Information Country

Purchasing a previously owned vehicle can be a great way to save some cash while still getting a good car. If you shop smart, you can find a used car that is in good condition and will provide years of service. With a bit of research, shopping around, and patience, buying a used car can be well worth the time. Keep in mind that for the long term, you’re looking for the best car for the best price–not simply the lowest price. A cheap car that costs you hundreds or thousands in repairs is not the best deal.

1. Do Your Research

Before you head off to a car lot or peruse the paper, do some research. Start by determining the type of vehicle you want, and then narrow the field to a few models. Whether you’re looking for a sports car or minivan, if you are educated going into the process, you’ll be in a much better position. You’ll know the kinds of questions to ask and you’ll be able to negotiate smarter. Investigate the car’s average fuel mileage, various features, upkeep, and average costs for repairs. Check reviews such as in Consumer Reports, talk with people who own the vehicle you’re looking for, and call dealerships.

2. Comparison shopping

Once you know what you’re after, start looking. Look up the blue book value ranges and see what the going rates are for the vehicle you’re after. Be wary of jumping on the first good deal you see, however. A great price may mean hidden costs elsewhere. If you are buying from an individual, try to get as much information from the person as possible. You may have the opportunity for some type of warranty or repair plan if you go through a dealer.

3. Lemon Laws and Lemon Checks

Whether you’re buying from an individual or dealer, have the car checked by a third party. If the seller insists on a deposit before you have this done, say thank you and shop elsewhere. Lemon Laws refer to each state’s laws that protect consumers if they’ve purchased a vehicle that is persistently defective. In many states, lemon laws apply if the vehicle requires multiple repairs within the first thirty to forty days of purchase, but the laws vary. Check your state’s laws so you know your rights.

4. Look Up the VIN Number

Having the vehicle looked over isn’t enough. That will give you an idea of what shape the vehicle is in now. Researching the history by the vehicle’s VIN number will give you an idea of the car’s past. The VIN is the Vehicle Identification Number, and it can be found on the title or under the windshield. A VIN report will run about $20 to $25, but it is worth the price. You may learn important things about the car that are not evident otherwise.

5. How much are you willing to pay?

When shopping for a used car, you need to know the price range you can afford. Obviously, if you have a bit more to spend, you can buy a better car. If you’re looking for a relatively new car (three to four years old), you’ll likely be looking at a range starting at $8,000 for a decent car. If you are in the lower price range, looking for a car five years or older, it may take more time to find a decent car that doesn’t have too many miles on it. Again, shop around and avoid the temptation to buy the first low-price car you find.

6. Don’t Discount Dealers

You may or may not get a better deal through a private seller, so carefully consider using a dealer. Dealers will often give used cars a thorough check and offer some type of warranty on the cars. They will also ensure there are no outstanding liens against the vehicle, something you’ll need to do on your own if you buy from a private party. When it comes time to sign the papers, be sure to read everything carefully, however. Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement and any warranties or service checks offered.

7. Consider Different Financing Options

One benefit to buying from a dealer is that financing is often available for used cars as well as new. However, it pays to shop around when it comes to finance options. A personal loan through a bank may carry a much lower interest rate than the dealer’s plan. Take the time to calculate total costs for different types of loans so you can make the best choice.

Mike Singh is a successful webmaster of http://www.lemon-law-secrets.info. He provides more information about Lemon Laws for used cars and Lemon law secrets.

Drag racing, a contest between two cars starting from dead stop to determine which car can accelerate quicker to a given point. Drag racing started in the 1930’s where competitors raced along desert stretches of road to see who’s hot rod was faster. Over the coming years the sport became more organized and the National Hot Rod Association was formed in 1951. 54 years later, the NHRA is now the largest sanctioning body in motorsports with over 80,000 members.

Most people probably got their start with drag racing on the streets, sitting at a light
when your neighbor or friend pulls up, both of you itching for the light to finally
turn green so you both can hammer the throttle and see who could get to the next
light first. There’s no doubt that it’s exciting, anticipating the green light, just
waiting for the right moment to send the tires screeching for traction to get the
edge on the car just a few feet to your side.

