Car Buying Guides: October 2017

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

How to Find Used Vehicles at Dealers

Many dealerships consistently update their online inventory for customer viewing. While dealers try to keep their Internet sites up-to-date, it can take up to a week before new pre-owned inventory makes it online. You can walk dealer lots to view used car inventory, but if you are at a major new car dealer who has both new and pre-owned cars for sale, you'll need to know how to identify the not-so-obvious differences in age.

Instructions

Go to the dealer's website. If you do not know the website name, type the name of the dealer, town and state into your search engine, and if the dealer has a website, it should display as one of the first results. Click on the store name's link.

Click on "view inventory" or "pre-owned inventory" to access detailed information about the dealer's used car inventory. You should be able to view pictures (unless the dealer hasn't updated the information), details (such as mileage and options) and sometimes price, although not all dealers include online pricing.

Print out vehicle details to use for shopping purposes if you found a car you want to view in person. From the dealer's webpage, you can choose to email the dealer for more information or locate the dealer's phone number to call. Or, if you don't want to interact with the dealership just yet, you can go view the vehicle during a day that the dealer is closed, which is usually Sunday evening (some dealers are even closed on Sundays).

Go to the dealership to look at cars. Most dealers separate their new and pre-owned inventory. Identify most new cars by the window sticker--the sticker includes a break down of vehicle information, including the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) and is usually found on one of the side windows.

Identify pre-owned cars by looking for the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) sticker, or Buyer's Guide sticker. This sticker states whether a warranty is included with the car--a check must be provided in one of the two warranty options; Warranty or No Warranty (as-is). This sticker is only on used cars.

Identify a used car by the vehicle identification number (VIN) if all else fails. Dealerships have a process to go through before supplying the FTC sticker or it could have been taken off by a customer if you cannot locate it. Locate the VIN on the upper dashboard of the vehicle, viewable from the oustide driver's side windshield.

Count to the eighth digit backward from the end of the VIN, or count to the 10th digit forward. This character signifies the year of the car. Vehicle made from 2001 to 2009 used a numbered digit to signify the year: for example, a 2001 vehicle would have a "1" in the character position, and a 2002 vehicle would have a "2" in the character position--digits go up to "9" for 2009 model vehicles.

Use this character to identify new vehicles, as well. After 2009, all 2010 vehicles have an "A" in this position, and proceeding years will follow the alphabet. Vehicles made in 2000 use a "Y" in this position, while 1999 uses an "X."

What Are the Signs of a Bent Car Frame?

When buying a used car, there are some important things to check first. One of these things is damage to the frame of the car. A damaged frame can be costly to fix and can cause the car to be improperly aligned, which can cause extra wear and tear on your tires. To make sure you buy a safe, dependable and economical car, check to see if the car has frame damage.

Check to see if the doors and trunk open and close without catching. If they catch, there could be a problem with the car's frame. Often, a damaged door is a sign a vehicle has been in an accident.

Check under the car on both sides with a flashlight for any bends in the metal or welding marks visible on the metal frame rails of the car. Check all sides of the vehicle.

All doors should be the same length and width as the other side. Measure the openings to see if there are any discrepancies.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

How to Figure a Car Lease

When a vehicle is leased, the leaser has the right to use the vehicle for a specified amount of time and must return it or purchase it when the lease is up. Leasing has many advantages over purchasing, such as lower monthly payments, a lower required down payment and peace of mind knowing the vehicle is covered under the original factory warranty. The difference between leasing and purchasing a vehicle is that at the end of the purchase term, you own the vehicle. At the end of a lease, the leaser can choose to purchase the vehicle for its remaining value or to enter into a new lease for (or purchase) a new vehicle. When you lease a vehicle you maintain no equity in the vehicle unless it is purchased at the end of the lease. It is useful to know exactly how the monthly payment is reached to better understand the leasing process.

Instructions

Determine your approximate interest rate and the vehicles residual value, or the estimated value of the vehicle at the conclusion of the lease. Your interest rate will vary depending on your credit score and down payment. The residual value of the vehicle can be obtained from the dealership. As an example, assume that you have negotiated a vehicle with a $30,000 manufacturer's suggested retail price down to $25,000. Also, assume that you have been give a 9 percent interest rate.

Multiply the MSRP of the vehicle by the residual value, which will typically fall between 50 to 58 percent. This is the estimated value of the vehicle at the time of the lease's conclusion. For this example, assume that the residual value of the vehicle is 57 percent. With this in mind, your vehicle's estimated value at the time of the conclusion of the lease is $25,000 x .57 = $17,100.

Subtract the estimated value at the end of the lease from the negotiated cost of the vehicle, which will typically be less than the MSRP. For example, your negotiated price was $25,000, and the vehicle's estimated value at the time of the conclusion of the lease is $17,100, leaving a difference of $7,900.

Divide the result by the number of months in the lease. This is the actual cost of the vehicle per month, without interest or tax. Assuming your lease is 36 months, divide $7,900 by 36, leaving a result of $219.44.

Contact the dealership to find the interest rate that the lease is based upon. Once you have the interest rate, divide it by 2,400 to obtain the money factor. The money factor is a term used for the monthly interest on a lease. In the example, the interest rate is 9 percent, resulting in a money rate of .00375.

Add the estimated value at the end of the lease to the negotiated cost of the vehicle. Multiply the result by the money factor. For example, we would add $25,000 to $17,100, then multiply the result by .00375 to a total of $157.88.

Add the number obtained in Step 4 to the number obtained in Step 6 to determine the approximate monthly lease payment. In this case, we would add $219.44 and $157.88 for a total monthly payment of $377.32.

How to Lease GM Vehicles

GM vehicles include the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC brands. Consumers who are interested in leasing a GM vehicle need to visit a local dealership to initiate a lease. Only new vehicles qualify for a GM lease. Leases on GM vehicles are handled through GMAC, which is the financing arm of GM. Good credit and a down payment are required to be able to lease a new GM vehicle. The leasing payment will vary depending upon the results of the credit application.

Instructions

Visit the GM Vehicles website (see Resources) to get familiar with the vehicles offered by GM. Cars, trucks and SUVs are listed on the site with their features and specs.

Click on "Current Offers" to see if there are any special leasing offers available on any of the GM vehicles. Input your zip code to search for regional offers.

Use the Dealer Locator page (see Resources) to locate a nearby GM dealer.

Visit the local GM dealer and select the vehicle you are interested in from the lot. Test drive it if you want to.

Put in a credit application with the salesperson to see if you qualify for a GM auto lease through GMAC. Your required down payment, interest rate and monthly lease payment will be calculated once your application is processed.

Agree to leasing terms with the GM salesperson. Sign all paperwork and take delivery of your new GM vehicle.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Cutlass Identification

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a classic and popular design for the company and at one time was its mainstay product. The Cutlass was built from 1961 through 1999, making it one of the longest-lived, continuously-produced models in history.

All Oldsmobile Cutlasses have four headlights, except for the 1982 through 1988 Cutlass Supreme. This stands apart from many other General Motors (GM) cars built on the same chassis, which often had only two headlights.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass can be distinguished from similar cars by the grille. All Cutlasses produced from 1961 through 1996 had a split rectangular grille with a thick, vertical bar dividing the two sides.

Any front-wheel-drive Cutlass is newer than 1997, as the last rear-wheel-drive car in this line was the 1997 Cutlass Supreme.

The last Oldsmobile Cutlass station wagon produced was the front-wheel drive 1982 through 1996 Cutlass Cruiser.

The only Cutlasses produced with diesel engines were those made between 1978 and 1981.

How to Check the Vehicle History With a VIN Number

You have finally decided on that new used car but you are worried about its history. How do know you are not buying a "lemon"? Is there some way you can check on its history? Yes, there is.

Instructions

The next time you decide to buy a used car, you might just want to check out the vehicle history report (VHR) for that vehicle. Such a report can reveal a great deal about the car you are contemplating purchasing including any odometer changes, records of wrecks, whether the car has been totaled, any "lemon" reports, etc. It's amazing what some bodywork and fresh paint can do for the aesthetic appeal of a previously totaled vehicle. And it's amazing what some sellers will try to get by with.

