Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The new models of Ford Fiesta (Motor Show in Moscow 2008)

2008 Moscow Motor Show: New Ford Models Shine


MOSCOW - August 26, 2008: No fewer than three new production models from Ford Motor Company will make their Russian debuts at the Moscow International Automobile Salon, which opens today. The new models are the all-new Ford Fiesta, the Ford Focus RS and the Ford Escape.



Visitors to the show will also be given the opportunity to see the Ford Explorer America Concept, which showcases a number of technology and engineering innovations designed to deliver fuel economy improvements of between 20 to 30 per cent.

All-New Fiesta
Designed and developed in Europe for sale in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America between 2008 and 2010, the all-new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford's new global product development process. Its stylish and dynamic flair combines with all the traditional Ford small car strengths to create a confident, contemporary introduction to the next chapter of the Fiesta success story.

Shown in Moscow in three-door and five-door hatchback body styles, the all-new Fiesta makes major strides in craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent Fiesta's traditional strengths of practicality, value for money and agility.

More than 12 million Fiestas have been sold since its introduction in 1976.
All-new Fiesta is manufactured with sophisticated techniques more commonly found in big-car production. Areas of the Fiesta European assembly plants in Cologne, Germany and Valencia, Spain – and eventually those in China, Thailand and Mexico – look like film sets. High-intensity lights and cameras are used by robotic assembly technology to position glass and doors on vehicles with meticulous accuracy.

2009 Focus RS
The new Focus RS will go on sale in 2009 and is being created by a small team of dedicated engineers, under the direction of Jost Capito, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles.

The Moscow show car previews the design intent for a final production vehicle, although as development work continues, some final details may change before volume production begins at the Ford plant in Saarlouis, Germany.

With a target power output of 300 PS, the new Focus RS will be equipped with an innovative front wheel drive system, with a combination of a Quaife limited slip differential and new 'RevoKnuckle' front suspension technology for excellent traction and driveability, despite its high power output.

SUV Strength
In Russian Ford dealer showrooms a little later this year will be the new Ford Escape. It will join the Kuga, Ranger and Explorer to further strengthen Ford's position in the growing Russian SUV market. Already this year sales in this market segment have grown by 20 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007.

The new Escape is powered by a 2.3 litre petrol engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It is available in two trim series - XLT or Limited.

With the Ford Explorer being a long-time favourite with Russian consumers, The Ford Explorer America Concept on the Ford stand is sure to draw the crowds at the show. This concept vehicle – there are no plans for it to go into production – not only represents one possible direction for Ford's design language on future sport utility vehicles but also illustrates how all of Ford's sustainability-minded actions – from turbo-charged direct injection petrol engines, more fuel-efficient transmissions, weight savings and improved aerodynamics – can be packaged in a single vehicle.

The high-efficiency engine for the Concept is one of the new family of EcoBoost petrol engines which deliver better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Ford EcoBoost petrol engines combine turbocharging and direct injection technology, allowing for the downsizing of engine capacity but with improved torque and performance. Depending on whether a four cylinder or V-6 EcoBoost engine is specified, fuel efficiency could improve by 20 to 30 per cent versus today's V6 Explorer.

The Ford stand at the Moscow International Automobile Salon will also feature the full Ford vehicle range on sale in Russia. This includes the new Kuga, new Focus, new Focus Coupé Cabriolet, new Focus ST, Explorer, Mondeo, Galaxy, S-MAX, C-MAX, Fusion, Ranger, and Tourneo Connect.

In a special area of the stand dedicated to Ford's World Rally Championship activities, show visitors will be able to experience all the thrills of a WRC event by sitting behind the wheel of a Focus WRC simulator.

The Opening of Automobiule Insurance Open News: "

Missouri Automobile Insurance Plan Opens Doors on September 1

The Missouri Automobile Insurance Plan (the Plan, the AIP) announced today that it has completed the transition from the Missouri Joint Underwriting Association (MJUA), and has commenced operations. The Plan began accepting applications on August 12, 2008 from eligible applicants seeking effective dates of September 1, 2008 or later.

The Plan is also announced the availability of EASi 2.0, the Electronic Application Submission Interface. Licensed producers can use this product to submit automobile insurance applications electronically to the Plan.
For more information, please visit http://easi.aipso.com.

The Missouri Department of Insurance & Professional Regulation approved creation of the AIP to replace the MJUA as the state's automobile insurance residual market mechanism. The Plan provides access to automobile insurance to those eligible applicants who are unable to obtain coverage in the voluntary market.

For more detailed information on the Plan, please visit http://www.aipso.com/MX, or contact the Plan office at 888-706-6100.

Source: The Missouri Department of Insurance & Professional Regulation
quoted from: insurancejournal.com

Friday, August 22, 2008

The Schedule of Car Show of Goodguys Rod & Custom 2008

DATE : Mar 15-16
VENUE : Orange County Fair
LOCATION : Costa Mesa, CA

DATE : Mar 29-30
VENUE : Alameda County Fairgrounds
LOCATION : Pleasanton, CA

DATE : Apr 4-6
VENUE : Del Mar Fairgrounds
LOCATION : Del Mar, CA

DATE : May 30-31, Jun 1
VENUE : Larimer County Fairgrounds
LOCATION : Loveland, CO

DATE : May 31, Jun 1
VENUE : Alameda County Fairgrounds
LOCATION : Pleasanton, CA

DATE : Jun 6-8
VENUE : O'Reilly Raceway Park
LOCATION : Indianapolis, IN

DATE : Jun 13-15
VENUE : Atlanta Motor Speedway
LOCATION : Atlanta, GA

DATE : Jun 27-29
VENUE : Tennessee Titan Stadium
LOCATION : Nashville, TN

DATE : Jul 4-6
VENUE : Iowa State Fairgrounds
LOCATION : Des Moines, IA

DATE : Jul 11-13
VENUE : Ohio Expo Center
LOCATION : Columbus, OH

DATE : Jul 25-27
VENUE : West Washington Fairgrounds
LOCATION : Puyallup, WA

DATE : Aug 15-17
VENUE : Alliant Energy Center
LOCATION : Madison, WI

DATE : Aug 15-17
VENUE : Alliant Energy Center
LOCATION : Madison, WI

DATE : Aug 15-17
VENUE : Spokane Fair & Expo Center
LOCATION : Spokane, WA

DATE : Aug 22-24
VENUE : Alameda County Fairgrounds
LOCATION : Pleasanton, CA

DATE : Aug 29-31
VENUE : Kansas Speedway
LOCATION : Kansas City, KS

DATE : Sep 5-7
VENUE : Summit Motorsports Park
LOCATION : Norwalk, OH

DATE : Sep 12-14
VENUE : Dutchess County Fairgrounds
LOCATION : Rhinebeck, NY

DATE : Sep 19-21
VENUE : Chicagoland Speedway
LOCATION : Joliet, IL

DATE : Sep 26-28
VENUE : Pocono Raceway
LOCATION : Pocono, PA

DATE : Oct 3-5
VENUE : Texas Motor Speedway
LOCATION : Ft. Worth, TX

DATE : Oct 17-19
VENUE : Beech Bend Raceway Park
LOCATION : Bowling Green, KY

DATE : Oct 24-26
VENUE : Lowe’s Motor Speedway
LOCATION : Charlotte, NC

DATE : Nov 8-9
VENUE : Alameda County Fairgrounds
LOCATION : Pleasanton, CA

DATE : Nov 14-16
VENUE : West World of Scottsdale
LOCATION : Scottsdale, AZ

*Dates & Venues are tentative and subject to change. Please check out good-guys.com before you g

Thursday, August 21, 2008

- 2006 Mazda MIATA PopTop Sun Shade, Interior, Cockpit, Car Cover. Use with Top UP or Down __SEMA 2006 NEW PRODUCT AWARD WINNER__

