The Specifications of a 1997 Dodge 3500 Ram 4X4 8.0 Liter V-10

The 1997 Dodge Ram 3000 appeared during the full-size pickup truck's second generation of production (1994 to 2002). There were four engines for the vehicle, the most powerful of them being the 8 liter 300 horsepower V-10 engine. It was provided as an option for the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500's trims, which included its four-wheel versions: the LT Regular Cab 8-foot Bed 4WD and the ST Club Cab 8-foot Bed 4WD.

Engines, Transmission and Fuel Economy

Although the 8-liter V10 engine was optional for the LT Regular Cab 4WD and the ST Club Cab 4WD trims of the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500, the standard--as it was for the other trims--was a 5.9 liter 235 horsepower V-8 engine. The 8 liter V-10 engine had 450 ft. lbs. of torque and had a compression ratio of 8.4 to 1. The trims came with a standard five-speed manual transmission with overdrive, although getting a four-speed automatic was made optional. Fuel economy was rated at around 13 mpg for city driving and 17 mpg for highway driving.

Safety Features

The 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD trims had driver airbags and anti-lock brakes. Head restraints were included in the front seats, and the seat belts consisted of three-point reel ones for the front seats and lap static ones in the back.

Interior

Air conditioning system, split bench seats, stereo system with AM/FM radio and cassette deck, and power steering were some of the standard interior features of the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD trims with the 8 liter V-10 engine. The ST Club Cab, though, could accommodate twice as many passengers as the LT Regular Cab; the ST could take up to six people as opposed to the LT's three.

Exterior

As two-door vehicles, the LT 4WD version of the 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 had a curb weight of 5,744 lbs., while that of the ST 4WD was 5,974. While the LT 4WD and ST 4WD shared the same wheel size at 16 inches, the ST 4WD's wheelbase of 155 inches was larger than that of the LT 4WD, which was 135 inches. The ST 4WD's turning diameter of 52 feet also surpassed that of the LT 4WD, which was 45 feet.

The exterior dimensions of the trims were 244 inches in length, 94 inches in width and 77 inches in height. Ground clearance was around 8 inches, although that of the ST was slightly higher. Mechanical foldable mirrors, tinted glass and interval wipers were some of the standard exterior features of the trims.

Price

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for the LT 4WD was $22,770, while that of the ST 4WD was $25,120. As of 2010, according to Kelley Blue Book, the estimated price value range for the LT 4WD is around $4,500 to $4,900, while that of the ST 4WD is around $5,400 to $6,000.

How to Trade in a Car That You Owe Money on

If an individual has a vehicle in which he still owes money, the vehicle still has a lien or loan on it. As a result, the existing lien or loan on the vehicle must be paid off to trade that vehicle in for another one.



To trade in a car with an existing lien, you will need to gather information and provide existing loan information to the new lender. This ensures a smooth transition and helps the buyer make an informed trade.

Instructions

1

Call or contact the bank or finance company that has the loan on your car and secure a payoff quote valid for 30 days. You will need a hard copy of this document, so provide a fax number or pick up this payoff quote personally. The payoff quote will give you the actual amount you must pay to be relieved of any responsibilities related to your loan.

2

Research the current value of the vehicle you will trade in. The National Automobile Dealers Association and Kelley Blue Book are reputable publishers of used car values. Make a copy of these values to present to a car dealership. The current value of the vehicle is called the 'trade-in' value because it is the value that a car dealer is willing to give you for 'trading in' the vehicle.

3

Use the following calculation to determine if you have positive or negative equity. Negative equity occurs when you owe more on the vehicle than it is currently worth. Positive equity is a good thing and means you owe less on the vehicle than it is worth.

Current Value-Payoff Quote=Equity

If the number is positive, you have positive equity. If it is negative, you have negative equity.

4

Locate a car dealership that will agree to trade in your vehicle. The vast majority of car dealerships allow buyers to trade in vehicles with existing liens. When you find a car that you really like, the dealership will use your 'trade-in' value and subtract it from the new car purchase. For example, if your original vehicle's 'trade-in' value is $5,000, the car dealership will subtract the $5,000 from the purchase of your new car. This is why you should always research the price of your vehicle 'before' you go to the dealership because you will already know what the value is and you can show your copies of the stated 'trade-in' value from a respected publication.

5

Locate a lender. Most car dealerships also have lenders on staff and the majority of banks lend on vehicles as well. Negotiate your interest rates and make sure you receive the full 'trade-in' value on any loan agreement you accept.

6

Follow up with your original bank or finance company about two weeks after you trade in your vehicle to make sure your original loan has been paid off by your new lender. In some rare cases, the original loan is not paid off and your credit worthiness suffers.

2003 Nissan Maxima Specs

The Nissan Maxima is Nissan's most durable-selling flagship automobile. Nissan has produced the Maxima since 1976, and it is only available as a four-door sedan. The 2003 Maxima came with many standard features and many options were available at extra cost.