You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN) to do any detailed checking on your potential new ride. That number can be found on the inside of the driver side door or on the lefthand side of the dashboard. The VIN can give you a wealth of information that might be useful in making an informed purchase. This seemingly gibberish amalgam of 17 characters---numbers and letters---has actually been well thought out to give the reader a snapshot on Day 1 of the vehicle's life. Let's look at what a typical VIN breakdown might tell us. We'll use the VIN 1G3CX54C7L4345211 for our example.
1: The first number is the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. In this case, the United States.
G: The manufacturer. Here, General Motors.
3: The vehicle's type or division of the manufacturer.
CX54C: The vehicle descriptor section (VDS). Such things as the model, body style, etc.
7: Check digit. A character assigned by the Department of Transportation to help combat fraud.
The characters 10-17 comprise the vehicle identifier section (VIS).
L: The model year. Here, 1990.
4: The location where the vehicle was assembled. Each manufacturer has its own plant identification system.
Characters 12-17 are used by the manufacturers for different purposes.
345211: Could be the assembly plant production tracking numbers.
Some model year codes and country codes follow.
MODEL YEARS
X: 1999
Y: 2000
1: 2001
2: 2002
3: 2003
4: 2004
5: 2005
6: 2006
7: 2007
8: 2008
COUNTRY CODES
1: United States
2: Canada
3: Mexico
4: United States
5: United States
6: Australia
9: Brazil
J: Japan
K: Korea
S: England
T: Germany
V: France, Germany
W: Germany

You can insert the VIN into a search engine box and sometimes get information on that particular vehicle. There may be records that have made their way into the database and these might be helpful in making a buying decision on a specific vehicle

The best way to get a good grasp on the history of your potential purchase is to buy a VHR from one of the many companies providing that service. There are no "free" sites that will provide a vehicle report on any car you might specify. There are sites which list cars for sale and they will provide a VHR as part of the deal. Your local used car dealer can also make the cost of a VHR a sweetener to get you to sign the contract.

The price that a generic VHR provider might charge for a VHR is really small as a percentage of the purchase price of the vehicle. If you really like the car under consideration and will definitely take it if the VHR has no surprises, the seller might spring for the cost of the report to finalize the sale. Even if he doesn't, the report cost is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it buys. And if the report DOES turn up something that's a deal-killer, think of the money and headache you might have saved.

How Does an RV Battery Differ from a Car Battery?

The typical car battery is designed to provide a large amount of energy for a very short time--about 5 seconds, or the time it takes to start an engine. This burst only uses a tiny amount of capacity, which is quickly replenished by the alternator. However, RVs have different types of power needs. One of the most common types of RV batteries is the "deep cycle" battery, designed to provide a small amount of energy for a lengthy amount of time. The accessories that are part of the RV experience draw power from a deep cycle battery and would quickly drain a car battery.

Deep cycle batteries for RVs and other applications are built with thicker plates and a denser active material. Glass mat and envelope separators reinforce the active material to prevent shedding and other damage. However, car batteries have active material that is highly porous, and thin plates, so that the energy can be delivered quickly for maximized power at start.

Car batteries are charged by the operation of the engine. The alternator takes the power of the engine working and converts it into replenished electrical current for the battery. If the alternator goes out, though, it will quickly drain the battery instead of replenishing it. Deep cycle batteries for RVs need to be charged periodically. Before you charge it, though, check the electrolyte level and add drinking or distilled water if needed. Use a 10 to 25 amp charger and follow the directions. Charge the battery within 24 hours of each use, so that it does not freeze; however, do not overcharge it, as that can corrode the grid and reduce the life of your battery.

Friday, October 27, 2017

2002 Acura RL Specifications

The 2002 Acura RL is part of Acura's sedan lineup. The Acura, manufactured by Honda, is the first Japanese import luxury brand sold in the United States. The 2002 Acura RL replaced the Acura Legend, which was introduced in 1996, and it is part of the first generation of Acura vehicles. In 2002, the Acura received some new features, while retaining many of the modifications made to the 1999 model.

During the 1999 model year, the Acura RL underwent several modifications including new styling, interior and suspension. The 2002 Acura RL retains many of those changes, but also implements new modifications. The engine gets a boost of 15 horsepower, and a sport-tuned suspension is added. An OnStar Communication System is also new. The 2002 Acura RL is only manufactured as one model design, but is available with or without a navigation system. The RL is front-wheel drive.

The 2002 Acura RL engine is 3.5-liter V-6 with 225 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. It has a 90-millimeter bore, 91-millimeter stroke and a 9.6 compression ratio. This model creates 231 foot-pounds of torque at 2,800 rpm. The Acura RL engine also has overhead cam and four valves per cylinder. It uses a multi-point fuel injection system.

Honda's 2002 Acura RL is 196.6 inches long, 71.6 inches wide and 54.5 inches high. Curb weight is 3,898 pounds for models without a navigation system and 3,920 pounds for models with the navigation system. All models have a 114.6-inch wheelbase.

The 2002 Acura RL comes equipped with standard alloy wheels. Four disc brakes are standard and include two ventilated discs. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic traction control and stability control are also standard features of the 2002 Acura RL.

The 2002 Acura RL has seating for five. The driver and front seat passenger have 38.8 inches of headroom and 42.1 inches of legroom. Back seat passengers have 36.8 inches of headroom and 35.4 inches of legroom. Standard comfort features of the 2002 Acura RL include air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering and a leather steering wheel. The driver has a multi-adjustable power seat.

The 2002 Acura RL comes with power door locks and child safety door locks. A vehicle anti-theft system is also standard on the 2002 RL model. The car is equipped with traction control and a vehicle stability control system. Driver, front side and passenger airbags are standard safety features.

Average fuel economy for the 2002 Acura RL is 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The 68 liter, or 18-gallon, fuel tank uses premium unleaded fuel. Standard transmission on the Acura RL is a four-speed automatic with overdrive.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

The Specifications of a 2000 Ford Focus SE Wagon

When the Ford Motor Company introduced the Ford Focus compact car to the U.S. market in 1999 for the 2000 model year, it came in three body types: a four-door sedan, a three-door hatchback and a five-door wagon. The last mentioned body style was branded as the "SE Wagon." While the low resale value of the 2000 Ford Focus SE Wagon translates into great affordability, it is the same low resale value that is the result of a poor reliability record.

The 2000 Ford Focus SE Wagon has a 2-liter, 110-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine with 125 foot-pounds of torque. The transmission is a four-speed automatic. With a gas tank that can take up to 13 gallons of fuel, the 2000 Focus Wagon gets 26 miles per gallon for city driving and 33 mpg for highway driving.

The 2000 Ford Focus SE Wagon is rather bare on safety features. It has power locks with the child safety feature, and driver and passenger airbags, but do not expect to find one with other components such as ABS brakes, traction control or vehicle anti-theft system.

Air conditioning and stereo system with AM/FM radio and cassette player are among the few standard interior features of the 2000 Ford Focus SE Wagon. The vehicle is roomy enough to accommodate up to five passengers, and the upholstery is either in dark charcoal and medium graphite cloth.

The 2000 Ford Focus SE Wagon rides on 15-inch alloy wheels and has a load-bearing rack installed on its roof. The vehicle comes in several colors, which include Atlantic Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Autumn Orange Clearcoat Metallic, CD Silver Clearcoat Metallic and Sangria Red Clearcoat Metallic.

The original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price or MSRP for the 2000 Ford Focus SE Wagon was $15,475. As of 2010, the Kelley Blue Book places its price value--at least one in good running and cosmetic condition--within the $4,400 to $4,700 range.

Specifications for the 2002 Toyota Sienna XLE

Toyota Corporation introduced the Toyota Sienna, a minivan, for the 1998 model year as a replacement for its predecessor, the poor-selling Previa. The 2002 Sienna was the penultimate entry in the vehicle's first generation of production, which ran until 2003. The XLE was the top-level trim, placed above the base CE and luxurious LE.

The 2002 Toyota Sienna XLE had a 3.0-liter, 210-horsepower V-6 engine with 220 foot-pounds of torque and a compression ratio of 10.5 to 1. A four-speed automatic with overdrive was the standard transmission, and was the only gearbox available. With a 21-gallon gas tank, a 2002 Sienna XLE could get up to 19 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 24 mpg for highway driving.

The 2002 Toyota Sienna XLE came with driver and passenger airbags, with ABS and power door locks with the child-safety feature. It also had keyless entry and a vehicle anti-theft system, features that were not made available on the CE and LE.

With standard seating for up to seven people, the 2002 Toyota Sienna XLE averaged 40 inches for headroom, 39 inches for legroom, and 61 inches for shoulder and hip room. Air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, leather steering wheel with mounted controls, removable second- and third-row seats and AM/FM/CD player were some of the standard interior features of the 2002 Sienna XLE. Leather seats were optional, and the upholstery was either in gray or oak color.

A four-door van, the 2002 Toyota Sienna XLE had a curb weight of 3,932 pounds and measured 194 inches long, 73 inches wide and 67 inches tall with a 6-inch ground clearance. The vehicle had 15-inch alloy wheels, with a wheelbase of 114 inches and a turning diameter of 40 feet. Daytime running lights with automatic ones in the front, fog lights, heated power side mirrors, deep-tinted glass and rear wiper were some of the standard exterior components of the 2002 Sienna XLE. Its colors were Desert Sand Mica, Sailfin Blue, Silver Shadow Pearl, Stratosphere Mica, Super White, Vintage Red Pearl and Woodland Pearl.

