(ARA) - Industry statistics show that almost three times as many people buy used cars as buy new. To help consumers make informed decisions in the process, the experts at CarMax, America's leading used car retailer, have put together a basic list of the things to check when buying a used car. 1. Check the vehicle's safety features. Consider a vehicle with air bags and anti-lock brakes.
Not only will they make a car safer, but insurance companies sometimes give discounts on their rates for cars with these features. 2. Inspect the mileage. Mileage is a good indicator of the vehicle's age, and the average consumer will drive from 12,000 miles to 15,000 miles each year. A late model used car may be more cost-effective and come with many features you may not be able to afford in a new car.
3. Check the mechanical condition of the vehicle. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, have a mechanic you trust check it for you. Fluids, lights, belts, power steering, the charging system, the air conditioner, the engine cooling system, the brakes and the suspension should all be carefully inspected for any defects and wear. And don't forget to test drive the car.
4. Examine the tires. Uneven tread wear can be a sign that the car may need an alignment, or that it has damage to its suspension. Make sure the spare tire is in working condition with no damage or excessive wear. 5.
Watch for frame damage. Seriously damaged cars may be repaired, re-titled and sold in some cases, masking a vehicle that may not be structurally sound. When looking at a used car, check for: -- rust around the fenders and bumpers, around lights, under doors and in wheel wells -- cracks, dents and mismatched body panels Cars that have been previously damaged may be more likely to have mechanical problems, and do not withstand accidents as well as cars that are structurally sound. 6. Check for cosmetic problems.
Common signs of wear and tear in used cars include cigarette burns, dirty upholstery, smoke stains, and paint scratches and chips. 7. Carefully read and understand the terms of any warranty offered on the car. Don't hesitate to ask questions of your salesperson, and be wary of hidden conditions and exclusions that may be in the fine print. A reputable dealer will answer your questions completely and explain the details of the warranty.
8. Check the price. The actual price of the car is only one of many factors that will determine your total price. Don't forget to compare financing rates, warranty costs, trade-in values and processing fees. The different features on the vehicle can also make a price difference.
For example, a car with an automatic transmission is usually going to be slightly higher in price than the same car with a manual transmission. Research the vehicle you are considering, and find out what comparable prices are for similar vehicles in your area. 9. Look for a reputable dealership. Ask around, and talk to previous customers of the dealer to find out what their experiences were like.
A good dealer is more likely to be fair and up-front in price, value and condition of its vehicles, and won't pressure you to buy a vehicle you don't want. Hassles should never be part of buying a used car. Be prepared, and know what you're looking for..
Courtesy ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com EDITOR'S NOTE: CarMax, the Auto Superstore, first opened its doors in 1993 in Richmond, Va. Based on input from thousands of consumers, it was designed to provide a convenient, hassle-free way to buy high quality used cars at low, no-haggle prices. Today, CarMax has locations in more than 20 major cities across the country, with both used-car superstores and new-car franchises throughout the United States. CarMax is also online at carmax.com.It’s the dawn of the Personal Electric Transport era. A new line of electric scooters is set to take the 100% fun, 0% pollution market by storm.
Atlanta, GA (ContentDesk) February 26, 2006 -- Electric-Scooters-Galore.com, a leading internet based retailer providing innovative, fun, and environmentally friendly transportation for customers, announces North American availability of the Joust line of electric powered personal transportation.
Electric-Scooters-Galore.com will serve as the exclusive North American distributor for Joust.We are excited to introduce the Joust line of personal electric vehicles to North America.
Joust transportation is fun, affordable, functional, and environmentally friendly - great for kids, students, and urban commuters, explains Electric Scooter Galores Commerce Manager, Jerry Young. With increased family fuel costs, Joust represents a great opportunity for families to manage their daily transportation budget and time.
The initial Joust product offering is a personal transport unit that bridges the current gap between electric powered childrens toys and electric transportation.
Atv tires > It’s the dawn of the Personal Electric Transport era. A new line of electric scooters is set to take the 100% fun, 0% pollution market by storm.
Vascent Teams Up With Non-Profit Dedicated to Developing Young Leaders in Underserved Communities of Atlanta
(ContentDesk) November 9, 2005 -- Vascent, a leading Atlanta-based interactive solutions firm, is teaming up with Moving In The Spirit (MITS), a nationally ranked non-profit dance-based organization serving young people in underserved communities of Atlanta. MITS will now be able to tap Vascent's creative and strategic talent in interactive marketing services to improve their online strategy, IT services, and better compete for grants/awards such as the distinguished Metro Atlanta Corporate Volunteer Council Grant. MITS co-founder Dana Lupton first approached Vascent co-founder David Felfoldi after stumbling upon an "Executive Spotlight" article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The article highlighted Mr. Felfoldi's "extreme hobby" of salsa dancing.
A fellow alumnus of the University of Georgia (UGA), Mrs. Lupton quickly made the decision to contact Mr. Felfoldi to discuss possible partnership opportunities. "I was impressed by the absolute passion Dana shared about dance and...
Vascent Teams Up With Non-Profit Dedicated to Developing Young Leaders in Underserved Communities of Atlanta
Tike Tech Double Trouble Stroller
Having twins and strolling around the park or shopping in the mall is not a problem at all with the Tike Tech Double Trouble Stroller. Both of your little ones will be comfortable while they ride in style. The 5 point harness system is great for keeping your children safe but also comfortable. It is designed so they can sit up and look out and explore with normal movement without feeling squeezed. When they are ready for a nap each seat reclines independently so one baby can nap while the other is sitting up alert.
The sun canopy of the Tike Tech Double Trouble Stroller is really awesome. It is removable, has many different positions to ensure that the sun does not glare on your babies and a transparent window. The canopy also protects your infants during all types of weather, cold, or rain. The very light weight aluminum frame is great for all terrains and the road series tires when give both of your babies a smooth ride even on cobblestone walkways or uneven sidewalks. The large...