Trim Levels

The 2003 Maxima came in three trim options: the base GXE, the mid-level sport-oriented SE and the luxury GLE. The GXE and SE offered as standard equipment air conditioning; power locks, windows and mirrors; cloth seats and a power driver's seat. The GXE came with 16-inch wheels; the SE got 17-inch rims. The SE also came with fog lamps, a rear spoiler and stiffer suspension. The GLE came with standard leather seats, a six-disc CD AM/FM audio system, 17-inch rims and power front seats.

Under the Hood

Nissan offered one engine with the 2003 Maxima: a 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, producing 246 ft-lbs of torque. Combined with a close ratio six-speed manual transmission, the V6 can push the Maxima from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. A four-speed automatic transmission also was available. The bore of the cylinder measures 3.6 inches and the stroke has a 3.2-inch reach. The Maxima earned 19 mpg on city streets and 26 mpg on highways.

Dimensions

The 3,232-lb. 2003 Maxima sits on on a 108.3-inch wheelbase. Although considered a full-size car, the sedan is relatively short at 191.5 inches from front to rear bumper, 56.3-inches tall and 70.3-inches wide. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons. The cargo capacity in the trunk is 15.11 cubic feet.

Safety

The 2003 Maxima featured all-wheel disc brakes with the front discs ventilated. The car was equipped with dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, three-point seatbelts and child-seat anchor points. The GLE model featured driver- and front-passenger side airbags. Government crash tests give the car four out of five stars in side- and front-impact crash testing.

Features

All Maximas featured body-side molding, monochrome front and rear bumpers, Xenon headlamps, tinted heat-reflective glass, leather trim on the gear shift, front and rear 12-volt power outlets, anti-theft protection, full floor console and storage box, and trip meter.

How to Build a Car on the Internet

You can build a new car online to get an idea of pricing and car options without visiting a dealership. Every car company has a website where you can build your car, decide on the best trim levels and after-market options, and gauge a car's overall affordability based on your needs. In addition to building your car, you can print out the options you desire, locate the vehicle, or email the end result to a dealer so you can be contacted.

Instructions

1

Search for the manufacturer's website online. You may have to input the country you are shopping in. Car options and levels differ between countries. Once you find the car company you want, you will see a list of vehicles. You may click on the vehicle to read about its specifications, or locate a "build it" or "build your vehicle" option. For example, using the GM link below (see Resources), you'll select your vehicle then click "Build This Vehicle." Using the Ford link, select your "Vehicle site," click on a vehicle, select "Build and Price." Using the Chrysler link, click on your vehicle then choose "Build My Own."

2

Click on "compare vehicles" if you are not sure which car has the options that you want. You may also click on different cars to read through specifications, which include engine size, fuel economy, base pricing and seating capacity.

3

Input your zip code, as manufacturer websites often require this information to show you incentives and rebates once the vehicle building is complete. Incentives differ throughout the United States. Choose your level for the car you wish to build. You will see a brief description of each model, either by using your mouse to hover over the trim-level, or by clicking on a check box. Keep in mind that with each advance in trim-level you will add extra options that include any that you saw in previous packages, and the price will increase. You may also be asked to choose your transmission at this point.

4

Click on "Continue" or look above the build screen or box to see if another tab will be available. The tabs should show colors, options or trim. You should see the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) changing as you add extra options. Keep in mind that this price does not yet include incentives, rebates or any negotiating that will take place before purchasing your vehicle.

5

Continue going through options, adding and removing as you see fit. Some options, such as a sunroof or leather seats, may require other packages or options to be added. For example, you may try to add a sunroof, but notice that you have to add leather and an advanced stereo system as well. This is not uncommon. You will have to decide if the option you want is worthwhile based on the other options you will have to buy. You may have the option of adding after-market leather to a vehicle without having to purchase it straight from the factory, which will save you money. Call your dealer for details.

6

Click on the summary page once you are through adding all desired options. You may be brought to this page, or you may have to click on a tab. When you've completed building your vehicle, your options may include printing out your page to begin shopping, searching dealer inventories for the car you've built, or emailing your information to a local dealer.

2000 Nissan Maxima GLE Information

Since 1981, the Nissan Maxima has been marketed as the "four-door sports sedan" by its manufacturer, Nissan Motor Co. The 2000 Maxima marked the beginning of the fifth generation of production, and the GLE version was considered the top-level trim for this model year--above the base GXE and the sporty SE.

Background

When the 2000 Maxima was released, Nissan was going through a tough period. Sales were plummeting due to lackluster response of consumers to its products. French automaker, Renault SA--which was just as troubled as Nissan--bought almost 40 percent of Nissan in 1999 in an attempt to rejuvenate its brand. Part of the rejuvenation process was a revamped Maxima for the 2000 model year.

Main Features

The fifth-generation Maxima was promoted as an "affordable luxury" vehicle, and the 2000 Nissan Maxima GLE version was the most luxury-oriented of the trims. This was marked by its softer suspension, standard four-speed automatic transmission with no option for a manual, and 16-inch alloy wheels. It also had leather seats with a driver multi-adjustable power seat, features that were not available on the other trims.

