Buying Tips - How to buy a good used car

Not everyone can afford brand new cars from a dealership. There are people that are always on the look out for a good used car. Sometimes they just need a good used car for work or heavy hauling. The best way to do this is to find used cars by owner. Doing this will help you get a better deal, because owners are always willing to negotiate, especially if they are desperate to get rid of the vehicle they have up for sale. You do have to be very careful when buying a used car from its original owner, because they may not tell you everything you need to know.

When you are buying a used car you need to make sure you know everything there is to know about it. You want to be well informed because you do not want a used car that will only work for a few months and then just die. The owners of the car may know some problems with the car that they may not be willing to tell you in order to sell the car. The best way to buy used cars by owner is to check out new websites dedicated to this. They have car facts on the Internet. As long as you know the vehicle identification number you can go to several websites online that will tell you what work has been done to the car. These sites will tell you some information that the car owner themselves probably do not want you to know. These sites tell you what kind of work and to the extent it had been done. This way you have a heads up on what to look out for when test driving the car.

The test drive is one of the most important parts when dealing with a used car. You want to give it a good run to make sure everything works properly. When buying used cars by owner you want to make sure you are getting your moneys worth. Some owners may over price a car and try to get more than the car is worth. When test driving the used vehicle you want to make sure all the electronics work correctly. You want to make sure your stereo works properly, check all your lights even if it is in the middle of the day, and you want to make sure the vehicle breaks properly. For any reason if you find something that is unsatisfactory to you about the car be sure to bring it up with the owner. You may be able to negotiate the price down or to have the problem fixed by the owner before purchase.

Used car prices are never set in stone so do not be afraid to negotiate. When looking for used cars by owner you may want to look at owners willing to take best offers. This may aid in finding you a deal you cannot refuse. Some owners may state their price and accept the best offer. You may be able to buy the car for less than what the owner was asking because no one else is willing to pay his asking price. All these tips are very valuable and should all be considered when looking to buy a used car.

November 5th, 2008 | Posted in Vintage Cars Now | No Comments

Funny Car Commercials - Influencing Car Buyers Decisions

Funny car commercials are shown in television advertisements all of the time. Many famous carmakers including Ford, Chevrolet, Mazda, GM, Hummer, Cadillac, Toyota, and Honda have created these hilarious commercials to sell their cars. Even automobile makers such as Volkswagen, Volvo, and Chrysler have made funny ads featuring their vehicles.

Making Commercials Funny
There is one main reason why automobile makers choose to create these hilarious commercials and pay for them to run on television. The main reason is that viewers tend to better remember funny commercials. Buyers will remember the funny ads over the serious ads. This means that when it comes time to make a new car purchase, buyers will first think about the funny car commercials and remember the brand name being advertised. Car companies hope that the funny commercials will stick with the viewers and that the viewer will choose their brand of car over the rest when making a new car purchase.

Getting the Viewers’ Attention
Car commercials that are funny can get a viewer’s attention quicker than a serious car commercial. TV viewers will pay more attention to a funny ad and may not change the channel on the TV when a commercial comes on during a show. Car companies have to get the attention of the viewers to sell cars. Making funny ads is one way of doing that.

Getting the Brand Name to Stick
All car companies want their brand names to stick in consumers’ minds so that when consumers make a car purchase, they will choose their particular brand. Car companies will try anything to get their own brands to stick so they can sell more cars. If creating funny commercials achieves that goal, car companies are willing to do it.

Watching Car Commercials
People watch TV for a variety of reasons. But one main reason people watch television is to be entertained. It then follows that commercials should also entertain viewers to keep their attention. So many viewers change the channel to other shows during commercial breaks that car companies are trying to keep folks entertained so they won’t change those channels during long commercial breaks.

Do They Work?
Do hilarious car commercials actually work? Do they actually get people to buy cars? That depends on who one asks. Sometimes it really does work because these commercials grab the attention of people who otherwise wouldn’t be listening. Sometimes it works because people remember the brands that made them laugh the most. However, there will always be those who choose to switch the channel to another show.