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 2002 Toyota Sienna XLE was $28,012. As of 2010, Kelley Blue Book estimates its price value range at around $9,600 to $10,200.

How to Buy a Used Toyota Camry Solara

The Toyota Camry Solara (also known the Toyota Solara) was introduced in 1999 to compete with the Honda Accord coupe. The Solara came in either a coupe or convertible version but failed to gain in popularity and was discontinued in 2008. For this reason, consumers interested in a Solara must also be willing to purchase a used vehicle. Toyota Solaras are known for their quiet engines, smooth ride and spacious interior and trunk space.

Instructions

Decide the year and trim model of interest. Between 1999 and 2003, Toyota sold the SE and SLE trim models. Between 2004 and 2008, Toyota introduced the second generation Solara, which included the convertible trim model, SE, SLE and sport sedan. Solaras come in either a 2.2L, 135hp V4 or a 3.0L, 192hp V6 engine. In 2002, the 2.4L, 157hp V4 was introduced. The Solara&039;s front and rear end was also restyled in 2002. The manual transmission is not available in Solara V6 models after 2006.

Compare sources to purchase the Solara. The Solara can be purchased from private parties and used car dealerships. Private parties and car dealers selling Solaras may use online venues such as Craigslist, Ebay, AutoTrader, Yahoo! Autos or the online classified section of your local newspaper. Take note of the difference between the asking prices for Solaras of a certain year, trim model, condition and mileage. Dealers have a tendency to charge more than private sellers.

Conduct research as to the value of the vehicle. Before purchasing, get an idea of what the Toyota Solara is worth. Since Toyota Solara has many makes throughout a nine-year period, it is wise to get an idea of what each trim model is worth in the years of interest. For example, if you are interested in a 2008 Solara&039;s SE trim model, find out about how much the retail or private party value is based on estimated or actual features, such as 150,000 miles on a V4 engine in good condition. Places to conduct value research include Kelley Blue Book, Edmund&039;s and NADA.

Check out the vehicle and take it for a test drive. A Solara engine should be comparatively quiet like a Camry or Lexus and should handle smoothly. When checking out a vehicle, look for tale-tale signs of engine failure, such as white smoke and water coming from the tail pipe, which may be a sign of a blown head gasket. Also, make sure the temperature gauge remains steady and look for signs of owner abuse by taking into account the state of the interior and exterior. There was also a recall on the side airbag in the 2007 SE trim model and the rear suspension parts in the 2000 Solara trim models. Make sure the vehicle has had the part(s) replaced.

Negotiate for the Solara. Take into account how the vehicle handles, the condition of the engine, interior and exterior, options and mileage when determining if the vehicle is overvalued and if there is room for negotiation. According to Cars, the 2004 U.S. Census data reports that car owners put about 11,500 miles on a vehicle per year. It is reasonable to expect a 2006 Solara to have at least 46,000 miles on it. A buyer may want to negotiate the price down on, for example, a 2004 Solara that has a 150,000 miles whose asking price hasn&039;t taken into account the higher mileage. If the interior is rough (e.g., torn leather) or the paint is scratched or faded on the exterior, these are also great negotiation points.

Purchase the Solara, but make sure to get a receipt for the purchase, especially from a private party. (A receipt may also be a title or bill of sale.) The title should be signed over to the buyer (if applicable), or a bill of sale should be provided. Registration and smog tests (if applicable) should also be current or the price should be adjusted accordingly.

How to Buy Used Cars in Oregon

If you are in the market for a used car in Oregon, you should shop and research until you can find the right vehicle. Once you find the right vehicle, you can learn Oregon Department of Motor Vehicle registering and titling procedures on the Oregon DMV website. Knowing these procedures can simplify the buying process or help you deal with an irregular scenario. The state of Oregon offers numerous vanity plates to choose from and a paid four-year registration period.

Instructions

Search for a used car. Use an Internet source such as Craigslist, a website that offers used car classifieds in your area. Review advertisements in your local newspaper, either in print or online. Also consider newspapers published in large metropolitan areas such as Portland, Salem, Eugene or Gresham, if you live in a rural area.

Search online used car directories such as AutoTrader or Cars.com, which are both widely used by dealers to advertise stock. MSN or Yahoo Autos will also return results. Input your zip code to search used vehicles in your area.

Call the seller of a vehicle you are interested in to make an appointment to view and test drive the car. After driving the vehicle and considering price, decide if you want to purchase the car or continue shopping. Shop until you find the vehicle you want.

Ask the seller what payment method is preferred. Go to your bank to take out cash or obtain a bank or certified check for the seller. If you plan on taking out a loan for the vehicle, make sure you already have your approval in order so that you may quickly obtain the funds for the seller.

Call or visit your insurance company to obtain proof of insurance on your vehicle, which is necessary to register and title your new car. Bring the proof of insurance to your local DMV office, along with the title of the vehicle and your license. Make sure it is signed by the seller in the proper area and has the correct odometer reading listed. Bring your plates with you if you are transferring from another vehicle.

Fill out the form titled "Application for Title and Registration." You can print this form from the DMV website before going to your local DMV office, or the form is available at the office. The back of the title serves as a required odometer statement. Your DMV representative will let you know if and when emissions testing (DEQ inspection) is required.

Pay the plate, title and registration fees, which differ by Oregon county. Put the plates on your vehicle to legally drive it home. Make sure you have received all keys or accessories from the seller before taking the car home.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Specifications for a 2005 Ford Focus 2.0 Motor

The North American 2005 Ford Focus 2-liter engine belongs to Ford's Duratec engine family, and as of 2011, was manufactured in Chihuahua, Mexico. The Ford Motor Company sold the 2005 Focus cars equipped with the 2-liter Duratec HE in Europe, although a slightly detuned version was available in North America. The 2006 and later 2-liter Focus cars available in North America had greater horsepower.

Ford introduced the all-aluminum four-cylinder Duratec HE engines in 2001. The Duratec HE debuted in the European 2001 Ford Mondeo, and the 2-liter Duratec 20 first appeared in the North American 2003 Ford Focus models. According to the Ford Motor Company, engineers designed the Duratec to improve overall fuel economy, reduce engine noise and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years.

The 2-liter Duratec 20 four-cylinder engine powering the North American version of the 2005 Ford Focus featured a 3.44-inch bore and a 3.27-inch stroke. Its compression ratio was 10-to-1. European models equipped with the 2-liter Duratec HE engines, which were manufactured in Spain, featured a 10.8-to-1 compression ratio. A multi-point fuel injection system delivered fuel from a 14-gallon tank to the engine. The engine for the North American market developed 136 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 132 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm. The European 2-liter Duratec HE developed 145 horsepower.

The North American version of the 2005 Focus equipped with the 2-liter Duratec 20 and five-speed manual transmission earned 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg in highway driving, giving it a combined fuel consumption rate of 26 mpg. The Focus could reach 328 miles on a full tank. The same vehicle and engine equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission earned 22 mpg in urban driving and 29 mpg on the open road for a combined fuel consumption rate of 25 mpg. It could cover 315 miles on a full tank of gas.

The 2-liter European Duratec HE and the North American Duratec 20 featured an aluminum block and silicon aluminum alloy cylinder head and with four valves per cylinder. The Duratec's cylinders were equipped with an integrated duct for recirculation of the exhaust gas to improve fuel efficiency. Ford designed the aluminum cylinder block with a deep skirt and included a "structural" aluminum oil pan for greater strength. Ford replaced the conventional timing belt with a timing chain for increased durability. The builder coated the pistons to reduce hydrocarbon emissions and anodized the ring grooves to reduce friction. The 2-liter engine was also equipped with a plastic intake manifold that had a tendency to fail in early versions, but structural issues were resolved by the time the 2005 Focus hit the market. The higher compression ratio for the European models accommodated premium fuel requirements.

How to Compare New Minivans

Whether you are just browsing for a minivan or have a specific model in mind, Motor Trend magazine's website makes it easy to find the minivan that suits your individual needs.

With just a few clicks, you can easily compare details for multiple minivans side-by-side, such as fuel efficiency, dimensions, towing capacity, anti-theft features, HVAC, safety and physical features.

Instructions

Go to the Motor Trend minivan comparison at www.motortrend.com/new_cars/09/minivan_van/comparisons/index.html

Choose a vehicle make under the heading "Search By Make" to pull up a complete list of new minivans that a particular manufacturer produces.

Select a minivan that appeals to you from the list. To see other types of minivans within that vehicle's product line and compare them side-by-side, choose the text below the listing that says "All Trims."

To compare a list of other manufacturers' minivans, select the text "Most Similar," below the listing for a side-by-side lineup of vans you may like, similar in style and price to the one you prefer.

Read the site's expert road-tested car reviews to learn detailed information that may further influence your choice and narrow down your selection.

