Car Buying Guides: 2017

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Front Wheel Drive vs. Rear Wheel Drive Advantages

Manufacturers, mechanics, car enthusiasts, and consumers, have long debated the rear-wheel drive versus front-wheel drive issue. Determining which vehicles tend to handle better, and which are safer, is at the heart of the debate. There are distinct advantages to each type of drivetrain. Personal preference is an important barometer when analyzing the advantages between front-wheel and rear-wheel drive.

The two main advantages of a front-wheel drivetrain are fuel efficiency and traction. In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the engine and differential are located in the front end. The engine filters all of its power through the differential into the front wheels, which creates a pulling effect. As Popularmechanics.com notes, this type of vehicle has less weight in the back, and is usually smaller, due to most major parts being located under the hood. This produces a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

Since most of a front-wheel drive vehicle's weight is in the front, it will have better traction in poor weather conditions. Many people choose front-wheel drive trucks and cars simply because they live in an area that requires superior traction while driving.

Rear-wheel drive vehicles are made to perform. Their advantages include easier acceleration and braking, a smoother ride, and more control over the vehicle due to an even weight balance. Rearwheeldrive.org notes that many service vehicles, including police cars, are rear-wheel drive. Additionally, all race cars require the performance abilities and balance associated with rear-wheel drive.

Rear-wheel-drive automobiles have been called safer vehicles due to their overall balance and drivability. This drivetrain allows the driver to feel like he has a large amount of control over the vehicle.

Consider your driving preferences when selecting a drivetrain.

The type of drivetrain you choose should depend on your lifestyle. If you live in snowy or rainy climates, you may find front-wheel drive best, due to its traction. However, if inclimate weather is not an issue for you, rear-wheel drive may suit your needs, with its overall handling and feel.

Driving a rear-wheel vehicle in snow can sometimes lead to spin-outs due to a lack of traction in the front wheels. Turning with extra caution and leaving adequate room for stopping should avoid this issue. Some rear-wheel vehicles come with traction control, which helps provide stability in bad weather.

Front-wheel drive vehicles sometimes have a problem with torque steer. When the vehicle is accelerating at a certain speed, the steering can effected. According to Rearwheeldrive.org, this occurs because the engine is connected to the steering column. Rear-wheel drive vehicles do not have this same issue, due to the motor being located in a different place in the vehicle.

How to Buy a used car and not get taken

Shopping for a new or used car is fun the first day. By day two or week two it is a pain and a job. All the cars will begin to look the same and all the sales men seem to sing the same old tune.
What makes the process take so long is your fear. You don't want to get taken. How do you know what is a good deal. How do you know what is a good car. Interest rates, warranties, service plans and the list goes on and on.
Maybe I can help you with some of that I have sold cars, for a long time and can share some of the inside secrets. The car business like any business is all about profit. Every thing that they offer you is not bad but, you need to decide if you need it.

Instructions

Do the research
Assess the car you currently drive. What do you like about it? What do you hate about it? Has it served you well? Do this on paper so the next step will be easer for you to do.
Observe the cars you see, if see some one in a car you like ask them about it. Love it or hate it people like to talk about their cars. Get on line go to the manufacture web sites and consumer reports, cars.com and see what is being said about some of the cars you like. Check out magazines news papers any place where cars are discussed you should take the time to check out.
As you study you will begin to develop a sense of the type or types of cars you would me most interested in.
Don't be all over the place come to a conclusion of what your needs are ant the type of car that will meet them. Do you need a SUV a van or a car. Think of how you will use this vehicle most often. Who makes the car may not be as important as what the features of the car will do for you.
Now it is time to see what for sale in your market. The internet has taken a lot of the guess work out of car shopping. Sites like autotrader.com, kbb.com and cars.com are a few that you should check out before you leave the house. You may not believe this but research has proven that price is not the most important reason people purchase a car at a dealer. It is actually is number three on the list number one is the sales man two is car and price is third. I believe the order should be the car, the price then the sales man. The car is what you have to live with make the right decision there and every thing else falls in place.
It is better to pay a little more for the right car and enjoy it for at least three years than to get a good price on something you are not really happy with. If you want to beat your self up buy a car and trade it in after a year because you just are not happy with it. A car is usually the second largest purchase a person makes and if you choose wrong you will be financing your negative equity into your next car. I have seen people paying for three cars in the payment of one car as they continue to make bad decisions in the cars they purchase. Negative equity is the result of bad research and lack of preparation.
If you have negative equity and are rolling it over into next car be sure to get gap insurance. Check with your insurance company they often sell it a lot cheaper than the dealer. Also ask them about car warranty's many offer them as

Lets make sure you can buy
If you are a member of a credit union go in and see if you can get a car loan. Credit unions are a good choice because they give all members the same rate if they can get a loan. Even if you have some credit issues they may grant you a "Basic transportation loan" which will be 8-10,000 dollars. This can get you a decent pre-owned car. So if you are not a member then consider joining one because the rate tend to be good. If not go to your bank and apply. What ever the out come of these meetings ask them you beacon score and what you qualify for in terms of price of the car and the rate they can offer you. Your rate may be based on the age and mileage of the car. This is where it can get a little complicated because they may tell you thing like 120% over nada or something like that. Take notes so when you get to the dealer ship you can share that with them. If they turn you down don't tell the dealer that say "I may go to my bank, they told me to find a car first." You will understand why you should say that latter on.
With this information in hand go back to step one and make sure the cars you have chosen will work.
Knowing you already have a loan in place is very important when shopping for a car and is one of your greatest weapons at the dealerships.

Now lets plan where to shop
The "INTERNET" first and far-most the place to begin. In the comfort of your home see what is close to home. Unless you are looking at something hard to find keep it simple and close. As you search the inventories keep an open mind on color, pick light or dark as opposed to smoke gray decide on a range of mileage on the car or a not over 40,000 miles. Mileages will make a significant difference in the price of a car. Write down the stock numbers of the cars you would like better yet print the ad out. You can also check out the news papers and the penny saver type papers. The big players are going to be found in places like autotrader.com and cars.com. Most will also have there own web sites that you should check out.

Who should you buy a car from?
Private individuals often offer good value but they also offer almost no protection. I the car is a dud you are stuck. Most states consider used car sale as is from individuals unless grossly misrepresented. I advise you to stay away from them unless the car still has manufactures warranty. Be aware that often the warranty changes with the second owner know the answer to that before you pay up.

Small mom and pop lots. Most of the time these lots have higher mileage cars. They often offer easy financing but beware. These lots tend to have the cars the larger dealers don't want high miles, poor condition and bad carfax reports. There are some very good small car lots with good reputable owners that stand behind their cars and will treat you like family. If you choose to do business with this type of car lot check them out and have the car checked out before you buy it.

New car dealer. This is often a hit or miss proposition believe it or not they can be worst than the mom and pop lot. If pre-owned cars are not a large part of their business move on, unless you are purchasing the brand of car they sell. Used cars can be a high profit area for a dealer ship if they are want it to be. Often it is a step child to the new cars and not given the attention it should get. If they do heavy advertising and have a good fresh inventory of pre-owned cars then give them a good look. This type of dealer ship wants to keep you as a long term customer and eventually a new car buyer. If nothing else they hope you will use their shop to service your car. They often will give you incentives to do so. These dealerships also can afford to fix problems you may have that are not covered but in the name of good business they can do.

Pre-owned super stores Places like Carmaxx and Auction Direct are my choice as well as new car dealers that have sister stores that only sell pro-owned cars. The reason is that these dealerships are focussed on the pre-owned market. They pay closer attention to the condition of their cars. Their shops are set up with mechanics that know a wide range of cars. They know what to look for in a car that has been driven they can spot issues that may come up and either fix them or reject the car. It takes skill and knowledge to work on cars like this. That focus and dedication pays dividends to the consumer.
The bottom line is don't sign on the dotted line before you have seen the

Shopping day
Be rested have your information at hand. If there is a car that caught your eye have the print out. Take some one with you a person who's opinion you trust. Work out a signal to let them know you are ready to leave. Let them be the bad guy that pulls you away from the dealer ship. Let the salesman do his job. If he wants to show you some alternatives take a look. Often he may know something you did not think of. Don't even consider buying a car you have not driven. Even if you just drove the same model each car must be evaluated. Judge your sales man if he/she is not giving you their full attention now imagine what they will do after the sale. Tour the dealer ship if they don't take pride in their building they probably do the same to their inventory. Service is the key when you buy a pre owned car. Don't allow your self to be rushed or pushed into making a decision right now. On the other hand if you find the right car for a fair price at a dealerships that you feel good about don't be afraid to pull the trigger. Used cars are unique and if the car you are looking at is an exceptional value then waiting may cost you that car. It is funny how often a car can sit on the lot and no one looks at it until someone decides they want to buy it but have to sleep on it. No you don't have to look every where if you find what you want at the first dealerships then do it. Remember you have done the research and have a good idea of what you want and what you should pay if everything is ok then there is no reason not to say yes. You must get a carfax report and the right to have the car checked out if they balk at either of these request then no matter how good the deal walk away. Some dealerships have a no questions asked return policy for three to five days, Make sure you get it in writhing or better yet put it on the "We Owe" that it cost you nothing to return the car within the prescribed time then continue with the sale.

