My Perfect Automobile » Auto Industry

Buying Cars Online: Three Essential Tips

Larry Bell — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:08:19 +0000

Used Cars: The DeLorean electric car

Financial experts say online car buying and selling is looking to be one of the decade’s biggest trends for consumers. After a century, auto transactions are finally going electronic. However, those same experts warn, buyers need to follow a simple three-step plan to make certain that they get the most out of a deal. First, as with any other major purchase, be especially wary of excessively low prices. Always check the fair market value before you start shopping and ask lots of questions when the vehicle in question is way off the mark, either too high or too low.

Buy Cars Online: Video

One of the most popular new tools for car enthusiasts is the Kelley Blue Book app, which puts the entire database of KBB at your fingertips. The video clip above shows exactly how the app works, and lets users see how to quickly find fair market values for just about any vehicle in existence. Keep in mind that “fair market value” is a slightly subjective term and that used car prices vary widely depending upon condition, geographic location, and current demand. The best thing about KBB’s app is that it gives car shoppers a starting point for arriving at their own price range for buying or selling.

Buy and Sell Cars

The second tip from the pros involves credibility. Make sure the car is real. Ask the seller for the VIN and registration, and then get a history report. If the seller is far away, you should ask to have the vehicle inspected by a reputable mechanic. Then, you can speak directly with the mechanic to get a full rundown on the car. Third, don’t give out personal information like SSN or credit card numbers to anyone online. When you are taking possession of the vehicle and its title, that is the time to hand over money to the seller.

Visit the MyPerfectAutomobile classifieds to browse through hundreds of thousands of cars. The online selection tools make it simple to find the exact vehicle you are searching for, right down to the smallest detail. Safely and confidently shop for your “perfect automobile” at the location below:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Finding the Perfect Insurance for Used Cars

Larry Bell — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:54:01 +0000

Used car (Pictured: 2009 Honda Insight Hybrid)

A recent study by R.L. Polk and Co. concluded that the average age of all cars on U.S. roads is 11.2 years. Finding insurance coverage for older cars can be tricky, so it pays to do a bit of research before plunking down cash for a policy. Three of the most important components that go into premium costs are the owner’s driving history, the value of the vehicle, and the zip code where the car is garaged or parked each night. For those looking to purchase quality used cars fewer than 5 years old, a vehicle’s replacement value is a crucial factor in policy cost determination.

Insurance for Used Cars: Video

Deciding exactly how much car insurance to buy can be a challenging task. The video clip above is perhaps one of the most simplified, easiest to understand methods online. As the narrator points out, it’s really all about making a checklist and doing some homework before purchasing a policy. Much depends on how old the car is, how much it is worth, and what your state’s coverage requirements are. Before doing anything else be sure to get a copy of your credit report. Insurance companies use your credit rating as one component in the formula to set your rates. Even if you think you know your credit rating, reports often contain errors. It is smart to make sure the report is error-free before you contact an agent about a car insurance policy.

Used Cars and Insurance

Experts advise classic car owners to use an insurer who specializes in such vehicles. Because collectors take such good care of their vehicles and typically store them indoors, annual premiums on classic used cars tend to be surprisingly low.

To browse a categorized list of hundreds of thousands of quality used cars, visit the MyPerfectAutomobile classifieds. Spend a few minutes defining your perfect used vehicle and see what’s available. The link is:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

EV Car Sales: Second-Generation Volt by 2016

Larry Bell — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:36:19 +0000

EV Car Sales (Pictured: Chevy Volt)

Amid a flurry of plug-in car sales announcements late last week, GM CEO Dan Akerson said Chevrolet Volt would unveil a second-generation model not later than 2016. The Chevy Volt, Nissan’s all-electric Leaf, and the Tesla Model S electric sedan all jockeyed for top sales spot in April. While Volt’s sales were down compared to April 2012, the model did manage a 3 percent increase for the first four months of 2013, compared to the same period last year. April marked the second month in a row that Volt was slightly outsold by the Nissan Leaf, as Tesla Motors appears to have beaten both those cars in the monthly sales derby.