Once you've narrowed your list to a handful of options, schedule appointments for test drives, and experience the vehicle yourself to finalize your buying decision.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

How to Calculate a Car's True Market Value for Free

Edmonds has a neat tool to help car buyers when it comes to negotiating the price of a car. It's a free tool and it's called the True Market Value calculator. The true market value is different from the dealer manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP). Edmunds compiles car sale data from dealers all across the country. The information is continuously updated which helps you to get a true market value for the vehicle you're thinking about purchasing. Having the Edmunds market value can prevent you from paying too much for your car.

Instructions

Visit the Edmonds website and click on the true market value link. The valuation tool will open in a new window.

Select the vehicle's year, make and model.

Choose your vehicle's style. By selecting the vehicle's style you give Edmunds the necessary information to provide the true market value for your specific vehicle. Most car models have several styles. For example, the Cadillac Escalade comes in 4 styles; Base RWD, Base AWD, Platinum Edition RWD and Platinum Edition AWD. Make sure to select the right style for your car model.

Get the local market value. While the style page displays the true market value for each vehicle style, by clicking the link for your particular vehicle style, Edmunds will display the true market value for the vehicle in your area.

Include additional features. The true market value tool automatically displays the car's value excluding any ancillary add on features. The value given is for the standard basic car. If your car has additional features that go beyond the standard model, click on the "Customized Appraisal" link to add all of the additional features to the car value. Once you have included all of the add on features, Edmunds will provide an updated market value.

How to Buy a New Car Below Dealer Cost

There are several types of discounts that you get on your new car purchase, including rebates (which are automatically deducted from the suggested retail price by the manufacturer) and a cash reduction off the manufacturer's suggested retail price. This reduction is given by the dealer.

Negotiating is necessary when looking for a dealer discount. You should email same-make dealers in your area for the best price (before any manufacturer's rebates) on the vehicle you want. If you receive a decent quote from one, ask another dealer if he can beat that price. Be ready to buy--dealers will often meet your low number if you take the vehicle the same day.

The best time to find discounts on the vehicle you intend to purchase is at the end of the month. Because dealerships run on a month-to-month schedule to reach goals, dealers are more likely to meet your desired number at the end of the month to achieve their cash bonuses. Dealer rebates also change monthly, so if you want to take advantage of the rebates that you see advertised, you'll have to do it before the end of the month.

Dealers do not take a loss when offering rebates. The manufacturer gives rebates off of the MSRP to entice buyers, but they also reimburse the dealers for the loss. The manufacturer also provides the different monthly programs and rebates. The dealer does not know what the manufacturer will offer in discounts for the upcoming month until the next month begins.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Comparison of Specs on Cars

Comparing two or more cars can be a challenge even for an experienced auto technician or seasoned car critic. Automakers boast about new technological systems and performance metrics, but other specifications often go unspoken to hide shortcomings or exaggerate a vehicle's performance and efficiency. Understanding the meaning of car specs is essential to making good comparisons based on data rather than hype.

Power specs are among the most commonly cited pieces of data when comparing cars. One of the most well-known power specs is horsepower, which represents the maximum amount of power than the engine can produce. However, higher horsepower is not always better. Cars that develop their peak horsepower at high engine speeds may never actually give drivers access to that power. Since most drivers drive at 1,000 to 3,000 rpm, cars with good horsepower ratings in this range are the most likely to develop power that is useful for accelerating and passing.

Other performance specs are important in comparing cars. Torque, which is another measurement of engine power, refers to the turning power at the wheels. Higher torque ratings at lower rpm means better acceleration and a greater ability to tow a heavy load. Driveline configurations are also important. Cars with a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive have more even weight distribution and handle more effectively and predictably on dry surfaces, while front engine/front-wheel drive models may handle better in the snow. A car's suspension specs also help determine performance characteristics. For example, gas-filled shocks or "sport-tuned" suspensions provide a less smooth ride than fluid shocks.

Automakers frequently list a car's safety systems without providing an explanation of how they work or what they mean. Systems like electronic stability control and traction control use sensors inside the wheels to transfer power to wheels that still have traction in the event of a skid or slide. Anti-lock brakes pulsate automatically if the driver's application of the brake fails to stop the car. All of these systems help reduce the likelihood of an accident. Other specs, like stopping distance (usually measured as the distance it takes for a car to brake from 60 mph to a dead stop), are important for determining the safest way to drive a given car.

Fuel efficiency is a major spec that affects the decisions many car buyers make. The fuel efficiency specs provided by the Environmental Protection Agency are a good guide but seldom reflect the real-world efficiency of a given model. In the case of hybrid-electric vehicles, actual fuel economy depends largely upon driving style and how much work the electric motor is able to do. Manual transmissions give drivers the chance to save fuel by employing efficient driving habits, such as coasting downhill or starting up slowly in a low gear.

Car prices are another vital spec that car buyers should study carefully. Besides the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) that automakers advertise, most new cars are subject to a destination or delivery fee. Dealers may add tire fees, cleaning fees, tax and surcharges, which, combined, can add hundreds of dollars to the price of a new car. However, factory incentives, loyalty programs and dealer discounts all reduce the price. Be sure to look deeper into the numbers than the MSRP before settling on a price point.

How To Determine the Kelley Blue Book Value of Hybrid Used Cars

Kelley Blue Book is an easy resource to use to estimate the value of a vehicle before you buy or sell. Many drivers are now opting for hybrid cars to save on gas and be more environmentally friendly. When you know the true market value of hybrid cars you can negotiate for a better price.

Instructions

Use the Kelley Blue Book's comparison function to compare different makes of hybrids for price and quality. Find a link in the References section.

To determine the Blue Book Value, click on the blue "used cars" tab on the homepage of Kelley Blue Book. Click on the car make that you're interested in pricing. (As an example, we'll use the 2007 Toyota Prius throughout).

After you've clicked "Toyota" a new page will come up where you're asked to select the model. Select "Prius." Leave the box below that says "Search Local Listings" as it is with "View Toyota" selected.

Select the hybrid model year you're interested in buying or selling.

Kelley Blue Book now brings you to a page with three different value options: Trade-In Value, Private Party Value, and Suggested Retail Value. Trade-In is used for sellers who want to basically sell their hybrid back to a dealer. Sellers can also choose private party value if they hope to sell to an individual. Buyers can also use this tool to buy a hybrid from an individual and not a dealer. This will most likely be a lower price than if you buy a hybrid from a dealer. You'll also have more room to negotiate going this route. If you'd rather buy from a dealer who will, presumably, stand behind the car, the Kelley Blue Book value will give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay by clicking on the "Suggested Retail Value" button. Whichever you pick, you'll be asked to select a trim package in the next screen. We'll choose Hatchback Sedan 4-door in our example.

Fill in the zip code where you'll most likely purcahse or sellthe hybrid. Then insert the mileage of the vehicle. It's important to have at least an idea of the hybrid car's mileage because this is a big factor in determining the price. Remember: 12,000 to 15,000 miles is average per year. Finally, select any and all features the used hybrid has. If you're not sure, leave the equipment box as it is, Kelley Blue Book automatically fills in standard equipment for you.

Now carefully consider the condition of the hybrid you're thinking about purchasing. If the private party seller has it listed as "excellent," make that selection. If you saw the vehicle and don't believe it lives up to Kelley Blue Book standards for "excellent," don't worry; the Blue Book value will be calculated for three different vehicle conditions. Click the continue button.

The next screen will appear with three different values for the same vehicle, depending on the condition. Remember, these are Blue Book value prices for either a private party sale OR the suggested retail price (dealer price). If you went through the process to find the private party sale price but now you want to compare that to the suggested retail price or a trade in that you'd find at a dealership look at the menu on the left side next to the picture of the vehicle. Click "Suggested Retail Price" or "Trade In" It's not unusual for the suggested retail price of a vehicle to be different than the private party value, even if they're listed in the same condition.

Take a few minutes to research the hybrid a little further by clicking on the other tabs on the left hand side of the screen. You'll find Kelley Blue Book and consumer reviews, as well as detailed interior and exterior pictures of the vehicle.

Click the "Search Local Listings" to see what's available for sale in your area. Kelley Blue Book will list the price, location, mileage, the hybrid vehicle's color, features, any pictures provided by the seller, and if a Carfax report is available. You can also compare up to three specific vehicles to find the perfect hybrid for you!

Sunday, October 22, 2017

How to Check an Irish Car History

There are several Irish car history websites on the internet. Most offer a free check that offers limited information (such as a vehicle description with body type, color and fuel type), and then more detailed reports that range from about 20 (about $27 as of December 2010,) all the way up to nearly 300 ($400). A car history will not be included in the free check, but the cheaply priced reports (20 to 30/$27 to $40 range) will most likely include the information you are looking for.

Instructions

Do an internet search for "Irish car history." The search results will include several sites, such as Cartell, Motorchecks and Cars Ireland that can all provide Irish car histories. AA Ireland (similar to the American AAA) also provides this service, but their reports are provided by Cartell and cost more money than going through Cartell itself.

