All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Electric Cars Growing in Popularity – What are the Benefits?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/11/17 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Electric vehicles have continued to grow in popularity across the nation in both urban and rural areas, due to the numerous advantages electric vehicles have over traditional internal combustion vehicles. This trend is certain to continue to grow among new and old car buyers alike as electric vehicle prices continue to fall. You might think that electric cars are only for those who are trying to “go green” and protect the environment, however, there are some far reaching benefits that are attracting the masses. The following advantages can make an electric car an excellent choice for individuals who are seeking a safe, fuel-efficient and attractive form of transportation:

Freedom from the Gas Pump: Electrical Charging Systems

Electrical vehicles can obtain a charge from a variety of sources, including fixed and household charging stations. Electrical charging stations are becoming increasingly common in America, making it possible to charge the vehicle while the owner is working or shopping. However, the greatest advantage of this system is the ability to charge the car whenever the owner is not using it. By doing so, the owner never has to worry about making a trip to the gas station, knowing that his or her car will be ready when it is needed.

In addition, unlike the cost of gasoline or diesel fuel, electricity rates are very stable. This means that an electrical car will have a very stable operating cost. This can be especially important for people who commute or otherwise make frequent use of their vehicle. In addition, electrical cars make use of regenerative braking systems, transfer power back to the battery, thus extending the vehicle’s range. This ensures that electrical cars are far more efficient in urban areas where frequent stops are required due to traffic conditions.

Safety Considerations

Electrical cars have a number of safety advantages over conventional vehicles. Most importantly, the lack of a gasoline or diesel fuel tank reduces the potential for a vehicular fire, either due to an accident or a refueling mishap. According to Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at the Tanner Law Firm, this can be extremely important, as many injuries and deaths have been causes by the burning fuel of a conventional vehicle. In comparison, an electrical cars battery and power system is designed to ensure that the car’s occupants will never be shocked by the system even after an auto accident. For example, all modern electrical vehicles include safety systems that will automatically cut off power if a short or other malfunction is detected.

A final advantage is the lack of any poisonous exhaust. Carbon monoxide poisoning due to defective exhaust or heating systems can lead to death or severe injury for the occupants of a conventional vehicle. There is no such danger to the occupants of an electrical vehicle, making these vehicles especially attractive for use in colder climates.

Driving and Comfort Considerations

In addition to being fuel-efficient and safe when compared to other vehicles, electrical vehicles provide a pleasant driving experience. An electric motor is almost soundless when operating, eliminating the unpleasant noise that is so common in a conventional vehicle. In addition, the lack of an exhaust means that bystanders, drivers and passengers will not have to endure the smell and discomfort produced by a conventional vehicle’s exhaust. This can be especially beneficial to individuals who store their vehicle in a garage or car park.

Ultimately, electrical vehicles are superior to conventional vehicles in terms of fuel-economy, safety, and comfort. This, coupled with the falling price for modern electrical vehicles, ensures that they will become an increasingly common sight on America’s roads.

Top 10 Affordable Cars that Make You’re Traveling Easier

by Amelia on 2014/10/20 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

We all love the thrill of traveling and getting to explore new places. Unfortunately, traveling becomes a costly luxury when one cannot get affordable cars. This should not be the case as there are many cars that can give you a pleasant traveling experience without draining your bank account.

The following are affordable cars that will make traveling an unforgettable experience.

Toyota Vios

The Vios is a 4-door sedan with efficient fuel consumption that will give you about 15.8 km/ per liter (both the E and G grades). Both the E and G grade models reach a maximum speed of 170km per hour and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 12 seconds.

Suzuki Swift Sport

The Swift is a hatchback that boasts of better handling, environmental compatibility, and economic fuel consumption. It comes with a 1.6 liter engine, and a 42-litre fuel tank capacity. Its 3-door option has a capacity of 4 persons while the 5-door variant has a capacity of 5 persons.

Honda CR-V (RD4)

The RD4 is a second generation variant of the Honda CR-V. This 5-door compact SUV has a capacity of 5. It has rear seats that can fold down and a picnic table is folded down in the rear floor. Its fuel consumption is relatively efficient given that a liter of petrol can give you about 11.9 km.

