How to Import a Lexus SC430 to Canada

Due to the differences in prices and fluctuating exchange rates, many people have found it profitable to import a car to Canada from abroad. Although the procedure for importing a Lexus SC430 into Canada is no different than importing most types of cars to Canada, following a certain set of procedures will ensure that bringing a car in from overseas will be trouble-free.

Instructions

1

Check to see if your vehicle is admissible into Canada. As of 2010, the Lexus SC430 is admissible if being imported from the United States, however check with Transport Canada (see Resources) before importing. Policies may change depending on the year and country of export.

2

Check the emissions excise tax of your vehicle at Transport Canada. Due to its average emissions, the Lexus SC430 emits 5060 kg of carbon dioxide per year. The emissions excise tax changes year from year.

3

Check if the Lexus SC430 is currently on a safely recall. A vehicle currently on a safety recall cannot be imported into Canada.

4

Abide by the customs regulations that pertain to the country of export. Various countries have different polices, so check with the appropriate customs office before shipping or driving your car.

5

Declare your vehicle at Canadian customs. They will provide you with "Vehicle Import Form 1," which you will have to fill out along with providing an RIV fee of $195. If your vehicle is subject to an emissions excise tax, you will have to pay it at this stage, along with an import fee of 6.1 percent if your car was not built in North America.

6

Fill out "Vehicle Import Form 2" which will be sent to you by Canadian Customs within 10 days of importing your vehicle. The form requires you to obtain an inspection as well as carrying out any modifications required of your vehicle that pertain to Canadian driving regulations---such as metric speedometer conversions. A licensed inspector will fill out the form as well as provide a sticker on the driver's side door indicating that your vehicle is Canadian Safety compliant.

7

Register your vehicle at your provincial licensing office. Bring all the paperwork obtained in the previous steps and pay the provincial sales tax on your vehicle.

2000 Chevy Venture Van Information

Never a big seller during a production run that lasted from 1997 to 2005, the Chevrolet Venture was the unsuccessful attempt by General Motor's Chevy brand to make an impact in the crossover minivan market. The 2000 Chevy Venture was released roughly in the middle of the van's lone generation of production, with trims that included--in ascending order of value--the Value Edition, LS, Plus Extended, LS Extended, LT, and Warner Bros. Edition.

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

The 2000 Chevrolet Venture had a 3.4-liter, 185-horsepower V-6 engine with 210 foot lbs. of torque. The transmission was a four-speed automatic overdrive. The gas tank of the Value Edition and LS trims can hold up to 20 gallons, while that of the other trims can hold up to five gallons more. Fuel economy was measured at 19 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 26 mpg for highway driving.

Safety Features

The standard safety features of the 2000 Chevy Venture included power/child safety power locks, ABS brakes, and driver, passenger and front side airbags. Only the LT trim had traction control.

Interior Features

Designed to seat up to seven passengers, the 2000 Chevy Venture had air conditioning, tilt steering and stereo system as some of its standard interior features. All trims save for the Value Edition had power windows and cruise control. The LT and Warner Bros. Edition trims additionally had CD players, driver multi-adjustable power seats and roof racks. Only the Warner Bros. Edition had leather seats.

Exterior Features

The 2000 Chevy Venture van had 18-inch wheels. Those of the Value Edition and Plus Extended were steel, while those of the other trims were made of aluminum. A four-door vehicle, the 2000 Venture was rather bare in terms of exterior features, save for the customary features such as lights and windshield wipers. The van's colors include bright white, carmine red, dark sapphire metallic, medium blue metallic, medium fernmist green metallic, medium redfire metallic, sandrift metallic, silvermist metallic and smoky carmel metallic.

Price

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 2000 Chevy Venture ranged from $20,650 for the Value Edition to $29,350 for the Warner Bros. Edition. As of 2010, a 2000 Venture van, based on automotive valuation from Kelley Blue Book, can be purchased within the $3,000 to $3,800 price range.

What Is Included on a Purchase Order for a Car?

The purchase order for a new or used car is a binding bill of sale that must be signed by both the buyer and seller. It itemizes the cash selling price, documentation fees, sales taxes, registration fees, plate fees, rebates and any down payments made by the buyer.