Enter the car's registration in the "free search" field at each website. The results of the search will be very basic, but will help you to determine that the company has records on the vehicle and that those records accurately reflect what you know about the car.

Choose the company with the package and price that fits your needs. Most of these companies offer very similar products for very similar prices, so choose the package that gives you the information you want for the cheapest price.

Check the UK history. More than a third of the cars in Ireland are imported from other countries, most often the UK. If you have reason to think that the car's history in Ireland does not tell the full story, you can also check the car history in the UK through these same websites.

How to Change a New Car Into Your Name With the RTA

If you have recently purchased a new car in New South Wales, Australia, the Roads and Traffic Authority requires that any new car must be registered to the new owner within 14 days of purchase. In order to transfer the car into your name legally, you must present yourself in person to the RTA with a number of documents. All documents must be original copies.

Instructions

Obtain proof of identity. This can be in the form of a NSW driver's licence, a NSW photo identification card, or a piece of identification from each of List 1 and List 2 as prescribed by the RTA. See the link in the Resources section for the full lists.

Obtain proof of registration entitlement. In most cases, this will be a receipt from the car dealership showing your name, the dealer's name and address, the date you bought the car, the registration number and VIN or chassis number of the car. See the link in Resources for a full list of accepted documents.

Fill out an application for transfer of registration form. An electronic copy of the form is available in the Resources section.

Arrange the required fees. In most cases, you will be required to pay a $27 transfer fee and stamp duty, which is calculated as 3 percent of your vehicle's worth. If your car has a market value of more than $45,000, you will be charged 5 percent on the portion of the value that is more than $45,000.

Take the form, documentation and fees in person to a local RTA office. See the link in Resources to find the office nearest to you.

Friday, October 20, 2017

The Differences Between Cars & Trucks

A world of differences exist between cars and trucks. The differences are because of their intended use. Cars have certain uses, and trucks have other uses. By knowing the differences, you will have new-found knowledge of why cars are built one way, and trucks built another way.

Cars are made to carry people. They have comfortable seats, heating and air conditioning, and a radio for entertainment. Some specialized cars, called vans, are designed to carry a lot of people. Another type of car--a race car--is designed to go very fast around a track, to race against other cars. Cars are not made to carry things. To carry things, you use a truck.

Trucks are designed to carry things, called cargo, but not people. Cargo can take many forms, such as refrigerated foods and meats, or dry goods like school supplies. A pickup truck is a small truck, and it can carry small things like furniture or a washing machine. Trucks usually have just one or two seats to carry a driver and a passenger. Some specialized trucks are driven by computers and others have three trailers on the back.

Cars and vans are usually small, but trucks vary in size from pickup trucks to very large trucks. The world's largest truck has wheels taller than a man. This truck is used to carry large amounts of dirt and rocks. It is used in mining and heavy landscape applications.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

How to Buy a Classic Alfa Romeo

The Alfa Romeo Spider was made famous by Dustin Hoffman in "The Graduate." These cars offer exotic performance and style for very little money.

Instructions

Know that Alfa Romeos are hardy little cars but that many have not been properly maintained.

Realize that the main problem is worn second-gear synchro, failed head gaskets and, of course, rust.

Consider the Alfa Spider for a fun, usable car. Cars built after 1982 have the more reliable Bosch fuel injection and will make excellent daily drivers.

Check out the Guilia Spider (built from 1962 to 1965) for a gorgeous classic that is undervalued compared to many classic cars today.

Consider the GTV in coupe form (built from 1967 to 1974) for a beautiful mix of style and performance. These cars have held their value well.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

How to Buy a Used Car in Ottawa

If you are in Ottawa, Ontario and need to buy a used car, you will find that some of the process is similar to buying a used car in the United States. When you buy a used car in Canada, one of the major differences is that you can get a "Used Vehicle Information Package," which details the history of the vehicle. It is similar to a CarFax report, with much more detail. It is an important part of Canadian car buying because it lists any liens on the vehicle, which you become liable for if you buy a car with a lien.

Instructions

Inspect the proposed vehicle or take it to a local mechanic for inspection. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation recommends asking for the "Used Vehicle Information Package" (UVIP). The UVIP delineates the registration history, lien information, market value and bills of sale. If you are buying a used car via a private seller, the seller is also required to have a UVIP.

Get a completed and signed bill of sale and vehicle permit transfer paper from the seller when you buy the used car. You must have these items, along with the UVIP, to register the vehicle in your name.

Locate the nearest Driver and Vehicle License Issuing Office by using the locator on the Service Ontario for Residents website. Take your bill of sale, UVIP and vehicle permit transfer paperwork to the local office. You will need to pay the retail tax on the used car, which is based on the larger of the sales price or the wholesale value.

Pay your licensing and permit fees. As of October 2010, the fee for a used car plate and permit is $20. If you are using plates you already own, the fee is $10. The validation sticker fee for your plate varies. You must present proof of auto insurance before the plates will be issued.

The Disadvantages of Salvage Titles

Salvaged title vehicles have typically undergone significant damage but can be rebuilt to driving condition. When purchasing a salvaged vehicle, the damage of the vehicle needs to be looked into to ensure the damage can be fixed. Salvaged title vehicles are sold for cheap, but may require more work than worth the time or money to repair.

Repairing salvaged vehicles may require a large amount of work. Salvaged vehicles should have a number of inspections completed before these vehicles are purchased. A Carfax report should be ran on the vehicle, which will tell the history and other facts of the vehicle. A salvaged vehicle should also be thoroughly inspected by a mechanic for any serious problems that may not be fixable, such as frame damage or flood damage.

Buying and repairing a salvage title vehicle should be done with careful consideration and knowledge of the state's standards for salvaged vehicles. A salvaged vehicle may not pass a safety inspection, therefore the vehicle may not be able to be registered into the purchaser's name. Even if the vehicle passes inspection and can be registered, some insurance companies will not allow a salvaged vehicle to be insured. The insurance companies that do allow a salvaged vehicle to be insured may not allow the vehicle to maintain full coverage insurance and may put a limit on the amount of coverage that the vehicle can obtain.

Repairing a salvaged vehicle can require a lot of money to be put into the vehicle to get it back to running condition. Rebuilt vehicles will always show they are salvaged on the title, therefore the vehicle cannot be sold for as much money as a vehicle with a clear title. This may mean the money put into rebuilding the vehicle may not be made back in the sale.

Monday, October 16, 2017

The Specifications on a 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo

The 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo may not seem like an obvious choice for a performance vehicle. However, the specifications of this Chevy shed a new light on how powerful this mid-80s car was back in the day. While automotive styling took a completely different turn in the 80s, manufactures, including Chevy, made a point to keep performance vehicles on the road.

Weighing in at 3080 lbs., the Monte Carlo was once again given the option of T-Tops in 1985. The body was the same as the rest of the generation, starting in 1981, and consisted of the base sport coupe. This generation was boxier than previous generations with mostly flat, square body panels. The car was 16.87 feet long, 5.98 feet wide and 4.58 feet tall with a 9.0-foot wheel base.

In 1985, the standard engine for the Monte Carlo was changed. In 1985, a 262-cubic inch, 4.3-liter V6 was standard. This engine produced 130 horsepower at 3,600 revolutions per minute and 210 foot-pounds of torque at 2 000 rpm. The engine had a compression ratio of 9.3:1.The entire block was cast-iron. A three-speed automatic transmission came standard on the Monte Carlo although a new transmission option was introduced in 1985 that consisted of a four-speed automatic transmission in which fourth gear was overdrive.

Monte Carlos were also available in a SS version in 1985. The SS had a 305.9-cubic inch, 5.0-liter, V-8 engine. The bore for this engine was 3.74 inches and the stroke was 3.48 inches. The compression ratio was 9.5:1. Base power was 152 horsepower at 4,000 rpm with maximum torque being at 2,000 rpm for 239 foot-pounds of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission was used for the SS although the four-speed automatic transmission with fourth gear as overdrive was becoming a more popular standard transmission. The SS could go from zero to 60 in 8.4 seconds and run the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

The History of Used Car Warranties

Used vehicle warranties were not always available to protect car buyers, but two important pieces of legislation--the Federal Lemon Law and Used Car Rule--go a long way to providing peace of mind to car buyers.

The Federal Lemon Law, also known as the Magnuson-Moss Act, was passed in 1975. Under this law, buyers can be compensated if the vehicle was still under manufacturer's warranty when purchased, considered "Certified" by the manufacturer or if the buyer purchased an extended warranty. Since 1975, all 50 states enacted their own lemon laws.

The Federal Lemon Law also protects buyers when the vehicle is no longer under warranty. The law covers vehicles that were salvaged; had the odometer rolled over; formally rentals, police car or taxis; stolen or rebuilt; were involved in a flood or had mechanical problems known to the seller.