With improvements in automotive technology and manufacturing, faster and more
powerful cars are being released each year. Cars on the low end include the
$20,000 Dodge Neon SRT-4, with a 230 horsepower turbocharged engine that can
do 0-60 MPH in 5.5 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 13.9 seconds. High-end cars such
as the $189,000 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, with it’s 604 horsepower twin-
turbocharged V12 engine can do 0-60 in less than 4 seconds and the 1/4 mile in
11.6 seconds. These cars are made to be fun and exciting, but it’s important to
exercise restrain on the city streets with them.

Most people who purchase a high performance vehicle want to take it out and see
what it can do, especially against other cars. While it’s tempting to do this on the
city streets, it’s also very dangerous. Not only are there severe penalties for drag
racing on public roads, it also endangers many others on the street. Many lives
have been lost due to drag racing contests on city streets.

There are hundreds of places to test our your car’s performance in a safe and
regulated environment, your local Drag Strip. Drag racing facilities are specially
equipped for testing how quick you can get your car from 0 to 1320 feet, more
commonly known as the 1/4 mile. Most tracks operate in a similar fashion and have
special nights set aside for normal street cars to “test and tune” or drag race the 1/4
mile for a nominal fee of $10 - $20. The track will have paramedics and other
safety personal ready to respond to any accidents should they occur.

Each car that will be racing is given a tech inspection to make certain that is safe to
compete in the 1/4 mile contest. After the car has passed inspection, it’s time to
line up and get ready to race. Two cars are signaled by track personnel to pull up to
the staging area, a portion of the track used to line up the two cars evenly at the
starting line. The Christmas Tree is a setup of lights used to line up both cars and
signal the start of the race.

At the top of the Christmas Tree are the Pre-Stage bulbs, as the drivers pull slowly
forward to the starting line, they will activate the Pre-Stage bulbs. These bulbs
indicate the cars are very close to the starting line. As the drivers continue to move
slowly forward, the 2nd set of bulbs, the Stage bulbs will illuminate. When both
Pre-Stage and Stage bulbs for both cars are illuminated, the cars are lined up and
ready to go. At this point the track personal will activate the Christmas Tree to start
the race.

Upon activation, the Christmas Tree will begin flashing a series of lights. Starting
from under the Stage bulbs, there are 3 amber lights, followed by a green light, and
then finally a red light. Each light is flashed a half-second apart ; amber - amber -
amber - green. Once the green lights are on, both cars should be rocketing down
the drag strip 1320 feet towards the finish line. If either car leaves the starting line
too quickly, the red light is flashed, and that car automatically loses the race.

After passing through the finishing line there will be a long stretch of road to allow
the cars to slow down. There are usually a few exits from the track along the way
for the cars to turn around and head back to the timeslip booth to pickup a printed
ticket containing the details of their race. The timeslip will usually show how long
in seconds it took to get to various points down the track; 60′, 330′ , 1000′, and
1320′. It will also data on how fast the car was traveling in MPH at the half-way
point (1/8 mile) and finish line (1/4 mile), and of course who won the race.

Racing at the drag strip is a great way to safely and legally test out the capabilities
of your car while improving your driving skills at the same time. It’s also a great
place to meet up with other people with similar interests. So the next time your
sitting at a stop light and the car next to you is instigating you into a drag race by
revving his engine, tell ‘em to take it off the street and to the strip!

Brooks Weisblat is drag racing/sports car enthusiast and owner of DragTimes.com,
an online drag racing database of 1/4
mile times for cars and motorcycles. To view thousands of 1/4 mile timeslips
and participate in online drag racing discussion forums, visit: http://www.dragtimes.com/

UK Parking Control Ltd (UKPC) provides parking enforcement services for a wide variety of clients. They range from SME’s to major retailing names and from hospitals and universities to residential premises both large and small. The objective is to provide clients with an effective parking solution that is appropriate to each individual situation.