Features

The purchase order for a car highlights all charges related to the transaction. A purchase order may also itemize trade-in information and other promises made by the seller.

Benefits

The purchase order provides binding proof of what was promised at the time of delivery of a new or used car, as well as the terms and conditions surrounding the sale.

Types

Dealerships are required to use purchase orders when completing sales, as they allow the state to determine how much sales tax must be paid. In private party transactions, the title can serve as a purchase order, but a separate purchase agreement is always beneficial.

Significance

If a dealership promises to repair a dent or offers free oil changes, having these promises in writing on the purchase order will ensure that promised services are completed.

Warning

Never sign a purchase order for a car if there are blank spaces, as the seller may change information after it is signed. Make sure all blank spaces are filled with zeros or crossed out before signing the document.

Common Problems With Hyundai Accents

The Hyundai Accent is an affordable subcompact car introduced to the U.S. market in 1995. Professional and consumer reviewers alike generally find it very reliable for the price, although it does have some shortcomings.

Acceleration

According to Kelley Blue Book, if you have an automatic transmission model, the 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine can have sluggish pickup, particularly at highway speeds. Zero-to-60 acceleration takes 13 seconds. Manual transmissions do slightly better, performing the same acceleration in 11 seconds.

Resale Value

If you purchase your Hyundai new and then resell it within a couple of years, its value drops more dramatically than other comparable models in its class, like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. It tends to rank lower in quality assessments by consumers. If, however, you keep your new car for more than five years or buy it used, it can still be a reliable and economical purchase.

Engine Noise

A common complaint among consumers is the noise the Accent's engine makes at high rpms. This is common among small inexpensive cars in its class.

Space

The Accent is small and can be uncomfortable for tall drivers because there is not much leg room. The back seat and trunk also have limited space.

Transmission

Some consumers report various problems with their transmissions, including difficulties with shifting, overdrive and reverse. These problems should be covered under the 100,000 mile/10-year manufacturer's warranty.

About the Mercedes Benz 560SL

Mercedes Benz has a very long history of manufacturing some of the world's best cars that stretches back to the late 1800s. And many of the cars they have made have been critically acclaimed sports cars, many of them convertibles. One of the most recognizable and popular ranges that the company has made is the 107 SL range, a series of sporty coupes and convertibles made from 1971 to 1989. One of the most popular examples in this line, at least to North American enthusiasts, was the 560SL, made for three years from 1986 to 1989.

Engine

The engine that powered the 560SL, and the basis for its name, was an overhead camshaft 5.6-liter V8 that produced 238 horsepower and 287 foot-pounds of torque in detuned U.S. guise. The engine utilized Bosch fuel injection. During that period, the Ferrari 328 put out 270 horsepower, and the mighty Porsche 911 Turbo pumped out 300 horsepower. Had the Mercedes' motor not been saddled with U.S. spec smog equipment, it would have been far more powerful.
The 5.6-liter was a stroked version of the company's overhead-cam 5.0-liter V8, which had been used in the 500SL that was not sold in the United States.

Chassis/Suspension

The 560SL was a rear-wheel-drive, two-door convertible based on the 107 range of cars that was first introduced in 1970 as the 350SL. The front suspension consisted of double wishbones, coil springs and an anti-roll bar. At the rear was a diagonal swing axle, coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The 560SL also came with revised steering geometry and a limited slip differential.

Performance

The 560SL did zero-to-60 mph in less then eight seconds, and topped out at 136 mph.

Buying

According to the Kelly Blue Book website, a used 560SL should be no more than $10,550, though the very best examples can command even twice that amount. Mercedes Benz owners tend to keep very good care of their cars, so finding a well-kept 560SL is not that difficult. As with any classic car purchase, a pre-purchase inspection is recommended.

Fun Fact

All 107 SL models were made at the company's Sindelfingen, Germany plant. With a production run of 18 years, the 107 line was made for longer than any other Mercedes line.

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Specs

The 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix was the last model-year entry in the fifth generation (1988 to 1996) of production for the mid-size vehicle. The Grand Prix lasted for two more generational production cycles before being discontinued in 2008 after a four-decade run as a General Motors brand. Two trims were made available for the '96 Grand Prix: the two-door SE coupe and four-door SE sedan.