Before making a new car purchase in the future, think about the various car companies and the commercials about those cars. Which ones stick out the most? Chances are people will remember the funny car commercials and gravitate toward those brands of automobiles.

November 3rd, 2008 | Posted in Vintage Cars Now | No Comments

Vintage 1960s Pontiac Cars

Remember the 60s? They were a time of beach tunes, tie-dye, bell-bottoms, and muscle cars. Vintage 1960s Pontiac cars were some of the biggest, baddest muscle cars on the block, with the GTO and Firebird at the head of the list.

The Models

The Pontiac Bonneville. This classic of the vintage 1960s Pontiac cars was one of the biggest, and it was perfect for big families who wanted to impress the neighbors. Available in a convertible or hardtop, the engine packed 389 cubic inches offering 348 horsepower paired with Tri-Power carburetion.

The Catalina. It might not be the most memorable of the vintage 1960s vintage Pontiac cars, but the Catalina could pack a wallop. It was a big boat of a car with a 421-inch V-8 engine that could speedily accelerate to 95 miles per hour in the 2 + 2 model of 1964-1967.

The Firebird. This was the Pontiac version of the sporty Chevy Camaro, and its low price made it popular with young drivers. Produced from 1967 through 1969, it offered both six and V-8 versions with up to 250 horsepower.

The Grand Prix. This was one of Pontiac’s biggest models, and it lost sales in the 1960s to many of Pontiac’s smaller, high-performance cars, like the GTO.

The GTO. One of the most famous of the vintage 1960s Pontiac cars, the GTO is still seen as one of the best muscle cars of the 1960s. It was actually smaller than many of the other muscle cars, and with a 421-cubic inch engine, its top speed was 130 miles per hour. It still retains an aura of power and magic today.

The Tempest. The Tempest was one of Pontiac’s first attempts at a compact car, which were just becoming popular in the early 1960s. It was actually based on the ill-fated Chevy Corvair, the rear engine air-cooled engine car that became one of Chevy’s worst cars in history. However, the Tempest had different styling and a front-mounted engine, so its fate wasn’t as harsh as the Corvair. The four-cylinder engine was revolutionary for its day, and was developed in part by automaker John Z. DeLorean.

The Ventura. The Ventura was only produced in 1960 and 1961, and after that, it merged into the Grand Prix line. It was based on the Catalina body and frame, and after 1961, the Ventura disappeared into the sunset.

So, what did a Pontiac set you back way back in the day?
• A Pontiac Bonneville would run you around $3,255 in 1961, but by 1969 the price had risen to $4,733.
• A Pontiac Catalina would run you about $3,149 in 1964, but that’s a bargain considering the power and performance of the Catalina.
• In 1967, the popular Pontiac Firebird was a steal at $2,667, which may be one reason this fleet little model was so trendy.
• The big, bad Pontiac GTO was only $3,227 in 1968, and considering the power under the hood, that was quite a bargain.
• Finally, the family model, compact Pontiac Tempest ran $2,418 in 1963, making it a great car for small families on the go.

August 22nd, 2008 | Posted in Vintage Cars Now | No Comments

Vintage Asian Cars

Vintage and classical vehicles have always inspired car enthusiasts, around the world. Historically, American cars have been among the spotlights, in every major motor show. So much emphasis is laid on the mechanics and design of the classical American cars that people have forgotten about the Asian vintage cars that rivaled the best in the history. One of the reasons behind the success of the American cars was its reliance on a heavy iron framework that was solid enough to stand the test of times. It is only now; avid collectors are turning to the power of the Japanese and Asian vintage cars that have nearly been forgotten. Here we look at some of the three greatest classical machines:

Honda S600

The Honda S600 roadster was first reveled in the Tokyo auto show, back in 1962. The unveiling of this majestic beauty was riddled with controversies. Honda Company, for the first time took a great risk by competing with established manufacturers for a sports design. The design and the red color of the speedster became an instant hit with not only the Japanese but also many foreign clients. Japanese government was reluctant to put a red car on road. The red color was always used for emergency vehicles. Honda fought a lengthy battle and prevailed over a stern opponent. To preserve the sanctity of the car, only 1800 units were produced worldwide. Ever imagined where the new S2000 did come from? Yes, it is the re-carnation of its original Honda S600 version.

