How to Buy a Hayabusa Smart Car

The high performance Hayabusa kit adds speed to the Smart Car with many new parts including a 190hp Suzuki engine. Some kits also come with upgrades to the axle, clutch, drive system, shifter, differential and exhaust system. With many companies you must purchase the kit and install everything yourself, while others provide complete installation as a package deal.

Instructions

1

Decide what you are looking for. You can buy the Hayabusa kit and install it yourself, have it installed by a professional on your Smart Car, or buy an already upgraded car.

2

Search online for "Buy Hayabusa Smart Car" to find the widest range of retailers and private party sellers and to get a good idea of what the vehicles are selling for. Be sure you don't end up overpaying for it or paying suspiciously less than what you should be. Remember the old saying: if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

3

Contact the service department of your local Smart Car dealership for possible suggestions on where to obtain Hayabusa parts and installation.

4

Buy your vehicle with the information you've gathered from reliable sources and due diligence.

Specifications for a 1994 Nissan Sentra XE

The 1994 Nissan Sentra XE is one of the model-year entries of the Nissan Sentra, a formerly compact car from Nissan Motors that has grown in size over the years. The XE suffix symbolizes its status above the base E and below the luxury-designated LE, sporty SE and top-of-the-line GXE. The 1994 Sentra XE is available in two body types: sedan and coupe.

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

The 1994 Nissan Sentra XE has a 1.6-liter, 108-horsepower, four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual overdrive is the standard transmission, although the four-speed automatic transmission is a popular choice. While the 1994 Sentra XE's with automatic gearboxes have a fuel economy of 26/35 mpg, those with manual transmissions have a fuel economy of 29/38 mpg.

Safety Features

The 1994 Nissan Sentra XE is practically bare in terms of safety features. There are non of the basic safety features like airbags and power door locks, let alone others like traction control, vehicle anti-theft system, keyless entry and ABS braking.

Interior Features

A five-seater, the 1994 Nissan Sentra XE has air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering, and a stereo system that includes a cassette player. Forget getting one with other interior features such as CD player or sunroofs, as they were not even made available as options for that model year.

Exterior Features

Each 1994 Nissan Sentra XE comes with standard 13-inch steel wheels and a rear window defogger. Missing completely, though, are features such as fog lamps, interval wipers and rear spoilers. Also unavailable are power windows, which come standard in only one of the 1994 Sentra trims: the GXE.

Price

When the 1994 Nissan Sentra XE was released, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was $12,699. As of 2010, you can buy one with a price tag in the low $2,000's.

Conclusion

The 1994 Nissan Sentra XE is an older car that would likely have lots of mileage if you get one, and the coupe and sedan version share the same plain, boxy styling. However, when it first came out, it was popular among drivers due to its relatively affordable value.

How to Get a Replacement Certificate of Origin for a VW

Getting a replacement Certificate of Origin or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin is easy as pie if you are the dealer that the new vehicle was originally sold to. If you are a small dealer, the process is a little bit more complicated, and if you are a private party buyer, well it's pretty much impossible. Let's take a look at what's involved.

Instructions

Replacement Certificate of Origin for a VW

1

The first thing that you will need is your dealer's license. A CO, or MSO, is given to a dealer from the manufacturer for any new vehicle that has never been titled. It shows the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number, shipping weight, year, make, model, invoice number and other information related to the specific vehicle being sold.

2

If you are a dealer and lost your CO you can just contact Volkswagen of America for a replacement. They should be able to send you your new CO in about one week. Most likely if you are a dealer selling your Volkswagen to a customer, a copy of the CO will be fine for state department of motor vehicle purposes to have the vehicle titled to the new owner.

3

After you have your new CO you can sell, export or have your new vehicle titled with your local DMV office. Another thing to mention is that you only get a CO if you buy the vehicle for cash. If it is leased or financed, then the bank holding the lien would have a title issued to them by the dealership selling the vehicle.

Benefits of Buying vs. Leasing

When you are in the market for a new car, you may be tempted to lease the vehicle rather than buy it. Each option has its own pros and cons. If you're not sure which one is best for you, compare the benefits of buying and leasing to help you make the right choice.

Overall Cost

Leasing often costs less in the short term, but buying a car usually works out to be cheaper in the long term. If you don't have a lot of money for a down payment and your budget is limited, leasing might have more benefits for you. Kimberly Palmer of U.S. News and World Report says that many leases don't require any payment up front, and your monthly payments will probably be lower than purchasing the same type of car. However, if you buy the vehicle and keep it as long as possible, you will get more value.

