Defining Your Classic Car Restoration

I am sure we all enjoy viewing a classic motor car that has been restored, but what is a classic car? I guess it is a bit like defining an elephant, I struggle to define it, but I know one when I see one.

Yes it all becomes a bit fuzzy when we have to make a definition. One website I visited mentions that it must be a 'lady of a certain age'! I guess the lady bit is referring to the vehicle (apologies to the ladies).

If you do your research you can find some characteristics that are common when people are seeking to define a classic car. We must remember of course that this is only one of the many starting points to classic motor car restoration.

If you are intending to show the vehicle then it of course plays much more importance, whereas if you are undertaking a restoration just for your own personal satisfaction then you can define your classic car just as you wish.

Some of the more common characteristics we find floating around the net, for defining a classic motor vehicle, are:

· It should be built before 1948

· Asking price is in the order of ten to one hundred times the original price of the car

· Distinctive styling, innovative and attractive

· Seeking to have historic preservation of the original

· Innovative or trend setting engineering

· Value or desirability

· Supporting documentation, such as maintenance records and sales contracts

Of course the above list is not exhaustive and you can find other characteristics, but the above list is a reasonable starting point. The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) is an excellent association for us that are enthused with classic cars and their restoration.

And of course the USA has a wonderful history of classic cars to choose from, being one of the founders of the development of the modern mass produced motor vehicle. Henry Ford and the model T are legendary.

To define your classic motor car you need to first sit down and consider the purpose of your classic car restoration (or purchase). From this you can work out if you need to satisfy your criteria or someone else's.

Classic Old Cars - Something That is Hardly Available

The golden cars of the past years have always attracted the car fanatics to the time of antique, vintage as well as limited edition car models. In such an advanced time with the lots of advancements in the cars, it is really hard to find somebody that is driving a limited edition car in the current scenario. The internet medium is such a big resource to find the thousands of cheapest and the best cars of the golden time without going out of your home. And with the online auction, you can look at the designs of the cars with its detailed features without visiting the sale. There are different car communities on the internet that provides the latest updated information on the sales of antique cars, offers of the old cars, car accessories and engines.

The car community on the internet does have varied categories that include classic trucks, street rods and various other car accessories and small parts. There are lots of transactions happening to buy and sell the cars on the internet they either does not charge any transaction charge or charge minor transaction charges which is quite negligible. The websites are also available with the lots of customized searches that allows you to search for the cars and accessories of the models, makes and years which you might be looking for. You can sell or buy as many numbers of cars and trucks as you want to and there is no limitation on it.

There are number of categories available on the website according to the vehicle and accessory types. The online websites contain the different categories like antique models, street rods, classic trucks, small spare parts and different accessories. Apart from internet, there many states in the United States that offers the different types of car shows where you can display your model of car that you want to sell or you can also search for the model of your choice to buy. Let us look at the 10 top states that arrange the car sale events. The states are Illinois, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington and Michigan. In the events of all these state, millions of people visit the fairs to show case their antique car models for sale and also to check out the good old car models to purchase them.

Here are some details about the widely searched old cars on the internet. It states that the widely popular antique car model that is traded for the maximum number of times is Chevrolet Caprice model of 1966, Chrysler New Yorker model of 1966, Plymouth Fury of 1960 and Chevrolet Nova model of 1960.

The inventory provided with the detailed information on the intern can help you to look out for the best suited car for you need. There is lots of online treasure available. The only thing you need to buy or sale an antique old car is to have a right opportunity at the right time. I am sure, you would drive a limited edition car on a modern day road.

The Basics of Classic Car Maintenance - Fluids

As a start we will consider petrol and diesel, apart from the obvious that you have enough for your journey it is worth checking the whole fuel system at least once a year, diesel because it has a habit of finding paths and holes that most other fluids don't and petrol because if it does leak, a hot surface or spark can cause an explosion, I know I have been there with leaky carburettors dripping onto the exhaust pipe.

First check the fuel tank, invariably in old cars it is made from pressed steel and is subject to corrosion especially where straps or fixings are. Give it a good look over for any bubbles or spots that look damp/dark and check to see if the fuel gauge moves much at regular intervals when the car is parked up. Next check the pipework, again many cars had steel pipes with later replacements being copper or plastic (plastic being particularly vulnerable from hot exhaust pipes as many manufactures ran the two pipes close to each other!)

Hopefully someone will have fitted a petrol filter under the bonnet to stop any debris or rust reaching and blocking the carburettors. Looking at this will help to indicate any corrosion from the tank and pipework that maybe present, so replace it following any repairs to these to give you a clean slate. For diesels the fuel filter will not be transparent but is likely to resemble an oil filter.

Also check the fuel pump for operation (easier if it is electric) by connecting an alternative outlet hose to a petrol can, caution here as you are combining electricity and flammable vapour, and see that the pump keeps running with the ignition on.

And finally with the ignition on/or engine started and switched off check the carburettor(s) for any damp/dark patches particularly around where the fuel pipes join the carbs. Alternatively check the injector pump and interconnecting pipework to and from the injectors on the cylinder head.

As standard advice it is always essential to check the cooling water level but there are other things to check for. It is worth noting that it is not so important if you over fill the cooling system as the water level should adjust itself and find a natural level. While you have the radiator or filler cap off the car it is worth considering the colour. Good clean cooling water should appear slightly green or blue from the anti-freeze and corrosion inhibitor.

If the water is brown this means that there is corrosion or rust in the system, a certain amount is to be expected as this happens as a matter of course. If the water is very cloudy or you are unsure it may be worth draining the water, flushing it through and refilling with new water and anti-freeze. This should be checked again after a few days or 50 miles or so to see if the problem has been rectified.

If the water has an oily sheen or rainbow this should be investigated further as it may be bad news. Sometimes it is just the natural oils from the various components that leach out when they are new, such as lubricants that are used in pumps or from sealants if used. However it maybe a signal that there is a more serious problem and the engine lubricating oil is getting into the cooling system and a major engine failure may not be too far away, hopefully your engine oil checks should help indicate this.

It is recommended that cooling water be changed yearly but I have found very couple of years is usually adequate due to the low mileage my classic cars do.

Engine lubricating oil is again essential to the running of the engine. It is important with this to make sure there is neither too much or too little. If there is too little the engine can get dry become damaged and even seize, if too much the oil can bubble and build up back pressure in the lower parts of the engine & eventually damage the crank shaft and pistons. For this reason it is very important that you make sure you have the right dipstick in your engine, even engines of the same type can have different dipsticks as they can vary in how they are constructed or how the oil circulates, check with your local club or specialist classic car garage.