Nissan Figaro

The car was first introduced in the 1989 Tokyo motor show. Consequently the production started in 1991. Nissan Figaro was sloganned, ‘Back to the future’. Its retro looks and a typical Japanese style made it such an instant hit that it was often sold by a lottery. Another funky detail was the original topaz mist color that was least popular among the general public. Only 2000 models with topaz were sold initially which than became highly sought after color scheme. The vintage model provided every luxurious amenity that anyone would crave for. It had leather seats, CD player, open roof and air conditioning. Celebrities made it popular, thereafter. It was first seen in Doctor WHO. Initially it was sold to Japanese public but greater demand made manufactures export it to other countries, as well. There are only 20,000 models, ever sold.

Toyota Corona T-10

The Toyota Corona vintage model was first introduced in 1957. It had all the hallmarks of the greatest luxury cars of its time. The looks and the reliability of the car are only rivaled by a few in the history. The corona due to its 960 cc engine and a heavy metallic luster became an instant hit in the West. The car was originally designed by making use of the parts by Crown and Master series. The model was powered by the famous P-series engine. Japanese were not known for their luxury cars but instead for a cost effective design. Soon, the Toyota engineers realized that the sustained production for a longer period would rather be costly. The T-10 model only remained in production for two years and is now a stuff of a legend.

August 22nd, 2008 | Posted in Vintage Cars Now | No Comments

Vintage Car Insurance - Get The Vital Car Insurance

Owning a vehicle has truly become a necessity of life, and insurance is something that unfortunately has to come along with owning a vehicle. Car insurance is an issue that most people groan at, however if you take a bit of time and put some effort into the process, you really can be able to find some great deals when it comes to car insurance.

Back in the early 1980’s, one of Hot Wheels ™ bestselling mini-cars was a reproduction of the 1957 Chevy. There is good reason for this: the ‘57 Chevy has become one of the most treasured (and expensive) vintage or classic cars on the collector’s market. In fact, this car has risen to such high esteem in popular culture that it has been immortalized in toys, posters, placards and other merchandise.

Why People Prefer Vintage Car Insurance:

It is also not alone. Many vintage cars of the 1930’s, the legendary 1965 Aston-Martin Rolls Royce and a host of other classic cars trade for incredible dollar amounts on the market. Now, while many of these cars are purchased and placed in storage, there are those owners who enjoy taking their vintage cars out for the occasional spin. If you own a vintage car and you drive it (even if you drive it exclusively on private property), you are going to need a comprehensive Vintage Car Insurance policy so as to recoup any damages that might befall the car.

Yes, there will be those individuals who might attempt to skirt purchasing vintage car insurance. There are a number of reasons such owners can provide to support their neglect for acquiring proper Vintage Car Insurance car insurance, but to be so neglectful is borderline irresponsible. If one is going to invest a great deal of money in purchasing a vintage car, then a proper Vintage Car Insurance policy will properly compliment the investment of the antique car.

Companies Providing Vintage Car Insurance:

Not all insurance providers insure all types of cars. There are a multitude of different vintage or classic cars and the totality of vintage cars includes exotic cars, military vehicles, motorcycles, tractors and trucks. As such, different vintage car insurance policies will be needed to cover the various different makes and models of cars that are out there on the market. Keep in mind vintage car insurance policies take into consideration the equity value of the cars and vehicles.