Tike Tech Double Trouble Stroller
The Top 10 Rules of High-Mileage Car Maintenance
(ARA) - Americans are keeping their vehicles longer and driving farther than ever before. Today, the average age of vehicles on the road is greater than nine years and more than 68 percent of vehicles have more than 75,000 miles. As a vehicle's engine ages, its performance decreases and oil starts to break down at a faster rate. Over time, seals begin to deteriorate, gaskets become brittle and oil consumption increases -- all leading to a reduction in engine performance.Treating your high-mileage vehicle with a little TLC and consistently following the 10 rules for high-mileage vehicle maintenance will help ensure it will go the distance. Using premium motor oil specially formulated for higher-mileage cars -- such as Castrol GTX High Mileage Formulation --will also help a higher-mileage car feel young again.Rule #1 -- Make sure you change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles -- whichever comes first.
No exceptions. Think of your engine as the heart of your car and motor...
The Top 10 Rules of High-Mileage Car Maintenance
Discount Truck Tires
Truck Tires have to operate amongst the most strenuous of all environments, when one looks at the automobile sector. Since purchase of regular tires can be a costly affair, truck owners often opt for a cheaper alternative.
There are many necessary details which have to be kept in mind when one goes in for purchasing Discount Tires for Trucks. These tires must ensure smooth operability while catering to different loads across roads, and provide traction irrespective of weather.
Tires for trucks come in a range of sizes and are designed to perform well in a wide range of temperatures.
Different techniques are followed before and after manufacture to ensure longevity of traction. The tire pressure is a very important parameter, and tire pressure should be kept at ideal levels in all the tires within a vehicle. If there is low air pressure in one tire, it puts undue strain on another, and thus the wear-and-tear rate is enhanced.
...
New Automotive Portal Helps Car Owners Find Auto Reconditioning Services They Did Not Know Existed
You've got a small red ink stain on the seat of your brand new car that won't come out.
Now what, replace the whole seat cover for hundreds of dollars?
The answer is a new auto site, CarCareValues.com, (CCV).
CCV has a search feature that will lead you to answers and local auto companies that have amazing services you didn't even know existed; such as, carpet and seat stain removal, alloy wheel repair, burn, rip, and tear repair, deep scratch removal, paintless dent repair, etc.
CCV also has listings for the more mundane; but necessary tire, exhaust, brake work, etc.
"I have several thrilled customers every week tell me they didn't know a service like mine existed," said Jim Lofton, creator of CarCareValues.com and owner of a paintless dent removal company in Northern Virginia.
"There is a multi-million dollar subculture of specialty auto reconditioning experts that service car dealers on a regular basis that the general public doesn't...
New Automotive Portal Helps Car Owners Find Auto Reconditioning Services They Did Not Know Existed
Automakers Market Noise and Incivility
The new Volkswagen ad shows two young people dancing and jumping around on the furniture in their apartment while a neighbor below is trying to quiet them by banging on the ceiling with a broom. He climbs the steps and pounds on their door and, although we aren't privy to the exchange, it's obvious he's complaining about the noise. The noisy neighbors roll their eyes and laugh as they close the door. They jump into their Jetta and crank up the car stereo as they drive to the audio equipment store to purchase a 1,000 watt subwoofer. They are animated and laughing as they drive home with their new speaker - the girl is rubbing her hands together in anticipation of the havoc they are about to wreak.
The next scene shows the subwoofer pounding in their living room as they jump up and down and dance ? in their new house. The ad displays their new slogan, "The New Jetta ? It's all grown up ? Sort of."This fictional portrayal would most likely play out in real life with young people...
Automakers Market Noise and Incivility
Discount Truck Tires
Truck Tires have to operate amongst the most strenuous of all environments, when one looks at the automobile sector. Since purchase of regular tires can be a costly affair, truck owners often opt for a cheaper alternative.
There are many necessary details which have to be kept in mind when one goes in for purchasing Discount Tires for Trucks. These tires must ensure smooth operability while catering to different loads across roads, and provide traction irrespective of weather.
Tires for trucks come in a range of sizes and are designed to perform well in a wide range of temperatures.
Different techniques are followed before and after manufacture to ensure longevity of traction. The tire pressure is a very important parameter, and tire pressure should be kept at ideal levels in all the tires within a vehicle. If there is low air pressure in one tire, it puts undue strain on another, and thus the wear-and-tear rate is enhanced.
...
Steps to Buying a Used Car With Confidence Atv tires life insurance 
Steps to Buying a Used Car With Confidence Atv tires 
Steps to Buying a Used Car With Confidence Atv tires 
Drive Your Car to Summer Fun
The snow has finally thawed and the cold is moving further away. Summer is coming ever so swiftly that you would not actually notice it until you can feel the heat of the season. However, the shift from the winter and cold days to the hot and sunny weather of summer is something that you would have to consider with regards to your car. After all, driving conditions during winter is a far cry from the driving conditions during the hot and dry months of summer. Just like getting your car...
Steps to Buying a Used Car With Confidence Atv tires tvs 
Steps to Buying a Used Car With Confidence 
Motorcycle Riding in Style: Check Out These Bike Gears!
There are so many choices in purchasing a motorcycle. Often what you'd consider and compare with others are in terms of handling, speed, luggage, space and its overall appearance. Of course, these factors, among many others, would generally be based on your choice between the type of bike you that's most preferable for your lifestyle and personality: touring, sport-touring, sport, standard, cruiser, enduro, dual-sport and off-road. Each type also comes with its very own riding attitude and of...
Steps to Buying a Used Car With Confidence