Automotive News

Tips On Car Leasing

2009-06-02T22:27:00.001-07:00

Posted by Jeff Slokum on: 2005-09-16 17:17:58

Leasing a car isn't for everyone. If you're like me and keep your car for many, many years then leasing isn't for you. If however, you don't get "attached" to a vehicle as some of us do, and you like having a new car every few years then leasing may be for you.

Today's cars are built very well and you can expect to get a good amount of mileage from your car. You can expect at least 100,000 miles. If you purchase a car you may have five years of payments, but your car may last eight to ten years. This means three to five years of no monthly car payments. However, as you car ages, the need for upkeep goes up too. With more mileage on you car things start to break down and costs to keep your car up mechanically may go up. It's doubtful though that what you pay out for maintenance and car repair will ever be as much as monthly payments would be.

When you lease a car you make monthly payments as you would if you purchased a car outright. But, when a lease is up you have nothing to show for it. These monthly payments may be somewhat less than if you were buying the car. Leasing a car usually requires large down payments and security deposits, taxes and fees. It isn't necessarily cheaper up front than buying a car. Also, when you lease a car you have mileage restrictions. A lease generally allows between 12,000 and 15,000 miles annually. If you go over that amount you pay for each mile. This can really add up.

Leasing doesn't mean you don't have to pay for upkeep. You are held to the manufacturers specified servicing schedule for your vehicle. If you don't have the required maintenance performed this can void your lease.
If you want to end the lease early there are generally large termination fees. At the end of your lease if there is damage to the car, or if there are missing parts you will be charged for them.

Make sure if you are considering leasing a vehicle that you understand all the fine print in the contact and all possible extra costs before signing on the dotted line. About The Author: This article courtesy of http://www.bmw-fanclub.com

How To Choose A Body Shop To Repair Your Car

2009-06-02T22:26:00.002-07:00

Posted by Mark Freeman on: 2005-09-16 19:26:44

Having been involved in an accident when my truck was only three months old, and then having re-painting done while restoring a ten year old vehicle, I've had some experience with body repair shops.

There are different types of body shops out there as we're all not looking for the same quality of work. The first rule I'll give you is that you get what you pay for. If you want to pay $599.00 to have your entire car painted, that's fine. It may be a huge improvement over how your car looked initially, but it wouldn't have suited me in either case mentioned above. I wanted that three month old truck to look like it looked the day I purchased it, and the paint on the hood of that ten year old sports car had to match the rest of the car perfectly.

The best way to find a body repair shop is the probably the same way you found your auto mechanic, word of mouth. Talk with friends and work associates, ask your mechanic. Talk to your neighbors and get their opinions. Everyone knows someone who's had a good, or bad experience. Listen when people talk about their cars and experiences they've had. I called the dealership where I had purchased my truck for a referral.

When you think that you've narrowed it down to a particular shop, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged. Remember that you may find they have a few, but no business can keep everyone happy. Talk with the shop manager if you have any questions or concerns.

Take a look around the shop. Is is kept clean? It won't be sparkling clean due to the type of work, but you shouldn't see dust and filth and chemicals spilled on floors.

Ask to see their work. They should have before and after pictures of their work and will also have cars they are currently working on. Do they have letters of recommendation? A lot of business keep letters from happy customers.

Do they give any type of warranty? Some body shops offer a limited warranty.

Finally, use your gut. How are they interacting with you? Are they taking the time to answer your questions completely or do they seem put off by them? If they seem put off, it's time to look elsewhere. About The Author: This article courtesy of http://www.bmw-monster.com

How To Lower Auto Insurance Costs

2009-06-02T22:26:00.001-07:00

Posted by Tim Henry on: 2005-09-16 19:28:10

It seems these days that it costs more and more to keep your car. With most new cars in the $22,000 + range, the monthly payments can be high. The cost of gas is now over $3.00 a gallon for regular and we're in a time where a lot of people drive long distances to get into work. Then, there's the cost of car insurance. Fortunately, you can buy a cheaper car, live closer to work, and by doing your homework, you can save money on car insurance.