In other words, the payout to repair damage on a 1957 Chevy is going to be significantly higher than the payout on a car that is only 3 years old. As such, the criterion for being approved for a Vintage Car Insurance policy is going to be somewhat more rigorous and will be based on the specific type of vehicle that is seeking coverage.

You can also find more info on car insurance policy and car insurance quote. Autocarinsurancehelp.org is a comprehensive resource to get help about car insurance.

July 11th, 2008 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments

Finding Vintage Cars - A New Technique

While talking with a helicopter pilot a couple of months ago, I found out about a new way to look for those original car parts or even whole cars you might be looking for. This pilot worked for one of the local medical transport and rescue services. In that capacity, he flew over lots of remote areas. He told me about several of the things that he was keeping an eye on. But, he did not give me real good details of where things were that he wanted for himself.

One of the things he described was a field full of old cars including Model T’s and Model A’s. He said it was not even close to a road, so you would not see it except from the air. He had a lot of other sweet cars spotted as well.

That got me thinking. Why not start asking small plane pilots about the interesting cars that they have seen from the air? You could ask people like the pilot I was talking to. But also cropdusters, flight instructors and flying clubs would be good resources. These people have a huge number of flying hours and have been all over the country.

What I would do is head out for the nearest small town with an airport and start asking around. You are bound to find some good leads.

Give it a try and let me know if you find anything good.

July 11th, 2008 | Posted in Vintage Cars Now | No Comments

Antique And Vintage Cars And Their Alure

Generally speaking, antique cars are those that are at least 25 years of age. The costs of insurance policies for antique cars are also very low and tend to vary between $100 and $250 per year to meet minimum legal requirements.

These cars are usually viewed at car shows because most are not driven around anymore. Vintage cars are typically exposed to such light service that they are not expected to have any valve seat problems.

Classic cars are generally considered to be high-quality vehicles from the pre-World War II era. Unrestored original antique cars are extremely hard to fine, especially the low-production ones. I’ve been told that these cars are hard to find and when you do find one the price is out of this world.

Many run of the mill antique cars are worth a lot less then its street rodded sister. These older cars are seldom suited to long pre-touring runs and carrying them on trailers is a costly business.

The antique cars are always very busy during the summer and is one family ride that families like to take when they are in that part of the park. Vintage and antique cars are now fetching record prices at auction.

Most antique cars are owned by private collectors who don’t advertise rentals, but in fact many of them are more than willing to provide the service. Collectors of these cars are ever eager to display the vehicle they have spent time and money refurbishing.

These classic cars are exempt from Personal Property Taxation. These cars are always a head turner anywhere in the world. Antique cars are more likely to be stolen.

These vintage cars are generally prided and kept in pristine condition. They are even more damage prone than regular cars and the worst part is that their repairs are costlier too.

What is more amazing is how owner’s of these antique cars maintain their priceless vehicle. Restoring and driving these cars is not a sport for paupers though. The Ford Model T Pickup truck was the truck that began the great tradition af American pickups.

Learn what Classic Auto Trader is all about and read more great articles on @ Antique And Vintage Cars

July 11th, 2008 | Posted in Vintage Cars Now | No Comments

Picking The Best Bridal Car

o, what is the best car worthy enough to ferry the bride during her wedding day? The answer depends on a lot of things and the bride’s choice is not even a top pick unless she has a preference for a special car.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best bridal car including the couple’s preference, budget, type, wedding theme and practicality. By combining these factors and more, the couple can then come up with the best vehicle for their wedding.

Here are some of the best choices if you are still undecided as to which type of car to rent for the wedding.

Vintage Cars

A vintage car is the best choice for a vintage wedding. However, these will make any wedding elegant no matter what the theme is. A good car choice under this classification is the antique Rolls Royce, which is fairly small with two-passenger capacity.