EV Car Sales: Video

The video clip above contains the sort of footage that electric car enthusiasts live for, a Formula-E burnout on the streets of L.A. It is all quite legal of course, as the demo was under the auspices of city officials there to promote alternative fuels. Notice the odd lack of noise compared to combustion car burnouts, where decibel levels are almost deafening. Some hardcore-racing fans claim a race is not a race without noise. Formula-E followers, on the other hand, love the hum and rev of the smooth-running electric motor. The good news is, you still get the burnout.

EV Car Sales

Tesla Motors does not reveal monthly sales data, but analysts estimate that the luxury electric sedan topped the much less expensive Volt and Leaf in April sales. As gasoline prices have leveled off, one company official at Chevrolet noted that competition between GM’s Chevy Volt, Nissan’s Leaf and Tesla’s Model S will become more competitive. Volt ruled the roost for a number of months, but now that Nissan has gone into full domestic production with its Leaf, and cut its price by $6,000, the battle of the plug-ins is getting underway. For its part, Tesla Motors expects to sell 20,000 Model S cars by the end of 2013.

For more about the carmakers mentioned above, see their official websites:
http://www.chevrolet.com
http://www.nissanusa.com
http://www.teslamotors.com

Larry Bell

Used Car Reality Show in the Works

Larry Bell — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:39:20 +0000

Used Cars (Pictured: 2011 Nissan Leaf)

With the used car market heating up month after month, and used car sales setting records, it was only a matter of time before a sharp-eyed television producer decided to make a reality show about previously owned vehicles. Detroit’s Victory Motors dealership is the focal point of a new program that is currently being pitched to TV executives. A half-dozen episodes are already being shot on location in Detroit. The family that owns the dealership has been selling used cars for more than 30 years, typically has about 400 in inventory, and intends to weave quite a bit of humor into the episodes.

Used Cars: Video

The team of professionals at EV West converted a 1991 Toyota MR2 to all-electric drive. The clip above walks through all the work that went into the conversion. Taking used cars and making them into “instant EV classics” is a booming business in the U.S. as conversion shops are springing up in every geographic region of the nation.

Used Cars

Used car sales are closely tracked by the auto industry. The most recent data has shown that people are tending to hold onto cars much longer than in the past. The slow economy is partly to blame, but better-built cars are another reason. With the advent of inexpensive Internet advertising channels for individuals, large numbers of owners are selling their cars to others via private transactions.

Just a decade ago, the average car owner would trade in a used vehicle when buying a new one. Now, the more common route is to sell the car online and pocket the cash, or use it to purchase another vehicle.

For millions of used cars check out the classified listings of MyPerfectAutomobile, where users can find any car based upon their specific preferences:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Car Sales Champ Emerges for Early 2013

Larry Bell — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:09:39 +0000

Car sales champ (pictured: 2014 Toyota Prius hybrid)

Japan’s Toyota Motor Co. topped archrivals VW and GM in auto sales for the first quarter of 2013. Toyota, maker of the hybrid Prius, reported 2.43 million auto sales for the first three months of the year, slightly besting GM, who reported 2.36 million in sales, and Volkswagen AG, who came in with 2.27 million sales for the period. Ironically, Toyota was able to retain its marketing supremacy in spite of a slight drop in the number of cars sold, compared to the first quarter of 2012. The Japanese car giant posted a 2.2 percent decline in sales over the same period last year, while Volkswagen showed a 5 percent increase and GM a 3.5 percent increase.

Toyota Prius: Video

Toyota has won numerous advertising awards for its creative and humorous commercials. One example of the upbeat, interesting spots is shown in the video clip above. It features a happy song, unique animation scenes, and keeps the focus on the car in question, in this case the hybrid best-seller Prius.

For those with sharp vision, note the animated chess player at the 41-second point in the video. Such humorous asides are typical of the atmosphere Toyota likes to inject in their commercials. The spots are not only informative, but entertaining as well. Considering how many vehicles the company has sold in the past decade alone, the advertisements seem to be doing their job.

