Advantages of Buying Certified Used Cars

The used car market has grown in leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. In recent times, it is not a very rare occurrence to come across a seller who is trying to dispose of a vehicle that is still on the original manufacturer's warranty. If you are considering going for a used unit, it is advisable to opt for the certified used cars.
There are many advantages that come with opting for this option. Motor insurance is one of the highest costs of running any car. It will therefore come as a relief to know that certified used cars often come with comprehensive insurance coverage. This means, the cost of taking out the first cover has already been absorbed. Therefore, when the time to renew it comes round, you will not be treated as a new client. This in turn will translate to some cheaper premiums.
Due to the growing demand for certified used cars, vehicle manufacturers are setting up subsidiary arms to handle this emerging market. Due to the packages and guarantees that are offered, their popularity has increased in leaps and bounds. This translates to better services and options for the consumer. The main advantage of this segment is in the guarantee that the manufacturer gives to you.
It goes without saying that the biggest benefit of this system is in the quality of vehicle that one gets at the end. As a buyer, one is offered a unit that has been thoroughly examined. It is this meticulous check that gives the confidence to extend the warranty. This warranty is only given after certain standards have been met by the unit being checked out.
Another advantage is the fact that you have a test period within which one can return the car if they are not satisfied with it. This policy allows you to pick another one that you are comfortable with at no extra cost. The gambling feeling that normally accompanies vehicle purchases is therefore eliminated from the whole deal.
Depending on the company, this option makes one eligible to enjoy other benefits that are normally extended to owners of brand new vehicles. Road side assistance and free oil changes are just some of the perks that come with this option. In addition to all these, there is the added advantage of getting loans at a much cheaper rate than would otherwise have been extended to you.

The Difference Between Online And Public Car Auctions

If you are worried about the quality of cars at a car auction event? Then read this - you can be sure that you are getting a good deal because every person auctioning his or her vehicle needs to be smart while putting a car up for auction. Before ringing the bells and declaring war over your competitors during the bidding process, these people make sure to get hold of a mechanic and fix any technical problems. This is the case if they are auctioning their cars under the category of "fully functional" or "no repair needed" type of cars.
Nonetheless, you can also find other types of cars that are wrecked and highly damaged but is still considered as part of the auction list, in a different category of course.
Car auctions are normally held in parks or large spaces where hundreds of people gather around. However, since everything is modernized these days, you don't have to look for this type of event from city to city anymore because all it takes is a few clicks on your computer screen and you will surely find a website where car auctions from different states and towns are held.
Online car auctions give you the opportunity to bid on numerous varieties of cars nationwide. Just like the ones held in public, online car auctions also allow you to purchase a car at a much cheaper price than what a dealer is offering. However, you may still want to check on the distance of your location because the delivery of your automobile might just defeat the purpose of your aimed savings.
One website that proves to be the best in online car bidding is none other than eBay. Since eBay is one of the world's biggest online markets, you can find more than just small random objects that people are trying to get rid of. In fact, you just might find your dream car.
How to check on cars up for bidding on eBay
1. Check out the cars listed on the eBay site and bid on your preferred model or make.
2. Open the eBay website, sign in to your account and search for cars.
3. You can also add the type of cars you are looking for in the search engine field.
4. Hit enter and you will get a list of cars in your search results.
5. Click on the car of your choice and place a bid.
6. After the end of the auction, and if you win, you will have to make the payment and collect the car.

The Different Benefits of Online Car Auctions

Online car auctions offer diverse benefits when compared to the use of the conventional classified ads from newspapers and traditional events for car bidding. Online auctions for vehicles offer individuals a wider variety, from which to choose from hence the great value for their money. Because of the many benefits you get from acquiring your car from online, many people are intrigued by it and are opting to test things for themselves.
Integrating internet access, auctions for cars on the internet are capable of a wider range for distribution and reaching more customers not just across the country, but across the entire globe as well.
Online car auctions offer a wide array of cars available for bidding. These may range from standard, luxurious, and even the antiques, which are also high in demand these days. Whichever car type individuals want, you can be sure that it will be available at their disposal.
They also combine the use of basic ads and the competitiveness of auctioning, giving the sellers the edge in such buyer or customer contests. More so, online auctions have a large and comprehensive data on hand. This database is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all members and provides individuals with essential information and experience while saving their most precious time.
Today many are saying that the online bidding for cars has replaced the traditional way of auctioning a car, which normally happens in public where it can accommodate hundreds of bidders and sellers in the car industry. This is primarily due to the reason that most people are so busy these days and don't have the luxury of time to check the different places where car auctions are being held, and to be there as well.
Unlike if they use the internet, aside from the fact that they can choose from the hundreds, or maybe thousands of websites online for car bidding, they can also do their own way of comparing apples to oranges and make an educated buying decision in the end. Another advantage of using online car auctions is that you have the freedom to bid in the comfort of your own home. Events for car bidding are packed with hundreds of people, so you can't expect to be in a comfortable environment. This can be a big factor which can affect your bidding strategies.
Moreover, one funny comment I came across online about the different reasons why people choose to deal with online car bidding, is avoiding the swarms of people wanting the same car they were planning to buy. You know for a fact that bidding is a kind of game, where someone is offering more than what the other person can offer. Sometimes this bidding game can cause chaos, especially if two or more bidders are hungry for the current car up for auction. So just to avoid that kind of scenario, most people with hot tempers will just opt to clicking a mouse connected to computers at home rather than use their loud mouths in public.