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

The 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix came with a 3.1-liter, 160-horsepower V-6 engine with 185 foot-pounds of torque and a compression ratio of 9.6 to 1. The standard transmission was a four-speed automatic with overdrive. With a 17-gallon gas tank, the 1996 Grand Prix got 20 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 29 mpg for highway driving.

Safety

The 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix had driver and passenger airbags, as well as power door locks. The front seats had height-adjustable head restraints, and the seat belts included three-point reels on the driver and passenger side.

Interior

The standard interior features of the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix included power windows and steering, a stereo system with AM/FM radio and four speakers, and air conditioning. The SE coupe also had a cassette deck and cruise control. The interior of the SE coupe was slightly smaller than that of the SE sedan, thus allowing up to five people to fit in the vehicle as opposed to the sedan's six.

Exterior

The SE sedan trim of the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix had 15-inch steel wheels, while that of the SE coupe had 16-inch alloys. Fog lights, tinted glass and interval wipers were also included on the vehicle. The SE sedan had a curb weight of 3,367 lbs., while that of the SE coupe was 3,287 lbs. With a wheelbase of about 108 inches, the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix measured about 196 inches in length, 72 inches in width, and 55 inches in height.

Price

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 1996 Grand Prix was $17,089 for the SE sedan and $18,359 for the SE coupe. As of 2010, the estimated price value range of the vehicle, according to Kelley Blue Book, is $2,700 to $3,300.

List of Safe, Small, Reliable Cars

As of 2010, compact cars offer safer more safety, better gas mileage and more reliability than the small cars produced at the end of the 1990s. Automakers such as Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda, offer longer warranties and employ more technological advanced safety equipment. However, since small cars are less expensive and more fuel efficient than mid- and full-size models, they may not necessarily have all the safety features available on the larger cars.

Ford Fiesta

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is one of the best fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars on the U.S. market. It earns 29 miles per gallon (mpg) in urban areas and 40 mpg in country driving. Ford places the Fiesta on a compact 98-inch wheelbase, and the car has an overall length of 173.6 inches. It's equipped with seven front, driver's-knee and side-curtain airbags. Ford also built the Fiesta with a safety cage using boron, a metal element used in the aerospace industry. A 120-horsepower 1.6-l four-cylinder engine powers it. Ford offers a standard three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Chevrolet Aveo5

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo5 is the Ford Fiesta's rival, powered by a 108-horsepower 1.4-l four-cylinder engine. The front brakes are ventilated discs, and the rear features drum brakes. The Aveo5 is equipped with 10 front- and side-impact airbags. The car also has an OnStar system, which activates during a collision to summon emergency help at the car's GPS location. The feature is standard for the first six months after purchasing the car, then available at a charge. The Aveo5 features the standard three-year/36,000-mile warranty, but the powertrain warranty covers five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Aveo5 is considerably shorter than the Fiesta at 154.3 inches but has a similar wheelbase at 97.6 inches. The Aveo5 achieves 27 mpg on urban streets and 35 mpg on the open road.

Toyota Yaris

The 2011 Toyota Yaris offers a standard three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain guarantee. The cabin contains driver and front passenger airbags and side and rear-curtain airbags for rear passengers. The car comes equipped with front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones, side-impact door beams and body panels constructed of tensile-strength steel. The three-point seatbelts have locking retractors. The Yaris measures only 150.6 inches long, with a 96.9-inch wheelbase. Its 106-horsepower 1.5-l in-line four-cylinder engine achieves 29/36 mpg.

Honda CR-Z

The 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid also features the base three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Its powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. It features a 13-horsepower DC brushless electric motor and 100.8-volt nickel metal hydride battery to complement the 122-horsepower 1.5-l in-line four-cylinder internal combustion engine. It sits on a 95.9-inch wheelbase and measures 160.6 inches long. The CR-Z features all-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, electronic braking and antilock braking systems. It also features driver and front passenger and side-curtain airbags, as well as active seat head restraints. It has a fuel efficiency of 35/39 mpg.

