Wednesday, October 3, 2007, 08:06 AM
If you have decided to buy your used car from a dealer rather than go privately then you can use the internet and your home PC to your advantage to save a great deal of time and fuel by running about looking for one. There are specialist websites that will give you access to a search engine which has been specifically designed to allow people to perform a used car dealer search without even leaving their own home.
The majority of specialist websites will allow you to make a search using just your postcode to find local used car dealers or an exact name if you should know dealers in your area. Or you can search for used car dealers within a radius of so many miles from where you live or you are able to search alphabetically through dealers.
Once you have found used car dealers that interest you the majority give at least a telephone number, address and webpage link while some will give an actual catalogue of the cars listed with that particular dealer. Conducting a search like this is without a doubt the quickest and easiest way to find your used car and buying from a dealer you have the advantage of getting a guarantee with the car and warranty, while also being able to finance your car through the dealer if you wish.
Going online for your used car dealer search is a lot quicker than scanning through the phone book or yellow pages. Finding a dealer?s website that you can scan online and know if they have anything suitable for your circumstances is of course achievable with the online catalogue, which should include a photo gallery and of course the price for the car that the dealer is asking along with all other necessary details.
Louis Rix is a Director of NetCars, one of the UK's leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, it provides a used car search. NetCars also provide finance, loans and insurance.
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( 3 / 1699 )Friday, February 23, 2007, 09:38 AM
by Correy Putton
Here’s an interesting take on why some drivers have all the luck, or more appropriately, “bad luck” on the road. InsuranceHotline.com, a Web site that gives auto insurance quotes, studied 100,000 North American drivers' records from the past six years and found that Libras, Aquarians and Aries are the worst overall signs when it comes to traffic offenses and accidents. Leo, Gemini and Cancer drivers were found to be the best overall.
Interesting? How about a complete “astrological” driver’s profile? According to the website, here are the Astrological Signs that had the most influence over drivers, causing them to have the greatest number of tickets and accidents, from worst to best.
Number 1 Worst :
Libra - Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Libra is the "sign of the scales", it craves balance and consensus. Libra doesn’t like to make snap decisions. But rush hour traffic is not a time for seeking driver approval, or for being indecisive.
2nd Worst Position :
Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
They’re impulsive, and ruled by the Planet of speed and rebellion. Aquarians need to get a better grip behind the wheel.
3rd Worst Position :
Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19
Its symbol is the ram. Not good a sign to have for avoiding accidents. Aries have a "me first" child-like nature, that drives Aries into trouble.
4th Worst Position :
Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
This sign enjoys daydreaming. So wake up Pisces, driving in the “real world" requires your complete attention.
5th Worst Position :
Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
The scorpion’s instinct is to get revenge, and driving is the perfect avenue to vent a little Scorpion road rage. If you pass a Scorpio, plan on being chased.
6th Worst Position :
Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20
The astrological sign for Taurus is the bull. They’re stubborn, and have an urge to charge at red lights.
7th Worst Position :
Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
They’re risk-takers, but they’re experienced risk takers, and know that stunt driving should be left to the professionals. This is a talkative group, and they should consider putting their cell phone down and just driving.
8th Worst Position :
Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
Capricorn is goal oriented. They’re more concerned about the destination than the journey. They feel that the rules of the road are for other drivers to follow so that Capricorns can get to their destination faster.
9th Worst Position :
Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Virgos have a nervous attention to detail. They made the cover of the Car Carma book. They’d be slamming their brakes on to avoid hitting a squirrel, but cause a 10 car pile-up.
3rd Best Position :
Cancer - June 21 to July 22
They’re homebodies, and consider the roadway of drivers their extended family. But they’re a moody group, and would be the ones to honk at you for no reason at all.
2nd Best Position :
Gemini - May 21 to June 20
Geminis are the original multi-taskers. They can eat, drink, read the newspaper, shave, or apply make-up all while driving, although this is NOT recommended, even if you're a Gemini. It’s the sign of the twins; while one is driving the other co-pilots.
Number 1 Best :
Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22
Leo is generous, and comfortable in sharing the roadway. They‘re known for having a huge ego, which is their driving force to be the best.
“The results are overwhelming, showing drivers of certain astrological signs are prone to getting more tickets, while others seemed destined to have accidents", says Lee Romanov, president of InsuranceHotline.com and author of the book Car Carma.
And there you were thinking that the only thing you might have to be scared of driving next to the monstrous Hummer with the noisy driver in it is the possibility that at any given minute Hummer parts may come crashing into your little Accord in the event of an accident. Now you may also want to consider whether the driver is a hot-headed Aries or a cool Gemini.
