Archive for October, 2008
5 Steps For Buying A Used Car
by admin on Oct.13, 2008, under Used Cars
5 Steps For Buying A Used Car
Even though buying a used car presents a risk, it’s also a great way to find a bargain. It’s not uncommon for buyers to stumble upon vehicles that have been maintained perfectly by their owners. Often, the price can be negotiated so that both parties feel like they got a great deal. Because there is an element of risk with purchasing a used vehicle, you should follow a simple routine that protects you from making a bad decision. Below, I’ll provide a 5-step process that you should use whenever you’re buying a used car.
Step #1: Order A Vehicle History Report
Most sellers are trustworthy and the details they share about their car will be accurate. But, it’s a good idea to order a vehicle history report to verify things like past accidents, owners, flooding incidents, and recalls. Plus, if you’re buying the car from a dealer, the history report will give you an idea regarding how long the dealer has owned it. The longer they’ve owned the car, the more willing they may be to negotiate the price.
Step #2: Inspect The Used Car
While a lot of damage can be hidden from view, you’ll still be able to identify things like water stains in the interior, parts that are mismatched or uneven, and signs of excessive wear.
Step #3: Ask For Maintenance Records
Ask the seller to provide records that show regular maintenance has been performed on the used car. You’ll want to see evidence of things such as oil changes, tune-ups, repair work, and tire rotations. Even if a car looks great on the outside, a lack of maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the road.
Step #4: Take A Test Drive
You’d be surprised how many people buy used cars without taking them for a test drive. On the road, you’ll be able to identify how smoothly the brakes operate, whether the car accelerates properly, and if smoke billows from the exhaust. If you notice any of these things, think twice before buying the car. You’ll need to have these problems repaired, which can potentially cost hundreds of dollars.
Step #5: Visit A Mechanic
The final step in purchasing a reliable used car is to have a technician run a diagnostic test. Even if you don’t notice any obvious signs of problems, an experienced technician can instantly notice past repair work that has been done shoddily. He’ll also be able to identify small problems that will eventually lead to costly repairs.
Driving Home A Deal
Finding a great deal on a used car is largely a matter of diligence. Use the 5-step process that I’ve outlined above. It will help you avoid cars that promise expensive repairs in the future. And it will prove to be instrumental for finding the coveted bargains that exist in the used car market.
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The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
by admin on Oct.10, 2008, under American Classic Cars, Sports Cars
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The new Corvette ZR1 is more than your standard sports car, it’s a supercar. This new model brings to the
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
table all the technology and refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics, and electronics. What Chevrolet is attempting to do with its latest model is show the world that they can produce a car that can deliver everything a high end sports car can but at a fraction of the price. The ZR1 was designed based on the Z06, but to be superior to it in every way: acceleration, braking, cornering, and top speed. What is probably responsible for this increased performance is its power to weight ratio. It is also the first Corvette to reach a top speed over 200 miles per hour.
The Corvette ZR1 sports car features a LS9 6.2 liter engine as its powerhouse. This large positive displacement roots type supercharger is what gives the car its powerful performance specs. The engine also has an integrated change cooling system which is needed to keep the engine cool and maintain its high-end performance. The LS9 engine is supported by a strong 6 speed transmission with a twin disc clutch. These new design makes changing gears a breeze. Previously, the highest gear in a Chevrolet Corvette was fifth gear, so this is an exciting change for this particular vehicle.
The 2009 Corvette ZR1 features the same heavy aluminum chassis as the previous Z06. It also possesses similar front and rear suspension systems. One way in which the two can be differentiated is the suspension tuning which was optimized for the ZR1. This latest model also benefits from Magnetic Selective Ride Control. As a result, the car is able to deliver damping adjustments which are almost instantaneous and a supple ride quality with a very tight cornering grip.
The exquisite exterior design of the 2009 model also begs to be discussed as it makes it one of the more recognizable cars on the road today. It features a raised hood that is constructed from all carbon fibers, with a clear, polycarbonate window. The window makes it possible to look in and see the engine’s intercooler. The engine cover features the Corvette flag logo on the front and the intercooler has “LS9 Supercharged” embossed on the sides. In order to further differentiate the car’s design, it features exposed carbon fiber weaves on various parts of the vehicle such as under the hood, the roof, roof bow, and rocker molding.
Finally, the car’s interior is nothing to ignore either. It features the standard double cockpit, high quality materials and craftsmanship, and the overall functionality that one has come to expect from the Corvette series of sports cars. It features lightweight seats and content in its base model, and the uplevel interior package features powered adjustable leather seats, a four color leather wrapped interior, navigation system, and blutetooth technology support. With all of these interesting and useful features, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sports car is sure to draw a lot of attention.
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How to Sell Your Used Sports Car
by admin on Oct.08, 2008, under Sports Cars
How to Sell Your Used Sports Car
There are many reasons why you may be interested in selling your used sports car. With the economy being shaky, many people find themselves buying a car that they can’t afford. The only option they have is to their car. This is a much smarter idea than having your car repossessed as it will not hurt your credit. Of course the problem still remains that you will probably take a loss and have to come up with the remainder yourself.
When you sell a car that you are making payments on, you will have to pay off the entire balance before selling it. The buyer of your car will probably want to be present when you pay off this amount to the bank and have the title transferred to his or her name right then and there. Of course, perhaps you are selling your car not because you can’t afford it, but you have already paid it off but it is not running as well anymore. Or maybe you just are tired of it and want a new vehicle.
When you are preparing to sell your sports car, you will want to make sure that it is in great shape and looks as good as possible. This is what the dealerships do in order to make the cars as presentable as possible, so you should do the same. First, clean your car thoroughly, both inside and out. Give the outside a nice wash and wash and clean out all of the clutter from the inside and the trunk. Wipe down the interior surfaces and vacuum and shampoo the carpets. Clean the windows as well. In order to save time, you may want to have it detailed by a professional.
Next, do a little bit of maintenance on the vehicle; you want it to be running as well as possible. Top off all of the fluids and change the oil if it is dark. If there are any burnt out lights, even minor interior ones, be sure to have them replaced. A great way to improve your vehicle’s reliability, and to gain trust in your buyer, is to purchase a used car report such as from Carfax. If you have been keeping track of your repair receipts, make copies of them and present them to your buyers. This is a great way to show them that you have been keeping up with maintenance.
You can also have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to make sure that nothing is wrong. Many buyers like to have their mechanic look at the vehicle first before they buy it, so this way you will not only save them the buyer, but will get some confidence from your potential buyer as well. All these things are great ways to get your buyer to trust you and hopefully purchase your used sports car. The only negative thing is that almost all of these solutions will cost you some money.