In 1988, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted the "Trade Regulation Rule; Sale of Used Motor Vehicles," or the Used Car Rule. This requires all dealers to put a Buyer's Guide warranty sticker in the vehicle's side window.

Laws Governing the Sale of Used Vehicles

Consumers typically are protected when buying new cars that turn out to be lemons. However, they also have some protection when purchasing used vehicles. How much protection they receive varies from state to state, but a few federal laws exist that can offer some protection, too. To take advantage of these protections, you need to familiarize yourself with the federal and state laws.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires dealers who sell at least five previously owned cars a year to post buyer's guides in the vehicles being sold. This does not apply to dealers in Maine and Wisconsin, because those two states have specific state statutes on the issue. The guide must inform potential buyers whether a warranty exists on the vehicle, and, if so, it must outline the amount the dealer is required to pay for repairs during the warranty period. Other information, such as advising buyers to have the car inspected and to obtain guarantees in writing, is also included in the guide. Dealers who violate the FTC's rule can be fined up to $16,000 per violation. This law does not apply to the private sale of used cars.

Under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, you can receive financial compensation if you purchase a new or used car that turns out to have serious mechanical problems. To qualify, the used car must be covered by an implied or written warranty either through the manufacturer or the dealer. Before you can receive compensation, your car must require repairs for the same problem at least three times. The problem has caused the value of your vehicle to be less than expected when purchased. You may need help from an attorney to receive compensation, and the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act provides for free legal assistance to consumers dealing with these situations.

Each state has statutes regarding the sale of used cars. For example, New Jersey requires dealers to provide a warranty for every used car they sell. The duration of the warranty varies from 30 to 90 days or 1,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on the car's mileage at the time of the sale. In Massachusetts, used-car buyers are protected by both the Lemon and the Lemon Aid laws. Under the Lemon Law, dealers must offer a warranty on cars sold for more than $700 with mileage of less than 125,000. The Lemon Aid Law states that if a purchased used car does not pass inspection within seven days of purchase and the repair estimate is at least one-tenth of the paid price for the vehicle, the contract is dissolved. This law covers sales from dealers and private parties. Also, individuals are required by the Lemon Law in Massachusetts to disclose any known defects the car has; otherwise, the sale is voided. Check with your state's consumer protection agency or attorney general's office to determine what laws protect you when buying a used car.

How to Find a Hyundai Dealer

Hyundai is South Korea's largest automaker and the fourth-largest car maker in the world. Selling a full line of vehicles from subcompact cars to luxury sedans, Hyundai has hundreds of dealers across the United States.

Founded in 1947 in Korea as an engineering company, by the late 1960s Hyundai began to build automobiles. In 1986, the South Korean automaker entered the U.S. market with its first car, the compact Excel. Since then, Hyundai has introduced many more models, improved quality and expanded its dealer network.

Visit the Hyundai USA website. Hyundai makes it easy for customers to find a dealer anywhere in the United States. Access the dealer locator (see Resources) and enter in your five-digit ZIP code and click on the "Find a Dealer" button. Within seconds a list of dealers in your area will be returned, with locations posted to a map. Enter your address to get the driving directions to any Hyundai dealership.

Hyundai advertising claims that it has the best warranty in America, offering a 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain system. A five-year, 60,000-mile warranty covers many other components.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Service History on a Used Car

The service history of a used car can provide important insight into how meticulously the previous owners maintained the vehicle. Whether purchasing from a dealership or private party, a good maintenance history should be a required prerequisite when shopping for a car.

A used car service history is a record of all maintenance completed on a used car. Most car owners keep such records in a notebook their glove box or in the maintenance guide that was shipped with the vehicle when it was new.

As with all variables in a used car transaction, it is impossible to put a definite added value on a vehicle with a service history, but you should expect to pay more for a car with a comprehensive service record.

Having a service history can also help if the vehicle is still under warranty. By providing proof of all maintenance, you can avoid having warranty claims denied.

A service record can help you plan and budget for future repairs and scheduled maintenance, like replacing transmission fluid or old brake pads.

Having a service history provides peace of mind when purchasing a used car. In the event that a service history is not available, you should have the vehicle inspected by a private mechanic who can let you know if there are any major issues.

How to Buy Donated Cars in Southern California

Many nonprofit companies accept used cars as a donation. If you live in Southern California, most of the donated used cars end up on the auction block. If you qualify as a needy recipient, you can buy the car from a local charity. Purchasing directly from a local charity can potentially save low-income individuals hundreds of dollars off the market value of the car.

Instructions

Find out if you qualify to buy a donated car. Call local charities to see if they sell their donated cars and to get information about the application process. Go online and visit Opportunity Cars, a network of more than 150 nonprofit organizations that help qualified, low-income workers buy used vehicles. Use their "Program Locator" to find a program near you.

Follow up with local charities. Visit nonprofits in your Southern California neighborhood to let them know you are looking for a donated vehicle. Some of the major charities in Southern California with car donation programs include: The Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers of America, Goodwill and Catholic Charities USA. You might want to visit a local branch in a wealthier neighborhood in which well-maintained vehicles are more likely to be among the donations.

Go to a car auction. Most vehicles that are donated to charities end up at local car auctions. The charities can then take the money and use it to advance the organization's services and mission. Squidoo.com lists all the public car auctions in Southern California.

How to Get a Free Auto History Report on a Vehicle

A vehicle history report can provide you with information about a used car that you might not be able to find out otherwise. Vehicle history reports tell you if the car has ever been wrecked, stolen or otherwise considered totaled. Some reports also tell you if a car has a clear title and where it was last registered. It is commonly considered to be a good idea to get a vehicle history report on a vehicle before you purchase it. You can get vehicle history information for free from several different sources.

Instructions

Ask the person or dealership selling the vehicle to provide you with a complimentary vehicle history report. Many car dealerships do this as a matter of course, and you will be able to look at the report for free if you simply ask for it.

Locate the car's VIN number. The VIN number is on paperwork related to the car as well as on the car itself. You will find the VIN on the left side of the dashboard near the windshield and in the doorjamb on a white manufacturer's sticker.

Browse through available vehicle history report companies (see Resources). Many offer one free report as part of introductory specials, and you can also occasionally find coupons that give you a free report. Basic information about your vehicle will often come up as part of a free report; however you may have to pay to get extra, in-depth results.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau also provides a free VIN check function that will tell you if the vehicle in question has ever been stolen or totaled in an accident (see Resources).

How to Negotiate for a New Lexus

Negotiating for a new Lexus is a process that will take preparation and the will to execute a plan. Executing the plan will require that you completely follow through with each step. Buying a car is a business transaction. Regardless of the many hours you may spend in the Lexus showroom or the countless friendly gestures the staff extends to you, their goal is to sell you a car at the highest price they are able to achieve. You must be as determined to get a fair price.

Instructions

Get to the total cost of the Lexus before arranging the terms. Dealers will "tie you down" to a down payment and monthly payment range, then adjust the length of the contract to fit their bottom line price goal.

Ask to see the dealer invoice. The dealer invoice is not the cost for the dealer from the manufacturer, and there are already profits built in to the invoice price. Starting from dealer invoice will give you a better understanding of how much space is between the invoice price and the manufacturers suggested retail price. Aim for a price in between the two numbers.

Ask for other features or services once you are unable to move the dealer's price any lower. In effect you are still negotiating the value versus the cost by attempting to get more for the same price.

Negotiate a fair trade value if your are trading in another vehicle. Have with you the Kelly Blue Book trade-in value for your car as well as an itemized list of aftermarket components that you may have added since purchasing your vehicle.

Leave. The dealer will offer you the lowest price you discussed another day (even though a common tactic is to say that you can only receive the deal if you sign "today"). Inform the dealer that you are interested in buying the vehicle but to do so would first require that you make sure that you are getting the fairest deal. If you do not intend to leave, a seasoned salesperson will be wise to your bluff.

Offer your own price. Choose a price that is fair (as determined by your research and calculations regarding your trade-in) and inform the dealer that you would be willing to purchase the Lexus at the price you propose. Do not allow the salesperson to divert you from price by redirecting the conversation to terms. Their goal is to make the cost as small as possibly by only discussing one month at a time. $600 sounds more manageable than $40,000. Stick with the final price. The terms (down payment and monthly installments) are nothing more than arithmetic.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

How to Get a Dealership to Drop Used Car Prices

Buying a used car for under the dealership's asking price requires the buyer to first do some research to find the value of the vehicle. Once the buyer determines the car's value, he has to decide the maximum amount he will pay for the vehicle. The buyer must then negotiate to get the dealer to drop the price of the car. If the buyer negotiates successfully, the dealer will sell him the car for less than his maximum price.

Instructions

Determine the value of the used car you want to buy from a dealership. Use a search engine to find car pricing websites. Go to the website you select and look on the menu for the used car section. Find the year and make of the car you want to price. Type in the mileage and check the box next to any options or extra features on the vehicle. Press the appropriate button on the web page to create the used car valuation report. Print the report to use when you negotiate the purchase price with the car dealer.

