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Upgrading to a New Car

One day, a person wakes up and says, “I want to sell my car and get a new one.” There’s several ways it can be done; the right way for one person may not work for another, so review all of them to see what the best direction for you is.

Trade-In

A very easy way to get rid of a used car is to trade it in for a newer model. This method is a sure-fire way to ease the stress of buying and selling cars, but the buyer doesn’t generally get the same value for the car as selling it privately. The dealer wants your old car, so they’ll likely give a decent price and then they take that amount of money off the price of the new car. It’s like getting a huge discount and the old car isn’t left sitting around.

DIY – Craigslist

Another option is to sell the car yourself. Selling a car privately can take longer, but the seller is likely to get more than a dealer would give. The best way these days is to post the used car on CraigsList. You can include four photos for free; three outside and one inside angel are best. List the year, make/model, tire quality, car’s general condition (including the body, are there dents or is the paint peeling?), any improvements or maintenance done recently, the gas mileage and the condition of the interior. Be sure to include a phone number.

Third Party Seller

There’s also a chance that a car repair shop will sell the car for you and take a percentage of the sale as payment for this service. They know people who deal in cars all the time and are a viable option for getting rid of your old one. Talk to a mechanic to find out more.

A car owner can now see there are several options when selling a car. All of them are easy, useful ways.

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Audi – An Exciting Choice for Your Next Car

Audi Q5

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If you’re looking to update your car with something exciting, perhaps you’ve noticed a certain brand lately. Audi is absolutely a hot car brand right now, in no shortage in regards to action movies and exciting commercials. It becomes easy to see why an Audi would be a great choice if you were in the market for something in which you can be happy driving.

Audi’s are well known for their amazing set of features. Fuel efficiency and some of the coolest technology can be found on Audis – and this is not just in reference to newer models. You can find some extremely nice stereo systems, for instance, on used Audi models from years ago.

Purchasing a used Audi should be strongly considered. Their used models are just as nice as some of the newer ones. You can also be confident in their durability, as Audis are well known for their quality and resale value.

Looking at used cars in the Audi lines can be a smart decision. Financially speaking, this is very wise as it is much more affordable, giving you a lot of versatility if your finances are a big tight. You can get the best of both worlds: getting a high-quality, exciting car while not having to pay too much.

Take a look at Audi models that are used. There are plenty of different lines that will appeal to all kinds of needs, whether you want something sporty or for the family. Audi has you covered in terms of features as well.

Don’t settle for less when it comes to a used car. A quality company like Audi can be easy on your wallet and high on your happiness level. Take some time to look at the many Audi models that could work for your needs. You could be on your way to a very smart and exciting car purchase.

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The Different Crash Tests and What They Do

We’ve all heard of the crash tests that are performed on cars. What we probably don’t realize that there are several different tests performed and each has their own significance.

Frontal crach tests are done at both 35 miles per hour into a hard barrier to test the different restraints in the vehicle. The results of these tests have led to manfacturers making significant improvements in their restraint systems. There are also offset frontal crash tests. These crash tests are done at 40 miles per hour and the crash is off to the side of the car and not directly head on. These tests have resulted in the improvement of the structures of many cars.

There are also crash tests done to the sides of the cars. They test how car performs when the front of a car crashes into the side of another car. They do this by having a moving barrier crash into the side of a car. This tests is looking to see how well the vehicle protects a persons head in the crash. Many cars now have side air bags to protect their passengers in these types of crashes.

Since rear crashes are less likely to be life threatening than other types of crashes, an actual crash test is not usually done. The testers are just looking for how the seat is designed in comparison to the restraint system. If they perform well in a simulated test then the car is given an acceptable rating.

The last thing that testers look at is the strenth of the roof in a rollover crash. In order for the car to have a good rating the roof must be able to withstand at least 4 times the weight of the car before it will crush only 5 inches.

Before purchasing a car make sure you look at how it performed in all of these tests.

 

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Making the choice of a Hybrid investment

Rear view of the Honda Insight Hybrid, Virgini...
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Now when purchasing an automobile for customers and their families they have available options that long ago werent possible. Customers now have the choice to select either a conventional vehicle or various types of hybrid. This an important investment to customers.

Hybrids or also known as HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), and operates dependant on two different sources including internal combustion engine and electric motor.

How many are experiencing gas pump shock? The price of fuel continues to increase and so does global warming and dangerous fuel emissions into the environment. Automobile makers have taken technology to a whole new level with the availability of hybrid vehicles. It is said that hybrids can cut fuel absorption by almost 50-60%.

There are a few types of hybrids that are currently available in the market. There are parallel hybrids, series hybrids, and full hybrids. The different types are typically based on the needs of the customer such as: cost, brand, and preferred speed.

Here is brief information on the different types of hybrids:

Parallel Hybrids- a parallel hybrid it uses a combination of gasoline and electric technology to move the car forward. This type of hybrid generally has a small engine, which produces much less power. The parallel hybrid is yielding electricity via the generator to self-charge the battery.
Series Hybrid- a series hybrid uses the electric motor to operate the drive train. They also have smaller engines, but require a larger battery pack, which invariably increases the cost comparatively to parallel series.
Full hybrids- this type uses electric power for propulsion and uses a gasoline engine for power and acceleration. These are also known as two mode hybrids.

Whatever choice the customer chooses hybrids are remarkably efficient, excellent for fuel economy, and lastly their purpose was to help cut down on pollution to protect the environment for future generations.

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Sedans for 2010

When looking for a vehicle for you and your family, many are looking for a fuel-efficient model. There have been different makes and models introduced over the years, but the one that still is one of the top contenders is the Sedan.
This is the traditional American value choice automobile. The sedans available can range from fuel-efficient subcompacts to the luxury sedans. The options are made to fit whatever needs you are currently looking for. A basic sedan is defined as a car with four doors, full body, and conventional trunk.
There are sedans on the market that are priced under the $15,000 mark. If customers are looking for the economical and spacious choice; Honda has two models that are currently high on the buyers guide for 2010. The Honda Fit has versatility, it is very fuel-efficient, and you can find most models that have above average standards when it comes to the equipment that is offered for the Honda Fit.
Another option is the Honda Elantra. This vehicle is larger in capacity, it is priced a fraction lower, it also maximizes the fuel economy, and best of all it offers a better warranty to potential consumers.
If you looking for a sedan under the $20,000 mark, a good option can be a Suzuki Kizashi, these are brand new for the market in 2010. They are priced in the category of a mid-sized sedan, and it is a fraction smaller than its competitors. The various equipment options are endless. Some of them can be all wheel drive, dual-zone climate control, keyless start entry, and many more.
Another choice is the Ford Fusion. Again, this option will vary according to your needs and price preference. This model has been redesigned for 2010, and the well-optioned S model is available for those wanting a sportier look. It is detailed sharper on the outside, and has a higher quality interior as well.

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Updated crash testing

Crash-test of a 2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS at the...
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When purchasing a new or used vehicle, do consumers look at the safety standards and testing? Some feel that is one of the most important, while others are more concerned with the outside look and color. Safety crash tests should be a high priority when looking to purchase a vehicle. There is precious cargo being transported in that auto, you.
The vehicle-testing program NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) has been doing these safety tests since 1978. They are administered and supervised by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). This agency is responsible for all vehicle safety standards, and their testing is one of the most stringent when it comes to testing each car body.
Major revisions began in 2010 for NCAP. The aim is to continue to improve the safety of the vehicle, and to try and lower the repair costs. They use the star system when they are grading the vehicles. Five stars are considered the best. Potential consumers can find complete detailed information in the Consumer reports guide. It will give most of the information you may be looking for. It is important to do your car safety homework when contemplating the purchase of a vehicle.
Some advocates are unhappy that NCAP is just now overhauling their system to catch up with the ever-changing car market. Some of the additional testing or revised testing is NCAP has begun to use smaller passenger dummies when performing the crash tests. Researchers realized that most of the crash dummies where not representing a diverse populace.
Another aspect that has been added is after the crash test is complete, a NHTSA engineer assesses and records a fully injury report. They measure the force that the impact had on the head, abdomen, chest, pelvis, and lower spine in hopes of getting the knowledge of what these crashes would do to the passengers and driver. They have also revised the criteria for side-impact tests on all upcoming 2011 models.

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ABS system functions

Front ABS sensor of BMW K 1100 LT SE, Bj. 1994
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Anti-lock brake systems are an innovative automotive advance with the safety of the drivers in mind. Anti-lock brake systems are more often referred to as the ABS system.
There is more than one kind of ABS currently on the market. The first is the four-wheel system, this is found in most cars and minivans. This specific kind are to keep all four wheels from locking up at the same time when driving.
The other is the rear wheel drive. This is designed with certain pickups, vans and SUV’s (sport utility vehicle) in mind. The rear wheel drive keeps the vehicle from spinning out of control during braking.
The ABS is to assist when the brakes lock up on a slippery surface (i.e. Icy road), the drivers tendency is to slam on the brakes, which leads to losing traction control, and the vehicle will begin to spin. The ABS keeps the wheels from locking up, and the car wheels continue to move in hopes the drivers will negotiate themselves out of the spin.
How does the ABS function? Two words. Traction Control. The following are the components that make up the traction control:
Sensors-each wheel has a sensor on it for when the wheels lock up.
Valves- each ABS has valves that open and close to release the pressure.
Pumps- pressure is released, and the pump builds up the pressure again.
Controller- this is the brains of the ABS. The controller runs the entire ABS system.
In other words, a vehicle without an ABS, the driver is responsible to pump the brakes while trying to maintain control of the vehicle. A vehicle that has ABS, the system pumps the brakes for you while you concentrate on getting the car safely under control. Ultimately, the controller will regulate the pressure that the ABS needs depending on the current road conditions.

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Cars & Automatic Transmissions

Gear selector of a Volkswagen Golf 1600 4th se...
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Automatic transmissions used to only be an option in certain luxury vehicles. Today most vehicles come standard with it in all price ranges. An automatic transmission is a transmission that shifts gears accordingly without the driver having to do anything.

An automatic transmission comes with pre-selected gear ranges. Some vehicles use what is called the CVT (continuous variable transmission). The CVT can change ratios over versus the set gear ratios.
Standard transmissions compared to the automatic transmission have certain differences. A standard transmission has an extra pedal that is called the clutch, and needs to be manually pushed down by the foot of the driver each and every time the transmission is shifted between gears. With an automatic transmission there are no extra pedals needed because the engine shifts on its own without a needed prompting from the driver.
There is no gearshift in an automatic transmission. All the driver needs to do is put the car in drive, and the engine does the rest of the work.
There are standard sets of gears that come with an automatic transmission vehicle. The driver has to move the shifter in motion to any of the below:
Park-P this will lock up the transmission, and keep it at a standstill until it is disengaged.
Reverse-R this gear gives the vehicle the ability to move backwards. The automobile must be at a standstill before you engage this gear.
Neutral-N in this position the vehicle is technically not in any gear. In this mode the transmission is disconnected.
Drive-D when put into this gear, it allows the vehicle to move forward and to increase speed.
Overdrive- the vehicle is only using minimal transmission in this gear. Typically the only time the vehicle is in overdrive is when going at a steady speed of around 40 mph (miles per hour)

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MPG, EPA, what they do

Most consumers in the market for buying a vehicle look at multiple things, but one of the main ones is the fuel efficiency. With the economy, gas prices are volatile and continue to be, for those customers looking to buy or lease an automobile take into account the best gas mileage.
Trying to understand the gas MPG (miles per gallon) can be a confusing process, but the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) measure mileage by the MPG’s and has two ways they classify this method. They are city mileage and highway mileage. In the city the vehicle uses more fuel due to the frequent stops and starts with stop signs, stop lights etc. The highway mileage is typically better mileage due to the constant steady speed without all the stops and starts.
There are some other factors that play a part in the amount of miles per gallon your vehicle gets. Some of those are the following:
A manual transmission generally gets better gas mileage than an automatic transmission.
A 4 cylinder engine is typically more fuel efficient.
The 4-wheel drives generally have poor fuel efficiency compared to a 2-wheel drive.
Certain automobile tires will affect your MPG’s as well. Terrain and snow tires use more fuel than basic highway tires due to more rolling resistance when operating.
A few ways to help you improve your vehicle on mileage is to monitor the tire air pressure, it is recommended to us octane-rated fuel, try to avoid excessive idling, and avoiding frequent stops and starts. However, the fuel efficiency is important, be sure not to overlook other amenities that you may need such as vehicle capacity, cargo space, safety ratings and so forth.
There are a few rated automobiles that are coined as good mileage picks:
Small compact cars- Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Fit. Midsize cars-Toyota Camry Hybrid. Small SUV’s (sports utility vehicle)-Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4. Mid-sized SUV’s-Lexus RX400h, Ford Escape Hybrid.

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Imported, Domestic, and Quality

2007-2009 Toyota Camry photographed in College...
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Do you have enough information to make an educated decision on purchasing an imported vehicle or domestic vehicle? Imported, is anything that is outside of the United States, and domestic is within the United States. People would be surprised to know that there are imported automobiles that are actually built in the United States. Two of those models are the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and ironically, originally the Chevrolet Malibu’s platform was designed in Europe.
There is a misconception that most imported cars are a better quality than those of domestic. While, depending on the vehicle in question, there is always a variance on quality when comparing two similar products. As the automobile industry continues to grow, and the engineering becomes more and more advanced, all cars across the board are becoming better equipped.
However, there still tends to be the issue of how certain domestic automobiles depreciate faster, which affects buying, selling and maintaining. American cars tend to depreciate quicker than those of Japanese or German models. You, as the consumer are affected in two ways.
1.) If you purchase a new domestic car, within an estimated three year period that auto will lose its value quicker than a Toyota, Honda or Volkswagen.
2.) If the choice is to purchase a used car, domestic ones are more financially economical than an imported one.
It is also important when deciding whether to go with the imported or domestic, and those are the unexpected costs that come with buying an imported car. On the foreign car, there is not only the sticker price to consider, but also future costs such as replacement parts and cost to insure. Some foreign vehicles are difficult to get replacement parts for them due to where they were built.
Other questions to consider, because domestic and imported alike have their issues, is looking at is the vehicle of your choosing on the frequently stolen list?

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