As a parking enforcement agency, UK Parking Control Ltd is a leader in the use of new technology and innovative methods of managing parking. It recognises that there is more to operating a car park than issuing parking permits and parking tickets. We offer Automatic Number Plate Recognition, Warden Patrol services, Self Ticketing Systems and Car Park Management as part of its extensive range of services. Tailored parking solutions can be provided for any location where parking problems may occur. That is the secret of successful parking control and management as the UKPC’s many satisfied clients can confirm.

Another of the hallmarks of UKPC’s approach to parking control management is its professionalism. It’s front-line parking personnel/wardens are fully trained and the company is a member of the British Parking Association. Geographically, UKPC operates throughout England, Scotland and Ireland. Why not contact us now and let us help you sort out your parking control issues now.

The Volkswagen Passat 2005 features a powerful design. The new
VW face with its chrome radiator represents the greatest design
progression since the creation of the series.

The new Passat is 4.77 metres long (+ 62mm), 1.82 metres wide (+
74mm) and 1.47 metres tall (+ 10 mm). The wheelbase measures
2.71 metres. One real indicator of outstanding quality is the
static torsional stiffness. .

Volkswagen is using the FSI engines with homogeneous direct
injection for the first time in the Passat. They deliver 85kW /
115hp, 110kW / 150hp and 147kW / 200hp (Turbo FSI).

The Passat TDI will also be available with a diesel particulate
filter. The most powerful TDI features the innovative Piezo
high-pressure unit-injector system. The petrol engines with
outputs of 85kW / 115hp, 110kW / 150hp and 147kW / 200hp can be
optionally combined with a driver-friendly six-speed automatic
gearbox

Using aluminum components (weight: -13.3 kilogrammes) guarantee
a maximum level of agility, comfort and safety, it has new
four-link rear axle, which has been decoupled from the body to
reduce noise, along with the McPherson front.

The chassis technology has been perfected with the ESP + Trailer
Stabilizations that comes as standard on all vehicles with a tow
bar. All Passats have 16-inch brakes with an integrated “wiper”
function. The brake pads are applied lightly at specific
intervals. This “wipes away” any water film that may have formed
while driving on wet surfaces and thus shortens the braking
distance.

Standard for the first time is the electronic parking brakes at
the push of a button. It has new Starting and Locking System,
New Automatic Adaptive Cruise Control, Sound System from
Dynaudi, Draught-free Climatronic, Bi-Xenon Headlights with
Cornering Function. Hands-free telephone system with a Bluetooth
interface is available as an option.

Equally impressive and highly durable Volkswagen auto body
parts, performance parts, replacement parts, discount parts are
available at Parts train’s online store. When you need
Volkswagen Hood, first class quality is available at Parts Train . Volkswagen Grille and
Volkswagen fenders for example are put you on top of the race
due to its strict quality control measures.

The number one provider of the best Volkswagen Parts online is
just a click to http://www.partstrain.com/ShopBy
Vehicle/VOLKSWAGEN with superb customer service and secured
online transaction anytime. Nothing beats its excellent services
and low price quotes.

A defensive driving course is designed to help people operate a
motor vehicle with the skills to avoid an accident in a
situation where one may occur. Defensive driving teaches
advanced skills and awareness not initially taught to new
drivers. The goal of a defensive driving course is to train
individuals to be a proactive driver in order to avoid dangerous
road situations or the poor conduct of other drivers.

Drivers usually enroll in defensive driving courses to brush up
on skills or to qualify for car insurance discounts. Most often
individuals are referred to defensive driving courses after
being ticketed for a moving violation or having been in an
accident. Depending upon the laws of the municipality, the
documented completion of a defensive driving course can allow
for a dismissal of the ticket.

The main benefit of defensive driving is its power to reduce or
keep points from showing up on a driving record. Individuals
with tickets also experience higher insurance rates, so a
nominal fee for completing a defensive driving course online
makes for an easy choice to keep rates down. Defensive driving
not only saves money but also improves overall skills and
awareness, making you a safer driver.

Defensive driving courses are taught across the United States
and are sometimes called traffic schools, depending upon the
regional area. Changes in technology and the economy over the
past two decades, have turned the defensive driving course into
a private industry giving drivers a choice.