The first and easiest way to shop around for car insurance is over the internet. Most insurance companies have sites where you can easily plug in your personal information such as type of car, area you live, past driving record, etc. and you can get an instant quote. Some insurance companies even brag that they will give you quotes from three different companies at one time, even if their quote is not the lowest.

To reduce your insurance the first thing you can do is consider lowering your deductible. If you increase your deductible from $500 to $1000 you can save a great deal on your collision and comprehensive coverage. $500 more out of your pocket in case of an accident might seem like a lot, but consider the number of years you'll accrue the savings while accident free. Also, if you pay for AAA you won't need to have towing coverage under your auto insurance.

There are several things you can look for when you purchase your car that might help reduce the insurance costs. Does your car have an alarm system? Lo jack? Anti lock brakes? Air bags? Daytime running lights?

Try to keep your yearly mileage low, this helps lower the cost. Also, if you have a student driver what types of grades is he or she getting? Students with higher grades generally pay less. If you haven't had an accident in more than three years this can be very good news for you. Even better is no traffic ticket and no points on your license. Most insurance companies will reward you for this with lower premiums.

Do you carry homeowners with the same company? This can get you a discount. If you live in an extended family situation is anyone else insured by the same company? This could mean another discount for you.

When your policy comes in the mail don't toss it in the drawer, go over your policy, make sure that you understand how they calculate your cost for the policy. It doesn't hurt to shop around for better rates. All it takes is a quick phone call. When you do this make sure you have your policy renewal in front of you so you'll know exactly what your coverage amounts are.

Most importantly, drive safely! About The Author: This article courtesy of http://www.bmw-monster.net

Simple Car Maintenance Tips

2009-06-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

Posted by Simon Harris on: 2005-09-16 19:28:17

You drive your car everyday. Do you pay attention to it? Do you feel that slight shimmy in the front end? Is there a new knocking sound under the hood? Is there a rattle in the dashboard? No one knows your car better than you do. If you feel something different, or if it isn't handling correctly take it to your mechanic. It could be something as simple as a tire out of alignment, or perhaps a loose belt. It's always best to find any small problem before it becomes a large one.

Here are some simple maintenance tips that you can follow to help prolong the life of your car, and help save you money.

Notice where you park your car and get into the habit of looking to see if there are any leaks when you pull out. This can be very tricky in a public garage with lots of stains from leaks from other cars, but if your car is leaking any type of fluid, transmission, radiator or brake the leak will look "fresh". If you see any fluid leaking have your car serviced as soon as possible.

Keep an eye on your tires. When you have your oil changed every 3,000 miles have your tires rotated. At this time the technician will inspect your tires for any wear. Keep your tires aligned. Check your tire pressure once every month. It's easy enough to read tire gauges and they even have electronic ones. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps increase gas mileage too.

As mentioned above, change your oil at least every 3,000 miles. The oil is the life blood of your car and keeping fresh oil in your car can extends it's life by many, many miles. At this time the technician will check your air filter, hoses and belts.

Keep your windshield washer reservoir full and carry an extra gallon with you. You don't want to be caught without washer fluid, and you don't realize how quickly you use it up, especially in the winter months when we get salt spray on the windshield. Replace your wiper blades once a year.

Following these simples steps can go a long way in prolonging the life of your car. About The Author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.corvette-fanatic.com

5 Automotive Tools Every Auto Owner Needs

2009-06-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

Posted by Mike Scurria on: 2005-09-16 19:30:01

Automobiles are sizeable investments. As a car becomes older, its maintenance becomes increasingly important. There are many tools that every auto owner should have. Auto shops can sometimes charge exurbanite amounts for a simple fix that could have been done at home for much cheaper. Having the proper tools and knowledge will allow any auto owner to save money, learn more about their automobile, and maintain their car.