Leasing Vs Buying A Car!

You've never leased before but you're interested in what makes leasing so attractive and if it's right for you vs buying a car. It sounds simple enough but you'd like to understand the process better to see if this is for you.
Although the concept of leasing has been around for some time, it's relatively new to individual consumers wanting to drive a new car off the lot! The concept is growing in popularity and in fact, almost 20% of new car drivers lease vs buying outright or financing a car.
Of course there are pros and cons to leasing vs buying. Below I'll discuss the plusses and minuses of each aspect!
1) Consider how many miles a year you drive. Many leases are for 12,000 miles per year although some offer 10,000 or even 15,000. If you drive more than this, than leasing is NOT for you. It's simply not affordable to pay the extra mileage rate of 10-20cents/mile if you run over! If you always stay under these limits, leasing could very well be for you!
2) If you tend to want to make larger payments and the pay off the car and then drive it free and clear for a few more years without monthly payments then you might prefer to buy. However, if you enjoy acquiring a new vehicle every few years, and you don't mind monthly payments, and then you might enjoy leasing.
3) When you lease, you only pay for the depreciation of the car over the period you drive it, so your monthly payments will be lower than if you buy a car and finance the full amount. In leasing you don't need to put very much money down up front (sometimes none!) but when you buy, if you want to keep your monthly payments reasonable, you'll want to put much more down.
4) You may feel strongly about ownership of a car and having some equity in it. Buying ensures that when the loan is paid off, you own the car outright and it's yours to trade, sell or give away at any time you choose! When you lease, it is a binding agreement and if you decide you don't want the car, it's prohibitively costly to break the agreement.
5) On the other hand, when you lease, you are usually driving a car that is always under warranty and because most leases are completely before the 4-year mark, generally there are many less repairs than a car that might be 4-6 years old when repairs, tires, brakes and other maintenance can begin to add up. If you get nervous thinking about getting stranded, leasing something newer perhaps would be a better option.
6) Generally if you buy and hold onto a car long term, you will spend less money in the long term than if you lease every few years. This is the nature of always driving something that is new and paying for that most expensive depreciation.
7) Maybe you are considering buying new and then trading ever 2-3 years. This can be attractive but you'll be paying a lot more upfront and then probably NOT getting as much as you had hoped on your trade in. In some ways leasing is cut and dry, drive for a period such as 3 yrs and give it back, get something new.
8) Some new owners are concerned about the condition of the car upon return. Most lease agreements have a clause that allows "normal wear and tear" on the vehicles and it's important to find out what that means. It's best to have anything more than very minor dings and scratches taken care of before returning the car so that you aren't hit with large fees.
9) If you buy OR you lease, you are required to insure your car. Sometimes you may be required to carry full insurance by the leasing agent. You are responsible for any accidents. If you buy, you can continue driving with that bent fender but that must be taken care of before returning your car if you lease.
10) Leasing does require a very good credit rating so check your credit score online! Sometimes you'll need a slightly better score to lease than you would to get financing if you buy.
Carefully consider each of the above aspects and decide if leasing is for you! Leasing vs buying a car is very much worth considering! It's easy to see the popularity and ease of leasing but it's not for everyone.

Car Auctions: What Is There to See Inside?