The Russian car industry experiences the most severe crisis of the last years. For the First Quarter of 2005 the sales of Russian automobiles have fallen down by 14 % while imported car sales have increased by one and half times. The car factories think that they will have no other way out but to assemble foreign cars.

In 2004, the car industry has shown an incredible growth. Russian domestic car sales have grown by 10 %, and foreign-made car sales doubled. Experts believed, that the explosive sales growth would continue, as the market had enough room for both domestic cars, as well as for foreign-made cars.

However, the miracle did not happen. According to domestic cars sales experts, the First Quarter showed domestic car sales plunged by 14 %. The sales of new imported foreign-made cars have increased almost two times, the sales of second-hand foreign-made cars increased by one and half times, the sales of “Russian foreign-made cars increased by 17 %.

The discussion of Russia’s automobile market problems and the development of domestic car industry became a hot topic. It is necessary to notice, that the discussion went from governmental offices into the streets of the Russian cities.

At first sight, the main reason for mass protest of motorists is the attempt to make right steering wheel cars illegal and to increase customs duties on second-hand foreign-made cars. However, the essence of the conflict is much deeper. The main issue is the crisis of the automobile industrial policies of our state.

We can speak about a more or less complete industry development strategy only since mid-2002 when the government approved the Concept of Automobile Industry Development in Russia. This document has been adopted actually in private and under heavy pressure of the Russian car manufacturers is a bright sample of eclectic bridging of opposite problems. On the one hand, they proposed integration of the country into global automobile market, on another tried to preserve the archaic domestic car industry and even creating greenhouse conditions for the latter. All these years the authorities are trying to do pleasant things for the motorcar giants that have barely changed since the Soviet times, and to do useful things to promptly growing peoples’ needs for reliable and safe automobiles.

The power of lobbyist efforts of representatives of the Russian car industry is much stronger than foreign manufacturers’ lobby what forces us if not to trudge back, but to stay at the same point. Therefore, the reasonable decision to drop import duties for components and cars is adopted with a biennial delay, and the request to make the transition by 2004 to manufacture automobiles that are EUROS - 2 EURO - 3 ecologically compliant, has not yet been adopted. At the same time we see the debate of the proposals to restrict market competitiveness so that the interests of Zhigulis” and “Volgas” manufacturers are preserved.

Meanwhile the demand for foreign automobiles grows steadily. In 2004 for the first time, the purchase of foreign-made cars has exceeded sales of Russian-made cars by sales volume. The “sitting on the two chairs” policy limit is practically reached. Now there is a problem of choice. Either to preserve the domestic car industry as it is now by shutting the country down for foreign-made imports, a significant increase (because of lack of real competition) of the Russian-made automobile prices, what is going to make road traumatism situation even more pronounced (taking into consideration extremely low safety levels of our cars) and, at the end, sharp growth of social tension. On the other hand, it is necessary to acknowledge that we are unable to catch up with the advanced automobile powerhouses of the East and the West, and, hence, we should simply borrow their technologies, by organizing the production of foreign cars in Russia, giving, thus, the option for each Russian citizen to purchase the car he wants, regardless of where it has been manufactured.

If one considers the first variant politically probable, he practically takes Russia on the road shoulder of world economic process, hurts the interests of the middle class and, what is the most important, does not rescue the domestic car industry, but only prolongs its agony. The other choice, certainly, is not quite without pain. However, here in Russia, a small sacrifice helps winning the game. A large-scale foreign investment into motor industry responds to the interests of consumers, workers, and the state. It is only unprofitable to the autooligarches that have got used to parasite from their monopoly position and take advantage of imperious protectionist policy.

Copyright 2005 Germes LLC

Germes Manufacturer Directory

Sports cars are available for sale through dealers and auctions, and on the Internet. Auctions often advertise bargain prices, which they call wholesale rates. Many such prices are bait to attract unsuspecting customers, who end up paying extras like taxes, money for the fuel already in the car, valet charges and more. Therefore, it is better to exercise a little caution before going in for such ‘deals.’ You can help yourself by checking out the auction company’s credibility, making inquiries about the car’s price at other places, examining the car for defects, finalizing a budget for yourself, and familiarizing yourself with the auction procedure by attending other auctions.