Toyota Car Sales

In 2008, Toyota became the global car sales champ, taking the title from U.S. automaker GM, who had held first place for 70 years. Since 2008, with the exception of 2011, Toyota has maintained its place as worldwide auto sales leader. One reason Toyota saw a slight sales decline last year was because subsidies for hybrids were no longer offered by the Japanese government.

For more about Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Co., see the official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Used Cars or New Cars? Experts Give Buying Advice

Larry Bell — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:45:26 +0000

Used or New? (pictured: a new LaFerrari hybrid)

Car buyers often fret at the prospect of choosing between a new vehicle and a used one. Lately, many experts in the automotive press have been making the case for used cars, especially in a challenging economy. Because mainstream models now last much longer than in days past, and because buyers can find certified pre-owned cars at respected dealerships, used cars have been gaining in reputation and sales numbers. In fact, certified pre-owned vehicles are among the most popular choices on dealer lots in major cities. Improved reliability and longer product life mean a used car might very well have 10 or more solid years of usage in its future.

Used Cars: Video

Whether you are searching for a new or used car, the above video clip will be of great interest to hybrid fans especially. It lists ten of the best hybrids available. The venerable Chevy Volt made the cut of course, as did Honda’s attractive Insight and one of the genre’s new stars, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Lincoln MKZ hybrid, the Lexus CT 200h, along with Toyota’s Camry hybrid, all made the list as well. In fact, Korean automaker Hyundai gets special mention as being one of the most reasonably priced of the bunch, while Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI is the lone diesel model in the elite ten. Buick’s LaCrosse eAssist wins kudos for its luxurious interior and over-35 mpg fuel efficiency. That’s nine in all. Watch the video and see what the author listed as his number-one pick of the hybrid segment. You might be surprised.

For those in the market to buy or sell a used car, the classified section of MyPerfectAutomobile has something for every automotive taste. Browse the huge selection and use the online tools to drill down to your specific favorite. The direct link for MPA’s classifieds is:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Hybrid Market Share Grew 41 Percent in 2012

Larry Bell — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:05:18 +0000

Hybrid car sales (pictured: Toyota Camry hybrid)

The market share for hybrid car sales grew by 41 percent in 2012, according to an extensive study done by Experian Automotive. Total overall market share for hybrids stands at 3.1 percent and is expect to continue climbing in each quarter of 2013. Experian also analyzed characteristics of borrowers who purchased hybrid cars. The company found that hybrid purchasers had higher credit ratings, on average, than buyers of non-hybrid automobiles. A company spokesperson said, “Hybrid vehicle owners have long been perceived as environmentally conscious consumers. While they may have made the vehicle purchase due to caring for the environment, our research shows that hybrid owners are economically-minded as well.”

Hybrid Car Sales: Video

For a close-up look at the BMW i8 hybrid sports car doing the circuit at Nurburgring, see the short video clip above. When hybrid car sales kick into high gear, the 2014 BMW i8 will already be on the streets. Set for a late 2013 production date, the car is the final evolution of BMW’s Vision Efficient-Dynamics concept, which made auto show rounds several years ago. The high-performance hybrid boasts a combined 349 horsepower and a 4.6-second ZTS (zero-to-sixty) time. According to BMW, the i8 will achieve 78 mpg and will be able to roll for 22 miles on electric power alone. The gasoline engine in the i8 is a 6-cylinder, 3.0-liter. The car was one of the more popular show pieces for BMW on the international auto show circuit.

Hybrid Car Sales

Experian’s study summary noted that the average dollar amount financed for a hybrid purchase was $25,807, with an average monthly payment of $461. Buyers of new hybrid cars had credit ratings of 790, compared to the average U.S. score of 755 for buyers of non-hybrid cars.

For more about the company that compiled the data for the hybrid car sales study, see Experian’s official corporate website:
http://www.experian.com

Larry Bell

Used Cars: Regular Maintenance Means Good MPG, Experts Say

Larry Bell — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:12:36 +0000

Used Cars: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Auto insurance giant USAA has some expert advice for sellers and buyers of used cars. The San Antonio, Texas-based company points out that routine car service not only prevents major problems but also adds significantly to a car’s gas mileage. Well-maintained used cars stay on the road longer, many reaching beyond the 100,000-mile threshold. USAA says the most important tasks to put on your to-do list are oil changes and tire pressure checks every 3,000 miles. It is a good idea to test all lights on the car at the same interval as oil and tire inspections.