- 2006 Mazda MIATA PopTop Sun Shade, Interior, Cockpit, Car Cover. Use with Top UP or Down __SEMA 2006 NEW PRODUCT AWARD WINNER__

Description
More protection than a sun shade, less hassle than a car cover. Protect your vehicle when Parked at WORK, at HOME, the MALL, the AIRPORT, or anywhere under the Sun. The California PopTop is an Innovative Sun Shade Product that covers all the windows of your vehicle. It keeps your interior near the same temperature as the outside air---even if your vehicle has been baking in the sun all day! It's as if you parked in a garage! It's also ideal for keeping overnight dew, frost and snow off your windows during those non-summer months. The California PopTop has a patented fastening system that firmly attaches the PopTop to the vehicle without using a series of 6 to 8 straps and hooks. It's ergonomically

Features

* SEMA 2006 NEW PRODUCT AWARD WINNER____Covers All Windows____Install or Remove in Less Than a Minute
* Virtually Eliminates Solar Heat Build-Up____Blocks 99.8% of the Sun's UV Rays____Near Custom Fit
* Water Resistant Yet Breathable____Super Strong, Lightweight Material by DuPont____Anti-Theft Feature
* Built-in Storage Pocket____Extremely Small Storage Package____Use with Convertible Top UP or DOWN
* Great for keeping over night DEW, FROST and SNOW off your windows during those non-summer months.


- Mazda Protégé DuPont Tyvek PopTop Sun Shade, Interior, Cockpit, Car Cover __SEMA 2006 NEW PRODUCT AWARD WINNER__

- Mazda Protégé DuPont Tyvek PopTop Sun Shade, Interior, Cockpit, Car Cover __SEMA 2006 NEW PRODUCT AWARD WINNER__

Description
More protection than a sun shade, less hassle than a car cover. Protect your vehicle when Parked at WORK, at HOME, the MALL, the AIRPORT, or anywhere under the Sun. The California PopTop is an Innovative Sun Shading Product that covers all the windows of your vehicle. It keeps your interior near the same temperature as the outside air---even if your vehicle has been baking in the sun all day! It's as if you parked in a garage! It's also ideal for keeping overnight dew, frost and snow off your windows during those non-summer months. The California PopTop has a patented fastening system that firmly attaches the PopTop to the vehicle without using a series of 6 to 8 straps and hooks. It's ergonomically designed for ease of use.

Features

* SEMA 2006 NEW PRODUCT AWARD WINNER____Covers All Windows____Install or Remove in Less Than a Minute
* Virtually Eliminates Solar Heat Build-Up____Blocks 99.8% of the Sun's UV Rays____Near Custom Fit
* Water Resistant Yet Breathable____Super Strong, Lightweight Material by DuPont____Anti-Theft Feature
* Built-in Storage Pocket____Extremely Small Storage Package____Use with Convertible Top UP or DOWN
* Great for keeping over night DEW, FROST and SNOW off your windows during those non-summer months.


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Step 10 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car : - Inspecting and taking possession of your new car.

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

Most dealerships detail the car and provide a full tank of gas. You will have one more chance to inspect the car before you take possession of it. Make sure you walk around the car and look for scratches in the paint and wheels or dents and dings on the body. If you are paying for floor mats make sure they are included. If anything is missing, or if any work needs to be done, ask for a "Due Bill" that puts it in writing. You will then be able to come back and get the work done later.

As you drive away inhaling that new-car smell, there is only one more thing to be done: enjoy your new car.
Source: edmunds.com

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Step 9 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car : - Reviewing and signing the paperwork.

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

At the dealership, you will be presented with the contract for your new car and a dizzying array of forms to sign. This might be done by the Internet salesperson you have been dealing with, or it could be done in a separate office by the finance and insurance (F&I) manager. If this happens, the F&I manager might try to sell you additional items such as extended service contracts, fabric protection, alarms or a LoJack vehicle locator. In most cases, we recommend turning down these extras — with the possible exception of the extended warranty, which provides peace of mind to some buyers. Additionally, it is worth noting that some states allow up to 60 days after purchase to cancel an extended warranty, but you should check local laws to confirm your options in your area.

To prepare yourself for the kinds of products that might be pushed on you, or inserted into the price without your knowledge, read High-Priced Dealer Add-ons.

If you have already seen a worksheet for the deal you've made, the contract should be a formality. Make sure the numbers match the worksheet and no additional charges or fees have been inserted. You will also be asked to sign various forms that register your new car and transfer ownership of your trade-in. Understand what you are signing and what it means. Ask questions if you don't understand, and don't ever feel like you have to hurry. Buying a car is a serious commitment and it's the F&I manager's job to ensure you are comfortable with every document involved. Remember, once you have signed there is no going back.
Source: endmunds.com

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Step 8 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car : - Closing the deal.

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

If you feel good about the price you have been quoted, it's time to take a look at the big picture. Many buyers focus on the cost of the car and ignore the related expenses. Besides the cost, you will have to pay sales tax and various fees which vary from state to state. These expenses can be estimated and totaled with the Edmunds.com calculators.

The simplest way to estimate total cost is to ask the salesperson to fax you a worksheet and invoice before you go to the dealership. This way, you'll be able to review the figures in a relaxed environment. Compare the numbers from the dealership to those you have calculated and the TMV prices on Edmunds.com.

In some areas of the country, dealers have costs that don't show up on Edmunds.com invoice prices. This means the Edmunds.com invoice price of the car you are researching might not exactly match the dealer's invoice. Don't panic — and don't begin making accusations. Edmunds.com can't track all regional fees, such as advertising costs. So, as a rule of thumb, consider the charges on the dealer's invoice to be nonnegotiable. However, if extra fees are written into the contract (such as "D&H" or "Administrative Costs") which seem bogus or redundant, ask to have them removed, or say you will take your business to another dealership. For more information about this crucial point in the process read Invoice Scams and Sudden Extras.
Source: edmunds.com

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Step 7 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car : - Negotiating for your lowest price

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

Many buyers like to handle the question of price before they even go to the dealer. Internet salespeople are willing to discuss price over the phone — even by e-mail. This wasn't the case a few years ago when the salesperson wanted you in his office before he would get down to brass tacks and talk price.

It's quite possible that, in your calls to various Internet departments, the selling price of the car has already come up. Often Internet salespeople will volunteer the selling price of their car since they know this is the make-or-break factor in most buyers' decision making process. If the price they've quoted is at or below Edmunds.com's TMV, then you are already in the right range to buy the car. If you want to try to improve the deal, you have a few options.


Everyone has their own idea of what makes a good deal, but most people just want to know they got a fair price. Here, TMV will be your best guide. If you want to try for a rock-bottom price, start by getting bids from three local dealers. Follow this up by taking the lowest price, calling the two other dealerships and saying, "I've been offered this car at this price. If you beat it I'll buy it from you." They almost certainly will. However, keep in mind that you can't play this game forever. Eventually, they will give you a take-it-or-leave-it price. For more on getting the best price, read Negotiating 101

Also, be warned that if you ask the dealer to cut his profit, he might try to take it back somewhere else. Remember, a good deal isn't just the lowest selling price. It's the lowest total out-the-door cost on a car that meets your needs. This means that to ensure you get a fair deal you have to be vigilant throughout the entire purchase process, even after you and the salesman agree on a price.
Source: edmunds.com

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Step 6 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car : - If you are trading in your old car...

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

If you are trading in your old car to a dealer, you will probably not get as much money toward the price of a new car as you would have if you'd sold it yourself to a private party. However, trading in offers some advantages. You can solve all of your car-buying problems in one visit to the dealer. You can unload a hard-to-sell car with no newspaper ads, DMV lines or tire-kicking buyers involved. In some states, you will even pay less sales tax on a deal that involves a trade-in.

