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Cars for Sale: Using Car Classifieds to Your Advantage

Larry Bell — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:33:02 +0000

Cars for sale (pictured: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid)

When perusing the ‘cars for sale’ ads online, experts advise that prospective buyers should do plenty of research. The first thing to do is narrow your choice down to a specific make and model, because cars for sale on Internet sites often number in the hundreds of thousands. Besides having make and model in mind, Internet car-buying gurus say you should spend at least three hours reading up on the particular vehicle you seek. That way, you will get well acquainted with blue book value, trim levels, and options that were offered with the original model.

Cars for Sale: Video

Test-driving a car before buying it is a wise idea, but do you know the basics of inspecting a vehicle? The video clip above runs through a complete yet simple auto inspection routine. You should attempt to hit each of the checkpoints listed, and then perform a test drive, before making the purchase. Notice that most of the key areas of inspection involve looking for signs of wear. The odometer definitely does not tell the whole story of a car’s history. Being observant during the inspection phase will pay huge dividends for a car buyer. Checking the driver’s seat for saggy support might point to heavy, almost constant, usage. Learning how to inspect cars for sale is a valuable skill.

Cars for Sale

For an exhaustive list of automobile companies and the cars they make, see the informational website below. Car buyers often begin with a make and model in mind. Having a master list helps a shopper find out who makes what. For example, if you are searching for a German car, scroll down and click ‘Germany’ on the listing of European car manufacturers. Once there, you will see all the German carmakers and the models they sell. If you are interested in a Volkswagen, for example, click on the VW tab and read through the list of the 30 or so models that VW offers. At that point, you might want to research prices and reviews of the various models that interest you in order to narrow down your options.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_automobile_marques

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…

Steam is King of Classic Cars for Sale

Larry Bell — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:27:39 +0000

Classic cars for sale (Pictured: A classic steam racer)

Steam-powered vehicles are showing up on the UK classics circuit more often these days. Of note is the recent appearance of the legendary Whistling Billy, a steam racer from 1905 that has just emerged from a six-year restoration. Sadly, for those who would like to purchase Whistling Billy, the vintage racer is not among the many UK classic cars for sale.

Classic Cars for Sale: Video

To view the clip below, from the Victorian Chapter of the Thunderbird Owners’ Club of Australia, one might get the impression that Aussies are bigger fans of American classic cars than Americans are. Judge for yourself, and enjoy the array of classic and custom rides from the club’s recent extravaganza at the Lilydale show grounds. Remember, this is Australia! Feast your eyes on vintage, mint-condition Chevys, Mustangs, and Plymouths to die for, each of showroom quality and decked out in auto-show finery. Classic cars for sale are one thing, but vintage gems are quite another. In fact, most of these cars are not for sale. They are all in perfect working order, but spend most of their lives on display at classic events.

Classic Cars for Sale

For more information about classic cars, classic cars for sale, and just plain awesome-looking vintage rides, visit the website of the Classic Car Club of America (link below). One of the largest organizations of its kind in the world, CCCA opened its doors in 1952, and since then has been helping those who collect, preserve, and drive some of the most beautiful old vehicles in existence. The club publishes The Classic Car magazine, hosts numerous events, and makes every effort to rekindle the spirit of the golden age of classic cars, 1919-1948. Contact the club if you want to get involved with their events, know more about the CCCA museum, or read about their definition of what an authentic classic car is.
http://www.classiccarclub.org/

Larry Bell

Car Theft Prevention Programs Work

Larry Bell — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 21:35:50 +0000

Car theft prevention: It’s more about the contents than the car.

Several New York State police departments have launched a car theft prevention program called “Operation Open Door.” When police see valuables, keys, or unlocked car doors, they leave a small note on the windshield to warn the driver that such practices can lead to car theft. After a year that saw record high levels of auto thievery, many of the local New York departments are now looking at parked vehicles to see if any valuables are in plain sight, if doors or windows are left open, or if keys are in the ignition. One police officer involved in the program noted that theft is essentially a crime of opportunity, and it is much easier to prevent crime than to track down an offender after the fact.

