Secrets to Getting Cheap Cars

You may have heard about the incredible deals to be had on seized cars. Auctions such as government auctions provide savings up to 95% in some cases. Buying a car at a government car auction is easy once you know what you are doing. With 10,000s of vehicles sold each week, finding the right vehicle at the right price is relatively straightforward.

When you first think about buying about seized cars, auctions are usually the best way to go. Many times, people think that dealers are given priority and hear about the auctions first, but there are many government auctions that are open to the public.

Most used government vehicles are usually about 2-3 years old, and come with full service records. These cars typically have low mileage, approximately 25,000 -40,000 and lots of them still have factory warranties that can be transferred.

Here are some tips to buying seized cars - auctions need to be planned in advance:

Secret #1 - Do your homework

Decide on the make and model of the vehicle you want to buy. Most times, the auction will have a listing of all the available cars and there are many online resources for this. Take note of the VIN and decide how much you are willing to pay for this particular vehicle. It is good to pick out more than one, in case the one you are looking at gets sold.

Secret #2 - Vehicle Inspection

On the day of the auction, it's best to get there a couple of hours early. Generally, most auction sites are huge, so it will take you a while to go through it all and locate the vehicle you are interested in. Don't worry if you can't find it at first. There will be auction consultants there to help you. Most auctions offer a complimentary "Carfax" report or similar for vehicle history and title status check.

Secret #3 - Successful Bidding Strategies

When you arrive at the auction, you should be given a guide that lists the rules for bidding. Be sure to read and follow the instructions. As previously mentioned, you should already have a price in mind for the car you want to bid on. You can also talk to the auction consultant to find out what they think the expected price may be. Many vehicles will have a reserved price. Remember that once you have placed a bid you cannot take it back. A good rule of thumb for how much to pay for a car is to research the "bluebook". In general you should try not to pay much more than the bluebook listing.

Secret #4 - Completing the purchase

If you are a successful bidder, you will need to take your identification to the payment office. Some auction houses will allow a 10% or so down payment with the balance payable within 2 days. Others will expect full payment at the time of purchase. Check on these details before you place your bid. Also, most auctions charge a 5% premium on top of the purchase price, as a commission. All that's left now is to complete your paperwork.

While you can expect to see some great deals at a government auction, it is a good idea to attend one as an observer first to get a feel for how things work. Do your research and plan ahead and you will be successful at getting your next car - cheap!

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Charging Cars

Luis Pinheiro de Lima has designed a car that generates its own wireless electricity! The “Bio Top” concept car has three wheels: two in the front, and one spherical wheel in the back that offers improved maneuverability. What’s more, it actually charges the electric car battery as it goes!

If that’s not enough to float your boat (or your futuristic hover pod), check out the Bio Top’s video-game inspired steering. Forget the conventional foot-pedal gas and break system; the future of steering, according to de Lima, involves a hand controlled speed/stop system. The brakes are right there on the steering column. It looks like cruising in your Bio Top will be just like riding a bike - only about a hundred times cooler.

References: automotto.org, yankodesign

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Ford's new Hybrid innovation

Ford is partnering and collaborating with the Department of Energy and many other leading edge companies in the alternative fuels field. Their goal is to produce vehicles with lower and lower emissions while constantly improving their fuel economy, coupled with being monetarily desirable vehicles for the money conscious consumer.

Ford intends to at least double its production of hybrid cars and is striving to improve fuel economy by five percent in successive models. They are using modeling tools that are very sophisticated to map their progress and intentions for CO2 reductions in their future models. These mapping tools are capable of figuring out which technological advancements will be viable in the consumer market, balancing cost against benefit. The resultant analysis' will affect Ford's decision making process regarding production plans through 2020.

Ford intends to continue to reduce the waste occurring in many different systems within the vehicle. They intend to create a six speed transmission that will optimize fuel use and aerodynamically redesign the exterior of the vehicles to produce as little wind resistance as possible at normal speeds. The power steering systems, cooling systems and electrical systems will all undergo rigorous testing and analyzing. The resultant findings will be used to define the new requirements and attributes for each system.

Many of Ford's models on the road today are the result of Ford's constant striving for a more ecologically friendly road vehicle, for instance, the new 2010 Ford Fusion S has an increased mileage rating by 3 miles per gallon with it's newly redesigned 2.5 liter I-4 engine.

Ford has created a new electronically based power assist steering system (EPAS) that has the capability of increasing fuel economy by up to five percent under normal driving conditions, this is further accentuated by the reduction of the CO2 emissions and the enhancement of the vehicle's steering performance. The vehicles currently equipped with this advancement are the Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan, the Ford Taurus SHO edition, and the Lincoln MKT. By the year 2012 Ford expects approximately ninety percent of all of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models and sub models to be equipped with the EPAS system.

Ford is aggressively researching, creating and testing new technologies, they are working with leaders in the field of ‘green technology'. Their body designers are busily creating new outer body designs, producing models and testing them for wind resistance and air flow paths. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury are striving to be on the forefront of green vehicle technology both in today's market and in the market of the future. Their goal is to produce a viable car that not only fits into consumer expectations of size and performance but also fits into the global turn towards environmentally friendly machines and practices.

About the Author

This article was written on behalf of Foray Motor Group offering great deals to buy a New Ford in Dorset from the many Foray Ford Dealership in Dorset.