Begin the process by looking up your car's trade-in value on Edmunds.com. The Edmunds.com True Market Value® (TMV®) Used Vehicle Appraiser will also give you trade-in values. After you plug in all of the vehicle's information (mileage, options, condition and colors) you will get a specific trade-in price. This will often be slightly different from the offers you get once you are on the car lot. At a dealership the value assigned to your trade-in varies based on the time of the month, the dealer's specific inventory and the used car manager's mood, but at least TMV will give you a rough idea of what your trade-in is worth.

If it's important to you to get the maximum value for your trade-in, you should visit several dealerships and solicit bids. Tell the salesperson that the sale of a new car will be contingent on the amount he or she will give you for your trade-in. Also, tell them you are visiting several dealerships. With a little legwork, you may be able to boost the price you get for your old car by several hundred dollars or more. Remember, the extra effort you spend in getting competitive bids is far less than what it would take to advertise, show and sell the car yourself.
Source:edmunds.com

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Step 5 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car : - Test driving the car salesman

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

As you call dealerships to locate the exact car you want to buy, you can also test drive the car salesman. In other words, you can determine if this is a person you want to do business with. It's a good idea to consider this issue ahead of time, before you get to the deal-making phase of the process.

The first way to evaluate a good salesperson is to ask yourself if you feel comfortable dealing with them. Are they impatient and pushy? Or are they relaxed and open? If you asked them about a specific car's availability, did they respond to your needs? Or did they try to steer you toward another car simply because they have too many of that model in stock? Do they return your phone calls? Do they answer your questions in a straightforward manner? Or are they evasive and confusing?

By considering these issues you should have a sense of whether or not you want to buy from this salesperson. If you feel comfortable with the individual when researching by phone, and if the dealership does indeed have the car you're interested in, set up a time to test drive the car, preferably when the dealership will not be very busy, such as a weekday morning. Before heading to the car lot, review all your notes and make sure you bring your car-buying folder. This might include your checkbook, registration and proof of insurance. Keep in mind that you're bringing these items so you'll be ready to buy a car if you get a fair deal. Don't feel obligated to purchase a car simply because you have all the necessary paperwork with you or because you test drove the car.
Source: endmunds.com

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step 4 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car : - Finding the exact car you want to buy

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

You should now have a very specific idea of the car you want to buy. This means you know the make, model, trim level, options and color. The more flexible you can be about these specifics, the wider the range of the cars you'll find available for sale. Ultimately, the ability to consider several versions of the same model can give you additional bargaining power. For example, a shopper might be very firm about the make, model and trim level, but could accept a variety of options and colors. If you're a shopper who definitely wants hard-to-find options and a specific color, it will be more difficult to make a great deal. Why? You have no leverage as a negotiator. You have to pay the dealer's price or try to locate another identical vehicle. Obviously, if you do find the exact car you're looking for, there's no need to volunteer this information to the dealership.

In any case, locate the exact car you want by sending e-mails to the Internet managers of dealers in your area. On Edmunds.com, you can simultaneously solicit quotes from multiple dealers. In many cases, you will have to follow up with a phone call. Say something like: "I'm looking for a 2003 Matsura Accell. I'm not too fussy about the color but I don't want black or white. I want ABS and side airbags. What do you have on your lot?" Often the salesperson will have to check his inventory and call you back. After a few phone calls you will have a good idea of how widely available the car is. If there are several dealerships offering the same car, you will be in a better position to make a good deal.

As you make phone calls and exchange e-mails, take careful notes. You should record information about each car you locate, including the color, options, and the dealership name. This will save time as you continue through the shopping process.
Source: edmunds.com

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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Step 3 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car ; - Pricing the car

By: Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

Car salesmen will usually point to a car's "sticker price" as the amount you have to pay. However, the price the dealership is willing to sell a car for is often well below the sticker price. How do you know what to pay? Edmunds.com has created a valuable tool for car buyers called True Market Value (TMV®) pricing. Based on actual sales figures, TMV is the average price buyers are paying (also known as the "transaction price") for a certain type of car in your area. The TMV figures, found on Edmunds.com, are adjusted for many factors including options, geographic region and color.

To calculate TMV, begin by looking up the car you want to buy on Edmunds.com. Follow the prompts to arrive at a final TMV price with options for the exact car you are buying. Keep in mind that this price includes the destination charge, which is levied by all manufacturers. (However, the invoice price might vary in certain regions where advertising costs and other fees are included. Edmunds recommends paying the fees listed on the invoice, but questioning any advertising fees that appear on the purchase contract.)

Now it's time to factor in the incentives and rebates you researched and printed in the previous step. Take the final TMV price and deduct the amount of the cash rebate. In other words, you create your best deal based on TMV, and then lower it by whatever the rebate is. If you are going to use low-interest financing, calculate your final buying price, then use our payment calculator to find your monthly payment.

Print these figures — the TMV, the incentives and the monthly payment — and carry them with you for reference as you continue the car-buying process.

Source: edmunds.com

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Step 2 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car : - Using incentives and rebates.

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

Today's new car market is crowded and competitive. Many new cars are offered for sale with attractive incentives to make you choose a particular model. In some cases, the cars with the best incentives are those that aren't selling very well on their own.

An incentive is anything that gives you an added reason to buy a particular car. Often, however, it comes in the form of a cash rebate or low-interest financing. A car might be selling for $22,000 but the manufacturer is offering $3,000 in customer cash for a final price of $19,000. In another example, a $22,000 car financed for five years at six percent would have a monthly payment of about $550. But with zero-percent financing, the payment is roughly $480. That's a huge savings to you.

Check the Edmunds.com Web site for the latest incentives and rebates available for the car you want to buy. You can also watch for TV and newspaper promotions but, remember, the incentives don't apply to all models and are not offered in all regions of the country. Furthermore, your credit must be very good to get the low-interest financing. And finally, keep in mind that there are some hidden incentives paid directly to dealers to push certain cars. Edmunds.com tracks this so-called "dealer cash" as well, and posts the information in the incentives and rebates section of our Web site.

Research what incentives, if any, are offered for the car you want to buy. Print out this information and keep it in your car-buying folder as you move to the next step.
Source:edmunds.com
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Step 1 of 10 Steps to Buying a New Car ; - Starting out.

by : Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

These steps will help you to locate the specific car you want, and at a price that is fair to both you and the dealer. By now, you should have done plenty of research to determine which is the best car to suit your needs. And, you should have a good idea of what to pay for the car you want. Now you need to narrow the research even more. You will soon be finding the exact car you want to buy — with the options you have chosen — and then you will be determining a target price to pay. If you have done your homework, this will be a fairly easy process with no unexpected surprises.

Buying a car is a big investment, but it can be exciting and rewarding, especially if you feel like you got the right car at a fair price.
Source: edmunds.cm
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

10 Steps to Buying a New Car : - Introduction

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the car you want. If you still don't know what car to buy, read 10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You and then come back after you have decided.
Source: edmunds.com
Next


Tire Maintenance Tips

Tire is an important part of a car. The accident often occurs because of the bad tires. Therefore the maintenance of tires is very important for the owners of cars. The following is Tire Maintenance Tips quoted from www.insidercarsecrets.com
______________________
With all the talk on the news about Firestone's tire problems, I thought I'd tell you how to get the most value and safety out of your tires.

Rotate your tires, front to rear, at the most every 6000 miles. I do mine at 4000 miles. This is especially important on front wheel drive vehicles.

The tires on the front will wear faster than the rears, and if you don't equalize that wear you will be buying 2 tires very prematurely.


Step 10 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car : - After the Sale

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

n most states, the condition of a used car for sale is considered "as is" and no warranty is provided or implied. Therefore, if the car breaks down after you have sold it, you are under no obligation to refund the buyer's money or pay to have it repaired. If you have sold a car to someone who took it for inspection at a garage and the mechanic found nothing wrong with it, you have done all you can to protect yourself and the buyer.


he best way to feel peace of mind after selling your used car is to make sure you did everything correctly. This means being open about the condition of the car before the sale and timely and complete in transferring DMV paperwork after the sale.