Are you trying to get hold of a truly scintillating deal and facing a dilemma over the very subject of "car auctions"?
This article will give you all of the best tips on how to make it easier for you to understand, what is there in a car auction event, and why are there so many people crazy about these events.
Most of the used cars up for bidding are marked or tagged at a ridiculous price, of around 2 times more than the market price. In the last statement, I am talking about the latest models from this year and last year. It might sound too good to be true but believe it or not, this is one kind of deal you surely do not want to miss.
Cars from car auctions are marked at a lower price because of many reasons. One of which can be the commission given to middleman, making the price tag from car shows and dealers higher than what you get from auctions.
In the majority of cases you may land up against a car, which has been repossessed and being auctioned at a surprising price tag of only $3000-$4000. Guess what! That car you are trying to bid on might actually be worth even $20,000 when you check it out at car shows and car dealers around you.
If you are interested to get this kind of deal, then you need to have the patience as well as a keen eye to grab such opportunities. These opportunities are genuine and happening in real life. No catches involved.
Car auctions may be the best place for you to shop for your first car or investment opportunity. You will find a variety of makes and models, as well as cars that are no longer being sold in the market.
Yes! You heard it right! If there are new models in a car auction event, you can also spot vintage cars that are truly a collector's pride. Prices for vintage cars may be a bit higher than the conventional cars and they vary from one model to another too. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can spot one that's only a few thousand dollars, yet it's true value, will be more than 10 that.
Modern cars will definitely be part of the auction list. Be sure to get in the event as early as you can, so that you will end up spotting the best among the rest. On the other hand there are some cars that are not too modern anymore, but cannot be counted as vintage yet. These cars need a lot of replacements and updating, to make it run in tip-top condition again. You can surely find these cars for even less than a thousand dollars for a sure win, and if you are ready for a challenging project, go for these types of cars and enjoy your ride.

Car Auctions VS Car Dealerships

Recent statistics show that car auctions are starting to gain more popularity with consumers. The current state of the economy is forcing many people to search for automobiles being offered at exaggerated, discount prices. Let us take a close look at two of the most common advantages for purchasing a vehicle from an auction sale for cars as opposed to a dealership.
There is no sales pressure if you chose to browse at a car auction. We all know that car dealerships are notorious for applying sales pressure to prospective buyers. I know some of you know this scenario, when telemarketers have included your name and contact numbers on their "prospective buyer" list and gives you a call every single day. Employees are introduced to all the shrewd selling tactics that are known to close a sale.
You do not get this kind of irritating pressure from car auctions. This is great for anyone who is not interested with some slick sales representatives and this will also save you from all the hassles of answering telemarketer calls and sales letters going to your mail box every now and then.
And obviously people love the idea of buying from car auctions because of the tremendously low prices that you can never get from any car dealer in your area. You can surely save a large amount of money when bidding for cars, especially if you were able to spot a good deal at the right time.
For instance, you may be able to save at least five thousand dollars for a car that is worth maybe five times that if you are eager to win. This is a game of luck and strategy. You can be lucky, if not too much people are bidding on the car that you like. On the other hand, you must figure out your own bidding strategy so that you won't end up spending more than what you have allotted.
Technically, the idea of buying your car from car auctions is the best way for people who are tight on budgets but are very much willing to shell out of some of their cash to get a car. After all, cars are not considered as luxury these days, as it is one of the most important necessities we all should have. Not unless you are buying a luxurious and extremely expensive high-end car.
The cars that are being auctioned are not brand new. This can be another factor why there is a sudden drop on their price, especially if the car is still considered as one of the latest models in the market today. However, the government normally repossess these cars because the original owner is not able to comply with the installment terms anymore. Either the original owner decided to voluntarily surrender it or the car was just confiscated, these cars still have the scent of a brand new interior with little mileage.

C5 Corvette Buyers Guide

Major changes happened in 1997 to the next generation Corvette. Either by design, accident or a little of both the C5 Corvette went on to win several awards. Performance attributes, technological advances, build quality, reliability, economy and fuel mileage all describe the strengths of 1997-2004 Corvettes. This marked a change in the Corvette brand by building a truly world-class sports car.
Performance is on par for other sports cars of its era. Major competitors of the time would be the Porsche 911, Ford Mustang, Dodge Viper and the Nissan 350Z. Corvettes have always been known for going in straight lines as with other american muscle cars of the past. This new Corvette saw advancements in suspension and ride control systems. Of which we can thank for providing the backbone of current day systems found in many vehicles and brands across the world today. For the first time the Corvette could handle great straight from the factory. This off the show room floor performance would make it a favorite of many automotive enthusiasts. The amount of performance left in the engine makes this car of target for speed fanatics. In factory trim the 5.7 liter 350ci engine cranks out 345 to a maximum of 405 horsepower in various trims. Relatively affordable and easy to install upgrades can increase these numbers to 500 horsepower and above without major modifications to engine components. Suspension wise the use of a composite trans-leaf spring leaves many enthusiasts with a love or hate response. Interestingly its use and design represents the Corvette like a calling card. Its DNA so to speak.
Corvette advancements almost seem to be the opposite. Leaf springs, only 2 engine valves per cylinder the use of plastic and fiberglass would seem to describe Corvettes of the past. But it actually describes almost all Corvettes ever built. This observation should be considered by "How" not "What". Being confident is being right and trying to convince others of the truth. To meet objectives of engineering, reliability, resources and costs caused the evolution of the C5 Corvette and its ancestors. Simplicity in its most basic form is inherently reliable, easy to manufacture and maintain. Less moving parts means ultimately less costs and breakdowns. Building them better is what the Corvette is about. The Corvette is a purposeful, elegant modern marvel of engineering that unless you ponder the "How" you may never realize its beauty.
What is important to remember is that all machines are still man-made. They are also only as good as the last person that used and maintained them. Understanding use and maintenance of any car would be valuable. With knowledge comes understanding piece of mind.

