Posted on

How To Score A Good, Cheap Used Car

Cheap Used Car

Driving a brand new car is great and exciting at the same time, but there is just one problem – have you ever driven a brand new car? No, you probably have not because, just like the majority of people in the world, you just cannot afford it. And there is nothing wrong with that – new cars have long become unnecessary luxuries. So, instead of lamenting over a tight budget, you should focus on finding a decent used vehicle which will, in some cases, prove to be a better choice than a new one. The only thing you need to do is learn where to find a perfect yet cheap used car and here are several places to consider.

car dealers and used car

Lucky Coincidence

People who are frequently on the road or commuting for hours should also keep a lookout for “For Sale” cars. These are put on sale by their owners who do not want to deal with online sales or used car lots and the cars in question are, more often than not, quite decent, well taken care of and probably one of the best choices for you.

Nevertheless, you can never know who you are buying from. So, once you make the call and set up a meeting, it would not hurt you to take with you a friend who is a mechanic with you, just in case. The “For Sale” cars are usually affordable, albeit risky, so be prepared.

Used Car Lot

Although there are many options out there, this is still the most common and popular one. It is also the one many people prefer because they can find cars themselves and have a close look at the same time. Ultimately, the prices on used car lots cover all price ranges and everyone can find a good deal. According to blog IDKMen, a really good used car can be bought for less than 15K, especially if you are persistent and ready to make an extra effort.

With so many car dealers and used car lots out there, you should, however, be additionally careful when looking for a car. The reason some people do not like car lots is the bad reputation they have, which is why you need to find a trustworthy and reputable place.

Word of Mouth

There is something special about a used car and that is why so many people love driving one no matter how they are and what their environment says. Alas, when it comes to buying a used car, taking someone’s advice is quite valuable. Knowing someone who has already done it or who can recommend a reliable car salesman will make a huge difference in your purchasing experience. That is why you should tell all your friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors to keep on open eye for “For Sale” cars or for good deals in their communities.

Junkyard

Before purchasing a used car, you must ignore the stigma created around the junkyards. Even though many people do not like them for their own reasons, junkyards are actually one of the best places to find a good car that is also cheap. So, if you stop considering this a taboo, you will manage to find a great junker in no time.

The best thing about such a car is that it will be cheap – moreover, it will probably be ridiculously cheap. Therefore, you will not have to bargain too long and still manage to get a good price. However, a junker will require quite a bit of work and you will have to get it into shape before driving it. Luckily, a junkyard is also a great place to get spare parts.

Other Choices

Besides these options, you can browse for used cars online – at specialized websites, online auctions and Internet classifieds. There is a sea of good cars out there, and one of them is just waiting for you!

Posted on

The New Car Buying Process In Auburn, AL

New Car Buying Process

Whether you have lived in Auburn your whole life or just moved there for school, chances are that you will eventually need to purchase a car from a local dealership. So how does the new car buying process work? Well, that’s exactly what I hope to explain with this article.

new car buying process

There are several things to think about when evaluating a car dealership in Auburn, Alabama. The first for me is how professional do they appear? Are they lounging around and not prepared to assist you? When they do assist you, are they educated about the product? If you sense they are not interested in you or not interested in knowing their product, find another place to go. Your experience will not be a good one in one of the most important purchases you will make. For the cost of a vehicle, it should be a great experience.

Even before you arrive at the dealership, you should know something about the vehicle you are intending to buy. How does it fare in Consumer Reports? What are the general comments about the car on a Google search? Although knowing about vehicles may not be your forte or may not be of interest to you to study, you will be able to tell if the vehicle will be what you want it to be for the years you will own it. You will also be able to evaluate the aforementioned item. Is this dealer knowledgeable? Do they know their own product? If so, you have passed the initial test and can more safely proceed with what follows.

While having a good personal relationship can be important, remember that it is the vehicle that is point of interest. A good salesperson will speak intelligently about the vehicle and show you around the vehicle, demonstrating the functions and features. In the end, are you looking at a product you fully understand and would be happy to own? Can this salesperson help you make the deal about a product you are pleased with?

