You Should Buy Japanese Performance Car Parts In Japan

by Michael Sands

I'm sure you would have released by now how expensive performance car parts are, but what if you could get your hands on top of the line car parts without having to sell your limbs to afford them. Most of the time its not the actual product that costs a fortune, it’s the mark-up that retailers add on to all of the prices. Japanese Car part retailers can do this because there is a lot of demand for performance car parts.

So how do you get performance car parts for cheaper? Easy, you go straight to the source. Cut out the retailer and get your car parts straight from Japan. Buying Japanese performance car parts straight from japan can save up to 60% on popular items.

Getting the exact item you are looking for is also easier if you buy It in japan. Below are just some of them top end performance car parts you can get direct from Japan:

# Computers
# Bucket seats
# Cams
# Cam gears
# Pistons
# Connecting rods
# Boost controllers
# Coilovers
# And much more

Some of the brand names you can get from Japan are:

# Apexi Power FC
# Blitz boost controllers
# Tomei cams
# HKS turbos
# Recaro seats
# Greddy turbo timers
# Nardi steering wheels

The list goes on and on. The point is, if you want to save on performance car parts you should NOT buy the parts from your local distributor. You should buy them from Japan.

To learn more about how to buy performance car parts in Japan look at http://www.importjapcarparts.com

You will get direct instructions to buy performance car parts in japan and have them imported right to your front door.

Buy performance car parts in Japan with http://www.importjapcarparts.com.

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Your Second Hand Car Search Can Be Made Easier With A Specialist Website

by Louis Rix

Your quest for a second hand car can be made a whole lot easier if you go to a specialist website to do your second hand car search. Finding the second hand car of your dreams will take you a lot less time if you choose to search from a specialist website than it would if you went around car lots and dealerships.

The biggest advantage to shopping online with the view to buying a second hand car is that you can cut down the searching you have to do drastically. All specialist sites will have a search feature and this is the same as using any of the popular search engines with you web browser, the only difference is that this specialises just in used cars.

You are able to make a search online for the exact type and model of car that you wish to buy, even search by colour and any other special requirements. You can choose the radius of your search if you only want to travel a short distance locally and whether you want to buy from private buyers or dealers.

While this is the quickest way of narrowing down your search for your used car of course there are some drawbacks, one of the main ones being that you cannot actually see the car in front of you. However, you do have the option of looking at images of the cars which does at least give you something to go on. Along with the photographs information is given and you have the option of contacting the seller for viewing or more information.

Your second hand car search can be made a whole lot easier, all from the comfort of your own home without having to leave your chair thanks to specialist websites in second hand car searches.

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Your Guide To Buying A Used Car

by Chris Rowlands

Buying a car for many can be an arduous process, if you’ve ever spent your weekend visiting garage after garage in the hope of finding you dream car you can probably appreciate what I mean. Of course there are other ways to find your next car and if you intend on buying brand new then you will probably find the whole experience a lot more enjoyable and considerably easier. For this guide we will centre on buying a second hand car as this is the more difficult of the two choices.

First of all you will need to decide what make and model of car you are interested in. You may find it best to choose a couple of different options so as to make your search easier. Once you have decided on the car/s you’ll be looking for you can choose your search method. Traditional methods include the previously mentioned scouring of local and sometimes national car garages in the hope of finding your perfect drive. Of course you then have options such as the classified ads in your local newspaper and certain magazines listing private car sales.

Once you’ve scoured the pages of these publications and after hopefully finding a few contenders, you can plan to go and see the vehicles in question to see if they meet your approval. Of course nowadays you have the much easier solution of using an online car classifieds site. Some of you may have heard of certain scams sellers have fallen foul of on older versions of these sites.

Here it is best to use your common sense; if you are approached by a buyer asking to send you a bankers draft on behalf of their client in another country, for the full asking price, then it really is too good to be true.

With the latest breed of private car sale listing site you should find it an easy process to either sell or buy a car with much of the hassle taken out of the equation for you.

Once you have found your perfect match and have made the journey to view it you should ask to see the owner’s documents and service history. This will tell you what condition the car you are buying is in and confirm that the mileage is accurate. If you can find a friend who is car maintenance savvy you will be able to make sure the car is in good condition.

You should check the bodywork for signs of rust, the wear of the brakes and the condition of the tyres as an initial check. Always take the car for a test drive as this will give you an idea of the condition and help you to make the all important decision of whether you actually find the car enjoyable to drive. Don’t forget to listen for any unusual engine or body noise whilst driving as this could indicate a serious problem. If you decide you are interested in purchasing the car you should then carry out a more thorough check of the engine and bodywork to ensure the vehicle has not been in an accident and repaired.

Regardless of whether you are purchasing through a dealer or buying privately, I would still recommend checking every aspect of the car thoroughly before committing to buy. I strongly recommend purchasing a vehicle HPI (Hire purchase information) check as this will tell you if any finance is outstanding against the vehicle and if it has been damaged or stolen in the past.

Bearing this information in mind you should have no problem finding the car of your dreams and ensuring you get a good deal.

Use of an online car classifieds site can greatly reduce the time and effort you spend in looking for your next car.

Private car sale listing sites can make it easy to sell or purchase a car.

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Wizards Car Polish, Is It Better Than Wax? Product Reviews

by Ben Nunzio

Many folks truly do not understand the differences between car polish, and car wax. Within the context of this article, I will try and explain in simple terms, why I believe that you should POLISH your car, boat, or motorcycle, instead of waxing it. I will further try and point out some very valid reasons as to WHY I feel you are also much better off POLISHING your car, boat, motorcycle with a product like Wizards Shine Master, which is a professional quality car, boat, motorcycle polish, as opposed to waxing it. This particular product, is actually one of today's best kept secrets. The debate has raged on for many years, amongst professionals as well as amateurs, whether you should polish your car, boat, motorcycle, or only apply wax to it. On any given day, you can visit one of thousands of car and or motorcycle enthusiasts web forums, and find a heated discussion with regards to this very subject. Well to be quite honest with you, some of the stances in these discussions I find rather amusing and misleading to say the very least. Let's take a further look. When using a wax on your car's paint, most people either apply it too light or too heavy, which can cause excessive streaking, and caking up of the wax. Many people also just keep applying wax to their car instead of taking the old wax off first. This also has a tendency to cause a buildup of wax, which can leave your ride's paint looking terrible. My main beef with wax is that is usually starts to yellow out after a while. This can lead to your car, motorcycle, or boat having an ugly yellowish tint to its paint. Not good in my opinion. Many waxes also harden which does not allow the paint to breathe properly, again, not a good thing. The above are just a few of the reasons why I prefer Wizards detailing polishes, instead of any wax on the market. Many auto-body shops use this very product as a final detailing preparation, before releasing the recently repaired vehicle to the owner. Shine master actually seals the paint, but it also allows it to breathe properly. It is easy to apply and remove, and it leaves an unremarkable shine to your paint. It also protects and shines better than wax, without washing away. Many show car owners also use this polish for the reason that it works, and it works very well.
"Mak it Shine, with Wizards!"

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Why Should I Purchase My Auto Insurance Online?

by Tim Gorman

If you're interested in slashing your auto insurance bill in half then there's no reason why you shouldn't consider purchasing auto insurance online. Buying your auto insurance online is extremely easy and very convenient. The process is fast and only requires filling out a simple form. The best part is you can receive multiple quotes from several different auto insurance providers from the privacy of your own home. You can even search for a new money saving car insurance policy in your pajamas if desire to do so.

Many experts agree that most consumers overpay on their insurance policies due to a lack of shopping around. This includes vehicular insurance. Additionally they overwhelmingly endorse purchasing auto insurance online due to the ability to start your insurance application, save it, and finish later if you get pressed for time. If you're concerned about the cost associated with receiving multiple insurance quotes don't be. By applying online you can get multiple free car insurance quotes from one application. You're also never under any obligation to accept any insurance quote provided - even if it saves you money.

As far as the drawbacks to purchasing auto insurance online there aren't many. Obviously you'll have to have access to a computer with an Internet connection and around 30 minutes of free time depending on the number of free insurance quotes you wish to receive. Keep in mind before accepting any quote that you could qualify for a bigger discount from your current auto insurance provider if you carry multiple insurance policies with them. For instance a combination of car, home and life insurance may cost less as a group when compared to purchasing individually.

It's only natural to have concerns with the privacy of the information the insurance company requires you to fill out on their quick quote provider form. However rest assured that any information you provide is kept secure with encryption technology and will not be released to anyone else to include other insurance providers unless you agree to allow it. You can also feel comfortable in knowing that your credit score won't be affected by applying for free auto insurance quotes online.

After you've found a quote that you like purchasing auto insurance online allows you to either accept the quote right then and there or you can opt to receive the rate provided in the mail. Either way you're guaranteed to save money. A word of caution, make sure the information you provide on the insurance application is correct. Even the smallest errors can adversely affect the money saving rate that is provided.