Lifestyle

Leasing offers more flexibility to get a vehicle that is suitable for a changing lifestyle. If you have a convertible or a sports car but you're hoping to have children soon, leasing will allow you to make a quick change if necessary. You can easily swap your "fun" car for a station wagon or minivan. You won't have to worry about selling it or haggling to get the best trade-in value from a dealer. Buying a car makes more sense if you don't expect your vehicle needs to change over the next several years.

Status

For some people, cars are nothing more than transportation. They purchase a plain but reasonably priced vehicle, drive it until it is worn out, then move on to a similar vehicle. For these purchasers, buying a car offers the most benefits because they will save money in the long term. Others see their car as a status symbol. They prefer to buy luxury models and to get a brand new car every two or three years. These people benefit most from a lease that gives them lower payments and allows them to switch cars regularly.

Repair Expenses

When you buy a car and keep it as long as possible to maximize its value, you will probably have to pay for some repairs. Once the initial warranty period is over, you can buy an extended plan or pay for repairs as they occur. According to Leaseguide.com's Guide to Leasing, you won't have to pay for repairs for most leased cars because they are still under the factory warranty. Many automakers provide a three-year full warranty. Three years is also the typical lease length, so if your car needs any repair work while it is in your possession, the cost will be covered.

Restrictions

When you own a car, you don't have to worry about how many miles you drive or whether it gets little dents and dings. If the kids spill sodas on the seats, it's no problem. When you lease a car, there will be very specific limitations on how many miles you can drive it each year. You will also have to pay for anything that is deemed to be "excess wear and tear" when you turn in the car at the end of your lease. This can be quite expensive if you have been hard on the vehicle.

Are Corvettes Expensive to Insure?

The Chevrolet Corvette is desirable for drivers because it is a sports car that is a combination of lightweight and powerful. For the same reasons, it can be more expensive to insure a Corvette than many less-powerful sedans, minivans and SUVs.

Insurance Estimates

Automotive.com estimates that it will cost $1,887 dollars per year to insure a 2010 Corvette. This estimate applies to the first five year's of the automobile's life, meaning it will cost slightly less than $10,000 to insure the vehicle in that time period.

Comparison

The highest average insurance rate for 2010 vehicles, according to Insure.com, belonged to the Porsche 911 GT2 at nearly $3,000 per year. Although the Corvette falls short of this mark, it is more expensive to insure on average than all 10 of the 2010 model year's 10 best-selling vehicles.

Additional Factors

Vehicle make isn't the only factor that affects car insurance rates. The type of insurance you choose, such as your deductible rates, will effect the policy price; so will your driving record, credit history and geographical location.

How to Buy a Used Car From a Person

Take the right steps when buying a used car and protect yourself from purchasing a lemon. The largest difference between buying a used car from a dealer and an individual is that generally the used car being purchased from a private party is not covered under a warranty. Completing a thorough inspection of the vehicle and transacting the sale correctly are just two of the things you need to know when purchasing a car from a private party.

Instructions

1

Determine what type of car you would like to buy and search through ads in newspapers, magazines and on the Internet. There are many websites devoted to purchasing used cars from private parties. Research consumer car guides, reviews and forums to discover safety ratings, problems and praises about the car you are considering buying.

2

Go to websites like Edmunds.com or the Kelley blue book website at Kbb.com and find out what you should expect to pay for the vehicle in the current market. These websites take statistical information on sales of vehicles in your region and give you a clear idea of the price you should expect to pay.

3

Call the seller and confirm information in the ad. Make sure the selling price, mileage, condition, owner history and maintenance history are to your satisfaction.

4

Set up an appointment with the seller in a safe and mutually beneficial location. Beware of sellers who are adamant about meeting in a particular location, especially if the location is in a bad part of town or if you feel it is a place where other people are not likely to be found.

5

Examine all aspects of the car from bumper to bumper to the best of your ability. Inspect the engine, lights, turn signals, horn, shocks, body condition, window and door locks, steering, brake system and whatever else you feel comfortable inspecting. Never feel rushed when inspecting a vehicle. Walk away from the purchase if a seller does not allow you to inspect the vehicle. Bring a used car inspection check list that will help you inspect the car thoroughly. These check lists can easily be found at used car websites and in car magazines.

6

Test drive the vehicle. A test drive is the most effective way to inspect a vehicle for mechanical issues and other problems. Make sure to test drive the vehicle at all normally encountered speeds and in all road and weather conditions possible. Drive it on flat, hilly, curving and straight roads to test the vehicles performance in a variety of road conditions.