Praise

Much of the praise from professional car critics for the 2000 Nissan Maxima, particularly Larry Printz of "The Morning Call" newspaper, went to its engine--a three-liter, 222-horsepower V6 that was noted as the Maxima's most powerful and refined yet. Also, the styling--particularly the car's rear with its taillights--was lauded by journalists such as Warren Brown of "The Washington Post" over that of the previous generation (1995 to 1999), which never won high marks in that department.

Criticism

Editors from car information site Edmunds.com, however, were skeptical of the 2000 Maxima's overall value, especially next to its less expensive and slightly similar sibling, the Nissan Altima. Moreover, some critics, such as Anita And Paul Lienert from "The Detroit News," complained that the car was still, comparatively speaking, stylistically bland.

Price

As the top-of-the-line trim, the 2000 Nissan Maxima GLE was the most expensive of the three versions of the vehicle, with an original manufacturer's suggested retail price of $26,249. As of 2010, Kelley Blue Book estimates its price value range at around $7,300 to $7,900.

How to Import New Cars From Belgium

New cars can be bought from car dealers throughout Belgium. New cars are generally cheaper in Belgium than in other countries in Europe. When you buy a new car from a VAT (value added tax) or TVA (taxe sur la valeur ajoute) registered business in Belgium, you will have to pay VAT to the seller. The rate as of 2010 was 21 percent of the purchase price of the car.

Instructions

1

Check how much tax you will be asked to pay for importing a new vehicle to another country. Even within Europe this can range from just 1 percent to 2 percent, to almost 75 percent in some countries.

2

Decide which brand of car your want to buy and find a reputable dealer. If your French is not good, you may want a translator to help you with the deal. Some dealers may speak a little English, but this is not guaranteed. Personal checks, banker's checks, bank transfers or credit card transactions are all acceptable forms of payment.

3

Make sure the dealer gives you a registration request form. This is called a demande d'immatriculation -- formulaire rose. You will need this to transfer the car to your name. You will also need a conformity certificate, or certificat de conformit, and a bill of sale, or invoice.

4

Make sure the registration request has two stamps on it. These are called a 904 and a 705 stamp. The 904 stamp shows that the car has been legally registered, and all required VAT payments have been made. The 705 stamp shows the car has been through the required customs channels. The conformity certificate proves that the car is up to European emissions and safety standards.

5

Take all these papers to the nearest vehicle registration office which is called the Direction Immatriculation, or DIV, along with your identity documents, including passport, and proof of your overseas address. A utility bill, bank statement, or driver's license is usually adequate. You will have to register your new car on a temporary registration basis, and get transit plates, before you can export the car to your chosen destination.

6

Take out a proper insurance policy. If you are driving through Europe, this should include full European coverage. In Belgium, and much of Europe, it is the vehicle that is insured, rather than the individual driver. The minimum requirement is third party, but fully comprehensive is advisable with a new car. Third party just covers the other person if you have an accident, while fully comprehensive will cover you and your vehicle as well.

7

Drive home if you are importing the car to another European country close by, or organize land or sea transportation to your destination. Most sea freight companies offer shared container options, which may make transportation cheaper.

How to Import Cars From Japan to the UK

Importing a car from Japan to the United Kingdom can be done in two ways. Get U.K. importers who will do it for you or do all of the paperwork yourself. This can be a tedious task, but the financial savings can be very significant. And the self-fulfillment of being able to do the task can be thrilling. Importing vehicles from one country to another is very popular because of the financial savings that the buyer experiences.

Instructions

1

Find an export agent in Japan. This will be the person who purchases the car that you want and completes the paper work required to load your car onto a ship in Japan.

2

Give the export agent your desired car specifications. Talk to him or her about the car model, accessories that you would like, color and other attributes.

3

Contact the U.K. freight and clearance agents. Have the agency direct you to the customs clearance agent who can arrange the payments for duty and VAT fees once the car arrives in the United Kingdom.

4

Make arrangements for a Single Vehicle Approval Scheme (SVA). The SVA is a pre-registration inspection for vehicles types that have not been approved to British or European standards. This is to ensure that the vehicle meets safety standards when used on public roads.

5

Obtain a Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) New Registration or Import Pack through your local DVLA.

6

Present the Bill of Ladel, Japanese de-registration documentation and customs invoice to the U.K. Freight and Customs Agency. Your export agent will provide these documents to you.

7

Obtain your imported vehicle from customs when it arrives. Register the vehicle immediately at your local DVLA.

How to Get a Great Deal on a New Truck

Buying a new truck can be a fun and easy with a little bit of diligence. You can get a great deal by checking prices in your area and learning what incentive programs are available. Shopping dealers against each other can also help lower your purchase price.

Instructions

How to get a deal buying a new truck

1

Research the truck you are looking for online and via brochures available at dealerships. Decide what trim level you would like, as well as options and color combinations you are looking for.