Probably the most difficult choice will be which online auto insurance provider to choose from in order to receive your free quotes. Look for a company that has excellent customer service reviews and offers a simple application process that provides multiple money saving quotes. Finally don't forget to check and make sure that they can actually provide an insurance quote for the state you currently reside in.

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Why America Should Buy Renault Cars

by Graeme Claridge

Renault cars are among the safest in the world, if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident then you would be well served to be in a Renault. Renault cars were the very first car manufacturer in the world to offer a car for sale that achieved 5 stars in the Euro N-Cap safty tests, they did it with the Laguna which as well as being safe, also has incredible style, in fact, as far as the present model is concerned, I think it is gorgeous, I did actually nearly buy one but the wife wanted a new kitchen so half of my car budget went on that, I ended up with a year 2000 Honda Accord automatic which is now in the shop for a new transmission.

There are many models available in the Renault range from the small but excellent Modus right up to the Espace, an eight seat living room on wheels with all the latest modern features such as individual passenger climate control and all of the cars in the Renault range are incredibly safe and if you opt for a diesel, the 1.9 dci engine is incredibly frugal so you will get excellent fuel economy.

If America wants a great deal the Americans should buy Renault cars, it's all well and good being patriotic and buying your home built product but lets face it, Europe builds a far better car and Renault build some of the best, if not the safest cars in Europe.

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Where to Get Parts for Your Mercedes Benz

by John Mancini

You have arrived. You own a Mercedes Benz. You know quality and class; you also know that you have no desire to replace parts in your car with generic parts. However, just because you own a Mercedes, does not mean that you want to spend more than you have to for authentic parts.
Mercedes Benz specific sites also offer other advantages. Most sites will have at least one photo of the item you are looking for as well as reviews from past purchasers. Some of the sites will have directions regarding the installation of parts as well as their removal. Some sites will offer merchandize at a discount or with free shipping in exchange for your business.

If there is a car club in your area, they can also be a great source of knowledge. The people in the clubs are car enthusiasts; they love to help people out when it involves a vehicle. The club members may even be willing to help you, if you want to do part replacements on your own. Happy hunting!

The next place that people turn to when looking for parts is the internet. The internet has so much information floating around that it can be difficult to pinpoint the information you are searching for. The best place to start your search for parts online is to look for Mercedes Benz specific sites these sites often contain forums. Forums are generally populated with like-minded people, each with varying degrees of expertise with Mercedes Benz. One thing that most of these people will have in common is the willingness to help you locate what you are looking for; they may even be able to provide instructions on how to install the part, if you are the hands on type.

The first place that most people think of when its time to replace a part in their vehicle is the dealership where they originally purchased it. While this is an excellent choice, it is also the most expensive. Its expensive for a reason, the parts are genuine and the mechanics are experienced. If you happen to be a hands on type of owner, you may want to install the part yourself; however, if you are not, there is no one better to install a replacement part than the dealer.

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What You Need To Know When Buying New Rims

by Bob Martin

Shopping for new wheels can either be a frustrating experience or it can be rewarding one. If you follow these suggestions, it will be fun, rewarding and you'll save a lot of leg-work and money.

Are you looking to spice up your ride with a set of new rims? When you have a vehicle that you're proud of, its only natural that you want it to look the best it can look.

And there's no better way to jazz up your vehicle than by giving it new rims.

There's a few things that you should know before you go out looking for new rims. And you'll want to keep a couple of things in mind.

Where Do I Go Shopping For New Rims?

You have many options:

* you can go down to your local auto dealer
* you can look in on a specialty auto after market store
* you can stop in at a tire/wheel retailer

You'll be able to find some rims....you may even be lucky enough to have a fairly good selection to choose from.

But if you're looking for a really great selection of unique rims to choose from, then you need to look online. Shopping online offers you a whole new world of choices.

When you shop online, you aren't limited to just what the retailers in your area have to offer you. Now you can shop for rims in every store, in every town, in every state, in every country. As long as they have a website.

Why Is A Wide Selection Important?

It's important to have a wide range of choices when you're buying new wheels because you want your vehicle to look unique and you want rims that fit your particular vehicle.

Online you'll see a huge selection of styles and brands in chrome and alloy.

However, if you're one of those people looking for something really special, you'll find colored wheels, rims with colored lug nuts, rims with lights in them and even wheels with "diamonds" on them.

What Do I Need To Know When I Buy Online?

Look for a site that offers reviews. Many online merchants will provide customer feedback so that you can see how people feel about their decision to order from the site.

Shipping cost can be a concern for some people shopping online. However, some online stores offer free shipping direct to your door. We know of one that will ship to your installer if you prefer.

But be careful. Some online merchants require that you buy tires from them as well in order to get free shipping.

As with anything that you buy online, be sure to only shop on a website that is secure. You'll have to give your credit card info, or us an online payment system such as PayPal, so make sure that the site provides a secure shopping cart before giving your personal information.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Obviously, you'll need to know what size you need. This information will be in your vehicle user manual. If you don't have the manual just go to a tire store or car dealer and ask for their help. You'll find them more than accommodating.

Why Should I Buy New Rims?

Some people buy new rims to jazz up the appearance and make their vehicle look sexy. Others buy after market wheels to improve the performance of their vehicle. When you get a mix of appearance and performance in your rims you can actually improve gas mileage as well as the handling of your vehicle.

Alloy wheels may actually reduce wear and tear on your brakes. Alloy rims reduce the heat that results during braking.

And lastly, unique and sexy wheels will definitely add value when it comes time to sell.

So, remember, buying new wheels can be fun and you can save a lot of money by shopping online.

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What To Look For When Buying Cars Online

by Dr. Drew Henry

Ten years ago, you would be laughed at if you were to tell someone that people would buy cars without first inspecting them in person. Well, today thousands of people are buying cars on the internet through sites like eBay, without ever physically coming in contact with their cars before the purchase!
Let's face it: The internet is a hassle free place to shop for cars. There are many advantages to shopping cars online. When buying a car online, you don't have to listen to a dealer talk about the specs of a car. You just have to read all about it in a website. You don't have to go to a showroom, you just to have to point and click your mouse and you could browse through different make and models of cars. And if you want to take a second look at a car it's very easy.

Furthermore, transactions can be done without you having to go out of your room. After ordering the car you want and paying the price, all you have to do is to wit for your brand new vehicle to be delivered to the nearest dealer. Some dealers would even deliver the car right at your doorstep.

Depending on the sites you are visiting, the method in which they sell cars to you will differ. Some websites will only get you in touch with a real car seller. This means you have to transact the traditional way. Then there are websites that would take car of everything. Some websites would even deliver the car at your doorstep. Of course this would mean a bigger amount of service fee.

However, before you decide to buy a car online, you must first know exactly what kind of car you want. How? By determining the types of car you're looking for and the price you are willing to pay for that car.

Below are some helpful tips for buying cars online:

1. Make sure it's safe. Make sure that the website you go to is secure and reliable. Most sites would let you browse by car type, by price range or both.

2. Research carefully. The most important thing to do is to research. Don't get too excited. Check on the different packages available.

3. Read Third Party Reviews. Read reviews about the different make, model and year of cars. A good website must also have reviews and ratings for the cars they are selling. But you should also cross check by visiting independent car sites or sites that do not sell cars or are connected to car companies to get a more objective review.

4. Ask yourself what features are important to you. Do you give much ore importance to fuel efficiency than speed or vice versa? Are you more concerned about safety features than a good sound system? After you've done all these, it's time to determine your budget. Just how much are you willing to spend for a vehicle?

5. Check on the history of the particular car line. You can easily do this by consulting consumer magazines and websites. You could also check out the website of the car's manufacturer.

6. See if you can meet the seller offline. If you don't want to make all transactions online then you could ask the dealer to meet you in person once you found him on the Internet. Upon meeting the dealer, negotiate with him as you would a normal car dealer and then sign the papers.

7. Do a detailed background check of the website or person you are about to buy from. It is advisable to buy only from websites which has detailed information about the vehicles they are selling. Ask if they have conducted inspections of each car in their lot through independent mechanics. If they have, then you'll know that that website is a good place to shop for cars.

By following the above tips and always being aware that you are dealing with a legitimate, trustworthy seller, buying cars on the internet can in fact be a fun and rewarding experience. Now, who says you have to visit your local car dealer to buy a car?

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What Actually Happens During An OBDII Emissions Inspection

by Henry Cipolla

I have seen many people talk about OBD-II emissions tests on various web forums. Often with a puzzled: “I failed readiness!” or “Do I have to do an OBD-II test on my 1994 vehicle?” Since OBD-II has replaced or will replace sniffer tests for 96 and newer vehicles in most states, I thought I’d dump some introductory information about OBD-II emissions tests for people. I don’t get into the details about OBD-II, the various protocols, or how to tune an OBD-II vehicle here. Only what to expect in the emissions process.