Also if possible check that the right oil has been used as older engines or fast running engines require different thickness of oils and different care to modern engines.

Typical places for oil leaks on classic cars are
• The sump plug (bottom of the engine), if worn, improperly tightened or the copper washer on the plus has hardened over time. Sometimes the gasket will leak, usually symptoms of a bigger fault and sometimes the sump can be cracked, especially with cast steel or aluminum sumps.
• The rocker cover, if the gasket has hardened (often cork in older cars), over tightened or not fitted correctly. These leaks are usually straightforward to fix by fitting a new gasket.
• The rear end of the crankshaft (where the flywheel and clutch are fixed) because of worn seals (and it has to be said usually poor design from the manufacturers). This leak is very common do not panic unless you are losing a lot of oil or you are also having clutch trouble. The oil from this leak is handy for coating the underside of your car preventing rust, but you should aim to have the leak fixed.
• Oil filter, because of poor fitting, tired gaskets or just rattling loose. Again these leaks are straight forward to fix.

If your engine is leaking oil from other places it probably is not good news so check it out with a specialist. Another item relating to oil worth regular changes is the oil filler cap as these are often vented and contain wire mesh filters that can get dirty and allow over pressurisation of the oil system.

Things to look for in engine oil:
• If it has the consistency of treacle when cold its is overdue for an oil change
• If it appears very black, again time for a change of oil
• If it has lumps, a flush and oil change should be done as a minimum
• If it has a lot of white/brown goo or 'mayonnaise' then a change might be due, however it is also a symptom of a head gasket failure which allows the cooling water into the oil thus creating the 'mayonnaise'. Sometimes though small amounts of this can be formed through condensation if the car has been sat around for long periods.

Oil should be changed at the mileage intervals advised by the manufacturer, though if you are doing less miles each year then yearly is recommended. I usually change the filter every other oil change as well because I don't always know the service history of the engine from the past so there may be some debris from wear in the oil system.

Whilst on oils I will next go through gearbox lubricating oil including rear axle oil for rear wheel drive cars. This should not often require replacing or topping up unless you have a leak, and leaks on rear axles are very common although not usually big enough to concern you too much. Many classic cars provide additional access to reach filler plugs for gearboxes and axles to which the owners' manuals can point but may require the lifting of carpets and/or the rear seat. Another advantage is in some post war classic cars is that some gearboxes also have their own dipsticks, a feature that disappeared as gearboxes became more reliable.

Though the oils do not normally need regular changing it is always worth an annual level check or when you suspect a leak or gain a noise. It should be noted that differential whine from the rear axle is quite common and is often just wear and tear rather than lack of lubrication.

Certainly for the rear axle you may need a specialist sump plug spanner. Like the engine the gearbox and axle may require different oils depending on their age. Some older gearboxes are happy with engine oil and later gearboxes use specialist gear oil, also often used in hotter climates.

The contents of the oil are more difficult to check here especially with the available light but you can look for the following:
• If it has the consistency of treacle when cold its is overdue for an oil change
• If it has a lot white 'mayonnaise' then a change might be due, however it is also a symptom of condensation if the car has been sat around for long periods.
You may feel more comfortable changing the oil in any case so you know what you are starting with.

Brake fluid - now obviously you want to make sure you have enough of this so that you can stop when you need to but what many people miss is that brake fluid can degrade and separate causing corrosion to the brake components and loss of force at the wheels when you push the brake pedal.

It is well worth checking the brake fluid level on a 3 monthly basis to see that it has not changed much, apart from a level drop being a sign of worn brake pads/shoes a big level drop could be a sign of a leak. A level drop should be avoided because of the aforementioned but also because you may allow air into the system which reduces the effectiveness of the brakes as air compresses more readily than brake fluid.

When bleeding brakes the following things should be looked for:
• Bubbles, could be a sign of a leak that is allowing air in as well as fluid out
• Black colour, sign of various components corroding, particularly steel pipes
• Bits, again a sign of corrosion

When any of these occur it is advisable to check all the components and replace those identified as faulty. It is also worth keeping the bleeding process going until the defect(s) disappear as the contaminated brake fluid may still be in the retained parts.

Another problem with braking components is external corrosion which can wear pipes and make them leak or rust together which will require all the corroded components to be replaced. Here a bit of copper grease may keep it at bay, and if you have them try to maintain the rubber/plastic dirt caps on bleed nipples.

One of the weakest points on braking systems are the flexible hoses that connect the wheel brakes to allow suspension movement. Apart from perishing and splitting these can also suffer from laminating which makes the walls weaker and prone to expanding under pressure, therefore the force from the brake pedal gets used up in the pipes rather than the wheel cylinders or callipers. Often pipes with external metal braiding are available which reduces this risk, but these are only good whilst they are clean and not corroded.

Although the list above gives a general overview it should be enough to get you started and let you gain confidence carrying out your own maintenance and with time tackle more involved tasks replacing parts of the car.

How to Break a Car Window and Cut a Jammed Seat Belt in an Emergency

Each year more than 10,000 people are involved in water immersion accidents. Over 300 of them die a terrifying death trapped in their car. Thousands more loose their lives in dry land accidents when their seat belts jam, doors and windows are stuck, smoke and flames fill the car and they have no way out.

Most people don't know that car windows are extremely difficult to break. They are made to withstand high impacts during a car accident. But that same protection can turn your car into a death trap.

An Inexpensive Auto Escape Tool Could Save Your Life!

There are a few high quality auto escape devises available to both consumers and professionals that can easily break a tempered glass car window and cut a jammed seat belt. Some of these ingenious tools are so small they can fit on your key chain. And they only cost about $10.00. That's cheap life insurance!

One car emergency tool that can fit on your key chain is a spring-loaded punch that is also equipped with a safety blade to cut seat belts. Some high quality key chain automotive escape device available on-line include the ResQMe and the Houdini.

So how does it shatter a tempered glass car window so effectively? The body of the tool houses a spring loaded window punch. When you press the bottom cylinder against a corner of your side or rear car window it loads the spring and then releases it slamming the hardened steel tip of the punch against the glass.

Here's How To Test A Key Chain Emergency Car Escape Punch

Here is a simple way to test a key chain escape punch without leaving the comfort of your home and... without breaking a car window. Place the bottom cylinder (located at the bottom of the tool) on an old magazine, book or pad of paper. Then press down on it until you hear a "click". The click is the sound of the punch releasing.