In the Auburn area, dealerships such as Kia of Auburn have years of experience in selling and maintaining vehicles. Their staff knows the importance of good customer service, especially after the sale. You may be happy with the product you buy, but the chances are you will have to bring it back for service or maintenance. If you have to do this, do you have an acceptable place to go? This is definitely not the least of the items you should be interested in. A good car buying experience continues after the paperwork has been signed.

Finally, does the dealership partner with a wide variety of financial providers? Often a local Auburn dealership is working with the vehicle manufacturer to provide the standard financing, but there could be better financing available. Find out of you are trapped with the standard financing, or if the dealership can provide options in leasing or buying that meet your needs. You may check this with a few like dealerships to see who is providing the best financial service and convenience.

Posted on

How To Test Drive A Used Car In MO

Used Car In MO

Shopping around online can help you narrow down the prospects and find used cars within your budget. Taking the cars for test drive will answer your questions about which one is right for you. Discover how to test drive a used car in MO to get the best transportation for your needs.

test drive a used car

Schedule the Test Drive

It takes about 30 minutes to properly test drive a used car. If you show up without notice, you might not get enough time to ensure a good test drive experience. Schedule the test drive and let the dealership know you will take around a half hour. Arrive on time and make sure to bring your driver’s license to the appointment. Go alone or with a mechanic or helpful second party that will not distract you during the test drive. Try to leave the kids with a babysitter so you can be focused on the test drive.

Initial Impressions

When you are ready to test drive the vehicle, inspect the exterior for scratches, dents, and  imperfections. Get into the car and determine if there is enough space for you to comfortably enter and exit the vehicle. Consider if the seats are comfortable and whether you have clear visibility from all the windows. Make sure you can read all the gauges. Figure out where all the control are before you head out on the open road.

Driving Around Town

The test drive should include parking, idling, local driving, and driving on a highway or parkway. Listen for sounds such as rattling or a hum from the engine. Consider how the car accelerates and slows down. Check the brakes and make sure you can stop properly. Figure out if the car is easy for you to drive in any situation you may face on the road.

Inspecting the Vehicle

While the car might look and sound good to you, it makes sense to have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle before you decide to buy it. Check the CarFax report to find out more about the history of the vehicle, including maintenance records and whether it was in an accident in the past. Inquire about the warranty the dealer offers and whether an extended warranty is available. This basic research helps you get the best price for the vehicle and ensures you are getting a quality car.

With a bit of preparation, your test drive can be the determining factor to help you select a vehicle you can depend on.

Posted on

Smart Ways To Increase Your Car’s Horsepower

Car’s Horsepower

Although most owners of high performance vehicles enjoy power and high speeds, manufacturers are much more eager to improve gas mileage or to decrease maintenance costs than to maximize the engine’s performance. This article will share some of the most effective ways for car owners to increase the car’s power, speed, torque and acceleration, from affordable and simple procedures to those that require complex auto mechanic works.

auto mechanic works

Use Good-quality Synthetic Lubricants

Synthetic motor oils reduce friction and prolong your engine’s lifespan. They can also slightly increase your car’s performance by providing better lubrication than conventional lubricants. Unlike some regular lubricants, they don’t break down in high-heat and high-stress situations and that’s why they are often used by racing teams. Synthetic lubricants are also more robust and they protect moving car parts from various deposits and debris.

Decrease your Car’s Weight

This is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to make your car stronger. Engine becomes more efficient when it’s powering a lighter car. You can increase your vehicle’s power and acceleration by dropping out 20 pounds of junk from your trunk or cab, but if you want to create a more significant impact, you should do some of the following:

  • Take out the rear seats – With this simple maneuver your car will lose more than a hundred pounds.
  • Use lightweight wheels and performance tires – This will decrease your car’s weight for additional 50 pounds.
  • Use carbon-fiber body panels – This is a more complex modification, which can decrease your car’s weight for several hundred pounds.