2

Find out what incentives are currently available from the manufacture. Check online for special lease deals, special APR offers, manufacturer's cash back and which model years qualify.

3

Submit quote requests online to local dealers. Try to get quotes from at least three dealerships to see which is willing to go lowest on the price.

4

Negotiate the sales price first. Regardless of a lease, finance or cash purchase, you can always drive a hard bargain on the selling price of the truck.

5

If you want to lease the truck, find out the following; money factor, residual, selling price and purchase price at the end of the lease, known as the residual. Those are the numbers you will need to determine whether you are getting a good deal.

6

If you plan to finance the truck, find out; the selling price, the length of the loan (number of payments) and the APR (interest rate) they are charging you.

7

If you are paying cash, get all available cash-back incentives currently available from the manufacturer. Also, see if the dealership is running any specials on certain vehicles on their lot.

How to Find Out If the Engine is the Original Block

When looking at a used vehicle to purchase, it is important to know its history. Sometimes vehicle history reports and independent mechanical inspections are not enough. Find out if the vehicle has ever had the engine replaced. Since 1981 all vehicles sold in the United States have had the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) stamped in a number of areas on the vehicle, including the engine block. Finding the stamping will help you determine if the engine in the vehicle is the original or if it has been replaced.

Instructions

1




Engage the vehicle's parking brake. Use the floor jack to lift the vehicle by the factory-approved front jacking point. Most jacking points are located slightly off-center under the front of the vehicle. Consult your owner's manual if you have difficulty finding it.

2




Support each side of the front end with a jack stand with the side jacking mounts. The side jacking mounts are usually located about six inches behind the front wheels. They can be recognized by a notch along the bottom of the vehicle. Remove the floor jack when you have safely supported the front end.

3




Get under the engine bay and use the flashlight to find the VIN. The VIN stamp location will vary from vehicle to vehicle, but it will be mounted somewhere on the engine block. Some older vehicles will contain a serial number instead of the VIN.

4




Match up the VIN from the engine block with the VIN of the vehicle. The VIN is best located on the lower portion of the windshield on the driver's side. If the engine block had a serial number instead of a VIN, contact a dealer for the brand to run a VIN check on your vehicle to see what serial number the original engine block had.

How to Buy a Used Car With a Deposit

A deposit holds the vehicle you want to buy until you can pick it up. Whether you're financing or waiting for funds, let the seller know your intentions and how much time you'll need to complete the purchase.

Size

The size of your deposit can vary. The seller should decide the amount he wants to hold the car you want to purchase. Some dealers will take as low as $100 for a deposit. Some require thousands.

Significance

A deposit confirms you are a serious buyer, and proves to the seller you intend to purchase the car. Dealers often require a deposit if you don't take your car home the same day. Also, when you leave a deposit, the vehicle is either taken out of a dealer's inventory, or off the market by a private seller.

Warning

Before leaving a deposit, make sure you discuss the terms of purchase and whether your deposit is refundable. You never know what circumstances can change, and if you leave a significant amount of money down, you can lose it. Make sure you get a receipt, and get proof in writing that your money will be returned if plans fall through.

How to Calculate Tax & Title Fees on a Used Car

Most states charge sales tax and title fees when you purchase a used car. However, some dealers will try to squeeze out extra profits by fiddling with extra fees after you have completed negotiating the price of the car and you have let down your guard. To accurately calculate the sales tax, you need to know how your state taxes the value of your trade-in and dealer incentives as well as the sales price of your car.

Instructions

1

Ascertain the final sales price of your car.

2

Find out if your state taxes dealer incentives or not. For example, if your state taxes them and your new car's price is dropped by $1,000 due to a manufacturer's rebate, you have to pay sales tax on that $1,000, though it was not part of the sales price. Thus, if you paid $23,000 after rebates, you would have to pay sales taxes on $24,000.

3

Check if your state offers a sales tax break for the value of your trade. If your state offers this tax break, you only pay sales tax on the difference between the price of the new car and the value of the old car. For example, if you are trading in a $6,000 car to buy a $24,000 car, and your state offers this tax break, you would only pay sales tax on $18,000, not $24,000.

4

Find out what the state, local and county sales tax rates are for your area (see Resources).

5

Multiply the sales tax rate by your taxable purchase price. For example, if the total of state, county and local taxes was 8 percent and the total taxable cost of your car was $18,000, your sales tax would be $1,440.

6

Contact your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) to determine how much it will cost to transfer the title of the vehicle and get license plates. These prices vary from state to state but are fixed within the state, regardless of the price of the used car.

How to Buy a Used Car and the DMV

Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) procedures and requirements vary by state. Before setting out to shop, visit your state DMV website to inquire about the used car purchase process. Dealerships handle all DMV paperwork for you.

Resources

Shop for a used car in any local classified's section of the newspaper, or use Craigslist, which is updated often. Research local, free car-publication magazines or access local dealer websites to review current inventory. Your state DMV website provides in depth information, including printable forms and instructions for titling and registering, but call if you have any questions.

Considerations

If you want to finance a used car, get a preapproval beforehand. Apply to a local bank before shopping--the approval process takes several days. If financing, the bank may hold the title (depending on state) or you may get the title with a lien-holder present, meaning that you cannot sell it until the loan is satisfied at a later date(you will receive a lien release).

Paperwork

You'll need a valid driver's license to test-drive a vehicle and for identification at the DMV. Do not buy a vehicle without a title, one is required to transfer ownership (check with your DMV if unsure). Some states require a bill of sale for purchase price and odometer documentation. You'll need an insurance policy to provide to a lender, if applicable, and to the DMV to register your vehicle.

What Are the Cheapest New Cars?

In today's challenging economy, car shoppers have a greater selection of relatively inexpensive new models to choose from. Base prices for all of the 2011 cars listed here are under $16,000.

Under $12,000

The Hyundai Accent wins honors for cheapest auto of 2011 starting at $9,985. The car is available in hatchback and sedan styles. Chevy Aveo comes in second at $11,965.

Under $13,000

The Chevy Aveo5, with a 5-speed manual transmission, starts at $12,115. Next in this group is the Nissan Versa at $12,240, followed by the Kia Rio at $12,295.

Under $14,000

The Kia Soul, a stylish hatchback, starts at $13,300. Next in line for $20 more is the Ford Fiesta. Rounding out this group is the Toyota Yaris at $13,665.

Under $16,000

The Mazda 2 hatchback has a starting price of $14,780. And the final and 10th car in this listing, the Kia Rio5, sports a fifth door, and is listed at $15,595.

How to Buy a Used Cop Car

Due to the rugged nature of law enforcement, cop cars are built for high performance, low maintenance and durability. Police cruisers are usually well maintained vehicles. They are also typically exchanged for new vehicles after 100,000 miles, even though manufacturers build them to last 500,000 miles or more. For these reasons, used cop cars are in high demand. If you would like to purchase a used police cruiser, follow the same basic rule you would follow when purchasing a regular used car--it's always best to find out what the car has been through before you buy it.

Instructions

1

Consider searching for cop cars in areas where there is low crime, straight streets and a limited number of high-speed chases. It may be easier to find police cars in urban areas, but police cars from quiet towns are in much better shape.

2

Attend a police auction. Some local police departments periodically hold their own auctions while others sell their cars through government surplus auctions. Regularly check your local newspaper paper for listings. Bring to the auction your identification and the means to pay for the car in full, in case you win a bid. If you are not mechanically-inclined, bring a friend who is so she can inspect the car before you bid.

3

Check for used police cars online. Many auto resellers deal directly with police departments and sell cop cars on their websites. A quick search using a key phrase such as "buy police cars" or "buy cop cars" will yield good results when looking for these dealers.

4

Inquire at your local police station. Some departments sell directly to the public. You can avoid the bidding process buying direct and it may be easier to learn the car's history.

How to Appraise a Used Car

Deciding on which car to buy can be a long and arduous process. Having the right tools for comparison available during the appraisal process will certainly speed things along. There are several approaches to appraising a used car. Below are just a few tips to assist in the used car evaluation process.

Instructions

1

Try looking online for other assessments and appraisals of the car you have in mind. They may provide you with a larger group of experiences with the brand and details of quality issues.

2

Take the car for more than one test drive. Try to take the test drives (at least two) on different days, at different times, in different weather conditions on varied terrains. Be sure to test the car's capabilities around town and on the highway.

3

Drive the car to another dealership during the test drive and ask for an appraisal. This is a great way to get very accurate prices for the surrounding area.

4

Be aware of the car's trade in value before you buy or appraise the vehicle. The trade in value will make a great baseline for evaluating dealership prices.

5

Search the car thoroughly inside and out for dents, scratches, and signs of repairs or previous damage. Of course, used cars always have a little wear and tear, but sloppy repairs or apparent dents and burns are great ways to lower the asking price.

6

Ask the dealer to tell you the how much they paid for the car. This information is readily available to the dealer and it is your right to have it as part of your appraisal and bargaining process.

Difference Between Invoice & MSRP on New Cars

The invoice price is the amount a dealership owns a vehicle for and MSRP is known as the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The difference between the two is the amount the dealer hopes to make for profit.

Resources

The Edmunds website can be used to determine the invoice cost for a vehicle using the True Market Value tool (see Resources). Price the car with options to ensure you are seeing the right invoice price--prices differ for level and the options available. Go directly to the manufacturer's website and virtually build a vehicle to determine the MSRP price. If you print off the invoice price amount and show the dealer, he is likely to show you his paperwork for invoice pricing if you are incorrect.