Now look at the surface of the magazine, book or pad that you just used for your test. It should have a small impression in it as if someone tapped it with a nail. A good quality key chain car escape device will instantly reset itself so it is immediately ready to be used again. If you press a key chain auto escape tool against a side or rear car window in this manner it will shatter it.

A word of caution: Do not test a car escape emergency tool against a hard surface like metal or stone as this can dull the tip and render it useless in an emergency.

Where To Use Your Auto Escape Tool

If an emergency ever does arise you should use an car escape tool or punch close to a corner of a side or rear window. The corner is more rigid and the window will break more easily in this area. If the window doesn't break on the first attempt, a second try will usually do the trick.

Never attempt to break a front car windshield. A windshield is made of laminated glass and it requires a professional extrication tool to break it.

How To Cut A Seat Belt With Your Auto Escape Tool

But what if your seat belt becomes jammed due to the impact of a crash? Or the car is upside down and your body pressure prevents the buckle from releasing.

Almost all auto escape tools now incorporate a razor sharp blade that is safely guarded to protect you from personal injury. Most key chain auto escape tools have a clip that covers the blade. Simply pull the protective clip or cover off to expose the blade.

Once the clip is removed (which takes a fraction of a second) slip the blade guard over your seat belt and pull. It will cut through in just a few "pulls". Even with the clip removed there is little danger of cutting yourself because most good quality auto escape tools have a blade that is well guarded leaving just enough room for a seat belt.

"Peace of Mind" Insurance

Keeping a auto escape tool on your key chain, in your purse or attached to your sun visor is very inexpensive insurance against a catastrophe

GM's ugliest car ever

GM's ugliest car ever still has its fans

Are you one of those people who love stray dogs, who search remnant bins at department stores, who eat beets when no one else will? If so, perhaps you should be driving a used Pontiac Aztek.

The Pontiac Aztek remains the poster child for how bad General Motors had become. It is an example of how focus groups, rather than good common sense, can dominate a process. No one inside GM every apparently had the courage to say what they really thought about this disaster until the production decision had been given the go-ahead. Auto writers gasp when it was introduced at an auto show.

"That thing is butt-ugly!" my neighbor screamed, loud enough for all of Brooklyn to hear when I rolled up my block on a beautiful, sunny Tuesday in 2001, navigating a rain-slicker-yellow Aztek test driver. The comment was only the first of dozens of raspberries and guffaws I absorbed over a week driving the Aztek in and around New York City. The next came from my own brother: "That's the Ernest Borgnine of SUVs." GM might as well have hung a "Kick me!" sign on the Aztek's rear bumper.

I wasn't crazy about the Aztek, either, but my complaints weren't about its looks. "The inside reminds me of an economy hotel," I wrote in the New York Daily News. "Everything is clean but ever-so-cheap; I half expected a mass-produced painting to be bolted to a door."

Max says when the car initially didn't sell, GM changed the crossover's outside gray plastic cladding to body color and added a spoiler to the rear hatch just a year later. It also dropped the price by $1,450. Though GM had projected it would sell 75,000 Azteks each year, it later revised that number to 50,000. The best year for sales saw only 27,793 sold in 2002. The cladding was dropped by 2005, as seen in the phot above, before the model was killed. To this day, it still has its fans:

"I've had my Red 2001 Aztek since '03, and I drive it every single day," says corporate project manager Ken Rhyno, who runs a 1,700-plus member Aztek Fan Club from his home in Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada. "I still get cracks from people, but the car runs great, gets up to 30 miles to the gallon and the amount of stuff you can haul in it is fantastic. People have got to understand it's not a Corvette. Its looks are not the point."

Rhyno loves his Aztek so much that he bought Aztekfanclub.com in 2006. "I was a member of the club and then the original owner turned it over to me," he says. "The last rally we had was in 2008, in Ohio. About 30 Azteks showed up from all over the country. We had people come up from as far away as Texas."

Musician Lenny Lee told AOL Autos, "I've got a 2003 Aztek and can't say a bad thing about it, despite the ridiculous-looking rear end. I bought it from a relative in '03 who liked it but wanted the same vehicle with 4-wheel-drive and a tow package. Rather than taking a beating on a trade-in, he sold it to me with 2,000 miles for fourteen grand. I couldn't turn down the price."

Lee says he hasn't taken his Aztek camping, doesn't own the tent accessory and doesn't pay attention to mileage.

"Let's just say it can get out of its own way," the Dutchess, New York resident says. "It thrives on neglect. The odometer just passed 200,000 and virtually nothing has gone wrong with it. I'd never intended to keep it this long, but it's been so dependable and still runs fine and the stereo system sounds good. I just drive it. I figure I'll let her come in for a smooth landing when she's ready."

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," says Rhyno. "People where I work drive Honda Elements, which I think are pretty ugly." Still, he says, "Nothing draws the fire like the Aztek."

Taiwan`s Auto Conglomerates Eye Lucrative Used-car Biz

Taipei, Aug. 4, 2010 (CENS)--Eyeing lucrative business opportunities in the used-car business, both Yulon and Hotai, the top-2 carmakers in Taiwan, are increasing investments in such sector.

Justin Su, president of Hotai Motor Co. Ltd., pointed out his group now accounts for only 3% of the overall used-car market in Taiwan, implying room for expansion. This year, Su claimed, Hotai would further integrate its new-car distributors to expand Toyota`s share in also the used-car market.

In the first half, some 3324,700 used-cars saw transferred ownerships, Hotai said, up 7.7% from that in 2009. Hotai attributed the YoY increase to the increasing willingness to buy new cars due to the recovering economy. Hotai`s distributors are planning to jointly pour NT$30 million to NT$40 million to increase dealers for Toyota-certified used cars to 19 by the end of the year from 14 currently.

Fortune Motors Co., Ltd., general agent of Mitsubishis, has set up the SUM high-quality used-car sales alliance with more than 250 franchised dealers around the island. The SUM alliance was set up to provide installment loans to used-car buyers, and now contributes to 40% to 60% of its overall profits.

To keep the residual value in used Mitsubishis, China Motor Corp. under the Yulon Group that locally assembles Mitsubishis also set up a used-car distribution chain in Taiwan.

Sinjang Corp., a member of Yulon Group, is an agency, wholesaler and retailer of used cars. The company used to auction 2,000 to 3,000 used-cars per month when it monopolized domestic used-car auction business. To confront strong competition from Hotai Group, Sinjang established the SAVE certified used-car sales alliance in 2009, with 106 used-car dealers having joined, and plans to increase the number to 150 by the end of the year.

