Test Driving A Used Car

by: John Sanderson

Nothing is quite as exciting as purchasing a new car. Even if it's a "used" new car. Don't get too caught up in the pretty shiny metal and chrome, it's what's under the hood that counts. Take a serious test drive before you make a decision. Used cars bought from a private owner don't have any warranty with them. You don't want to buy someone elses problem. Do you homework. There is a lot of help available on line when you're purchasing a used car. You'll have the vin or vehicle identification number. With this number you can pull up a vehicle history through your state. Do a search for the model and year of your car online. Were there any specific complaints or call backs on this particular model? The first place you should test drive this car is to your trusty mechanics shop. With a bit of notice he'll be glad to set a bit of time aside to go over the car with you. He'll take a look at your car with a keen and unprejudiced eye. Take with you whatever service records are available on the car, these will help your mechanic understand the vehicles past. Your mechanic will check the hoses and belts and condition of the oil. These are easy fixes if they need changing or replacing. Your mechanic will check the radiator fluid for coolant level and to make sure the fluid is going to protect in severe cold conditions. He'll see how much oil, if any is present on the engine. Perhaps the car has been burning oil. He'll check the transmission fluid. Another thing he'll check is the lights, inside on the dash, and outside to make sure they work. He'll check shocks, breaks and tires and alignment. He'll take a look at the body. Is there any rust underneath on the frame? Does all the paint match, or has the car been repainted? Is everything in alignment? Do the doors open and shut properly? Let your mechanic take the car out for a test drive. He may be able to pick up subtle things, perhaps a shutter or hesitation, or hear a sound that you may not. His is the best advice you're going to get in this situation. About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.corvette-owners-guide.com Circulated by Article Emporium

How To Purchase A Used Car

by: Tim Henry

Buying a used car is a bit trickier than buying a new car although you can follow most of the same guidelines for both. First, know what car you have in mind. Research the car. There is a wealth of information online. Check the car manufacturers web site, consumer reports and the edmunds.com. web site. Know the approximate value of the car before you head out to the dealer. Go to your bank or to your credit union before you go shopping and see how much money they'll be able to lend you on a used car. This way you'll have a much better idea what you can realistically spend. Realize that there are many different models of the same car. You may not find exactly the car with all the extras you want, or the exact color, but you may find something close that is a great deal. Most dealers are upright and honest when selling used cars. They offer limited warranties with them. In the case of luxury end cars a lot of them still have warranties in effect when you purchase them. If you are buying from a private seller ask to see service records. Go online and order a carfax car history report. Find out if the car will be sold "as is" or already state inspected. When you are serious about a used car make sure that you have time to take the car to your mechanic for him to give the car the once over, especially if it's being sold "as is". You don't need to find out after the fact that it needs many more repairs than you thought. You can't tell just by a visual inspection. The cosmetics of the car are an important factor in determining it's value. Cars are generally rated as being in good, fair or excellent condition. However, especially when purchasing from a private seller you'll find that these ratings vary, sometimes greatly. Whatever you do, don't let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision, especially a private seller. If you hear something like "I already have someone else who's willing to give me a down payment" let the car go. Stick to your guns, and your budget. If you don't get this car it wasn't meant to be and there will always be another, and better one. About the author: This article courtesy of http://www.porsche-owners-guide.com Circulated by Article Emporium

Buying new vs. used cars.

by: Mantius Cazaubon

New vs used. Which car is right for you? Consider the following. Owning a brand new car is exciting. But financially speaking, it makes more sense to buy a used car. As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses a great portion of its value. This is because your car is no longer “new”. New cars lose about 40% of their value within 3 years, then depreciation starts to slow down. Why not buy a used car and allow someone else to take that depreciation hit? The previous owner will have absorbed the steepest part of the depreciation cycle. At that point the costs of owning and operating the car will be reduced. The money you save on depreciation will surely go a long way. Another benefit of buying used is lower cost. By buying used you pay less. You will also save on financing costs, insurance premiums, registration and licensing fees. You don’t have to worry about paying sales tax. As with everything else there are a few downsides to buying a used car. There are greater chances for costly unwarranted repairs. You may very soon have to do major maintenance on your car, including replacing tires, battery, brakes, muffler, and perhaps even the transmission. A used car is usually less reliable. You don’t know exactly what you’re getting into and how the previous owner treated the car. However, every situation is different and some used models may actually be far more reliable than some new ones. If you can pay cash, go the new car way. Enjoy the feeling of knowing you're the original owner of a new car in mint condition. Nothing can replace that feeling. Otherwise do not hang your hat higher than you can reach. Practice financial prudence. Save your money and comfort yourself knowing that one day you will be able to afford that dream car. One day when money is no object. About the author: Mantius Cazaubon offers a guide geared towards helping you find the best deals on reliable parts and accessories for your automobile at http://www.toyota-parts-guide.comVisit http://www.toyota-parts-guide.comfor auto parts savings. Circulated by Article Emporium