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD Review

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact, affordable, and comfortable SUV with off the road ability, spacious interior, and a unique style that is perfect for anyone looking for a vehicle that offers true adventure and excitement.
I personally like the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara more than any similar SUV in its class, because it not only looks great inside and out, but it also performs well on the road.
I especially like the look and feel of the three tone seats. They have been intricately designed with a blue, black, and beige color scheme that is soothing to the eyes and adds a distinctive and elegant touch to the vehicle's interior. Prior to seeing the Grand Vitara, I had never seen three toned seats before, so needless to say, I was quite impressed. The seats are also supportive, contoured, comfortable, and can be heated with the push of a button. All of these features improve and enhance the driving experience for both the passenger and driver.
The all-weather floor mats are great when driving in the rain or snow or during times when you get mud on your shoes. The dirt and grime can be easily rinsed from the mats, leaving no unsightly stains and no scrubbing.
There is ample room for five passengers with front bucket seats along with a 60/40 split folding rear seat. The Limited version includes a seven-speaker stereo, Smart Pass keyless start system that locks and unlocks the vehicle with the push of a button, and special interior features, such as a standard navigation system, illuminated steering wheel controls, chrome door handles, automatic climate control, CD stereo system, sun-visor extenders, sliding armrests, and optional Bluetooth connectivity.
There are three trims available for the Suzuki Grand Vitara- Base, Premium, and Limited. The base and premium models come equipped with a removable Garmin navigation system, automatic climate control, full power accessories, and curtain airbags. The Limited has opulent upgrades, such as leather heated seats.
The standard model has stylish features such as 16 inch wheels, front tow hooks, colorful side moldings, and flared fenders, while the new Limited trim boasts stylish18 inch black chrome wheels, side mirrors with incorporated turn signals, fog lamps, water-resistant and easy to clean three tone seats, navigation system, and a leather wrapped steering wheel, and a tailgate-mounted spare tire. Special safety features include side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, side-impact airbags for front seats, an electronic stability system, and antilock brakes with technologically advanced electronic distribution.
The navigation system, stereo/ sound system, air conditioning and heating system work wonderfully with accuracy and easy to adjust settings/controls.
When driving the Suzuki Grand Vitara in the rain, I noticed that it handles the road very well; navigating sharp turns with ease, delivering accurate braking, excellent traction, with no road slip. The rear window also has a wiper that is perfect for rainy or snowy days and helps to maintain clear visibility.
The Grand Vitara is powered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower, 162 feet of torque, 3,000 lbs. of towing capacity, and rear-wheel drive is standard in all of the models. The base model is available as a 5-speed manual, while all of the other trims come with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim features a four-mode 4WD system- 4H, 4H Lock (For Slippery Roads), 4L Lock and a neutral position which allows the vehicle to be towed behind an RV without adding any miles to the odometer.
The V6's output lagged slightly and I do wish that the vehicle had a little more horsepower. The SUV is sturdy with a solid feel and, in my opinion, needs more power in order to pick up a quicker when pressure is applied to the gas pedal. Besides this one element, I absolutely love the Suzuki Grand Vitara and is great for mountain excursions, rugged terrains, as well as driving around town or running errands.
It is a versatile vehicle that is fun to drive, spacious, with plenty of cargo space and a style that is like no other.
The Grand Vitara is not fuel-efficient by today's standards, because it only gets an estimated 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. This can be a problem in a time when fuel costs have increased and consumers are looking to save money at the gas pump, however, with all of the features, unique style, and ability to handle heavy rain, snow, and off the road adventures, it is a great choice.