Install High-flow Filter and Intake System

High performance air filters increase your car’s power by allowing your engine to breathe better. They are also more robust and more durable than regular filters. Depending on the filter you choose, this fix can cost from $40 up to $250. These are some of the filters in the offer:

  • AEM dryflow filters – these don’t require additional oil or lubrication and they will increase your car’s performance for at least 5 horsepower.
  • Cold-air or ram-air intake systems – Most luxury and high performance models already have these systems, whose purpose is to draw in the air from a cooler place outside the vehicle. Before installing these systems you should also check whether these types of filter modifications are legal in your state. Their installation can add more than a dozen horsepower.

Upgrade your Exhaust System

Upgrading exhaust system can drastically improve the performance of natural aspiration vehicles. It will increase your car’s power even more, if you add a supercharger to your engine beforehand. Most engines prefer free-flow in terms of both air intake and exhaust, so adding a system that secures a straight exhaust path from the engine to the tail pipe will definitely increase your vehicle’s performance. Although some people try to make DIY upgrades to their car’s exhaust, if you’re not an expert you should definitely take your car to the muffler shop for this fix. These shops will install a customized system, such as this Toyota Celica sports exhaust, made with 2.25’’stainless steel pipework, with 4’’ roaring tailpipe at the end.

Adding Turbo- or Supercharge

Turbocharger sucks air directly into the engine and increases acceleration and power. Most turbochargers require an installation of intercooler, which prevents the engine from overheating. Superchargers are similar to turbochargers, but they are belt-driven and they are meant for big 6+ cylinder engines.

Turbocharger will increase your vehicle’s power from 25 to 30%. Unfortunately, these kits usually cost around $3,000 or more, depending on the model. They are also very hard to install, so you should definitely hire a professional car mechanic for this task.

If you love high performance cars you should definitely try some of these performance fixes. There are also some other, more or less complicated, ways for improving the engine power, from installing a performance camshaft to swapping your engine’s cylinder heads.

Posted on

Why Is Car Cover An Important Accessory Of All

Car Cover

The prized possession that you have bought and which is your pride needs to protection all the time to avoid any however small damage to it. And for the protection of your prized possession, you need a car cover. The crucial factor which is required for the car cover is the quality of the material. Many people don’t buy good quality car covers due to lack of knowledge of the importance of car covers. The vehicle faces many casualties from day to day without car cover, and people realize this afterward. Visit the website carcover.com for the A-rated customer service and car covers. Here are most important reasons why you should get Corvette car covers for ensuring that you have protected your investment.

buy good quality car covers

Protection from weather

Weather protection is the fundamental reason why car cover is purchased in the first place. The UV rays of the sun are harmful to paint job of the car and cause cracking of rubber trim, and the interior of the car are damaged as well. The excessive moisture due to rain and snow are also as dangerous as UV rays. And Corvette car covers provides with protection from all these. The excellent quality of this car cover has large water repellant property and is also breathable which ensures that there is no moisture trapped between the exterior of the car and cover. And there are many car covers available for all varieties of trucks and cars.

Safeguard from animals

The cute little animals like the cat, squirrel, chipmunks and mice may be less harmful to the humans but are very damaging for your car. They like the comfortable interior to spend their time due to which dirt and their furs start to accumulate in the car, and it is unhygienic for you. And the scratches are to be expected in this case. However, you can safeguard your vehicle from these matters if you have a thick car cover for your vehicle.

Avoid scratches

Your shiny car is what you like and what other people also like. People just tend to touch the shiny cars that they see. And who knows while the kids are having fun with their bikes and scooters they would accidentally scratch the bumpers or the body of the car. And same can be expected from the adults as well. Using a car cover will avoid all these and also the fingerprints of the curious people keeping your shiny car away from the sight of them.

Environmental factors

Don’t you find it annoying to see your car all covered in dust or bird droppings? You might also sometimes find that the black color of your vehicle has turned to green because the pollen has covered it all. You cannot do anything to stop this from happening but you can protect your car instead. But with car cover, these can be avoided from happening to your vehicle. With a washable car cover such as Corvette all is well. And also you will save all the money on those regular car washes.