Considerations

When figuring MSRP and invoice pricing on a new car, include the transportation fee (which is listed separately). This fee is part of the vehicle cost and is not negotiable. When building the vehicle at the manufacturer's website or choosing options from the True Market Value tool, it is a common error for shoppers to exclude floor mats or other minor add-on items. Dealers do not usually order a vehicle from the manufacturer without floor mats, so keep this in mind for pricing. Expect some variation in the differences you see online and at the dealer's lot.

Warning

Manufacturer incentive programs, such as those that offer $1,000 off of the MSRP price, do not come from an independent dealership. The dealer is reimbursed for the discounted amount by the manufacturer. If you want to negotiate below MSRP, do so before deducting any incentives. Otherwise, you are buying the vehicle for full sticker price.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a Used Car

If you're trying to decide whether to buy a used car, it's a good idea to consider the advantages and disadvantages when compared to buying new. Factors mainly center around costs involved with both options, warranties and reliability issues. If you can afford it, buying a new car can be easier because you're more likely to quickly find what you want, but used cars come with several advantages, too.

Initial Costs

A used car generally costs much less up-front. According to Cars.com, CNW Marketing Research determined that in 2008, the average cost for a new car before taxes and fees was about $25,500, while the average cost for a used one was about $8,200. Additionally, insurance usually is less expensive for an older car. You also can save on insurance if you buy the used car outright rather than finance it, because you can choose not to buy collision insurance. Buying a used car with cash is more common because of the lower price.

Financing

If you do finance a car, used vehicles can have higher payments because the financial institution is not willing to extend the loan over 4 to 5 years. Interest rates also tend to be higher on used cars. Additionally, new cars are often available with incentive programs such as very low percentage loans or even zero-percent financing.

Depreciation

Used cars do not depreciate nearly as much as new cars, an important consideration if you're not planning to keep the car for several years. According to Consumer Reports, new vehicles usually lose around 45 percent of their value within the first 3 years. This compares to the average depreciation rate for all vehicles of about 7 to 12 percent, as cited by SafeCarGuide.com.

Maintenance

Used cars are more likely to need repair work and usually do not come with a warranty. Additionally, the previous owner or the used-car dealership may not disclose all the problems with the car, and you usually won't know if it was maintained regularly. However, typical repair problems involve replacing parts such as brakes or the exhaust system, which would not come close to costing as much as a new car. The main disadvantage is a higher likelihood of highway breakdown.

Warranties

New vehicles are covered under warranty for 3 years or longer. Additionally, people who buy new cars with significant repair issues have legal recourse under state "lemon laws." However, if an individual buys a late-model used vehicle, the original factory warranty can be transferred, often at no cost.

Certification

A different type of warranty is available for many used cars under a certified pre-owned (CPO) program. These programs are only available for late-model vehicles with low mileage and no previous major damage. Many previously leased vehicles qualify for this program. The dealerships thoroughly inspect the vehicles, using strict guidelines as to which vehicles qualify for certification. A warranty is then offered which extends beyond the original factory warranty, often including the same features as a new vehicle warranty.

Specific Features

If you have very specific vehicle options in mind, such as color, trim and interior design, an exact fit is harder to find in a used car unless you have the patience to wait. Additionally, buying a used car sometimes means you won't have the latest safety features, which might include more airbags or electronic stability control.

How to Buy a Formerly Leased Car for Nissan

Buying a formerly leased car is a great way to get a car that has fairly low mileage and is in near-new condition. Leased cars usually have less wear than other used cars and many have been maintained well. If you are in the market for a Nissan and are considering purchasing a formerly leased car, there are several easy steps you can take.

Instructions

1

Review your lease agreement. If you are currently leasing a Nissan, review your lease agreement for buy-out options. Typically, a lease will include a buy-out option through which you can buy the car at the end of the lease for a predetermined amount. If you are interested in buying your leased Nissan and are planning to finance the cost, contact a bank or the dealership through which you leased your vehicle. If you plan to pay cash for your Nissan at the end of your lease, contact the dealership through which you have your current lease and inform its representatives of your decision.

2

Visit a Nissan dealership. If you do not have a current car lease, visit your local Nissan dealership and speak to a representative about purchasing a leased car. Many formerly leased vehicles are sold by the dealership at the termination of the lease. If your local Nissan dealership does not have any current lease returns on its lot, the dealership can help you locate a nearby Nissan dealership that does. You can find a Nissan dealership near you by visiting nissanusa.com or calling (800) Nissan-1.

3

Call used car dealerships. If you are unable to find a formerly leased Nissan at a nearby Nissan dealership, call used car dealerships near you to see if they have any previously leased Nissans for sale.

How to Check for a Salvage Title

A salvage title is a special designation added to a car's title to warn buyers of damage previously done to the car, according to the experts at Edmunds. Most states require a car to have a salvage title when it has been totaled, which is usually when the cost to repair the vehicle is at least 75 percent of the car's total value. Some states also require salvage titles for recovered stolen vehicles. It's important to know if a car you are about to purchase has a clean title, or has a salvage title and may have been totaled in the past.