What happens after you say yes?
This will depend on the dealership. The traditional dealer you will now be introduced to the four squares or some version of it. The salesman will now sit you at a desk resell you on the car confirm that it the right car for you. After that he will pause and smile at you and begin to ask you, personal information, social security number, date of birth and so on. What is he doing? Filling out a credit application. If you have decided that this is the car you want and you are not paying cash or providing your own financing this is ok. He will then ask you how much you want to put down and the kind of payments you would like. If you say $250.00 he may say it would be great if we could do that but it is better to be a bit flexible say 225 to 325 that way we can show you some options. Be realistic now your research should have armed you some idea of what your payment should be. It is always a good idea to put money down but, if you are not at a fixed priced store you should challenge the price. At this point the salesman' s job is to put your focus on payment. Price reductions cost him money there is usually a pad there he has to work with. Let him know that you are prepared to do business now on that car at this point if a competitor has a similar car at a better price let him know. Advise him that if he can not meet or beat that price you will have to go and check that car out before you can make a decision. Do this before he leaves the desk with your credit application. If you are pre-approved or can go to your bank remind him of this. This will make them compete for your loan and should get you a better rate. Remember the dealership makes money off every thing it sells even the loan.

Let the game begin
Do not let him pull your credit until the price issue is solved. Remember you already know what your credit score is share that with him and tell him not to pull your credit until the price issue is solved. At that point he will tell you "Let me see what we can get" he will take the buyers order and your credit ap caution him again not to pull your credit. He will want to show the desk manager that he has a good buyer so they will work the deal in earnest. Often he will return with a paper with four squares on it one box has the down payment, one has the price of the car, one has the term and the last will have the payment. The numbers will be outrageous down payment 30%, price of the car unchanged, short term 24months and a payment that is three times what you wanted. The purpose of this is to shock you and distract you. When he presents this he will say something like "We always show people the best way to buy a car this is called our equity acceleration plan. The tactic is planed to get you negotiation on the payment term and down payment. This leaves out the price. Stop him in his tracks remember you have done research tell him the term you want and your down payment , what your payment range is and what you are willing to pay for the car. Tell him no more back and fourth give you what you want or let you go. He may try one more time don't take it get your price and terms or leave. Have a little flexibility but don't let them bully you. You got the price right and a good quote on your payment but it is not over yet get ready for finance.

The back end
Finance is called the back end in the car business and it is a manor profit center for the dealerships. The finance manager is as good or better salesman than the person that showed you the car. There should have been some pre-sale for the products he is about to present to you.
Listen closely to his presentation some of the products may be a good deal for you. Remember if you have done your refresh you know what you can get already. Warranty's can be a good investment if it is backed by a good company such as GMAC. Often they can be made refundable if not used or refunded if you sell the car before the term ends. They can also enhance the value of your car at resale. Be very clear what the coverage is. Avoid: stain guards, etching theft protection, tire and wheel and paint protection plans are all just pure profit and may or may not work if you need them.
The tighter your budget the more you need the warranty. They are not cheap but neither is anything under the hood of the new cars.
Do not even try to get rid of the doc fee yes it is nothing but a extra profit for the dealerships they will not drop it. You are better to try to get a few free oil changes.
The finance manager will show you your protected and unprotected payment. Check two things make sure he has not slipped anything you don't want into the deal and confirm your interest rate. If they have you at a rate that is higher than quoted or you can get else where shut them down. If the rate is a point or less and his explanation is good then you can go forward if you are ok with the payment. Sometimes to get the payment you want they have to extend the terms and that may up the rate. If you hold firm and gripe about the cost of the warranty very often they will reduce the price. If you are pre-approved often your bank will not advance enough for the warranty and other stuff they try to add on. You can go right from his desk to your bank and replace his loan and strip all the extras off. He really wants your business and the profit make him earn it. This is when you can save your self some money. So gut it up and give it a shot.
In the end with a little preparation you can get a good deal on a pre-owned car

Friday, December 29, 2017

Audi W12 Specs

A car that signals wealth, the Audi A8 A W12 comes equipped with just-enough chrome and sufficient reserve to prevent gaudiness, according to Motor Trend. Debuted in Beijing in October 2010, this Audi commands attention with its hefty price tag--it sells for a base price of $130,000. Prospective buyers should also pay attention to its specifications.

The Audi W12 has a longitudinal, front-mounted engine with a bore of 3.33 inches and a stroke of 3.65 inches. It is a 4.2-liter DOHC V-8 engine with FSI direct injection, variable intake valve timing, and intake manifold. It has 372 horsepower at 6,800 rpm with a torque of 328 pounds-feet at 3,500 rpm. It requires 8.1 quarts of oil, 23.8 gallons of fuel, and 3.17 gallons of coolant. It can reach 130 mph and goes from 0 to 60 in approximately 5.7 seconds. The vehicle averages 21 miles per gallon and has a 12-volt battery and a 14-volt alternator.

The Audi A8 L W12 has a 122.9-inch wheelbase, 207.4-inch overall length, 64.7-inch front track, and 64.4-inch rear track. It stands 57.9 inches high with a 4.72-inch ground clearance and is 83.1 inches wide. It has a 4,453-lb. curb weight. It has speed-sensitive, power-assist, rack-and-pinion steering with a turning circle of 41 feet.

The Audio W12 comes with 19-inch 10-Y-spoke alloy all-season wheels. Buyers can opt to have 20-inch 10-parallel-spoke alloy wheels with summer performance tires. With a sport package, buyers can choose 20-inch five-triple-spoke alloy wheels with summer performance tires.

The Audi incorporates a dual circuit brake system with diagonal split, an anti-lock brake system, electronic brake pressure distribution, electronic stability control, and a tandem brake booster. The front brakes are 14.9-inch ventilated disc, and the rear brakes are 14-inch ventilated disc. The parking brake is electromechanically actuated at the rear wheels.

Difference Between a Right- and Left-Hand Drive

Depending on the country where they were built, cars are right-hand drive or left-hand drive. This refers to the location of the steering wheel and is related to which side of the road you drive the car.

A right-hand drive car's steering wheel is on the right side of the car. This means you have to shift gears with your left hand. You drive these cars on the left side of the road.

A left-hand drive car's steering wheel is on the left side of the car. To shift gears, you use your right hand. These cars are made for driving on the right side of the road.

Countries with right-hand drive are the United Kingdom, Ireland and the former British colonies of Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

The United States, Canada and mainland European countries all have left-hand drive.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Daihatsu Performance

Daihatsu produces bare-bones, economical compact cars for the European and Asian markets. Daihatsu has not exported vehicles to North America since 1992. They provide minimal power but exceptional gas mileage. Heavily marketed cars are the Terios, Materia and Copen.

The 2011 Daihasu Terios is sport utility vehicle featuring a 1.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. The engine wields 103 horsepower and 140 foot-pounds of torque. The Terios can reach zero to 62 mph in 12.4 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 99 mph. It achieves 29 mpg on city streets and 40 mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 36.

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers Daihatsu's 2011 Materia. It generates 102 horsepower and 132 foot-pounds of torque. The Materia can reach zero to 62 mph in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 106 mph. The Materia earns 31 mpg on urban streets and 46.3 mpg on the open road for a combined 39.2 mpg.

The Copen is a two-seater convertible with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine providing 86 horsepower and 120 foot-pounds of torque. It can reach a top speed of 112 mph and reach zero to 62 mpg in 9.5 seconds. It earns 36/56 mpg for a combined mpg of 47.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Specifications for a 1995 Saturn SL1

The Saturn S-Series was a lineup of vehicles that Saturn Corp. produced and sold from 1991 to 2002. The sedans were designated as the SL, the coupes as SC and the wagons as SW--each with three-tiered levels. For example, the SL series consisted of the base SL, the middling SL1 and the top-level SL2. The 1995 Saturn SL1 was one of the S-Series vehicles that marked the end of the first generation of production.