The Daimler Limousine is also an elegant choice for vintage cars as it is the choice vehicle of royalty and even heads of state. Its wide doors will allow easy ingress and egress for the bride who may be donning a very intricate wedding gown.

If you want something similar to the Rolls Royce then a Bently “S” type car would be the best choice. It is wide, with a seating capacity of from 4 to 5 persons. With full leather upholstery and all the works, the couple would really feel like royalty on their way to the reception.

Executive Sedans

Most couples who have modern wedding themes choose this comfortable car as it is ideal for up to three passengers, giving enough space for the bride and her dress plus the groom. Most sedans for rent have leather interiors, chrome wheels and even a cellular phone if requested.

Luxury limousines

A glamorous wedding necessitates a glamorous ride and luxury limousines fit the picture perfectly. It can transport as many as 10 passengers which mean maximum comfort for the bride and groom and whoever they will be riding with after the wedding. Who said you can only ride in a limousine? The couple can have their pick of food and beverages too while on board this beauty.

You can have the most elegant car but make sure it fits in with your wedding theme and budget.

Find more advice on wedding planning and wedding etiquette. In addition you can get more information on mother of the groom dresses.

July 11th, 2008 | Posted in Vintage Cars Now | No Comments

Collect this Car, it’s a Classic!

Collecting Cars for Fun and Profit

Antique and classic cars are being collected now more than ever. Classic car collectors learn their hobby over years and years of research and browsing, even attending a half dozen or more car shows each year. However, some basic information is available to help anyone begin the lifelong passion of collecting antique automobiles.

Definition of a Classic Car

A classic car is one that is more than 15-years old, while an antique car is more than 25-years old. A vintage car dates from the 1930’s or older. As well, there are different car eras, such as the Vintage Car Era, Classic Car Era, Muscle Car Era, and so on, and this is also important to understand.

Display and Drivable Cars

Some antique car collectors drive their cars everywhere, while others have theirs for display purposes only. Display cars often have the benefit of needing less maintenance to keep their classic feel and pristine condition. If you want to drive your classic car, remember that it will require more money for such services as paint and wax jobs, engine work, and inspections. Not only do antique cars lack modern safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, but vintage cars may also lack modern conveniences like power steering, stereo systems, or even heat.

Expenses

Antique car collectors know that antique cars in general are very expensive investments, but there are several ways to cut these costs and make collecting cars an even more enjoyable experience. Many cars are simply left to rust away in lawns or in junkyards. These cars can often be bought at a real bargain for even a few dollars. However, the cheaper these cars are usually indicates what shape they come in. Therefore, several decisions must be made concerning the usability of the cars. Will they be driven? Do they need a new engine? What use will they have on a daily basis?

With some body work to remove rust and replace irreparable damage, these cars can even receive new interiors and engines. The most common work is a brand new paint job (the most noticeable and appreciable work), so a good deal can cost as little as $1000. With an interest in automobiles and a modest income, restoring antique cars can be the lifelong hobby of antique car collectors.

Ratings for Antique Car Appraisal

An antique car appraisal must be based on uniform standards to get a correct appraisal.

Parts Car, this means that the car is only to be used for individual car parts. The car itself has no value except for the individual parts that can be taken from it and used in other cars. The car might not be a candidate for restoration, and therefore appraisers will not waste other people’s time and money by declaring it usable except for parts.

Restorable, means the car in question has potential to be restored. The car model and make must still be recognizable to warrant this antique car appraisal rating. It may also need a complete body, chassis and interior restoration if it is appraised in this condition. Most likely the engine will also need some attention as well as the exterior, but not to the point that you restore more than a third of the body, chassis or interior.

Good, this antique car appraisal means that the automobile may need just a little tweaking to make it functional. The quality of restoration of the automobile may also affect the antique car appraisal. If it is functional yet the quality of restoration is poor, then the price will still not go up despite its good condition. The antique car appraisal should always include the quality of the restoration.