Shuen Yi Motor, another distributor of Mitsubishis, recently set up the "Car OK" used-car alliance and aims to attract at least 40 members by the end of this year.

(by Quincy Liang)

How to inspect a used vehicle before buying

Buying a used car can provide you with an excellent vehicle for a low price; most new cars immediately lose value as soon as they are driven off of the lot. Buying a used car can also make you the owner of someone else's nightmare. Take your time with your purchase to get the best vehicle that you can afford.

First steps:

If you are making a purchase from a car dealer ask for a vehicle history report. They should be able to provide this. Know the market before you start shopping by looking up Blue Book values and comparing advertisements in your local paper and on-line. Do some research on the Internet about the type of car you are interested in. Many times you will be able to find information about particular problems that are unique to the model or manufacturer.

If you are not experienced in car inspections bring along a friend that is. Better yet ask if your mechanic can inspect the vehicle before you close the sale. Most dealerships and many private sellers will allow for an inspection before purchase.

Under the hood:

When checking under the hood there are many things to look for. How clean is the engine and does it show signs of oil or antifreeze leaks? If the engine has just been cleaned you may want to take a closer look, it could be a sign of problems. Check and smell the engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and antifreeze. None of these fluids smell good but if you notice a burnt smell there is a problem.

Take some oil from the dipstick and rub it between your fingers. It should not be gritty or have metallic residue. The same applies to the antifreeze. Also check the antifreeze for any signs of oil. The brake fluid should appear fairly clear without signs of contamination.

Body and interior:

Check the body of the car for rust. Depending on the age of the car and your location some rust may be acceptable but you should check the extent of it. Check for slight differences in paint color, this can be a sign of body work that indicates the vehicle was in an accident.

The interior of the vehicle can also give you many clues about its condition. Check the odometer. Do the numbers line up or are they a bit uneven? If they are not in a straight line it is a sign of odometer tampering. Unfortunately this method does not work for digital odometers. In this case check for excessive wear on the brake and gas pedals. If they look completely worn down but the mileage is under 100,000 there is a problem.

Wheels:

Check the tires for wear. If the tire wear

10 Best Tips For Saving Money on Your Car

After you get recommendations for honest mechanics, call around to check out the prices for certain jobs. It's always smart to get a second opinion.

How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on "fumes" allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburettor damage as well.

Sometimes a problem with your car's electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck! Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician. Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles. Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!

Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you "major" in short trips.

There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let's look at the insurance payments.

If you've budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.

Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.

Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.

In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isn't going to cost you an arm or leg either.

Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won't last long – leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.

If you use your car for business, keep track of miles travelled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.

When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!

Used Car Market India an Overview

Used cars have emerged as the best commuting solutions for Indian masses. The reason is very is obvious, used cars are not only easily available but fit to the budget of majority of Indian masses as well. In addition, lower interest rates and easy financing have really boosted the sector.

There is not any official statistics on the market status of the used cars in India yet. However, most of the Indian auto-marker, xperts believe that this sector has really bright future and is likely to prove advantageous for the Indian masses. As per the market trends, unorganized sector is playing key role in this sector and spreading the culture of used cars in smaller towns of India as well.

Moreover, some of the estimates provided by major car companies in India states that the used car market has registered a phenomenal growth in comparison to new cars. At top of that, some of the car financers have also echoed the estimates released by the car companies, saying that the used car sector has touched new heights in the current fiscal year. According to some media reports, the major car companies are likely to enter the potential market of cars. These companies are eying the largest middle class population, which is luckily in India.

Another factor which has boosted the used car market in the country is the high resale value of cars. Car owners are now do not hesitate in selling their cars, as they are offered decent amount of money. However, the resale value depends upon the merit of the car. Also, one can get a wide range of used cars of different models, types, colours or in any other preferences. Therefore, aspiring car owners will not have to compromise with any technical or esthetical features.

To put in, used cars fit to everyone's choices and needs, including car sellers and buyers. If you are looking forward of owning a car, try used cars!

Why To Import Used Cars Directly From Japan?

Japanese used vehicles are very popular worldwide for their quality and very affordable pricing. Cars from Japan are subjected to strict emission tests and quality control which are the main factors that encourage the sales of used cars in Japan than any other country. According to the data of a recent survey, over 100000 Japanese cars are used worldwide. No import tax and lots of bundled accessories have attracted many people around this planet towards the used Japan cars. With the huge popularity of the used Japan cars, many exporters have popped up recently. Moreover, used Japan cars can be ordered online too. With help of these online used car websites, you can get your dream car delivered to your doorsteps while you just relax in your home.

Japanese used cars are exported in a very high rate to more than 85 countries. Along with cars, Japan also exports buses, trucks and even heavy equipments like excavators. As no import tax is levied for the Japanese used vehicle, people find it more profitable to import used vehicles directly from Japan than buying them from their own country.

The Availability of spare parts

Before purchasing a used vehicle, many are really concerned about the availability of spares for the particular vehicles. In the case of used Japan cars, the spare parts are readily available in any Country. Moreover, the leading Japanese used car exporters assist the customers for buying the spare parts too. The spare parts for the used Japanese cars can also be ordered online.

Japan Auto Auction:

Japanese auto auctions are very popular worldwide. For the moment of truth, one can buy a used car in good condition for just $250.The fantastic competitive Auction Service, also facilities to make major and minor repairs, paint touch ups, customizations for the used cars. Online auto auctions have added more convenience to the import of used cars directly from Japan.

Additional Benefits

The Japanese used cars dealers stand one step ahead for their additional services

like repainting the vehicles and to retouch the small scratches in bumpers and body panels with the specialists. Also, the Japanese used car dealers can bring up the exact factory color with the art paint mixer in their paint shop. Along with the car sales, the Japanese used car sellers also supply the dismantled parts of the vehicles in cube containers of size 20ft or 40 ft. These dismantled parts are bought for dead cheap prices today and they are re-assembled into a classy car.

Summing Up

The main benefits off importing cars directly from Japan are:

Low pricing

No Import tax

Lots of bundled accessories

Great assistance buying the spare parts.

