. Metra serves 500 miles of track and 230 stations in six counties. As part of a plan to upgrade both efficiency and customer satisfaction levels, Metra is replacing aging passenger cars with new Highliner cars, featuring the latest mass-transit technology from around the world.

The cars are being built by a Japanese company, Nippon Sharyo, and powered by Toshiba traction motors, but the final drives-a key high-value component-will be supplied by Voith Turbo of York, Pa. The final drives will be assembled and tested in Pennsylvania using gear wheels, bearings, seals and gear couplings from qualified U.S. suppliers.

“These units will help Nippon meet the 60 percent American content requirement for the new cars with no sacrifice in either quality or technology,” said Voith sales engineer Michael Klug.

The drives feature an advanced design that helps prevent oil leakage, making the new cars more environmentally friendly than the ones they replace. They are also compact and robust, which contributes to rider comfort by increasing the car’s reliability, and to operational efficiency by reducing maintenance requirements.

The first 16 Highliner cars went into service with Metra already. Voith will deliver a total of 116 final drives over the life of the program.

“We expect this kind of partnership to be the model for many more regional transportation systems across the U.S.,” added Klug. “The marriage of global technology and local manufacturing and service is very hard to beat.”

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5 Tips To Buying Cars On Ebay Motors

0 May 28th, 2010

There are many terrific benefits to buying cars on eBay Motors, including a price that the you get to determine, lower insurance and the absence of a car payment every month if you pay in full. If you plan on buying used cars on eBay Motors in the near future, here are several tips to make sure that the road to your new ride is a smooth one.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 1
Check with your local automobile insurance agent before deciding on a specific used car. If the cost of auto insurance is an important deciding factor, you should be aware that SUVs will be more expensive than a car. Regardless, however, a used car will carry more affordable insurance than a new one of the same model and make.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 2
Request a CarFax report. This information is available for a reasonable fee and includes information regarding the cars history, including whether or not it has been flooded or if it has ever been involved in any type of accident. In addition, the number of previous owners and whether or not the title is clear should also be included in a CarFax report.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 3
Check out the cars value with Kelly Blue Book. This source is one of the most trusted when it comes to providing new or used car values. By entering certain information into the website, car shoppers can learn what that particular automobile should be sold for. This can help potential buyers realize whether or not they are getting a good deal.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 4
Consider gas mileage. An SUV will typically use more gasoline than a compact car, which is important if the cost of fuel is a major deciding factor in your purchase.

Buying Cars On eBay Motors Tip # 5
Select a used car with as little mileage as possible. This should mean that the car has a longer life and hasnt been used excessively.

And finally, when buying cars on eBay Motors, make sure that the automobile you choose is one that fits your lifestyle. For example, a family would likely be more comfortable in a van or SUV, while a single person or a married couple may be perfectly happy with a compact car. The design of an automobile that you may consider buying on eBay Motors will ultimately depend on your intended use and how many are in your family that will be riding along at the same time.

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A Quick Look On 2006 Hybrid Cars

0 May 21st, 2010

Demand for hybrid cars has sharply grown over the past three years, as pump prices continue to surge and eating a considerable part of the household budget.

Hybrid cars may not be the complete solution to rising oil prices but they are very economical, as they rely more on electricity instead of gas for power. For 2006, business conditions have remained turbulent. The current crisis in Israel and Lebanon will likely have an adverse effect on oil markets given that they are very near the worlds top oil producers.

Other issues that will keep gas prices high include Chinas demand, terrorist attacks on refineries and volatility in stock markets. Is 2006 finally the right time to jump on the bandwagon for hybrid cars? For 2006, the top Japanese car makers Honda and Toyota have released an impressive line of hybrid cars that have been updated to conform with the demands of the daily driver.

The hybrid cars for 2006 promises more power behind the steering wheel but gas consumption will be comparable to a child guzzling a bad-tasting cough syrup.

Honda 2006 Accord Hybrid

The new Accord Hybrid from Honda is 4-door sedan ideal for families with 2-3 kids. This car comes in two trims and 5-speed automatic transmission. Overdrive option is standard equipment. For those that enjoy long and leisurely rides, Honda is offering a Accord Hybrid equipped with a Navigation system.

Both trims are powered by a standard V6, 3.0-liter, 253-horsepower engine. The Accord Hybrid is capable of 25-mpg in city driving and 34-mpg in highway driving.

The Honda Accord Hybrid is well suited for the highways and boasts of excellent responsiveness and outstanding acceleration.

Initial impressions

The 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid has been criticized for its disappointing fuel economy but lauded for its outstanding performance especially in fast-driving. The car battery used in the car is relatively low in power and supposed does not effectively maximize the hybrid technology unlike rival models.

Some users have also been critical over the rough automatic transmission shifting between gears and poor flawed synchronization between engine and battery.

Honda 2006 Civic Hybrid

The new Honda Civic Hybrid is a 4-door sedan ideal for small families. The vehicle comes in two trims namely the the CVT AT-PZEV w/ Navigation System and the CVT AT-PZEV

A standard I4 1.3-liter 110-horsepower hybrid engine powers the 2006 Civic Hybrid car. This model has the capability to run 49-mpg in city driving and 51-mpg in highway drives.

Initial impressions

The 2006 Civic Hybrid car is a top-notch performer especially for who are looking for the perfect driving experience. The interior has been lauded for its attractive lay-out and design. Gas consumption is exceptional, as delivers near or slightly above its specifications.

However, the 2006 Civic Hybrid has been criticized more on its ambitious despite. The digital speedometer is a nice new touch but can be distracting especially during night drives. The Civic Hybrid only comes with rear drum brakes, which is disappointing considering that the Civic has been named car of the year.

The hand brake is also placed on odd location and will be discomforting for those with large thighs. The 2006 Civic Hybrid is a drivers car and will perform best when used in the highways.

2006 Toyota Prius

Updated for 2006, the new Toyota Prius is a 4-door sedan, ideal for small families. This hybrid car only comes in one trim has a 4-Door Liftback.

The 2006 Toyota Prius is powered with by a standard I4, 1.5-liter, hybrid engine running 110-horsepower. In city driving, the Prius can achieve 60-mpg and 51-mpg in highway driving.

Initial impressions

The Prius features a spacious interior that can easily fit small families. Ideal for pedestrian drivers but those conscious with performance should stay away, as acceleration is slow. In addition, consumers have also been disappointed over the inability of the car to reach its advertised consumption and high price. For those tht want to save the world the Prius is great but look the other way if you want to save money.

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