7

Research the VIN number of the vehicle to obtain vehicle history. The VIN number of a vehicle can generally be found on the drivers side of the dashboard. These VIN checks generally cost around $30 and will reveal any wrecks the vehicle has been in as well as the ownership history. A car that has been owned by many owners for only brief periods of time can be a red flag that the car has serious mechanical problems or other undisclosed issues.There are many websites and phone services that consumers can use to obtain vehicle history using a vehicles VIN number. Carfax is one of the most popular sites to use for this purpose, but all websites that offer this service are accessing the same database and therefore are selling the same information. Make sure the site is a trusted site before entering any personal and financial information.

8

Run the VIN number of the vehicle to reveal if the vehicle was damaged in a flood, recalled or stolen. This can be done for free by visiting the National Insurance Crime Bureau website at NICB.org, clicking on "VIN Check" tab on the left hand side of the site and and entering the vehicle's VIN number.

9

Take the vehicle to a mechanic for a complete inspection. Unless you are a mechanic yourself, you should always take a used car for a professional inspection before you purchase it. This can reveal problems and issues the vehicle has that you may have otherwise overlooked. Always deduct any undisclosed issues the mechanic reveals from the seller's asking price.

10

Negotiate the price of the vehicle. Most often the price a seller is asking for a vehicle is not the price he is willing to accept. If the car is in a satisfactory condition and you are interested in purchasing the vehicle, take everything you have learned about the car's history and condition and offer the seller what you are willing to pay for the vehicle.

11

Get the seller to sign the title of the vehicle and fill out a bill of sale. The bill of sale should include the sellers and buyers names, addresses, phone numbers, signatures, the date and the price that the vehicle was sold at.

12

Pay the seller for the vehicle after the bill of sale is signed and take the vehicle to your local Department of Motor Vehicles for licensing and registration.

How to Watch For Car Dealer Tricks

Car dealers can pull many tricks on unsuspecting customers. If you are not careful, you can get ripped off in this process without even knowing it. The salesmen at car dealers sell cars every day, and you buy one maybe once every couple of years, so they have the upper hand. Knowledge will level the playing field so you can get a fair deal.

Instructions

1

Tell the salesperson that you are not going to discuss rebates until you have agreed on the price of the car. Rebates are intended to attract new car buyers into the showroom, and they do. However, rebates are sent directly from the manufacturer -- they have no bearing on the price you negotiate for your new car. Tell the dealer not to even discuss the rebate until you have agreed on a sales price (in other words don't let a rebate determine the price you will pay, stick to the number you have in your head before the rebate is applied). Once you have negotiated the price, make certain the rebate is then deducted from the price on the final bill of sale.

2

Avoid locking yourself into a high monthly payment. The salesperson will ask what you are willing to pay each month. Whatever number you throw out will be the least you will ever pay, and usually they will add on a chunk of change that they think they can squeeze out of you. So, don't give them a number. Talk only about the final sales price of the car. Once that is decided, you can work out what your payments each month will be.

3

Avoid fees that are extra moneymakers for the dealer. Negotiate the final sales price of the car and then if the dealer tries to throw on extra fees after that, do not agree to them. Tell them that the price you negotiated is the price you will pay, and tell them to build any extra fees into the price or you are walking out. If they say no then give them a card with your number and get up and walk out. They are not going to let you go for a few small fees, and if they do let you go, the next dealer will not.

4

Secure financing from someone else besides the dealer. This way you will have a secured rate and if the dealer can't beat it, then forget their financing and do it on your own. Also, if they come in below the rate you got, make sure the rate doesn't go up at the final sale.

Difference Between Acura NSX & the Honda NSX

The Acura NSX and the Honda NSX are essentially the same sports car. Honda's luxury division, Acura, sold the car as the Acura NSX in North America during its production run, from 1990 to 2005.

Debut

Honda exhibited the NSX at the Tokyo Auto Show and as a prototype at the Chicago Auto Show (both in 1989) before releasing it for sale the following year. It debuted in the North American market in August 1990.

Reputation

The NSX gained some popularity as a mid-engine sports car with an all-aluminum monocoque body, which was a "world's first" for a production vehicle at the time. Also, its starting price tag at around $50,000 was considered a great bargain at the time, considering the level of performance it provided.

Lagging Sales

The NSX's debut year saw its best sales performance. However, the sports car particularly sold less units in its last few years.

End

Honda decided to end production of the NSX in 2005. For the North American market, production ended in December.

Canceled Revival

In December 2007, Honda announced plans for a next-generation NSX with a V10 engine to enter the market by 2010. However, in December 2008, the whole idea was scrapped due to the recession.

GMC T7500 Specifications

The General Motors Corporation, GMC, T-7500 has been manufactured and sold by GMC in collaboration with Isuzu since 2006. The T-7500 is classified as a class 6 commercial vehicle, which means it has a gross vehicle weight of 19,000 to 26,000 lbs. The GMC 7500 is grouped with the GMC T-series or medium trucks. GMC designed this truck for delivering goods; it was built to maneuver in tight city streets where there is little room to maneuver with heavy loads.