Buying Tips for a Used Volkswagen Jetta Diesel

When oil prices go up, consumers look for more fuel-efficient cars. Surprisingly, the gas mileage of a Volkswagen Jetta Diesel beats even some hybrid cars in the same class. Diesel burns clean and produces some good power in the Jetta and makes it fun to drive. Popular for years in Europe, cars running on diesel now have a market in the states, and finding a Jetta on the used market can be challenge.

Reliability

A Volkswagen Jetta Diesel may be fun to drive and save you money at the gas pump, but it does occasionally break down. If you're buying a used model already outside the factory or extended warranty, know that a trip to the mechanic's shop might cost a bit. As with many imports, parts and labor on the Jetta Diesel can be expensive.

When you shop for your Jetta Diesel, ask for a vehicle history report from a reputable car reporting agency. The car report should list all collisions and title issues with the vehicle, as well as the status of any safety recalls and NHTSA collision safety ratings. One common safety recall from certain models of Volkswagens is a faulty brake light switch. If you wonder whether a certain Jetta qualifies for a recall or has been serviced under it, obtain the VIN and contact a Volkswagen dealership.

Ask to see the maintenance records. Test all switches, features, bulbs and accessories during your test drive. A problem with an item may not preclude your buying of the car, but call a dealer or European motor repair shop to find out the cost of fixing the problem before you make an offer on the car, or ask the seller if he would be willing to fix it. Ask for multiple keys since programmed Volkswagen "switchblade" keys cost a couple hundred dollars or more to replace

Maintenance

Volkswagen Jetta Diesel cars require oil changes and other regular maintenance like other cars. Unlike other cars, however, a diesel needs special care during oil changes and your local oil and lube shop may not be able to handle a diesel vehicle. Call around and find out how much it costs to have the oil changed and fluids and filters checked and which local shops can handle the work. If you need to drive it to a dealer or specialty shop, factor that into your cost of ownership before buying.

Shop Around

Once you've decided on the year and features you need on your used Volkswagen Jetta Diesel, search listings at reputable online used car marketplaces and online auto auctions. Purchase from reputable rated sellers when possible. Expand your search listings beyond the local market for best results. Because the diesel Jettas can be rare in the states, you may need to drive up to a couple hundred miles for the car you want at the price you've chosen. Be patient and keep looking.

Vehicle Grants for Law Enforcement

Vehicle grants for law enforcement are available from more sources than ever before, with the American Recovery Investment Act and the Homeland Security Act. Grants are available from government, private industry and private foundations. The General Purpose Vehicles website has information that helps law enforcement obtain necessary vehicles along with the funding to purchase or customize them.

Police One Grants

Police One calls itself a resource for police and law enforcement. Along with police news and products, Police One maintains an extensive comprehensive list of at least two hundred grant sources for police vehicles with deadlines for submitting applications in their grants section accessible from the grants tab on their home web page. Police One is designed to keep law enforcement agencies abreast of available grants to fund technology, products and programs.

Latest research findings are also displayed on or linked to the Police One website. Police One maintains the Police Grant Help website to answer frequently asked questions and to offer further information and assistance in completing grant applications.

General Purpose Vehicles

The General Purpose Vehicles website works with law enforcement to fund vehicles through a variety of avenues, drug forfeiture funds and grants. The Homeland Security Grant Program has made federal government grants available to law enforcement. The Homeland Security Grant program includes a number of grants for vehicles. Homeland Security Grant Program Guidelines and Applications are available at dhs.gov.

The FEMA Responder Knowledge Base website, accessible from the General Purpose Vehicles website, displays other grant programs. Other programs on the General Purpose Vehicles website home page include Urban Areas Security Initiative, Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program, Metropolitan Medical Response System and Emergency Management Performance Grant.

Rural Development Grants

Rural Development, a division of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, received an additional $1.1 billion for Community Facilities grants and loans, as a result of the American Recovery and Investment Act for acquisition, construction, renovation or purchase of equipment for rural areas and towns with populations of under 20,000 people. The Rural Development website explains $61 million available for community facilities grants. Click "more" on the Rural Development web page to access the Housing and Community Facilities Programs web page. The grants may be used for downtown revitalization, business incubation, capital improvement and infrastructure projects.

The Community Facilities program is to improve the quality of life for rural residents by providing health care, public safety and educational opportunities. The program does not provide operating funds, but does provide for structures to house equipment and provide these services.