The 1995 Saturn SL1 has a 1.9-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine. It produces 100 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute and 114 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 RPM with a compression rate of 9.3-1. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, although some vehicles got the optional four-speed automatic instead. The '95 SL1 with a manual transmission gets 28 miles per gallon for city driving and 40 mpg for highway driving. The automatic gearbox-equipped ones get 27 mpg for city driving and 36 mpg for highway driving.

With standard seating for up to five people, the 1995 Saturn SL1 averages 37 inches for head room, 38 inches for leg room, 54 inches for shoulder room, and 51 inches for hip room. Standard interior features include leather-covered steering wheel, air conditioning, stereo system with AM/FM radio and four speakers.

The exterior dimensions of the 1995 Saturn SL1 are 102 inches in length, 68 inches in width and 53 inches in height. The curb weight is 2,282 pounds for vehicles with a manual transmission and 2,312 pounds for vehicles with an automatic transmission. Tinted glass, intermittent windshield wipers and body side molding are some of the exterior features of the '95 Saturn SL1.

Driver and passenger airbags are included in the 1995 Saturn SL1, and it has two front ventilated disc and two rear drum brakes. With rack-and-pinion steering and 14-inch steel wheels, the turning diameter is 37 feet. Both the front and rear suspension are independent, with stabilizer bars and coil springs.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price of the 1995 Saturn SL1 was $10,995--higher than the MSRP of $9,995 for the SL, but lower than the $11,995 price tag for the SL2. As of 2010, Kelley Blue Book estimates the value of the '95 SL1 at around $2,100 to $2,400.

Cars That Are Bad for the Environment

Cars are a standard in current society, playing many roles in day-to-day life. Cars are both a friendly addition to life and a destructive force upon the environment, with no end in sight. Cars today use more fuel than 20 years ago, due to a demand for larger and larger vehicles, stimulated by the federal government. While there are some good alternatives, there are still plenty of cars that are bad for the environment.

The large Sports Utlity Vehicle (SUV)-type of automobile was gaining popularity in the United States for many years, as of 2011. However, the larger the car, the more power needed to move it and thus more emissions and road damage. SUVs are heavier than smaller cars and can cause more damage to roads. Their very size uses more raw materials in construction -- metal, fiberglass and paint. Many SUVs have smaller gas tanks than standard cars and get less gas mileage.

Everyone wants one, except the environment.

If we believed the movies, everyone wants a two-seater sports car and nothing is better. But according to the website Fueleconomy, these superfast toys are extreme gas guzzlers. The average sports car averages 8 miles to the gallon in city traffic and 15 in highway traffic. Many sports cars are also loud, creating a noise disturbance on the environment. This can affect work, sleep and bring on mental stress.

A very popular pastime in the United States is watching car races, with nearly 75 million people watching every weekend. But the cars used in these races are very poor for the environment, with the average mpg at a low 5 and most are not equipped with catalytic converters, which keep emissions at safe levels. Each gallon of gas burned emits 20 pounds of carbon dioxide and in one race there is an average of 6,000 gallons of fuel burned.

The pickup truck is a popular style of automobile in the United States.They come in different shapes and sizes (two-door, four-door, extended cab), but they all have one thing in common: low gas mileage. The average mpg is 19.8 for city miles and 23.4 for highway miles, with some models going as low as 11mpg for city and 14mpg for highway. Larger, heavier body frames require more gas to push them along and more raw materials to build.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

2001 Toyota Corolla Specs

Toyota slightly restyled the Corolla for 2001, redesigning the front and rear lights and adding a chrome-rimmed grille. Toyota also replaced previous editions and reorganized the model's lineup. The LE became the top-of-the-line edition, the VE replaced the CE as the midgrade model, and the new S model became the entry-level edition. An internal trunk release was added, along with a fresh/recirculation option on the ventilation controls.

The passenger volume (88 cubic feet), cargo volume (12.1 cubic feet) and towing capacity (1,500 lbs.) were the same in all editions of the 2001 Toyota Corolla. Likewise, all editions had a wheelbase of 97 inches and were 174 inches long, 54.5 inches high and 66.7 inches wide.

A 125-horsepower 1.8-liter engine was standard in all editions of the 2001 Toyota Corolla. A five-speed manual transmission was standard in all editions, but a four-speed automatic transmission was available in the S and LE editions and a three-speed automatic transmission was available in the CE edition.

All editions came with a 13.2-gallon tank. Cars with the five-speed manual transmission got 31 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Those with the four-speed automatic earned a rating of 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. And those with the three-speed automatic transmission earned an average of 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The 2001 Toyota Corolla had several safety features, such as driver and passenger front airbags, child seat anchors, child safety locks and a rear center three-point safety belt that were standard in all editions.

All editions of the 2001 Toyota Corolla came equipped with a wide range of standard features, including an AM/FM radio, power steering, five-passenger seating with front bucket seats, cloth seating, automatic on/off headlights, a temporary spare tire, low fuel level indicator and all-season tires.

Some available options included15-inch alloy wheels, cassette audio system, power door locks, rear heater and a rear defogger.

The 2001 Toyota Corolla came with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited mile rust warranty.

Monday, December 25, 2017

How to Track the Delivery of New Toyota Cars From the Factory

Whether you are a recent college grad that has landed your first corporate job, a first time driver or a seasoned driving veteran, one thing is for sure: Finding the vehicle of your dreams is an exciting moment. Buying a new car takes hours of research, shopping around and haggling with car dealers. While identifying the car that will be your next "ride" for years to come is an important moment, your desired vehicle model, color and specs may not be currently available. If you recently purchased a back-ordered Toyota vehicle, you may track it by contacting the fleet manager of your local dealership.

Instructions

Obtain your vehicle identification number (VIN) from your dealer. Ask the salesman who sold you your car for a business card, as well as one from the on-site fleet manager. Ask for a copy of the purchase order form, which contains the vehicle information. Find out the estimated arrival date of your vehicle and the current status of production.

Call your local dealer and ask to speak with the fleet manager. The fleet manager is the person in charge of tracking and monitoring all shipments of factory-ordered vehicles.

Give the fleet manager your VIN and ask for the status of your vehicle. The fleet manager has complete access to view the current status of factory vehicles. The fleet manager will use your VIN to search for your vehicle and will inform you of the current stage of production.

As the estimated date of arrival approaches, call your local dealership to check up on your factory-ordered car. It is best to speak with the fleet manager, but if he is not available, call the customer experience center at the number listed on the Toyota website (see Resources).

What Are the Benefits of a New Car?

A new car is more than just a pretty and shiny vehicle. Of course it smells nice and has never been driven before. New cars are more expensive than used cars, but the reason for the expense is not only based upon aesthetics. When you figure out all the benefits of owning a new car, you will see the cost can be justified.

When buying a new car, you have better choices available. Many popular car models come customizable. You can choose the vehicle's exterior and interior, including color and fabric. Plus you have the option of selecting your engine size and transmission. Features are another reason to buy a new car. They can include rear cameras, GPS systems, climate control seats, satellite radio and more.

When it comes to financing, a new car will get you the best deal. You can get finance options for 0 percent down and low interest rates. Usually the interest rate you will pay is higher on used cars than it is on new ones. Also, car makers will often offer deep discount rebates on new cars. A new car allows you to stack up the savings.

The warranties on new cars will give you the satisfaction, if anything does go wrong, the dealer will cover it. The standard warranty on a new car is four years with 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Some warranties go as far as 10-year, 100,000 miles. Often included in the warranty is regular maintenance, vehicle rental or replacement and road side assistance.

Not only will new car warranties cover regular maintenance, but with a new car you likely will not have to worry about repairs. Since the car is new, every part should work as it supposed for several thousand miles. That means no trips to the mechanic to fix the engine or brakes or make other repairs. If a new car does need some type of repair that falls outside of regular maintenance, all new cars are protected under lemon laws. Available in all 50 states, the lemon law allows you to get a full refund or replacement if your new car is found to be a lemon.