When done correctly, selling a used car can be a win-win situation. You have turned your used car into cash and provided reliable transportation for the next owner. Focus on the benefits to both parties and you are likely to have a smooth and profitable experience
Source:www.edmunds.com
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Step 9 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car :: - Finalize the Sale

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

Rules governing the sale of motor vehicles vary somewhat from state to state. Make sure you check with the department of motor vehicles (DMV) in your state, and keep in mind that much of the information is now available on DMV Web sites.

When selling your car, it's important to limit your liability. If someone drives away in the car you just sold, and they get into an accident, can you be held responsible? There are two ways to deal with this concern.


Once you have the money from the sale (it's customary to request either cash or a cashier's check), record the odometer reading and sign the car's title over to the buyer. In some states, the license plates go along with the car. A new title will be issued and mailed to the new owner. Additionally, in most states, a release of liability form can be downloaded from the DMV web site. Fill this out, along with the car's mileage, and mail it in as soon as the car is sold. This establishes the time at which the car left your possession.

But what if you still owe money on the car, and the bank is holding the title? One way to deal with this is to conclude the sale at the bank where the title is held. Call ahead and have the title ready. Then, once money has changed hands and the bank has been paid the balance of the loan, sign the title over to the buyer.

In some cases, however, an out-of-state bank might hold the title. In this instance, it is recommended that you go with the buyer to the DMV and get a temporary operating permit based on a bill of sale. Then, after you pay off the balance of the loan with the proceeds from the car sale, have the title mailed to the new owner. Sign it over to the new owner and the transaction is complete.

Finally, remember to contact your insurance agent to cancel your policy on the vehicle you have sold (or transfer the coverage to your new car).

Before your car drives away for the final time, take a last look through the glove compartment, the trunk and under the seats. You might find some long forgotten treasures you misplaced years ago.
Source: edmunds.com

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Step 8 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car : - Handling Complications

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

In some cases, you might reach an agreement with a buyer that is contingent on performing repair work on the car. This can lead to misunderstandings down the line, so avoid this if you can. The best thing to do is have your car in good running order while being fully aware of any necessary repairs. If you state clearly in your ads that the car is being sold "as is," you can refer to this statement when it's time to close the deal.

Still, a trip to the prospective buyer's mechanic might turn up a new question about the car's condition. What to do?


This must be handled on a case-by-case basis. If the repair is needed, and you trust the mechanic's assessment, you could propose reducing the agreed-upon price by all, or part, of the amount for the repair. If the repair is questionable, but the buyer is insistent, split the difference, or have the car taken to your mechanic for further evaluation.

Remember, the older the car, the more a mechanic is likely to find. At some point, you have to draw the line. You may have to say to the buyer, "True, this work could be done. But the car drives well as it is. And the proposed repair isn't addressing a safety concern." After all, a used car — particularly an elderly one — isn't expected to be perfect.
source: www.edmunds.com

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Step 7 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car : - Negotiate For Your Best Price

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

If a person comes to look at the car and it passes their approval after a test-drive, you can expect them to make an offer. Most people are uncomfortable negotiating, so their opening offer might take several forms.


"I like the car, but…." This is the softest way to negotiate on the price. They may not even state that the price seems too high. If they say, "I like the car, but…" and then lapse into uncomfortable silence, you might consider an appropriate response. If you really want to move the car, you could say, "How much would you be willing to pay?"

"What's your best price?" This is a more direct way to probe the seller to find out how much he or she will come down. If you get this from a prospective buyer, don't seem too eager to reduce your price.

"Would you accept…?" Now we're getting somewhere. This buyer has thought it over and is making an offer. But the offer is being presented in a polite manner designed to allow for a counter offer.

"Take it or leave it." This buyer is making an offer that supposedly leaves no room for a counter offer. In reality, this buyer might be bluffing. Still, they are sending a message that they are close to their final price. The only way to know for sure whether it really is a "take it or leave it" offer is to leave it — and let them leave. They may return tomorrow ready to pay your price.

The above are just a few of the openers you might encounter. Think of your responses ahead of time so you won't be caught unprepared. In general, it's a good idea to hold to your price when your car first goes up for sale. If you don't get any buyers right away, you'll know you have to be flexible about the price.
Source: edmunds.com

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Step 6 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car : - Showing Your Car

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

Keep in mind that when you sell your car, people will also be evaluating you. They will be thinking something like, "Here's the person who's owned this car for the past few years. Do I trust him/her?" Make the buyers feel comfortable. They will probably be uneasy about making a big decision and spending money. Put them at ease and answer their questions openly.

Potential buyers will want to test-drive the car. If in doubt, check to make sure they have a driver license. Ride along with them so you can answer any questions about the car's history and performance. Also, they may not know the area, so you might have to guide them.

There are many unexpected bumps in the road that can arise while selling a used car. These will be handled easily if you are dealing with a reasonable person. So, as you are contacted by prospective buyers, use your intuition to evaluate them. If they seem difficult, pushy or even shady, wait for another buyer. With the right person, selling a used car should be simple.

Some sellers feel uncomfortable about having buyers come to their house to see the car. However, you can generally screen buyers on the phone. If they sound suspicious, don't do business with them. If you don't want people knowing where you live, arrange to show the car at a park or shopping center near your home. However, keep in mind that people will eventually see your address when you sign the title over to them.

Some buyers will want to take the car to a mechanic to have it inspected. If you have an inspection report from your mechanic, this might put their doubts to rest. However, if they still want to take the car to their mechanic, this is a reasonable request. By now, you should have a feeling for the person's trustworthiness. If you feel uncomfortable or have reason to think they will steal the car, decline the offer or go along with them.

Be ready for trick questions such as, "So, what's really wrong with the car?" If you get this, refer them to the mechanic's report or invite them to look over the car more carefully.
Source: edmunds.com

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Step 5 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car : - Create Ads That Sell

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

When creating "For Sale" signs or putting a classified ad in the paper, you have an opportunity to show how eager you are to sell the car. This can be done by inserting the following abbreviations and phrases:

Must Sell!: This often means the seller is leaving town and needs to dump the car at a fire sale price.

OBO: This stands for "or best offer" and it indicates that you are willing to entertain offers below the stated price. This usually means you are eager to sell the car.

Asking price: This also communicates the feeling that you will negotiate, but it is one notch below OBO on the eagerness scale.

Firm: This word is used to rebuff attempts to negotiate. It indicates that you aren't in a hurry to sell the car — you are most interested in getting your price.

Think about what you are telling people when you phrase your ad. Little words convey a lot. Besides the price, your ad should also include the year, make, model and trim level of the car you are selling along with the mileage, color, condition and popular options.
Source: www.edmunds.com

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Step 4 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car : - Where to Advertise Your Car

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

Now that your car is looking great and running well, it's time to advertise it for sale. Traditionally, people advertise in newspaper classified ads. These ads can be expensive, but they get results. On-line classified ads, such as the Edmunds.com Used Vehicle Locator, are becoming increasingly popular. On-line ads are particularly effective with hard-to-find or collector cars. In most cases, on-line classifieds reach a geographically wider area of buyers.

Here are the main markets for advertising used cars:

* On-line classified ads such as those on Edmunds.com

* Daily newspaper classified ads

* Weekly "shoppers" and giveaway newspapers

* Bulletin boards at your office, a local supermarket or a college campus

* Word of mouth — tell your friends and family you have a car for sale

* Put a "For Sale" sign in the car window

Creativity is required when it comes to advertising. Think of unusual places to put ads (skywriting is probably too expensive), and you will get results.

One last word of advice about advertising: if you run an expensive classified ad, be sure you are available to take phone calls from possible buyers. Many people won't leave a message for a return call. So answer the phone — and be polite. Creating a good first impression is the first step to getting buyers to come and see the car in person.
Source : edmunds.com

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Step 3 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car : - Give Your Car "Curb Appeal"

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

When people come to look at your car, they will probably make up their minds to buy it or not within the first few seconds. This is based on their first look at the car. So you want this first look to be positive. You want your car to have "curb appeal."