Used Cars: Video

For those who are looking to buy or sell a used car, it is smart to learn about the basics of auto maintenance. Whether you want to spruce up your own car prior to selling it or are aiming to fix up a used car you have just acquired, car maintenance skills are worth their weight in gold. The video clip above walks through some of the most common types of routine car care, explaining each step in easy to understand terms. People who buy, sell and drive used cars tend to do at least of bit of their own maintenance, especially low-tech chores like oil changes and the occasional belt or hose replacement. The video is one of a series, so be sure to check out the other installments for a good grasp of proper car maintenance skills.

Used Cars and Mileage

Tires, brakes, hoses and belts need checking every six months, or about every 6,000 miles. It is also wise to check the battery and all fluids about every six months as well. Each year, USAA says, make sure to have major interval servicing done on your car and take a look at wiper blades for signs of wear.

For more about USAA and for a wealth of information about seasonal car maintenance, visit the company’s official website:
http://www.usaa.com

Larry Bell

Used Hybrid Cars: Repair Costs Down, Study Shows

Larry Bell — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:49:45 +0000

Used hybrid cars for sale (pictured: 2010 Toyota Prius)

According to CarMD, one of the world’s largest providers of vehicle repair data, 2012 saw the first increase in car repair costs in the past six years. One notable exception to the trend was among hybrid vehicles, which enjoyed a continuing drop in annual repair costs and visits to shops. Among the most common repair, across all types of vehicles, is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can put a huge dent in fuel economy. The data was collected from a national network of ASE technicians and represents more than 161,000 auto repair incidents.

Used Hybrid Cars for Sale: Video

Spend two-and-a-half minutes with the video clip above to learn the essential differences between hybrid and non-hybrid car repair. The short-form, text tutorial clearly explains why and how hybrid drivetrains differ from traditional ones, dispelling a few myths along the way. When it comes to repair, hybrids have much different needs than standard vehicles. If properly maintained, hybrids tend to last as long or longer than non-hybrid models.

Used Hybrid Cars for Sale

Used hybrid cars for sale in the U.S. are among the best buys for consumers who need a reliable, fuel-efficient car for everyday tasks and routine commuting. Used and new hybrid cars continue to increase their share of the overall market on a year-to-year basis.

For more data about repair costs of automobiles, based on extensive survey data, visit the official site of CarMD, below. The company has built an enormous database of actual repair data by collecting statistics from thousands of vehicle techs all over North America. Broken down by diagnostic engine codes, the database is one of the most extensive listings of engine problems and their causes:
http://corp.carmd.com
To peruse over 2 million used listings that include every type of vehicle imaginable, visit MyPerfectAutomobile’s classifieds at the link below:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

I’m Buying Fisker Kharma Corp!

Bob T — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:30:43 +0000

Rumor has it that Fisker Kharma is in financial trouble and can be bought. Now if I were a big car manufacturer I would seriously be looking at this opportunity. The CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards are getting closer and closer. I don’t see that some of the big car manufacturers are on target to meet these standards soon. Yet here is an opportunity to make significant gains towards meeting the standards.

The Fisker Kharma is a fully functional Electric Plug in automobile with the advantage that it has a range extender. Just like the Volt. All R&D has been done and already a few thousand have been sold. I can think of a number of companies that should be studying this opportunity. Even if they won’t continue to produce the car the way it is now, at least all the technical research has been done and proven in a fully working functional automobile. Skip the eco friendly interior, go straight for the power plant. Fiat has proven that it can take over companies and make them succeed. Since it already controls a number of exotic cars, this would be right along its specialty. Tata Motors took control of Jaguar. Although Jaguar is showing attempts at hybrids it may still be a long way from a production model. Again this would be a chance to get into this technology which had been painstakingly developed over many many years.