How to Buy a Mallard RV

Fleetwood Mallard RVs became something of a rare bird as a result of financial problems of the company that made them. On March 10, 2009 Fleetwood Enterprises, parent company of Fleetwood RV, the manufacturer of Fleetwood Mallard RVs, declared bankruptcy and announced the closing of its travel trailer division. Though the company has recently reopened its manufacturing of RVs and motorcoaches, the Mallard line was discontinued when the travel trailer division was initially closed in 2009. You can still purchase Fleetwood Mallard RVs, however, through independent sellers and RV dealers.

Instructions

Visit Fleetwood RV Source, an online consortium of private sellers and RV dealers that specialize in Fleetwood RVs.

Click on the "Fleetwood RV Search" link on the left-hand side of the home page.

Enter the keyword "Mallard" into the text box labeled "Enter a keyword (Optional)."

Click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Specs for an '04 Ford Ranger

The 2004 Ford Ranger is a heavy duty pickup truck that comes in several models with various specifications that can be tailored to different needs. Four models--the XL, XLT, Edge and Tremor--contain many optional specifications. Depending on your specific needs, a used Ford Ranger may be a wise choice if you're in the market for a pickup truck.

The XL model is the cheapest Ford Ranger in the line. It came equipped with a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine with 143 horsepower. The optional engine was a 3-liter, six-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower. The smaller engine was better on gas than its counterparts receiving 29 miles per gallon (mpg) highway and 23 mpg city with the upgraded 3-liter engine. Seating capacity was maxed out at three people. Side impact bars, driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes were all standard. The two-door truck had an exterior cargo length of 71.8 inches or an optional 83.8 inches.

The Edge model was another Ford Ranger truck that came in the choice of a 3-liter six-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower or the optional 4-liter, six-cylinder engine with 207 horsepower. The Edge was not as good on gas as the XL, averaging 22 mpg highway and 17 mpg city. Side impact bars, driver and passenger airbag and anti-lock brakes were all standard. The truck had an exterior cargo length of 71.8 inches. It's payload is 1,240 lbs., but can tow up to 5,860 lbs. with the 4-liter engine. The Edge came in an optional four-door model, as well with optional leather bucket seats.

The engines in the XLT came in three choices: a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine with 143 horsepower; 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower; or the 4-liter, six-cylinder engine with 207 horsepower. Side impact bars, driver and passenger airbag and anti-lock brakes were all standard as well. The truck had an exterior cargo length of 71.8 inches. It's payload towing capacities are the same as the Edge model. Like the Edge model, the interior features bucket seats and leather.

The Tremor model is the most expensive and upgraded version of the Ford Ranger truck models, the engines available were the same as the Edge model. The Tremor's interior featured a premier Pioneer sound system and power locks, unavailable in any other Ranger models. The Tremor's safety features were the same including anti-lock brakes and side impact bars.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

What Constitutes a Transfer of Title in California?

Under California state regulations, the transfer of a vehicle's title occurs under certain circumstances, such as when a car changes ownership because of a sale, gifting or inheritance. In cases where a title transfer occurs, the new owner is required to file paperwork reflecting the change, plus pay any applicable fees to the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

When the lienholder or registered owner of a vehicle changes, the California DMV considers it a transfer of title for the vehicle, and the change must be registered with the DMV. The transfer can result from numerous reasons, including the sale, gifting or inheritance of a vehicle; one or more owners' names being removed for the title; or the paying off of a car loan.

When transferring a title, the new owner must file a California certificate of title for the vehicle or an application for duplicate title. If the title is missing, the owner must file a duplicate title form with the DMV in order to transfer the vehicle's title. All paperwork is required to be filed within five days of the transfer of ownership.

Various fees are required to be paid to the DMV at the time of the transfer of title, but the fees vary on a case-by-case basis. Costs for vehicle ownership changes can include transfer fees; a use tax that's based on the city and county the new owner lives in; renewal of registration; and fees for a duplicate title and replacement license plates, if needed.

A smog check is mandatory for all transferred vehicles when the model being transferred is more than four years old, unless a check has already been performed within 90 days of the transfer date. Hybrid vehicles are exempt from this rule, as are motorcycles, diesel-powered vehicles, electric and natural gas-powered cars, and gas-powered vehicles that are less than four years old.

Monday, December 18, 2017

How to Become an Owner of Impounded Cars For Sale

Impounded cars for sale are available all over the United States and can be purchased at extremely low discounted prices. One of the most popular places to choose impounded cars for sale are police car auctions. Hundreds of vehicles were either seized because of delinquent non-payments and suspended licenses. There are different varieties of nice used cars to choose from, some are very exquisite and many are less than 4 months old. Here are a few important steps that will help you in making a decision to buy a used car.

Instructions

Provide proper identification, such as a drivers license. The age requirement to bid and purchase impounded cars for sale is 18 years old. Registration is usually free, however there may be times where there is a fee involved.

Watch for television auction advertisements being held in your city. Look at local classifieds in your newspaper for any current or upcoming auction events for impounded cars for sale.

Check out a few car auctions, especially if you are a beginner and would like to have a general idea of what happens before you buy a used car.

Think about having an expert mechanic by your side for the initial vehicle check. You will be able to feel more at ease knowing that you are buying a high quality used car.

Make sure you have the required form of payment to purchase your car. Majority of car auctions will accept either cash or checks only. It is a very good idea to pay by cash, that way you can immediately obtain the title to your car. These steps will prepare you for the beginning of owning your dream vehicle with impounded cars for sale.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

New Car Buyers' Rights

When purchasing a new car from a dealer, you have basic rights that the dealer must adhere to. These rights protect buyers when purchasing a new car from a licensed car dealer.

When a buyer finances a car from a dealer, the car dealer must provide the buyer with an itemized list of charges. This list includes the prices for car insurance and warranties.

Upon financing a vehicle through a licensed dealer, the financial institution must stay within interest rate limits. When a person finances a car for 60 months or less, the interest rate must not exceed 2.5 percent. Likewise, any car loan financed for a term greater than 60 month must not have an interest rate greater than 2 percent.

For a purchase using the dealership's or manufacturer's lender, the car dealer may obtain the buyer's credit score. When he does that, the dealer must notify the buyer. Additionally, the dealer must explain to the customer how the credit score was used.

What Is a Good Economy Car?

If you're considering buying an economy car, your motivation is probably to save money on gasoline, as economy cars are fuel-efficient by name and nature. While every ranking entity seems to come to a different conclusion for its number one choice, here are three top picks to get your research started.

US News and World Report ranks the Ford Festiva as number one in its affordable small car category. It specifically cites its "fun driving experience" and comfortable interior with upscale accessories. As for fuel economy, it gets an estimated 30 miles per gallon during city driving and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Daily Green gives accolades to the Toyota Prius, naming it the top pick because of its excellent fuel economy. The Prius' hybrid gasoline/electric engine gets an average 50 miles per gallon. It also was named one of the Greenest Cars of the Year by Greenopia.

Experts at The Car Guide named the Honda Fit the number one pick in the subcompact category. They praised the Fit for its cargo space, air bags and road handling. According to Honda, the Fit gets 32 miles per gallon and has a 5-star crash rating.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

How to Compare the Best Four-Door Sedans

What features a car buyer wants in a new auto is different for every driver. The best four-door sedan for one may include a top of the line stereo system; for another driver, it's a smooth ride; and for yet for another car buyer it's comfortable seating and energy efficiency. Sedans come in many shapes and sizes including sub-compact, compact, mid-size and full-size.

Instructions

Write down your requirements for a new car. Which features matter to you, and which features have no bearing? Do you care more about fuel efficiency than the size of the car? Or do you feel more comfortable in a full-sized sedan that rides smoother? All these factors play into your decision to choose the right four-door sedan for your personal needs.

Search the web for car comparison websites. These include Cars.com, Edmunds.com and Motor Trend. These reliable sites provide research on virtually every make and model car that is on the market today and how they compare between four-door sedan models. Be sure to take note of which vehicles hold their value better - Toyota, Volkswagen and Honda are all at the top of this list.

Compare your checklist of personal requirements with the research you have conducted. In the subcompact sedan category, you'll get higher gas mileage but you typically sacrifice ride comfort. These include the Smart, Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Aveo. You gain increased comfort and a smoother ride in a compact sedan such as a Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cobalt or Honda Civic. In the full-size sedan category, you'll definitely sacrifice fuel economy for luxuries including leather (and heated) seating, navigation systems, multimedia displays, automatic seat adjustments, automatic climate control and a very smooth ride. Full-size sedans include the Lincoln Town Car and the Mercury Grand Marquis.