First, some really quick background: California required emissions control systems (Catalytic converters) on cars sold in California starting the 1966 model year. This was adopted across the US in 1968, and eventually became the Clean Air Act of 1970 which required emissions standards that were hard for manufacturers to meet. Ultimately, car makers found that switching to electronically controlled engine management allowed them to meet these demands. These electronics became more sophisticated and more standardized as time went on, and now we have a standard protocol (OBD-II) that all these computers adhere to.

Today: Many States, California, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, Washington, New Hampshire, and on and on have mandatory emissions inspections in some or all counties. Typically this is used as part of the car registration and renewal process. Up until 2000, this just meant popping the car on a dyno, sticking a sniffer in the tailpipe and measuring what percentage of the air coming out of the vehicle is clean. However, in 2000 the EPA started pushing an “OBD-II emissions test” and many states adopted it, or are in the process of adopting it.

An OBD-II test consists of the emissions computer plugging into the OBD-ii port on the car (usually under the dash or hidden behind the cigarette lighter) and asking the car’s computer whether the emissions equipment on the vehicle is working within the required efficiency limits. This is advantageous over the sniffer because its much faster, more consistent (in theory) and harder for those of us that like fast cars to just jury rig a huge catalytic converter the morning before inspection in order to pass with flying colors in our fire-spitting vicious mobiles

The way OBD-II tests actually work, is pretty simple. The car’s ECU waits for a set of conditions that are representative of normal driving and then checks the values of a few sensors to make sure that under that condition the equipment is working exactly as it should. Typically it examines systems such as the catalytic converter, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and the evaporative emissions. It stores these results internally and the computer just queries for these results at inspection time. The inspection machine also checks the computer to see if any error codes are set, and if the check engine light (also know as a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)) is set. If the tester determines that the emissions equipment is in order, there are no internal errors which the car didn’t see fit to tell you about and the check engine light is not on, the car is given a pass without needing any further emissions related tests.

For the car to definitively say that the vehicle is in working order it needs to examine its systems for a set number of “driving cycles”. Driving cycles are defined differently for different car companies. For some a driving cycle is the time between when the key is first turned on, until it is turned off. For others, it is any 10 minute period of non-idle driving, etc. This is where the concept of readiness is introduced. When the vehicle’s ECU is reset for any reason (replacement, low battery, faulty sensors, etc) it resets the ‘readiness monitors’ inside the ECU. These are a number of flags that determine whether or not the car is prepared to validate the condition of the emissions systems. The vehicle then must be driven for a preset number of drive cycles to give the ECU all the information it needs to get out of the unready state and actually test the emissions systems.

If a car is inspected while it is not ready, the car will return ‘not ready’ to the inspection computer. On cars sold between 1996 and 2000 an emissions test is considered a fail if any 2 of the emissions systems return not ready. On later vehicles, you are only allowed one not ready. The typical remedy for failing readiness is to drive the car around for up to 500 miles and trying the test again. After that, if you still fail, a dealer or somebody with factory diagnosis equipment is required to force the vehicle to run the emissions tests regardless of readiness.

Modified Cars: OBD-II represents a problem for cars with modified emissions systems. In the past, you could just keep the factory exhaust in a corner of your garage and slap it on for inspection, but now the electric tattle-tails will still catch you. You can use a datalogger, such as the car-code logger: http://www.obd-2.com/ to check whether your car has passed readiness and thinks it is in an emissions happy state. This is of course for use with off-road only vehicles only.

A common problem for modified cars is secondary o2 sensors. Part of the OBD-II tests involves determining the efficiency of catalytic converter (or pre-cat catalytic converters) by checking the value of the oxygen sensors which are located after the cat. If your off-road vehicle does not have this equipment the vehicle will likely fail. A common solution for this problem is to install an oxygen sensor simulator which gives the car’s ECU a false signal that mimics what it is expecting to see so it thinks everything is in order. A quick internet search for “o2 simulator” will return further information on this topic.

Finally, remember that you will need to drive the car a lot of miles to get readiness to pass. In some extreme cases over 1000 miles is required. So if you are planning on taking the car down for a few months in order to do a long project, and your time for inspection is coming up you are better off getting the vehicle inspected before taking it off the road and resetting the ECU.

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Want a GPS ? Read the GPS reviews !

by David C Skul

If you are interested in acquiring a GPS device, a car GPS, op a PDA GPS, or maybe if you only want to see what the latest devices have to offer, the best thing to do is to search the Internet for GPS reviews, and you'll find an extremely large number of offers that can help you select the device that will best suit your needs.

The easiest and most tempting thing is to type the GPS reviews keyword in a search engine and visit the first sites of GPS reviews that the search engine returns, but my advice is to carefully read and select the information from the many sites and materials that you'll find. This way, you can make sure that you'll get the best GPS for you at the lowest price.

If you don't know too much about GPS devices (Global Positioning System devices - small gadgets that can find your location anywhere on the planet), but want to purchase one, first you should know that there are many kinds of these devices, designed for many purposes (for example there are GPS devices designed for general and for special purposes), so find a GPS reviews site that contains the kind of device that you are looking for. There also are devices designed to work independently or toghether with a laptop, and the GPS reviews sites must cover both these categories. It would be best if together with the GPS reviews the sites also contain comparisons between devices, which can help you decide better on whay to buy

The prices of the GPS units You can find in the GPS reviews sites is ranging between one hundred and a few hundred dollars, but usually the cheapest devices are very simple, with no maps or buit-in memory inside. With something around four-five hundred dollars you can buy some of the most performant devices available.

So, the only thing left for you is make decision based on many the GPS reviews available, hoping that you'll find exactly what you need at the best price!

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Volvo V40: Holding Up to Volvo Values

by Kevin Anderson

This brand name and automobile manufacturer's name means "I roll" in Latin, and yes, it refers to Volvo. Volvo has been in the automotive industry for over seventy five years already and each and every design of Volvo vehicles has been guided by the company's concern for the well-being of people, as well as their safety. And through the years, this commitment to safety and well-being has grown and developed into Volvo's three core values which are safety, quality, and environmental care. With these Volvo core values intact and certainly made clear, Volvo approaches product development, design, and vehicle production with these core values in mind. This assures and guarantees owners of Volvo vehicles that the vehicle would be worth their while as well as they could be considered to be money worth spent.
One of the vehicles bearing the Volvo name, as well as the three Volvo core values, is the Volvo V40 which has been considered and measured to be the one of the safest wagons in its own class. This is all due to the included safety features for this vehicle that comprises of the Whiplash Protection Seating System (which is also known as WHIPS), the Side Impact Protection System (also dubbed as SIPS), and the Inflatable Curtains. These safety features have all become standard and not given as an option. Also, the other features that have been included for the Volvo V40 are ABS brakes, traction control, and dual-stage airbags.

The Volvo V40 holds two engine options which are the 1.8 liter and the 2.0 liter DOHC engine which has four cylinder motors. The Volvo V40 has a fuel consumption of around 9.3 liter per 100 kilometers during city driving and an averaged 6.0 liters per 100 kilometers for driving in the highway.

The last year for the Volvo V40 series was 2004. This had two trim levels which included the S40 sedan and the V40 wagon. Each of these is an entry-level model. The interior for the Volvo V40 sports a long roof and it definitely does not look like or feel like a traditional wagon. Also, space is something that the Volvo V40 has given quite grandly for the interior of this vehicle has great space. The cabin can take up a maximum passenger capacity of five people. Reviews have it that the interior of the Volvo V40 is both secure and comfortable. All of the trim levels made available feature the much coveted air conditioning, an automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, a remote keyless entry system, and an AM/FM/CD player.

Listening to the market and responding to consumers' demands is what Volvo has been doing for years. Similarly, Volvo Parts and Car Parts goes into every detail so as to ensure that its Volvo auto parts are at its best when it reaches the customers.

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Vehicle Braking Tests - Misinformation Everywhere

by Christopher Wood

60-0 in 136 feet! Meaningless!

While browsing through a few old car magazines this morning, I was reminded of an old gripe I have with nearly every automotive publication out there. The effectiveness of brake upgrades (and brakes in general) is almost always misrepresented in testing -- everyone seems to quote 60-0 and 100-0 stopping distances or times, despite the fact that brake upgrades are virtually incapable of improving those statistics.

Fact: The tires are the limiting factor in single-stop deceleration performance

Almost any vehicle is equipped from the factory with brakes powerful enough to stop the car at the threshold of wheel lockup from 60 or even 100 mph. What this means is that a car with factory brakes will perform as well in single-stop tests as the same car with a $6000 brake upgrade. So what determines braking performance? The single most important factor in single-stop braking performance is the tires -- magazine braking tests are mostly measuring the tires and the surface they're rolling on.

So why do people spend thousands of dollars on high-performance brakes?

The function of performance brakes is actually heat management, and it takes pretty aggressive driving to expose the weaknesses of factory equipment in most cars -- much more aggressive than a single stop from sane speeds will reveal. Well-engineered brake upgrades are necessary to dissipate the heat generated in repeated stops. Large, wide rotors have an advantage in thermal mass and heat transfer from airflow through the central radial vent. Pad compound upgrades to otherwise stock brakes are effective at allowing the car to stop repeatedly in aggressive driving for two very good reasons:

1. A single aggressive stop from very high speeds is less likely to run the pad surface up to a temperature where its coefficient of friction drops.