The Duramax Diesel

Customers have output ratings to choose from between 200 and 300 horsepower. The engine displaces 475.9 cubic inches and has 7.8 liters and an overhead cam layout. The 7800 Duramax Isuzu diesel engine has an in-line, six cylinder configuration and has a torque rating of 520 to 860 foot-pounds of torque. The bore and stroke measures 4.53 x 4.92 inches with a compression ratio of 16.0:1. The truck comes available with an Eaton Fuller Manual 6/9 or 10 speed transmission. For those that prefer an automatic, GMC provides the Allison Automatic five speed or the Allison Automatic six speed.

Body Dimensions

The T-7500 is built on a full depth C-channel class 8-design frame. The T-7500 model has a wheel base of 128 to 260 inches. The body has a length of 891.8 inches long and 150.9 inches wide. The medium-duty truck comes equipped with a flat bed with a stake bed. The gross vehicle weight rating is higher than its classification and its gross vehicle weight rating 25,950 to 37,600 lbs. The truck comes with front tapered leaf suspension and multi-leaf in the rear. The front axle has a capacity for 10,000 lbs. and the rear has a capacity of 19,000 lbs. The gas tank has a fuel capacity of carrying 50 gallons of diesel fuel.

Features

The T-7500 features a tilt cab for ease of maintenance. The T-7500 comes with hydraulic disc brakes or air brakes. Anti-lock brake system is standard on all T-series trucks. The owner has an option of getting frames with reinforcement built with fully weldable 80,000 PSI or heat treated 120,000 PSI steels. Air conditioning and power steering come standard.

How to Request a Duplicate Title in the State of Florida

If you need a duplicate of the title to your Florida vehicle, boat or motor home, you can apply for one through your county tax collector's office. In Florida, title services are handled by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), but if you need a duplicate title for your vehicle, boat or motor home, you have to submit the DHSMV application form to your local tax collector.

Instructions

1

Download the application for duplicate title from the DHSMV website (see References). This application is used for obtaining duplicate title for a motor vehicle, a motor home, or a vessel.

2

Complete the application by providing the necessary information about you; the car, boat or motor home; and the lienholder, if there is one. Among other things, you'll need to include your name, street address, email address and phone number, and you'll need to provide pertinent information about any lienholders. You are also required to indicate the make, model, year and color of the vehicle, the vessel or the motor home.

3

Find your local Florida tax collector's office by going to the DHSMV's website (see References). Tax collectors are independent agents appointed by the State of Florida, and they help regulate agencies like the DHSMV. The tax collectors are usually located in the same office as the DHSMV.

4

Submit the completed form and the $75.25 fee to your local tax collector's office. You will also be required to show the clerk your driver's license to prove your identity. Your duplicate title will be sent by mail after your application and payment are processed.

How to Buy a Sports Car for Under $3000

Some think that lack of funds means you have to compromise when buying a car. Or they don't see the practicality in buying a $60,000 sports car and would simply rather have something more practical like a Ford Taurus. However, cars like that won't get you from 0 to 60 miles per hour very fast or look very sporty. Buy a sports car for under $3000 instead. Read on to learn how to buy a sports car for under $3000.

Instructions

1

Know that chain gas stations supply magazines with local listings of sports cars and most of these car magazines have a $2,999 and Under section where cars like Mazda Miatas and Nissan 240sx and Nissan 300zx can be found.

2

Realize that Auto Trader Website is a haven for someone looking for a cheap sports car, with easy access to local and non-local sports cars through extremely easy search parameters.

3

Look to buy a sports car for under $3000 at junkyards. Many junkyards put together older sport cars and will sometimes sell the refurbished vehicles for next to nothing.

4

Check out Craigslist where it's easy to select cars--set the maximum amount to $3000; then set search parameters for local.

5

Find used sports cars on eBay too, but expect to get outbid by someone like you. However, eBay is well known, and many people selling a car will lean towards eBay because they often get good results once the auctioning begins.

6

Get involved in a car community or club to buy a sports car for under $3000. Start going to car shows and networking with people. Car enthusiasts will have four to five car projects going on, many next to being finished. Some people end up selling of one of their side project cars to pay for parts for a more current project--that's where you jump in to buy a sports car for under $3000. Networking will get you some of the best results.

7

Work on your negotiating skills if you're not able to buy a sports car for under $3000. Keep in mind that the newest year for these used vehicles will be a 1998.

8

Look for cars, such as a 1993 to 1996 Lexus SC300, 1993 to 1994 Lexus SC400, 1990 to 1996 Mazda Miata, 1993 to 1998 Honda Civic Coupe EX, 1991 to 1997 Toyota Celica, 1988 to 1992 Toyota Supra Turbo or 1989 to 1995 Acura Integra. These are just some of the possibilities.