Car Theft: Video

The short clip above is from the Virginia State Police Dept. It is not only eye opening but quite useful. It features the top ten tips for preventing auto theft. Sadly, we are all probably guilty of not doing one or two of these common sense measures, especially the ones about hidden keys, registration, and leaving a car running for “just a second” while at the ATM or mailbox. For several of the tips, the narrator explains the percentage of car thefts that are related to that specific behavior, like leaving doors unlocked or parking in dark places. The good news is that every one of the tips is something that can be easily done, and all go a long way toward preventing car theft. Interestingly, as this clip and much other data suggests, thieves typically target the contents of a car rather than the car itself.

For an overview of vehicle theft, as well as a sampling of statistics, prevention methods, and sources for further reading, see the following educational website, and as the old commercial used to say, “Lock your car, take your keys. Don’t help a car thief.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_vehicle_theft

Larry Bell

Honda Micro Commuter Prototype Arrives

Larry Bell — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 20:24:04 +0000

Honda Micro Commuter EV concept car

Honda announced this week that its newest EV concept, the Micro Commuter Prototype, would be marketed to small families as well as older drivers. With a maximum speed of 50 mph and a range of 37 miles, the tiny transporter uses a lithium-ion battery pack and features a charge time of under three hours. The MCP, according to Honda, has the equivalent of approximately 20 horsepower.

Honda Micro Commuter: Video

The creativity of Honda designers is on full display in this early video of the Micro Commuter concept, when it first started making its way around the auto show circuit late last year. In the clip, you might notice that the older version of the Micro was quite a bit different from the one in the most recent Honda press releases. This is par for the course in the concept car arena, even though much of the thinking behind the car apparently remains the same. With English subtitles, the video is narrated by a Honda spokesperson (in Japanese) who explains the company’s intentions throughout the creation of the Micro. Honda’s family of interchangeable batteries plays a significant part in the entire lineup of the automaker’s concept vehicles, from trucks, to passenger cars, to mopeds. And in typical Honda fashion, the battery packs can be used as power backup for household devices, in most cases.

Honda Micro Commuter EV

The car also features a tablet device, which is powered by solar energy cells that are attached to the roof. The navigation systems and audio functions are accessible by the tablet controls. One of the automaker’s primary goals with the concept was to explore onboard solar power for future models. The car will do initial testing in Japan next year.

For more about Honda cars and trucks, see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.honda.com

Larry Bell

Hybrids Most Cost Effective Cars, Study Shows

Larry Bell — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:16:56 +0000

Hybrids Cost Effective: A 2013 Toyota Prius

As an alternative to standard gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid drivetrains are the most economical choice, according to a new study from Carnegie Mellon University. Researchers found that both plug-in and standard hybrids, like the first-generation Toyota Prius, were highly efficient when it comes to utilizing the combination of electricity and liquid fuel they require. Researchers expect the cost efficiencies of hybrid vehicles to increase as batteries become more powerful, less costly, and as electric infrastructure expands.

Hybrids Cost Effective: Video

Speaking of economical transportation, the Hyundai Sonata hybrid is a case in point. The 4-door sedan boasts a very respectable 37 mpg (combined) from its 2.4-liter, 206 horsepower engine system. The lithium polymer battery is 270 volts strong. While the car’s base price is a hair under $26,000, the top trim version comes in at slightly over $32,000. The video clip below provides the basics, with a narrator who hits all the key points. As just one example of a high-quality hybrid vehicle on the U.S. market, it is easy to see why hybrid-electric cars are rated as the best of the alternative fuel choices when it comes to a combination of practicality, price, and power.

Hybrids Cost Effective

When considering numerous alternative fuel transportation options, the researchers concluded that small, plug-in, hybrid-electric vehicles were by far the most environmentally sound choice given the present state of charging infrastructure. Even in areas where there is little or no public charging capability, small plug-in cars can use outlets in private homes, making the plug-in hybrid the most versatile, and cost-effective choice.