Which Is the Best Month for a New Car Deal?

Buying a new car can be a stressful experience, but automotive websites such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book take off some of the pressure. They provide you with invoice prices and special direct-to-dealer incentive information. This increases your bargaining power, but you can get an even better deal if you shop during the best month. There are actually a few times each year when you get a lower price.

Model Year

The model year for a particular car brand influences the best time to shop for a vehicle. The Scambusters website explains that dealers want to clean old models off the lot when they get their stock of new vehicles. This usually happens between September and November. You may have less of a selection, but that will be offset by better deals.

Holidays

The period between Christmas and New Year's is traditionally a slow time for car sales. You may be able to get a good deal by shopping in late November or December, when most people are funneling their money into presents and parties. Philip Reed, an editor with the Edmunds website, warns that many dealers prepare for the sales slump by cutting back on inventories, so you may have to visit several car lots to get a really good price.

Considerations

Reed advises consumers to watch for announcements that certain cars will be discontinued or redesigned. These cars often go for significant discounts at the end of the model year because consumers don't want an obsolete vehicle or to wait for the new style.

Preparation

Do some basic preparation no matter when you shop for a new car. Otherwise you won't know if you're really getting a good deal. Salespeople will try to get the highest possible price for a vehicle regardless of the month. Print out the invoice price, consumer rebates and factory incentives from an automotive research site. Check the Edmunds forums to see how much people are paying for similar cars in your area.

Time Frame

The month you choose to buy your new car is important, but you must select the right day and time to maximize your bargaining power. Scambusters advises shopping on the second-to-last day or the last day of the month. The salesperson may be trying to win a contest or achieve a certain amount of sales, and the dealership might by vying for special factory incentives based on its numbers. This makes them more likely to accept less profit to achieve a bigger goal. Visit an hour before closing time to add pressure.

Safety Ratings on a Honda CRV

The CRV is a compact sports utility vehicle that is manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda, and in 2009, the car achieved the highest safety ratings possible in several testing areas.

Background

The CR-V is a car-based small SUV offered by Honda that competes with vehicles like the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota Rav4.

What's Tested

Each year, the federal New Car Assessment Program subjects test vehicles in a variety of collisions and rates their ability to protect occupants on a one- to five-star scale.

Front Impact

In a simulation of a frontal impact, the Honda CR-V achieved the highest-possible safety ratings, five stars, for the driver and front passenger.

Side Impact

The front and rear passenger rows also fared well in sideswipe accidents; federal researchers gave five stars to the Honda CR-V for its ability to protect occupants.

Rollovers

The CR-V's weak point in 2009 tests, whether in four-wheel-drive or two-wheel-drive, was rollover accidents. The 2009 model only received four out of five stars, though that is still a high rating.

What Is the Process of Trading in a Car?

Trading in a car is the first step in buying a new car. People will trade in a car so they can pay down the remainder of their loan and get something new.

Contact a Dealer

Contact a dealer and ask if they accept trade-ins.

Find the Blue Book Value

Find the Kelley Blue Book value of your car at KBB.com, taking into account all the options your car has. This includes, the mileage, custom options and other factors listed in the Kelley Blue Book.

Get a Dealer Appraisal

Then ask the dealer to appraise the trade-in. You must bring the car to the dealer to have this done. They will have a mechanic look it over and see if there is anything wrong with it, then decide on a value based on what they can resell the car for at auction or on their own lot.

Negotiating the Trade-in Price

The dealer will offer you a trade in-price based on what the car appears to be worth. Keep in mind your Kelley Blue Book value when the salesperson quotes a price for you. Negotiate by pointing out the car's selling points, especially the custom options and additional features that aren't standard on your make and model car such as turbo chargers, suspension packages, a sun roof and other desirable features. Remember that most trade-in offers are negotiable.

Settle on a Final Trade-In Price

Settle on a final trade-in price. The dealer may offer you a higher trade-in value in exchange for a higher interest-rate loan, or a higher price on the car. If this is the case, decline the higher trade-in offer. Make sure the car price and loan terms do not change if they give you a higher trade-in value.