2. Operating at higher temperatures dramatically increases the efficiency of radiant and convective heat transfer; the rate at which energy is dissipated skyrockets.

Why do some cars have a reputation for great stopping, even with modest tires?

Static and dynamic weight distribution are a very large factor (secondary to tires) in stopping performance. Because a tire's coefficient of friction decreases as it is loaded, it is most efficient to avoid excessive weight transfer. Porsche "Hand of God" brakes have little to do with the actual stopping parts themselves and more to do with having a very low, rearward-biased center of mass. When I hear a writer gush about an MR2 with stock brakes out-stopping a field of cars with expensive upgrades, leading the reader to believe that brakes are better left untouched, I can only wonder why they insist on wasting time and magazine space on "brake testing".

Next time you're reading your automotive publication of choice, especially one featuring upgraded vehicles, and the writer runs on about stopping distances and "big binders" (or whatever their cute phrase of the month is) you'll know to roll your eyes dismissively and ignore statistics for statistics' sake.

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Used Car Reviews - Some Guidelines

by Jay Bauder

Used Car Review

Buying a used car is not difficult. Here are some guidelines for you when considering purchasing a used car:

1. Window-shop around first before doing the final selection. Allot one day to visit a dealership to look around and test-drive the cars. Do not buy the first time you see a car. Once you get home, you can browse the Internet for the information regarding the car of your choice and how much it cost. Be sure to check the option prices, ratings for safety and other things that the dealer has not informed you.
2. Ask yourself how much you are willing to spend for that car before visiting a dealership. Consult first with your credit union personnel or personal banker before visiting the dealership. Tendency is the dealership might convince you buy a more expensive car.

3. Check the car before deciding on it. Be sure to have a checklist on the important things that you have to look at in used cars. Check the engine, the car body, and verify if there are transmission problems. Never buy a used car if you have not test driven it for yourself.

4. Avoid drinking coffee before you visit or when you are at the dealership. Coffee will make you too uneasy and impatient to look into details. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water instead to make you go to the restroom. This will break the tension and remove you from a situation that that the salesperson is already intimidating you.

5. Always follow your plan. Make sure that you have already decided what a fair deal for you is before you go to the dealership. If you do not have a target price, the sales representative will only declare a higher price. It is recommended that you already have an expected price of the car before going to the dealership.

6. Never make a deal if you are confused or disappointed with the car. Always think clearly since you are spending a large amount of money. There is nothing wrong with walking out if you feel that the price they gave you is not a fair deal.

7. Enjoy and have fun. Do not be stressed just for buying a car. As long as you are informed, patient and firm, then there is nothing to worry about. You will do fine and enjoy when buying your used car.

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Used Car Auction - How To Buy Cars In Used Car Auctions

by Ricky Lim

You are looking for a used car, SUV or truck but you can’t decide what to buy by just calling and talking to sales agent you find on online car sites or classified ads. You discovered that used cars coming directly from the dealers are quite expensive, just like you are buying new vehicle models. If your purpose is to look for a well functioned used car within affordable price, try your luck at any used car auction. At first, you can attend the auction to gather enough knowledge, and later you can join some of the biddings if you want.

There are various kinds of used car auctions. They can conduct auction houses depending on the place you are living with. This process demands for dealer’s license for you to join them in the car auction. Aside, it is also possible to have a general public auction for used cars. Mostly, auctions like these are held by large entities or companies open to the public.

Basic thing to consider is to look for used car auctions to attend and bid. Local newspapers positively have auction listings, a week before the auction schedule. Commonly, Sunday is the day where auction advertisements are printed. In fact, all of these can be seen under auction section or classified ads. There were instances that they can be found at the legal notices section of the newspaper.

Financial and bank institutions also conduct used car auctions, most especially for repossessed types. They can always be seen parked with signs at their respective areas or they are mentioned at every newsletter you received. However, if your bank does not advertise any auction at all, feel free to call them and ask their schedule so you can prepare.

If you are through with different auction schedules you wanted to attend, gather enough information as much as you can before attending them. When it’s your first time to attend the auction, planning not to bid first will really help you. Just observe and memorize the flow of the entire auction procedure.

Now, if you are already planning to bid on the next auction, try to research some important points not to fail your expectations. In short, know what kind of vehicles are being offered, year, model and of course their current condition. Using these ideas, you will be able to understand pricing guidelines on the vehicles you wanted to put your bid. This will also assist you not to purchase more expensive cars.

Along with your research, find out what you will need about auction houses to be used for the bidding, the least requirements of the bid, type of payments they required and how long it will take. Plus premium of all auctioneers, if there is any paper needed if you buy a vehicle on the auction.

There are auctions allowing vehicles to be taken by the highest bidder, while there are some that requires minimum amount to be received. Payments for the used cars being auctioned must be in the form of cash and check. Other legal funds are also accepted.

Knowing what to do and what to know about used car auctions can really help you find the best vehicle for you at a decent price.

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Upfront Tips Before Going To A Repo Auto Auction

by Anthony Lee

If you have been thinking of buying a car from a repo auto auction, then you need to start here because unlike buying from a new car dealer, there are certain important things you need to know about the vehicles up for sale and about the repo car auction itself. Things such as what to expect and what to do before you bid are two main points you need to be well aware of. For bidding at repo auto auction can be both simple and complicated, it is time to know first what you should to.

First, expect that all cars at repo auto auction may require some minor repairs here and there. They have already covered some thousands of miles so they may have minor mechanical problems that need immediate attention.

Speaking of market value, cars at repo auto auction is actually cheap. And if you are lucky enough, you can drive home a used car that is 90% of its actual market value. Who would not be willing to pay some extra bills for repairs at this price? Anyway, bidding at repo auto auction is not very difficult to master. All you need to do is to follow this set of tips.

Whether you are buying a car online or on site, you need to inspect the cars first. You should go to bidding location early and see all the cars on the lot. It is best if you take down notes and make some preliminary choices. If you have an idea of what are the cars up for auctions, make an online research about the current market value of these vehicles. This way, you can set your budget within the amount that you will not end up as spending more than what you should.

It is also wise if you bring to the auction a friend who knows about cars. An expert mechanic will give you much help as well since most auction sites do not allow test driving the car. Remember that you are bidding for the vehicle "as is" so there is no way you can detect if it has some problems on the road and thus, someone who can help you decide if it is worth bidding is pretty much a big factor.

If you are bidding at repo auto auctions online, be aware that you cannot request for a test drive before you bid but the CarFaxVIN is always available for you to check the history of the car. While there is a danger that the information given here is not accurate, you can settle with the fact that you are bidding for a car that is well under its current market value.

Whether or not you are bidding online or on site, always keep in mind to stay on your budget. Do not bid if you are uncertain about the car. Do not bid if you think the price is too much. And do not bid as if you are too desperate to own anything with wheels.

To search for repo auto auctions, visit http://www.repocarforsale.net.

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Two Week Free Trial Not a Good Introductory Offer for Audio Books Right Now

by Jeff Fischer

I have discussed the similarities of audio book renters to Netflix numerous times in my reviews. Similarities include "unlimited rentals", an online prioritizing queue to speed up expediting of customer shipments, no due dates and free shipping. All these features helped make Netflix a successful business in a short period of time. This business strategy and my belief that the Regular CD format and MP3-format are a long way away from disappearing amidst the ever increasing amount of data downloadable to iPods, cell phones, car stereos, etc. works well for audio books too.

Larger and thoroughly catagorized audio book sections at book stores are being created to encompass the increasing demand as people continue to find the CD format more accessible and convenient than before, largely due to most new cars automatically equipped with CD players. The high price of new audio books has helped make the audio book renters' monthly subscriptions a Godsend to many commuters. People trying to update their business acumen, escape from the pressures of work into a master storyteller's drama or lighten the day's load with something humorous or inspirational.

The similarity between the door-to-door DVD renters and audio book renters that needs some adjustment is the introductory offer. For Netflix a two week free trial gives the customer just enough time to decide if they'd rather run down the street to video store or wait at home for the DVDs to come in the mail. As suspicious as a two week free trial on a monthly subscription plan may seem it works for Netflix because people don't need an introduction to renting DVDs. The same is not true for audio books because most people have not yet seen the access to the vast wealth of literature an audio book subscription presents.

For many commutors driving two or more hours a day listening to audio books is increasingly becoming a necessity and a way of life. But still most people can't yet wrap their mind around how driving to work can be enjoyable. Instead of a monetary inticement, focus on how listening to books can give people an opportunity to enjoy literature they wouldn't otherwise have time to read.

First sell the product, then the subscription. Show the prospective subscriber that listening to books can broaden their imagination. Show how this unique medium allows the listener to experience the author's story with their own imagination while guided by a narrator's gift to unlock the emotional and sensational elements of a book's characters.

