Master of Cars

Buying A Fuel-Efficient Car

2011-04-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Whether you buy a new or used vehicle, fuel efficiency--good gas mileage--is high on the list of most buyers' concerns. The difference between choosing a fuel-efficient car or one that guzzles gas, will either save or cost you money over the life of the vehicle, which could be substantial. Fuel efficiency varies widely from one car to the next. Obviously you can check the EPA rating for city/highway MPG on the window sticker, although most of us know the average car never reaches those numbers.

You can also check consumer guides, car magazines and Web sites, Web site forums or ask friends, relatives and co-workers which vehicles they recommend as fuel-efficient cars. Don't buy more car than you need, as larger vehicles generally have bigger engines that are less fuel-efficient. Find the most fuel-efficient car in the size group you're interested in, whether a two-seater, compact, mid-sized, SUV or pickup truck. There are several online sites where you can compare fuel consumption ratings of any car.

Your choice of transmission can also affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Generally, a car with manual transmission is a more fuel-efficient car than one with automatic-assuming you shift properly. And a manual with overdrive, tachometer or shift indicator is the biggest fuel saver, saving up to 10% on fuel costs. If you do buy an automatic, which makes more sense for larger cars, the more gears the better.

Under normal driving conditions, smaller engines offer better fuel efficiency and economy than larger ones. All other things being equal, the larger engine and the more cylinders it has, the more fuel it consumes. Additionally, cars with smaller engines usually cost less and gas costs are lower because you don't need higher octane gas. That doesn't mean a bigger engine is never a good choice. In some cases, a larger, more powerful engine may provide the greater fuel efficiency. If you use your vehicle for work or often tow heavy loads, a smaller engine could burn more fuel if it has to work too hard and function beyond its most fuel-efficient range.

Depending on the type and size of motor vehicle you purchase, you may have the choice of front-wheel, rear-wheel, four-wheel or all-wheel drive. The majority of passenger cars and minivans have front-wheel drive, a design that supplies better traction and more interior room than rear-wheel drive. Although front-wheel drive was originally adopted to improve fuel economy over rear-wheel drive by reducing the weight and size of cars without giving up driving performance or interior space, there's really not much difference in fuel efficiency between the two.

And although four-wheel and all-wheel drive provide better traction and braking in certain driving conditions, the weight and friction of the additional drivetrain parts may increase fuel consumption by up to 10% over a two-wheel drive vehicle. Most often in SUVs and pickup trucks, four-wheel drive is enabled at will by the driver when additional traction is necessary. All-wheel drive is an option on some SUVs and a minority of passenger cars. Full-time all-wheel drive, however, makes for the least fuel-efficient car, because all four wheels are always being driven, drawing power from the engine and thus using more gas.

Another way to be a fuel saver, is by limiting the options you select for your car. You may not have realized that many conveniences from power windows, seats and mirrors to air conditioning and seat warmers decrease fuel efficiency and cost you more in fuel consumption. They add either weight, increase aerodynamic drag or pull extra power from the engine or through the alternator.

Obviously, considering other fuel options such as a hybrid electric car, is another choice for a fuel-efficient car.

Tips to Cheaper Car Insurance

2011-04-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

Car insurance premiums rise year after year,Although your car insurance premium largely depends on your Car, Age and discount there are a few steps you can take to help stop the rise or even reduce your premium.

1. Buy from the internet.
Most companies offer a discount for online applications as this is automated process and costs them a lot less to process your application, you can usually see discounts of 5%-10%.Click here to get a instant online insurance quote

2. Shop around.
All insurance companies use different formulas to calculate your insurance premium by adding or detracting money after each question the ask you.By shopping around you could find big savings on your insurance premium.

3. Buy extra products.
Most insurance companies also do other insurance products ie"Building's and content's insurance".Most insurance companies will give extra discounts for purchasing more than one product,by doing this you could save a fair amount on all your insurance premiums.

4. Pay your insurance premium in one go.
By paying your insurance premium in full you can avoid paying costly interest charges that would be added if you paid your insurance premium by installments.Some insurance companies may charge as much as 15% APR on installments.You may even receive a discount for paying in full.If you can not afford to pay in full check out what rate a small loan would be you may still save some money.Fill out a online loan application

5. Increase your voluntary excess.
Your excess is the amount paid by you in the event of a claim,by increasing this your insurance company should reduce your premium.

6. Lower your annual mileage.
Lowering your annual mileage can reduce your premium,most insurance companies will quote you for around 12,000 miles a year.Try and work out how many mile's you will do if it's likely to be less you may get a discount.Be honest about this as your insurance company may ask to see old MOT'S and service history to verify your mileage in the event of a accident.

7. Take the advanced driving test.
Passing your advanced driving test will show your insurance company that you have extra skill when driving and are less likely to be involved in a accident.

8. Don't inflate the value of your car.
Adding extra value to your car when you apply for your insurance quote will do nothing for you apart from increase you premium.In the event your car is stolen or written off you will only be paid the market value of your car at the time of your accident.

9.Look after your credit rating.
Insurance companies are now looking at your credit score as part of the calculation for your insurance premium.Maintaining a good credit rating could avoid unnecessary additions to your premium.

10. Insure your car Third Party Only.
Third party only is the minimum cover you are required to have by law it's also the cheapest.If your vehicle is of a low value then you could consider this type of cover.You need to remember that with this type of cover if you was to have a accident that any damage to your vehicle would not be covered for repair.

11. Keep a clean license
Insurance companies take driving convictions very seriously and can dramatically increase your car insurance premium,by maintaining a clean licence proves to the insurance you are a safe and careful driver.

12. Remove any unnecessary drivers.
If you have a young driver on your insurance policy that no longer use's the vehicle you should remove them as this will reduce your premium.

13. Young driver's add a older driver.
Some insurance companies will reduce young drivers premiums if they have a older named driver on the insurance.

14. Build up your no-claims discount
One of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premium is the number of years no-claim's discount.You could receive up to 75% discount for around 5 years of no claims.The more years you can stay claim free the safer driver your insurance company will see you as.

15. Protect your no-claims discount.
Although this will increase your insurance premium if you have a lot of years of no-claims you may want to protect this as a small claim may increase your premium by up to 75%.

16. Buy a lower insurance group car.
A very important factor to your insurance premium is what car you drive.Most insurance companies adopt the Association Of British Insurance Group Rating.This rates vehicle's from 1 - 20 generally speaking the higher the group the higher the premium.By buying a car with a lower group rating can lower your premium especially for young or inexperienced drivers.

17. Join a car club.
If your vehicle is a classic or specialist consider joining a club related to your car most clubs offer insurance schemes which have very good premium rates.

18. Put your spouse as a named driver.
Some insurance companies offer discounts when you add a spouse as a named driver as opposed to unmarried couples,they see marriage as a sign of stability and associate stability with safe driving and there for give you a discount.

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Are You In The Market For a Car Loan?

2011-04-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Car loans are a tempting way to purchase a new car. While they provide for easy access to a car, these loans can get quite expensive if you do not know enough about what you are getting into. Simple research will provide you with information that can save you some real expenses. Even if you are getting a used car loan or a car title loan, you need to understand what you are getting into.

Most of the time, when a buyer enters a car dealership, they already have an understanding of what they are looking for in a car and how much they can spend. But, how much research was given to the loan you may be picking up in the process? Choosing this wisely, is key to getting a good deal on a car. To find information, consider looking at different lenders and different dealerships. You do not have to get the loan through the dealership. You may be able to get one, at a lower cost, through your own bank especially if you have developed a good relationship with them.

Being aware of how much the interest rate is like being away of the gas mileage on that new car. You need to ask questions and be prepared with answers. For instance, you may be looking to purchase a used car and therefore would be looking into a used car loan. The car you choose and want to purchase will cost you 5000 paid over the next 5 years. But, what happens 3 years into the picture? The car isn't worth the amount you still owe on it because the interest rate was so high or you didn't make a down payment.

Consider the situation there. You have a loan and a run down car that may or may not have been worth it. Add into this a bad credit used car loan, with even higher interest rates and fees, and you are really hurting.

The car loan you choose should be one that reflects your credit, the car, and your understanding of the loan. Perhaps you can pay an additional amount of money a month, and cut the interest rate down over the course of the loan. Researching your options, good or bad credit, will give you more of an understanding of what's available. Simply check online (or search online) for lenders that can offer you quotes for the type of loan you are looking for. Undoubtedly, you will find many options. You will have companies competing for your business now. Choose wisely, and based on your research.

For More Info about car loans go to this web http://www.a1-loans-4u.com/

Corvette 1984-96 C4 is One of Today's Best Performance-Car

2011-04-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet's brawny plastic-bodied two-seater has long been a dream machine for countless enthusiasts. Today, that dream is more in reach than ever. The fourth generation or "C4" version of these cars are absolute steals on used-car lots.

These potent performers made their debut for 1984, replacing the soft, boulevardier 1968-82 "Shark" design. With vastly improved aerodynamics and extensive use of aluminum in its construction, the C4 was enormously more capable than its predecessor.

Throughout the C4's long production run, practically every model year brought significant improvements, including revised suspension, higher-quality interiors, and new electronic performance aids. Horsepower for 1984 was a somewhat tame 205, but it went up by 25 hp the next year and continued to steadily climb. A convertible was introduced for 1986, and the following year horsepower reached 240.

For 1990, the C4 got a redesigned dashboard, followed a year later with an exterior facelift that included more rounded front- and rear-fascia styling. For 1992, horsepower jumped to 300. From 1990 to 1995, Chevrolet offered the limited-production ZR-1, which was powered by a 375-405hp Lotus-designed V8. Output of the regular small-block-V8 C4 peaked in 1996, at an optional 330hp.

With strong V8 power and exceptional handling, any C4 is a tremendously potent machine, even against some of today's pricier new performance cars. Best of all, you can find loads of good C4s practically anywhere in the U.S. for less than $10,000.

When shopping for a C4, it's best to look for as late a model as you can, to take advantage of the many refinements the design received over the years. The most desirable cars are the 1992 and later ones. Besides having considerably more power, their softer styling is less 1980s "high-tech" and thus doesn't look as dated at this point.

Early C4 coupes (1984-91) show up by the truckload for less than eight grand, with a fair number of them listing for under $5000. But realistically, you should expect to pay $6000 or more for a decent one. Scrounge up at least another thousand or two on top of that if you have your heart set on a good 1992-96. As for ZR-1s, forget about 'em -- they currently sell for about $25-$40k.

Convertibles command about a 30-percent premium over equivalent coupes, which basically puts the 1992-96 rag tops out of our $10k Budget-Speed cap. Earlier convertibles, however, are still within range.

So while the performance-car world is drooling over new C6s or shopping for used C5s, these cars' fine predecessor is going for clearance-sale prices. And that's great for you -- a good used C4 can offer more thrills per dollar than most performance cars, making them well worth a look.

For more about affordable performance cars, along with drive-test articles on today's hottest sports cars, sport compacts, and muscle cars, go to http://www.autiv.com/

Guide to Cleaning Car

2011-04-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

"It looks like new! I can't believe that car's seven years old!" Would you like to hear that from your friends? I'm sure all of us do, but keeping our car looking like the latest models is tough, even with today's longer-lasting finishes.

However, if we adopt simple techniques such as cleaning out cars regularly and attending minor repairs immediately, the results can be remarkable. Some car owners think rainwater is the only enemy to their car, but bird droppings, highway bugs, atmospheric pollution and road salt can also ruin the beauty of your car.

Many owners think fighting these ever-diligent adversaries is a daunting task, so they don't usually bother, but truthfully, it's easier than they think.

Step 1: Washing
First, spray water gently to thoroughly wet the surface of the vehicle. This light rinse helps to loosen the dirt on the vehicle. Then divide your car into five sections: the top, the hood, the trunk, the right side and the left side. Start from the top, move on to the hood and the trunk, and then concentrate on the right side and the left side. Washing should always be done very gentle such that the dirt will not scratch the body of your car. Re-wet and then rinse each section, finishing in the same order- top, hood, trunk and sides.

Step 2: Polishing
Polishing should only be done a small section at a time. Add an even coating of polish onto a towel, and then apply to the vehicle surface gently in small, even and circular motions. Start at the top and working your way down to the trunk and hood, finally ending with the sides. The polish should be allowed to sit on the paint surfaces for at least five to ten minutes. After this time, remove the residue with a different cotton towel by pressing firmly on the surfaces. The same procedure may be applied to all other four sections.

Step 3: Waxing
Use a soft and clean terry cloth towel to apply wax to a small section of the car. The application of wax to the car can be done similar to how polishing has been carried out. The only difference is you should wait until the wax has dried to a slight haze. If you're really striving, repeat the whole process again, adding a second coat of wax to the vehicle.

And there you have it! You've removed the dirt and grime; polished away the small spots and scratches; and added another layer of protection to your vehicle's finish. By now your car should glitter like it did the first day you got it. Don't forget the last step - show off your car!

The Best Time to Buy A Car

2011-01-28T03:39:00.000-08:00

When's the Best Time To Buy A Car?
We'll probably have to agree to disagree, but I don't necessarily think it's at the "end of the month" is the answer to the "when's the best time to buy a car" question any more. Don't get me wrong, when you're buying a car at retail ( a new or used one), going on the last day of the month when the shop is trying to reach it's quota may be in your best interests.

I remember buying a used Honda Accord once.
I showed up on the last day of the month and the last day of the quarter. It was also just a few hours before closing time. I didn't realize it until the salesman started sweating and complaining about it as if I was some kind of car buying shark! I'm not sure I got any kind of super deal, but at least the salesman acted as if I had some kind of leverage and that I was using some kind of "insider knowledge" that dictated the best time to buy a car.

You can see their point though.
Near month end and quarter's end, the number crunchers are hard at work bewailing the lack of sales. So the sales manager is trying to rouse the sales people into greater productivity so they can all get their bonus.

But I repeat the question. Is waiting till the last day of the month in the last few hours of the day the ABSOLUTE best time to buy a car?

Nowadays I'd say NO.

Why is that?
Because I don't believe in buying a car at RETAIL at all if I can help it! Call me cheap, but I'd like to buy perfectly serviceable, BUT DIRT CHEAP cars sold at rock bottom... up to 90% off in some cases.

So now my answer to when the best time to buy a car is... "At Auction!"
Whether it's a government auction from the local sheriff who's seized cars from drug dealers, an IRS auction, government vehicles that have 50,000 more miles but are forced to be sold by local policy, bank repossessions, or a car dealer's auction where some auto insider has to go with you, I'm convinced that the best time to buy a car is always at an auto auction!

Here are the reasons...
Let's take an auction from the finance company of a major manufacturer..

You've got a nearly new car. The previous driver took the "depreciation hit".
You're probably going to get a new warranty for at least 3 months - or save enough to purchase your own "extended warranty" if you are worried the car will fall apart on you.
You're going to probably get excellent "new car" financing rates on a used car just to get it off the lot.

Why all the goodies?
The company may have already completely written off the previous transaction as a "complete loss".
If so, they consider whatever they can get from you to be 100% profit!

Let's take a government auction... either from a drug dealer or an IRS seizure.
Why might these opportunities be the best time to buy a car?
Remember the drug enforcement officers and the IRS have NO COST BASIS in the car.
They're in the same position as the finance company that's written off their loss.
Like the finance company, the government agency selling items at auction have 100% to gain.
It's "found money" to them whether they make $1,000 or $10,000. Sure they'd like as much as possible on any given day, but they'll take the money and run.
So the best time to buy a car for these agencies is "any time they have an auction" as long as the car is something you can use or something you can quickly sell at a profit.

This isn't brain surgery. It's just basic economics.
The answer to the question "when's the best time to buy a car" is simple economics.

Do you prefer to buy at RETAIL or WHOLESALE? In other words, do you want to pay what the average person pays, including years of interest and face the risk of massive depreciation and being "upside down" on your loan (this is when you buy a new car that depreciates so fast when you go to trade it in, the car has no trade in value)? Or do you want to buy a car at wholesale prices, like a dealer, and save thousands on not only the purchase price, but thousands of dollars in interest payments if you get a loan?
If you prefer to buy at retail, then by all means the best time to buy a car is at the end of the month in the closing hours of the day (and preferably the quarter).
If you prefer to buy at wholesale instead of retail, then the best time to buy a car is at auction.

Let's say it together! When's the Best Time To Buy A Car? At Auction!

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Written by: Chuck Huckaby
Chuck Huckaby writes the Work At Home Business Opportunities Blog and http://www.1stHowToWorkAtHome.com and http://www.1st-WorkFromHomeJobs.com

Financing Your New Or Used Car

2010-11-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you decide to finance your car, be aware that the financing obtained by the dealer, even if the dealer contacts lenders on your behalf, may not be the best deal you can get. Contact lenders directly. Compare the financing they offer you with the financing the dealer offers you. Because offers vary, shop around for the best deal, comparing the annual percentage rate (APR) and the length of the loan. When negotiating to finance a car, be wary of focusing only on the monthly payment. The total amount you will pay depends on the price of the car you negotiate, the APR, and the length of the loan.

Sometimes, dealers offer very low financing rates for specific cars or models, but may not be willing to negotiate on the price of these cars. To qualify for the special rates, you may be required to make a large down payment. With these conditions, you may find that it’s sometimes more affordable to pay higher financing charges on a car that is lower in price or to buy a car that requires a smaller down payment.

Before you sign a contract to purchase or finance the car, consider the terms of the financing and evaluate whether it is affordable.
Some dealers and lenders may ask you to buy credit insurance to pay off your loan if you should die or become disabled. Before you buy credit insurance, consider the cost, and whether it’s worthwhile. Check your existing policies to avoid duplicating benefits

Most people do not realise that they have capital locked up in their property which could be used for buying that special car of their dreams.

Release the capital tied up in your home with a home owner loan. The loan can be used for any purpose, and is available to anyone who owns their home. Home loans can be used for any purpose such as, new car, home improvements, pay of store card or credit card debt and debt consolidation.

Home owner loans are available for practically any reason. One of the most common types of home owner loans on offer are debt consolidation loans where the objective is to reduce monthly outgoings to a more manageable amount.

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Written by: John Mussi
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online secured loan via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk .

Tips and Quality Replacement Parts

2010-11-26T01:00:00.001-08:00

Auto Parts Inner Offers Preventive Car Maintenance Tips and Quality Replacement Parts for Ford, BMW, Toyota, Honda Chevrolet and More

Believing that prevention is still better than cure, Auto Parts Inner offers preventive maintenance tips to a lot of car users in order to avoid common car problems, frequent repair and car part replacement and thus, prolong the life of their vehicle.

Auto Parts Inner suggests a regular inspection of the vehicle's major and minor parts, including the cooling system, engine system, ignition systems and the electrical system components.

It is also important to check all fluids in your car such as the transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid. They must be kept in normal level to ensure your safety.

Furthermore, you must make sure that the wheels are properly aligned and the tires are well inflated to ensure safety, better handling and ride quality.

In addition, Auto Parts Inner provides a wide selection of auto parts for your car part replacement needs. This store provides wide array of Ford parts, Toyota parts, Chevy parts, Mercedes Benz parts, GMC parts,Mazda parts, Honda parts, BMW parts and so much more.

Car part replacement is inevitable in your car's maintenance since all auto parts of the vehicle are subject to wear and tear and malfunctioning; thus, they need to be upgraded, repaired or replaced in order for the vehicle to function normally or more effectively.

Among the auto parts that wear out fast or gets frequently damaged are the body panels and other exterior parts such as the bumper, the door, the tailgate, and the wheels, including the tires. They are exposed to a lot of corrosive elements, which speed up formation of rust.

Sometimes, accidents happen and they too cause a lot of trouble to your vehicle no matter how much you have cared for your auto. The bumpers and the fender usually bear the brunt of the accident; thus, minor accidents are usually called fender benders. In most instances you need to replace them to restore the vehicle's gutsy looks and excellent safety.

Auto Parts Information offers top quality bumpers, fenders and fender flares like the OEM-quality Ford bumpers, Toyota bumpers, Chevy fenders and BMW grilles.

Other parts of the car that need to be checked include the radiator, auto lights, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, alternator, battery and other cooling, electrical and exhaust system parts. These auto parts perform very vital and difficult tasks and so they are also prone to abuse. They need to be checked every now and then as well.

Should you need replacement parts such as Chevy exhaust manifold, Toyota catalytic converter, BMW A/C condenser, Honda radiators, you can come and visit Auto Parts Inner. This store offers only top rated auto parts for almost all makes and models, including passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and minivans.

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Written by: Terry Brown
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.

Buying A New Car

2010-11-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

The cost of a new car nowadays equals about what my parents paid for their first home. It's not a purchase to be taken lightly. You want to do everything possible to ensure you get a great deal.
Never rush your decision. If you are completely without transportation, rent a vehicle until you find the right car. When you rush a purchase, you usually end up on the losing end of the deal.
Thanks to the Internet, you can uncover the typical retail cost of a specific make and model. With a little digging, you can find out the wholesale cost as well. This information makes you a powerful negotiator.

You want a win-win situation with the car dealership. They need to make some profit, and you need to feel you paid a fair price. It's fair to negotiate to a price that's $500 above dealer cost or about 20% off the sticker price. So take along your calculator when you shop.
If the only cars on the lot have expensive options you don't care for, you might want to order a car to your specifications. You might wait a bit, but will save money on options you don't need.

Check with the dealership to see if you can return the car if you don't like it. I did this once. The car I purchased ended up less comfortable than my old car, so the next morning I took it back for my check and my trade-in. Many dealerships now offer this option.
You may have heard the advice to shop the last day of the month for better deals. It's true that you might get a better deal from a salesman then.

As far as trade-ins go, do your research here, too. Knowing the value of your old car makes it easier to negotiate a better price for it. Try not to talk about a trade-in possibility until you get a purchase price.
I researched the value of my little red Corolla and found that it was $3500. One dealership offered me $1200 because "they'd have to repaint it". Another dealership offered me $3500 and complimented me on taking such good care of the engine. Stick to your guns when it comes to getting the value of your trade-in, especially if you’ve had your car serviced regularly.

You may want to advertise your older car and sell it privately. Typically you can get a better price this way, but it may take a little time.
A service contract will likely be brought into the negotiation. The consumer information I've read discourages buying an extra contract on a new car, as it's not likely a problem will occur during the first months of use.
Whatever you do, always read the fine print of any contract before signing it. Ask a bazillion questions about what certain phrases mean if you don’t understand something.

Simply because the car just rolled off the factory line doesn’t mean you should buy it without asking questions. Keep on your toes during the negotiation process. There’s nothing like the thrill of getting a new car AND creating a win-win situation for you and the dealer.

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Written by: Simon Harris
Please visit car audio shopper for more tips and articles.

Solution to Your Common Car Problems

2010-11-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

Like all of us, cars occasionally get sick as well; thus, they need to be regularly checked and maintained to keep them in proper working condition as much as possible. Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape and condition--whether it's a regular passenger car, a truck, a sport utility or a van--may require you to change some of its auto parts, especially if your vehicle is an older model. Car parts wear out over time so you would need to upgrade them or replace them with higher quality parts.

This is where Auto Parts Deal can be of great help to you. This leading auto parts dealer provides the best options for your replacement part needs. The store offers top of the line BMW parts, Mercedes Benz parts, Ford truck parts, Chevrolet parts and so much more. Whether you are in need of auto parts to upgrade your auto, enhance its looks or simply to replace worn out or faulty parts, you can count on Auto Parts Deal.

Aside from top quality automotive products, you can find here the best deals even on hard to find auto parts for older vehicles. All parts are sourced from the top auto parts manufacturers so be confident that you are getting no less than the best and perfect-fit auto parts for your auto.

Today's featured products include OEM-quality body and exterior auto parts like hood, bumpers, doors, fender, spoilers, wheels and headlights. These parts are exposed to a lot of damaging factors so they need to be properly maintained. The wheels specially are the ones closest to the road so they must be kept in perfect condition all the time.

Explore the store's web site to know more of these products and also for you to see Auto Parts Deal's wider range of auto parts. Meanwhile, you can check the following automotive information, which you may need as you maintain your vehicle.

Auto Parts Deal imparts to you some technical know-how on common car problems. Before you proceed to buy your replacement parts, check if these signs and symptoms are present in your car's systems and parts.

Overheating. You would know your car is overheating when steam starts to billow from your engine compartment. There are many reasons why a car overheats; one could be the lack of water and coolant in the cooling system. Furthermore, there could be some damages to the cooling system parts like the radiator, the water pump and the gaskets. Your car may also be overloaded so you need to unload some of your cargoes.

In case you need replacement radiators, you can go to Auto Parts Deal. Available are hard wearing and high quality Ford radiators, Chevrolet radiators,GMC radiators, Jeep radiators and Honda radiators.

Starting Failure. If your engine fails to start, there could be something wrong with the ignition system. The starter could be damaged and needs to be replaced. Also, check the fuel filter. Even when not specified in your manual, you need to replace the fuel filter often, not just clean it, to ensure that your engine is getting clean fuel for combustion. This further ensures your vehicle's maximum performance.

Brake failure. If your brake fails to hold and you hear screeching sound, better go to a mechanic immediately and have your brake checked. Faulty brakes are among the major causes of car accidents so don't wait for another day to go to a repair shop. Moreover, check your tires and wheels.

Replacement wheels can be bought at Auto Parts Deal as well. Re-manufactured and new alloy and steel wheels with or without hubcaps, including best quality Jeep wheels, Mazda wheels, BMW wheels and Toyota wheels are available.

Rust and Corrosion. Over time, some parts of your car may wear out due to rust. This is especially true to body panels, including the doors, the hood, and the fenders. Rust is not good for your car since it could depreciate the value of your vehicle. The best way to avoid it is to clean your vehicle regularly.

If your body parts have been severely damaged by rust, you may have no other choice but to replace them. Keeping them good looking is a must, especially if still wish to resell it in the future in case you would want to buy a new and more up-to-date model. You can check out the store's featured exterior parts and body panels such as Toyota doors, Ford hood and Honda fender.

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Written by: Sarah McBride
As a manager of one of the largest auto stores in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotive in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.

Mazda MX-5 Miata-Freewheeling Youth of the Sports

2010-11-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

Mazda has done it again. First, they reinvigorated the sports car market a decade and a half ago with the introduction of the Miata for 1990. Then the company followed that up with a redesigned version that was good enough to make Miata the biggest-selling sports car in history.

Now, for 2006, they've topped that with a third-generation Miata that's as sophisticated as far more expensive sports cars, despite keeping its reasonable low-20-thousand-dollar price tag.
Compared to the two previous versions, the 2006 MX-5 Miata is a little larger in most dimensions, and gains about 50 pounds. It continues with its four-cylinder engine but now it's a 170-hp 2.0-liter instead of a 142-hp 1.8.

Slipping into the interior, it's obvious that Mazda's junior sports car has grown a bit. Instead of the window sills having a sort of elbow-height feeling, you now feel as though you're sitting low in the car, instead of sitting on it. Along with the cabin's extra room comes a more upscale look to the interior. Although still not exactly plush feeling, the new Miata replaces its predecessors' retro spartan style with a somewhat more opulent look. The leather seats are both easy on the eyes and posterior. The convertible top has a cloth surface and a glass rear window, and it folds neatly into a smooth bunch that latches down to form a smooth profile without a separate cover.

Overall, the cabin pleases in both design and execution. There's a subtle, high-quality feel to it that speaks of cars costing far more than our tester's $25,000 sticker price.

Firing the engine up brings forth a sporty purr that's maybe a tad more subdued than Miatas past, but nonetheless satisfying. Once rolling, planting your foot into the gas yields one of the bigger delights of the new Miata. The engine feels somewhat stronger than its power rating might imply, providing gutsy acceleration at low speeds and very nice passing power without downshifting. It never feels high-strung or fussy.

Complementing that pleasure is the shifter. Traditionally a strong suit of Miatas past, the new version continues to be noteworthy. Although not quite as pleasingly mechanical feeling as before, the shifter is precise, with appropriate springing and well-defined gates. Tying it all together are pedals that are well spaced for easy heel-and-toe downshifts.

Once acclimated to the new Miata's basic control personality, it's time to tackle some twisty roads. And you'll quickly find that this aspect of the new car is where the new Miata differs the most from its predecessors.

While the generation-one and -two Miatas were well known for having low handling limits and almost toylike tossability, the new Miata feels heftier, more serious, and obviously more capable. In earlier Miatas the idea of slipping and sliding the rear end was as obvious and basic as putting the top down on a sunny day -- Miata practically begged for such exuberance behind the wheel.

The new Miata responds to such tail-happy shenanigans with all the control and communication of Mazda's earlier little sprites. But now the car just doesn't seem to ask for it with such a strong voice. This version's vastly higher grip and more potent engine instead make it happier with high corner-entry speeds and smooth, even steering-wheel inputs.

Those things said, this Miata is really happy in that environment. Whereas previous Miatas tended to have a wild, freewheeling personality on winding roads, the new version hauls through turns as if locked onto rails, with minimal body lean and very high limits that aren't as easy to upset.

It's still terrific fun. It's just a little different kind of fun.

It's clear that Mazda has once again crafted a true little gem of a sports car. There's not a squeak or rattle to be heard, the engine has a smooth, almost exotic personality, and the driving controls are precise and solid. You find yourself double checking the sticker to see if this is really a $25,000 sports car -- plenty of rivals costing $15k more than Miata don't get these things much (if any) better.

As for how this new Miata design overall compares to its predecessors, picture a guy that was lovable but slightly over-eager in college. Now he's been out in the real world for few years and maybe gotten a graduate degree.

He's not really the same guy anymore, but he commands more respect. And he's still a whole lot of fun to be around.

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Written by: David Bellm
For more articles on sports cars, muscle cars, and other high-performance automobiles go to http://www.autiv.com/
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Car Care for Winter Season

2010-11-22T08:11:00.000-08:00

As the weather turns colder, it is time to think about your car for a second. A little preparation can go a long way to making your winter travels a lot safer. Here is a checklist to get you started.

Check the antifreeze. The freezing point can be checked with a simple tool available at any auto parts store. Make sure you check the antifreeze when it's cool. Opening a hot radiator can be a dangerous thing.
Check the air pressure in your tires. As the air gets cooler pressure drops in your tires. Maintaining your tire pressures will reward you with higher gas mileage and longer tire life.
Make sure you have the following items in your car. Ice Scraper. Salt or sand for traction. Blanket in case you are stranded and need to keep warm. Good first aid kit (not just for winter). Road flares.

Check all belts and hoses. As the temperature drops rubber tends to stiffen and break allot easier. Make sure all your rubber hoses and belts are in tip-top shape.
Treat your gas tank to a can of gas line antifreeze before the cold weather strikes. The additive will remove any water in the system and prevent your fuel lines from freezing.
Check your tires for wear. Make sure you have plenty of tread left to get you through the snow. Nothing is worse than 3" of snow and bald tires.

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Written by: Kevin Schappell
A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com

Fuel Saving Tips

2010-11-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

Fuel Tips For Your Car
If you're buying a new car, it's an obvious no brainer that a large SUV vs. a fuel efficient sports car is going to be less costly at the pump. Knowing how many miles per gallon you can get will save you a lot of cash. The difference between a car that gets 20 miles per gallon vs. one that gets 30 can save you $550 a year. ($2,200 in four years) That might make for a decent vacation. I'm sure you deserve one. Keep in mind similar compact cars can still have a wide range from 21 mpg to 48 mpg. Of course you want the highest number.

Tips that add up
Ok, so you have a small Toyota, or you're already stuck with a larger full size model/SUV, here are some additional ways to save everyday.

Clean out your trunk! Don't carry around those golf clubs, or stroller. (I used to keep my real estate yard signs in my trunk) Store it in the garage. Removing excess weight from your vehicle can improve your gas mileage. In fact, carrying around an extra 100 lbs. of weight can cost you an additional 2 cents per gallon.
Replace clogged air filters. This can save you approx. 10%. Your car's air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine. This is especially true if you drive in the city.
SLOW DOWN! Try to pay attention to the speed you pick up while approaching a red light. We don't often consider it while on the phone, or day dreaming. The majority of drivers actually drive to the red light keeping up with the flow of traffic. (When it's red, roll) Why have a race to the light? The same applies in bumper to bumper traffic and a line at a stop sign. It's actually amazing how many people press on the gas pedal to move a few feet in traffic. It's hard to remember this, because we're set on auto pilot. I call this getting "Nowhere fast." The less contact with that pedal the better. It all adds up.
Don't forget to keep your tires inflated to the right pressure. Under- inflated tires can lower your gas mileage.
Find a buddy. Not only can driving to work be a hassle, but it can be lonely too. So why not pair up with a fellow commuter and share the cost? A 40 mile total daily commute costs about $2,600 per year. Ridesharing with one other person can save you $1,300. Double the figure for an 80 mile total daily commute. It's something to think about even just a few days a week.

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Written by: Cecilia Sherrard
Please read my other articles and information at http://www.realtyone.com/c.sherrard

Things to Know before Rent a Car

2010-11-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

The ubiquity of the internet today means that you can do most things without leaving your desk – it also means that when making a trip, you can organize your car rental in advance in almost any location in the world, so that when you arrive, you can simply pick up your pre-booked car and go. To ensure that you car rental experience goes completely smoothly, there are a few things you should bear in mind before you even log on to that car rental website.

Decide before you book a car who exactly will be driving during your trip – a car rental does not usually allow you switch drivers without a previous arrangement, so decide in advance whether one person will do all the driving or if you and a partner might take turns at the wheel. Having the wrong person in the driving seat might have implications on your insurance.

And always make sure that you have insurance. This can be arranged through your existing insurance company – ask whether your existing insurance will cover your rental car. Regardless of the type of car you decide to hire, don’t skimp on insurance – it simply isn’t worth the risk.

Depending on the nature of your trip, you will probably have particular requirements in your car rental – so decide before booking what features you will need in a car. How many passengers will there be, will you be carrying a lot of luggage? While a fast and exotic car might be great for impressing clients on a one man or woman business trip, it isn’t quite so appropriate for long haul driving with the kids! Ensure that you car you select has plenty of room for both passengers and luggage, and meets any other special requirements you might have.

Don’t forget when hiring a rental car to bring all the appropriate documentation with you – this is not the time to forget your driver’s license! It is also a good idea to bring a copy of the rental agreement in the car with you, just in case the police at any point stop you. And perhaps most importantly when renting a car in an unfamiliar location – don’t forget the map!

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Written by Carl Spanier

You can visit his website at Car Rental Resources

Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance (2)

2010-11-07T03:43:00.000-08:00

Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Part 1

8. Keep a clean driving record
This may be easier said than done. However, by having few or preferably no driving convictions, you can avoid being penalized by increases in your car insurance premium. Getting caught with a speeding fine is often not the only financial penalty you incur. Insurance companies take very seriously all driving convictions and it is usually an important part of their rating process. You can expect an increase in the cost of your insurance if you do get caught with a driving conviction, so it pays to be a safe driver.

9. Keep claim free
This ties in neatly with number 8 above. The biggest factor affecting the cost of your car insurance premium is how many No Claims Bonus Years you have. Full No Claims Bonus is generally considered by most companies to be five years or more, this can give you huge discounts, in some cases up to 75%. By being a safe driver and avoiding potential claims, you can continually benefit by building up your number of claim free years. Every additional No Claims Bonus year you get, the lower your car insurance cost should be. Some companies give you the option of paying a bit more on your premium to protect your No Claims Bonus.

10. Be realistic about the value of your car
Most of us have an inflated view as to what our car is worth. When asked the value of your vehicle during the insurance quotation process, people will often state an amount that is unrealistic and above the real value of the car. People do this as they believe that this is what they will get back from the insurance company in the event of a claim. The reality is that the company will only pay out what the car is worth at the time of the claim and not what you stated for the quote. In fact, by giving a high and unrealistic value, you can increase your car insurance premium as this is often a factor affecting your final price.

11. Remove unnecessary named drivers
Additional drivers on your policy usually mean a higher premium. A lot of people add a number of extra drivers on the policy just in case that person needs to drive the car. However, having all these drivers will push up the cost. By only naming drivers on the policy that will definitely driver the car, you can lower the final cost. If you find that an unnamed driver needs to drive the vehicle then most companies will allow you to temporarily add a new named driver for a small cost.

12. Improve your car security
Theft of and from your vehicle are important considerations when insurance companies calculate your price. Most companies will give you a discount for having better security of your vehicle. An alarm and immobiliser will usually attract a small discount whilst having a tracker device installed may give you a larger reduction. Some companies may insist on having such devices installed on more expensive and desirable cars before they even consider offering you a price.

13. Take an advanced driving test
Although not compulsory, taking an advanced driving test can not only improve your driving skills but also help to lower your car insurance premium. Some companies look favorably on people who have taken the advanced test as it shows commitment to safe driving thus lowering the chance of having a motoring accident.

14. Pay your premium in one go
By paying for your car insurance all in one go, you can avoid paying additional interest charges that would be added on if you opted to pay by installments. The interest charges can be quite significant, so if your finances allow, you can save a good amount of money by paying for the whole lot up front. In some cases, companies may even give you a small discount for doing this.

15. Get married
Okay so this may seem like a dramatic final way to lower your premium. However, a number of insurance companies offer lower premiums when your named drivers are insured and spouse as opposed to two unmarried drivers. Some companies believe that this shows an element of stability which is a hallmark of safer drivers and give you a discount on this basis.

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Written by: Andrew Bowen
Andrew Bowen is the CEO of Accept Direct Limited. Accept Direct sell low cost UK car insurance through their website http://www.acceptdirect.co.uk

Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance

2010-11-07T03:38:00.000-08:00

1. Shop around
The difference in price between various companies can be significant. What one company may consider a high risk factor another company may not view as so important. Insurance companies arrive at a price for your car insurance by adding or discounting money after each answer you give to the questions they ask you. Each company has its own rules as to what they consider should increase or decrease your premium. By shopping around you get a better list of prices to compare.

2. Buy a lower group car
One of the important factors that insurance companies take into account is of course your vehicle. There are thousands of different cars on the road so companies divide them up into groups. Most companies will adopt the ABI (Association of British Insurers) group rating. This splits up vehicles into 20 different groups. Generally speaking the higher the group rating for your vehicle, the higher your premium will be. Some companies may also combine your driving experience with the vehicle group to get a better idea of how high the risk is. This is one of the reasons why young drivers should consider buying a lower group car if they want to lower their insurance cost.

3. Consider Third Party Only cover
A Third Party Only insurance policy is the minimum amount of cover legally required - it is also the cheapest. Generally speaking you should consider opting for this type of policy if your vehicle is of low value. In the unfortunate event of having an accident, any damage to a third party vehicle will be covered but any damage to your vehicle is not. However, if your vehicle is of little value then you may not be too concerned. It may not be worth paying extra for a Fully Comprehensive policy in these circumstances.

4. Maintain a good credit rating
More and more insurance companies are adopting credit scoring techniques as part of the overall calculation of your car insurance premium. By keeping a good credit history you may avoid any additional premium that companies add to your price for having a bad credit score.

5. Buy on the web
Many insurance providers now offer some good discounts for buying the policy over the internet. The theory is that by purchasing your insurance over the web, you are saving the company money by not requiring telesales agent time and incurring free-phone costs. This saving is passed on to you in the form of a discount for buying online. If you have got prices by telephone then check your quote again on their website, you may be surprised at how much cheaper it is.

6. Have a higher voluntary excess
During the quotation process you will be asked how much voluntary excess you want to have. Insurance companies will generally include a compulsory excess amount on the policy but give you the opportunity to increase this if you wish. The more the voluntary excess the lower your premium should be. However, in the event of a claim, you will have to pay a higher amount yourself, up to the total amount of excess on your policy.

7. Reduce your annual mileage
How many miles you do a year is a common question that can affect your car insurance premium. The more miles you do the more your premium is likely to be. Quotation systems and telephone agents will often suggest an amount of miles for you. Try and work out how many miles you will genuinely do. It may be less than the amount suggested. Of course, you should always give an honest answer to this and other questions.

Get a cheap UK car insurance quote from http://www.acceptdirect.co.uk

Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Part 2

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Written by: Andrew Bowen
Andrew Bowen is the CEO of Accept Direct Limited. Accept Direct sell low cost UK car insurance through their website http://www.acceptdirect.co.uk

How To Finance Your Dream Car

2010-11-07T03:29:00.000-08:00

Have you thought about getting a better car? Ever thought of driving your own sports car? Want to purchase the latest car model?

Why wait when you can do so now! Most people do not realize that they have capital locked up in their property which could be used for buying that special car of their dreams.

Release the capital tied up in your home with a home owner loan. The loan can be used for any purpose, and is available to anyone who owns their home. Home loans can be used for any purpose such as, new car, home improvements, pay of store card or credit card debt and debt consolidation.

Home owner loans are available for practically any reason. One of the most common types of home owner loans on offer are debt consolidation loans where the objective is to reduce monthly outgoings to a more manageable amount.

A UK Home Owner Loan is great if you want to raise a large amount; are having problems getting an unsecured loan; or have a poor credit history. Many lenders look more favorable on people who are home owners as this demonstrates a commitment to repay a large amount of money over a long period.

A UK Home Owner Loan is a cheap, low cost, loan secured on your UK home. It frees up the equity in your home for you to use on whatever you want.

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Written by: John Mussi
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online secured loan via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Audi Car Parts

2010-11-07T03:22:00.000-08:00

Audi car parts are supplied by the company for its thousands of valuable customers all over the nation and the world. Customers can purchase Audi car parts through out the nation from the authorized dealers and franchise for replacing their vehicle's aging components. The company encourages its dealers to provide Audi car parts to its customers at the original value.

Most of the people consider owning an Audi luxury car as a prestige symbol. And when you purchase a brand new Audi car, you need not have to worry for several years as everything will be checked and cleared by the manufacturing company. Your vehicle will perform well for many years as your car and its mechanics will surely go fine without any problem. Hence there is no question of Audi car parts.

But when you use your car for a long time your car parts comes to breaks down and you will be forced to replace your old car part with new Audi car part. This is applicable with any vehicle as no car parts possible survive during the entire life time of a car. Also is the case when you have a rough ride on the highway or a small crash which will result in a broken bumper or a damage of your vehicle axle. In any of the case you have to replace your damaged Audi car part with a new Audi car part. Mostly in the situation you will be searching for an Audi car part dealer to buy the necessary Audi car part.

The company, as a part of their on road support for the sold Audi cars, sells Audi car parts through its numerous authorized Audi car part dealers and service stores. The list of the Audi car parts available in the stores is far long and exhaustive. You can replace any of your old Audi car parts with a brand new one. Some example of the Audi car parts available in the stores include axles, brakes, catalytic converters, transmissions, headlights, fuel pumps, radiator and wishbones. All these Audi car parts are tested by the company for quality and better performance.

When you are about to purchase Audi car parts make sure that you know the model of you Audi car. This is because each Ford car parts comes to suit a definite model, hence knowing the make and model of your vehicle is important while purchasing Audi car parts. Purchasing a correct Audi car part to your vehicle will ensure better performance and comfort.

Another important factor a customer has to keep in mind is that, nowadays there are lots of fraudulent Audi car parts available in the stores. So it is always better to make sure that you are purchasing the original Audi car parts. Though it is true that fraudulent Audi car parts will be available at a cheaper rate, it cannot provide you the same quality and performance an original Audi car part can provide. Hence make sure that you are purchasing an original Audi car part provided by the company. Try to purchase Audi car parts from any authorized dealers or franchises. Check the company site to know the list of authorized dealers in your town. After all, an authentic Audi car part will ensure your vehicle a much long life and quality performance.

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Written by: Saurya Ghosal
Saurya Ghosal for http://www.autopartsstoresonline.com

How to Choosing Car Stereo

2010-11-07T03:04:00.000-08:00

Choosing a car stereo can be a complicated and difficult task, especially for individuals with little knowledge on the subject. This process requires extensive research in order to determine you are receiving the best deal possible. Before going to a car stereo dealer, you may want to review and understand all the components of a car stereo. This way, you can personally choose which components you would like for your car. The following is a list of the basic components of a car stereo:

Decks - Car stereos cannot function without a deck. A deck constitutes any piece of equipment ranging from cassette decks and CD players to MP3s and mini discs. The deck is considered the glue that holds the car stereo together. The deck controls the overall output of the sound and allows you to control the music being played. All car stereo decks have a minimum 4-channel output for your speakers. If you want more power than what your speakers alone can hold, you may want to consider purchasing an amplifier.

Amplifiers – Amplifiers provide the power needed to blast the music in your car. The more powerful your amplifier is, the louder the sound system is going to be. An amplifier can have anywhere from 1 to 7 channels. The number of channels in your amplifier is the number of speakers you can hookup in a series circuit.

Speakers – Speakers are where the sound from the stereo is emitted. Different types of speakers are designed to produce different frequencies. Higher frequencies provide the capacity for more sound and produce a higher level sound as well. The efficiency of the speakers is what will determine how far the sound will travel. If you want the sound to travel far, you will need speakers with a higher frequency.

Sub woofers – Every high-tech car stereo system should have a sub-woofer. Sub-woofers complete the sound by providing high efficiency of low frequencies, through the bass. In other words, the sub woofer is the piece of equipment which makes the car vibrate. A sub-woofer needs to be enclosed in either a box or possibly the trunk of your vehicle. Keep this is mind when budgeting the cost of your stereo system.

Now that you know the basics of how everything operates, you can ask informed questions as to which components you should have in your car.

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Written by: Amy Barson
Amy Barson works as a contributing editor for http://www.carstereos101.com – a site that offers information on car stereos and car stereo installation.

2006 Chevrolet Corvette: GM's Fastest and Most Powerful Car

2010-10-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has a chassis, which is all aluminum, hydro formed in similar dies to those used to build the standard steel C6 frame. Magnesium and carbon fiber parts are also used to help contain the total curb weight to less than 3150 pounds.
The front grille is larger, and an additional small scoop in front of the hood gulps cool intake air. Barely visible from a distance, 1-centimeter-wide black strips follow the wheel arches, oriented at a right angle to the fender. The carbon fiber front fenders are flared to accommodate 275/35ZR18 tires and the rear quarter panels are widened 1.5 inches to clear massive 325/30ZR19s. It has a 427.6-cubic-inch small-block LS7 engine, good for 500 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 475 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. Titanium connecting rods, intake valves, and valve springs permit 7000-rpm revving, for this, the ultimate small-block.

An all-new LS7 7.0-liter V-8 (the displacement works out to 427 cubic inches) is said to churn out 500 horsepower. It will also be fitted with wider tires and larger Brembo brakes. Body modifications include
a high-rise hood, deep side skirts and cooling ducts ahead of the rear wheels.

The engine is an aluminum block designed for stiffness and a special camshaft design for better engine breathing. The aluminum block, cylinder heads, camshaft and induction systems are revised for better breathing at a high rpm. A positive crankcase ventilation system improves oil control during racetrack and acceleration maneuvers, a Z06 titanium exhaust system, mufflers and tailpipes have less mass and more strength than its aluminum or magnesium counterparts. Producing 405-horsepower at 6000 rpm and capable of zero-to-60 in less than four seconds.

The car's larger-displacement engine and light weight are claimed to deliver 0-to-60-mph acceleration times of less than 4 seconds, a 12-second quarter-mile and a top speed of more than 190 mph on the track.
Just as the base engine grew to 6.0 liters and became the LS2, the Z06 power plant has grown to 7.0 liters and becomes the LS7 V-8. It's rated for 500 hp at 6,200 rpm and 475 pounds-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm

Red brake calipers employ six pistons apiece up front, four pistons per side in the rear and 20 individual brake pads, which Chevrolet says deliver more even wear. The ventilated, cross-drilled brake rotors measure 14 inches in front and 13.4 inches in the rear. ABS is standard.

The new Chevy Corvette has all performance systems including engine, transmission, chassis, tires and suspension. Standard Active Handling works in conjunction with Traction Control and ABS on select 03 and
2005 2006 Chevrolet Corvettes, making maximum use of available traction to assist the driver, when needed, in keeping the car in line with steering input.

Simply click on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/GMC and have a look at its extensive stock of dependable, long lasting Chevrolet replacement parts, performance parts, body parts etc. It could be the
start of great savings for you while preserving the performance of the car that exudes performance and comfort.

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Written by: Jenny McLane

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Tips to Save a Bundle on Your Next New Car Purchase

2010-10-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Many of us have been at the car dealership and have been drained by a salesperson during price negotiations for the purchase of a new car. Most people give in too easily or do not negotiate at all to avoid the dreadful act. This only means more money in the car dealers’ pocket, while you are out of several thousand dollars! Yes, they make that much in profit per car.

This article unveils the dealer’s selling tactics and how you can get around them. But before we dive into the new car buying tips, we need to understand what makes up the dealer’s profits.

In addition to the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price), which is the dealer’s cost for the car plus an additional 20-25% profit, a dealer also gets financial incentives from the manufacturer when a new car is sold. This is called Holdback.

Depending on the car, dealers can make hundreds on each car through holdbacks. Dealers also get additional incentives and bonuses on selling a car before the end of the month and/or quarter.

A shrewd dealer can make several thousand on a new car even by selling it at invoice price. This is how new car buying can become tricky for the consumer.

Ready to learn how not to put a dent in your wallet on your next car purchase? Here are four tips to get you started. Each one is a dealer tactic to watch out for.

1. The Guilt Trip
As you may have noticed, every desk in a dealership has photos of the salesperson’s family, instead of photos of cars. Midway in the negotiation, the sales person will bring them up and make it look like his little commission check can hardly pay for his daughters college and little Bradley’s braces.

A seasoned salesperson will soon have you feeling guilty for driving the price down and hurting his commission. Watch out not to fall for this tactic, since you already know about holdbacks and incentive programs from manufacturers.

2. Wearing You Down

Come prepared to spend half a day at the dealership or pay whatever the dealer asks for. Car Dealers are trained to delay and tire you out to the point where you give in and accept their price just to get out of there.

After you make your offer, sales people typically claim they would have to run it by their manager. You may then have to re-start negotiating with the manager, who is also a seasoned salesperson. This dance goes on for a while until you give in.

Remember, there are multiple dealerships in a city, so they need you more than you need them. Demand to speak to the manager after a certain time period or threaten to leave.
Because you are devoting a lot of time to bargain with the dealer, they know you are a serious buyer, so they will not let you leave. The earlier you can speak with the manager, the faster you can leave.

3. The Test Drive

We all enjoy a good test drive and look forward to it. Although it is essential to test drive a car before you buy it, remember to not show your absolute love for the car to the salesperson. Their goal is to get you emotionally attached to the car, so it becomes a must have for you. I have learned it the hard way.

To hide your emotional tears from the salesperson, mention the features of a competing car in the same class, like the new shape, light, leg room, resale value etc. This will make the salesperson a little vulnerable.

4. Monthly Payments

This one is to confuse you. Dealers will start talking about monthly payments rather than the total price of the car. They will start by asking how much you are willing to pay per month and how much of a down payment you are willing to pay. Since people don’t want to look like they cannot afford a certain car, they will usually give a higher number. Big Mistake!

You have left little room for negotiation when this happens. Always steer the conversation to the total price of the car and do NOT mention any trade-ins at this point. Only after the total price of the vehicle is completely negotiated then talk about interest, monthly payment and trade-ins.

General Rule

As a general rule, remember to only focus and negotiate on the Total Price of the vehicle. Everything else is pretty much the car dealer’s trough.

If the above new car buying tips seem like a lot of hassle, yet you still want to get the best price in town, there are some websites that do this for you. www.AutoAuctionBids.com for example is a great website for this because you can collect price quotes from multiple local dealers for a particular car as well as its competing car models (like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus) and compare them.

The website then allows you to send back the lowest quotes received for each car make to all participating dealers in your area through the website itself.

Dealers view this price and continue to submit new lower prices over a 3 day period. By putting local car dealers in such a price competition allows you to avoid the dreadful face to face negotiation and yet gets you the lowest price in town for up to 3 competing car makes.

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Written by: Prashant Desai

Prashant Desai, author of various consumer tips articles and industry expert for www.AutoAuctionBids.com.