For an overview of hybrid vehicle technology, how it works, and what the latest developments are, see the following educational resource:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_electric_vehicle

For more information about Hyundai products, see the Korean automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.hyundai.com

Larry Bell

Charging Expo Set for Nov. 13

Larry Bell — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 01:22:33 +0000

Charging Expo: All about electricity

The Charging Infrastructure Expo, a free event that shows off the freshest technology in the automotive charging business, will be held in Novi (Detroit), Michigan from Nov. 13 through Nov. 15. The event draws a wide demographic from the transportation industry, including utilities, vehicle manufacturers, and anyone who wants to know more about how to implement the latest charging technology. The expo is free, but prospective attendees are encouraged to register at the Charging Expo website (see below).

Charging Expo: Video

Inductive car chargers are among the industry’s hottest new trends, and the video clip below is a great way to learn the basics of the technology. Conducted primarily in interview format, the piece walks through every aspect of inductive charging, charging pads, and related issues. The interviewer seems to come up with exactly what is on our minds when he queries the expert on a wide range of topics: Can anything interfere with the charging pad? Is any electrical charge ‘lost’ during the process? Can a person be injured by standing on a charging pad? Can charge pads be buried in the ground yet still be effective? The expert even expounds on the fascinating topic of electrified roadways.

Charging Expo

The Charging Expo features a long list of expert speakers, starting off with the keynote talk entitled, “What’s the Tipping Point for Electric Vehicles?” by Joe Barrett, Senior Director for Marketing and European Innovation Development for Qualcomm. Barrett will touch on issues such as market barriers for electric vehicles, and why EVs are the future of the transportation sector.

Immediately after Barrett’s talk, Andreas Zuehlcke will take the stage and deliver an in depth analysis of inductive charging. Zuehlcke is the Vice President of Sales for BROSE-SEW GmbH & Co.

For more about the event, see the official Charging Expo website. It includes a complete list of speakers, topics, and related activities:
http://www.chargingexpo.com

Larry Bell

Auto Insurance Secret: 4 Real Ways to Save Cash

Larry Bell — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:10:51 +0000

Auto insurance is important: An $8,000,000 Maybach Exelero

Amid all the overblown Internet advertising, there actually are solid, reliable ways to reduce the amount of money you pay for auto insurance. One expert summed it up in four words, “graze, raise, shop, drop.” What at first sounds like a crazy song lyric is really sound advice. Grazing refers to choosing, as in car shopping. When you buy a new car, keep in mind that you will pay a higher insurance premium for a more expensive vehicle, especially one with lots of extras. If you buy only as much car as you need, your insurance costs will be minimized.

Auto Insurance: Video

One of the best-kept secrets in the world of auto insurance has to do with credit scores. Your score directly impacts the rate you pay for car insurance. The expert financial planner from USAA explains all the ins and outs of the situation in the following short clip. Besides getting your rates down and your credit score up, she advises how to secure better financing on your next car purchase. While credit scores are just one aspect of getting a better deal on car insurance, their importance cannot be understated. Keep in mind that even in the most favorable cases it takes several months to raise credit scores, so start early and be patient.

Auto Insurance

Raising your deductible can be an immediate cost-cutter, especially if you can afford to cover the first $1,000 of an accident’s expense. If so, consider upping your deductibles and you might save a bundle. Drop unnecessary coverage, especially if you own an older car. Finally, shop for a better policy. Companies and rates change constantly, so consider using an independent agent to help you locate a better bargain on your insurance needs. There is no reason to skimp, but remember that deals are out there. You just have to shop for them.

Auto insurance laws in the U.S. vary from state to state, and can be quite complicated. The following informational website covers the topic’s many aspects clearly and objectively:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_insurance_in_the_United_States

Larry Bell

How to Sell Your Car Online: Avoid the 3 Common Mistakes

Larry Bell — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:32:10 +0000

How to sell: A 1972 Lamborghini Jarama

Before you list your car for sale online, beware of what experts call the three pitfalls. First, know that offering a car online is completely different from selling one via a newspaper or magazine ad. For starters, online sources typically allow for much clearer photos and more extensive descriptions. While newspapers tend to limit your ad to a tiny box, online sellers can write several detailed paragraphs about their car. Photos and videos of the item are another difference from the old-fashioned newspaper ad. Be ready to include good photos and accurate, detailed write-ups for your listing.