Here’s an interesting take on why some drivers have all the luck, or more appropriately, “bad luck” on the road. InsuranceHotline.com, a Web site that gives auto insurance quotes, studied 100,000 North American drivers' records from the past six years and found that Libras, Aquarians and Aries are the worst overall signs when it comes to traffic offenses and accidents. Leo, Gemini and Cancer drivers were found to be the best overall.
Interesting? How about a complete “astrological” driver’s profile? According to the website, here are the Astrological Signs that had the most influence over drivers, causing them to have the greatest number of tickets and accidents, from worst to best.
Number 1 Worst :
Libra - Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Libra is the "sign of the scales", it craves balance and consensus. Libra doesn’t like to make snap decisions. But rush hour traffic is not a time for seeking driver approval, or for being indecisive.
2nd Worst Position :
Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
They’re impulsive, and ruled by the Planet of speed and rebellion. Aquarians need to get a better grip behind the wheel.
3rd Worst Position :
Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19
Its symbol is the ram. Not good a sign to have for avoiding accidents. Aries have a "me first" child-like nature, that drives Aries into trouble.
4th Worst Position :
Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
This sign enjoys daydreaming. So wake up Pisces, driving in the “real world" requires your complete attention.
5th Worst Position :
Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
The scorpion’s instinct is to get revenge, and driving is the perfect avenue to vent a little Scorpion road rage. If you pass a Scorpio, plan on being chased.
6th Worst Position :
Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20
The astrological sign for Taurus is the bull. They’re stubborn, and have an urge to charge at red lights.
7th Worst Position :
Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
They’re risk-takers, but they’re experienced risk takers, and know that stunt driving should be left to the professionals. This is a talkative group, and they should consider putting their cell phone down and just driving.
8th Worst Position :
Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
Capricorn is goal oriented. They’re more concerned about the destination than the journey. They feel that the rules of the road are for other drivers to follow so that Capricorns can get to their destination faster.
9th Worst Position :
Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Virgos have a nervous attention to detail. They made the cover of the Car Carma book. They’d be slamming their brakes on to avoid hitting a squirrel, but cause a 10 car pile-up.
3rd Best Position :
Cancer - June 21 to July 22
They’re homebodies, and consider the roadway of drivers their extended family. But they’re a moody group, and would be the ones to honk at you for no reason at all.
2nd Best Position :
Gemini - May 21 to June 20
Geminis are the original multi-taskers. They can eat, drink, read the newspaper, shave, or apply make-up all while driving, although this is NOT recommended, even if you're a Gemini. It’s the sign of the twins; while one is driving the other co-pilots.
Number 1 Best :
Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22
Leo is generous, and comfortable in sharing the roadway. They‘re known for having a huge ego, which is their driving force to be the best.
“The results are overwhelming, showing drivers of certain astrological signs are prone to getting more tickets, while others seemed destined to have accidents", says Lee Romanov, president of InsuranceHotline.com and author of the book Car Carma.
And there you were thinking that the only thing you might have to be scared of driving next to the monstrous Hummer with the noisy driver in it is the possibility that at any given minute Hummer parts may come crashing into your little Accord in the event of an accident. Now you may also want to consider whether the driver is a hot-headed Aries or a cool Gemini.
Corey Putton is a 28-year old bachelor from Pittsburgh, PA who has been around cars for the better part of his life. He now works online and writes all about his passion: cars. He is also a certified mechanic.
Article Source: http://www.bigarticles.com
Car and Truck Warranties for all
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( 2.9 / 732 )Thursday, December 21, 2006, 11:34 AM
by Shane Morgay
Cadillac’s luxury sports sedan, the Cadillac CTS has been bringing fame to its brand as well as unforgettable experiences for its drivers and passengers. The Cadillac CTS actually stands for “Catera Touring Sedan”. It holds four doors and has the capacity to take in a maximum of five passengers in its spacious cabin. This vehicle has also been made available in two trims which comprise of the 2.8 L Sedan, and the 3.6 L Sedan.
Upon its introduction, the Cadillac CTS 2.8 L Sedan comes equipped with the standard 2.8 liter V6 engine that is very much capable of providing some 210 units of horsepower. It also gives the Cadillac CTS the chance to achieve 17 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. As per the Cadillac CTS 3.6 L Sedan, this vehicle comes with a standard 3.6 liter V6 engine capable of making 255 horsepower. It can give the Cadillac CTS a chance to roll along with 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Standard for both of these trim levels is a six speed manual transmission system with overdrive. Given as an option is a five speed automatic transmission system with overdrive.
This vehicle rolled off the Cadillac manufacturing plants using the General Motors’ new Sigma rear wheel drive architecture. To give credit to its brand name, this vehicle was nominated in 2002 for the North American Car of the Year award. Trivia has it that the Cadillac CTS was seen extensively in one of the car chase sequences in the 2003 movie, The Matrix Reloaded. Because of that stint, the first photographs of this vehicle were from that movie.
The Cadillac CTS comes in a package of features. For exterior colors, this luxury sports sedan could come in painted with light platinum, black raven, blackberry, blue chip, infrared, radiant bronze, sand storm, silver smoke, stealth gray, or white diamond. As per the interior, it could be ebony, light gray/ebony, or cashmere. Standard equipment for this includes driver and front passenger frontal air bags, head curtain side impact air bags, an AM/FM stereo with CD player, a digital clock, an auto tone control, an automatic volume, a Radio Data System, four wheel anti lock brakes, a dual-zone automatic climate controls, a cruise control system, power door locks, fog lamps, daytime running lamps, halogen headlamps, a wood trim for the interior, power adjustable and heated mirrors, the OnStar system, a remote keyless entry system, seat controls, and the XM Satellite Radio.
Auto Accessories Giant’s high quality Cadillac accessories can maintain all of the impressive qualities of the Cadillac CTS and Cadillac vehicles. Years of delivering superior product lines have made Auto Accessories a favorite among car enthusiasts. Like Cadillac, this online store does its best among competitors and provides quality products. Auto Accessories Giant has an exceptional array of finely crafted Cadillac accessories and these are found online 24 hours a day.
Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week.
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( 3 / 4814 )Monday, October 23, 2006, 01:17 PM
Arizona Defensive Driving School is where you can find a Arizona defensive driving course. As you know that the state of Arizona suffers from growing traffic congestion and road mishaps, it is often that people are issued traffic tickets. This is because they might have breached the traffic rules and regulations. The Arizona court has ordered special advance driving courses known as ‘defensive driving’ to increase traffic awareness and reduce roads accidents. URL: http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonline.com
So what exactly Defensive Driving is?
Defensive driving is advance driving training for motor vehicle drivers that takes them beyond mastering road safety rules and basics of driving. Defensive driving school has courses that reduces driving risk by anticipating dangerous situations even under adverse conditions like stress, fear, lack of knowledge, adequate training or by others mistakes. Arizona Defensive Driving School provides defensive driving courses that are recognized by the State and help you make safer and smarter driver than ever before.
Who needs to attend Defensive Driving School?
If you are issued traffic ticket or hauled by the traffic conditions and traffic sense of others that increases vulnerability to accidents, then you must take up Arizona Defensive Driving course immediately.
Why the Course is Important?
The Arizona Defensive Driving School offers defensive driving courses that lower down you insurance rates, increases you driving skill, knowledge and teaches you to come out of potential accidents smartly. You not only become safer and smarter driver but you also protect others on the road by following right rules and minimizing the mistakes.
Why only Arizona Defensive Driving Course?
Arizona defensive driving course is designed to suit everyone. The course is developed after thorough research that not only includes quality content but also audio, video and other interactive graphics. The course is provided by well a known and authorized defensive driving course content provider – ‘I drive safely’. Moreover the course is available online! No tension of attending classes, reaching there on time, taking out time to go the school etc. Now, with the online defensive driving course you can learn defensive driving in front of your desktop computer at the comfort levels of your home. And what’s more, you are charged less than the traffic fine that you would be paying otherwise. Find the details of Arizona defensive driving school course fee below:
The course fee is calculated as the sum of these:
• The court fee.
• The Arizona State fee.
• A school fee.
You can also find the course fee details of Arizona Defensive Driving School here: http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonlin ... price.html
For Defensive Driving Course you can trust on Arizona defensive driving school course as it is designed to be highly interactive, effective and easy to learn. By taking up this state recognized course you will make yourself and your family safe whenever you are on the roads. If you want to know more about Arizona Defensive Driving Course contact us at:
http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonlin ... ourse.html
or at http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonlin ... pport.html
For further details find out about Arizona Defensive Driving from Arizona Supreme Court Defensive Driving Program at (602) 364-0388.
About The Author
James Kerk
Register now for the State recognized Defensive driving course provided by Arizona Defensive Driving School to remove traffic tickets, allegations and lower down your insurance rates! Be smart, safe and responsible while you drive. Website: http://www.arizonadefensivedrivingonline.com
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( 3 / 4905 )Thursday, August 17, 2006, 02:55 PM
By
Terry Jackson
While it's still possible to get a "lemon'' -- a new car that has a plethora of problems -- the truth is that new vehicles today are more reliable and better built than ever. The days are long gone when a dealer sent you out the door with your new car and the advice, "Make a list of things you find wrong and bring it back in a few weeks and we'll fix them.''
J.D. Power and Associates' most recent Initial Quality Study of new car owners showed that 2006 models had the fewest problems of any year on record -- a 59 percent drop since 1992.
A more extensive study by Consumer Reports mirrored the J.D. Power findings. Since 1980, the number of glitches in new cars has been cut by about 80 percent. Nearly every manufacturer has significantly improved their products year to year.
But as with any competition, there are vehicles that rank at the top of the quality lists and ones that rank at the bottom. So how can you tell if the vehicle you're considering is a high-quality vehicle?
The best way is to see for yourself. Here are 10 of the key things to look for at the dealership:
10 keys to look for
Look at the seams.
Match colors.
What lies beneath?
Under the hood.
Eye the glass.
Door "thunk".
Interior design.
Exposed wiring.
Little things mean a lot.
Serious test drive.
First, check out the body of the car, looking beyond the styling and paying attention to the details.
1. Look at the seams. Check the gaps between body panels. Are the gaps uniform throughout? A well-engineered and constructed car will show the same body gaps around the doors, the trunk and the hood. Pay particular attention to this on vehicles that have been significantly redesigned or are all new to the market. Although the old adage about not buying a redesigned model in the first year generally no longer applies, varying body gaps may indicate the assembly process needs some adjusting.
2. Match colors. Pay attention to the places on the body where different materials are used, such as where a nose made of a composite plastic material meets the steel of the rest of the body. The paint should not noticeably change hue from one surface to another.
3. What lies beneath? Look under the car to see what protrusions, particularly at the front, could get hung up on parking berms and rip free. Most cars have some sort of air dam underneath the vehicle at the front to aid in cutting aerodynamic drag. But such air dams should be mounted far enough back so parking berms won't rip them off or should be mounted in such a way as to bend rather than break when encountering an object.
4. Under the hood. Even if you're no mechanic, closely inspect the engine bay. Most cars have a cover that surrounds most of the top of the engine. Make sure it's mounted securely -- you shouldn't be able to shake it. The same test should apply to any battery covering. Look at the wiring. It should be either covered or tightly bound together to prevent anything from coming loose.
5. Eye the glass. Look at the window glass and see how the side windows fit against the rubber gaskets when closed. Anything less than a perfect fit will result in wind noise that will only get worse as the car ages.
6. Door "thunk". Open and close the doors, looking for how many so-called "stops" are built into the hinges. A vehicle's door should have two settings so that it will stay open in a half-way position and fully opened. Shut the door and listen for any sort of hollow boom, which could indicate there's less sound-deadening material in the door, which will mean greater road noise.
7. Interior design. Check out the finish on the interior panels. While plastic is the industry norm when it comes to door panels and dashboards, there's a wide variety of grains and finishes applied to the plastic. The dash and panels should have a rich-looking color and have a textured feel to the casual touch. As with the body, the gaps between interior panels should be close and uniform. Look especially where the air bags are hidden.
8. Exposed wiring. If the car you're interested in has power-adjustable front seats, feel under them to see how the wiring and motor coverings are secured. Loose wires or coverings could lead to problems in the future.
9. Little things mean a lot. Pay attention to things like seat latches. They should work with minimal effort and all handles should feel secure, not prone to bending or twisting. Check the stitching and seams of the seats for any loose threads or less-than-straight sewing. Open the trunk and see how the floor covering is secured and whether it's made of a material that will stand up to carrying heavy or dirty cargo.
10. Serious test drive. Lastly, when you've all but settled on the vehicle you want, take an extended test drive, not just a spin around the block. Drive at freeway speeds and pay attention to wind and road noise. Pay attention to how the automatic transmission shifts. It should change gears smoothly and quickly. On a manual transmission, feel where the clutch starts to engage and how long or short the pedal travel is. It should engage gradually and not have any abrupt lurches. Find a safe area to test the brakes. You're not so much looking for what the car will do in a panic stop, but rather how the brakes feel when you apply the pedal. Depending on how far the pedal travels, the feel of the brakes should inspire confidence that the vehicle will stop in a relatively short distance.
All of this may sound like a no-brainer step to buying a car, but according to a recent study, more than 40 percent of new car buyers closed the deal without even taking a short test drive.
Smart buyers will pay attention to every aspect of a car in order to get a vehicle that will deliver value.
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