Before you advertise your car for sale, make sure it looks as clean and attractive as realistically possible. This goes beyond just taking it to the car wash. Here is a to-do list that could help turn your heap into a cream puff:

* Make sure it is washed, waxed and detailed.

* Make sure your car is both mechanically sound and free from dents, dings and scrapes.

* Consider making low-cost repairs yourself rather than selling it "as is."

* Shovel out all the junk from the inside of the car. When prospective buyers go for a test-drive, you don't want them to feel like they've walked into your messy bedroom. Let them visualize the car as theirs.

* Wipe the brake dust off the wheel covers and clean the tires with a tire gloss product.

* Thoroughly clean the windows (inside and out) and all the mirrored surfaces.

* Wipe down the dashboard and empty the ashtrays.

* Have all your maintenance records ready to show prospective buyers.

* If the car needs servicing or even a routine oil change, take care of that before putting it up for sale.

* Have your mechanic check out your car and issue a report about its condition. You can use this to motivate a buyer who is on the fence.

* Order a Carfax report and show it to the buyer to prove the car's title is clean and the odometer reading is accurate.

Source: edmunds.com

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Step 2 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

Once you have surveyed the on-line classified ads, use Edmunds.com True Market Value (TMV®) pricing to determine the fair value of your car. Edmunds.com TMV prices are adjusted for mileage, color, region, options and condition. Once you have followed the prompts and gotten a specific price, you can also generate a "For Sale" sign. An Edmunds.com "For Sale" sign will give your price an air of authority.


There are always some exceptions to the rules of pricing, so you should follow your intuition. And be sure to leave a little wiggle room in your asking price. Ask for slightly more money than you are actually willing to accept. If you want to get $12,000 for the car, you should list the car at $12,500. That way, if you get $12,500 — great! But if you have to go lower, it won't be a terrible loss.

You may have noticed how creative used car dealers get in pricing cars. Their prices usually end in "995," as in $12,995. Are we not supposed to notice that the car basically costs $13,000? There is a lot of psychology in setting prices. A product that doesn't sell well at $20 might jump off the shelf at $19.95.

On the other hand, as a private party seller, you don't want to look like a car dealer. Therefore, you might want to take a simple approach and set your price at a round figure such as $12,750 or $12,500.
Source: edmunds.com

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Step 1 of 10 Steps to Selling Your Car

By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor

Step 1: Know the Market
Is your car going to be easy to sell? Is it a hot commodity? Or will you have to drop your price and search out additional avenues to sell it?

Here are a few general rules to answer these questions:

* Family sedans, while unexciting to many, are in constant demand by people needing basic, inexpensive transportation.

* SUVs are very popular right now and often move quickly, even older models.

* The sale of convertibles and sports cars is seasonal. Sunny weather brings out the buyers. Fall and winter months will be slow.

* Trucks and vans, used for work, are steady sellers and command competitive prices. Don't underestimate their value.

* Collector cars will take longer to sell and are often difficult to price. However, these cars can have unexpected value if you find the right buyer.

Your first step is to check on-line classified ads to see how much others are asking for your type of car. Edmunds.com Used Vehicle Locator and other Internet sites allow you to search with specific criteria. For example, select the year and trim level of your car and see how many similar cars are currently on the market. Take note of their condition, mileage, geographic location and selling price so you can list your car at a price that will sell it quickly.
Source: www.edmunds.com

Next

Sedan Buying Guide

Knowledge about buying a car is important for those who want to buy a car. If you belong to an unexperienced person on cars, it is better for you to ask your experienced friend on car to accompany you in buying a car. It is better also for you to search information about the guid of buying cars. the following information is about Sedan buying guide by www.edmunds.com
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It's not the most interesting body style on the market, but when looking at the sheer number of models, along with total market share, nothing can touch the four-door sedan. Here's a breakdown of the primary sedan categories:

Sedans Under $15,000
Despite the low price point, you can pick from several worthy forms of transportation for under $15,000. One of the strongest values has to be Honda's entertaining and highly versatile Fit. It's on the pricey side (for this category) but worth it if you need fun and functionality in one five-door package. The Hyundai Elantra sedan, while not as entertaining to drive as the Fit, offers a compelling combination of space, power, comfort and value. The Kia Rio is yet another worthy player, with an interior design and quality that belies its economy price tag, along with solid ride and handling traits.

The Nissan Versa provides surprising cabin space for this price category, though it can be a bit dull to drive. Scion's all-new xD promises Toyota quality, but cramped interior space and a low-tech, four-speed automatic make it tough to recommend. Chevrolet offers both the subcompact Aveo and the compact Cobalt in this segment, but interior quality and drivetrain refinement aren't up to class standards, even at this price point. Suzuki's Forenza and Reno, along with Toyota's Yaris, also offer adequate Point-A-to-B transportation, but little more.


Sedans Under $20,000
If your budget has you shopping in the $15,000-to-$20,000 range, there are several models worth considering. The ubiquitous Honda Civic remains a top choice in everything from fuel-efficiency to driving dynamics to resale value. Priced slightly lower than a comparable Civic, the Mazda Mazda3 offers even more fun than the Civic in terms of sporty handling and fling-able dynamics. Exterior and interior design cues imbue the Mazda3 with a bit more attitude as well, but refinement and interior quality are just a shade off the high standards set by the Civic. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either model.

An all-new, much-improved 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer catapults this nameplate from "also-ran" to "contender" status. Also all-new for 2008 is Scion's boxy xB. Larger and more powerful than the previous version, the new xB continues Scion's tradition of providing extensive personalization options and Toyota quality. Saturn has entered this segment with yet another all-new offering, the Astra five-door hatchback. Based off the European Opel of the same name, the Astra's confident handling and clean styling make it a viable choice. Also worth a look is the Suzuki SX4, complete with standard all-wheel drive and a powerful 2.3-liter engine.

Ford's Focus is updated for 2008 in terms of styling and suspension tuning, and it features the all-new Sync technology from Microsoft, but its basic platform dates back to 2000. Kia's two entries in this market, the smaller Spectra and larger Optima, both offer competitive pricing and strong warranty coverage. The Spectra's crash test scores are unimpressive, but the Optima's interior space and driving dynamics merit consideration. Toyota's Corolla continues to offer solid reliability, bland driving dynamics and a high MSRP when equipped with even basic features (a redesign is coming for 2009 so you may want to hold out for that car). Nissan's Sentra isn't much better than the Corolla in terms of handling dynamics, but its roomy cabin is worth noting for economy sedan buyers needing maximum interior space.

Sedans Under $25,000
Two models have made up the core of the family sedan market for the past two decades, and they continue to be the benchmark by which all others are measured. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry remain unavoidable considerations in this segment — and that's a good thing. Both cars offer exceptional ride quality, refined drivetrains, comfortable cabins and long-term reliability. They differ primarily in the more subtle areas of handling dynamics, interior noise levels and feature content. Essentially, the Honda is the sportier model (despite its larger size for 2008) that makes family toting a joy versus a chore. The Camry strikes back with a serene, Lexus-like cabin that remains whisper-quiet at highway speeds and unruffled by even the most pockmarked of roadways. The Camry also offers a hybrid drivetrain.

Another top seller is the Nissan Altima. Everything from exterior design to driving dynamics is cranked up a notch in the Altima in a (largely successful) effort to make a "cool" family sedan. Nissan has even created a hybrid version for "green" shoppers, though it's only available in California emission states. A similar "cool" philosophy is seen in the sleek styling of the Mazda Mazda6. The Mazda6's smaller size and dynamic personality make it a joy on twisty roads, but interior space (particularly in the backseat) is limited. Ford's stylish Fusion (and its corporate twin, the Mercury Milan) uses the same platform as the Mazda6 but gives up a bit of the Mazda's driving enjoyment for a bump in size (and rear-seat space).