Differences Between the 2012 CL63 AMG and the 2012 CL65 AMG

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG are performance versions of the CL-Class series of two-door coupes introduced in 1998. The CL63 features a V-8 and the CL65 comes with the V-12. Buyers could also order the CL63 with a special performance option that significantly increases engine output. These vehicles often serve as test cars for Mercedes to develop new technology.

AMG

AMG is the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz. The automaker conceived Mercedes-AMG GmbH in 1967 to develop high-performance luxury cars. Mercedes styles its AMG models more aggressively and enhances the engines performance and suspension system for more power and better handling. The subsidiary has a strong presence in Formula 1 World Championship racing. AMGs were add-on packages until about 2001, when AMG began designing vehicles from scratch as performance cars. In 2010, AMG introduced its AMG P31 Development Package that increased the output of its V-8 engines. Among AMGs innovations were the Electronic Stability Program, or ESP, and Active Body Control for stability, ceramic disc brakes, infrared night-vision and Active Lane Keeping Assist, a lane-departure warning system.

CL63 AMG

The 2012 CL63 AMG comes equipped with a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that generates 536 horsepower with a 10-to-1 compression ratio. The optional AMG Performance Package boosts the output to 563 horsepower. The standard CL63 AMG also features a seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission that AMG designed to shift from gear to gear in 100 milliseconds. The performance also has a wet start-up clutch, start/stop system to save fuel and the Active Body Control, or ABC, active suspension system. In the cabin, the center console has a Sport-Controlled Efficiency-Manual button that changes the shift program, the suspensions shock absorber and spring settings, and an accelerator pedal response system to suit the needs of the driver.

CL63 AMG Performance and Price

The CL63s base 536-horsepower engine with 593 foot-pounds of torque helps the car reach zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while the 563-horsepower version with 664 foot-pounds of torque can achieve the same distance in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is a factory-regulated 151 mph The AMG Performance Package allows the car to hit a top speed of 186 mph. The 2012 model sells for $151,500.

CL65 AMG

A 6-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 wielding 621 horsepower with a 9-to-1 compression ratio powers the CL65 AMG. Rather than employ the CL63s seven-speed Speed shift transmission, the CL65 uses a five-speed version with three driving modes of automatic, paddle-shift manual and sport. The sport mode significantly reduces shifting times. The V-12 packs some additional weight on the C65 AMG. Its curbside weight tips the scales at 4,939 lbs. compared to the CL63 AMGs 4,697-lb. curbside weight. Differences in the cabin of the CL63 AMG and the CL65 AMG are minimal. New for the CL65 AMG is a spotlight function as part of its infrared night view system to identify pedestrians at night.

CL65 AMG Performance and Price

The 621-horsepower V-12 with its liquid-to-air intercooling system to boost torque to 738 foot-pounds gives the CL65 AMG an edge over its sibling with a zero-to-60-mph clocking of 4.2 seconds. Mercedes times the V-12 version in 4.4 seconds from zero to 62 mph. Its top speed is 155 mph. The 2012 model sells for $211,000.

How to Check a Used Car's History for Free

When buying a used car its important to obtain a free history report on the car. Be smart and check out the salesperson's claim that a little old lady going to and from church only drove the used car once a week on Sundays. Before you purchase the car, get basic information on the car's history for free.

Instructions

1

Get the used car's VIN number. The VIN number is also known as the vehicle identification number. Each car has a unique series of numbers that is used to identify the vehicle and you must have this information in order to find out about the car's history.

2




Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles website. Most DMV sites allow you to find out about current liens online for free. All you need to do is enter the VIN, year and make and the DMV will provide you with information such as when the title was issued and number of liens on the car.

3




Visit the website Is-it-a-lemon.com and click on the "Free VIN Check" link.

4

Insert the used car's vehicle identification number in the box labeled "Get a FREE VIN Check Now!" and click Go. Double check your VIN before you click "Go." Since the vehicle identification numbers contain many letters and numbers, it's easy to make a mistake when entering the information.

5

View the Vehicle Record Summary to ensure the summary displays information for the correct vehicle. The summary displays the VIN, year, make and model number for the used car along with other information. Make sure the vehicle information matches the used car you're about to purchase. After confirming the information is correct, view the number of records found the vehicle.

6




Get a second opinion by visiting Carfax.com. Insert the same information as you did when you visited Is-it-a-lemon.com. Insert your VIN number and click "Search."

7

Compare the number of records count. You may find a discrepancy in the number of records found. One site may list more records than another. The number differential may be as a result of the timing for the last record entry. One site may update its records quicker than the other.