Posted on

How To Stay Awake Behind The Wheel

Travelling to new places

Travelling to new places and spending quality time with friends and families is a beautiful experience. And your enjoyment doubles when you set out on the road to explore the country. All you need to do is research listing sites for suitable RVs for sale by owners. However maneuvring an RV is not child’s play and before you hit the road, you have to make sure that you are up for the task. It gets especially tricky when you are driving at night.  The strain of remaining behind the wheel for the whole day long will wreak havoc with your concentration at night. Such a situation can be dangerous. But if you follow some simple tricks, you will be able to stay alert and awake behind the wheel and reach your destination safe and sound.

maneuvring an RV

Here are a few tips on how to keep your eyes wide open while driving on limited sleep:

  1. Avoid Sugar: You might experience an initial rush if you eat and drink food items that contain large amounts of sugar, but you may feel drowsy after some time. This is because sugar triggers certain responses in your body that result into drowsiness. The more the sugar intake in your body, the more drowsy you feel.
  2. Drink Caffeine: Beverages containing caffeine, especially coffee, gives you energy and works great in keeping you awake. A cup of coffee can provide your body enough caffeine to increase your attention. If you do not drink coffee, you can also opt for a large cup of tea. But don’t guzzle it down at one go because that may lead to a drop in the energy level. Instead savor your drink, taking small sips from your cup. This trick will help retain the effect of the caffeine for a longer time.
  3. Chew Gum: Keeping your mouth busy is a great way to keep your brain active and sleepiness at bay. While chewing a gum, your jaws remain occupied, which, in turn, prevents you from yawning and dozing off. Be sure to use the sugar-free varieties to avoid sugar crash.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Even slight dehydration can affect your ability to stay awake and alert. So drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated will not only reduce fatigue but also help you maintain a soothing body temperature during the long drive. Try to drink cold water for better result.
  5. Keep it Cool: Keeping the RV interiors a bit chilly can fight drowsiness and help you stay awake. You can either switch on the air conditioner or open a window. Also, make sure that the air hits your face directly. The gush of nippy air will keep your alert.

There are a few other ways to keep yourself awake. For example, keep the music loud or keep on talking to someone. These simple tricks will help you stay alert. But the best option to cut back on fatigue is to share the driving task with someone in the group. This strategy will help both the persons to take enough rest while the other is in charge of the wheel. On the other hand, if there is no one else who can relieve you from your duty, you should take as many breaks as possible to stretch your body and let the blood flow to keep you focussed.

There is no dearth of used RVs for sale by owners in the market, so finding a suitable unit will not be a problem for you. Pay attention in planning your itinerary. Plan it in a way so that you can avoid driving late, as nothing can substitute a good night’s sleep. Worry not, if you cannot. Just remember our tips and be safe.

Posted on

How To Choose The Best Outdoor Car Covers For The Vehicle?

Best Outdoor Car Covers For The Vehicle

With the various car covers available in the market in these days, it seems to be difficult to find out the best car cover for your vehicle. The car owners often find it confusing to choose the best car covers that can offer the best outdoor protection. But, fortunately, there are various factors that can help you to choose the best car covering accessories from the market. You should just consider some of the points that will help you to buy the car cover from the online or from the stores-

best car cover

  1. Consider the location: One of the important considerations to make while you are buying the car covers is the place where the vehicle is being placed. If you are keeping the car in a cool & shady place, then you require a different cover. If you are keeping the car in a sunny spot, then you may buy the cover that protects the car from the sunlight. The car covers are made with the different materials depending on the region where the car is being parked. When considering the location of the car, the owners should also consider the amount of sunlight exposure to the car on the regular basis. The UVB and the UVA rays are not harmful to the human skin, but they are harmful to the car paint.
  2. Weather of the place: The second point that you should consider is the weather of the place. Though, we all know that the weather change is difficult to predict. But, when the region has the drastic weather change, the owner has to buy the covers from the www.carcover.com that provides the ultimate warranty to the products. Buying the car covers from this site ensures that the products will stay for long and will proof the test of time.
  3. Frequency of using the cover: The amount of time for the car cover will be used is one of the important factors that should be considered when buying the car cover. When the car owners are buying the car cover for the regular basis, they should go for the one that is light in weight and easy to wrap.

These are some of the factors to keep in mind when you are buying the outdoor car covers from online or from the stores.