How to Sell Online: Video

For an inside perspective about selling a car online, see the following video. A car dealer goes through what he calls the ‘vital basics’ of placing an effective ad on a website. As the expert explains, it is not a complicated process, but you must have accurate photos, a detailed description, and a fair price, at the very least, in order to generate attention for your ad. Put yourself in the buyer’s position and consider what you would want to see in a listing. Year, make, and model are certainly not enough. Be fair, complete, and accurate with your descriptions and you will get plenty of interested shoppers. As an added step, you might consider providing a validated vehicle history at no cost to the shopper.

How to Sell Your Car

As pointed out in the video clip, the second pitfall to avoid is not providing a fair, realistic price. Do your homework and research, and then offer the car for a price that will provide a profit for you and a good bargain for the customer. The third pitfall to avoid? Not answering every inquiry. List your car until it sells, but be sure to respond when people inquire. And when the vehicle does sell, don’t forget to take your ad down. Selling a car online can be a rewarding experience as long as you follow the advice of the experts.

Now that you know the basics about selling a vehicle online, visit the following page to list your classified ads within minutes, and manage them all from your personalized dashboard:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires: The MPG Question

Larry Bell — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 15:50:09 +0000

Low-Rolling-Resistance: 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid

As more hybrid and electric car models come to U.S. showrooms, tire makers are bringing out additional sizes, and more varieties of low-rolling-resistance tires. These new tires, which help deliver better fuel economy, are building markets in the U.S. and Europe at a fast pace. What was once a product only for a handful of hybrid and electric vehicles is now spreading to the entire transportation sector. Some studies conclude that such tires will account for about one-third of all units sold in Europe within the next five years, and could dominate the market by 2020.

Low-Rolling-Resistance: Video

For a very short, but highly informative primer on low-rolling-resistance tires, spend three minutes with the following video clip. As the expert points out, each brand of tire has its own personality, and you should make purchases based on how you drive, where you live, and the type of car you have. All those factors, and actually many more, are part of the tire-buying decision.

Low-Rolling-Resistance

While low-rolling-resistance tires can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 7 percent, they tend to cost a bit more than conventional tires. As a rule, manufacturers say that low-resistance tires do produce higher mpg numbers, but also give up a bit of ground in the area of braking performance and durability.

As for the tires tested in the video, the final review shows exactly why this is so. The two with the best fuel economy had the least amount of wet traction, while the lower fuel economy tires were the best in the wet. Keep in mind that dry climate areas are ideal for low-rolling-resistance tires, since braking ability in the rain is not as much of a factor.

For more about low-rolling-resistance tires, how they are designed, and how they can save you money at the gas pump, see the following educational website on the subject:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_rolling_resistance_tire

Larry Bell

Kepler Hybrid Supercar: Update

Larry Bell — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 08:45:53 +0000

Kepler Hybrid Supercar: The Motion

Since its debut at the Dubai International Motor Show in 2009, we have not heard much about the Kepler Motors hybrid supercar, called the Motion. This week, however, the manufacturer posted some updated video and new photos on their website, which many interpret to mean there will be more news about the car forthcoming. In any case, the Motion bears a re-examination due to the recent spate of super-fast, ultra-powerful hybrid specialty cars making the rounds of international auto shows.

Kepler Hybrid: Video

The short video link below opens with some astounding footage of the Motion outrunning a helicopter. In fact, that idea is not too much of a stretch since the car is able to reach a top speed of 200 mph, packs an 800-hp, hybrid-drive system, and can touch 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. With plenty still shots and close-ups of the spectacularly beautiful Motion, the clip will likely have you hitting the ‘replay’ button when the minute is up.