Money Saving Car Tips

by: Norman Fleming

Today with soaring gas prices it's more important than ever to pay attention to the little things that can help your car to run more efficiently, hence saving you money. You can turn this into a win-win situation for you and for your car. The first tip to saving money on your car is keeping it's engine properly tuned up. A car engine that isn't running efficiently can use up to 30ore fuel than a car engine that is properly tuned. Follow your car manufacturers guidelines for servicing your car. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Tires that are under inflated will cause you to burn more gasoline. Make sure that your tires are kept in alignment. This will help you car to handle better also. Avoid running the engine unnecessarily. The cars of today don't need to be warmed up in the morning like the cars our parents used to drive. Get in, turn it on, and go. If you are going to be waiting for someone, or sitting in your car turn it off. Drive 55 mph and not 70 mph. Driving the posted speed limit can help you save up to 15ore fuel. That's a nice saving! Also, use your cruise control when you can. This keeps your speed steady. Avoid sudden and extreme accelerations. These use fuel needlessly. The next time you go on your errands see if you can run them more efficiently. Pick up your dry cleaning and your prescription at the same time. Don't double back from store to store, it's a real waste of gasoline, and time. If you don't have to be out in peak traffic times, don't. Wait until the traffic thins before running errands, this way you won't be waiting in long lines to get through the lights. Set up a car pool to help usher the kids to and from school and sporting events. Perhaps you can take Billy home this week and Billy's mom can drop your son off next week. How about a car pool for work? We're living in a time where people live farther from work than ever before. With the price of gas a work car pool makes more sense than ever. About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.corvette-monster.com Circulated by Article Emporium

High Quality A/C System Parts: Keeping Your Toyota Cool and Comfy

by: Mark Clarkson

Cars are undoubtedly one of our daily necessities. We use them not only for our everyday transportation but as well as in hauling loads, carrying cargoes and many others. Through the years, they have been greatly improved, Including Toyota cars. Not only in terms of performance, safety and style but as well as in terms of comfort features, just to catch up with our growing demands. Power operated auto parts became commonplace. Almost everything functions with just a push on a button. Today, almost all cars come with an air conditioning system that keeps the driver and the passenger cabin comfortable even during the hottest days of the year. The introduction of the air conditioning and heat system was indeed a milestone in the auto industry. It afforded users the same comfort levels they enjoy at home or even at the office. At the heart of this system is the Toyota AC Condenser. This part is the one in charge of dissipating heat absorbed from the car's interior. It works on the same principle as the Toyota Radiator, which on the other hand cools the engine. Usually, the air flowing through the a/c condenser is supplemented by the Toyota Condenser Fan, Other vehicles, especially the rear wheel drives take advantage of the air drawn by the engine's cooling fan. A faulty A/C system means great discomfort on your part so if your Toyota A/C system isn't functioning due to damaged auto parts, make sure you replace the defective part or parts immediately to avoid inconveniences. Especially when you are using your car on long drives, replacing it is necessary. A long drive can be very tiring and annoying; but with an efficient A/C system you are sure to arrive at your destination more comfortably. Of course, you can't control the weather, the heavy traffic and all other factors that affect your comfortable ride but you can do something on your car to make it more conducive for any driving situation. Replacing your faulty A/C system parts with high quality replacement Toyota parts is a way to make your ride enjoyable. For your A/C condenser needs, you can go to Toyota Parts Online. This auto parts store offers a wide variety of Toyota parts, including Toyota Headlights and Toyota Wheels. Purchasing new and high quality auto parts for your Toyota car can be more advantageous than buying Toyota Parts Used. Old and used parts are usually harder and more expensive to maintain and thus, they can drain your pockets in the long run. Toyota Parts Online is a top Toyota Parts Discount dealer that caters to almost all your Toyota auto parts needs. Like Toyota Parts Used, parts available in this store are priced to fit your tight budget; however, when it comes to quality and performance, they are comparable to OEM parts. Great Toyota Parts Discount deals are offered on old and new Toyota models like ,Toyota 4Runner Parts, Toyota Highlander Parts,Toyota Land Cruiser Parts, Toyota Corolla parts, Toyota Corona parts and a whole lot more. Visit the site and start looking now for the parts that you need. About the author: Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast. Circulated by Article Emporium