Visit several dealership to test drive a range of sedans. The salesperson should show you all the features of the car including trunk space, dash controls and seating. Make sure you are able to easily get in and out of both the front and rear seats of the car (particularly for the elderly). Check if the trunk is spacious enough for luggage and groceries. Ask about rear-seat fold-down for larger items. Sit in the back seat and check roominess, adjusting front seats forward and backward to ensure maximum legroom for passengers. Also check to see how many passengers can fit in the back seat. In terms of engine size, some like the smoothness of a V-6 or V-8 engine, but a four cylinder engine is far more economical and the ride in some models is comparable to midsize or even full-size cars. Safety features should include side, front and side curtain airbags in addition to a high safety score.

Friday, December 15, 2017

1998 Chevrolet Silverado Specs

The 1998 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped in as many as 28 different trim levels. This truck was made available with a regular cab or an extended cab for extra passengers. The Silverado was available in three different bed sizes. This truck was made for whatever work or activity the consumer had in mind.

The 1998 Chevrolet Silverado offers a 4.3 liter V-6 on most of its trim levels. The V-6 is capable of 200 horsepower. The Silverado also has a 5.0 liter V-8 which is capable of 230 horsepower. This engine is standard on the extended cab sportside models. There is also an optional 5.7 liter engine capable of 255 horsepower and a diesel 6.5 liter V-8 capable of 180 horsepower. Both engines are backed by a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is standard on the sportside extended cab models. The five speed manual is standard on all the other trim levels for the Silverado.

The Chevrolet Silverado has a couple of different measurements as this truck comes with an extended cab and a regular cab. The regular cab measurements are 40 inches for front headroom and 41.5 inches for front legroom. The extended cab has 40 inches for front headroom and 38 inches in the rear.

The Chevrolet Silverado is a two-door pickup capable of seating three people. The extended cab Sportside Silverado is a three-door pickup capable of seating five people. The curb weight of the truck is as low as 3,801 lbs. for the base model with a manual transmission. The curb weight gets as heavy as 4,599 lbs. The overall length of the truck varies as there are three different size beds for this truck.

This truck is equipped with a driver and passenger side airbag. The passenger side airbag can be turned off with a key so an infant car seat can ride in the front comfortably. The truck is equipped with anti-lock brakes.

The 4.3 liter V-6 four-wheel drive is capable of 15 miles to the gallon in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The five-speed manual will get 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The rear-wheel drive V-6 with an automatic transmission will get 16 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. The manual transmission will get 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. The 5.0 liter V-8 for the automatic will get 14 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway. The manual transmission will get 15 in the city and 20 mpg on the mighway. The rear-wheel drive is capable of 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. The manual transmission gets the same mileage. The 5.7 liter engine in the four-wheel drive truck will get 13 in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for the automatic. The manual transmission will get 12 in the city and 17 on the highway. The rear-wheel drive 5.7 liter engine gets the same for both manual and automatic at 14 in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The 6.5 liter V-8 for the four-wheel drive will get 15 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway. This engine is not available with a manual transmission. This engine is available on the four-wheel drive model only.

The 1998 Chevrolet Silverado starts at an MSRP of $15,030. This truck has many features and options raising the price as high as $26,199.

All Styles of 2004 Nissan Altima

The 2004 Nissan Altima came in one body style and four trim levels. The only body style available to buyers was a four-door sedan. A two-door coupe didn't arrive until the 2008 model year. The Altima had been a dependable family car with an excellent reputation for handling and performance. The later coupes capitalized on that performance as a more sporty and compact version of the sedan.

The four trim styles available on the 2004 Nissan Altima were the base, the lower-range S, mid-range SE and the upscale SL. The standard engine for the base and S trim styles was an in-line four-cylinder. The base engine for the SL and SE trims was a V-6 engine. Standard features on the S model included cruise control mounted on the steering wheel, a floor console, 12-volt power outlet and air conditioning. The base version had no cruise control, air conditioning or audio system. The SL carried the same features as the S model with the exception except for the V-6. The top trim SL version came with an eight-speaker Bose premium AM/FM/CD audio system with 150-watt output and a radio data system. All trim levels had 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Altima sedan base and S models featured an all-aluminum 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with a 9.5-to-1 compression ratio to generate 175 horsepower and 180 foot-pounds of torque. It earned 23 mpg in urban driving and 29 mpg on the highway. The SE and SL models came with the all-aluminum 3.5-liter V-6 with a 10.3-to-1 compression ratio to wield 245 horsepower and 246 foot-pounds of torque. It achieved 21 mpg on city streets and 26 on the open road. Buyers of the base and S models could choose a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. A final-drive ratio of 4.13-to1 went with the manual and a 4.09 final drive ratio was for the automatic. The SE and SL trim styles equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 got the four-speed automatic with a 3.79-to-1 final gear ratio or a five-speed manual with a 3.81-to-1 final gear ratio.

With its single body style and four trim choices, the 2004 Altima had a single set of dimensions: a 110.2-inch wheelbase and body length of 191.5 inches. The vehicle was 70.4 inches wide and 57.9 inches tall and featured 15.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The car's curbside weight was 3,106 lbs. The sedan offered a fairly roomy cabin with front headroom measuring 40.8 inches and front legroom at 43.9 inches. The rear headroom was 37.6 inches and the rear legroom measured 36.4 inches.

There was only one version four-door sedan's chassis. It featured all-wheel independent suspension with the front suspension system consisting of MacPherson struts and the rear having multi-link system.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Isuzu Trooper Specifications

Isuzu introduced the Trooper, a mid-size SUV, in 1981. The first generation of the Trooper was commercially successful despite its "plain and very utilitarian" appearance, according to Edmunds.com. It came with an 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine. The first generation lasted through 1991 and was followed by the second generation model in 1992. In 1998, Isuzu added a more powerful 3.5-liter, 215-horsepower engine to the Trooper and slightly modified its physical appearance. Isuzu discontinued the Trooper after 2002. In 2003, the company replaced the Trooper with the smaller Axiom and the larger Ascender in the United States.

All trims of the 2002 Isuzu Trooper are 187.8 inches long, 72.2 inches wide and 72.2 inches high, with a wheelbase of 108.7 inches, a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, a track front of 59.6 inches and a track rear of 59.8 inches. The cargo bed is 35.4 inches.

All trims of the 2002 Isuzu Trooper come standard with a 3.5-liter, 215-horsepower V-6 engine that was paired with either a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission or a five-speed manual overdrive transmission. The engine was fueled by a 22.5-gallon gas tank and earned an EPA-estimated mileage of 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway with the four-speed automatic overdrive transmission and 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway with the five-speed manual overdrive transmission.

The two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive S trims have 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, a maximum payload of 1,055 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 5,510 pounds.

The two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive LS trims have 43.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, a maximum payload of 1,010 pounds and a GVWR of 5,510 pounds.

The two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive Limited trims have 43.70 cubic feet of cargo space and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, a maximum payload of 895 pounds and a GVWR of 5,510 pounds.

All trims of the 2002 Isuzu Trooper come standard with anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger airbags, child safety door locks, power door locks, power windows, an anti-theft system and limited slip differential (except for the two-wheel-drive S trim).

How to Buy Used Moving Trucks

Buying a used moving truck can be a cost-effective endeavor, as long as several key points are attended to. As with most other used car purchases, the engine and transmission should be in good working order; used moving trucks have typically been driven hard, but most are maintained at regular intervals. The average buyer can assess a moving truck or van in about a half hour.

Instructions

Inspect the engine and transmission. As with other used vehicles, the condition of the engine and transmission are paramount to a purchase. Check the fluids for level, and common maintenance items like air filter and repair documentation. Check for leaks underneath the truck, as well as the condition of the coolant and oil. Tires may be worn, but should be mentioned at the time of price bargaining if they are excessively worn down. Check the vehicle's stance on a level surface, as many moving trucks will sag in the rear from many heavy loads.

Check the cargo area for damage. Most moving trucks have been used for continuous hauling, and have seen very few miles without carrying a heavy load. The interior of the cargo area should have few dents, and the floor should not be punctured or scraped beyond normal wear. The ramp, if applicable, should move smoothly and stay secure when stowed. The roof should not have obvious holes or damage from inexperienced drivers hitting low overhangs.