Go to the car dealership and ask to speak with a salesperson. Tell the salesperson which car you want to inspect. Look for the purchase price on one of the car's windows, or ask the salesperson how much the dealer wants for the vehicle.

Inspect the car to determine whether or not you want to buy it. Take the car for a test drive to find out how it handles. Ask the salesperson any questions you have about the car after you finish the test drive.

Make the salesperson an offer. Look on the used car valuation report you brought with you and find the lowest price. To get the car for a lower price than what the dealer wants, offer to buy it for an amount between the lowest price on the report and the price the dealer wants. The salesperson will probably make you a counteroffer for a higher amount than your offer. Make the salesperson a second offer between your price and the salesperson's counteroffer price.

Wait for the salesperson to either accept your price or make you another counteroffer. If the salesperson makes another counteroffer, accept it or tell the salesperson you will not go any higher than your second offer. If the salesperson accepts the offer, sign the paperwork to complete the purchase.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

What Is a Hybrid Automobile?

Car companies have updated almost all of their fleets with a selection of hybrid cars. While hybrid sounds like something out of a science-fiction movie, the use of the word hybrid is quite simple in the automotive world. Hybrids have many benefits over standard cars, and it is likely that their popularity will continue to grow until hybrids are considered the standard car across the globe. Understanding what a hybrid is and what it does will help you the next time you read about or shop for one these innovative vehicles.

A hybrid car is a car that uses two engines---a gasoline-powered engine and an electric engine. The gasoline engine powers a turbine that powers the electric engine which powers the car. This reduces fuel consumption because more of the car's power demand is placed on the electric rather than the gas engine. A battery pack in the rear of the car stores extra power that is built up from the electric engine.

The hybrid car comes with many benefits over a standard car. The use of the electric engine will save automobile owners nearly 50 percent in gas expenses due to the increased miles per gallon (MPG). That also affects the environment because less CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere if less gas is used. Hybrid cars also come with multiple tax breaks or credits. Check your local, state and federal government for more details and deadlines.

While most hybrids use the electric engine for a gasoline savings, some use it primarily for performance. Check to see the MPG ratio while shopping for a vehicle to ensure that the hybrid name is not used more for show than for benefits. SUV and truck hybrids may appear to have a low MPG ratio, but the actual number is higher than most other trucks and SUVs. Therefore, to compare the MPG ratio to other vehicles of the same type.

The newest version of the hybrid is the plug-in hybrid. Plug-in hybrids have both an electric and gasoline engine, but the cars are most often plugged in and charged, thus reducing their reliance on gasoline. The gasoline portion is only used in case of emergencies or for long trips.

Even though plug-in hybrids are relatively new to the market, there are already many hybrid car models available. Two of the most popular hybrid cars are the Honda Civic and the Toyota Prius. SUV hybrids include the Ford Escape and the Chevy Tahoe. The most popular model is the Chevy Volt.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Owning a Hybrid Car

Many changes have taken place in the auto industry recently. Auto makers are listening to consumers' demand for greener, more fuel efficient cars. However, before you buy one of these cars it's important to weigh the benefits against the possible disadvantages. You'll also need to consider other methods of cutting fuel consumption and saving energy and money on transportation.

The primary advantage of hybrid cars is improved fuel economy. Hybrids typically get between 27 and 60 miles per gallon (MPG), which is higher than gasoline-only cars. Over time, this can save you a lot of money. Also, some hybrid cars can be driven on electric-only power for short distances. Most hybrid cars shut the engine off automatically when the car is idle to conserve energy. Hybrids usually have a better resale value than gas-only cars.

Hybrid cars typically cost more than gas-powered cars. When operating in electric-only mode, they can only be driven at low speeds. Car manufacturers tend to overstate the estimated gas mileage of their hybrids. Repair costs for hybrids may be higher than gas-powered cars. Although hybrid cars produce less pollution on the road, it's just as polluting to produce a new hybrid as to make a new gas-powered car. Hybrid cars can also be hard to find at your local dealership, and the selection is usually limited.

Hybrid cars come with many of the same features that gas-powered cars have. Four-cylinder engines are more common in hybrids than larger ones since they are more efficient. They may also come with power-saving features such as LED daylight running lights, tail lights and turn lights. Some luxury hybrids have a solar roof or a solar charging station. Some hybrid cars also have an electric motor assist function that helps the gasoline engine to accelerate, pass other cars or climb hills. There are also plug-in hybrid cars which can get energy directly from the power grid or other external source.

Hybrid cars have both an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. In most cases, the gasoline engine provides the power to operate the electric motor. However, some hybrid cars use regenerative braking, in which the electric motor slows the wheels rather than the brakes. This allows the motor to generate additional electricity from energy that would ordinarily be lost.

When deciding whether to get a hybrid car, there are many factors you must consider. For example, the current gas prices and how much you drive in a year are important things to consider. Do some math to figure out how much money you will save over the course of the car's operational life. If you drive a great deal, you may be able to earn back your additional investment within a few years. However, if you don't drive much, getting a more fuel efficient gas-powered vehicle may be a better option. Also, be sure to keep your tires inflated and get a regular tune-up, as this can improve gas mileage. Taking a bicycle or walking to your destination every now and then can have a positive effect on the planet and on your pocketbook.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

How to Buy a Used Car For a College Student

College is expensive, even if with a scholarship. There's tuition, room, board, books, pizza money--and transportation. It can be hard to fork over money for a car in the same year you're paying for these other expenses. But unless you live in a city with excellent, safe public transportation, your son or daughter must have wheels.

Instructions

Figure how much driving the college student will be doing. If it's a quick commute up and back, you can buy an older, higher mileage car and score a great bargain. If the student must drive 20 miles or more a day, or will live several hours away from home and making multiple road trips to return for school vacations, you need something more reliable.

Consider the college student's experience with cars. A student who worked weekends at the local mechanic's can handle a vehicle that needs considerable upkeep, but if your son or daughter hasn't spent much time in the driver's seat, go for an almost new, low mileage car from a reputable maker.

Ask responsible friends and family members if they are looking to unload a used car in decent condition. This way you'll know whether the car was driven by someone with a good driving record who likely took decent care of their automobiles.

Search Forbes.com and review the list of the best cars out there for college students. From the main page, click on "Forbes Life," then "Vehicles" and then choose "Best Cars for College Students."

Look for deals on Craigslist. Often people hoping for a fast, cash-only sale list their cars below Kelley Blue Book value, so you'll get a better deal than you would from a dealer. Request the car's vehicle identification number so you can check for a history of major collisions before you purchase. Also consider hiring a mechanic to help you determine whether the car is in good condition.

Buy a used car under warranty if you're concerned about the reliability of cars on Craigslist. You'll pay more for the car, but you'll have the peace of mind of knowing it's guaranteed to be in good condition and that any mechanical repairs will be covered.

Specifications for a Corsa SXi

Vauxhall Motors is a British automobile manufacturer that makes the three-door Corsa SXi. The small vehicle comes with lit orange-colored translucent controls, sports instrumentation and anti-lock braking systems. Safety systems include the six airbags from front and side positions. In addition, the car consumes a small amount of fuel, whether gas- or diesel-powered.

The 2011 Corsa SXi features a 1.2-liter 13-valve gas-powered engine and a five-speed transmission. It generates up to 85.5 horsepower at 5,300 revolutions per minute and 85 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Its fuel consumption is 16.96 miles per gallons.

The hatchback measures 157 inches long, 58.5 inches high and 76.5 inches wide with a 98.9-inch wheelbase. The Corsa holds 45 liters of fuel. The total towing capacity weight ranges from 1,102 to 2,866 lbs. depending on the type of engine.

The 2011 Corsa SXi comes with an audio system that includes a CD player and MP3 playback. It offers a steering wheel covered in leather, tinted windows and cruise control. The 2011 Vauxhall Corsa SXi sports 16-inch alloy rims 195/55R16 tires.

How to Avoid Gap Insurance

Gap insurance helps you pay the bank if you have a serious issue while you are upside down on a car loan. From the very beginning a new car is upside down, as it loses significant value right away. Gap insurance is like buyer protection plans on other consumer goods. Buying gap protection may save you money, but you will more than likely spend more money on this type of insurance than you will ever benefit from it.

Instructions

Understand what gap insurance is and what it covers. Gap insurance is insurance to cover the amount you will owe if something happens to your car and the insurance on the car doesn't cover all of your loss. Typically, comprehensive auto insurance will cover the value of a car and not the amount of what you owe on a car. Gap insurance pays the difference.

Pay a large down payment. If you make a large enough down payment on the car, you will not need gap coverage. The problem is that you will still lose money if you lose your car soon after buying it.