Aftermarket Auto Lights to Match Ultimate Driving Machine’s High Standards

by: Joe Thompson

Aftermarket auto parts abound in the market nowadays, making it easier for anyone to upgrade, repair, customize or refurbish his vehicle. Various kinds of replacement car, truck and other auto parts and accessories can be easily bought and they are offered in very affordable deals not only for auto mechanics and retail store owners but most especially to individual do-it-yourself users who want to save in their repair needs. Even stock automotive parts of major European makes that used to be so hard to replace are now conveniently offered in thousands of auto parts stores online. BMW Parts are among the most finely made car parts in the industry—parts that make a BMW the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” That tagline isn’t pure hype that’s meant only to attract people; it’s a statement based on BMW’s almost century-old tradition of excellence in manufacturing aircraft engines, railway brakes and automobiles. It is only apt to replace stock BMW parts with equally high quality replacement or aftermarket BMW parts that could match this vehicle’s performance. Exterior parts such as the auto lights, the wheels, the hood and other body parts require precision to be able to live up to BMW’s perfect balance of form and function. Now the good news is Auto Parts Discount is offering the most sophisticated aftermarket automotive lights for BMW cars and thousands of other BMW auto parts. Featured in the store are BMW parts such as auto headlights, taillights, fog lights, corner lights and clear altezza taillights made by top car parts manufacturers and are guaranteed superior quality. They are perfect ways to improve not only your car’s safety but as well as its style. All BMW headlamps, taillights, and fog lights from this store are superbly designed to match every spec of your BMW, whether it’s a BMW 3 series, BMW 4 series or BMW M roadster. Why get aftermarket auto lights for your BMW? Aftermarket auto parts do not mean inferior. Some non-OEM auto lights may not meet high quality standards of your vehicle manufacturer but this is not true to all, especially when you are getting replacement parts from trusted BMW dealers like Auto Parts Wholesale. Here you are assured to get the most dependable products for your BMW ranging from BMW auto lights to wheel cover, radiator support, A/C condenser, tarter and a whole lot more. Lights such as the headlamps, fog lights and tail lights are very essential in your vehicle so they must be durable and reliable enough to give you the long quality service. When driving through unfamiliar and dark places, driving without auto lights is like committing suicide, so make sure you are equipped with premium quality lights that could not only light up your way and make your car visible as you move down the road but could give you peace of mind no matter how bad the weather or the circumstances are. About the author: Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications. Circulated by Article Emporium

Toyota Parts Online Gears Up Your Toyota 4Runner for the Challenge

by: Mark Clarkson

The Toyota 4Runner embodies your ideals of a sporty vehicle packed with power, rugged character and wide ranging utility. Since its debut in 1985, this vehicle has been Toyota’s strong contender in the Sport Utility Vehicle segment. It was loved for its reliability, sporty styling, functionality and utility. What sets 4Runners apart from the rest of the SUVs you can see on the road today is their design. Toyota 4Runners have stayed close to the definition of a real SUV or rather the original sport utilities—pickups with enclosed bodies. In the same manner, these remarkable vehicles have maintained 4WD’s real go-anywhere capabilities. In form and substance, every Toyota 4Runner is your ideal off-road runner. Owning a vehicle such as this indeed brings pride and great driving satisfaction. But aside from that, it gives the owner a sense of responsibility to take care of it the best way he can. Certainly, this tough and dependable four wheel drive deserves the best as it affords its user the best performance even in the direst driving circumstances. Toyota Parts Online, one of the country’s top auto parts suppliers is proud to help you with all your Toyota 4Runner parts needs. This auto parts dealer specializes in providing you OEM-quality Toyota parts for various Toyota passenger cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs. With the desire to give you the maximum satisfaction while driving and riding one of the finest vehicles in the world, Toyota, this store gets its replacement and aftermarket Toyota auto parts only from the most trusted car parts manufacturers. Great Toyota Parts Discount deals are also offered in this store so you can enjoy the advantages of having all new and top quality Toyota parts and the affordability of Toyota Parts Used at the same time. From auto lights to body parts, exhaust system parts, cooling system parts and many others, this store has the best to offer. For the Toyota 4Runner SUVs, Toyota Parts Online offers great variety of parts including premium quality Toyota air cleaner box, complete Toyota mirror assembly, perfect-fit Toyota a/c condenser and Toyota radiator, heavy duty Toyota alternators, high beam Toyota headlights, crystal clear Toyota Euro tail lights and a whole lot more. All these are available at great discount prices, giving you no less than the best satisfaction you surely deserve. Toyota Discount deals are also provided for Toyota body parts like Toyota bumper filler, Toyota fender, Toyota hood, Toyota door and Toyota grille. Bumper parts can also be purchased individually. Available are Toyota 4Runner front bumper chrome, Toyota 4Runner rear bumper chrome, Toyota 4Runner front bumper bracket and Toyota 4Runner rear bumper bracket. Getting ready for an off-road challenge? Equip your Toyota 4Runner with these tough and durable replacement and aftermarket Toyota 4Runner parts now. Be safe, be stylish and be satisfied, trust only the most experienced Toyota parts dealer in the country, Toyota Parts and Auto Parts. About the author: Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast. Circulated by Article Emporium