Instructions

1

Ask the seller about the status of the title. In many states sellers are required to tell buyers if the vehicle has a salvage title, according to the experts at CarFax. If they are not required to tell you or you think they're lying about the status of the title, avoid doing business with them.

2

Call your local DMV or title office and ask about the distinguishing marks and phrases that must appear on a salvage title. All states require some form of notification to be printed on the title itself. Some states even print salvaged titles on a different color paper than the usual.

3

Examine the title. Look for words like reconditioned, junked, totaled or salvaged. CarFax states that these words are used to indicate cars had suffered heavy damage, or had been stolen in the past.

4

Order a car history report. There are a number of online services offering a full report of all accidents, owners, title transfers, and other important information about a vehicle's past. These reports can be ordered with the car's VIN number.

5

Look for signs of a hidden salvage title. According to Edmunds, some car dealers will move a car to a state with lesser salvaging requirements, and have a normal title issued. If the car was sold in another state then immediately moved back into your state, the car may have had a salvage title at one point.

What Is Gateline Schedule D1?

Gateline and D1 are closely related terms used in the auto industry to refer to the point in vehicle assembly when a vehicle is scheduled to be built.

Gateline

A Gateline schedule is the order in which cars are going to be built. Cars are sequenced and tracked by their Vehicle Identification Numbers.

D1

D1 is the order status code for the gateline schedule. Car dealers and manufacturers use the order status code system to specify where a particular vehicle is in the assembly process.

Specially Ordered Vehicles

When a person orders a particular color or set of options on a new car, she might receive the VIN and updated status codes from the auto maker. At the Gateline/D1 stage, a car is in priority sequence and usually an estimated shipping date has been assigned.

Tips on Buying Used Cars in Canada

When buying used cars in Canada, all the same factors apply as when buying a used car anywhere else. In addition, you need to consider a specifically Canadian laws and regulations that might apply, as well as any uniquely Canadian risks that the car might have experienced. One of these is the amount of salt on winter roads in many parts of Canada, which can lead to underbody rust on many used vehicles.

Private or Dealer

The first choice to make when purchasing a used vehicle in Canada is whether to buy from an individual or a dealer. There are advantages to both approaches. Buying from an individual may mean a better deal, if you're careful, and an individual may be more flexible on price, or be less aware of how much the car is actually worth. A reputable dealer, on the other hand, is more accountable in the event that something goes wrong. Some buyers simply look for the car they have in mind from individuals and dealers and make their decision based on the car rather than on who is selling it. In Ontario, sellers are required to provide a Used Vehicle Information Package to the buyer.

Expenses

Because of taxes, import duties and other red tape, vehicles tend to be somewhat more expensive in Canada than in the United States. Gasoline is also substantially more expensive, as are auto insurance and licensing. Calculate an affordable budget before buying and be sure to include everything in your calculations: purchase price, interest on a car loan, insurance, gas, maintenance and repairs, registration and parking. If you buy a car that you can't afford, you may soon find yourself selling it at a loss.

Things to Watch For

When buying a vehicle, keep your eyes open for certain things. Look at the overall condition of the car, and compare it to the odometer reading. If the odometer reading is low, yet the tire treads, brake pads, or U joints show substantial wear, it's possible that someone may have tampered with the odometer. This is illegal and also relatively rare, but it does happen. If you become the victim of this trick, you may end up paying more than the car is worth. Have a good look underneath the body for rust and rot, which might have been caused by exposure to road salt. Always take a car to an experienced mechanic, preferably someone you know, and have him go over it thoroughly before buying it.

Online Car History Research

Internet technology allows you to search the history on the individual car under consideration; the VIN (vehicle identification number) is required. Check out sites like carfax.com to learn more about the car being looked at.

About the 1999 Honda Civic HX

The 1999 Honda Civic was one of the model-year entries of the sixth generation of production for this best-selling compact car (1996 to 2000). Although the Civic for this model year was available as a coupe, sedan and hatchback, the HX trim was only available in a coupe body style. The 1999 Honda Civic HX was classified as one of the lower-end Civic trims.

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

The 1999 Honda Civic HX had a 1.6-liter, 115-horsepower in-line engine. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual overdrive, although some of them came with a continuous variable transmission instead. With a 12-gallon gas tank, the 1999 Civic HX had a fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 43 mpg for highway driving.

Safety Features

Power door locks and driver and passenger airbags were standard safety features on the 1999 Honda Civic HX. It did not, however, come with other features such as anti-lock brakes, vehicle anti-theft system or keyless entry.

Interior Features

Interior features of the 1999 Honda Civic HX included air conditioning, power windows, tilt steering and a stereo system with AM/FM radio. The upholstery was in Dark Gray cloth.

Exterior Features

A two-door coupe with 14-inch alloy wheels, the 1999 Honda Civic HX had the windshield wipers, lights and rear window defogger automobiles are expected to have. The coupe came in Flamenco Black Pearl, Milano Red and Vogue Silver Metallic color.