People first need to know that with the help of audio books they can realize the adage "The book was better than the movie".

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Travel Comfort -Discover How To Get Some Decent Sleep While Traveling. Even Those Cramped Coach Seats!

by Pilot Paul

Is travel comfort an oxymoron? Is it actually possible to be comfortable and even rest or sleep while enroute? Can it be done in coach?

This article is designed to help you learn proven tactics to travel comfortably to rest and sleep on your journey.

As an Airline Captain, I'm extremely interested in my passengers' comfort. I'm also very skilled at sleeping on airplanes.

What? A Pilot who is good at sleeping while flying?

On the long-haul international flights that I fly, we bring an extra pilot. This is so we can rotate out and take rest breaks. We have a crew rest seat in the passenger cabin. I'm very adept at resting in passenger seats.

While on our rest breaks, we take our rest very seriously. That's because our job is to be at our peak while at the controls. Our 2-3 hour rest break is critical because that is all the rest we get during those over-night flights. You depend on us to be as fresh and alert as possible for the approach and landing. Anything else would be negligent on our part.

That said, there are some travel accessories that will help you get this important sleep enroute. Many crewmembers use these things on our very important rest breaks. I don't like to leave home without them.

If you are comfortable while traveling, you'll be much more likely to sleep. Even if you can't sleep, which is unlikely if you utilize these techniques and recommended travel accessories, you will certainly be more rested.

You can use these strategies and tools to help you travel comfortably and sleep in challenging conditions elsewhere.

If you have a routine you normally go through before going to bed at night, try to do this on the plane too. For example, if you brush your teeth, wash your face, and then read for a few minutes before retiring at home, then do it on the plane too. Studies have proven that this is also helpful for settling in to sleep when you arrive at your destination.

Travel Accessories That Will Help You Rest While Traveling

Travel Pillows I use two. One to support my lower back and one for my head. Without these, I usually can't sleep on a plane. They're great for car trips too. I'm a big fan of the ones that wrap around your neck to stabilize your head. They really help you get as comfortable as possible. Without one, your head might flop around, which may wake you up.

Without one of these, I've tried leaning against the window. I never seem to get comfortable, and if I am able to sleep, I usually wake up with a very stiff neck or back.

Having your own travel pillow is more sanitary than using the airline pillows. Those are moved around everywhere and the covers are not necessarily changed before every flight.

For a review and recommendations of the of travel pillows go to http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/travel-neck-pillow.html

For ultimate travel comfort, you can use a full body travel pillow. This is an inflatable, full-length seat liner. I bring mine on every long-haul flight. To learn more about this full body travel pillow, go to http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/1st-class-sleeper.html

Sleep Masks. An important low cost and effective travel accessory for avoiding jet lag symptoms is a sleep mask or eye shade.

These are great for sleeping on the plane. Many people have difficulty sleeping enroute because the light level changes frequently.

Passengers turn on lights, the movie scene brightens which brightens the cabin, people open their window shades, or the galley curtain opens flooding the area with bright light. Wearing some good eyeshades will make you oblivious and immune to all that.

For reviews and recommendations of sleep masks, go to http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/sleep-mask.html

Noise Canceling Headphones. To sleep on the plane, you need to have it quiet. Since you can't control the noise level around you, you have to bring the quiet along with you.

How can you do that? Two ways- earplugs or noise canceling headphones.

Ear plugs are terrific for some uses. I always wear them in noisy areas, like on the ramp when I check the jet before flight. While they are small, light, and inexpensive, the drawback is that I find them difficult to sleep with. Something stuck in my ear disturbs my sleep. Every time my head moves and the ear plug is bumped, it's annoying.

For successful sleep during my important rest breaks, I always use noise canceling headphones.

I really love these headphones and think that they are one of the best inventions in years.

Many airlines provide these headphones for their first class passengers. But they have to give them back at the end of the flight.

If you bought yourself a pair, you'd get one of the best first class benefits at less cost than a first class upgraded ticket. Then they're yours to keep and use whenever you're in a noisy place and want to slip on some peace and quiet.

Warning! Once you've tried these there's no turning back. You'll be hooked on them and will want to use them regularly.

For more information, reviews and recommendations of good noise cancelling headphones, click on http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/noise-cancelling-headphones.html

Travel Footrest. The first and business class seats have these, but even in coach you can benefit from using a footrest.

Using a footrest helps in two different ways: o If you're tall, it takes strain off your lower back. o If you're not so tall (or a child), and if your feet don't touch the floor, this helps prevent cramps behind your thighs.

There is an excellent folding foot rest available that works very well. To learn more about this, click on http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/travel-foot-rest.html

Other Tips And Strategies For Sleeping While Traveling

Wear Comfortable clothing. Comfortable clothes, warm socks and a sweater will enable you to sleep better.

Loosen or Remove Your Shoes. I often untie my laces to get some extra circulation to my feet. Avoid/Manage Caffeine. In addition to being a stimulant, caffeine also dehydrates you.

Avoid Alcohol. Consuming alcohol before or during the flight will make it more difficult to sleep well. It will also dehydrate you.

It is best to avoid alcohol from 12 hours before the flight until you're at your destination.

These proven techniques should you sleep while traveling. Try some of these tips and travel accessories on your next trip.

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To Purchase A Full Size Sedan

by Joe Ratzkin

In the United States, this vehicle is known as the sedan. However, if you travel to those areas where British English is spoken, you would come to know that it is not known as the sedan there but as a saloon. The sedan is known as one of the most common body styles of an automobile. The most basic parts of a sedan comprise of a hood that covers the engine in the front, the passenger car itself, and a separate trunk for luggage which is typically found at the rear of the vehicle.

If you are opting to purchase a sedan for yourself, the first thing to do would be to find out just how much are you willing to spend on this type of car. The price for full size sedans range from around $16,000 to $30,000. Also, it is very much recommended that you also try to think just what features do you want your vehicle to hold. You can decide which one is the most important among safety, performance, value, handling, comfort, reliability, dealer service, appearance, interior room and space, amount of cargo, and gas mileage.

Take out a pen and a piece of paper and start listing down the makes and models of vehicles that you would want to consider. You can do some research on these sedans you have listed. To assist you, there are automobile magazines that provide reviews and vehicle specifications. Also, you can just log in to the Internet and there are plenty of pieces of information on vehicles. If you are concerned about safety, you can check out crash test data from various organizations who do them like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) which holds and publishes vehicle ratings at their website at www.hwysafety.org.

You may also want to consider the resale value of your vehicle. You see, the value of full size sedans dwindle down for each year. So you may want to put that into perspective. Also try talking to insurance companies about your choices for your full size vehicle. Remember that any piece of information regarding costs and other vehicle specification would help you out a lot in deciding which full size sedan could fit your lifestyle, your needs, your wants, as well as your budget.

In addition, Car Parts Rush makes sure it has a superior stock of Jeep parts and other vehicle parts to assist vehicle owners in preserving the quality, agility, and performance of their vehicles. The parts are made from high quality materials and are offered at low discount prices.

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Top 9 Used Car Salesmen Tricks, and How to Avoid Them

by Donald Lee

One of the biggest moments in many people's lives is driving off in their brand-spanking-new automobile. It's an exhilarating feeling. It's also a big moment because in that very instant, that brand-spanking-new car loses a big chunk of its value--the difference between the retail price you paid and the car's wholesale value. That's typically thousands gone in an instant.

That's why some car buyers choose to shop around for a used car. You save yourself that steep initial drop-off in value. More importantly, you get a car that runs just as well, is just as dependable, and looks and feels as good as that new car--that is, if you play your cards right.

For if there is one pitfall of buying a used car, it's the risk of buying a lemon, a junker--call it what you want, you get the point: the wrong car. Used car dealers, after all, have nearly as bad a reputation, if not worse, than lawyers do. This holds true for individual people selling their cars through newspapers, Web auctions and classified sites, or with the old-fashioned signs in their car windows. The saying, "Buyer Beware," no where has more meaning than with cars.

The opposite to that, of course, is that there are some real steals out there in used cars. We're talking about quality vehicles that will perform beyond your expectations at a low price. Here's how to find these perfect used vehicles, and avoid the top 10 scams that used car dealers everywhere try to pull on you.

1. Get a second opinion for the hype. Used car dealers will bombard you with every adjective under the book to sell you on a car--sporty, thrifty, fast, and etc. Don't take their word for it. Instead, find someone you know, whether a neighbor, a colleague, a family member, or a friend, who owns the same make and model of the vehicle, and ask them for their opinion.

2. Do a background check. One of the most unethical, but legal, things someone can do to you is sell you a used car that's been in a flood (and sort of repaired), or one that's had 10 previous owners (none of whom repaired it). To be sure you don't fall victim to this, track down a history report, including a clearance check on the vehicle title. You can even get some of this information from the seller, simply by asking why they are selling it. You'd be surprised what beans people may spill.