How to Import Japanese Cars to Britain

Many motorists in the U.K. are taking advantage of huge financial savings by importing cars from Japan themselves. High-performance models, in particular, are a subject of interest for many enthusiasts. Filing the relevant paperwork individually can save on the traditionally expensive alternative of using a designated import company to do the work. Following the correct procedure will help to avoid any complications. Whether you're in the market for a Skyline, Lancer Evolution or a Land Cruiser, importing the perfect Japanese car yourself is a fantastic way to save money.

Instructions

1

Find a company that exports Japanese cars. For example, the Epoi website lists many alternatives that offer a full range of highly sought-after models (see Resources). Browse through the available options and, once you have found a model you like, contact the export company to express an interest. Be prepared to negotiate on price. Additional savings can be made on vehicles that have been on sale for an extensive period of time. Usually, the export company will mail or fax a pro-forma invoice and confirmation forms that should be completed and returned as soon as possible.

2

Make payment on the vehicle by telegraphic transfer through your bank account. There may be a short waiting period while funds clear but a wired payment can typically be verified on the same day. In some cases, the export company may only require a deposit. Confirm that the vehicle has been booked for shipping and ask them to send confirmation by e-mail. This is known as FOB booking -- hard copy of the relevant document will also be sent to you by mail.

3

Once clarification of shipping has been received, complete any outstanding payments if you have only made an initial deposit. Contact a shipping agent -- sites such as Epoi provide a list of freight companies (see Resources) -- and arrange for them to take delivery of the vehicle at the designated arrival location. A fee will be required for this, and payment should be made in advance. Once the payment is made, the shipping agent will take care of all aspects of delivery, including clearance through customs. Note that the fee will cover only the handling of delivery and additional charges will be made at a later stage.

4

Contact the shipping company to confirm delivery. Make all outstanding payments to the company, which will include the shipping fee, import duty, customs duty and VAT. Once payments have cleared, arrange a time and date to collect the vehicle. The shipping company will keep the vehicle in a safe and secure location until you are ready to pick it up.

5

Before collection, ensure that the vehicle is road-legal to prevent any contraventions of U.K. driving laws. The vehicle must be taxed, insured and, if it is more than 3 years old, it should be immediately booked into a garage for a standard MOT test. Remember to register the vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency DVLA at the earliest available opportunity.

Specifications for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ

The 2003 Mitsubishi Galant was the next-to-the-last model-year entry for the eighth generation of production for the mid-size sedan, which lasted from 1999 to 2004. Although in terms of refinement and reliability, the 2003 Galant was no match for the mid-size car leaders--the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord--it was still a good choice for those who were more budget-minded. The GTZ trim represented the top-level trim for the vehicle.

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

The 2003 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ had a 3.0-liter, 195-horsepower V6 engine with 205 foot-pounds of torque. The transmission was a four-speed automatic with overdrive. The 2003 Galant GTZ had a fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 27 mpg for highway driving. It had a 16-gallon gas tank.

Safety Features

The standard safety features of the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ included driver, front side and passenger air bags. The trim also had a trunk anti-trap device, power/child safety door locks, keyless entry, vehicle anti-theft system, anti-lock brakes and traction control.

Interior Features

The standard interior features of the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ included power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, leather steering wheel with mounted controls, AM/FM/CD stereo system, gray leather seats with a driver's multi-adjustable power seat and a power sunroof. With enough seating for five people, headroom measured around 38 inches, leg room around 40 inches, shoulder room around 54 inches and hip room around 53 inches.

Exterior Features

A four-door sedan, the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant had a curb weight of 3,296 pounds and was around 188 inches long, around 69 inches wide and 55 inches tall. It also had a wheelbase of around 104 inches and a ground clearance of around 6 inches. The rack-and-pinion steering and 16-inch alloy wheels produced a turning diameter of about 39 feet. Automatic headlights and fog lights, rear spoiler and heated power side mirrors were other standard exterior features. The 2003 Galant GTZ came in five colors: Dover White Pearl, Kalapana Black, Sterling Silver Metallic, Titanium Pearl and Ultra Red.

Price

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ was $24,637. As of 2010, the estimated price value range of the vehicle, according to Kelley Blue Book, is around $7,500 to $8,000.

The Best SUV Available

The SUV has always been a popular all-around vehicle, as the name sports utility vehicle suggests -- utility being the keyword here. The old station wagon is an ancestor of the modern SUV. But the SUV technology is constantly improving the product.Vehicle height has been raised, new engines have been developed and more efficient fuel standards have been set for the SUV. Some SUVs have very high ratings that make them stand out from the pack.