Take the truck for test drive. Without a load, the truck should not have any problems pulling up to speed, and maintaining highway speeds for a length of time. Take several turns, both left and right, to ensure that the springs and suspension are functioning properly. Depress the brakes and bring the truck to a "panic stop," to make absolutely certain that they are up to par. Notice any noises, such as engine and braking or unusual noises that could indicate problems.

Check the lighting on the interior and exterior of the truck. Most moving trucks and vans will have upper cargo area lights as well as exterior parking lights on the top of the roof, front and rear. All lighting functions should be tested, as well as tail lights and trailer wiring adapters.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Information

The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse was released during the sports car's third generation of its production cycle as its first model-year entry. The 2001 Eclipse has five trims: the GS Spyder and GT Spyder for its convertible version, and the RS, GS and GT for its coupe version. The 2001 Eclipse, although popular like its third-generation siblings, is not as big or refined as later entries.

While the RS and GS trims have the 2.4-liter, 147 horsepower four-cylinder engine, with some of them having engines with seven less horses, the GT trims have the 3-liter 200 horsepower V-6 engine. The transmission choices include a five-speed automatic and four-speed manual with overdrive.

With tanks that can hold up to 16.4 gallons of gas, fuel economy varies according to trim, transmission and engine. The RS and GS trims with the 140-horsepower engine and manual transmission get the best gas mileage, at 22 mpg for city driving and 30 mpg for highway driving. The GT trims have the comparatively worst gas mileage, at 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse has power door locks and driver and passenger airbags. Not made available, though, are many other popular safety amenities such as anti-lock brakes, vehicle anti-theft systems and traction control.

With seating and room designed for up to four people, the 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes with power windows, air conditioning, a stereo system with AM/FM/CD player and tilt steering. All trims save for the RS coupe have cruise control. The upholstery is either in beige or black cloth.

The 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse, as coupe or convertible, is a two-door car. Although all trims come with factory alloy wheels, they differ in size. Those of the RS are 15 inches, the GS trims are 16 inches, and the GT trims are 17 inches. Save for the customary lights, windshield wipers and occasional rear spoiler, the 2001 Eclipse is rather bare when it comes to special or extra exterior features.

Models of 2008 Ford Trucks

The 2008 Ford workhorse trucks--the full-size F-Series and compact Ranger--came in a variety of models and trim levels. The F-Series featured the half-ton F-150, the three-quarter ton F-250, one-ton F-350 and 1--ton F-450. The Ranger offered regular cab and extended cab versions. In 2008, Ford also offered a range of truck-based sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

The F-Series featured numerous trim levels and special editions: the base XL, the mid-range XLT, the upper-level sport-oriented STX and the off-road FX4. Buyers could order the XLT with the luxury Lariat package, along with the even more luxury-oriented Lariat Limited. Themed editions included the King Ranch and Harley-Davidson versions. The Harley-Davidson was a cooperative marketing effort by the Ford Motor Company and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It featured a black and silver paint scheme and Harley-Davidson exterior and interior badging with numerous extras, including leather seats.

In 2008, Ford produced the Escape, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac and Expedition sport utility vehicles, and the Transit Connect and E-Series vans. The Edge is a crossover SUV built on a Ford automobile frame. The Escape sits on a short 103.1-inch wheelbase. Its most significant feature is its optional hybrid engine utilizing technology, similar to the Toyota Prius, which gives it a range of 34 mpg. The Explorer and Expedition are conventional SUVs built on truck frames. The Explorer carries five to seven people and can tow up to 7,115 lbs. The Expedition carries five to eight people and can tow up to 9,200 lbs. The Explorer Sport Trac features a CrewCab, sits on a massive 130.5-inch wheelbase and can tow 6,990 lbs. The Edge features a modest truck-like appearance, but with passenger car comfort. It earns 17 mpg in city driving and 27 on the highway. The Transit Connect is a small passenger/utility vehicle designed for light-duty work. The E-Series vans have all the qualities of the F-Series trucks, but can carry up to 15 people and haul as much as 10,000 lbs.

The 2008 Ford Ranger offered no four-door CrewCab, although all its competitors in the compact truck market did. Cab choices were limited to the regular cab and extended cab, or SuperCab. A sporty four-wheel-drive Ranger FX4 version was available with raised suspension, big off-road tires, skid plates and a "flareside" cargo box, which was reminiscent of the old-style "stepside" beds with a step behind the cab. The standard Ranger sat on a 111.5-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 188.5 inches, compared to the standard F-150, which had a 126-inch wheelbase and a total length of 211.2 inches.

The 2008 Ranger models were equipped with the 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine or the 3-liter V6. The F-Series engine choices included a 4.2-liter V6, 4.6-liter V-8 and the 5.4-liter V-8. The Harley-Davidson got a 450-horsepower supercharged V8. The 2008 Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac and Expedition were equipped with the 5.4-liter V8. A 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder or 3-liter V6 powered the non-hybrid version of the Escape.

What Is a Plug-In Hybrid?

Hybrid cars are popular investments that save gas and money and create less pollution. While hybrids are taking over dealerships, they soon could be replaced by the Plug-In Hybrid. Plug-in hybrids feature much of the same technology as a standard hybrid, but they have some advantages over them as well.

Plug-in hybrids feature both an electric and a gas powered engine, but the electric engine can be plugged in to a power grid in order to charge instead of just using the gas engine.

Plug-in hybrids are not currently mass produced in the United States, but in China you can purchase the BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid or convert a Toyota Prius into one.

Plug-in hybrids may also be referred to as the PHEV, gas-optional hybrid, grid connected hybrid or as a Go-Hev.

Plugging your car in will save almost 75 percent of gas costs, only using the gas engine to power the car when your batteries are low or you are traveling long distances without a charge station.

Plug-In hybrids are beneficial to the environment and purchasers can also qualify for tax rebates if they purchase a plug-in hybrid.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

How to Bargain With a Used Car Lot Salesman

The idea of negotiating with a used car salesman strikes up anxiety in the hearts of many. A car is a major life purchase and no one wants to be bullied into accepting a bad deal or buying a car that isn't affordable. To negotiate successfully, do your research and don't be afraid to stand your ground. Give yourself time to make a purchase. Not being in a rush allows you to make an educated choice about what you want and gives you the upper hand when haggling with dealers.

Instructions

Do some research and think about what you want before visiting the used car lot. The Negotiation Academy suggests taking a hard look at what you need and what you can afford. Think about your present and planned family situation, your work commute, your hobbies, like whether you enjoy camping and off-roading, and your budget. Decide on the kind of car that you need to support your lifestyle. Seek out independent reviews of car makes and models, then narrow your options to a few top choices.

Visit dealerships to test drive cars. Don't be pressured into buying yet. Right now you're doing some hands-on research, deciding which one of the cars feels the best to you. Walk away from any salesman who refuses to let you test drive dealership used vehicles. Based on your test drive experiences, select your target vehicle make and model.

Do some price research. Call a number of dealerships in your area, ask if they have a vehicle with your specifications in stock and ask the price. Once you've found the best deal in your area, call dealers with higher prices back and ask them if they can meet or improve on the offer. Make an appointment with the dealership that ultimately quotes you the lowest price.

Look for evidence to bring the price down even lower before you visit the dealership. Edmunds.com offers a True Market Value (TMV) tool (see the Resources section) to find the actual value of a used vehicle, free of charge. Run the report, print it out and bring it with you to the dealer to use as evidence to bring the price down.

Show that you can wait to buy a used vehicle. Tell the salesman that you were thinking about waiting to get the vehicle, but that a good deal could convince you to buy sooner. Ask the salesman whether he can take his asking price a bit lower. If he balks, suggest your own figure and pull out your supporting research to justify your offer.

Be ready to walk away from a deal you don't like. Give the salesman a final offer that you'd be willing to accept and leave your contact information in case he later decides that your price is acceptable.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

What Are the Benefits of Buying a Car from a Private Seller?

Buying a used car can be a risky proposition. Used car dealers do not necessarily have the best reputation for honesty, and you can't always be sure that you're getting good value for your money. Another alternative is to purchase a vehicle from a private seller, which offers certain benefits over buying from a dealer.

A private seller may be more willing to negotiate price. While the car dealer or used car sales lot is motivated by private and will not drop the priced beyond a certain level, the private seller may have other motivations. The seller may need cash in a hurry or may just want to get rid of the vehicle. There may also be a need to get out from under an oppressive car loan.

Buying from a private seller can feature a more relaxed buying process. The buyer may have more freedom to inspect the car and take it for an extended test driver. If the buyer and seller are friends or acquaintances, the buyer may even be able to keep the car for a few days to get a better feel for the vehicle.

If the seller is the vehicle's original owner, the buyer can get a better idea of the vehicle's history. The seller may be able to provide routine maintenance records. The buyer may also be able to determine when tires were last purchased or if the vehicle has had any major engine or body repairs. If the buyer is still in doubt, he can purchase a vehicle history report from vendors such as Carfax.com.

Buyers that are short on a cash may be able to work out terms with a friendly or motivated seller. The seller may agree to take an upfront partial payment and receive the rest in installments or as a lump sum at a future date. This can eliminate the need for the buyer to obtain a bank loan.

Buying from a private seller can result in a tax savings. The buyer will only have to pay retail sales tax, which is based on the automobile's value.

How to Buy a Used Car in New York

While some states require various notarized forms and documents for ownership transfers, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) does not. Despite the notoriously high prices in New York, the two-year registration fee is lower-priced than most surrounding states. In addition, the New York State DMV charges taxes on the actual sale price of the vehicle you purchase, not the average selling price or presumed value. Dealerships will handle all DMV paperwork for you, if applicable.

Instructions

Shop for your car. Test drive different models and bring your final decision to a mechanic for inspection. Make sure that the Check Engine light is not illuminated in the vehicle's information center. If so, the vehicle will not pass New York State emissions testing.

Agree on a purchase price, but ask to see the vehicle's title before you proceed. New York does allow title transfers even if there is a lien listed on the title, meaning that money is still owed on the vehicle. The New York State DMV website warns that the vehicle can be repossessed from you even if you pay the seller.

Ask for a lien release, if there is a lienholder listed on the title, signified by the name of a bank on the front of the title. The lien release is an official bank document that states relevant vehicle information and that the loan is satisfied. It is also signed by a bank representative on bank letterhead.

Give the seller your payment after you've determined that the title is free of liens and confirmed that the vehicle is in good mechanical condition. Go to your local DMV office to obtain a Statement of Transaction or print it from the New York State DMV website to document the selling price, and have the seller sign it.

The seller must also sign and print their name on the back of the title in the Seller's section. If the vehicle is eight years old or newer, the seller must also fill out the damage disclosure statement, also on the back of the title. If the vehicle is 10 years old or newer, the seller must state what the odometer currently says in the space provided on the back of the title and check whether the odometer is accurate.

Return to the New York State DMV website to print the Vehicle Title/Registration Application, also known as the MV-82 form. Or, you can obtain the form at your DMV office. Fill out the form completely.

Call or visit your insurance agent to obtain proof of insurance. You cannot register a vehicle without providing proof of insurance.

Take your MV-82 form, title, lien release (if applicable), Statement of Transaction form, proof of insurance and New York State driver's license to a DMV office. Pay your title, tax and registration fees. Put your front and back license plates on the vehicle, put your registration in the lower left-hand side of the windshield and store your registration card and proof of insurance in your glove compartment before driving your car.

How to Buy a New KIA Car

Buying a car can be an exciting and frightening experience. Picking the right car, finding the right dealership, figuring out what to pay and buying the car are part of the process of getting a new Kia, or any car. The more knowledge a person has going into the buying process, the easier and more pleasant the process will be. Without the knowledge, the buying process can be filled with uncertainties, higher costs, hidden fees and increase stress. The Internet is full of resources to help buyers get the information needed to purchase a new Kia.

Instructions

Choose the specifics of the Kia to be purchased. The model, the color, the accessories and the price range can all be explored at Kia's website, kia.com, or through several auto buying research websites like edmunds.com, cars.com or consumerreports.org.

Research the available incentives for the vehicle chosen. Incentives can be in the form of rebates to a buyer, hidden rebates to a dealership or other financial incentives that can affect the dealer's vehicle cost. Incentives can be researched through auto buying research websites. It is very important to find any rebates and other incentives to dealers because dealers will seldom admit to a buyer that these incentives exist.

Find the average sales price for the Kia model chosen. Different from the MSRP, or Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, this is the price that people are actually paying for the vehicle model.

Arrange financing for the Kia if the Kia will be financed. Having financing for the Kia before talking to a dealership takes part of the hassle out of negotiating the purchase of the vehicle. Financing can also be arranged through the dealership through a number of finance companies or through Kia Motors financing.

Decide whether to go directly to a dealership or to request quotes online. Several dealerships offer information and price requests via the Internet or over the phone.

Pick a specific vehicle, either on a dealership lot or through a dealership's web site. Most dealerships allow buyers to search the dealer inventory online.

Offer the dealership a price for the vehicle chosen. Ensure the offered price is above the dealer's true cost of the vehicle after any direct to dealer incentives. Consider any additional fees the dealer may try to add to the vehicle, like documentation fees, dealer upgrades or others. Consider offering an out the door price, including all fees, not just a vehicle purchase price before fees are added. Be willing to move a little on price but make sure there is a maximum price decided. Do not go above that price and be willing to walk away if the price will not be met. According to True Car, a 2010 Kia Forte with an average MSRP of $17,290 sells for an average of $15,649, only a few hundred dollars over the dealer cost of $15,481 and a 2010 Kia Rio with a sticker price of $12,390 sells for an average price of $11,150, $336 over the dealer cost.

Sign the documents to purchase the Kia. Dealerships will usually arrange to send all paperwork to the finance company. Watch for hidden extras added in the contract that will increase cost to the buyer. Hidden extras can include paint sealant, fabric protectors, rust proofing, additional warranties or other items that you did not ask for or want.

Specifications for the '97 Mustang GT 4.6

Ford redesigned the Mustang in 1994. The basic body style saw little change until it was redesigned in 1999 to mark the 35th anniversary of the Mustang. Flecked fabric became standard for the interior of the Mustang GT trims in 1997, along with a new security system in all trims. Ford made few other changes to the 1997 Mustang.

The 1997 Ford Mustang GT came standard with a 4.6-liter, 215-horsepower, V-8 engine with a 16-valve, single overhead camshaft configuration. The engine used a sequential, electronic fuel injection (SEFI) system. It had a bore and stroke of 3.6 inches by 3.6 inches, a compression ratio of 9-to-1 and 4,605 cc of displacement. It reached its maximum 215-horsepower output at 4,500 rpm and maximum torque was 290 foot-pounds at 3,250 rpm. The engine was paired with a standard five-speed manual overdrive transmission or an optional four-speed automatic overdrive transmission.

Both the coupe and convertible trims of the 1997 Mustang GT were 181.5 inches long, 71.8 inches wide, 53.4 inches high and had a 101.3-inch wheelbase. The coupe had a curb weight 3,312 pounds with the four-speed automatic transmission and 3,478 pounds with the five-speed manual transmission; the ground clearance was 4 inches. The convertible trim had a curb weight of 3,394 pounds with the four-speed automatic transmission and 3,478 pounds with the five-speed manual transmission; its ground clearance was 3.4 inches.

The 1997 Mustang GT had a 15.4-gallon fuel tank, and its fuel efficiency rating was 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the four-speed automatic transmission; the five-speed manual transmission gave 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The 1997 Ford Mustang GT Coupe sold for $18,525; the GT Convertible sold for $24,510. Both trims were available in Autumn Orange, Aztec Gold, Black, Crystal White, Deep Forest Green, Deep Violet, Laser Red, Moonlight Blue, Pacific Green and Rio Red. Ford manufactured 18,464 Mustang GT Coupes and 11,413 Mustang GT Convertibles during the 1997 model year.

Effect of Foreign Cars on Economy

The production of automobiles is one of the largest industries in the United States. The automotive industry produces more than five percent of the gross domestic product, is the largest consumer of steel in the country, and accounts for one out of every seven jobs within the United States.

Foreign automobiles, especially from Germany and Japan, have become widely popular within the United States since the 1980s. This is primarily due to their fuel economy, long life span, and high resale values.

Japan alone accounted for 10 percent of total vehicle sales in 2001, though Japanese automakers rely heavily on the U.S. plants to manufacture and assemble cars for the U.S. market.

Sales of import vehicles went up five percent between 1997 and 2001 alone, from 13 percent of total motor vehicle sales to 18 percent in 2001. Although assembly is done domestically for the U.S. market, foreign automobiles gain in popularity has taken a financial toll on the American motor industry.

Historically, American-made automobiles have been less fuel efficient and run for 100,000 miles less than Japanese import vehicles. The American automotive industry spends 18 billion dollars annually in research and development of new advanced technologies like fuel efficiency, safety, emissions, and performance.