Used Car Pros And Cons

Let's face it, not everyone can afford a new car despite every potential buyer's desire to do so. And with the urban sprawl simply getting bigger, most nine-to-fivers need a car to earn their daily bread. Luckily for people who buy a used car, cars have become more reliable with each generation, and a well-chosen used car can fulfill a commuter or family man's needs almost as well as a new car.
A well-maintained car of a few years' vintage will cost someone who wants to buy a used car about sixty percent of the original value of the car. This may sometimes be a little higher if the brand/model has an established reputation for reliability and quality. This kind of used car can give you about 5 more years of reliable service, assuming of course that you maintain it properly. While getting a used car's history is always a good idea, you must first of all take your time looking for a used car which is still in good condition. When you find a solid candidate, get a full history from those services you see online and perform a thorough physical inspection. For those who are able to finance a used car, you may be charged a higher financing rate but in the end, it will still be easier to pay off compared to a new car.
People who buy a used car should be aware that maintenance costs will be higher, as mechanical components like the engine and suspension will have gone through tens of thousands of miles in the years it was used. If the car has regularly seen less than smooth roads, checking the state of the suspension bushings and linkages is a good idea. If the suspension is not in good condition, premature tire wear will result, and this is an expense that will definitely make a dent on your wallet.
If you are set to buy a used car, consider one with a diesel engine. Despite their clattery, smoky and smelly reputation, modern diesels have more or less kept pace with the advances introduced to gasoline engines. Diesels consume far less fuel compared to their gasoline counterparts and are cheaper than gasoline. The most advanced diesels actually give hybrids a run for their money in terms of fuel efficiency. Diesels also have good torque ratings, better than comparably-sized gasoline engines in fact. But even the newer diesels are still noisier than their gasoline counterparts, so if noise and vibration is an issue for you, then a gasoline engine is the way to go.

What To Know Before You Buy a Used Car

Buying a used car can be a daunting task. The research, the budgeting, the test driving, and the negotiating are enough to make someone swear off driving and get a lifetime pass for the mass transit system. But, being that most of us are going to need a car somewhere along the line, and let's be honest, driving is really fun when you get down to it, finding a car that fits your needs isn't always as hard as you think. If you know what to look for before you go, purchasing a used car can be a rewarding experience that leaves you with a new set of wheels you can be proud to drive for many years to come.
The first thing you need to know is what kind of car you want, and specifically what you want it to do. Deciding on your wants and needs are important before to do before you even start shopping. Doing research online gives you a massive amount of important information at your fingertips. Next, you are going to need to know where you can find a used car. Using the internet to help look for used cars in your area is a good option. Sometimes the information can be a little overwhelming, so make sure to take good notes on everything that you see, so you can refer back to them when you get to the information overload stage. (And you will get to that stage!)
When you move on from shopping different types of cars to finding the actual vehicle you might want to buy, research everything you can about its history. Find out the number of previous owners, whether they were smokers or not, and if they were corporate or individual owners. Look for any accident history, notes of any mechanical problems and the vehicle's service and maintenance history. Some of this can be found by looking at maintenance records (if they are available), or by talking to the owner. However, it's best to "trust and verify" and ask for the history report get the complete story. Finally, when you do review a history report always make sure that you receive the entire report, not just a part of it.
Always, always, always make sure that you get an independent mechanic to take a look at the car that is under consideration. It might cost you a little money up front, but it could possibly save you from buying a car that has damage you can't see which could cost you thousands to fix. You should personally check the paint job of the car, looking carefully for rust, scratches, and dents that you might not see at first glance. Always test drive the car to see how it drives as well, and if possible have a friend as a passenger to see if there is anything you didn't notice while driving. Have the courage to negotiate for the best price and remember it helps to have your financing and loan approvals ready to go beforehand.
Buying a well-researched used car can give you years of driving pleasure with the confidence it will last like a new vehicle, but at a fraction of the price. So do your homework and get started test driving today.