Top Rated Compact SUV

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox carries one of the highest rankings, placing it at No. 1, according to "US News and World Report." Average price indicates around $23,000. Analysis was determined by reliability and safety data. For a crossover type vehicle, The Chevy Equinox offers fuel economy comparable to mid-size sedans and some mid-size SUVs. It's base price competes with the other small compact SUVs, even though it remains close in dimensions to the mid-size SUV models.

In terms of size, the Equinox actually allows more vehicle for the dollar. The interior cabin area shows an airy, wide-open display, with easy to reach controls and no unnecessary dash clutter.

Top Rated Mid-Size SUV

For the mid-sized SUV category, the 2010 Buick Enclave ranks the highest, according to "US News and World Report", with prices ranging from $35,000 to $43,000, which depends upon extra features and packages. The Enclave has very upscale appointments that put it close to the stylishness of the more luxury oriented SUV models, The interior offers a smooth, comfortable ride that boasts a very luxurious seating arrangement for seven occupants, which makes it an excellent family vehicle. It has been rated as having a very quiet interior. The Enclaves' accouterments border on the premium side, as well as its price. But it allows tangible upgrades in almost all areas, making any version competitive and affordable to those who desire extras. It also reflects qualities with car-like driving dynamics, making it easy to handle and maneuver.

Top Rated Full-Size SUV

For the full-size SUV category, "US News and World Report" ranks the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban as the No. 1 title holder. Prices range from $40,000 to $55,000, depending upon extra packages and features. It has highly maneuverable driving qualities for its size and weight, with seating capacity for very large families, due to a third row fold-down seat. Along with the spacious interior comes a vehicle engine that makes towing heavy loads easy and comfortable, with a truck chassis that demonstrates a stability not found in other models. The Suburban lends itself well to traditional designs, attracting those who value versatility and utility more than stylish appeal. This makes it a workhorse for heavy passenger, boat and trailer loads, the opposite function of a vehicle that might be used for quick get-arounds and carpooling. For its size and weight, the Suburban has very quick acceleration and high-speed characteristics, another plus for those who value power.

How Much Over Invoice Should You Pay for a Car?

How much money you pay for a new car is a somewhat arbitrary number because it is partly based on factors that cannot be quantified, such as demand. Learn the whole picture of how car sales work to arrive at a fair price. Overall, you should pay what the car is worth and understand that the dealer will and should make a profit.

What Is an Invoice Price?

The invoice price is basically what the dealer pays for a car. A dealership has to buy the cars from the manufacturer and the invoice price is how much the dealership pays. But the dealer may pay incentives or holdbacks when a dealer sells a car. A holdback is a small percentage of the invoice, or MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price), the price the manufacturer thinks the car should and can sell for.

Getting the Best Deal

Every car dealership and every car buyer is different. Research the automobile market to see how hot a car is to determine the demand. Also, pay close attention to the trade-in value of your car and the financing. Often, car dealers make up a lot of what they may lose on a car's price by giving less money for a trade-in or by getting money from dealer financing. Sometimes dealers also will tell you that they have to add in extra costs over invoice, such as paperwork fees, transportation fees and other fees. Dealers are charged a delivery fee, but you should not pay any more than what they pay. You also should not get charged delivery fees and destination charges. Dealers also make money by selling extended warranties and gap coverage. The dealer will only sell a car where he can make money, while the buyer's goal is to find a fair price somewhere between the invoice price and the MSRP. In the end you should only pay what you are comfortable paying.

How to Use a Car Allowance

A car allowance (another term for the "Cash for Clunkers" program) allows buyers of new cars to trade in their older, less-fuel efficient vehicles for new, fuel-friendly cars. The program gives $3,500 to $4,500 for older cars. This program is for literal clunkers since it would not make sense to use this car allowance for vehicles that are worth more than the car allowance amount.

Instructions

1

Find out if your old vehicle is eligible for a car allowance. According to Edmunds, the car must be in drivable condition, is owned in your name has had insurance for the past year, was manufactured less than 25 years before the month you trade in your vehicle, and gets less than 18 miles per gallon.

2

Turn your eligible old vehicle into the dealership. The dealership will then give you a "credit" of $3,500 to $4,500 to purchase a new vehicle.

3

Choose a new vehicle with better fuel economy. Keep in mind while browsing through cars that you get an additional $3,500 to $4,500 towards this new vehicle.

4

Purchase your new vehicle with your car allowance.

Civic Vs. Camaro

The differences between the Honda Civic and the Chevrolet Camaro are more than just the nameplate each vehicle bears. While the Civic is Honda's economy-oriented compact car, the Camaro is a gas-guzzling sports coupe.

