All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Five Safety Tips Car Enthusiasts Should Remember during Their Next Project

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/02 in Auto Collection with Comments Off

Repairing an aging classic car or improving the performance of a new car can be incredibly satisfying. The work does come with a number of hazards. Small mistakes or unexpected events can cause serious injuries. Anyone working on a car needs to be prepared and take steps to remain safe. There are five safety tips car enthusiasts should remember during their next project.

Use Proper Safety Equipment

Car enthusiasts should own a full range of safety equipment. Personal protection gear should include safety glasses and thick gloves to stop sparks or metal splinters from causing injuries. A respirator should be on hand when painting or working with strong solvents. A fire extinguisher rated for liquids, electrical fires and grease fires should be kept near the car while working.

Perform Electrical Work with Insulated Tools

Many car enthusiasts have been shocked by the car battery while performing basic electrical work. Something that can be very harmful is electricity from the ignition system. This can provide a shock of up to 40,000 volts. It is important to use insulated tools when working on the car. The shock can actually be transmitted through other pieces of metal in the engine like the distributor cap. Insulated tools will prevent shocks.

Always Use Jack Stands

A major safety hazard is working under an unstable car. Jack stands should always be placed under cars that are elevated. Wooden blocks or other items are not enough. The jack stands need to be attached to a structural part of the vehicle. The stands will support the full weight of the car if it suddenly drops or shifts. This can prevent serious injuries or fatalities when working under the vehicle.

Have a Dedicated Workspace

Working on a car in a shared home garage can be dangerous in many ways. Tools, sharp parts and chemicals can all cause injuries to family members who come into the area. Family items stored in the garage can get in the way of tools or cause a person to trip and fall. It is best to have a dedicated space when working on a car. One option is to rent a unit from a storage unit that is large enough to hold the car and extra tools. This will keep car enthusiasts and the family safe.

Use Ventilation Fans

Car enthusiasts regularly use chemicals, paints and solvents that release fumes into the air. These can accumulate quickly and could cause nausea, disorientation or even neurological damage. Some type of ventilation should always be used even when working with something as simple as gasoline. Ventilation fans will keep the air clean and breathable.

How To Find The Best Used Car For Your Money

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/12/10 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

With the economy still being in such bad shape, more and more consumers are starting to reap the benefits of purchasing a used vehicle. Although most used vehicles are substantially less expensive than brand new vehicles, the majority of motorists still have a desire to get the best possible deal. Here are some important tips on how to find the best used car for your money.

Do not show your hand too soon

Whether you are trying to negotiate with a used car salesman or a private seller, it is essential that you maintain a poker face at all times. If the seller perceives you to be overly eager to purchase a particular vehicle, they will be less likely to lower the asking price.

Fear the unknown

Even if the seller of the vehicle seems to be very honest, it is always best to err of the side of caution. Unknowingly making the purchase of a vehicle that has been involved in a flood or car accident could mean major trouble in the long run. The best approach is to always spend the extra money for a vehicle history report.

Consider all sources

Although a private seller may offer a lower price, some dealerships also have great bargains. Reputable dealerships such as Premier Mazda thoroughly inspect each vehicle before deeming it to be worthy of a spot on their lot. Some used cars Kansas City dealers also warranty their vehicles for a certain period of time.

Check the reviews for each prospective vehicle

When it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, car reviews become very valuable sources of information. Car reviews are important because they can alert shoppers of any red flags before making a final decision. For example, a specific model could have trouble-prone transmissions. By reading the reviews, the potential owner can be prevented from making an expensive mistake.

Monthly payments or cash

If the customer is seeking to purchase a used vehicle from a dealership, they usually have the option to pay for the vehicle in full or to make monthly payments. Although monthly payments allow more financial flexibility, prospective buyers need to pay close attention to the fine print. High interest rates could cause to final cost to rise substantially.

When searching for a used car, remember to avoid getting too anxious. If the proper steps are taken, you could end up saving lots of hard-earned cash in the process.

Five Critical Things to Remember When Shopping for a Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/27 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Used cars can provide great value and a solid vehicle for drivers. Buying a used car is different from buying a new vehicle. The used car has a long history that could affect future performance or maintenance costs. There are five critical things to remember when shopping for a used car.

Visually Inspect Every Area

Every area of the car should be visually inspected regardless of how attractive the chassis appears. The edges, inside of doors and underbody should be inspected for signs of rust. The area under the car should be examined for leaks. The upholstery and interior should be examined for signs of past water or body damage. Small issues like rust or a leak could make the used car difficult to maintain and expensive to repair.

Look At the Service History

The service history log provides a very detailed view of the current condition of the car. A complete service history can show consistent problems over the years that might make the car less desirable. The service history can also show whether the car sustained frame damage or water damage in the past due to an accident. Cars without a complete service history need to be scrutinized thoroughly to ensure there are no potential structural, mechanical or safety issues.

An Expert Inspection Is Always Necessary

Drivers should always have a used car inspected by an expert before making a decision. Most dealerships will allow the car to be taken to an expert before finalizing a sale. An expert mechanic can identify problems that are not visually obvious. The mechanic can also provide a detailed description about the state of the engine, transmission and electrical system. Expert inspections can prevent drivers from buying used cars with too much damage or wear.

Read Extended Warranties Carefully

Extended warranties can help to make maintenance more affordable with a used car. It is important to read the warranty carefully. Some warranties have strict rules about what is covered. Others have high out-of-pocket costs. Drivers must read and understand the warranty before deciding if it is worth the extra cost. Certified pre-owned vehicles have lower warranty costs and sometimes include a free manufacturer warranty.

Take A Test Drive

All expert dealers such as Kansas City car dealerships will allow potential buyers to take a test drive before making a decision. Test drives are very important because they can reveal comfort or handling issues with the vehicle. The test drive should include highway and city conditions whenever possible. A test drive should never be forgotten when looking at used cars.

Eight Things Every Car Collector Needs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/25 in Auto Collection with Comments Off

Collecting cars is a great way to preserve history and personal memories. Whether you have one classic car or a warehouse full of exotics, here are six things that every car collector should think about.

1. A Well-equipped Garage

Are your cars stored in a shed or leaky barn? They will lose their value if they’re not stored properly. Depending on the size of your collection, you may need to rent warehouse space or build a larger structure on your property. A well designed garage will have good lighting, plenty of room for uncluttered display of your vehicles and a full set of tools.

2. Clean Floors

If you only have a couple cars and keep them in your home garage, think about painting the floor. A painted floor is easier to clean and you’ll quickly spot fluid leaks. Choose a color that makes it quick to find dropped nuts and bolts.

3. A Personal Mechanic

You might be an accomplished mechanic, but as your collection grows you may no longer have time for regular maintenance. Find a reputable mechanic in your area and hire them on part-time. The cost outweighs the time spent keeping up your collection in its best shape. Plus, you’ll have an extra pair of skilled hands when you decide to dive under the hood.

4. A Security System

After years of work, you don’t want to lose your collection to thieves. Prevent theft by installing a security. Ensure there are plenty of motion triggered lights, alarms and cameras and your collection will stay safe. If you’re in an area that demands it, install tall fencing around your storage space and use steel framed doors.

5. Professional Photos

When you’re at home it’s easy to walk into the garage and see your collection. But, at the office or vacation home you need a reminder of it. Hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your cars. Hire models or include yourself and pick out your favorite locations for the background. And, if you sell any of your cars you’ll have a nice piece of artwork to remember them by.

6. Apparel

When you’re out on the town or on the concourse, show your collector’s pride with branded automotive apparel. You can find shirts, jackets and hats from almost every brand ever produced. It’s also a way to find other enthusiasts you can share your collection with.

7. Car Insurance

One of the biggest hidden expenses of owning a car is car insurance. For car collectors with multiple cars this can really start to add up. Most car insurance companies offer coverage that is specialized for collector and antique cars.

8. Car Enthusiast Friends

Friends make anything more fun. Friends that share your same interest make it even more fun. If you don’t have any car enthusiast friends then join a club or visit a local car show to make some.

So whether you already started your car collection or you are about to start one, these are a few things that will help make your hobby, safe, fun, and worry-free.

The Family Vehicle: Should You Buy a Crossover or a Minivan?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/15 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

The debate over whether a family is better served by a crossover or a minivan is one that is hotly contested in many circles, which makes it extremely confusing for those people that are looking for a great family vehicle. Many people arguing for the minivan will simply cite that the minivan is larger and therefore better, resting their case at that. However, taking a closer look at what different types of models of specific minivans and crossovers can offer to families allows you to decide for yourself. Understanding some of the advantages and disadvantages of both will allow the debate to be settled in your own mind.

The Debate

The minivan and the crossover are on equal footing in most cases when it comes to seating up to eight passengers, offering three rows of seating, and performing pretty well in the mileage department. These are the traditional needs of the average family. The crossover has attempted to meet these needs while also offering versatility and style as well. The reality is that crossover vehicles are closer in platform to vans than they are any type of truck or car. Although, when it really comes to shopping for your individual family, it usually comes down to some essentials. Outside of the obvious factors such as gas mileage, seating, and cargo space, there are entertainment options, cup holders, and other valuable features that can heavily weigh in.

The Contenders

The Honda Odyssey LX is a vastly popular minivan that achieves 23 miles to the gallon on the highway. It is on equal footing with the Honda Pilot LX, a cross over that has the same fuel efficiency. The Pilot is all-wheel drive and offers just slightly more leg room in the front. However, the Odyssey comes out on top when it comes to cargo space and cup holders. For roughly $1,000 less, the minivan has 13 cup holders and 147 cubic feet of storage space. The Toyota Sienna SE, another popular minivan, comes in at nearly $4,000 less than the popular crossover and similar vehicle, the Mazda CX-9 sport. The minivan also gives customers more seating and more leg room in nearly every area. It also features 10 cup holders as well. Still, the CX-9 offers all-wheel drive and a more stylish look with more nimble handling.

Entertainment and Choice

In the entertainment department, nearly all new models of both kinds of vehicles offer the option of DVD entertainment and television screens that utilize separate inputs. The audio systems can be outfitted for ideal sound, making this dimension one that falls under the discretion of the buyer when they consider optional features. In light of these facts, the minivan does seem to come out on top if you are looking for raw storage space at a lower price. Versatility, style, and handling seem to go to the crossover, although, they do not edge out the minivan in gas mileage as many would assume. The most important thing for buyers to do when they visit local Mazda dealers in Kansas City is to consider their own needs and weigh them against the strengths and weaknesses of each type of vehicle.

Thus, if you need a large amount of space, and don’t really care about style, a minivan will more than likely fit your style and needs. On the other hand, if style is a big factor, and you still want your vehicle to be able to go off-road and perform in poor conditions, a crossover will probably fit better with your needs, though you will need to pay more for these great benefits.

Suggested Reading: The Practical Guide to Van Ownership