Methods for selling Used Cars

It is absolutely essential that that you make your car look presentable before initiating your selling efforts. Give the car a good water wash followed by a wax job on the car body exterior. It is also necessary to vacuum clean the inside, and gloss up the tires, and spruce up the overall appearance. If there's any burnt lights or fuses or other defective small accessories, replace them immediately. Prospective buyers will certainly feel annoyed once they see little things in bad shape. As a matter of fact, you can even add a few additional fittings to make the car look still more attractive. Please also make sure the tires are all properly inflated and the battery is in fine shape.

Prospective buyers of used cars are always apprehensive about three things - What is the mileage? Has the odometer been rolled back or tampered with? Was the car ever in a wreck at any time? It is of paramount importance that you allay the buyer's misgivings by giving them a copy of an Auto Check Vehicle Report of your car that they not only feel satisfied about the exact condition of the car but also feel convinced your mileage has not been rolled back and your car has a clean record.

There is no denying that the most powerful selling tool is your car maintenance record especially oil changes and battery check ups. Every time your car is serviced, add the service report to your car file. When people see your car maintenance records, they will be immensely pleased and would want to do business with a self- organized person like you.

Auto classifieds on the web are much more cost effective than newspapers classifieds. Instead of limiting your ad to some local people who might or might not want to buy a used car, if you advertise on the web where there will be millions of people reading and a large number of responses. Avail a web site that offers a money back guarantee in case your car does not sell within a prescribed time period. Some sites run the ad continuously for a low price until the car is sold - a benefit no newspapers will offer.

Yet another constructive suggestion is to create color flyers about your car for distributing to possible buyers. Flyers can carry more details than a classified ad. It will be excellent if your web ad carried color photos and all the important particulars of the vehicle. If the buyer complains about some scratches or stains on your car exterior, politely explain it is normal wear and tear of a used car of and that is the reason why you are not demanding the price of a new car. This however does not apply to dents and it is therefore necessary you repair the dents before your buyers inspect the car.

Never advertise your car sale till you have researched the market for your car value, created your maintenance records and figured out how you will respond to every one of buyer’s queries. The asking price is very important and if your expectations are too high, the car will never be sold. Likewise if you under-price, the prospective buyers may suspect the condition of the car and its history.

Auto Refinance - Reasons to Refinance Your Car

Refinancing an auto loan can be beneficial, if done correctly, particularly in difficult economical times. Ironically, a large percentage of consumers don't even realize it's possible to refinance an auto loan.

The process of refinancing an auto loan is similar to refinancing a mortgage. The borrower seeks out a loan with better terms or a lower interest rate and the new lender becomes the official owner of the vehicle until the loan is paid in full.

Refinancing an auto loan can be desirable for a couple of big reasons. Even the slightest improvement in a borrowers credit rating can result in the availability of a more manageable interest rate. Another reason would be to extend the length of the loan which generally makes for smaller overall payments.

Borrowers should beware of lending institutions that promise cash out of the refinance or terms that seem too good to be true. In most cases if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Also it's important to not stretch the length of the loan for too many years in the hopes of dramatically lowering the monthly payment. The value of a newer vehicle decreases rapidly within the first few years after initial purchase and one could easily find themselves trapped upside down in a loan.

Interest rates fluctuate enough that it is possible that six months to a year after initial purchase the average rate is several points below that of the borrower's current rate. If the borrower has a decent credit rating and does their homework they may be able to secure a refinanced auto loan that brings the interest rate down significantly.

Sell Used Cars

Methods for selling used cars

It is absolutely essential that that you make your car look presentable before initiating your selling efforts. Give the car a good water wash followed by a wax job on the car body exterior. It is also necessary to vacuum clean the inside, and gloss up the tires, and spruce up the overall appearance. If there's any burnt lights or fuses or other defective small accessories, replace them immediately. Prospective buyers will certainly feel annoyed once they see little things in bad shape. As a matter of fact, you can even add a few additional fittings to make the car look still more attractive. Please also make sure the tires are all properly inflated and the battery is in fine shape.

Prospective buyers of used cars are always apprehensive about three things - What is the mileage? Has the odometer been rolled back or tampered with? Was the car ever in a wreck at any time? It is of paramount importance that you allay the buyer's misgivings by giving them a copy of an Auto Check Vehicle Report of your car that they not only feel satisfied about the exact condition of the car but also feel convinced your mileage has not been rolled back and your car has a clean record.

There is no denying that the most powerful selling tool is your car maintenance record especially oil changes and battery check ups. Every time your car is serviced, add the service report to your car file. When people see your car maintenance records, they will be immensely pleased and would want to do business with a self- organized person like you.

Auto classifieds on the web are much more cost effective than newspapers classifieds. Instead of limiting your ad to some local people who might or might not want to buy a used car, if you advertise on the web where there will be millions of people reading and a large number of responses. Avail a web site that offers a money back guarantee in case your car does not sell within a prescribed time period. Some sites run the ad continuously for a low price until the car is sold - a benefit no newspapers will offer.

Yet another constructive suggestion is to create color flyers about your car for distributing to possible buyers. Flyers can carry more details than a classified ad. It will be excellent if your web ad carried color photos and all the important particulars of the vehicle. If the buyer complains about some scratches or stains on your car exterior, politely explain it is normal wear and tear of a used car of and that is the reason why you are not demanding the price of a new car. This however does not apply to dents and it is therefore necessary you repair the dents before your buyers inspect the car.

Never advertise your car sale till you have researched the market for your car value, created your maintenance records and figured out how you will respond to every one of buyer’s queries. The asking price is very important and if your expectations are too high, the car will never be sold. Likewise if you under-price, the prospective buyers may suspect the condition of the car and its history.

Alternatives to Used Car Dealerships

The used car market continues to boom and offers many people an affordable method to obtain a cheap used car that fits their needs. In the past, when you were ready to buy a used car, you spent days, weeks, even months driving through the dealers car lots and looking and dreaming about the used cars on the lots. Many times, there wasn't a car there that you really wanted, but that was all there was to choose from. That's why you bought your car there. The car dealership was conveniently located, they offered payment plans (not a good thing when buying a used car), and they could convince you that you needed that one car on the lot that you wouldn't normally have even looked at.

Today, it's all different. The alternatives to used car dealerships abound, and we're not just talking about the newspaper classified ads. Where will you look for your next used car?

Buying a used car from the classified section of your newspaper, though still useful, may not provide you with the best options, choices, or pricing. A popular place to locate just about anything you need is Craigslist, which is an online classifieds system that is broken down by state and even by city. So, let's say you live in Florida, you can go to the Florida site for Craigslist and then narrow down by city. Some areas have a Craigslist for just their state. Do a search for Craigslist and then narrow down to your locale.

Now, what will you find on Craigslist for vehicles? Anything and everything. Plus, there's a search option where you can specify the vehicle you're looking for and the price range. Go ahead...go try out the site. Get to your Craigslist site, click on Autos, and just take a look at the vehicles that have been listed today. Try out the search option; put in a vehicle make, even year and click search. See what comes up? Do you have choices now?

As with buying a used car from any source, you need to do your research. This is so incredibly easy what with having the Internet at your fingertips to do all the work for you. Narrow down the vehicles you are interested in, find out their book/market values, get an idea for the going price and what repairs may cost. Try to have a mechanic available to look at any used car you might be interested in. And, folks, act responsibly and be cautious when meeting people selling anything in out-of-the-way places. It's always good to have someone with you for many reasons.

used car

Tricks of the Trade

Not everyone wants or needs a new car. Some families buy a car as a second car or even used for young people as they come of age. Others prefer just a car, buy the depreciation already up. When it comes to buying a car, they check all the car salesman.

Over the years, used-car dealer in film and television have been vilified. You have been a bat, idiots, represented socially and mentally slow enough. But many consumers have contact with some sellers of used cars which they think had much perfect candidate for some of today's reality shows on used car.

How many complaints can be taken seriously, is it? Are these people really as bad as the media to be? Are all consumer complaints it? Or embellished? Probably a mixture of both. Consumers tend to forget that they have an important role in the bad deal they have just played.

Many buyers to buy with their eyes and their hearts. Their brains go dead as soon as they see the original leather seats or a hood ornament collector. You sign the paperwork they have not read thoroughly and think, said every word of the seller during negotiations. comes when the car breaks down or the first account, they are shocked to learn that they do not receive the approval they thought.

Is it the fault of the dealer? Only in part. He may have lied to you, but if he committed a fraud and deceit in the wings, it is for the consumer to read and understand that all the characters before you start the vehicle. Customers are responsible for everything that has been agreed or agreed in writing. When it comes to purchasing a car, it's nothing like the handshake agreements or commitments offline. If they do not want to put in writing, there is a reason, and it is not in your best interest.

The financing is another area that people complain when there is a tendency to used cars. Yes, loans for used cars more TAP. This is not the fault of the concession, but will certainly try to fund you through this because they earn commissions from lenders for each loan. These loans are more expensive because lenders to accept a higher risk. Too many people walk away from a used car more if it fails, and the lender absorbs the loss.

Before you get excited about a car, do your research. Bring your laptop with you know, if you can, and look for the seller that you are for a car. Check the prices blue book recalls, reviews, BMP, etc.

Do not expect much information about a particular car from your dealer. It can not be an expert in all the models on the market. If you want information you can on your own. Get say a road test, a Carfax report and certification by an independent mechanic, that the odometer has not changed. If possible, bring your own mechanic with you so that he can still look before writing a deposit check.

Purchase a Used Car - They Make Them a Lot Better Nowadays Than They Used To

Growing up, I often heard my parents and their friends complain that nothing was made the way they used to become when they were young. I often doubted the facts of that, but never had a method to prove it; until I thought of anything. Back in the day, in case you had a car that you can run for 100,000 miles, that was considered a supreme achievement. By the time the car did that kind of mileage, it will be practically scrap metal. Going along in this day and age with that in mind as a standard for car reliability though will be a high-priced and unfortunate mistake. A modern car nowadays can quickly go twice as lengthy with regular maintenance, and could do even better than that. Men and women making use of the old frame of reference swiftly give up a 100,000 mile car at a low cost and trade it in for new car. And that puts you, someone in the market for an excellent bargain in a used car, in an excellent place to become in. You know anything the sellers do not. You can expect excellent value if you go to purchase a used car - $5000, and when you aren't a cross-country travelling salesman or anything, you can most likely retain it forever.

Undoubtedly, a pre-owned car is nowhere near as exciting to own - you cannot park it in the driveway and have your neighbors appear approvingly over, and you cannot go out for any celebratory drive immersed in that new car smell. What you'll get in return for giving that up for the 1st three months the car stays new though may be pretty fantastic too. For little much more than the down payment you should put down on a brand new car, about $5000, a very good find would last you far longer than a lot of human organs last. If buying a used car won't help you retain up with the Joneses, it'll undoubtedly help you maintain down with Adamses - proving oneself frugal absolutely has its cachet these days in any social circle.

Let's add up what you save while you select to purchase a used car rather than a brand new one. In the US, your average midsize sedan sells for about $30,000 new, and it's financed for about five many years at about $400 monthly. Should you really spend only $5000 on a car and socked away that $400 every month for those five many years, you'd probably have about $25,000 at the end, with interest. In addition to that, you'd save about $2500 on sales tax (as opposed to $500 whenever you purchase a used car), you save about $300 on registration, you'd save about $500 a year on insurance, and what it does for your peace of mind not trying to protect the finish every time you park it on the street is anything you cannot put a price tag on.

Whenever you make your decision and go out to get that $5000 car, make sure primary which you know a excellent mechanic who can help you preserve a used car for any excellent lengthy although. Without a trusty mechanic at your side, this may be a troublesome experience. Since you do not have the manufacturer's warranty if you purchase a used car, you wish to go to an inexpensive mechanic, not the dealership workshop; and you'd probably do well to know one thing about car repair yourself. And once you've found the best well-maintained used car, you require to make sure you've the time and patience to sustain it. If you in fact go out shopping, try to appear beyond the Accords and also the Camrys. Think about finding a Mazda 626 from 10 to 12 many years ago, a Mazda Miata that's reliable, and effortless to preserve, or a 10-year-old Taurus or Impala.. And even though you're out there, make sure which you do not purchase a car like the Dodge Intrepid that even the used car dealers are wary of.

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Top 4 Best Selling Cars of All Time

Cars are many, but the quality and luxurious ones are very few.So this is the Top 4 Best Selling Cars of All Time.

1. Toyota Corolla ( From 1966- till today)

In the top 1 position among the list of top 4 most sold cars of all time, we have the Toyota's Corolla. More than 35,050,000 units of Toyota Corolla has been sold since its first launch in the year 1966. It was only in 1997 that Corolla gained the name for the best selling car. Because of its huge popularity, Corolla has been through many design changes and spec changes. Corolla is mainly manufactured in Brazil, Japan, China, Canada and Malaysia, and soon the production will begin in USA by the end of 2010. Corolla has won people's heart just by its sheer looks and performance. It still holds the 'best sold car of all time' title.

2. Volkswagen Golf (From 1974- Till today)

Volkswagen was able to pull out another best selling car of all time. Volkswagen Golf, which was first manufactured in the year 1974, happens to be the second highest sold car till date. Selling more than 25,100,000 units since its first launch, Golf has become a common talk. The latest Golf car happens to be the Volkswagen Golf MK6.

3. Volkswagen Beetle (From 1937-2003)

In the third position stands one of the most famous car of Europe and America. The Volkswagen Beetle's production began in 1937 and ended in 2003. In this time frame, Volkswagen group sold close to 21,529,464 units. During the 50s the Volkswagen Beetle was considered to be one of the most luxurious and comfortable car. Volkswagen beetle even replaced a few well known car models in USA. The selling factor of Beetle can be attributed to its design and build quality, as it surpasses all expectations.

4. Ford Escort/Orion (From 1968-2003)

In the fourth position we have the Ford Orion. Ford Orion or Escort's production began way back in 1968, and the production stopped in the year 2003. But within this time frame, Ford was able to sell close to 20 million cars. Ford wanted to make the car for European countries, and they came up with the Ford Orion. Specifically built for Europe; its a Saloon car. It was the time when the saloons were being replaced with the brand new hatchbacks. But Ford Orion sold more because of the features it gave to the owner. It had sunroof, locking, electric windows, tachometer, rear head restraints, and all that you can think of in a modern car.

A Guide To Selling Cars - Determine Car Value Before Selling It

If would like to buy new car, we need to sell old one which still prior used get new car.

Although old, it still has certain sales value. This sales value on the other hand can be used to reduce cost when buy new vehicles.

Below is following guide sell your car.

Old car value

First question you need know was your car sales value? You can obtain it value through motor magazine to estimate market price depend upon model, make and year been produce.

But, should be remembered every car and owner is unique, so they price surely different between one and others.

For example, if your old one in good condition from aspect managing with periodic service decision, never involved with any accident, you on the other hand is first owner, thus you can be contracted higher selling price, relatively owner who did not care for they car nicely and vehicle ownership exceeding two to three owner.

Proper channel to sell car

Second matter on the other hand, How way to sell it? Some of the ways that could be made such as:


Advertise car in newspaper or motor magazine.
advertise car in on-line advertisement (75% sale rate)
Separate word of mouth through partner and family.
Place car in used car distributor.
Trade in with seller when making new car purchase.

Usually, you can be contracted high sales price for old car if yourself act as salesman, because you can frugal through commission cutting or profit imposed by middlemen.

Just that it unpleasant because you should organize appointment to enable buyer see and test drive car. Try to imagine you have to face with fussy buyer so that you reduce sales price with lower and wants to see a car few times.

Through used car distributor, all sales business will be facilitated and various problems would be emerging. But, if used car distributor can sell your car, your car trade in price lesser because imposed commission by used car distributor. You also need to get to know your car market value to prevent cheated by car distributor by giving lower prices from you should. Don't letting distributor in the black higher. As such, negotiate price with more considerate and unanimous so that it profitable for both parties.

Review of the Myvi Perodua, a Malaysian Car

Standing at 1.3 litres of engine capacity, the 'Perodua Myvi' remains the top choice when it comes to buying a car. Especially at entry level, most 'Malaysians' seem to lean towards this particular model. I, myself drive one. And I am about to tell you what it feels like driving one, after 3 months.

I think that it the price of RM40,000 (give and take) for a small car like this is a little overpriced. But, the plus points of the 'Myvi' is its spacious compartments inside. The interior can even cater to a giant 6 footer, I believe. Your head will never have to bump against the roof anymore.

Driving experience when on the 'Myvi' is like driving a 'Mini Cooper' (I have never driven one yet). Power steering makes it effective at turning, with its small dimension. Talking about car size, it is relatively very easy to park. Personally, I do not need to change gears from reverse to drive more than twice. That, I think is the biggest advantage a 1.3 litres capacity car can provide; the small size advantage (yet decent engine performance).

You will need to refuel every 350-400km for RM60 (give and take for 'RON95' petrol). Always diligently applying overdrive only when necessary, inflating tyre pressures to 220kPa, letting the 'Myvi' "roll" most of the time on road; these are some of the practices that make up the statistic for the RM60 fuel price tag. For the overdrive part, the car is driven from 0-60kph(overdrive off). Higher than that speed, I always turn the overdrive on. Long distances can make your 'Myvi' save a lot. Driving a great distance like 200km nonstop on a highway only takes up half of your fuel tank.

Acceleration for the 'Myvi' is rather "poor". As it runs on automatic transmission, that might explain. But, in most cases, I find that switching to 'OD off' helps a ton. Then again, I do not rely on this for overtaking cars. Automatic cars are rather more suited for comfortable and highway and traffic jams driving. Note that I had been driving the 1.3 litres engine capacity cars with manual transmission, where acceleration is the major strength.

Overall, for its price, comfort, maneuverability and capacity, it is worth taking a test drive on the 'Myvi'. It has its own reasons for one of the top national cars here in Malaysia. Although I will never understand its motto at the back that says "Building Cars People First". Good luck.

Why Buying a Used Car is the First Choice For New Drivers

Every year thousands of young people obtain their first driver's license and rush out to buy the car of their dreams...or just a set of wheels to get them from point A to point B. As parents, we want our young people to be in the safest vehicle we can find for them. And because of that, in the past, parents and first-time drivers went to their local new car dealership to buy a new car. Those days are well and far behind us now. The economy dictates that such an extravagance as a brand new car for our young drivers is not a feasible purchase.

A new car has an initial down payment and then, monthly payments which can be close to the cost a an apartment rental. This is not a fair financial assumption for our young people who are just starting out and trying to live on a budget far less than their parents. Then, factor in the auto insurance for this new car and this first-time driver. New drivers are notoriously targeted for the highest in insurance ratings and that new car, along with the high ratings for the driver, just skyrockets your monthly costs.

So, let's keep our feet on the ground and look at an option that has been disregarded for too long a time. When you first think of buying a used car, you worry about all the things that could be wrong with the car and the safety of the vehicle in question. Certainly, if you are buying from the local classified ads, you will need to take extra precautions to ascertain that the vehicle you are interested in is reliable and doesn't need excessive repairs. It is always a wise idea to have the car inspected by your mechanic just to ascertain the mechanical condition.

Another place to find a used car for your first-time driver is at an auction. This could be a government car auction or a public car auction. The rules for both are similar. At either auction type, you will find quite a selection of used vehicles that are generally reaped cars due to financial reasons. Meaning, the owners could not afford to continue making payments on the car or truck and the vehicle was repossessed by the loan originator. Now, these cars sit on the auction lots waiting to be sold at a fraction of their originally cost.

You can easily search for used car auctions online and delve a bit deeper into the types of vehicles and their selling prices at local auctions. This will give you a good idea at what a great discount you can really get a used car for and provide your young driver with a safe, reliable vehicle at a price you can afford.

Toni likes to save money and learned how buying a used car at a car auction at significant discount can get your hands on a great set of wheels.

How to Get a Good Deal When Buying a Used Car

When you're looking at buying a used car for the first time, you will want to know if its value is what is being displayed or asked of by the dealer, and you will need to keep in mind that you may end up paying slightly over the valuation of a car the first time that you buy a used car. You will need to familiarize yourself with information and facts that will put you in a good position to be able to appreciate learning some used car buying tips and be able to negotiate with a dealer to get a better deal.

Knowledge of what Cars are Really Worth

When you are looking at to find out the value of a car, it is not going to be easy to get exact amount for the car, but you should be able to come up with an estimate of the car's value, which should be quite close to the actual value of the used car. If you want to get a good deal when buying a used car and want to do this economically, then you should go into a dealer showroom having the knowledge and information about the value and worth of your car. So, you should know how much you or anyone else should be paying for the car, this is known to many as the market price. You can ascertain the market price of a car through comparison of prices from different sources, there are many different price comparison sites out there to choose from and there will be reviews by people who have bought the model and which cars you are interested in. Here , so you will be able to look at their reviews and conclude Whether it is a good deal at a certain dealership. If you are looking to secure a great bargain with the dealer, then you will need to have the relevant information when you go to meet any such sales person, you will also need to have in mind the market price of the car and if the salesperson can offer you a competitive price.

Budgeting Helps

You will need a budget in mind when looking into buying a car economically, and you should not stretch beyond the price that you can afford to pay out for the car, you do not want to land yourself in a huge amount of debt, or not have extra money to spend on other things. Having a set budget will allow you to focus and overcome the urge to purchase a car because it is at a great price, you should be focusing on getting a bargain for your purchase, but not to end up in a huge amount of debt completing the process. So, when you do enter the dealership, you will not succumb easily to their high pressure sales tactics And thus you will end up parting with less cash than they would have wanted.

A Cheap Price Does not Equal Low Quality

I'm sure you will be looking for a great deal when you go out to to look buying a used car. But, buying a cheap car does mean you are going to end up buying a piece of junk that is worthless and unimportant. Also, it will not mean that your engine will be of poor quality either. What I mean by cheap here is that you are buying a car at a lower value than it actually is valued on the market - it could be that the dealer is wanting to sell the car and wants to sell at such a low price because he knows you will buy the car, and he wants to sell it quickly, albeit at a lower price and commission. Even though you are getting a car at a great price, this does not mean to say that you should compromise on the quality of the vehicle and because the car is of lower quality, you will probably end up paying out much more money in the long run with repair bills.

Do Your Research

Before you go to buy a car, if you complete your homework and research - conducting research and analysis of your chosen car and others market prices - then you will be in a great position to negotiate with the dealer to get the best price available for your car. The sales person will find it very difficult to take you for a ride and 'pull the wool over your eyes' and you will know the current market value and average price that your car should be selling at.

Before going to the showroom Make up your Mind

You will need to be sure that you have a clear picture of what you want to achieve by going to the showroom, and have restrictions on your budget and that you will spend time there. Do not end up buying something which you do not need because of an impulse decision.

Do not Appear Desperate

If you appear to be in desperation, then this will ultimately lead to you purchasing a car in desperation, which will lead to the sales person playing on this desperation, which could leave you heavily out of pocket. You should never appear desperate to buy your first car, when you are looking for or tips on websites and forums, as this will affect your power to buy the right used car for you.

So, you should remember that going to a showroom and talking to a salesperson about buying a car is a negotiation, to ensure you get the best deal for yourself - you will be testing your negotiation skills. You should be able to purchase a cheap car, but, you will need to remember small details to check, such as the log book and record mileage. This will help you review the car's age and previous need for repair, indicating Whether the decision to purchase the car is a good one. When purchasing your first car economically, this does not mean that you should spend very little money, what it means is that you should purchase a quality vehicle at the lowest price possible

fact about used car

A used car, a pre-owned vehicle, or asecond hand car, is a vehicle that has previously had one or more retail owners. used cars are sold through a variety of outlets,including franchise and independent car dealers,rental car companies, leasing offices, auctions, and private party sales. Some car retailers offer "no-haggle prices,"certified used cars, and extended service plan or waranties

Used Car history

In 1898, the Empire State Motor Wagon Company in Catskill, New York is one of the very first United States American used car lots.100 Years of the American Auto Millennium Edition, page 18, Copyright 1999 Publications International, Ltd.

The used vehicle market is substantially larger than other large retail sectors, such as the school and office products market ($206 billion in estimated annual sales) and the home improvement market ($291 billion in estimated annual sales.

Vehicle history reports

In the United States, an estimated 34-percent of consumers (in 2006) are buying vehicle history reports for used cars.www.theautochannel.com Vehicle history reports are an inexpensive way to check the track record of any used vehicle. Vehicle history reports provide customers with a detailed record based on the vehicle's serial number (vehicle identification numberVIN). These reports will indicate items of public record, such as vehicle title branding, lemon law buybacks, odometer fraud and recalls. They may indicate minor/moderate collision damage or improper vehicle maintenance. An attempt to identify vehicles which have been previously owned by hire car rental agencies, police and emergency services or taxi fleets is also made. However, consumers should research vehicles carefully, as these reporting services only report the information to which they have access.

In some places the government is a provider of vehicle history - but this is usually a very limited service providing information on just one aspect of the history.

None of the vehicle history reporting services in any of the countries listed above offer the service for free. Several of the services, most notably those in the United Kingdom and the United States, sell reports to dealers and then encourage the dealers to display the reports on their Internet sites. These reports are paid for by the dealer and then offered for free to potential buyers of the vehicle.

In the UK, the DVLA provides information on the registration of vehicles to certain companies for consumer protection and anti-fraud purposes. The information may be added to by companies with details from the police, finance and insurance companies. Such companies are able to provide a car check online service for the public and motor trade...