Price

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 1999 Honda Civic HX was $13,400. As of 2010, the price value range for the vehicle is between $5,400 and $5,800, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Risks of Leasing a Used Car

Leasing a used car can sometimes end up being a better deal than leasing a new one but it does have its own risks involved. There are a few things that you should check before getting into a used car lease that could save you time, money and a huge headache.

Remaining Warranty

One thing to check before leasing a used vehicle is to make sure that the lease will be covered under warranty for the entire duration of your entire lease. Most new cars come with either a 36 month/36,000 miles warranty or a 48 month/50,000 mile warranty. If you are leasing a 2 year old car that only came with a 3 year warranty, you will only have 1 year left of warranty for your lease. This could add up to huge bill if something were to go wrong with the vehicle while you are leasing it.

Previous Owner

Every used car is different because every used car had a different driver. Even if the car appears to be in good condition, if the previous owner drove the vehicle very aggressively, you could end up with a used lease that is constantly in the shop.

Higher Maintenance Costs

As a vehicle gets older and has more mileage put on it, it will require bigger services that need to be performed on it. Instead of having a vehicle that only needs to have the oil changed and the tires rotated, you might have a lease that requires you to change the transmission fluid, brake fluid cabin filter and other complex and expensive services. Ask your dealer if there's a scheduled maintenance plan, or if you will be paying out of pocket for all of these expenses.

The Specifications of a 1988 Chevy S10

The 1988 Chevrolet S-10 was one of the model-year entries of the compact pickup truck's first generation of production, which lasted from 1982 to 1993. There were eight versions of the vehicle, varying by cab size, bed size and drivetrain options between the two/rear-wheel (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD).

Trims and Engine

The 1988 Chevrolet S-10 had eight trims: the EL Regular Cab Short Bed 2WD, Regular Cab Short Bed 2WD, Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD, Extended Cab Short Bed 2WD, Extended Cab Short Bed 2WD, Regular Cab Short Bed 4WD, Regular Cab Long Bed 4WD and Extended Cab Short Bed 4WD. All the trims had the same 2.5L 92-horsepower in-line four-cylinder engine with 130 foot-pounds of torque and a compression ratio of 8.3 to 1.

Transmissions and Gas Tanks

Only the EL Regular Cab Short Bed 2WD and Extended Cab Short Bed 2WD got a standard five-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The other trims got the four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The EL Regular Cab Short Bed 2WD, which is the lowest of the trims, had a 13-gallon gas tank, while the others had 20-gallon gas tanks.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy depended on the type of transmission. Those with manual gearboxes got 24 mpg for city driving and 30 mpg for highway driving. Those with automatic gearboxes, however, got 20 to 21 mpg for city driving and 26 to 28 mpg for highway driving.

Interior and Exterior

With standard seating for as many as three people, the 1988 Chevy S-10 had headroom measured at around 39 inches, legroom at around 43 inches and hip room at around 51 inches. As for its exterior dimensions, it measured 178 inches in length, 65 inches in width and 61 inches in height with a 108-inch wheelbase. Curb weight varied at a range of about 2,500 to 3,000 lbs., depending on trim and transmission. The top-level Regular Cab Long Bed 4WD and Extended Cab Short Bed 4WD trims had 15-inch steel wheels while the others had 14-inch wheels. The turning diameter was 39 feet.

Price

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price range went from $6,795 for EL Regular Cab Short Bed 2WD to $11,537 for the Extended Cab Short Bed 4WD. As of 2010, an '88 S-10 can be purchased within the price range of $2,000 to $3,000.

How to Buy a New Car With Incentive

An incentive is an offer that gives you a special reason to buy a certain type of new car, according to Philip Reed of the Edmunds.com automotive website. Incentives come in two main forms: cash back and low-interest financing programs. They can be offered at any time, although they are most common during slow times for car sales, such as Christmas or just before the new model year starts. You can use these incentives to get a great deal on your next new car purchase.

Instructions

1

Create a list of the new cars in which you are most interested. You never know when a particular manufacturer will offer incentives on a certain model, so include as many cars as possible. You may need to be flexible on the type of car you're willing buy to get the best offer.

2

Check the cars on your list to see if any incentives are currently being offered. Consumer incentives will be listed on the car manufacturer's website. Automotive research sites like Edmunds.com and autos.msn.com will have the same information and will also list any factory-to-dealer incentives. According to Edmunds, this is cash given directly to the dealer by the manufacturer. You will not be able to get it directly, but the salesperson may be more likely to give you a good price on such vehicles.

3

Call a local dealership that sells the car with the best incentives to see if there may be even more options. For example, some car manufacturers have ongoing programs offering rebates to recent college graduates, people in certain geographic regions or loyalty incentives if you already own the same brand of car. These can usually be combined with other promotions.

4

Decide which promotion would be most beneficial for you if there is more than one option. For example, you may get to chose between a two percent interest rate on the car loan or $1,500 cash back. Calculate how much money you would save if you took each option.