How to Buy a New Car in a Recession

If you are in the market for a new car, a recession is the best time to buy. Dealerships will offer deep discounts on current model vehicles and last year's vehicles. Some of the best offers are from the previous year. Many of the cars from the previous year remain unsold and have never been driven. Dealerships will fight for your business by offering you incentives. According to the New Cars website, you can use the rebates and incentives to afford that luxury or hybrid car.

Instructions

1

Check your credit score. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to get the best interest rate possible. Once you get your credit score check some of the online credit sites to see what you qualify for. If you don't understand what you qualify for you will be at the mercy of the dealership finance department. Prepare before you go so you can negotiate a much better deal.

2

Investigate dealership incentives. Every dealership is different. Pick three car models you are interested in and call the dealership. Ask them to explain the incentives and take notes. Once you decide on your new car, make sure you get all the incentives offered by the dealership.

3

Set a budget and stick to it. Have a monthly payment in your mind you can afford. Keep your car loan terms less than four years. Your new car will depreciate as soon as you drive off the lot. Extending payments with their creative financing will have you upside-down in the loan if you are not careful. Upside-down means you owe more than it is worth.

4

Set boundaries when you enter the car dealership. Sales people will be ready to sell you their top of the line car when you have a bargain basement budget. Listen to the pitch but make sure once they finish you instruct them to point you toward the new car in your price range. Taking control of your buying experience will give you confidence and control of the money you are spending.

5

Visit three car dealerships before you make a decision. You want to make sure you are confident about your buying decision. You will also be offered extras you don't need. According to "Consumer Reports," don't accept unnecessary services and fees.

How to Buy a Used Car With No Credit Score

If you have no credit score, you have limited ability to obtain a loan. When you need a used car and are short on cash, you have to obtain a loan to purchase that automobile. You can buy a used car with no credit score if you have either a stable job or a co-signer.

Instructions

1

Determine your price range. The easiest way to purchase a car without a credit score is to pay cash, so before setting out for a loan, consider saving enough for the purchase. If you determine you need a loan, examine your budget to determine how much you can afford to pay each month and for how long you want to pay. This will help you land on a price range.

2

Obtain financing through a used car dealership that will agree to look at other factors besides a credit score. Some dealerships and the financing companies they use offer loans based on how large of a down payment you can make and on your monthly income. They will verify your employment through pay stubs and interviews with your employer concerning your length of employment. The longer you have been employed, the higher your income and the larger your down payment, the greater the chance you have of being approved for a car loan with no credit score.

3

Seek someone who can co-sign for a loan. Find a close friend or family member with a positive credit score who feels comfortable becoming a co-signer with you. The person you recruit must be willing to be fully responsible for the car while allowing you to make the payments and drive it.

4

Visit your car dealership's finance division or a bank to fill out a car loan application. If you recruit someone with favorable credit to be on the loan, take that person with you. If you are obtaining the loan on your own, provide your name, phone number, current and former addresses, Social Security number, employment information, pay stubs, tax documents, state-issued photo identification card, Social Security card, birth certificate and professional and personal character references. Sign the loan application. If your friend or family member is listing his name on the car loan, have the person provide his information and have him sign the loan application. Wait for the loan approval. Give the down payment to the loan officer. Receive the keys to the used car from the car dealership.

5

Pay the monthly payments on time and directly to the finance company of your car loan.

How to Check for a Lemon Car

Buying a used car is a fiscally responsible decision. If you accidentally purchase a "lemon," however, it could start to turn into a nightmare. A lemon is a car that has a lot of mechanical problems. Through proper planning, you can check for a lemon car before you make a purchase. Take all the right steps to ensure you buy a car that is a good value.

Instructions

1

Use the vehicle identification number to check the car's history. Each car has a unique VIN. Whenever a mechanic performs maintenance on a vehicle or whenever the vehicle changes hand, it's recorded in the vehicle's history.The vehicle history also shows if the car has been in an accident or if it's been listed as salvaged, a clear sign that it's a lemon. You can check the history of the car through its VIN. A free search at AutoCheck, a division of credit score company Experian, will show the number of records that a car has, but you'll have to pay to see the full report. CarFax provides a similar service. Your local DMV may provide a similar history, but may not provide an accurate history if the car has been owned in multiple states.