Daewoo Leganza

The 2002 Daewoo Leganza is a 4-door sedan powered by a 2.2 liter engine. It has a top speed of 206km/h and can reach 100km/h in 10.2 seconds. The car consumes 13 liters for every 100km in an urban area.

Nissan Tiida

The Tiida, also known as the Nissan Versa, is a 5-door hatchback (and 4-door saloon) that derives power from a 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder engine. Its fuel tank can hold 52 liters of fuel. The Tilda has a carrying capacity of 5 persons.

Toyota Prius

The Prius is undoubtedly one of the most advanced yet affordable hybrid cars out there. This car has amazing fuel efficiency; with its four-cylinder engine, it can move you about 25km on just a liter. It has a top speed of 180km and accelerates to 100km in just 10 seconds.

Honda Fit Hybrid

The Honda Fit Hybrid, also known as the Fit Shuttle Hybrid-C, was first released in 2012. This 5-door station wagon is powered by a 1.3 liter engine. Its fuel tank has an ample capacity of 42 liters, meaning you can travel over long distances without the bother of having to refill it constantly. It has a carrying capacity of 5 persons.

Toyota Aqua

The Aqua, also known as the Prius C, is a 5-door hatchback with a carrying capacity of 5 persons. It derives power from a 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder engine capable of giving you a whole 37km for just a liter. Its fuel tank is capable of holding 36 liters. The car also sports water repellent front windows and a Start/Stop system that significantly reduces fuel consumption.

Perouda Viva Elite

The Perouda Viva ELITE is a city car first released in 2007. It is powered by a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder engine, capable of giving you 15km per liter and a top speed of 160km/h. Its fuel tank can hold 36 liters of fuel. The car has a carrying capacity of 5 persons.

Honda Insight

The 2014 Honda Insight is an affordable small hybrid hatchback powered by a 1.3 liter, 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor. This front-wheel drive car can seat 5. Although it is fuel efficient, the Insight falls slightly behind superior hybrids like the Prius.

All these cars are available at major car rental companies. And when you decide to go to Australia, do not forget to bring your Australian Visa.

New Car Smell: What to Know Before You Buy

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/06 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Most people are super excited when they finally get the opportunity to purchase a new car. It’s an opportunity to upgrade and finally get all the features you’ve wanted, but you also have so many factors to think about before you decide. Before you start to budget, here are a few things that you should know before buying a new ride.

Cost of Insurance

Some car buyers forget to research the cost of insurance. Before signing your name on any paperwork, it is always a good idea to get a quote from your insurance provider. While the insurance for one particular vehicle may cost around $100 a month, the insurance rates for a similar vehicle may be $150 a month. This is a cost difference of $600 a year. Make sure you have all their information before making a final decision.

Long-Term Reliability

The reliability of a vehicle is a very important quality. Although some vehicles will deliver years of trouble-free service, there are others that will need major repair work in the future. Remember, most car warranties last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. After the warranty period ends, you will have to cover the cost of getting your vehicle repaired. When reading through the reviews for a vehicle, be on the lookout for common problem areas.

Budget

Never go shopping for a car without first developing a budget. If the payments for a vehicle exceed 20 percent of your monthly income, you should seek a more affordable alternative. Some dealerships offer free maintenance for a year, which will help you to save a lot of cash. When outlining your budget, do not forget to factor in the cost of fuel each month.

VIN Check

If you decide to purchase a pre-owned vehicle, be sure to always check the car’s vehicle identification number. According to Instavin, a VIN check gives you complete access to the vehicle’s history. In the event that the vehicle was involved in a major accident or natural disaster, a free VIN check should reveal the facts.

Optional Features

Most new vehicles are offered with several optional features. In most instances, the optional equipment will cause the total cost of the vehicle to increase. Luckily, most insurance companies provide discounts for vehicles that are equipped with upgraded safety features. Ask your dealer what is included in the total cost.

Trade-In Value

You may consider trading in your old ride. However, don’t expect the dealership to give you top dollar for your ride. Try placing an ad on Craigslist before attempting to negotiate with the dealership. If the car is not worth much money, you may want to just keep it as a backup vehicle.

When shopping for a new ride, remember to do your homework before making a final decision. The last thing you want is be stuck with an expensive lemon.