If you choose to buy from a dealer you must conduct some research prior to visiting the showroom. Find out about the car, other dealers who may be offering a better price, and other factors. Test-drive the car before you decide to buy it. Do not discuss your finances with the dealer; it would suffice to inform him how much you are willing to pay. Take advantage of finance schemes and make sure to get details of extras that come with the car, such as free gifts or warranties. Once you reach the price that you are comfortable with, don’t bargain further in the hope of a better offer.

Many sports cars are bought and sold on the Internet these days. Websites feature attractive specs, pictures and reviews of sports cars to attract customers. Shortlist advertisements give complete details about the car, mode of payment, conditions of sale and other information. Avoid advertisements that are vague on details. Examine the seller’s record on the site; if possible, speak to one of his previous customers. Try to arrange for a test drive and a viewing of the car before you pay for it.

These are just a few important pointers that will help you make a good purchase, so that you can really enjoy your newly purchased sports car.

Sports Cars provides detailed information on Sports Cars, Exotic Sports Cars, Classic Sports Cars, Sports Cars for Sale and more. Sports Cars is affiliated with SUV Vans.

The new IRS rules for vehicle donation went into effect January
1, 2005. “The new rules have significantly changed the amount
most donors can deduct for their car donation”, according to
Karen Campese, CEO of cars4charities, a national non-profit car
donation center. “The old law allowed the donor to deduct the
fair market value of their car as determined by a pricing guide
such as the Kelley Blue Book”, says Campese. “Now, people who
donate older, less valuable cars can deduct up to $500. Those
who donate more valuable cars can deduct the amount the charity
sells the car for. In order to guarantee the donor the best tax
deduction possible cars4charities now sets a minimum selling
price on better vehicles.”

For more information on car donation, call cars4charities at
1-866-448-3487 or log onto their website www.cars4charities.org .

My first attempt at a more difficult auto fix-it project involved replacing the blown radiator on my ‘78 VW Rabbit Diesel. Let’s just say that I was a little “green” in this area and it was only with the help of a good friend that I was able to complete the task without resorting to calling a garage to finish the job. Still, it was a good experience for me and I believe that it is one job I could successfully tackle again in the future. You can too provided you purchase reliable OEM parts and get instructions that are easy to follow.

Back during the time that I owned my VW, the number of parts stores carrying in stock Volkswagen parts was fairly limited; the internet was in its infancy so shopping around for the best deal wasn’t something that I could do. The local VW dealer had the part, but their prices were stratospheric. I simply did not have the funds available to buy one from the dealer so I ended up snagging a radiator off of a junked Rabbit. Big mistake! It turned out that the junked car’s radiator leaked and the cap did not quite fit. I never found out why it was that way, but the junkyard dealer did refund my money. Fortunately, a local garage ended up having a decent used one available; we installed that one without too much of a problem.

Of course, I worried about the replacement part as it wasn’t warranted and it looked, well, quite used. Sure it was no BMW radiator so I did not have to pay a mint to have it shipped in from Germany nor was it a pricey Honda radiator fresh off the boat from Japan. Certainly, I counted myself blessed. Still, I found myself frantically watching the temperature gauge particularly on hot days when I ran the a/c at full blast. I was sure the “new” radiator would give out once again, so I pampered the car as much as I could.

Fortunately the options today for the consumer are better than ever before. Your choices include:

1. Ordering your part from a dealer as long as you are willing to pay full freight and then some.

2. Visit an auto parts store and see if they have the part on hand - this can work if it is a Jeep radiator, but you can expect that your Isuzu radiator will involve a 2-3 week back order.

3. Go to the junkyard and hope that your part can be found and is in excellent condition. Yeah, right.

4. Finally, you can order online through an established and reputable dealer who does not have the overhead of maintaining expensive brick and mortar stores. Prices with select online dealers are competitive and usually involve same day shipping at no extra cost to you.

As for the Rabbit, I traded it in for a new car only months after replacing the radiator. Had my replacement part purchasing options been better, I would have held onto it a bit longer. Shoot, at 50 miles per gallon the ‘lil bunny would be a jewel to have on hand today!

Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts.