bunch of blogs: Motor

You’ve just bought yourself a used car. The car was cheap and you left the used car lot with the feeling that you managed to come out reasonably well. Then the car conks out - what happens now?
Under other circumstances, you would probably have no choice but live with your choice. Fortunately, there is a law that would help you. The used car lemon law is the most useful law for any person who buys a used car. The law provides a legal remedy for those buy or lease used cars that turn out to have outstanding mechanical difficulties, those which are better known as “lemons”.
The law has used car dealers give their buyers a written warranty. The warrant requires dealers to repair any defects found in the car, free of charge. The dealer can also choose to reimburse the repair costs of the repairs to the buyer. It also notes that if the car isn’t repaired after a number of attempts, the buyer is supposed to receive a full refund of the purchase.
For the law to cover your purchase, check your local state laws. Usually, these four conditions should be met for the lemon law to be invoked:
1) The car was purchased, transferred or leased after either a) eighteen thousand miles of use or b) two years from the original release; and
2) The purchase or lease price has the value of at least one thousand five hundred dollars; and
3) The car has been driven less than or equal to a hundred thousand miles at the time of lease or purchase; and
4) The car was used for non-commercial purposes i.e. personal use. This means the car should have been used for household or family purposes. This includes personal transportation to and from work and household errands. The car could have been used for a mix of business and personal use but it still should have been used predominantly for personal use.
The law can also be used to cover motorcycles; however some states exempt other vehicles from the used car law. Note that the transfer of ownership of a used car is also covered by the law; however a private purchase from a private individual is not protected by the law. You can choose to consult a lawyer to see what sort of action you may take.
Remember the law and check with your state before you buy a used car. If your state has such a law, you should feel safe about your purchase when you leave the used car lot.

When searching for a used car, one of the most important factors to consider is whether the car you are looking for really is worth its tag price. Even though the car may look like quite a deal, it is possible that you are being ripped off. Here are a few tips to help you make that decision when considering used cars.
1. Do a Little Research
When you find a used car that catches your fancy make sure you do research on that car. Find out how much that car costs if it were brand new. You should also look into whether the car is still in production and if its parts are still available. You could also try a little shop hopping to compare used car prices among cars of the same value and same age.
If a car’s price is too low, that should send you into a state of alarm. It is possible that the car is much more trouble than it is worth.
If it is too expensive, you may want to ask why that is so.
2. The Older the Car the Cheaper is Should Become
Brand new cars typically lose up to 30% in their value in 3 years, and by the time the car is 5 years old, it may have lost up to 65%. If you know the car’s original price, you may want to use this rule of the thumb for your estimation.
3. Use a Third-Party Information Service
Car Fax is a good way to find out about used car histories. They offer a service that will give you a detailed history of the car you are interested in. The information included will typically include accident history and insurance data.
Kelly Blue Book is one of the most comprehensive used car value listings around. It would be a good idea to take a peek into their services for an updated list of hundreds and hundreds of used car values.
4. Take a Mechanic with You
A car’s value is also directly related to its running condition. If you are not that well versed in mechanics and cars, you may want to take a mechanic along so that he or she can evaluate whether the car really is worth the used dealer’s tag price.
Some used car dealers will offer cars that are defective and try to hawk them by sweetening the deal. Beware of these kinds of car dealers.
Try to look for a reputable dealer. The past experience of your acquaintances will be very valuable in evaluating a car dealership.

Searching for used cars online is easy and convenient. Here are a few tips on how to use the internet to search for used cars online.
1. Make use of the internet’s convenience advantage.
What’s so great about online used car searching? For starters, it means you can do most of the tedious work of canvassing for cars right in the comfort of your home. You don’t have to travel mile after mile to a car lot only to learn that the car of your dreams does not exist there. This means you have to travel another stretch to find another car lot that, unfortunately, might not have the car you are looking for as well.
This painful experience could take anywhere from a day (if you are lucky) to a few weeks (on a busy schedule). Plus you can only visit these places during the day. If these businesses have flyers, or do advertising, it may be easier on you since you at least have a list (however incomprehensive it may be) of the models they have available.
Enter the internet. You can surf for cars from dozens of car dealers in a matter of a few minutes or hours. Plus these sites will most likely have comprehensive information on their products – and this even includes pictures.
2. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable online entity, One way to do this is before seriously considering a certain online car site, look up their physical address. This means you have to jot down their address, phone numbers, and other contact information so that you can make inquiries with the local business listings and organizations.
3. Upon matching up with the car of your dreams, consider visiting the dealer. In actuality, it is possible to conclude the whole business process of purchasing a used car online through the internet. However, you may want to visit the physical address of the dealer for a physical inspection of the car you wish to purchase.
4. Make sure you understand the contract, and terms of agreement these online search companies carry. This will inform you of your rights and responsibilities when entering negotiations online.
5. Do background research on the car site and make sure you know what plans they offer. Some used cars websites offer certain guarantees and even insurance. You may want to explore these options to make sure you get the best value for you money.

Car auctions are a good place to get good a bargain on cars. But buying cars from auctions can be very complicated. This is particularly true for the uninitiated. Of course the cars in auctions are generally cheaper. But they are cheap because they lack the guarantees that come with cars bought from dealers. The rules in auctions are simple, you bid an item, you pay for it, and you own it.
It is therefore not advisable for persons without much experience in motor vehicles to just go to an auction and buy a car.
What you’ll need if you’re planning to buy a car in an auction is a good eye, good observation skills and a willingness to learn the car auction process.
You can even make it a business by buying cars at auction and then selling them at a profit. There are several people who have made huge profits by buying and selling cars at auction.
There are basically two kinds of car auctions, local car auctions and online car auctions. Each of the auctions works differently. Each has a different set of rules so you must study them very carefully if you are planning to buy a car from either kind of auction.
If you want to buy a vehicle in a car auction you must first pre-register with the local auction you want to join. The pre-registration process won’t take much of your time and will provide you all the essential information that you will need in order to buy a car. An auction site will often have an auction staff who will explain to you the rules of their auction site and the procedures and instruction on how to participate and bid on the cars.
It is wise to inspect the cars before the actual bidding begins. Ask the auction organizer or staff if they can allow you to take a closer look at the cars before the start of the actual auction. Another wise decision is to set your payment limit before the actual sale. This way, you won’t fall victim to the trap of overbidding.
As in other auctions, it is very important that you signal your bids carefully to the car auctioneer to avoid confusion. Settle your transaction as soon as the auction ends. Look for the block clerk and settle your accounts with him. A car auction staff will usually be available to assist you when you are ready to pay for the vehicle you have won. He should also be able to guarantee you a good title for the vehicle.
You must also check the vehicle after you have won and settling your account. Take the vehicle for a test drive and make sure that it conforms to the guarantee and representation made during the auction.
Most auction sites would accept check or credit card if you cannot pay the car with cash. An auction staff will also usually give you a third party financing offer. It is advisable though to have your own finances ready before entering a car auction. Outside financing is usually cheaper than most in-house financing of auction sites.
Ask for an invoice copy from the auction staff. This will enable you to drive or ship your newly bought car to your location. Most car auction managers will give you good deals on shipping arrangements so inquire about this.
There really are no significant differences between a local auction and an online auction. Online car auctions work more or less the same way as local ones. The only disadvantage of online auction sites is that you won’t be able to inspect the car as you would in an actual car auction. In participating in online car auctions be sure that you will be provided with all the necessary information about the car upfront and that there is an actual photograph of the vehicle.
Cars bought from an online auction are usually shipped to the buyer for a minimal fee. Inspect the car immediately upon arrival at your location to minimize risks.
You are now ready for your first car auction. Happy bidding!

Nothing, and I mean nothing, to me symbolizes the spirit of freedom and strength more than a Harley Davidson. Ever since Hell’s Angels gained notoriety and biker gangs started their wild roaming through the interstates of the United States, the Harley Davidson has been synonymous with classic themes of focused passion and power, most especially rock and roll music.
As a rock fanatic and a biker myself, the Harleys have long had a very special place in my heart. If you’re thinking of owning one just because you’ve got tons of money and want to show off how rich you are, I am going to wholeheartedly tell you now, DON’T. You’ll give the real bikers and rockers out there a bad name. Not to mention you’ll look funny, and everyone will be laughing at you behind your back. Or in your face, depending on how polite they are.
Okay, that said and done, let’s talk about the bike. Harleys have pretty much set a trend and there are tons of posers out there that have come up with easy riders that try to at least imitate the bad-boy look of a Harley Davidson. The real bikers spend most of their time laughing their butts off at these imitations.
There is no way to counterfeit the look, the feel, and the sound of a real Harley. Making a line of Harley look-alikes is like trying to take a mule and asking it to pretend it’s a thoroughbred stallion. No comparison, end of story.
I could go on about the specs of the machine, but that’s not the point. A Harley isn’t about numbers and figures like RPMs in the motor. It’s something you have to ride to experience and understand. If your heart doesn’t match up with the spirit of the bike, if you don’t like rock and roll and are afraid of things like noise, power, roaming around, and change, then the experience of riding the bike will most likely terrify you. Like a wild horse sensing a newbie rider, the bike will most likely throw you at the first opportunity.
It’s not for everyone, I can honestly say. That’s what makes the Harley so special. It’s all about attitude, and loving the concepts of freedom, chaos, and living life to the fullest. If you think you can handle that, then give a Harley a try, and see if you’ve got what it takes to run with the pack.

Know the Basics
If you feel purchasing a new car is tricky, then buying a second hand car can be quite trickier. But don’t fret just yet–with these guidelines to keep you on track, that used car could be one of the sweetest deals you’ve ever had.
Where to Look
Snoop around. It pays to be on the lookout for owners wanting to shift to a newer model, and thus wanting to sell the car of your dreams. This is where your friends and family come in. Aside from referrals, they could more or less ensure that the price is reasonable and the car’s ownership history is satisfactory.
Asking the Right Questions
Why are the owners letting the car go? Make sure that they are not selling due to any major problems.
How long have they owned the car? Given proper maintenance, a five to seven year-old car would generally be in good condition. What repairs have been done, or are currently needed? How’s the mileage? The lower the mileage, the better. However, a used car with more miles could be satisfactory, too. In this case, ask about the vehicle’s use. Was it a family car limited to city driving? Does the car come with a warranty?
Take Note of the following:
Body rust or holes are difficult to repair. A body panel rusting through is to be replaced. Different paint shades from one panel to another, peeling and cracked paint, or smudges on other car part indicates a poor re-paint job, which needs to be re-done. Threadbare tires, chipped or cracked glass, the electrical work and what’s beneath the hood should be given proper attention, too.
Going Out for a Test Drive
If it’s a manual car, the clutch shouldn’t slip. If the clutch slips, instead of being steady as it accelerates, the motor will be revved up as when using neutral. If this happens get yourself a new clutch! Is the exhaust not chugging out excess smoke and noise? The car may need some good motor repair, or some of the exhaust system parts replaced. Do the pothole test. Overly shaky rides could indicate a suspension problem, an alignment problem and or a tire problem. Always have a trusted mechanic or a car aficionado friend to thoroughly go over the car with you.
The Turn Over, at Last
The number of previous owners, registration details, applicable taxes, and insurance papers - should all be properly documented. With the paperwork done and the payment terms agreed upon, you’re ready to hit the road, and enjoy the ride!

Since its inception, the market of used cars has suddenly escalated at an unprecedented rate for the past few years. In fact, surveys show that the number of people who buy used cars is almost tripled when compared to the number of people who buy new cars.
That is why many people are enticed to buy used cars because it is gradually becoming a trend in the car buying industry.
However, it does not necessarily mean that buyers will just take the process of selecting used cars for granted. Hence, it is important to take note of the ways to check the car prior to the closure of the deal.
Therefore, for people who wish to know the different ways on checking the condition of the used car, here are some pointers:
1. Test drive
There is no better way to check the condition of the car than to do a test drive. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the actual condition of the car and its parts like the brakes, accelerator, etc.
Also, the buyer will be able to detect at once if there are some “clunks” and rattles on the used car, even if the test drive is just a short trip.
2. Personal inspection
Aside from test-driving, it is also important for the buyer to personally inspect the details of the body make-up and its condition.
In this manner, the buyer will be able to identify any signs of rusts and damages, the condition of the tires, oil leaks, etc.
3. Mileage check
Usually, an average user or driver will consume 12,000 to 15,000 miles in a year. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the approximate age of the car by looking at its mileage.
4. Mechanic check
Another way of checking the condition of a used car prior to its purchase is to seek the help of a mechanic. This may cost the buyer some charges but the money would surely be spent for a good cause. The mechanic is the best person who could instantly assess technically and professionally the condition of a certain car.
5. CARFAX Report
Knowing the history of the car is also one of the best ways to know the real condition of the car. Hence, it is important for the buyer to seek the help of CARFAX report in order to know the full details of the used car’s history.
Take the proper steps and research your purchase. Doing so will guarantee a happy car buying experience.

The Web is a hassle free place to shop for cars. There are many advantages to shopping cars online. First, it greatly reduces the hassle of dealing with car dealers and salesmen. When buying a car online, you don’t have to listen to a dealer talk about the specs of a car. You just have to read all about it in a website. You don’t have to go to a showroom, you just to have to point and click your mouse and you could browse through different make and models of cars. And if you want to take a second look at a car it’s very easy.
The advantage of shopping for a car online is that all transactions can be done without you having to go out of your room. After ordering the car you want and paying the price, all you have to do is to wit for your brand new vehicle to be delivered to the nearest dealer. Some dealers would even deliver the car right at your doorstep (or garage for that matter).
There are basically two types of online car shopping website. One will only get you in touch with a real car seller. This means you have to transact the traditional way. Then there are websites that would take car of everything. Some websites would even deliver the car at your doorstep. Of course this would entail a bigger amount of service fee. And deliveries are made only to nearby areas.
But before you click and buy, you must first know exactly what kind of car you want. Determine the types of car you’re looking for and the price you are willing to pay for that car.
Below are some other tips on how to buy a car online.
1. The most important thing to do is to research. Don’t get too excited. Check on the different packages available.
2. Make sure that the Website you go to is secure and reliable. Most sites would let you browse by car type, by price range or both.
3. If you don’t want to make all transactions online then you could ask the dealer to meet you in person once you found him on the Internet. Upon meeting the dealer, negotiate with him as you would a normal car dealer and then sign the papers.
4. It’s not necessary to pin the model, year and male of the car you want to buy. Just a general picture would do. Determine how you will be using your new car and the reason why you are buying a car in the first place. Ask yourself what features are important to you. Do you give much ore importance to fuel efficiency than speed or vice versa? Are you more concerned about safety features than a good sound system? After you’ve done all these, it’s time to determine your budget. Just how much are you willing to spend for a vehicle?
5. Once you have decided on a brand and model car it would be prudent t6o check on the history of the particular car line. You can easily do this by consulting consumer magazines and websites. You could also check out the website of the cart’s manufacturer (e.g. Ford, Toyota, BMW, etc.)
6. If you cannot afford new models, there are websites hat sells used cars. Popular search engines usually have an automotive section so this is a good place to shop. If you don’t find one here you can try searching using the search string “used car.”
7. Check the background of the website of the online car dealer by clicking on the “about us” section of the site. It is advisable to buy only from websites which has detailed information about the vehicles they are selling. Ask if they have conducted inspections of each car in their lot through independent mechanics. If they have, then you’ll know that that website is a good place to shop for cars. Most manufacturers’ Web sites have detailed information on models, including available options, photos and MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).
8. Read reviews about the different make, model and year of cars. A good website must also have reviews and ratings for the cars they are selling. But you should also cross check by visiting independent car sites or sites that do not sell cars or are connected to car companies to get a more objective review.

Buying a car is a huge investment. Whether a brand new or a second hand car, you still have to shell out a tidy sum to hopefully get the car that meets your specifications.
Second hand cars can be purchased by going to the local dealer, looking at the classified ads or checking out the various websites that allow a person to search and buy a car online.
There are two reasons why used cars are cheaper. The first is that cars once purchased and driven off a lot immediately depreciate. Annually, these cars lose about 20% in value making it easy for you to buy a second hand car almost at half the original price.
Another reason is that it is hard to buy a car and pay the full payment up front. By acquiring the services of a financial institution such as a bank, a person can pay off the loan through monthly installments. Unfortunately, some people have failed to honor that commitment which leaves the financial institutions no choice but to have the car repossessed.
For the bank to avoid storing the many cars that have been repossessed and make up for the lost money, these cars are auctioned off immediately which make it easy for some lucky people to buy fairly new cars and prevent being taken advantage of by car dealers.
Before buying a car, it is best to think about the kind of car you are willing to spend for and the options that come with it. By doing some research and checking out various dealers, you will be able to pick the right car and get the best deal.
You should also check the history of the car. This can be checked by going online and typing in the vehicle identification number or VIN. This can help verify the accidents the car has been in, if the car was reported stolen and the previous owner of the vehicle. It can also check if the mileage was rolled back.
Most cars have a maintenance record. The buyer must ask the dealer to see it and if it is not available, then you should contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done.
The car should also be test driven on the road at various conditions and checked by a trusted and reputable mechanic just to be safe that the car you will buy is road worthy.
Most important of all, you should ask about the warranty. If there are some things not covered by it, it is best to get a service contract to be safe.

Looking for the cheapest car through buying used cars is a smart practice. However, when the buyer is truly saving and is on a tight budget, buying a used car should not be immediately decided upon and should take a lot of deliberation. This is to avoid throwing away your hard-earned money.
Therefore, for people who already know something about buying used cars but wish to know when not to buy them, here are some pointers that may help people in their decision-making:
1. Buyers should be wary of buying used cars from owners that do not have complete and pertinent documents.
This could mean a lot of negative things and the buyer is the only one who will be at the losing end. Documents are crucial especially if the car is second hand. It is the only solid guarantee that a buyer can get hold of when buying used cars.
If this is the case, then, the buyer might as well not pursue the deal.
2. Buyers should consider their budget
If the reason why the buyer is opting to purchase a used car is the budget, then it should be the same reason why the buyer should be careful and meticulous in choosing a used car.
Hence, if the car needs a lot of maintenance, repairs, and other modifications, it is best not to buy that used car.
3. If the buyer is not comfortable after test-driving the car, then, it is best not to buy it.
There are instances wherein some people tend to opt for used cars because of the model of the car being sold. It is their dream car and there is no other way they can purchase them but to buy them second hand.
However, if the buyer was not comfortable with the car after test-driving it, then, it would be better not to pursue the deal, even if it means the world to the buyer to have that car.
The bottom line is that buying used cars should never be the sole alternative to people who cannot afford to buy new ones. This means that people should value the process of choosing a used car like what they would do when they buy a new car.
After all, it is their money that will be put to risk that is why it is extremely important to consider all the factors in order to have the best buy ever.