Avoid gap insurance altogether. Gap insurance is usually not required; it is sometimes sold by auto dealers as an extra way to make money. It's a risk but most likely you will not need to use gap insurance.

Monday, October 9, 2017

How to Claim Ownership on an Abandoned Vehicle

So you've noticed a car sitting on the wayside, and you can't recall ever seeing someone driving it. You start to think that you'd like to get your hands on that car, if indeed there is no owner. Claiming ownership on an abandoned vehicle has been done before, and you can do it as long as you abide by the law. There are two common ways you can claim ownership of an abandoned vehicle, and a few traps to avoid as you seek ownership of the vehicle.

Instructions

Go to your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and report the abandoned car. Tell the DMV officer the vehicle's license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you can find on the lower portion of the windshield.

Contact the owner of the abandoned car, once the DMV can find out who holds the title to the car. Ask the owner if you can purchase the car or if the she can send you the title. Give the owner your address for him to send you the title. When speaking to the owner of the car, tell him that the car will be towed at his expense. That will motivate her to send you the title so you can take charge of the car.

Sign the title to the car. Once you've done that, it's yours.

Go to your local DMV and report the abandoned vehicle. Tell the DMV officer the vehicle's license plate number and VIN. Ask the officer if he can track down the owner of the car so you can take ownership of it.

Keep tabs on the car, if the DMV can't track down the owner. Chances are, the car will be impounded and the towing company will auction it off to the highest bidder.

Take your checkbook and purchase the car at the auction. Once you've signed the title to the car, it's yours.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

How to Compare a 1999 Mercury Cougar With a 2002 Cougar

The 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar marked a major redesign for the model and the first example of Ford's new "Edge" styling. Appearing as a compact, front-wheel-drive coupe in 1999, the new styling was aimed at younger buyers. While no major mechanical changes were made during the first few years of production, with the exception of an added V6 engine option, styling cues and trim changes can help differentiate between the years.

Instructions

Look for lighting on the trunk release on the inside of the trunk. This feature, as well as two new colors, Citrus Gold and Light Sapphire Blue, were added for the 2000 model year.

Note whether fog lights are installed in the front bumper or aluminum-faced instruments in the interior. These features were added to the 2001 model year and continued in 2002. Also added in 2001 was the "S" trim level, which included a 196-horsepower V6 engine. This option can easily be identified by the "S" badge on the trunk lid.

Look for "C2" or "XR" badges that identify certain models produced during the 2002 model year. Unique floor mats, spoilers and front bumpers were also added in 2002.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Chrysler 300 Transmission Problems

Introduced in 2005, the Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan from the Chrysler Group LLC. There are a few transmission problems to consider whether you are an owner or a potential buyer of this vehicle.

The most common transmission problem with the Chrysler 300 is failure of the transmission shifter assembly. Such a malfunction prevents the transmission from shifting properly, and it is most severe with the 2007 model year.

Some 2005 and 2006 vehicles were recalled because the cup plug retaining the park pawl anchor shaft was improperly installed. This causes the shaft to move out of position and prevents the vehicle from shifting to the "park" position.

As of September 2010, according to MSN Autos, it costs about $200 to repair the transmission shifter assembly and up to $5,000 to replace the entire transmission. Because the park pawl anchor shaft problem is covered under the recall, an authorized dealer can install a bracket to retain it free of charge.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Ford Ranger Technical Specifications

Ford Motor Company is a leading global automobile manufacture. Its headquarters are located in Dearborn, Michigan. The Ford brand has a variety of vehicles, such as SUVs, cars, crossovers and trucks. If you are interested in a truck, the Ford Ranger comes with seven different exterior color selections and starts at $17,935 as of November 2010. When reviewing the Ford Ranger, compare the specifications of the vehicle.

The 2011 Ford Ranger features a 2.3-liter engine that generates 143 horsepower at 5,250 revolutions per minute and 154 pound-feet of torque at 3,715 revolutions per minute. The vehicle achieves 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Ford Ranger comes equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. The regular cab truck accommodates three people.

The regular cab truck is 189.4 inches long, 66.2 inches high and 81.3 inches wide with a wheelbase of 111.5 inches. It has a ground clearance of 8.9 inches. The vehicle has 39.2 inches of headroom, 54.5 inches of shoulder room, 52.7 inches of hip room and 42.4 inches of leg room. The truck has a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,300 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,130 pounds.

The truck comes equipped with mud flaps, solar-tinted glass, four cargo box tie-down hooks and a 6 foot bed. The 2011 Ford Ranger has a hitch that allows the ability to haul up to 2,160 lbs.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

How to Buy a Used Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne remains one of the most heralded and luxurious SUVs on the road today. But with retail prices on new Cayennes often stretching in excess of $100,000 with taxes, fees and a host of luxury options, buying pre-owned could save you tens of thousands of dollars. Shopping for a used Cayenne is not substantially different from looking for other types of used cars, but because of its high cost, it is best to secure financing before you start shopping.

Instructions

Browse for Porsche Cayennes on popular online car sales sites to get a general idea of the array of models and, more important, a range of prices. The primary goal at this stage is determining how much financing to arrange for. Links to some leading sales websites are listed in the Resources section below.

Schedule an appointment with your bank, credit union or loan agent to discuss pre-qualifying for a car loan. When you make the appointment, ask about any personal or financial documentation you must bring to the meeting.

Work with your bank or loan agent to pre-qualify for a loan in the amount of your maximum car shopping budget. This will not be an actual loan or a guaranteed payout, but rather a promise from the bank to grant financing up to the stated amount. Having this promise in writing essentially will give you the buying power for the car you want.

Begin shopping for used Cayennes by going to the online sites listed in the Resources listed here, or through other car sales sites. Most of these sites allow you to search based on multiple criteria, so take your time and set all the search fields carefully. You can restrict your search to certain model years, price ranges and feature packages. You should also select the nearest dealer locations so it will be easier to test drive and inspect an SUV.

Keep a list of all the strong online leads. The easiest way to do this is to bookmark each car listing that interests you in the Web browser. You may also want to print out the listings so you can compare them side by side.

Expand your search by also checking the local phone book for used Porsche dealerships, used dealers of imports, new Porsche dealers that might have a few used cars, and auto repair shops that specialize in Porsches or other imports. Call and ask about any used Cayennes. Discuss every car that you find to be available, and if you think it might be a good match, write down the details. Don't forget to include contact information for the seller.

Compile all your leads from both online and phone searches. Rank each SUV you're considering in order of your level of interest.

Contact one seller at a time, starting with the Cayenne at the top of your list. Arrange test drives with each seller who can meet with you, and ask any and every question you may have about the car.

Take the time to personally inspect each car to your satisfaction, and bring a paper, pen and camera with you to make notes and photographs. If you're looking at several models, this will help you keep the facts straight about each one. Continue the test drive process until you find a car you're serious about buying.

Contact the seller of the car you like best to express your interest. You may have to produce your loan pre-qualification letter to the seller. Ask about getting an independent inspection for the vehicle before you buy it. Sometimes a seller will offer to pay for this, but usually buyers make arrangements to pick up cars from the sellers and take them to their own mechanics for inspections at their own expense. Have the car inspected by a mechanic you trust. This will cost $100 or more, depending on the thoroughness of the inspection and the mechanic's rates, but for a car in this price category, it's well-worth the expense.

Talk to the mechanic afterward for feedback and input on whether or not you should buy the car. If problems are discovered, inform the seller. You can then decide if you want to buy the car at the advertised price, or if you want to buy it at all. You can also try to bargain with the seller for a lower price, because you may have to make repairs.

Once you and the seller have agreed on a price and discussed method of payment, go back to the bank or credit union that pre-qualified you and finalize the car loan.

Pay the seller and make sure the seller transfers the title over to your name at this time. Collect the keys and enjoy your new Porsche Cayenne.

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Instructions

Online

In Person

Door Alignment

Under the Car

Measure Door Openings

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Instructions

Instructions

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Basic Identification

Grille

Drivetrain

Station Wagons

Diesels

Instructions

Cars and RV's Need Different Types of Power

Different Construction

Different Charging

Friday, October 27, 2017

Model and Production

Engine

Dimensions

Wheels and Brakes

Interior Dimensions and Features

Safety Features

Other Specs

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

Safety Features

Interior Features

Exterior Features

Price

Engines, Transmission and Fuel Economy

Safety Features

Interior

Exterior

Price

Instructions

Instructions

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Background

General Specs

Performance

Construction

Instructions

Research and Compare

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Instructions

Considerations

Time Frame

Misconceptions

Monday, October 23, 2017

Power

Performance

Safety

Efficiency

Price

Instructions

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Instructions

Instructions

Friday, October 20, 2017

Cars

Trucks

Difference in Sizes

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Instructions

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Instructions

Repair

Registration, Title and Insurance

Money

Monday, October 16, 2017

Body

Engine and Transmission

Optional SS

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Federal Lemon Law - Under Warranty