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When New Car Shopping

With the economy rebounding faster than ever and gas prices not too far behind, it's more likely than ever that You, the random car-consumer in America, are thinking about buying a new car. And with more people than ever thinking about doing so (Ford sold twice as many Focus sedans this February as it did last year), it's ever so critical that you avoid the mistakes of other, less well-informed vehicle shoppers. Mistakes like:
1. Just showing up at a car lot. First of all, this is the 21st century and we have the internet now, so there's no reason that anyone reading this article should make this mistake. Use the net to search for bargains before you even leave the house. Don't be afraid to expand your search to neighboring cities or even states; eBay Motors has made it easy to buy a car anywhere in the U.S. no matter where you live (unless it's Alaska or Hawaii, but that's different). Even if you ultimately end up going down to the dealership after that, at least you know the price that the dealer should be asking for the car you're looking for.
2. Know how much your car is worth. This year's used car market is hotter than asphalt in August. A perfect storm of sorts (last year's Japanese tsunami, a rebounding economy, and far fewer people with the cash to buy a new car) has created a shortage of used cars that has resulted in rising prices for several years now. Not that any car dealer is obligated to tell you that if you mention you want to trade-in your current vehicle, however. Quite the opposite. They're not obligated to give away any information you don't have already. So show up knowing how much your car is worth, and if they don't come close enough, sell it yourself. Seriously, sell it yourself-it's not that hard (see the internet, above).
3. Shop around for financing. Next to just showing up and buying the first car they see, the mistake pre-owned vehicle customers make most often is not looking for a good deal on their car loan. When you consider that, on average, interest charges are 12% of the cost of a new car, it puts it in perspective how important a good rate really is. So look around, and don't just bite the first bait the car salesman gives you.

Car Finance for First-Time Car Buyers

Buying a brand new car is always a big step. They say that after a house, a car is the second most expensive investment you will make. It is important to be aware of how to secure a car finance solution to make the process easier.
Most lending institutions offering car finance solutions use three Cs to evaluate your application. Knowing this will improve your chances of successfully getting a loan. The three Cs are as follows.
Collateral
This refers to the vehicle under consideration for the loan. Most lending institutions have policies and guidelines regarding how much they can and are willing to lend you for a particular vehicle. For example, one firm may give you more if you are getting a certain make from an automaker.
Capacity
Lending institutions use this term to refer to your ability to repay the debt. Some of the things they take into consideration include the length of your employment, gross monthly or annual income, and your current debt and assets. This and the following parameter are essentially a lifestyle check to find out if you are worthy of a loan.
Most firms will grant a loan only to those who are working under a current employer for a year or more. You improve your chances of securing financing if you have a steady income and receive pay by the hour. Self-employment usually makes it slightly more difficult to obtain one. The figure they use for gross monthly income usually ranges from $1500 to $2500.
Note that lenders may also calculate for your debt to income ratio before approving your application for a car finance solution. To do this, they divide the sum of your monthly liabilities and obligations (including rent, insurance, and utilities, among others) by your gross monthly income. The ratio must be in the range of 30% for conservative loans and up to 65% for aggressive loans.
Character
This refers to your credit history and is the most significant determinant in the approval of your loan. Lenders usually dig into every aspect of your credit report. They review everything from your payment history on revolving and installment accounts, to your tax payments, and a range of other considerations.
It will help to do an initial review of your credit report. You are entitled to a free copy of this once a year from the three national consumer-reporting companies. The three companies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can order a copy by visiting a central website, calling a toll-free number, or via a mailing address - all free of charge.
Calculate how much you can afford before being attached to and committing to a vehicle. A number of loan companies offer free auto finance calculator on their websites. All you have to do is fill out the form with the necessary information and the automated system will determine how much you can afford.
An auto finance calculator is extremely useful, as it will give you a realistic projection of how much you will have to pay per month. It will help you know whether the car you are dreaming of is out of your league or not. After determining this, you can decide whether you can stick to your dream vehicle or start considering something a little less pricy.

Fuel Economics: Petrol Vs Diesel

Many car buyers have got themselves tangled up in false economic arguments when trying to choose between a petrol or a diesel engine when buying a new or used car. The correct choice is very much dependent on your specific circumstances and driving style. You need to carefully and thoroughly analyse your real car usage to get a clear understanding of what your needs will be.
For this article, we are not considering hybrid or purely electric cars, because it complicates things massively and will be the subject of a separate article later on, but let's consider a straightforward example of diesel vs. petrol.
The Volkswagen Golf has long been considered the benchmark for mid-size hatchbacks, and is available in a range of petrol and diesel engines with identical specifications. This makes it a good example to compare the engines. For this example, we will compare the 1.4 TSI 122hp petrol engine with the 2.0 TDI 140hp diesel engine. In the real world, these engines give comparable overall performance. We will compare manual gearboxes and assume the customer has paid full retail price. Servicing and maintenance costs are broadly comparable between the two models, so the difference will really come down to the engines.
We will use the official urban and combined fuel economy figures as provided by the government (extra-urban figures are usually useless), and assume the buyer keeps the car for three years, covering 10,000 miles per year. Resale value is provided by WhatCar? Magazine. Fuel prices are provided by petrolprices.com as of today (5 March 2012). We have to assume that fuel and registration costs stay at 2012 prices for the next 3 years (if only!) and that insurance costs are broadly similar for each car (which they should be).
Petrol:

• Golf Match 1.4 TSI 122hp - £19,100
• Value after 3 years - £7,640 (40% of new car price)
• Fuel economy, urban - 34.4 mpg
• Fuel economy, combined - 45.6 mpg
• Road tax (first year included in new car price) - £130/year

Diesel:

• Golf Match 2.0 TDI 140hp - £21,090
• Value after 3 years - £9,491 (45% of new car price)
• Fuel economy, urban - 46.3 mpg
• Fuel economy, combined - 58.9 mpg
• Road tax (first year included in new car price) - £95/year

So the diesel car is more expensive by nearly £2,000 when new, but should be worth about £1,800 more after three years. It costs less to register (£35/year at present, so not a lot in it) and should use less fuel on average.
Total cost of buying and running each car for three years (excluding insurance, servicing and maintenance) are as follows:
Petrol:

• Using Urban fuel economy figures - £17,335
• Using Combined fuel economy figures - £15,964

Diesel:

• Using Urban fuel economy figures - £16,293
• Using Combined fuel economy figures - £15,300

So the diesel Golf is £347/year cheaper to run using the urban figures, and £221/year cheaper to run using the combined figures. In the overall of a £20,000 car, this is hardly a significant difference, and doesn't take into account individual driving circumstances. The government fuel economy tests are not really representative of real-world driving, and very few drivers ever match the official figures. Below I will detail the differences in the way a petrol engine drives compared to a diesel engine.
What can be said for certain is that the higher your annual mileage, the better the diesel becomes. The above calculation is based on 10,000 miles per year, which is considered average. If your mileage is higher than that, the diesel car's advantage is greater. If your mileage is lower, the figures become even closer.
The above example is also very specific to that car and those two engines. If you are looking at a different car, then you need to use the relevant figures for the engines available for that model.
What is most important of all is properly considering how you will really use the car for as long as you own it, but here is a very general breakdown of the generic differences between petrol and diesel engines:

• A petrol engine usually produces more power than a comparable diesel, making it more responsive at very low revs, so pulling away from rest at the lights or at a T-junction is usually quicker in a petrol engine. A diesel engine will have to work harder and therefore use more fuel to keep up.


• A diesel engine usually has more torque than a petrol engine, making it better at carrying heavy loads. So a diesel engine maintains its performance and economy much better when you load up a car with a full load of passengers and a bootful of luggage, whereas a petrol engine will struggle noticeably in comparison, losing performance and using more fuel.


• A diesel engines tends to be more economical in steady-state driving, such as on a motorway, when the engine is at its optimal point and cruising along comfortably. A petrol engine will have to work harder to maintain its momentum and will use more fuel.


• Stop-start town driving is inefficient for any kind of engine, so there is much less difference in fuel economy between a petrol and diesel engine around town. Especially if you have to work the diesel engine harder under acceleration.


• A petrol engine produces fewer overall emissions per litre of fuel burned than a diesel engine. But a diesel engine will usually use fewer litres, so be may more eco-friendly for a given distance (internationally measured in grams per kilometre - g/km). But that's assuming optimal conditions, because...


• Short journeys are very inefficient for any kind of engine, as cold engines use more fuel and pollute a lot more than warm engines. This applies to both petrol and diesel engines, and means neither engine approaches anywhere near its 'official' fuel economy figures. A journey has to last at least 10-15 minutes before the fuel economy starts to hit its best figure, and prior to that both engines are using lots of fuel.


• Diesel-engined cars tend to cost more than petrol-engine cars when new. However, their resale value is usually better (this is very dependent on fuel prices at the time, so is only ever a prediction of what will happen in the future).


• The sound of a diesel engine is still off-putting to some people, although they are much more refined than they used to be.

So we need to take all of the above into account when deciding whether to go for a petrol or diesel car. Also, if you're going to buy a used car, there may be very little difference in price between a petrol car and a diesel car. But the overall message is to carefully evaluate how you are going to use the car before laying down your hard-earned money.

Stuart Masson is The Car Expert, a London-based independent and impartial expert for anyone looking to buy a new or used car.
Originally from Australia, Stuart has had a passion for cars and the automotive industry for nearly thirty years, and has spent the last seven years working in the automotive retail industry, both in Australia and in London.
Stuart has combined his extensive knowledge of all things car-related with his own experience of selling cars and delivering high levels of customer satisfaction to bring a unique and personal consultation service to the car buyers of London. The Car Expert offers specific and tailored advice for anyone looking for a new or used car in London.