If performance is low on your list of priorities but value is high, Hyundai's Sonata provides a level of quality that nearly equals the Accord and Camry at a lower price point (and with superior warranty coverage). Conversely, the smaller Volkswagen Rabbit five-door hatch and the Jetta sedan are pulled into this category by way of their elevated price tags, but both offer confident handling and high-quality interiors. That description works for Subaru's Impreza as well, though it's the inclusion of all-wheel drive versus premium interior materials that drives the Impreza's price up.

Recent family sedan entries from GM have shown promise as well, with the new-for-2007 Saturn Aura and the redesigned-for-2008 Chevrolet Malibu both riding on the same platform. Improvements to interior materials, ride quality, warranty coverage and overall execution have finally given Chevrolet and Saturn a fighting chance in this ultracompetitive market. Though we'd caution consumers to avoid the largely ineffective "hybrid" versions of these models — you'll do better with the base four-cylinder models. If saving fuel is a primary concern, Toyota's Prius returns for 2008 with the best gas mileage in this category.

With a name change and an upgraded drivetrain for 2008, the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable now possess the power to move their large frames (and roomy cabins) with ease. The similarly large Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Grand Prix offer plenty of room for five adults, but like the Taurus and Sable, their drivetrain refinement, handling dynamics and design ultimately can't compete with this segment's leaders. The same can be said of the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Mitsubishi Galant and Pontiac G6, all of which offer lackluster interior quality along with mediocre refinement and performance.

Sedans Under $30,000
Sedan shoppers looking to get a bit more out their four-door family transportation now have a host of attractive saloons to choose from. Two of our longstanding favorites are the Volkswagen Passat and Subaru Legacy. Both offer sure-footed handling and powerful drivetrains, though the Passat's interior is a bit more luxurious, while the Legacy's standard all-wheel drive should appeal to cold-weather commuters. A relative newcomer to this segment, the Hyundai Azera, provides a remarkable combination of space, luxury and value. The Azera's corporate cousin, the Kia Amanti, also provides high luxury at a low price, but the Kia's older platform and stodgy design keep it from feeling competitive.

If creative exterior styling, rear-wheel drive and an available V8 appeal to you, the Chrysler 300 (along with its Dodge Charger corporate twin) provides a more traditional approach to family transportation, albeit with all the modern touches expected in a 21st-century car. If you want the 300's expansive interior along with Japanese quality and refinement, consider the sporty-yet-roomy Nissan Maxima. Two more large sedans, the Buick Lucerne and Mercury Grand Marquis, also provide plenty of interior space but these models lack the sporty dynamics and overall refinement of their Chrysler, Dodge or Nissan competitors.

Not all sedans in this category are large. Acura's TSX is small but quite nimble for those looking to combine fun with luxury and value. Volvo's S40 is similarly small, but it offers a long list of both safety and technology features, along with all-wheel drive availability. Lincoln's MKZ also comes with optional all-wheel drive, but chintzy interior materials and a lack of stability control put it at a disadvantage in this category.

Sedans Under $35,000
If you're of the mind that an entry-luxury sedan must be rear-wheel drive, then models like the Lexus ES 350, Saab 9-3 and Volvo S60 can't be considered true sport sedans. However, the Lexus ES 350 (despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Camry) has an exceptionally luxurious demeanor. So does its larger cousin, the Toyota Avalon. Both provide serene and palatial cabins at a moderate price.

The Saab and Volvo are neither sporty nor luxurious enough to justify serious consideration in this market, though they do offer an impressive array of safety technology and available all-wheel drive.

However, if your budget keeps you in this price range and you demand a high-performance experience, there is a sedan with an undeniably sporty pedigree — Infiniti's G35. Its powerful V6 engine, mated to a stiff rear-wheel-drive chassis (all-wheel drive is available), gives the G35 the dynamic appeal of European sport sedans costing thousands more. The G can go toe to toe with the Europeans when it comes to luxury appointments as well.

Sedans Under $45,000
This market segment likely wouldn't exist without the BMW 3 Series, and the rear-drive Bavarian wonder continues to define the category with its combination of thrilling dynamics, sublime styling and rich interior treatments. The Audi A4 nearly matches the 3 in terms of dynamic enjoyment while eclipsing the BMW in the areas of interior design and material quality. Both the 3 Series and the A4 are available with all-wheel drive.

Conversely, Lexus takes a different approach by providing more refinement and less driving thrill with its IS line, though a cramped rear seat hinders this model's desirability.

Another entry-luxury mainstay, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, gets a full redesign for 2008. Long known for its bank-vaultlike structure and security, the new C-Class offers a more involving driving experience alongside advanced safety and luxury features.

Also redesigned for 2008 is Cadillac's CTS. The previous car's chassis had potential, but that CTS's interior design and overall build quality kept it off our preferred list. The new model is vastly better inside and out, and while larger (and heavier) than many competitors in this segment it now has the dynamic wherewithal to fulfill its original mission: Be a legitimate American alternative to European sport sedans.

Yet, not every four-door in this category follows BMW's recipe. The midsize Acura TL, for instance, rides on a front-wheel-drive chassis but maintains a sporty demeanor. The Volvo S80 comes in either front- or all-wheel drive and includes the latest in safety technology. The aging Saab 9-5 comes as front-wheel drive only, and although it has some interesting details, it can't match TL's handling, the S80's premium appointments or the overall refinement of either one.

And speaking of aging, the now ancient Lincoln Town Car trundles on (but not really forward) for 2008.

Sedans Under $60,000
The longstanding player in this category is BMW's 5 Series, and despite some controversial evolutions in exterior styling and cabin controls, the 5 Series remains a top candidate. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, another stalwart of the segment, is a worthy alternative that doesn't offer the BMW's driving excitement (except perhaps in high-dollar AMG form) but excels in the areas of premium luxury features and cutting-edge technology (such as night vision). Audi's A6 also doesn't quite match the 5 Series dynamically or the E-Class on luxury content, but many feel it offers an excellent balance of both while eclipsing the BMW and Mercedes in terms of design.

Undercutting the Germans on price, but challenging them in performance, quality and value, are the Infiniti M35/M45 and Lexus GS 350/GS 430. The Infiniti is a worthy 5 Series rival, offering nimble handling and powerful engines (particularly in the V8-equipped M45). The Lexus twins aren't quite as nimble, but their strong engines, high-tech features and unmatched refinement make them desirable targets for the luxury-minded buyer.

Two Cadillacs compete in this segment as well, with the sporty STS targeting European rivals and the larger, front-drive DTS chasing after luxury shoppers looking for something more traditional and American. Acura's RL, with an advanced all-wheel-drive system designed for sporty handling, also chases the nimble sedans from Europe. But lacking a V8 engine option, the RL feels a touch outclassed in this market. Finally, there's Jaguar's aging S-Type, which is similarly outgunned by newer competitors, despite its rear-drive layout and optional V8.

Sedans Over $60,000
Luxury buyers with plenty of money to spend on a top-line luxury sedan can pick from an assortment of high-class rides.

With a clean exterior shape, agile handling and a (relatively) low price, the A8 is an undeniable winner in the high-end luxury category. Not as sprightly, but arguably even more attractive is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Dubbed a "four-door coupe" the CLS retains all of M-B's trademark luxury and safety features but wraps them in a sleek body (just watch your head when getting in or out of the rear seat). Jaguar's XJ-Series of sedans relies heavily on style as well, though many feel the current, taller rendition has lost some of the classic Jaguar proportions.

The BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class reside even higher up the price scale. And although both models are undeniably proficient at coddling passengers in opulent surroundings you can't purchase either for less than $75,000. The comparable Lexus LS 460 undercuts that starting price by over $10,000, and even the extended wheelbase version starts under $75K.