1. Every auto owner should have a jack and jack stands. When working on a car, more often than not, the car must be elevated. Simple procedures like rotating tires can be done at home with the help of a Jack. Additionally, all car owners should have a jack in their car with them wherever they go. In the unfortunate event of a flat tire, having a jack and a spare tire can lead to a simple tire replacement. In a garage, having a powerful jack and strong jack stands makes it possible for an auto owner to reach every point underneath the car and thus solve problems more efficiently.

2. One of the most important car maintenance practices is the oil change. To maintain an automobile, the oil should be changed once every 3,000 miles. Quintessential to a successful oil change is having an Oil Wrench that takes the oil filter off and allows the oil to be changed expediently. Without an oil wrench, an auto owner may be forced to take their car to an auto shop and overpay for a simple oil change.

3. Often when dealing with parts of the engine, or the hard-to-reach spots under the hood, proper tools are required. A 3/8-inch Socket Set can allow an automobile owner to loosen and subsequently tighten a wide variety of bolts. Different extensions allow the auto owner to obtain the best angles for torque and therefore make auto jobs quite a bit easier.

4. When changing oil, having a funnel, some rags, and a bucket is very helpful. Once again, the oil change is one of the most important maintenances for a car, and it can be done easily by anyone. However, many people do not have the proper tools or knowledge for a successful oil change. Having a funnel can also be useful when refilling any other fluids in one’s car. The funnel serves to make sure that fluids do not get over filled, which can lead to significant problems.

5. Finally, every auto owner should have a pair of solid vice grips. Some times a part will just not come loose. Other times, a car part may not seem to be tight enough despite one’s best efforts. Vice grips can hold a wide variety of car parts and allow the user to obtain more leverage for either tightening or loosening a part. When encountering a part that will simply not come loose, many auto owners will give up and take their car to a shop. Having vice grips can help one to avoid this problem.

Unfortunately, there is no car in existence that doesn’t require constant maintenance. However, with the right tools, anyone can fix minor problems and maintain his or her automobile without the assistance of an auto mechanic. The right tools can lead to a longer last vehicle, and large cost savings.

Mike Scurria writes about automotive tools.

Choosing A Safe And Reliable Car Transport Service

2009-06-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

Posted by Matt Harvey on: 2005-10-14 01:03:41

It doesn’t matter if your car is a sports car, an antique car, or even just a plain family car, if you want it safely delivered to you, you will have to find a reliable and affordable transport company that has a car transport package that suits your needs and your budget.

But, when choosing a car transport service you have to be aware of some issues regarding the transport and delivery of such. Transporting something as precious as your car would be suicide if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Here are some things to look out for when considering a car transport service.

Insurance
Your car is a big investment. If you allow your car to be transported carelessly, you could end up with a badly banged-up car. To avoid this, you can have your transport service insure your car. While doing research on what transport service to hire, always look at the total price plus insurance. It may seem like a waste of money to some, but for those who have experienced having their cars shipped to them with dents, scratches, and – gasp – other major damages; insurance will seem like a welcome advice.

Know What Type of Transport You are Dealing With
There are quite a few options on how to have your car delivered. You can have door-to-door, enclosed, open, terminal-to-terminal, and rail service among others. Some of these options may have features that you do not need, or features that are more than what you need. Make sure you understand the details of each option and choose one according to your needs.

Schedule
You have to be clear on the schedules of pick up and delivery.

Pick up time is the amount of time it takes from receipt of the order to transport until your automobile is loaded unto the trailer. This time is usually 2 and 10 days. Transport services appreciate a three day allowance to find a trailer and assign your car to that trailer.

Transit time will take about 8-10 days. This depends on the destination and route taken. These trailers will usually carry about ten automobiles at the same time. And as they make the necessary stops to deliver each automobile, it could use up a lot of time. So, it would do well to be patient during these times.

When you and your car transport service come to terms on the dates, reinforce the fact that you will be expecting punctuality in the delivery and pickup. You might also want to consider whether the company allows you to cancel the transaction if they are late for pick up, or to refund a certain amount if they deliver you car late, or with damage.