Or what about a Chinese company? Tell Uncle Sam thanks for the loans or supposed loans but we don’t need you any longer. We got cash and are very interested in seeing China go green. Can a Fisker Kharma be produced at half the cost?

Its time that an Arabian company starts producing something else besides oil. Think of the huge PR opportunity if a Saudi Arabian Oil Sheik started producing clean electric vehicles.

So maybe I can’t afford to buy Fisker Kharma corp. I already own a Volt, its cheaper sister, and I would seriously consider trading it in for a Cadillac ELR. But a person can always dream big! That is one thing I like about America, no lack of opportunity to dream big!

Bob Twaalfhoven

Bob Twaalfhoven + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Owner and Visionary Creator, but people just call him “Bob T”.. Here is his full Bio: Bob Twaalfhoven. Bob lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Founder of BobCAD-CAM software. BobCAD-CAM was created by Bob, who was an engineer graduate of MIT in 1978. He created the software as a means to bring the technology of CAD/CAM to the personal computer. But overall – Bob is a lover of cars, engines and anything that is fast…

Used Cars: Five Secrets for Fast Sales

Larry Bell — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:02:57 +0000

Used cars (pictured: 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid)

To get the best price for a used car, experts say it all comes down to five factors: detailing, mat replacement, service, pricing and listing. Having the car detailed and replacing the mats are the top two items on the list. Those factors play a huge role in determining how fast a car will sell, and for how much. Remember to service a vehicle and fix any obvious defects before putting it up for sale. Then, do some basic Internet research to set a fair asking price, but always be willing to do a bit of negotiating. Last, and by no means least, be certain to place the car on a reputable classifieds list (see link at bottom of article).

Used Cars: Video

Cleaning a car’s leather upholstery is one of the trickiest tasks facing someone who wants to prep a vehicle for sale. Leather is gorgeous, no doubt, but certainly one of the most finicky of fabrics when it comes time to ready your ride for the classifieds. In the brief video clip above, an expert of the craft reveals his secrets about the safe and relatively simple ways to make a leather car interior look great. Contrary to what many owners think, cleaning a leather car seat is neither expensive nor difficult. By following the simple, three-step process outlined in the video, anyone can do the job in less than 30 minutes.

Used Cars

If you want to buy or sell a car, visit the classified pages of MyPerfectAutomobile. Those looking to buy are astounded at the sheer number of listings in every price and style category. There is even a parts section for those in search of a particular item. Sellers can list their for-sale vehicles within a searchable database that draws masses of interested car shoppers.
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Hybrid Sales Way Up for 2013

Larry Bell — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:54:46 +0000

Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid

Hybrid vehicle sales are on track to reach almost 10 percent of market share by the end of this decade. With rising gasoline prices and the large selection of hybrid-drive cars and trucks, consumers have already put the sector’s market share at four percent. Compared to the January and February totals from 2012, hybrid sales rose 32 percent for 2013, based on Autodata Corp. statistics. One of the main propellants behind the recent hybrid surge has to do with availability. Nearly every major carmaker now offers one or several hybrid vehicles, and there are more on the way.

Hybrid Cars: Video

The car featured in the video clip above is probably not what people have in mind when they think of hybrid vehicles. In any case, one must give credit to the man from Jackson, Miss., who created the world’s first, and perhaps only, home-made, jet-propelled hybrid truck. Constructed from a standard F-150 pickup, the thing goes through gasoline at the rate of between one and five gallons per minute. To earn its official hybrid classification, the jet-truck also runs on diesel, kerosene, or bio-diesel, at about the same .4 mpg (notice that decimal!) when traveling at 60 mph. No one knows what the rocket-hybrid’s actual horsepower rating is, but suffice to say that it is something greater than the 231 hp that came with the V-8 truck. Adding the jet’s approximate 2700 hp to the truck motor, the result is somewhere around 3,000 hp for the jet-hybrid. For those interested in playing copycat to this original thinker, the tab for a used Motorlet M-701 jet motor is around $10,000.

To purchase or sell a hybrid car, or any type of vehicle, visit the MPA classifieds at the link provided below. Browse through countless cars and trucks of all makes and models to find your perfect automobile.
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell