Wednesday, October 28, 2009

New Car Shopping Tips

Nowadays no matter what car you buy, new or used, fuel efficiency is the buyers' most concerns. Choosing a fuel efficient car sure will save you a lot of money over the life of the car, which could be significant. But the fuel efficiency varies widely between different car manufacturers.

Finding the most fuel-efficient car such as mid-sized, SUV, two-seater, MPV or pickup truck depends on each individual interested in. Always remember the bigger engines which generally can be find in a large vehicle are less fuel-efficient. There are several website where you can compare fuel consumption ratings between cars. You can also check car magazines and website for more information.

Generally, a manual transmission car, assuming you shift properly is more fuel-efficient than one with automatic. Do buy an automatic transmission car if you have to with more gears the better. Normally larger cars came with automatic transmission.

It is true that smaller engines offer better fuel efficiency than larger ones. But in some cases a bigger and more powerful engine may save cost as compare with smaller engine. If your vehicle always heavy loader, a smaller engine has to burn more fuel to work harder and function beyond it's most fuel-efficient range.

The majority of minivans and passenger cars are design to have front-wheel drive. It is due to supplies better traction and more interior room. There's really not much difference in fuel efficiency between the front-wheel and rear-wheel drive although front-wheel drive was design to improve fuel economy. It all depends on your choice at the time you purchase.

Do you know that power windows, seats and mirrors to air conditioning cost you more in fuel consumption which decreased fuel efficiency? But by limiting the options you select for your car, you can become a fuel saver. Aluminum wheels are one of the few options that actually increase fuel efficiency due to their light weight.

Obviously, another option for a fuel-efficient car is a hybrid electric car.

About the Author
More than 100 car tips at http://www.boomattack.com/car/index.php

Monday, July 27, 2009

Finding Vehicle History Reports For Used Cars in Toronto

Before purchasing a used car in Toronto, a consumer may want to locate a vehicle history report (also known as a vehicle title search) that can tell him more detail about the vehicle itself. The vehicle history report can offer information about the previous use of the vehicle, where it was registered, the odometer information and if it was subject to any major repairs as a result of accidents or natural disasters. While many car dealers offer a report of this type to potential customers, they may not, so it's then up to you to purchase one on your own if you are serious about buying. Here are some resources to help you find a vehicle report for used cars in Toronto.
One of the easiest ways to obtain a report is by visiting an online service like "Carfax" that charges a nominal fee for this report. All that's required is the vehicle identification number (VIN) and a small secure credit card payment. The service then pulls information about the used car from government and dealer databases and compiles it into an easy-to-read format. You can review the report and then take it with you to the dealership in Toronto to discuss with them if you find any conflicting information about the vehicle you are considering.

Or you can discreetly obtain the VIN by taking the car for a short test drive, then jotting down the long alpha-numeric code that's generally found on an engraved plaque on the car's front dash. If the vehicle is missing a VIN or it has been altered or concealed, then that will be a big red flag for you to not move forward with a purchase on that used car. It is illegal in both the US and Canada to deface a VIN for the purpose of concealing information about the car from consumers.

If you are working with a reputable used car reseller, you may be able to get a free vehicle history report from them before you agree to buy the used car. It's as easy as asking the salesperson or his manager for one. They will more than likely also go over the report with you and answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. If you ask and they are hesitant to provide a history on the used car, something that they should have readily available, that will be another bad sign that they are not someone you can trust.

Buying a used car in Toronto doesn't have to be a stressful experience. Having the tools and information needed is a good way to reduce this stress and make buying your used car a good experience for all concerned. Getting a used vehicle history report ahead of time is a useful tool you can take advantage of to know more about the car you are considering and save yourself considerable money and headaches as a consumer.

About the Author
Formula Honda in Toronto offers Honda new cars, used cars, trucks, SUV's, minivans and commercial cars. Toronto Honda offers a large inventory of both Honda new and used cars in Toronto and the GTA.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Choosing The Car Model That's Right For You

There are car models made for just about every need under the sun and many of them cross over into other model types. Choosing the car model that best suits you can be a daunting task. You must first define your wants and needs, and then choose a car based on these specifications.

As well as model choices, the extra features of each vehicle type should also be considered in your selection. What kind of engine do you need? Petrol, diesel, or hybrid power? Do you need economy or hauling power? What type of transmission - automatic, manual or auto-manual? How about sound systems, air-conditioning, and optional upholstery? The basic vehicle package often won't include many optional extras that you want, so you may have to outlay more money to ensure you get the features you want.

Features aside, what car is going to be right for you? Here's a brief run-down on some popular car models and their main features:

Economy or Small Car - This model is typically a small two-door hatchback or small car. These types of vehicle offer great basic transportation and generally deliver good fuel mileage. They are great "city cars" and are ideal for short trips with up to four passengers.

Economy Crossover - These vehicle models have a more functional body type - think "station wagon". They generally have a good fuel mileage, and can carry four or five passengers as well as stow some gear. Economy Crossover's are more costly that the economy small car, but are a lot more functional.

Compact SUV - These cars are designed for more rugged use. The compact SUV often has four-wheel-drive and can handle less than favorable road conditions, but are not designed for heavy off-road use. There are some trade-offs in fuel economy and higher base prices when compared to crossovers or small cars.

Mid-sized Coupe or Sedan - The Coupe has bigger dimensions, more interior space, more comfort for passengers and better for longer trips. This model can be economical with appropriate engine and transmission choices. The base models will often have more accessories and luxury features but the cost is generally higher than more compact car models.

Mid-sized SUV - This is like the compact SUV, but with larger dimensions and is more appropriate for off-road usage, towing and other heavy-duty activities. The mid-sized SUV can comfortably carry four of five passengers and their gear on long distance trips. The big downside of the mid-sized SUV is the fuel consumption - particularly as we see fuel prices and global warming concerns on the rise.

People Movers - these van-types of vehicles have large interior spaces and generally seat five to eight passengers, plus storage space. The People Mover is suitable for longer trips or transporting the kids' sports teams and all their equipment. Again they are not as economical as the small car, but they are far more appropriate for large families or frequent transportation of groups.

Sports Cars - Small, high-performance vehicles that usually only carry two people comfortably, but can sometimes carry up to four. Sports cars have minimal storage space and are a fun drive for the auto enthusiast, but are not that practical for a family.

Large Coupes, Sedans and SUVs - These large car models are like the mid-sized, but with larger dimensions and are generally even less fuel efficient.


About the Author

So what car model is right for you? You may picture yourself in the sports car, but if you are a family of four then that choice isn't very practical. Your vehicle selection should be made based upon your general needs, not the occasional ones.

Friday, February 06, 2009

Save Money with a New Car Clearance Purchase

Each year car dealerships all over the country start marking down the prices of new cars to make room for the inventory of the models for the next year. This usually starts in July and peaks in the fall of the year with new car clearance incentives that will put you in the car of your dreams for less than you thought possible.

The fall of the year is a great time for such deals and if you can hold off until December when most consumers are spending their money on the holiday season, you can get the best deal of all because car sales tend to be very slow in this month of the year.

Shopping the new car clearance sales on weekends and in the last week of the month is also an optimum time for great savings. This is because the salespeople are anxious to meet their sales quotas for the week or the month.

Be informed about the vehicles for sale at the different dealerships before you start your shopping for new car clearance deals. If you do not have a specific vehicle in mind you should read magazine and consumer reports about the new cars to find models that are rated as being the best in fuel efficiency and give the best performance. You also need to check the ratings on the level of customer service offered by the various dealerships.

When you want to trade in an older vehicle during the new car clearance, be informed about the possible price you will be able to get for it from a dealership. Check the Blue book price which gives an approximate price based on the condition of the car. It would even be better for you if you can sell your car in a private sale and go into a dealership looking for a cash deal. When you have money to use as a down payment, this will reduce the amount of money that you have to finance.

Financing is also a consideration in finding the best deals in 2008 car clearance sales. Many dealerships offer incentives in financing by offering no or low interest on the repayment. If you do still owe money on the car you are now using, this could affect the amount of the payment if the trade in amount you receive is not enough to cover what you owe.

This amount will be added to the cost of the car increasing what you owe even though the car may not be worth the amount of your outstanding balance. It may also mean than you have a higher payment that you would like to have or can afford.

The price you see quoted on vehicles in a new car clearance does not include taxes. This amount has to be added to the cost as well as insurance and other fees, such as licensing. You will have the option of claiming some of the taxes you pay on your income tax return and you may be able to take advantage of this when you buy a hybrid car. You should check the website of the Internal Revenue to find the models of cars on which you are able to claim the state and federal taxes on a new car.

About the Author
Allison Ryan is a freelance writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in all types of insurance, including auto insurance. If you are interested in the 2008 car clearance or perusing the new car clearance, please visit http://cheap-insurance-rates.com/.

Monday, January 12, 2009

How to make Importing Japan cars from Auctions more profitable

When it comes to buying used Japan cars, the auction spots are the best places to look for to save huge money. Though the Japan car auction spots are the best places to buy used Japan cars at very cheap prices, there are several things to be noted. Hurrying to an auction spot to buy the cheap used Japan cars will drain your wallet and also will eat up much of your precious time. If you can spare a little time reading this article, you can really make importing Japan cars from vehicle auctions more profitable.

Find someone to represent you before you head to the vehicle auction spot

Finding the best deal in the Japanese vehicle auction spots is really hard. It greatly depends on your knowledge about the Japanese automotive industry and your bargaining skills. If you are visiting Japan for the first time, looking for used cars, then you will end up in loosing your time, energy and money. In this case, it is good to find someone who is knowledgeable about the Japan car industry to represent you. There are many used Japan car exporters who will be ready to help you to find the best deals from the vehicle auction spots. You will just have to give them some cash for representing you. The cash you give them is just peanuts when compared to the cash savings associated with the used Japan car purchase from the vehicle auction spots.

Doing a bit of research in the Internet about the Japanese vehicle auctions will save your time

With a plethora of information available at your fingertips, finding more information about the Japanese auto auctions in the Internet is no big deal. You can find the location of the Japanese auto auctions by just relaxing in your home. There are many websites that list the used Japan car auctions around the Country. It is better to find the location of the used Japan car auction site using the Internet before you physically head to the location. This will save much of your precious time and also will reduce the physical strain involved in searching the auction spot location.

If you are less aware of Japan used car auctions, it's better to import them directly by ordering online

As already said, importing cars from Japan auto auctions require atmost knowledge about the automotive industry. However, there is nothing to worry if you are not that vehicle savvy. You can still import used Japan cars at very cheap prices. There are many websites out there where you can buy used Japan cars as easily as you buy other products online. Just like shopping any stuff online, once you place the order for a Japan used car, the car will be shipped to your doorsteps. All you have to do is to select the used Japan car of your choice with a few mouse clicks.

Plugged to the Internet? Importing a used Japan car is just a click away!

About the Author

The author writes articles on Japanese automotive industry. He has also helped many people across the Globe to find the best Japanese car exporters. The helps them with ease because he knows the fact that finding used Japan cars is easy through woodstock-cartrading.com. He is one of the chief used Japanese cars consultants in Japan.