Transit Bus Buying Guide

A transit bus is typically used by the public for travelling short distances. It is also known as the city bus or public bus. The transit bus is regularly used by commuters for traveling. The bus plies short distances with a number of pre-defined stops where it lets in or lets out passengers. It may also be used for transporting passengers over short distances for leisure activities. Thus the transit bus is quite different from long distance buses, shuttle buses or private hire buses and coaches. In some cases, transit buses are also used to operate limited stops or non-stop service routes during peak times.
Some of the defining features of a transit bus are as follows:

• Built with low floor
• Little to no luggage space
• Bucket seats or benches are provided for passengers. There are no head rests
• There is sufficient standing space for a legally defined number of passengers
• Displays destination through headsigns or rollsigns

In addition to the above, the transit bus also contains equipment that verifies whether fare has been taken. To facilitate easy and quick responses, the bus is also fitted with a pull cord. Recent innovations have made the transit bus savvier. Many of them are fitted with passenger information equipment, advertising or entertaining systems and multimedia. Passengers are given other comforts like heating, cooling and so on. In some of the more competitive routes, market leaders spare no effort in making the interior of the bus as attractive as comfortable as that as a private car.
If one is considering the purchase of a transit bus, it is important to keep the above features in mind. Typically, transit buses are built to suit third-party specifications that have been put down by the authorities. New transit buses are generally purchased every time a new route is contracted.
Transit buses could be single decker or double decker. Selection is basically done depending on the area of operation in keeping with regulations regarding the same. Also, transit buses are allowed to have two or three doors, depending on the local policies regarding the bus. In routes that are not in high demand, minibuses may also be used to ply as transit buses. This is a low cost method of operating transit buses.
When buying a transit bus, it is necessary to keep the route requirements in mind. A large, double decker bus may be in order provided the number of passengers justifies the same. If the number of passengers is small, a smaller bus would suffice. Since the transit bus will be carrying passengers of all ages, safety must be a top priority. Since this is a competitive industry, it is necessary to ensure comfort too.

Understanding Why We Buy Cars?

The majority of people prefer to replace their cars after using it for some time, mainly because of wear and tear. With the passage of time, the car requires repairs more often. Because of this, its efficiency goes down and it becomes a liability and may cause inconvenience occasionally. Its beauty and value in the market will also go down. The owners of these cars try to sell them in the market at a reasonable price. The advertisements saying, "We Buy Cars" can be found by the buyers all over the internet. However, people are not sure about the dependability of advertisement like "We Buy Cars." This is because of prevalent crimes on the internet, as internet trade is similar to any other trade, so both honest and the dishonest traders exist everywhere. This should not dissuade you from approaching them or other car buyers, as it is a genuine and legitimate business. Genuine car buyer companies can be trusted, and you can negotiate with them for the sale of your car.
Many of us are not clear as to why someone would buy junk cars. Or how one could make a good profit in such a business? The selling and buying of used cars have become a big industry and is making a good profit on the investments made. Besides profit, there are other reasons for dealing with junk cars. The main reason for this is to use these junk cars for recycling. Big scrap yards have been developed by many companies, where recyclable parts are separated. Here the scrap vehicles bought are sold as whole or in parts and scraps. The vehicles are melted down to their original metals that are required by the industries. This way, it is ensured that there is no wastage of resources, and the same is provided cheaper to those who need it. This also protects the environment from pollution.a
More energy is used for processing raw materials in production of metals like iron and steel. Recycling scrap is the best way of reducing the amount of energy utilized. Junk cars not in use are dumped in the backyard or any other usable space. There are many people willing to sell their junk cars, but are not sure how to go about it. Metals take a very long period to disintegrate. Besides this, many components of metals are non-biodegradable. It implies that once mixed with the soil, these might never disintegrate fully. This makes the soil infertile over a period of time. It is thus clear that besides taking space, these vehicles have an adverse effect on the environment. When junk car buying companies purchase such cars, the non-biodegradable and biodegradable parts are separated so that these can be used again.
There was a need to have companies that could pay people for their wrecked cars and automobiles. Soon it was realized that even damaged or wrecked cars could get some money to the owners, rather than writing them off or donating them. Many individuals as well as dealers are willing to purchase your car, no matter what its condition. Rather than rotting these vehicles in your back yard, it would be appropriate to sell them while they are able to attract some potential customers. If they are kept in yard for too long, their condition will deteriorate further affecting their aesthetic appearance, and further losing their market value. It is thus advisable to sell it and get some money in return, before it is too late and use the money to buy a new car or for other important expenses.