(Hybrid cars) Buying a Used Car Online
No commentsBy Jay Gaulard
There are a couple of major benefits to buying a used car online. You do not have to spend hours going from one dealership to another. Even better, you will not have to deal with overly pushy salespeople attempting to sell you more than you can logically afford. You can always look through your local newspaper’s online automotive classified website.
Tip #1 - Before Buying a Used Auto
Before buying a used car online, learn everything you can about what it should and could include. Learn about both standard and optional automotive equipment and the fair market value for the used car. Also, consider your budget. Knowing how much you have available before you start looking will help narrow down your choices. You will also be less tempted by an unaffordable auto.
Examine exactly why you want to buy a used car. The way you will use it can have a big impact on what type of auto you purchase. If you need an automotive for family outings or carpooling, a 2-seater sports car will not work.
Tip #2 - Questions to Ask Auto Seller
Ask the seller the following questions before buying an automotive online:
* Why are they selling the car? Beware if their reason seems unreasonable.
* Do you have service records? Having the service records will let you know what required services have and have not been completed. This will help you determine possible costs after you have purchased the auto.
* Is the title in the seller’s name? It can be difficult and time consuming to get the title changed from a previous owner. Another possibility is that you or the seller may be unable to locate the previous owner
* Are there any liens attached?
* Can I have an independent mechanic physically inspect the used car?
* Can I test drive the used car before buying it?
Tip #3 - Pictures of the Used Auto
Whenever possible, check out the used car in person. Otherwise, ask for pictures of the vehicle from every angle possible (inside and out), including the engine. Although not a sure-fire way to verify if the seller is being completely honest, this can help you to avoid some surprises. Even with pictures, you still need to be careful. Read over the original description of the used car and verify that it matches the one in the photo.
Tip #4 - CarFax Automotive Report
Ask the seller for the vehicle identification number, which you will need to run a CarFax report. This is a necessary step to protect you from fraud. A CarFax report will show you most major completed repairs and whether the car has been involved in an accident. If the report shows the vehicle has been in a bad accident, but the seller says the car is in tip-top shape, consider buying a different vehicle.
Tip #5 - Automotive Pricing
Before shelling out money or agreeing to a sales price, visit the Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds website to find the fair market value of the auto. Do this after you have seen pictures of the car so that you can be accurate about the car’s condition. Keep in mind that the sales price listed online probably does not include sales tax, registration, financing fees, or licensing and title fees.
Tip #6 - Where to Buy a Used Auto
You have several options regarding where to buy a used car online. Try looking through online automotive classified ads or on dealer websites. Another possibility is visiting online auto auction sites. Whichever way you choose, always follow the previously provided tips before making a purchase.
For many reasons, buying a car online can be much trickier than buying one in person. This is especially true when you decide to buy a non-local car, as you normally will not be able to see the car in person before you get it. Following the tips above can do away with many of the pitfalls.
Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This article was written on behalf of AutoLeeg, a popular car classifieds website.
“Carputers” Becoming Options On The Open Market
By Mike Trudel
If your fingers itch for a touch screen even during the morning commute, there may be a solution — particularly when you’re carpooling in the passenger seat and have a minute to play. Vehicles are now being released with “carputers” or “carPCs” as an option, not just as a retrofit. A familiar type of “carPC” to most folks is a Global Positioning System (GPS). According to an online encyclopedia, a GPS device is much like a limited laptop running GPS software.
Basic Specs and Tech:
“Carputer” machines consist of a motherboard, processor and memory and data storage method, such as a hard drive or solid state flash memory. Interface hardware depends on non-distracting options to interact with the “carPC,” such as wireless protocols, which are commonly used to connect to GPS devices and mobile phones. Wirelessly connecting and transferring data to and from home computers is also possible.
A well-executed interface is paramount to the machine’s success, and its software runs the computer’s hardware. Good programming allows drivers to use their favorite piece of technology without being distracted. Common operating systems are available and nearly all are customizable.
Making sure “carPCs” keep their juices flowing is a slightly more complicated matter than it is for the average desktop or laptop. The danger lies in the sudden power drain to certain systems that occurs upon start-up or, of course, when the ignition is cut. To suddenly seize a computer’s supply, however, is risky; software can malfunction and data can be lost. To safeguard against this, a DC-DC power supply is often used, which provides a continuous, 12V power stream to the “carputer.” A DC-AC inverter can also be installed, but it tends to use more energy and produce more wasted heat. The right hardware and software combination allows the computer to sense when the main power source has been cut and use what’s left to safely shut down the machine.
Experiments have found that Internet users experience marked levels of frustration when a Web site takes thirty or more seconds to load. Bearing this in mind, imagine how quickly “carputer” popularity would decline without the relay circuits enabling the machine’s devices to start automatically. Without properly relaying circuits, devices such as amplifiers and screens would have to be started manually — something a portion of the general public doesn’t even know how to do anymore.
Before 2000, LCD character displays were the screen of choice for “carPC” builders. Commands were usually sent to the machine through a keyboard with this system. Soon, wireless serial port remotes were made possible, and small television screens became affordable. The majority of first screens were video input only. For over a grand a pop, though, these were hard to justify. Rapidly advancing technology and production increases have recently made touch screens available and affordable.
Lest one thinks these little “carputers” are all business, entertainment features have been added. “CarPCs” now bring nearly all the entertainment comforts of home onto that cross-country trek. Passengers feel like watching a movie? No problem. Playing a video game? Hook ‘er up. Download favorite music, tune in to satellite radio and map the next trip to Europe on advanced GPS software. It’s all there. No more “Maaa-om. Are we there yet?” “Pop in a movie,” says Maaa-om. Or, “do your homework,” which she downloaded from a desktop at home. At last — technology not only brings hope for peace and quiet but also a way to make sure no one gets too lost along the way.
The possibilities are nearly endless. After all, automobiles have already been introduced to the world of high technology. Consider infrared cameras, a variety of hands-free applications, cargo detectors, lane departure and side (blind spot) warning software — these technological offerings are all not only possible but are already being incorporated. Imagine the capabilities modern computers possess. Now imagine that in your car.
Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer.
Delphi Corp. is poised to apply its expertise and know-how to provide vehicle manufacturers and consumers with in-vehicle connectivity. To learn more about Delphi Corp., please visit www.Delphi.com/4Innovation or www.Delphi.com/4Connected.
Automotive Interior and Exterior Accessories for Motoring Fun
By Mike McCoy
I don’t know anyone who owns an automobile that hasn’t added an automotive aftermarket accessory to that vehicle. Some of us want to protect our investment so we choose automotive interior accessories to protect the floor, or protect the seats. Or maybe we choose automotive exterior accessories to protect the vehicle finish with an auto sealant or car cover.
Sometimes we choose automotive aftermarket accessories to distinguish our vehicle from the others. It’s a way we give it a personality that identifies with who we are and separating it from the crowd. Maybe we add an automotive trim kit or auto dash mat with a logo, or maybe we upgrade to custom car mats with a monogram or protect those seats with custom car covers. There are a lot of ways to change the look and feel of our auto. And it doesn’t matter if we concentrate on an automotive interior accessory or an automotive exterior accessory.
Some of my favorite automotive interior accessories are dashboard mats, custom seat covers, auto dash trim, and custom car mats. Any of these auto accessories add a nice touch to your investment and give you enjoyment every time you get behind the wheel. Car dashboard mats are a nice touch with or without your favorite team logo. Auto dash trim is available, molded or flat, in wood grain, carbon fiber, various colors, and brushed metal. You can create quite a look with those choices. Custom car mats can be added with personalization or not, a choice of car mat fiber density, and a multitude of color choices. Auto seat covers are available in microsuede, velour, polycotton, tweed, neoprene, sheepskin, camo, and several other fabrics giving you choices to match your personality.
For my automotive exterior accessories I would first choose a car sealant to protect my vehicle investment. Not a wax or polish but a true sealant that would bond with the auto finish and genuinely protect it for future good looks. If the car was out in the elements I would consider a custom car cover. There are so many fabric choices and price ranges that there is a car cover for any budget or environment.
Car accessories are motoring fun. With a little money or a lot you can change the look and feel of your favorite ride to give you years of motoring fun.
Online Automotive Accessories and Parts sales
to enhance and protect the vehicle investment. In business since 1993, have been online since 1998, are online sales only in the US and limited shipment internationally www.MyMotoringAccessories.com
Your Source For Information On Hybrid Vehicles
Thursday, November 13th, 2008 at 7:00 am and is filed under automotive. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