If they are to be delayed, your car transport service should inform you ahead of time so you will not have to waste any time fussing over what happened to your car.

Report, Report, Report
It pays to have everything documented and in paper. Have the transport service inspect your car before and after transport so you can assess whether there was any damage sustained during the process. They should check the condition of the car and note this all down in paper. This is a standard operating procedure for many of the car transport services around.

Conclusion
Finding the appropriate car transport trailer to fit your specific needs and budget should be an easy task providing that you know you budget limitations, special travel requirements for your car, and the length of trip. In today’s market there are literally hundreds of car transport trailer options out there, and you can count on finding the right one for you in no time at all.

The size of the car transport company is not the deciding factor. What really decides whether you can trust your transport service is the skill and track record of the service. Always investigate the past transactions of the transport outfit to see if there are any potential problems regarding their service.

Now you are all armed and a bit more knowledgeable in these matters. Car transport will now lose most of ‘scary-ness’ you had attached to it, thanks to added knowledge! Use this knowledge wisely and enjoy a worry-free car transport! About The Author: For more great car shipping info and advice check out: http://www.transport-guide.com

The Rapid Vehicle Motor Company

2009-06-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Posted by Frank Hague on: 2005-10-14 01:33:17

The Rapid Motor Vehicle Company was started in 1902 by Max Grabowski.

It was the manufacturer of some of the earliest trucks and was purchased in 1909 by GM. In 1912 the name GMC was first used at the New York Auto Show and in 1996 the suffix Truck was dropped.

What most people don't know is that GMC also makes cars.

In 1902 Max Grabowski founded a company called the "Rapid Motor Vehicle Company", which developed some of the earliest commercial trucks ever designed. In 1909 the company was bought by General Motors to form the basis of the General Motors Truck Company, from which GMC Truck was made. In 1912 the name "GMC Truck" was first shown at the New York Auto Show. In 1996 GM dropped the word 'truck' from the GMC Truck name, thus creating the GMC name as we know it today. There never was a Grabowski Motor Company or a Grabowski Motor Corp.

They now make personal automobiles, as well as pickup truck and bus engines.

General Motors Corporation NYSE: GM, also known as GM, is a United States-based automobile maker with worldwide operations and brands including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Daewoo, GMC, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saturn, Saab, and Vauxhall Chevrolet and GMC divisions produce trucks, as well as passenger vehicles. Other brands include ACDelco, Allison Transmission, and General Motors Electro-Motive Division that produces diesel-electric locomotives. GM also has stakes in Isuzu, Subaru, and Suzuki in Japan and a joint venture with AutoVAZ (Lada) in Russia. In December 2003, it acquired Delta in South Africa, in which it had taken a 45 percent stake in 1997, and which is now a fully-owned subsidiary, General Motors South Africa.

GM's headquarters are in the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.

General Motors is the world's largest vehicle manufacturer and employs over 340,000 people. In 2001, GM sold 8.5 million vehicles through all its branches. In 2002, GM sold 15 percent of all cars and trucks in the world. They also owned Electronic Data Systems from 1984 to 1996 which is a former Ross Perot company and, prior to selling it to News Corporation, DirecTV. GM owned Frigidaire from 1918 to 1979.

The current chairman (since May 1, 2003) and chief executive officer (since June 1, 2000) is Rick Wagoner, succeeding John F. Smith, Jr.

General Motors is selling its 20 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent of Subaru, in a deal that could raise more than $700 million as per news released on October 6, 2005.

Also, General Motors Canada auto workers voted on Sunday to ratify a new contract that will lay off 1,000 workers over the next three years, the Canadian Auto Workers and GM said.

General Motors lost 2.5 billion dollars last year, and would have made a profit if it was not saddled with 6 billion dollars in health costs.

The UAW and GM are now reaching agreement to reduce this health cost by about 1 billion dollars annually. About The Author: Frank Hague has owned several GM made vehicles. For more information please look at: http://www.gmc-now.info