Buying A Used Car? Six Tips To Get You The Best Deals

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/09/11 in Auto Buying Tips with 1 Comment

Finding a good deal on a used car can seem like a daunting task. These six tips can help you find a car that should stay problem free for as long as you need it.

1. Set Your Price And Expectations

Consider brands and models you might like, how much you’re willing to spend and what features you need a car to have. When you go to a dealership or car owner it’s easy to get talked into something that doesn’t truly fit your needs or budget if you aren’t prepared before you show up. Be sure you don’t go over your budget no matter the circumstances.

2. Research At Home

Most dealers list the cars they have on a website now. Search for cars you want in your area over the Internet before you go anywhere. When you go into the dealership to look at something in person, be prepared with how much that car is actually worth before negotiating.

3. Check Out The Car’s History

Check out a car’s vehicle history before you buy. With a car’s history you’ll be able to find out if it has been in any accidents or had any ongoing issues. You can get instant access to a car’s vehicle history by using a site like InstaVIN.

4. Be Prepared To Walk Away

If you want a specific car more than the dealer wants to make a sale, you will always walk out with a bad deal. Look at cars before you buy, and be prepared to go home empty handed. When you negotiate a car’s price you can stay in control by remembering that there are other cars you can choose.

5. Secure Financing Options

Getting financed in the dealership can be a great deal for new cars, but used cars aren’t often bundled with low interest financing options. Secure financing offers from banks, credit unions and Internet sources before you talk to the dealer. Having options available will help you avoid spending too much on interest.

6. Bring A Knowledgeable Friend

Some mechanical problems are easy to spot on a test drive if you bring a friend who knows cars. Pay attention to warning signs like rust, water damage and signs of a leak under the car. Make sure the tires don’t look damaged, and let your friend check under the hood.

With these simple tips, you can find a used car that will live up to your initial expectations. Simply shop with care and you’ll end up with a car you love.

The Six Most Common Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Current Vehicle

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/08/27 in Auto Buying Tips, Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

When your car begins to age and deteriorate, it can be easy to hold onto the vehicle due to attachment or the savings that are involved. Although older cars can still be reliable and make for easy transportation, they can still be a headache to own with the maintenance and repairs that are needed. If you’re considering upgrading to a new car, there are a few signs that it’s time to make the change.

1. Frequent Repairs are Needed

When you’re investing more money into the vehicle than the car may be worth, then it may be time to upgrade to a new model. Older vehicles can easily become a money pit and make it difficult to have an affordable vehicle to drive. Once one thing is fixed, another part breaks, and it seems like a never-ending cycle. At this point, it’s much more expensive to keep fixing the vehicle.

2. It’s a Gas Guzzler

Older models of cars are known to have low fuel efficiency, making it expensive to travel in the car and possibly costing more than the expense of upgrading to a new vehicle. You may notice that your gas mileage has gotten a lot worse, even with higher quality gas. This could also be a sign that the car has other problems.

3. Your Safety is at Risk

If the car is damaged or the seat belts don’t work, then it’s time to sell the vehicle and find something that will offer protection in the event of a collision. It’s important that all seat belts, airbags, breaks, steering and more work properly to protect everyone in the car.

4. It was in a Flood

If your car was submerged in water during a flood, it goes without saying that it’s time to upgrade to a new vehicle. Although the car may run well after the water dries, the damage to the engine and upholstery won’t be worth the cost needed.

5. The Car Failed Emissions Tests

Vehicles that continuously fail emissions tests likely have underlying problems with the vehicle that will easily take most of your paycheck. Avoid using a car that has a negative impact on the environment and has frequent issues that you may not be aware of.

6. It’s Held Together with Duct Tape

If your car is in one piece simply because you’ve secured it with duct tape, then it’s time to move on to a new vehicle. With parts that are falling off or breaking on a consistent basis, it makes for a car that is no longer functional and not worth the energy to repair it.

By trading in an old vehicle and obtaining a new model that has good insurance, it means having peace of mind when on the road. You’ll know you’re safe in an upgraded vehicle and can enjoy the benefits of more luxury and convenience with a car that runs smoothly.

Informational credit to Steers Insurance Limited.