3. Examine for past damage. Used car dealers may also try to peddle a vehicle that was wrecked in a major accident. It's amazing what autobody experts can do to repair a car's exterior. So don't go by the outer appearances of a vehicle. Before you buy it, make sure that it does not have serious damage to its frame, which it would have if it was involved in a crash.

4. Call up your trusted mechanic. Used car dealers, especially the big lots, will say they put their used cars through a "100 point inspection," or something like that. Once again, a second opinion is in order. Get this one from your own mechanic. He'll be able to tell how good a shape the car actually is in. Also be sure to ask him or her how often the car had been serviced. A good mechanic can even gauge that.

5. Research for recalls. Needless to say, a used car dealer may sell you a car that's actually under recall in his mad rush to get the car off his lot. So be sure to call the car manufacturer, or visit their Web site, to see if the vehicle has any active recalls.

6. Avoid the leftover lemon. Along with recalled vehicles, dealers may even perpetrate something much worse on you--sell you a lemon. (By definition, a lemon is a car that's still under warranty, which has such major problems that, warranty or not, it still cannot be fixed in a reasonable way.) The best way to avoid this is to research in Consumer Reports or the various automobile magazines, which all have yearly reviews of every make and model on the market. They'll tell you whether a kind of car is known for being a lemon and prone to breakdowns.

7. See through the old paint and bait. Along with performing their "100 point inspection," car dealers may shine and wax a used car--even repaint it--to hide dents, dings, and rust spots. A keen eye, though, can see right through this.

8. Take the test drive. Once you've done all your research, homework, extra credit, and everything else called for in the first seven steps, then comes the fun--the test drive. Drive the car for as long as its owner or dealer will allow you. Then you'll get a better feel for how the vehicle handles, accelerates, brakes, and otherwise suits your tastes (or doesn't).

9. Be wary of the pushy seller. At any stage of the game--from the moment you first talk to the seller to the test drive--be careful if the seller gets pushy. Any dealer or seller who is in a rush to move a vehicle should set off bells and whistles. Why the rush? Are they hiding something? In some cases the seller may just be excited to sell you the car--and actually happy for you--but in many other cases, they may be up to something. Better be safe than sorry.

Follow these 9 simple steps to avoid the scams and pitfalls of used car deals, and you could get the car of your dreams--for far less than you'd pay if it was brand-new. Plus, you get that same high when you drive your new used car home, without losing thousands of dollars.

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Top 7 Reasons To Sell Your Car Online FREE

by Sampson Cooper

In this article, Mr Sampson Cooper of the used car sales website UKAutoSearch.com reviews the problems car sellers face when advertising their cars in traditional print media, and highlights the real advantages that sellers experience when advertising their cars free of charge on the Internet.

So, you want to sell your car?

> Maybe you are buying a new car
> Perhaps you are getting a company car
> Has your family outgrown your present car?

Whatever the reason for your wanting to sell your car, car sellers agree that selling a car can be a very stressful experience. The commonest concerns sellers have are:

1. "Will I get a good price for my car?"
(i.e. will a buyer haggle hard and pressurise me into letting the car go for a low price?)

and

2. "How long will it take to find a buyer for my car?"
(i.e. if I hold out for the price I want, will I be left without a buyer?)

The traditional option is to take out an advert in the weekly Autotrader magazine. For about £35, you get a 2-week advert which allows you to include one small photo of your car, and about 200 characters of free text.

If you submit your advert before the Monday deadline, it will appear in that week's edition which comes out either on Thursday or Friday morning. There are a number of regional editions, and you can choose which regional edition you want your advert to appear in.

Problems with advertising in Autotrader

Advertising in the print media sounds like a reasonable idea until you experience first-hand the crippling limitations of this proposition. Remember, the concept of advertising cars in print media has been around since the 1970's, and is certainly showing it's age:

1. Because you get only a limited number of words, you have to cram as much information about your car into the smallest number of words.

> This has given rise to a whole specialist lingo, with terms like "r/c/l" (remote central locking) coming into existence for no reason other than to save space in an Autotrader advert!

2. You get only one photo, so you have to try to convey an impression about your car in one image.

> Imagine you were going to buy something worth thousands of pounds - would you be impressed and satisfied with just one photo?

3. Because you know that your advert will run for only 2 weeks, you may be indirectly pressurised into accepting a lower price for your car than what you expected.

> Suppose someone turns up to see your car on the last day of the 2 week period and offers you £500 less than your asking price... would you accept it for a quick sell or would you hold out for the price you think your car deserves, and be prepared to re-advertise for another 2 weeks?

Faced with the uncertainties and stress of traditional print-based car advertising, car sellers in the USA, UK and Europe have been turning to the Internet to find a more relaxed and productive way of selling their cars.

Top 7 reasons to advertise your car online

Advertising your car on the Internet has some unique advantages compared with traditional print advertising.

Our customers have consistently identified the following 7 features of online advertising which they say have made the difference between getting the price they want for their cars, and having to compromise for a lower price:

1. It is usually significantly cheaper to advertise your car on a website.

> Disk space and bandwidth are cheaper than paper, ink and magazine distribution, and tremendous savings are made by not having to print and distribute a magazine. These savings can be passed on directly to the seller.

> Car adverts at UKAutoSearch.com are FREE until sold, compared to the £35+ cost of a 2-week Autotrader advert.

> UKAutoSearch.com is entirely supported by corporate advertising, and does not charge sellers for the service.

2. Online adverts can include a lot more information about your car than adverts in magazines.

> Car adverts at UKAutoSearch.com can have 10,000 characters (2000 words) of free text description, compared to approximately 200 characters in an Autotrader advert.

3. Online sellers can include multiple photos of their cars.

> Every FREE UKAutoSearch.com advert can have 10 photos of your car. For just £12.99, our sister site UKCarSeller.com allows 25 photos in each advert. Photos can be upto 1Mb in size.

4. Sellers can update / modify adverts at any time, even when the adverts are "live".

5. Anyone in the world with an Internet connection can view your advert.

> This means that people further afield who may still be interested in your car will be able to view its specifications online, without your having to spend more money on adverts in magazines serving neighbouring regions. The end result is that more buyers compete for your car.

> Car adverts at UKAutoSearch.com are also advertised on Google and other search engines, increasing the number of people who can see your car online.

6. Your car advert will be online and active immediately - the turnaround time between submitting your advert and it being active is typically a lot shorter than in print media.

7. Some websites such as UKAutoSearch.com and UKCarSeller.com will actively advertise your car until it is sold. So you do not have to accept the first offer you get.

Sell your car online FREE, today

To advertise your car for sale today, simply register at UKAutoSearch.com. Remember, it costs nothing at all to advertise online, so you have nothing to lose!

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Tips for Finding the Best Insurance for Your Vehicle

by Steven Anderson

Finding the vehicle of your dreams is just one part of the equation because after you buy it you will be required to insure it. So, when considering a vehicle you also need to consider insurance providers in order to end up with the best car insurance at the best price. There are literally thousands of insurance providers you can choose from and the last thing you want to do is simply choose to use your local insurance agent when you can do a little bit of research and find the best provider and save yourself hundreds of dollars on your monthly premium over the year. Consider the following insurance tips before you make a final decision and you will more than likely save yourself a lot of money and receive better service.

Compare There are so many insurance providers there is no way you can compare them all. However, you can narrow down the list by asking friends and family members who they use, you can also compare policies on the Internet, and check out the companies running ads on television.

All you have to do is come up with the top 5 insurance companies from these locations and then sit down and compare them. The important information are their rates and the services they provide for the quoted rates. You want to compare similar policies to one another, not a liability only policy from one company with a full liability and collision policy from another. You need to compare similar policies in order to have a good comparison for the rates and what type of service you will receive. Be sure to also ask a lot of questions when you call for quotes because if you don't know the answers to your questions you could be taking a lot for granted when it comes to your insurance policy. Only when all of your questions have been answered by all of the insurance companies will you be able to compare them adequately. More than likely you will see premium differences of hundreds of dollars for similar policies with similar services. This is not unusual in the insurance field, so as long as you have done your research and the policies and services are more or less equal you should buy the cheaper policy, enjoy the service and coverage, and save your hard earned money!

Your State's Insurance Laws Every state has its own insurance laws and in order to find the best insurance for your vehicle it would be prudent for you to research what your state requires in the way of insurance for your vehicle. Some states are stricter than others, so don't just take for granted the type of insurance you will need. At the very least you will be required to carry liability coverage to protect others and their vehicles if you are responsible for an accident. However, many states do not require that you carry insurance for yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle. This is not a big deal if you are in an accident that is the fault of another driver because they will be required to pay for your damages, unless they are uninsured. And yes, this does happen. It is illegal to drive an uninsured vehicle in the United States , but it happens on a regular basis and these individuals are in accidents and there is no insurance to pay the victims. So, before you decide to forgo collision insurance you might want to consider this fact. If you don't have collision insurance to protect your vehicle and passengers and are in an accident with an uninsured individual and can't collect the damages, how will you pay to have your car repaired as well as medical bills? These considerations should be kept in mind when making the decision on what types of insurance you need.