If you want some exotic flair with your luxury sedan, and money isn't a concern, the Maserati Quattroporte combines Italian style and performance with premium interior materials and a powerful V8 engine.

2008 Beijing Auto Show

The folloing picture and information is about 2008 Beijing Auto Show quoted from www.edmunds.com

We weren't quite sure what to expect at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. A booming economy has created a huge car-buying middle class in China, so there's now an equally massive Chinese car industry rising up to meet the demand. In addition to the traditional players like GM, Ford and Toyota, there were dozens of brand-new car companies attempting to grab their own share of this lucrative market.

One of those new companies is Geely; and it introduced a sleek, new coupe that was one of the most talked about cars at the show. The Dongfeng BF is another home-grown car that made its debut in Beijing. It's a small hatchback that will spawn several other variants over the next few years.

When it came to world cars that we'll see in the U.S., there was a healthy batch of luxury models. The 2009 Audi Q5, 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 and the top-of-the-line 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S all hit the stage for the first time. And that's not all, so check out our latest blogs, news stories and photos from Beijing to see what's happening in the most active car market in the world.

More information on 2008 Beijing Auto show, visit www.edmunds.com

Allistate's Auto Insurance

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Auto Insurance

Do you need information about auto insurance? the following is all you neend to know about auto insurance:

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Our online application can provide car insurance quotes for households with up to 3 cars and 5 drivers. This form is not intended for commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, motorcycles or trailers. Please call 1-800-861-8380 if our online system cannot handle your individual situation.
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Friday, August 8, 2008

Vietnam’s Auto Sales Surged 181% during January-April 2008

Jul 03, 2008

From January to April 2008, sixteen Vietnamese automobile firms sold 47,366 units, an increase of around 181% over the same period in 2007.

VAMA (Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association) announced on May 20, 2008 that from January to April 2008, sixteen Vietnamese automobile companies sold around 47,366 vehicles, a phenomenal increase of 181% as compared to the sales recorded in the first four months in 2007 (January-April 2007), as reported by redorbit.

VAMA said that in April 2008, the Vietnamese automobile firms sold 13,271 vehicles (an annual increase of about 183%), the highest number of vehicles ever sold in a month in the country. Also, the sales of the commercial cars (29,745 units) and passenger cars (7,791 units) surged by 313% and 105% respectively during the same month.

VAMA said that in April 2008, the Vietnamese automobile firms sold 13,271 vehicles (an annual increase of about 183%), the highest number of vehicles ever sold in a month in the country. Also, the sales of the commercial cars (29,745 units) and passenger cars (7,791 units) surged by 313% and 105% respectively during the same month.

The improving living standard, changing lifestyle and increasing expenditure on auto-related parts are also leading to a rapid growth in the automobile industry of Vietnam. Moreover, rise in the personal disposable income and decline in prices of cars are too encouraging sales of cars in the country.

Furthermore, the employment conditions in Vietnam provides ample growth opportunities to the vehicle industry as a large part of the country’s population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, and thus requires commercial vehicles for transportation and small cars for traveling. This factor also helped in driving the growth of automobile industry during January-April 2008.

Also, the Vietnamese government is taking various initiatives to modernize the economy, and therefore, is launching infrastructure projects, such as transportation improvement. These improvement projects are leading to rise in the demand for commercial vehicles.

However, a strong growth is registered by the Vietnamese automobile sector in one-third period this year but according to auto industry experts, a slowdown in economy and rising prices of fuel could badly affect the auto industry in near future.

According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “The growing Vietnamese economy is resulting in rapid growth in the auto sector of the country, but rising fuel prices act as the biggest threat for the industry. Thus, to maintain strong and continuous growth in the automobile sector, players should develop eco-friendly vehicles, which consume green and clean fuel.”

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Toyota's net falls 28% on stronger yen, sales slump

By Chris Oliver, MarketWatch

HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Toyota Motor Corp. reported Thursday a 28.1% decline in net income for the April to June quarter, owing to a stronger yen, higher raw material prices and slumping North American and European sales.

Toyota's (TM:85,90, -0.55, -0.6%)(JP:7203: news, chart, profile) net profit totaled 353.66 billion yen ($3.23 billion), compared to a record 491.5 billion yen in the year-earlier period. Net revenue fell 4.7% to 6.22 trillion yen. Operating profit, or the revenue from sales once the cost of making and marketing those goods are deducted, fell 39% to 412.6 billion yen.

The automaker kept its fiscal year forecast for net income and operating profit unchanged at 1.25 trillion yen and 1.60 trillion yen respectively.
"The financial results for this quarter were severe, due to our rapidly changing business environment, including exchange rates fluctuation such as the rise of the yen against the U.S. dollar and soaring raw material prices," said Toyota Executive Vice President Mitsuo Kinoshita, in a statement.
Toyota said it plans to offset the declines by launching new vehicle models and stepping up production of popular models.
Toyota said quarterly North American vehicle sales were down 33,000 units year-on-year, European sales fell 32,000 units and Japanese sales were off 12,000 units. Vehicle sales in Asia, excluding Japan, rose 40,000 units. Vehicle sales in Central and South America, including Oceania and Africa, were another bright spot, rising 37,000 units.
Toyota said it plans to buy back up to 15 million shares, spending up to 70 billion yen.
Shares of Toyota fell 1.3% ahead of the after-hours results release. End of Story
Chris Oliver is MarketWatch's Asia bureau chief, based in Hong Kong.
Source:www.marketwatch.com

Monday, August 4, 2008

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen looks so nice. What people say about this type of car is necessary for whoever is interested in cars. The following is presented the review of 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Review: Jett-ing Around in the New Wagon quoted from carreview.com

Pros

* Steering
* Indirect a/c cooling
* Lots of useful storage/loading features

Cons

* Interior noise
* Horsepower and torque
* Chrome section on front bumper

Introduction

The last Jetta I drove was a 2001 (who’s engine had been replaced by VW under warranty due to an issue with the timing belt that broke). Volkswagen has come a long way in producing a vehicle that feels structurally more sound, has an engine that’s smoother, and with many of the quality issues reduced compared to 4-8 years ago. In addition, it’s wrapped in a more elegant body with an interior to match.
Driving Impressions

The inline, 5-cylinder is smooth and provides adequate acceleration. It’s not a large engine (at 2.5 liters of displacement), but is responsive to throttle inputs. I was a bit surprised by the interior noise, but realize it’s a big resonating box when moving on the road. The utility value of the SportWagen is amazing. The second row seats have a similar feature to the Honda Fit in the seat cushions ability to lift and pivot forward providing a deeper floor for taller objects. With the cushions removed, the seatbacks will pivot completely forward providing a completely flat loading floor. The 6-speed Tiptronic transmission shifts smoothly and drops down to the right gears under hard acceleration. Overall, it’s an easy car to drive and park with excellent visibility all around compared to other taller CUVs or SUVs.

Pros

* Steering
* Indirect a/c cooling
* Lots of useful storage/loading features

Cons

* Interior noise
* Horsepower and torque
* Chrome section on front bumper

Introduction

The last Jetta I drove was a 2001 (who’s engine had been replaced by VW under warranty due to an issue with the timing belt that broke). Volkswagen has come a long way in producing a vehicle that feels structurally more sound, has an engine that’s smoother, and with many of the quality issues reduced compared to 4-8 years ago. In addition, it’s wrapped in a more elegant body with an interior to match.
Driving Impressions

The inline, 5-cylinder is smooth and provides adequate acceleration. It’s not a large engine (at 2.5 liters of displacement), but is responsive to throttle inputs. I was a bit surprised by the interior noise, but realize it’s a big resonating box when moving on the road. The utility value of the SportWagen is amazing. The second row seats have a similar feature to the Honda Fit in the seat cushions ability to lift and pivot forward providing a deeper floor for taller objects. With the cushions removed, the seatbacks will pivot completely forward providing a completely flat loading floor. The 6-speed Tiptronic transmission shifts smoothly and drops down to the right gears under hard acceleration. Overall, it’s an easy car to drive and park with excellent visibility all around compared to other taller CUVs or SUVs.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Finance and Insurance

Buying a car involves more than simply picking out what make and model you want, and the cost of the car involves more than just the sticker price. Monthly payments--including interest--and the price of insuring the vehicle must be considered as part of the cost of owning a car. Consumer Guide has put together a comprehensive list of information on both topics to help guide you through insuring and financing your vehicle.

Types of Insurance Coverage

What is your car insurance actually insuring? Although you're buying a single insurance policy covering a specific vehicle, a number of components make up the final cost:

* Bodily injury liability: Covers injury and death claims against you, and legal costs, if your car injures or kills someone.
* Property damage liability: Covers claims for property that your car damages in an accident. Because liability coverage protects the other party, it is required in all but three states.
* Medical payments: Pays for injuries to yourself and to occupants of your car. This is optional in some states. In "no-fault" states, personal injury protection replaces medical payments as part of the basic coverage.
* Uninsured motorist protection: Covers injuries caused to you or the occupants of your car by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. "Under-insured" coverage also is available, to cover claims you may make against a driver who has inadequate insurance.
* Collision coverage: Covers damage to your car up to its book value. Collision coverage carries a deductible, which is the amount per claim you have to pay before the insurance takes effect. The lower the deductible, the higher the premium. While it is legally optional, a lending institution or leasing company usually requires collision coverage.
* Comprehensive (physical damage): Covers damage to your car from theft, vandalism, fire, wind, flood, and other non-accident causes. Comprehensive also carries a deductible.

Why Some Cars Cost More To Insure

You might want a sports car or a fancy SUV, but your insurance company may charge you more to protect you while driving it.

Insurance premiums are based partly on the price of the vehicle, which affects the replacement cost if it is stolen or "totaled" in an accident. How expensive the vehicle is to repair--including parts and labor--can also affect the cost. In addition, surcharges may apply to vehicles that are frequently stolen or involved in accidents.

Who You Are and Where You Live

Factors that you can least control may have the greatest impact on your insurance costs. Your age, gender, and driving record are key factors that affect your insurance premium.

Single males under the age of 25 pay the highest rates. Statistics show they are involved in the most accidents, so insurance companies charge young men higher premiums than women of the same age.

If you are convicted of moving traffic violations or of causing an accident, your premiums will likely go up, no matter what your age. Drivers with clean records--no tickets, no accidents--pay the lowest rates.

Where you live also plays a big role in how much you pay. Urban areas, with their greater population densities and heavier traffic, get higher rates than rural areas.

In most states, too, insurers set rates by zip codes. If you live in a major city like Chicago or Los Angeles, you will probably pay more than if you lived in a nearby suburb.

How Much Do You Need?

While it is dangerous to be underinsured, having too much insurance can be an expensive mistake as well. The minimum amount of insurance required in your state is seldom enough.

State law may require as little liability coverage as $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5000 property damage. If you can afford it, buy more than the minimum.

Like buying a car, there is no single best solution when it comes to buying insurance. Rates vary widely. Shop for insurance by consulting two or three of the largest insurers.

Don't forget the Internet. Many companies now offer online quotes.

How to Cut Your Insurance Premiums

The biggest difference you can make is to buy a vehicle that qualifies for a discount or at least doesn't carry a surcharge. Here are several other ways that you can save money on your car insurance:

* Most companies give a break to those who drive under a certain amount of miles per year. If you take public transportation instead of driving to work, your premium will go down. Out of the question? Try carpooling.
* Make sure you get all the discounts you are entitled to. You might qualify if your vehicle has an alarm, for example.
* Review the status of all the drivers in your family with your agent. Most discounts apply only to one portion of the policy, so don't expect dramatic savings.
* Increase your deductible for collision and comprehensive. Also, think twice about filing small claims with your insurance: Why risk a premium increase?
* Shop around. Another company might have better rates, but you won't know unless you shop.
* Drop collision coverage on older cars. Claims are limited to "book" value, so you're not likely to get much anyway if your car is more than seven years old.
* Be a good driver. Avoid accidents and traffic violations and you will be rewarded with good-driver discounts. Bad driving is expensive.

Financing

Financing your new or used vehicle purchase? It's wise to establish how much you can afford to pay per month--before you start shopping. This will help dictate the price range of the cars to consider. But don't lose sight of the total price while attempting to keep the monthly payments low.

Shopping For Your Loan Can Save Money

Even though cars are more affordable than they used to be, prices are still high. In 2007, the average new vehicle sold for about $28,000.

Cars sold between individuals and by independent used-car lots tend to be cheaper. Negotiating a good price on a car is just the beginning. Shop for financing (and insurance) with the same dedication and you can save plenty--provided that you qualify for some of the tempting low rates that can be found. If your credit record is impaired, you're likely to wind up paying a higher rate than you might have hoped.

Bankrate.com reported at the end of 2007 that the average new-vehicle rate was about 6.9 percent for a 4-year loan and about the same for a 5-year term.

What's Your Credit Score?

Dealers and other retailers rely firmly on those credit scores, which are calculated by organizations that specialize in keeping track of credit applicants. The higher your credit score, the lower the financing rate you're likely to be offered. Most people fall into the 600-800 range, but if your score is on the low end of the scale, you'll be lucky to get an offer at all. And when you do, it's certain to be for a high interest rate.

Let's hope you don't find any of these items on your credit report at some point:

* Charge-off: a portion of a debt that the lender determines will never be paid.
* Default: a statement on a credit report that the individual has not paid a debt, which usually results from a series of delinquencies.
* Delinquency: failure to make a payment on time, typically stated in the number of days it's behind (30, 60, etc.).
* Judgment: a legal decision stating an amount that a person must pay to cover a debt.
* Repossession: confiscation of a vehicle by or for the lender, after a pattern of delinquencies suggests that further payment will not be made.

Before You Sign. . .

Avoid any lender that tacks processing fees or other extra charges onto the basic loan. Inspect all finance agreements carefully. Understand every figure, and make certain all calculations are correct. If figures don't come easily to you, bring along a friend to examine all documents. Here's what to look for on the form:

* Sale price: the amount you've agreed to pay for the vehicle.
* Down payment: the amount you've agreed to pay before taking delivery. The higher the down payment, the lower the loan amount and payments.
* Trade-in value: the amount the dealer is giving you for your old car. This could cover most or all of the down payment.
* Loan amount: the number of dollars you're borrowing to make the purchase.
* Annual Percentage Rate (APR): the percentage of the borrowed amount charged as interest each year.
* Monthly payment: the amount you'll have to come up with each month. Know exactly how and when each payment must be made.
* Payment period: the number of months you'll be making those seemingly endless payments.
* Total car cost: the sum of the monthly payments (including interest) and the down payment. This is how much the car will actually cost you, and it can be dramatically higher than the sale price alone.

Short-Term Loans Cost Less

The longer the loan period, the lower the monthly payments--but the more you'll end up paying for the car in the long run. Ordinarily, however, longer loans demand higher interest rates, but there are exceptions.

In recent years there's been a trend toward long-term loans for new vehicles: 72-month and even 84-month loans.

Here's an example of monthly payments and the total amount paid for a $7500 loan at 6.9 percent annual percentage rate (APR) for various loan periods:

Source: consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com
Honda Jazz : RedFront Side View of G-POWER M6 BMW Hurricane CS 2009Front Angle View of 2009 Seat Exeo JE DESIGN 2005 Toyota CelicaHonda Jazz Purple
Honda Jazz : RedFront Side View of G-POWER M6 BMW Hurricane CS 2009Front Angle View of 2009 Seat Exeo JE DESIGN 2005 Toyota CelicaHonda Jazz Purple

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