2

Hire an independent mechanic to examine the car. Before you make a purchase--whether from an individual or a used car seller--take the car to a mechanic you trust.

3

Decide what you want ahead of time. If you go into a used car dealership without an idea of what you want, a dishonest car dealer could lead you to a car that he knows is a lemon and try to convince you to buy it. The Internet makes it easy to research cars online. In a used car, you can check for common mechanical problems to specific makes and models of cars. You can also show up at the dealership with a specific car in mind if you've looked over their inventory online.

4

Look for a warranty. Not all used car dealers offer a warranty, but if a dealer does, then you can feel safe in making your purchase.

5

Test drive the car for an extended period of time. When you test drive the car, you want to go for more than just a drive around the block. You need to see how the car performs at both low and high speeds. If you only drive it briefly, you may miss major problems, such as transmission problems at high speeds.

How to Buy a Military Truck

When buying surplus military vehicles, it's good to have realistic expectations. These workhorses may have been driven many miles and operated in extreme conditions, and they may be damaged. Most surplus military vehicles are all-purpose trucks. Jeeps and Humvees fall into this category.

Expectations

Surplus military vehicles will sometimes require a substantial investment of time or money before they can be started, much less driven. Most will be between 25 and 50 years old.

Restrictions

Don't expect to get a fully operating assault vehicle. Military surplus vehicles must be "demilitarized" before they can be sold to the public. If they can't be demilitarized, they are crushed and sold for scrap.

Where to Buy

A primary source for buying military vehicles is the website Government Liquidation, a division of Liquidity Services in Washington, D.C. The company was awarded a government contract in 2001 to operate online auctions. The Canadian government sells its military surplus through Crown Assets Distribution Centres.

Responsibilities

Buyers are generally responsible for removing vehicles from the location where they are stored. In many cases, this will involve removing the trucks by loading them on a trailer. Buyers will need to provide a driver's license and proof of insurance. All sales are final.

Information on Ford Truck Brakes

The 2010 and 2011 Ford F-Series trucks incorporate myriad braking and traction functions that work in tandem to keep the truck on the road in adverse weather and traffic conditions. Stability control and brake distribution systems complement the brake system.

Basic Specs

All 2011 Ford F-Series trucks feature all-wheel ventilated disc brakes. The F-150 is equipped with 13-inch front discs (rotor diameter) and 13.7-inch rear discs. The F-250 and F-350 models have 13.66-inch front disc brakes and 13.39-inch rear discs. The F-450 model has 14.53-inch front discs and 15.35-inch rear discs.

Supplemental Braking

All Ford F-Series trucks feature an all-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution and electronic traction control employed through ABS.

Trailering and Stability

The F-Series also is equipped with an integrated Trailer Brake Controller system (TBC) that synchronizes the truck and trailer brakes. The system comes with Trailer Sway Control (TSC) to prevent trailer sway during hard braking. Ford's "AdvanceTrac Roll Stability Control" system reduces engine power and helps the driver brake the vehicle for control.

How to Export Used Cars From the U.K.

After you buy a used car from the United Kingdom, or if you lived in the U.K. and are now moving your car overseas, you will need to follow government procedures before putting your vehicle on a ship. Exporting a used car from the U.K. has rules depending on whether you are exporting the vehicle permanently or temporarily. All United Kingdom countries other than Northern Ireland require you to follow the steps.

Instructions

Permanent Export

1

Evaluate for how long you will have the vehicle outside of the U.K.

2

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, DVLA, about the car exportation. Complete the purple section called "Notification of Permanent Export" located on the vehicle registration card. Send it to the DVLA.

3

Keep in your possession the registration certificate. You will need this to register the car abroad. You can get another one from the DVLA if you have lost yours.

4

Contact a car shipper that can ship your car to the country of your choice. Ensure the company will guarantee to safety of your car.

Temporary Export

5

Pay U.K. taxes on your vehicle if you are exporting it for fewer than 12 months.

6

Keep it under U.K. insurance so you can secure a tax renewal. This is useful when the taxable period expires while you are still overseas.

7

Contact the DVLA if you lose the registration certificate so the office can mail you a new one. You will not need to fill out paperwork with the DVLA if it is for less than 12 months.