In 2000, the American automotive industries were forced to lay off several thousand production line workers, and again in 2007. Though the industry peaked in 2000, they saw a total loss of 215,500 jobs by 2005.

Recently, GM and Ford have been forced to close a dozen North American plants, and lay off 60,000 employees, putting an estimated 174,000 employees out of work in the auto parts production field. While Ford's production in the United States is down 26 percent, their total light vehicle production is down just eight percent.

Friday, December 8, 2017

How Can I Tell If My Car Has Had Body Work?

Many consumers find it difficult to know whom to trust when buying a used car. Unscrupulous car salespeople or private parties may try to sell a car with body damage or a history of flooding while passing the car off as having a clean history. When purchasing such a used car, the most important tool to utilize is common sense. If something doesn't look or sound right with the car, it may have had body work in the past.

Every car built after 1981 should have a standardized VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). When a report is run against this number, the entire history of the car is displayed--year and place built, all previous owners, and most importantly a record of any accidents or floods that the car was in. If the CarFax report shows a history of flood or accident damage but the car seems in good condition, it has probably had some sort of body work done.

Examine the car carefully to look for inconsistencies in paint color or finish, paint join or overspray lines between body panels or on the interiors of doors, rust or warping on the car's underside or frame, or inconsistent spacing between body panels or where the doors, hood or trunk latch. All of these are signs that body work may have been done to the car.

Every car has a manufacturer's label giving information as to make, model, year built and other identifying information. Check this label for any signs of tampering or alteration, as disreputable car dealers may try to alter the label to make the car seem newer than it is.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

The Specifications of a 2008 Ford Escape

As a compact SUV, the Ford Escape did very well for itself in the seven years preceding the 2008 model which received an exterior remodel. The 2008 Ford Escape is virtually unchanged under the hood from the previous years which, considering it's oft standing as the best-selling compact SUV may not be such a bad thing.

The 2008 Ford Escape is available in three body styles or trim levels to choose from: the XLS, XLT and the Limited.

The XLS trim comes standard with keyless entry, air conditioning, full power accessories and a CD player.

The XLT trim has all of the basic features of the XLS and adds automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, cruise control and upgraded cloth upholstery.

The Ford Escape Limited trim takes all of the basic features in the XLS and XLT trims and adds leather seating, color-keyed grille and side mirror and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

All three trim levels of the 2008 Ford Escape come with either front or all-wheel drive. The standard engine for the XLS and XLT Escapes is a 153 horsepower 2.3-L V-4. The Limited has a V-6 which punches out 200 horsepower at 3.0-L. The XLT can also be fitted with the more powerful engine available in the Limited.

The XLS comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. The XLT can be fitted with either the automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The Limited only comes with the automatic transmission

All three versions of the 2008 Ford Escape come standard with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, full-length head curtain and side airbags with a rollover sensor and a tire-pressure monitor. There is an optional rear parking sensor available on the Limited.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Ford Escape a perfect five out of five stars in every impact category except driver-side which received four out of five stars. The rollover rating received a passable three out of five stars.

How to Haggle the Price on a Mini Cooper

Mini Coopers are marked up by dealerships to maximize profits. All the salesmen at the dealership will employ every trick in the book to get you to purchase the vehicle at, or close to, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). However, any smart shopper knows it is possible to haggle your way to a much lower price. This can be accomplished by keeping your guard up and following a few basic rules.

Instructions

Do market research on the Mini Cooper you are interested in purchasing. Memorize how much each upgrade costs and what other people on the internet have purchased the same model for. This will allow you to quickly spot whether or not you are truly getting a good price.

Refrain from acting excited during your entire time with the salesmen, including the test-drive. Not letting your emotions show gives you the upper hand, since the salesmen will not be able to read your emotions.

Go through the list of fees the dealership will add to the final price of the car. Many of these fees are bogus and can be easily negotiated off the list. For example, some dealerships charge a dealer prep fee for removing plastic films off the seats, vacuuming the car and preparing it to be sold. This usually takes about two hours and can cost you over $500. Another bogus fee you can negotiate away is the window VIN etching. Some dealers charge over $300 for this, even though you can get the same kit for about $20 at any auto parts store and do it yourself. By telling the salesmen you will not pay for these bogus charges, you will be able to considerably reduce the amount of fees added to the final price.

Pretend to leave if the salesmen will not give you a fair price. Salesmen do not want to see you leave. They may give in once you pretend to walk towards your car. Even if they do not, there are always other Mini Cooper dealerships and salesmen you can try to negotiate with.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

How to Buy a Used VW Karmann Ghia

The VW Karmann Ghia is an incredibly stylish car that was made from 1956 to 1974. The Ghia combines the tried and true VW Beetle chassis and running gear with styling by Italian design house Ghia. Today, Karmann Ghias are highly sought after collectibles that make great weekend or occasional use cars. A nice Ghia is also a decent investment and a terrific conversation piece.

Instructions

Decide what you want. The Karmann Ghia was offered in both coupe and convertible form. The earlier versions command more money, but they are also not as powerful or reliable as later versions, which came with larger engines. Earlier examples are the best-looking of the bunch, though, and they lack the large bumpers that post-1971 examples came with.

Find examples for sale. Depending on where you live, this may be easy or a little more difficult. If you live in California or Arizona, for instance it will be relatively simple to find a dry (rust-free) example, whereas if you live back East it may be a little more challenging to find a completely rust-free example. Look in the local paper, the Autotrader, Craigslist (see Resources 2) and even on eBay. There are also VW-specific websites like The Samba (see Resources 1) where there are classifieds sections for people who are selling classic VWs. These are also great resources if you have any questions about a car before or after you buy it. If you are looking at cars on eBay be very way of Ghias that you cannot inspect in person.

Inspect potential candidates very closely. Whether you are buying a Ghia that you know will need work or you're buying a restored example, its important to have a solid idea of what you are getting before you write a check. Like all classic cars, theres one thing to really look for and and thats the presence of rust. If possible, raise any potential candidates up so that you can look for rust on the floor boards and front suspension area. Look for signs of rust bubbling through the rocker panels (the lower portions of the body between the wheels) and around the front and rear windshield. Rust repair is quite costly to do right, so steer clear of seriously rusted cars. Bring a magnet with you when you inspect the vehicle and run it over the fenders and particularly the nose to make sure there are not extensive Bondo repairs under the paint. Make sure the car is in a complete state and that it is not missing trim pieces on the exterior and the interior, which can be difficult to find and expensive to purchase.

Test drive it. Take any potential Ghias for a test drive on city streets and if possible on the freeway. Most older VWs have rather vague steering unless theyve been modified, but the car should track straight and true without excess shaking from the steering and while you are braking. And while the Karmann Ghia was never a fast car, the motor should run smoothly, without excess smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. VWs have a distinct shifting style from the gearbox and though shifting is not as easy as it is on a new car, the gearbox should move from gear to gear without any crunching. If possible, have the car inspected by a VW mechanic or someone familiar with Karmann Ghias.

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Advantages of Front-wheel Drive

Advantages of Rear-wheel Drive

Considerations

Warnings

Instructions

Friday, December 29, 2017

Engine

Exterior Dimensions and Steering

Wheels

Brakes

Right

Left

Countries

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Terios

Materia

Copen

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Engine, Transmission and Fuel Economy

Interior

Exterior

Safety, Braking and Handling

Price

SUVs

Sports Cars

Race Cars

Small and Standard Pickup Trucks

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Physical Dimensions

Engine and Transmission

Fuel Capacity and Mileage

Safety Features

Standard and Optional Features

Warranty

Monday, December 25, 2017

Instructions

Choice

Better Financing

Warranties

No Repair Bills

Instructions

Saturday, December 23, 2017

2004 Ford Ranger XL

2004 Ford Ranger Edge

2004 Ford Edge XLT

2004 Ford Ranger Tremor

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Ownership Change

Required Documents

Fees

Smog Check

Monday, December 18, 2017

Instructions

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Itemized List

Interest Rates

Credit Score

Ford Festiva

Toyota Prius

Honda Fit

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Instructions

Friday, December 15, 2017

Drivetrain

Interior Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions

Safety

Fuel Economy

Pricing

Trim Levels

Engines

Dimensions

Chassis

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Physical Dimensions

Engine and Transmission

Towing and Cargo Capacities

Brakes and Safety

Instructions