A Very Good antique car appraisal could mean that the automobile is functional and the amateur restoration is passable. The restoration might be rated as older or worn out to some extent but not as bad as expected. A Very Good antique car appraisal might be considered presentable and serviceable in the interior and exterior.

Fine is the antique car appraisal that means the automobile is restored very well and its original parts are well maintained to the point that they are in good working order.

The Excellent antique car appraisal means that the car in question has been restored to excellent professional standards and could possibly be a show car that is not driven or worn out but maintained for aesthetic purposes.

Antique Car Pricing

Antique car pricing depends on many different factors, and antique car pricing can vary from year to year. The prices can also vary depending on the point of sale. Antique car pricing depends on the age of the car, the condition of the car and special features on a car.

An antique car that is very old might be much more expensive than a newer classic car. These car prices fluctuate like more modern cars depending upon the condition. An antique car that is in mint condition could cost ten thousand dollars more than the same model in poor condition. Antique car pricing can also vary depending on the mechanics of the car. One that is road-ready will cost much more than one that looks good but does not move on the streets.

Antique car pricing depends on the year and the condition of the car, but the pricing can also depend on many of the various features in each car. Some of the classic cars have radios that actually still work while the older cars never do. Some of these cars have original mirrors while others have modern replicas. The fabric used in the interior could have a significant impact on the prices of antique cars; if the fabric in the interior is the original and in great condition, this is important in the price of the vehicle.

Many collectors of classic cars base their prices of the cars they have on a price guide. The antique car price guide gives approximations of how much a certain model of automobile may cost these days. The prices found in the antique car price guide are somewhat loosely approximated because not all cars of the same make and model are restored professionally or even restored properly. Popular price guides include MacRAE’s Blue Book online, and Kelley Blue Book.

The hobby of collecting antique and classic cars can be fun and enjoyable, and it can also incredibly rewarding, especially financially. As long as you are informed and take the situation seriously, you should not have any problems, and not only will you have a great time but as well can make quite a bit of profit for yourself if you go about things in the right way.

Steve Dolan is an avid collector and loves classic cars. Find out more about car collecting at Classic Cars and Vintage Cars and if you have other collections take a look at Collections and Collectibles

July 11th, 2008 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments

Car Restoration TV Shows

Be it a Lamborghini or a Ford, a car is a car and does not fail to invoke the pride of its owner. Even historically, people have ascribed personalities to their favorite modes of transport, giving vehicles an existence of their own.

People today continue to attach what might seem like undue attention to their cars. Individuals go to the extent of giving names to their vehicles and once such personalization occurs it is hard to let go of the four-wheeler even if it is to get a new one. In such a scenario, the destruction of a vehicle in an accident can be devastating to the owners’ psyche, even in the event of them not sustaining physical injury. Recognizing this potential, shows were created for television to depict restoration techniques for damaged or out-of-order cars. These shows were designed not only to help distraught owners with their disheveled cars, but also to generally educate the public about the methods to repair minor problems with their vehicles. With time, these shows also became a medium for car companies to advertise their products and showcase some of their new models. Thus, car restoration TV shows evolved in the car shows that are so popular today.

Perhaps the most famous car restoration TV shows are the ones that take a look at the restoration of classic and vintage cars. Vintage models are no longer in production and as a result getting hold of their spare parts and mechanisms can be quite difficult. Classic car restoration shows inform owners of the substitutes they can use for the internal machinery as well as tricks to enhance the vehicle’s mobility. Details of the availability of vintage cars on the market as well as a price guide to classics is shown on occasion for those who wish to trade their classic cars. Certain restoration shows also give tips on the makeover of cars. This includes all techniques from plastic coating the vehicle to personalizing the interiors.

Car Shows provides detailed information on Car Shows, Import Car Shows, Car Show Models, Classic Car Shows and more. Car Shows is affiliated with New Car Dealers.

July 11th, 2008 | Posted in Vintage Cars Now | No Comments

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