Kepler Hybrid Supercar: Background

Three years ago, when the Motion made its debut in Dubai, Kepler told the world that its new hybrid concept would eventually use a Ford 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine for rear power, along with two electric motors in front. Boasting a total of 800 hp, 550 of which comes from the EcoBoost, the car features a monocoque chassis composed exclusively of carbon fiber. The front wheels are powered by a pair of electric motors which add 250-hp to the total power package.

One oddity of the Motion’s design is the power distribution between electricity and gasoline. In essence, the Motion is two cars, the front half an EV and the back half a combustion model. Now that the company has released fresh video of its car in action, some think we will see the Kepler Motion at one of the major auto shows in early 2013, perhaps in Detroit. Time will tell.

For more about Kepler Motors and their hybrid supercar, see the company’s official website:
http://keplermotors.com/

Larry Bell

Car Cleaning Tips for Winter

Larry Bell — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:08:10 +0000

Car Cleaning: Protect your ride before winter arrives

Car cleaning during cold months is a challenge. One expert on the subject, when asked about the best way to approach car washing in cold regions of the country, said, “Move.” He was halfway serious, because frigid temps can get in the way of a good wash, unless you take several precautions. Try to use indoor, automatic washes if they are available. Otherwise, use two buckets of very hot water and do it yourself at the local bay wash. Be certain to rinse the salt and grime off before applying any kind of soapy water.

Car Cleaning in Winter: Video

For a visual of the above information, see the video clip below for a walk-through on washing a car in extremely cold weather. Low temps present special problems, and you should remember not to wash a car when the thermometer is below 25-degrees Fahrenheit. Immediate ice buildup from the water can wreak havoc with your paintjob. The beauty of the video is its simplicity. With written instructions for each step, the driver uses a standard two-bucket system at a nearby wash, and ends up cleaning and detailing his car in less than 40 minutes. Even if you live in a warm climate, it helps to know the rules of frigid-weather car cleaning for those occasional road trips to colder climes.

Car Cleaning

If you can hand wash the car in a garage, where the temperature is higher, by all means take advantage of the “inside job.” After the car is dry, find an indoor location to apply wax. During the winter, expect to wash your car more often, especially if you do a lot of driving in snow and ice, which contains road salt, the natural enemy of your vehicle’s paint.

For all you need to keep your car clean during the winter months, see the following website:
http://hotbodywax.com

Larry Bell

Cadillac ELR Hybrid Plug-in: GM Breaks Silence

Larry Bell — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 19:45:01 +0000

Cadillac Converj concept: Soon to be ELR hybrid

General Motors announced this week that it would produce the Cadillac ELR hybrid-electric plug-in vehicle before the end of next year. Originally called the Converj concept, much about the new ELR has yet to be confirmed, namely the price, specifications, and exterior design. A company spokesperson said that the new hybrid would be “true to concept,” meaning it won’t differ much from the Converj, which was a hit on the international auto show circuit. The ELR will be manufactured alongside the Chevy Volt in the company’s Hamtramck plant, GM having invested $35 million to add the car to Hamtramck’s lineup.

Cadillac ELR: Video

For some gorgeous, high-resolution photos of the ELR’s interior, see the short clip below. Aside from the standard exterior photos that have made the rounds for a while now, the interior shots are impressive, featuring several cut-away diagrams of the drivetrain and other technical components. Old school Cadillac fans might say this new model doesn’t look like the luxury boats of a bygone era, but somehow the ELR retains a Cadillac essence, the design DNA that hovers ever so subtly. What began as the Converj concept car in 2009, the ELR has the unique forward-leaning profile that is part of the Cadillac mystique.

Cadillac ELR

The ELR will incorporate the propulsion system from another GM plug-in, the Chevy Volt. Commonly referred to as the Voltec system, it consists of a four-cylinder combustion engine (which acts as a generator), a 120-kw electric motor, and a battery pack. The Converj concept offered a top speed of 100 mph, and a driving range of 40 miles per charge. The car is a two-door, front-wheel-drive, plug-in hybrid. When the ELR finally lands in showrooms, the model year will be 2014.

For more about Cadillac products, see the brand’s official corporate website:
http://www.cadillac.com

Larry Bell