Look Online You already know to compare insurance providers, however you should know that many online providers offer rates that just can't be beat simply because they reduce many of their costs by eliminating brick and mortar establishments by interfacing with consumers through their website. You will probably notice as you are comparing prices that many web only insurance providers have rates that are unbelievably low, however you are worried about fraud or not receiving the services you are paying for and frankly don't trust the Internet. Don't worry, there are a lot of other people in your shoes as well. Many Internet insurance providers are on the up and up, however there are a few out there that are not. As a result, when looking for an insurance provider online you want to search for one that has lots of good reviews and recommendations from past and present customers. This is not hard to find if you search one of the big search engines. Also, you want to look for certain features on the website like membership in professional organizations, secure transactions, and be sure to ask plenty of questions and talk to the customer service department to make sure they meet your needs. You want the online insurance company to be available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week because you never know when you might need them. So, test out their response at an odd hour just to make sure they are there and waiting to assist you. Then, when you are convinced the online insurance company is legitimate and offers great rates then you can purchase your policy while being assured the company will be there for you when you need them and you will save hundreds of dollars as well.

There are lots of tips to help you find the best insurance provider for your vehicle and these are but a few. However, keep these in mind when you are shopping for insurance and you will certainly find the best plan at the best rate for you. Many people say they don't have time to shop for insurance, and if you are one of them then consider if you would do a couple hours of research to save $300-$500 on your insurance? You probably would, so that means you should do the research and save yourself the money that you would waste by not doing the research. When you consider it in those terms it is certainly a worthwhile investment of your time.

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Think: Your affiliate program fortune is in your pockets

by Jonathan Kraft

Think: Your affiliate program fortune is in your pockets by Jonathan Kraft

Your affiliate program fortune is already sitting in your pockets! You just don't know it yet. Please allow me to explain.

You have a 9-5, which, with the commute and headaches, has turned into more like an 7:30-6:30. You maybe have kids, a spouse, a dog, a car to repair, and a leaky faucet. You have yard-work, housework, homework, and work-work.

However, you understand that people are making money online. You think that you could create a small fortune through affiliate programs, if only you could make it fit in your schedule. You understand some of the basic concepts of setting up a web site. You have an idea for a site focusing on something you know a lot about. You're pretty familiar with making sure your META tags match page content, and you've learned about getting traffic to your site. You know that you can get traffic, because you have a unique perspective or approach to the topic of your site. You might also at some point think about selling some of your own products alongside the affiliate links you have (or would like to) set up.

So, where will you find the time to run a site, find affiliate programs, give your visitors great content to read, and begin to create your Internet fortune?

The answer is in your thinking. Your thinking has to help you realize that the fortune is not yet in your wallet. The fortune is, however, already in your pockets. I'll say that again. The fortune is ALREADY sitting in your pockets.

How can your fortune be in your pockets? Your fortune is in the pockets of TIME you have. You have ten minutes here, and twenty minutes there. You have time while the pot is on the stove boiling water, and you have time while you're waiting for your kids at their soccer practice.

You have pockets of time, and if you ever want to have more than just pockets of time, you must learn to use the pockets you do have more effectively, starting today.

(This has as much to do with planning your life as it does building a successful and income-producing web site. You can take this skill and apply it all over the place for anything you want to accomplish.)

So how can you use your pockets effectively?

1. Decide Make a decision that you are going to work on this project for at least 15 minutes each day, no matter what (you can take two days/week off). You can work more than that, but you must work at least 15 minutes every day on your site. Decide that you are going to make this site become reality within 6 months. (Be realistic with yourself. If you're only working 15 minutes/day, 6 months is a realistic goal.)

2. Take action in the right direction Begin with the end in mind. You have heard this before, but maybe you've never applied it. I'm saying to you now that you should read this article, and then apply the principle. Begin with the end in mind. Take 15 minutes/day for the next 5 days. Get your plan on paper. Figure out what you want your site to look like. Look at the general layout. Keep it simple, so that you can design it, or explain to someone else how to design it. Lay out so that anyone can easily navigate to any page of the site from any other part of the site. Put it on paper first. Have friends (and even strangers if you like) review your site plan. Ask for their honest feedback. Don't be offended if they tell you that you might try changing some things. Take what works and leave out what doesn't. Decide on a color scheme. Color is very important in marketing products.

Here is the hazard of not beginning with the end in mind: You will spend hours of time working on completely unrelated projects, surfing the Internet, and reviewing affiliate programs which will not fit into the layout of your site. (Not having a layout for your site would be like climbing a ladder that you couldn't see the top of, but you thought would lead somewhere good, only to realize once you reached the top that your ladder wasn't even leaning against the right wall.) Start with the big picture of what you want your site to look like, and work from that plan.

3. 15 per day Working on it 15 minutes/day, it probably will take 6 months to put together a quality site, so break down the larger project into 15 minute pieces. Work the plan and the design backwards. A good-sized site with lots of content could be about 100 pages. Let's say you're building a site about, oh, I don't know… let's say baseball bats. (It's an example for purposes of this article.)

Your site might be broken up into 4 sections like:

History of Baseball bats

Types of baseball bats

The baseball bats of famous players

Reviews and places to buy baseball bats online

Each of these sections might have 22-25 pages each. So here's how you break it down:

Month 1: Every day, you're going to create the content for 1 page in the History section

Month 2: Every day, you're going to create the content for 1 page in the Types section

…and so on.

At this point, all you have done is taken 15 minutes/day to write a short article about some aspect of the larger section. Anyone can find or make 15 minutes of time every day, if this is truly something that they want to do.

At the end of four months, writing 1 page/day, you will have written between 80-100 pages worth of content for your site.

Now you might be thinking that you don't have 100 pages worth of content to write. That's fine. Take the first two months, develop a 35-50 page site, and then spend 15 minutes/day researching, finding affiliate programs, and getting relevant links into your site. Just use your pockets of time effectively.

4. Bring it all together You're now in month 5, and you're realizing how valuable your pockets really are, because you've created a great site about baseball bats (or whatever you want to create a site about), and you've done it in the pockets of time you had. Now it's time to take 15 minutes/day, and make sure everything is working right, that your pages are aesthetically pleasing, and that people can get around easily on your site. You will also be using these 15 minutes/day to find affiliate programs for your chosen topic, add the links to your site, make sure everything is running well, and then get your site up online.

5. Continue the process In month 6, getting traffic to your site will be where you spend your 15 minutes every day. (How to get links and what kinds of sites you trade links with will be reserved for another time, but continue the pocket principle.)

Use the pockets of time you have, and rather than watching someone else on TV build their dream, start building your own dream through online business. You can do it if you realize that you do have small pockets of time, and then use the time in your pockets. If you're willing to do the work to make it happen, and are disciplined enough to build pages and write content no matter what, you will be successful. In short, you have got to start making your pockets more valuable.

Thank-you for spending the fortune of your last 10 minute pocket reading my article. I hope it helps you be more effective at Internet affiliate marketing, and that you can apply these ideas and the process elsewhere in your life.

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Things You Should Know In Buying A Car Online

by John G. Nuble

Buying a car online is not really so much a mystery anymore. With most, if not all, commodities being sold in the World Wide Web, clothes, food, insurance, music, film, computers, cars are not exactly new residents in the virtual business zone. But while buying a car online may offer people endless convenience, fast service and deals not found in car dealerships in your area, there are still buyers who are skeptical that the online process actually works.

But it does work. In fact, for people who have been purchasing a host of other merchandises on the Internet for years, buying a car online is not really so different from let's say ordering a new computer. Both deals with parts that you know next to nothing of, both can cost a lot and both can be confusing for the mechanically-challenged.

Still, in this age of information, there is no such thing as "anything" challenged. With the right attitude and the right set of information, you can also have a hassle-free virtual car shopping spree. All you need to do is look for reputable websites that would provide you with everything you need to know and the rest is history.

The advantage of buying a car online from buying a car offline is not really that far off. Except for the savings in time and if you are good, in money, it also needs the same amount of research and serious planning. Here are some of the things that you should know about when buying a car online

Websites

In buying a car online, one should ask for sites with good reputations. Ask for recommendations from your friends or search for reviews in the Internet. There are a lot available. That way, you will know what each site offer, guiding you as you are buying a car. Some of the most popular sites are Cars.com, InvoiceDealers.com, CarsDirect.com, AutoWeb, Edmunds.com, Car.com, AutoByTel and AutoUSA

Frequently Asked Questions

Sites offer various resources in buying a car not just online but also offline. With an aim to provide the buyers information on the process of buying cars online, the sites also offer articles with tips and tricks on buying a car. Another great resource is their frequently asked questions. Click on the section. Chances are, the question you are asking about buying a car is there.

Services

Sites offer web forms and other features that may help you with your decision. Sites like InvoiceDealers.com for example provides multiple price quotes from various dealers. Others have features you can use to compare the specs of one car model to the other. This is especially handy if you have not yet made your decision on which car to buy. Another great thing with websites, it can show how many are available and what color the car is available in. Clearly, it eliminates all the walking around scouting for a better deal.