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A Used Ferrari at a More Palatable Price

There's a particularly potent Doppler effect in force where a Ferrari is concerned. You'll hear the rumbling howl of the engine long being graced with the physical presence of a car that has set hearts racing and jaws dropping ever since Mr. Ferrari had a rather good idea in 1928. Investing in a Ferrari is a huge personal reward, because as with any luxury car there is a daunting price tag attached.

It's no secret, however, that Italian designer goods have a well-deserved reputation for peerless quality and style. If you're given a choice between Gucci or George, then there's no contest. However the cost of a Ferrari need not be as restrictive as one may first imagine.

A used Ferrari is a gourmet meal at a more palatable price, caviar instead of chicken nuggets. If you're in a position to spend the money required for the luxury car that is generally accepted to end all luxury cars, then the savings offered by opting for a used Ferrari can only sweeten the deal.

With a reputation built on sublime handling, stunning bodywork and advanced technology, Ferrari have proven that a car can look amazing as well as providing an enjoyable and comfortable driving experience. Buying a Ferrari is an investment, as well as an indication of your commitment to style.

It's certainly not for everyone, and may well be viewed as a complete indulgence due to the restricted seating and space that allows for two people and not a limb more. But if you're starting to think about adding a Ferrari to your garage, it's a given that you're looking for an exquisite driving experience in a thoroughbred rather than a utilitarian plod in a family-friendly workhorse. And very few people would argue against the fact that if you're in the position to start looking for a new or used Ferrari, you've earned the right to indulge yourself.

If you're searching for a vehicle that embodies panache, a used Ferrari is certainly worth investigating. As with any used car, visit a specialist dealership that will be able to offer aftersales assistance and advice on the ideal model for you.

Sir Cherrylton is writing about the considerations behind purchasing a used Ferrari

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Buying Second Hand Tires

There is no question about it. Every day, there are great deals on used tires that can be found. If you know what to look for there are tires that would regularly cost $300 each brand new and could be bought used for only a fraction of the original price. There is however the ugly side to buying used tires - If you do not know what you're buying, or what to look for when buying used tires you can end up with a pile of junk tires and money wasted in vain. This article is intended to help you avoid any costly mistakes.

Many people may consider used tires someone else's inherited problem, or piles of junk just because they been previously driven on another vehicle. If you know what to look for in a used tire there are actually quality used tires that you can get for a bargain. These tires could have been on a car that was traded in, a car that was totaled from a wreck, or simply discarded from the previous owner because of personal preference of brand, season type or just simply wanting a better performance tire.

The business you decide to give your business to is also a very important factor to take into consideration. Luckily there are many reputable used tire retailers on eBay that have been in business for many years. They are experts when it comes to used tires and can inspect a tire inside and out for defects. Their tires will usually be mounted on a wheel and test with air for any leaks, belt separations, lumps, or uneven wear. Some of them may even offer a replacement warranty. As a customer it is important to read the full description of an item and ask as many questions that you may have before purchasing. You want to try avoid dealing with any companies that may have a bad feedback rating and try to deal with power sellers or eBay companies that have been around and have a very good feedback rating.

The age of the tire is also another important factor to consider when purchasing used tires, if a used tire is any older than 6 years old you should probably avoid purchasing those tires as they can cause a blow out.

You also want to make sure you stay the with factory recommended tire sizes, speed ratings and load ratings intended for the vehicle. Not doing so will only cause your tires to wear faster than normal making you replace them a lot sooner, and may also cause a tire to blow out and cause an accident. One can always go with a higher load rating or speed rating but never lower. Installing a different tire size on your vehicle that what the factory recommends will more then likely cause your speedometer to be off and may cause clearance issues.

If you have a reason to believe that the tires you currently have on your car are not factory equipment it is always safe to check in your owner's manual. Tire specification can usually be found on the cars door post on the driver's side as well. This would be your safest bet to obtaining the specifications for the purchase of your next set of used tires to avoid any costly mistakes.

When shopping for your next set of used tires it is always a safe practice to obtain your tire information from the tire placard stamped on the drivers side door post or the owners manual. This will give you the peace of mind that you are getting the right tires for you car. If you go off the specification from your current tires, there is always a chance that you could have been running the wrong load rating, tire size or speed rating this whole time.

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Alvis

Alvis cars were produced by the manufacturer Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd of Coventry, United Kingdom from 1919 to 1967. The company also produced aero-engines and military vehicles, the latter continuing long after car production ceased.

Beginnings

The original company, TG John and Co. Ltd., was founded in 1919. Its first products were stationary engines, carburettor bodies and motorscooters. The company's founder T.G. John was approached by Geoffrey de Freville with designs for a 4-cylinder engine with aluminium pistons and pressure lubrication, unusual for the period. Some have suggested that de Freville proposed the name Alvis as a compound of the words "aluminium" and "vis" (meaning "strong" in Latin) although de Freville himself vigorously denied this theory. Perhaps the name was derived from the Norse mythological weaponsmith, Alvíss, but the true origin is unknown.

The first car model, the 10/30, using de Freville's design was an instant success and set the reputation for quality and performance for which the company became famous. Following complaints from the Avro aviation company whose logo bore similarities to the original winged green triangle, the more familiar inverted red triangle incorporating the word 'Alvis' evolved. In 1921, the company changed its name and became the Alvis Car and Engineering Company Ltd. and moved production to Holyhead Road, Coventry where from 1922 to 1923 they also made the Buckingham car.

Full Story

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