Trims

Available in both coupe and sedan, the Civic has the base DX, the mid-line EX and luxury-oriented LX. The Camaro is a coupe that has LS, LT and SS trims (a convertible version is expected for the 2010 model year, though).

Engines and Transmissions

Five-speed automatic and manual transmissions, as well as a 6-speed manual are available for the Civic, with standard inline 4-cylinder engines. The Camaro comes with a standard 6-speed (either manual or automatic), and a choice between V6 and V8 engines.

Safety Features

ABS brakes, head and side airbags for drivers and passengers, power door locks and vehicle anti-theft systems are some of the features standard in all Civics and Camaros. However, the Camaro has additional standard keyless entry, and vehicle stability and traction control systems.

Interior Features

Features like steering wheel mounted controls and a stereo system with a radio and CD player are standard in all of the Camaro's trims---something that only applies to some Civic models.

Exterior Features

The Camaro sports the larger wheels. It also has standard automatic headlights, which is optional on the Civic.

How to Check a Used Car for Sale

Finally, you have found the used car you really like. It is shiny and cute, and the flirtatious price is whispering, Take me home. Anyone would fall prey to its charms, no doubt. But before you hand in the money, there are some checks you need to perform to make sure this is not going to be one of those frustrating, disappointing or-worst yet-short-lived relationships.

Instructions

1

Take a quick look around and make a note of body scratches, dents, paint and the tires' condition.

2

Open the hood and take a look at the engine compartment. Are the engine and accessories clean or covered in grease and oil? These could be an indication of how much care and attention the owner has given to the cars engine. Look underneath at the underside of the engine. Is the underside of the engine or transmission wet? Can you see oil spots on the floor? Oil seal or gaskets may be leaking. Do not close the hood.

3

Get behind the wheel and read the odometer. Subtract the cars model year from the current year and multiply the result by 12000-which is the average number of miles a typical driver puts on an engine every year. If the odometer reading is considerably higher than the result of your mathematical equation, this will tell you the extra work and wear the owner has put on the engine.

4

Apply the parking brakes, put the transmission on Park (automatic) or Neutral (standard) and turn on the engine. Stand next to the engine and listen carefully. If the engine idles roughly, it may need maintenance, but if you hear rhythmic knocking or ticking noises coming from inside the engine, it could be an indication of considerable internal engine wear, which may require serious attention.

5

Close the hood and take the car for a drive. The engine should feel smooth on acceleration, at cruising speeds and deceleration. If the engine stumbles, hesitates, surges-engine power fluctuates-or speeds up slowly, there might be fuel, ignition, emission control or mechanical problems.

6

Pay attention to the steering wheel action. If it feels hard on turning, has too much play or vibrates, it may be an indication of tire, steering or suspension problems. Are you still in love with this car? Go to the next step.

7

Take the car to an auto shop and have them perform a compression test-which will tell you the condition of the pistons, rings, valves and head gasket-and a vacuum gauge diagnostic-which may provide information on intake manifold gasket, exhaust restriction, valves, ignition and other internal engine components. The results will give you a close estimate of engine service life left before major repairs are needed.

How to Return a New Car to the Dealer

It's a bad feeling to drive your new car off the dealer's lot and realize you've made a mistake once you get it home. That bad feeling will quickly be compounded when you discover there is no easy way to return a new car to the dealer. You may be able to do it under certain circumstances, but it can be almost impossible if there is no problem with the car.

Instructions

1

Buy a car from a dealer or manufacturer offering a special deal with a return policy. Even though new car dealers are under no legal obligation to let you return a car once you finalize the purchase, some will do so as part of a special promotion. If you can find a dealer who is making this offer, pay careful attention to the length of time in which the car must be returned and any conditions, such as limits on the mileage and liability for damage. You may also be required to pay a restocking fee or other costs.

2

Ask the new car dealer to include a return clause in your contract or to allow you to try out the car for a day or two before finalizing your purchase. Even if the dealer is not offering a special dealer, he may be willing to allow you a trial period. However, he is under no obligation to do so---he may refuse, particularly if you are purchasing a popular model.

3

Go through your state's Lemon Law process if you want to return your new car because of an ongoing problem. Lemon Laws won't force the dealer to take your car back immediately, but if you follow the correct process and the dealer is not able to solve the problem, he will eventually be required to take the car back. This process can take several months and requires good-faith attempts to fix the situation before a return.

4

Do a voluntary repossession. If you financed your new car purchase, you can arrange to turn your new car in to the lender. This should only be done if you are in desperate financial circumstances---you will probably owe more than your new car is worth unless you offer a substantial downpayment. You will be liable for the difference between the loan amount and the amount your lender is able to recover by selling the vehicle. Also, the repossession will have a negative effect on your credit rating.