Links

Websites often serve as a portal to another portal. Sites like AutobyByTel, for instance, can link you to their large network of car dealers all over the US. This is actually one of the original sites that have helped people when they were buying a car over the Internet. Some sites also provide links to various service and information in buying a car.

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Things You Should Know Before Buying A Car Online

by Jim Johnson

All too often people decide that they need another car and so off they go to the nearest collection of car dealers and go walking through the car lots trying to find a vehicle that appeals to them. Buying a car this way allows each dealer to gain a measure of control over their decision making and cause them to spend too much for the car they buy, which may not even be the best vehicle for their needs anyway.

So before getting caught in this auto buying rat race, realize that there is a better ways to buy a car now, and much of it is due to the handy assistance of the internet. But before we get to that, there is something that you will need to do before you even begin the shopping process. You will need to get a clear picture of what your particular vehicle needs are.

In other words ask yourself a few questions like:

How do you plan to use this vehicle? Who will be driving it most of the time and what needs do they have to be able to drive comfortably? What kind of terrain will you be driving it on, highway, city stop and go, etc.? Will four wheel drive be needed in your area? What features do you consider to be a must, such as cruise control, ABS brakes, air bags and safety equipment, etc.? How much do you have to spend so that the purchase does not put a financial burden on your budget? How much do you have to be able to use as a down payment?

It is vital to the success of the whole purchase that you have the answers to these kind of questions clearly in mind well before you even look at the first vehicle. The more clearly defined your needs are in advance, the easier and faster you can arrive at the car that will fit you best, and you also stay in control of the whole process.

The next step before actually starting your vehicle search is to get as much information as possible about vehicles that match the criteria that you have laid out as necessary for your next purchase. Read online independent reviews on those cars, understand what options are available on each model, and how much you should reasonably expect to pay for for each one. The more information you have the better. And sites such as Yahoo Auto and Edmunds.com have a wealth of information that you can access freely and quickly to help you become better informed.

Once you have these advance steps completed you now know more than most of the car buyers out there as you start your shopping experience. This will help you save money and pick the vehicle that fits your needs best.

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Things To Think About Before Buying A Roof Mounted Cycle Carrier

by Tony Cowley

Don't get taken for a ride this summer - buy a good cycle rack and you'll be able to enjoy two-wheeled fun anywhere in the country. We see which are top of the pops

Thousands of people will be transporting two wheels on four this summer, as they load up their bikes for holidays and weekend breaks. But which are the best, and safest, cycle racks for the job?

We've tested roof and boot carriers here, and both have their pros and cons. Which you need will be governed by the number of bikes, people and kit you want to carry, as well as your budget.

The roof-mounted, single cycle versions are cheaper and easier to fit, plus take up little storage space. However, you'll need one per bike, which can bump up the cost. Also, you have to lift the cycles to head height and, if your roofbars already have luggage on them, space becomes an issue. You will also have to pay for some lateral supports.

Hatch or boot-mounted carriers hold two or three bikes and are easier to strap cycles to. Although simpler to load, packing the rest of the car is tricky as most mean the hatch or boot can't open while they're in place. Rear vision is also affected and some racks will block the number plate and lights, so you will have to buy a trailer board.

Be aware that bikes will get dirty when transported in poor weather, and some racks can be a pain to fit with a tangle of fasteners. Cycles are targets for theft, so for short stops always secure them to the carrier or car with the rack's built-in lock or a steel cable. For long stays, remove the bikes. Finally, check the system fits your motor as even 'universal' carriers have exceptions.

There's no point in taking your bikes out if you spend more time fitting the rack than cycling, so ease of use was key for us - both installing the device and the machines.

We tested 2 roof mounted cycle carriers, the Thule 591 and the Atera Giro.

We also looked for simple assembly (where needed), security and protection for the car's paint. Storage was also a factor, and while price was considered, it played a relatively small role in the overall rating as we felt user-friendliness and safety were more important.

It was a close-run thing in the roof-mounted section, and we'd be happy with any of the top racks. But the new ratchet system on Thule's 591 gave it the edge over the Atera Giro and Barracuda.

The ProRide clearly had the Barracuda and Atera Giro in its sights, with its impressive one-piece, aluminium design and competitive price. With no assembly, we simply slid the wheel locators into place and threaded through the straps. The arm had a superb rat-chet action, and the carrier comes with two locks, the Thule 591 would have to be our first choice roof mounted cycle carrier.

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Things to look for when buying car stereo speakers

by Roger Charles

There are so may car stereo speakers on the market. How do you know what to choose? Let's take a look at some of the things you should look for when buying a car speaker.

1. How is the speaker's power measured?

Pay close attention to the amount of power the speaker can handle. This is particularly important when dealing with woofers, since they require more power to play loudly. Look out for models where the manufacturers exaggerate power. Ensure that power is measures in RMS. Be very wary of terms like "music power" and "peak power". These terms mean nothing when it comes to measuring power.

2. How sensitive is the speaker?

The more sensitive a speaker is, the less power required to play it. If a speaker is insensitive it will require a lot more power to play at the same volume. If you're using an amplifier you don't have much to worry about. But sensitivity becomes a bigger issue when you're using your head unit to power your speakers. Head units have less power so they require speakers that are more sensitive.

3. Are you buying the right size speakers?

The size of your speaker is very important. They should be able to fit in the proper locations. Ensure that your midrange speakers can fit in the door or dash spaces or else you may have to do some cutting. Do you have enough room in your trunk for your woofer to fit? Ensure that tweeters can be mounted in a location where they fire almost directly at you.

4. What type of enclosure is best for your subwoofers?

Woofers generate a back wave behind them. They should never be mounted in free air space. If this is done the sound they produced at the front will be cancelled out by the backwave. As a result they will produce no bass. Hence the need for enclosures. You can choose between many types of enclosures.

One popular choice is the ported box. The woofer is mounted in the box with a hole in it and a port tube attached to the hole.

There's another technique where two chambers are used. The woofer is mounted in one chamber inside the box and fires into another chamber that is ported to the outside.

Another method uses the speaker's trunk as an enclosure.

The sealed enclosure is the most popular. The back wave is surpressed inside the box and the speaker fires inside the car.

All of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages. You need to choose one that is best for your situation. Be sure to inform yourself about enclosures before making a selection.

Ordering your car stereo speakers online is quick and easy. Before buying them check out some online reviews. Find out what customers like yourself think of the speaker you want to buy. You can order your speakers online today.

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Things to look for when buying a car stereo head unit

by Roger Charles

There are so many car stereo head units on the market. How do you know what to choose? Let's take a look at some of the things you should look for when buying a head unit.

1. How user friendly is the head unit?

Your head unit must be user friendly. This is the part of your car stereo you will interact with the most so you must feel comfortable using it. Before buying one be sure to play around with it and see how easy and quick it is to change tracks on a CD, switch radio stations, and so on. Are the buttons too small? You need to be able to enjoy using your head unit.

2. How is the unit's power measured?

Pay close attention to power. Look out for models where the manufacturers exaggerate the unit's power. This malpractice is common among most manufacturers. Ensure that power is measures in RMS. Be very wary of terms like "music power" and "peak power". These terms mean nothing when it comes to measuring power.

3. Choosing between a cassette player and a CD player.

It's all about your personal preference. Do you use more cassettes than CDs? In that case you should probably go with a cassette player. Many of them give you the option of hooking up a CD changer. Your CD changer can be operated from your head unit.

The only problem with some CD changers is the fact that you may have to get to your trunk or under your seat to change CDs. With in-dash CD players everything is in reach and can be operated easily.

More and more people are using CDs these days. CDs have several advantages including better sound quality. Many of them can be hooked up to a CD changer as well.

4. Does the head unit include pre-amp outputs?

If you're serious about sound you wouldn't buy a head unit that doesn't come with pre-amp outputs. With these outputs, you can run an amplifier directly without any need for conversion. This output is the cleanest. Higher volt outputs are better as long as your amplifier or crossover can handle the voltage. For less noise choose 4 volts over 1-2 volts.

5. Is there a theft prevention scheme?

If theft protection is important to you buy a head unit that includes a theft prevention scheme. You can choose between a partially detachable and fully detachable face. Detaching the face of your head unit renders it useless. So this is obviously a great deterrent for thieves.

Kenwood has some models where the face flips around so the thief can't see the head unit.

Some head units like Eclipse's ESN system, require a reference CD when you first apply power to them. If it is stolen it is useless. You must have the reference CD for it to work. The only problem with this is that if the thief has no clue about this feature, your head unit would be stolen anyway. Your only hope would be if he foolishly takes it to Eclipse for repair. Eclipse would be able to verify that it was stolen.

Ordering your car stereo head unit online is quick and easy. Before buying your head unit be sure to check out some online reviews. Find out what customers like yourself think of the unit you want to buy. You can order one online today.

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