Showing posts with label Buying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buying. Show all posts

Why Buying a Used Nissan Is a Buy You Can Bet on

Call it used, second hand or pre-owned, one thing's for sure, if it's an older model Nissan you most certainly can call it pre-loved. In fact, it's likely that the owner of that very vehicle has simply upgraded to a newer Nissan model. Yes, brand loyalty is a given once you've owned a Nissan, ask any owner. But it's not just because Nissan offers such a vast range of top quality products, it's also its reputation for building vehicles that last. And if you're thinking of buying a used Nissan, this should seal the deal.

Understandably, the Nissan brand has earned a solid following since it first entered the country nearly five decades ago under the then Datsun badge. During this time South Africans saw the release of iconic cars such as the 1200 and later 1400 Datsun/Nissan bakkie, the Nissan Sunny and the Nissan 350Z to name a few. Today various Nissan products are manufactured and assembled at the Japanese automaker's plant in Rosslyn, North of Pretoria.

Nissan offers an extensive range of products vast enough to cover every demographic and since the brand has been around for so long, pre-owned products are readily available. Passenger cars range from the mini Micra, Tiida, Livina and Qashqai to the speed hungry 370Z and GTR, while the X-Trail, Pathfinder, Navara, Murano and Patrol allow you to conquer the road less traveled. Commercial vehicles like the NP200 and NP300 pick-ups and other commuters in turn let you take care of business. So whatever your needs or preferences, you're sure to find a used Nissan to match your requirements at any of the many countrywide dealerships such as Group1 Nissan.

Some might argue that buying new is the only safe way to go, whereas others believe that buying pre-owned gives you more bang for your buck. There are obviously arguments to support both. One myth we can bust, however, is that buying second hand means buying blind. Nissan's Valid Value programme, for example, was designed to ensure that used Nissan vehicles complied with stringent quality measures. To qualify as a Valid Value Nissan, the vehicle would have to be less than 3 years old, have less than 100 000km on the odometer and have a full service history. Furthermore these vehicles then undergo a 101-point quality check as well as a background check to ensure its legitimacy. Not only will this programme allow you to buy with complete peace of mind, but you'll get to own a car that's as good as new at a very attractive price. Now that makes good financial sense, doesn't it?

The author is an experienced automobile engineer and has worked with manufacturers across the globe. The author occasionally writes Nissan Blog Posts on motoring topics that include reviews of the Nissan Micra, X-Trail, GT-R, Pathfinder and the Juke.


Original article

Advice on Buying a Classic Car

If your annual mileage is very low, you may be retired or live very close to your workplace, running a classic car as your only vehicle may substantially reduce your motoring costs. You could even have free motoring.

If the car was manufactured before the 1st January 1973 there is no fee to pay for the road fund licence. It is considered to be an historical vehicle.

Note that the regulations state the manufactured date, not the registered date. So if your vehicle was registered just after January 1973, check the chassis number with the owners club or manufacturer to find out the date it was constructed. If the car was built in 1972 or earlier then get a dating certificate for the DVLA to claim historical vehicle status. However you still have to have an MOT and insurance, but you get a tax disk for no fee.

If your annual mileage is very low, you may be retired or live very close to your workplace, running a classic car as your only vehicle may substantially reduce your motoring costs. You could even have free motoring.

Insurance can be much cheaper for classic cars as insurance companies know you are not a boy racer. Ask your insurance company for a classic car policy, If they do not have such a policy then shop around. Your car owners club may have their own insurance company or broker.

Whatever car you buy, you must join the owners club. They will have contacts for spare parts and a mine of information about your car. Your car may have an interesting history!
Many years ago (before the internet) spare parts for unusual and old vehicles were a problem to locate. Nowadays if you go on to Google, I think you can still get spare parts for Noah's Ark!

There are 4 types of classic car you can buy.

Perfect, Original or restored.
Great, of you go, but you pay top dollar.

Running but requires some TLC.
This can be ongoing restoration whilst using the car.

Barn find, complete.
If you are handy with a spanner, great.

Basket case. (car in pieces).
Big problem, you must check that you have all the bits.

Where do you buy your car? eBay is a good start but always view and check the car before you bid.

Look at classic car magazines and newspaper advertisements. Unless you really know what you are doing, the first thing you need is a tame mechanic to check over the vehicle before you buy it. Even if it costs you a few pints it is well worth it. You can kick the tyres if you want to.

Why not use a future classic as your own car. I have a 10 year old Rover 75, and I think this could be a future classic. Other suggestions for future classics are a Golf GTI or MGTF.

Your classic car could also provide you with an additional income, such as wedding car hire or film and TV work. You could have free motoring.

Michael T J Hawkins.

You could use your classic car to provide a part-time income, go to http://www.michaelscarbooks.co.uk/ for a copy of "How to Start a Wedding Car Hire Business" You can also download a free copy of "How to Save Money on Motor Fuel" as a thank you for visiting my website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_T_J_Hawkins


Original article

Buying Classic Cars Online

Whether you're a classic car enthusiast, collector or investor it pays to search for vintage vehicles online. Finding old cars for sale can be a great opportunity to fix up a vintage Ford Model T or Pontiac GTO and add it to your collection or sell it for a profit. However, finding the right vehicles can be tricky since dealers can distort photos and details of an old car to cover up dents, high mileage and faulty parts. By starting your search online you can avoid wasting time by getting a great look at a classic car through multiple color photographs and reading up on a detailed description of the vehicle.

Anytime you are looking to buy a vehicle, be it a vintage car or modern truck, you have to be prepared for some salesmanship. Car dealers are well known for making every car sound like a bargain and as a buyer you need to be aware of these tactics and how to negotiate so you get the best deal possible. Rather than drive to a used car lot or sift through dated newspapers and auto trader magazines the best way to start a search for an old or classic car is to start online.

First, by browsing vintage cars online you are relaxed and can spend as much time as you want looking over a vehicle while opening another browse to research the specific vehicle and what previous owners have to say about it. When you go in person to check out a car there is always pressure from the seller to get you to buy it ASAP. Avoid pushy salesmen by taking your time on a classic car classified site where you can look through multiple photographs of a specific vehicle, read the detailed description of the car from the seller and compare the price against other models available.

Another reason to shop for classic cars online is that information about a vintage or antique vehicle may be hard to come by. It's easy to find facts about current cars but try asking about vintage Studebakers and Buick Road Masters and you're likely to get blank stares. When you shop online you have the capability of using search engines and auto trader sites to get valuable information about older cars such as original engines, standard features and any known defects. Being able to research this information in the comfort of your own home will allow you to learn more about the vintage car you are interested in buying without having to listen to the seller's spiel.

Lastly, browsing for classic cars on the web let's you compare similar vehicles at the same time. If you simply go to a used car lot or the home of a car seller you can't thoroughly assess the vehicle because you're only seeing one model. With the web you can pull up several exact makes and models to see if the one you're interested in measures up. Having time to be patient and make informed decisions will make buying classic cars online much easier and less stressful.

For a great selection of rare cars visit Antiquecar.com where you'll find a terrific selection of vintage Ford Model T's, classic Chevy Nova muscle cars and many other old cars for sale.


Original article

Buying a Used Car Or a New Car

The debate as to whether one should buy a new or a used car is an age-long one that can never really be concluded. An individual who buys a new car can give you loads of sensible reasons why he or she decided to go for a new car at the same time someone who goes for a used car can probably give an equal number of good reasons.

One major factor that is considered by almost everyone who is about to buy a car is depreciation. Both buyers of new and used cars usually consider what the car will cost in another few years when they are ready to trade it in for another one. Another major issue is finance obviously a brand new Toyota Camry for example will be more expensive than one with a few miles on it no matter how little. Most buyers purchase their cars on a finance plan and there is usually interest to be paid on the loan, so anyone in this situation will want to buy a nice car that will have the features he or she wants without going above the budget. Since Majority of the people in most countries are in this category and new cars are usually expensive, you will find that more people go for used cars than new cars as this is simply what they can afford.

Asides from finance and depreciation there are other factors that influence this decision. Used cars used to be deemed inferior but not anymore as there are now tools to do detailed checks of a car's history before settling for it. A major reason people get skeptical about used cars is the possibility that there might be some underlying problem with the vehicle which the owner might not be revealing. There are now approved used car warranty plans that can offer up to twelve months warranty keeping the used car buyer re-assured.

The benefits and incentives of a new car are very obvious from manufacturer's warranty to free repairs that can last up to three years; so far you can afford the one. Another factor to consider when buying a new car is the vehicle color, for example a pink Mercedes-Benz will not sell as fast as a black or grey one. Also if you buy a new car that was quite popular when it was released and the automaker is stopping production on it because a newer model is in the works, you might not have to worry much about depreciation as you will most likely get a good deal when selling because it will no longer be in production by then.

One major advantage of getting a new car straight from the manufacturer is customization; the car can be customized to the buyer's specification from interior color and material to exterior color and finishing. It is the job of the car sales guy to try to convince you to add some more features and customize to the maximum, to save yourself some money be prepared and know what you really want.

In conclusion, there are benefits to either option. The major advice given by most car dealers is to "Never go to a Car Dealership Unprepared". This basically means do some research and make sure you have narrowed down the features of the car you want from the automaker options to the size of the car before taking a trip to the dealership.

If you will like to get more information about car financing and loans, new cars, used cars, car leasing or car hire, you can visit the car leasing website.


Original article

Car Sales - More Than Just Buying or Selling a Car

Car talk is usually "strictly for men" but there are also sanguine women who have a definite passion for cars. They can also be as fearless and skilful as men and they can drive you crazy. These women are not "driven", they drive! They are not the kind of sexy women employed by car promotion companies just to pose beside flashy cars to enhance saleability.

Cars are a necessity for both men and women, especially in big cities. The highly urban atmosphere of the fast-paced metropolis even brings the car beyond its practical use. They become expensive toys flaunted for flashy looks, price value and speed. We are talking about the filthy rich who do not really care about money they spend on their cars. All they care about are cars and the heady excitement they get from their powerful plaything, such as car racing and power driving. They seem to be living in a world all their own, flying their cars to the unknown like space crafts as if beyond our earthly atmosphere.

Getting back to the real world, cars are so indispensable that a family has to have at least one in the garage. Busier families have two or more depending on their income levels. The number of cars owned is in direct proportion to how demanding their lifestyle and stature are.

Cars are used primarily for business or work and have to be properly maintained so that their functional lifespan can be optimally stretched. Otherwise, the owner will have to restructure his budget if and when a replacement becomes necessary which, to the average citizen, is essentially expensive.

Buying cars is not as simple as buying a pain-reliever tablet from the corner drugstore which is just an over-the-counter transaction, over and done with in a blitz. A car purchase project involves considerable research - from online window shopping to actual viewing of the particular car type, model, make and brand you have in mind. If you are after the best deal then getting what you really want on a budget you might have to sacrifice comforts just to be able to pay the principal and financing costs in monthly amortisations. Of course, the rich guys from the "other world" will pay cash as it will not be an issue to them.

If your budget is rather tight and you cannot afford a brand new car, the used car dealer will be very happy to help you. The used car garage can be a confusing assortment of both likable and bizarre looking cars but bringing along an expert such as a car broker or mechanic can help facilitate making the right decision that will send you home happy and smiling in your "new" car.

Looking for a Car?

When I'm looking for a car I go to car sales Sydney.

http://carsalessydney.org/ will help you find the perfect car for you.


Original article

Tips and Hints for Buying a Pre-Owned Car: How to Get the Car That Is Ideal for You

Just like wiring money to Nigerian generals or long walks on short piers, purchasing a used car is the type of task that is associated with financial risk. This needn't be, however. If one is cautious and puts a small amount of thought into it, the job need be neither challenging nor high risk. To assist, we've come up with just a few practical tips and tricks to ensure you get the best car that's good for you.

Watch out for cars you like. Most of us aren't Jeremy Clarkson and for the majority of the time a car is simply a car. When you're intending to invest thousands in one, however, you may as well make certain it's one which appeals to you. Even before you attack the showrooms and Web-sites, just pay a bit of extra attention to the cars which are close to you on a daily basis; the ones you pass on the road, park alongside at the office or see driving passed your window. Noting down the model and make of something you find appealing will give a very good place to start once you begin your search proper, as opposed to just simply throwing yourself blind into the arms of fickle fortune.

Assuming you have identified a car you like the look of, ask yourself if it's something you could live with every day. You might fancy yourself in that huge American muscle car that's going for a steal, but it'll likely drink petrol like a mule. By contrast, can that dinky, fuel-efficient Smart carry three young children comfortably on a lengthy school run?

Steer clear of cars that are likely to be attractive to dangerous drivers. In particular here, we're thinking about boy racers. Citroen Saxos, Vauxhall Novas, even Ford Fiestas are popular with the type of young, hot headed men that could very well have been driving recklessly and possibly without being insured. Even if the car looks like it's fine at first glance, there's no guarantee it has been well maintained and there could be underlying issues. Of course, if your potential car has been owned by a boy racer then the massive tail fins and under car UV lighting may also be a clue.

Take a look around second-hand car dealers. They may have a bad rap, but the infrastructure of a business gives you an assurance of quality which you won't get from a man in a lay by. Most second hand car dealers carry out their own quality checks on the vehicles that end up on their forecourts. Some may also offer a limited warranty and after-sales services.

In the event that car is more than 3 years old, check with the seller that it has a new MOT. It's not enough for it too simply have an MOT; that may have been conducted 6 months ago and any variety of problems could have developed since that time.

The Net is your friend; it can put you in contact with a large number of retailers you'd probably never ordinarily have come across. It's common practice these days for people to arrange a viewing over the internet, travel up on the train and then drive the car back if they like it. The common rules still apply, of course. Do the same checks you would were it a car you had found down the local garage, and just because you've travelled to view the car don't feel urged into buying. You'll lose more money on a poorly chosen car than you will on a return rail ticket.

Set up a test drive and ideally one that permits you to keep it over night. Don't just use it for just one journey to work and back: take it on a proper drive. You might notice the sticky clutch or grinding gears on the Colchester bypass, but you may not notice the tendency to overheat on lengthier drives or the old spring in the seat that pokes into your back.

Do an HPI check. They're available easily on the internet. Put "HPI check" into any internet search engine and you'll be presented with internet pages which need nothing more of you than to provide your potential investment's registration number. In return, you'll receive a full rundown on whether or not the car concerned has any outstanding finance, whether it has been reported stolen with the police, whether it's an insurance right off as well as whether or not it's a clone. A check will most likely be priced at between £20 and £30, but it's worthy of that modest outlay for peace of mind. Less costly offers are often available if you're checking several cars - and let's face it, how many of us just look at one car when we're buying?

Even more importantly, always bear in mind that you are a customer. You may be buying a second hand car, but that doesn't mean you should expect second hand service. Demand the very best and if it isn't adequate walk away. As a quick Google will demonstrate, there isn't a shortage of pre-owned cars on the market and that gives you great power as a buyer.

The article author works closely with used car specialists Alresford Garage, who provide a number of quality used cars with superb after sales support.


Original article

Buying An Antique Car

An antique car generally refers to cars that are older than 45 years old. This is a rather loose definition and can vary somewhat from state to state. For the purposes of registration, most states will recognize a car older than 20 years old as being antique. For the car enthusiast, finding and buying an antique car can be an exciting and fulfilling hobby. Before you go shopping, make sure you know what you're looking for. There are a lot of scams out there just waiting for someone to pay top dollar for a car that may not be a great deal after all. Some things to watch out for are:
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Make sure this number on the vehicle matches the number on the car's title. The VIN may be located at the base of the windshield, on the driver's side door sill or in the engine compartment depending upon the model and age of the car.
Will you be able to buy replacement parts for the car? This is a valid question, because antique cars need to be maintained and repaired just like any type of vehicle. If you want to maintain the integrity of the word antique, you will want to make sure that parts are replaced with original parts matching the model of your car. Check into how difficult these parts will be to locate, how pricey they will be, and who can do repairs on your type of car.
Are full service records available for the car you want to buy? Having access to the service records for your vehicle can go a long way toward knowing the history of the vehicle. They will indicate the maintenance that has been done, what some of the problem areas might be, and what parts are new.
Do your research before you head out to purchase an antique auto. Some years of certain models may have experienced chronic problems which were cleared up in subsequent years. Talk to other antique car owners and find out what their experience has been with their antique car purchases. The decision of which car to buy may be determined by whether you are buying the car to drive and enjoy every day, or whether it will mostly be a showpiece.

Now that you are armed with some knowledge and have a good idea about what you want to buy, where do you go looking for a good antique car to buy? Traditionally this was done by visiting car shows, classic car dealers, looking in your local newspaper or buying from people you know. The internet has changed the way that such car buying takes place, by bringing a local antique car marketplace right to your desk top. Now, any car enthusiast can find virtually anything they could dream of buying just at their fingertips by browsing the many hundreds of antique car websites. Buying and driving your antique car is a thrilling ride, and you will feel much better knowing that you did your research before making your big purchase.

Dan Annweiler is a car enthusiast who owns two auto-related websites: Auto Accessory News and Auto Accessory Market.


Original article

A Guide to Buying a Used Audi A4

Throughout the years, the line of Audi A4 cars has exemplified a good reputation in the world of luxury cars. The Audi A4 competed with BMW 3 series, Ford Mondeo, Mercedes C Class, Lexus IS, and Volkswagen Passat, amongst others.

The generation of A4 cars also features A4 Avant, which is a station wagon, and A4 Cabriolet, which is a convertible. Eventually, it added two performance cars in its line of luxurious collection, namely, the Audi S4 and Audi RS4. What is good about the Audi A4 is that entails both the workability of an estate car and the performance of a sports car.

If you are considering purchasing a used A4 car, you may conduct a number of inspection and evaluation on the car's features, which include the engine, brake pedals, wiring, control, handling, lights, gearboxes, and so on. Aside from the lower price tag, other advantages that come with purchasing a used Audi include the car's outstanding build quality, excellent exterior and interior, great driving and handling, attractive and stylish design, and the Audi badge that refers to the car's upkeep of its value.

There is a variety of diesel and petrol engines available for an Audi A4 car, which is why it will not be difficult for you to replace its engine if ever the used car that you are planning to buy has an inoperative engine. Moreover, it uses a cost-effective 1.9-litre TDI diesel engine, and its 4-wheel drive grip comes with different Quattro models.

However, the Audi A4 has a few drawbacks in comparison to its rival cars. One is its rear legroom, which is less spacious compared to BMW 3 series cars and Mercedes C Class. Moreover, a used A4's 1.9-litre TDI diesels are occasionally noisy, and some of the car's parts are not as fully equipped as a new one, which is why you need to ensure that you have checked the primary parts of a used A4 before you purchase it.

The Audi A4 is ideal for couples and families, for its attractive and high-quality estate models can be widely utilized by most families who often travel. It is also highly practical when it comes to fuel costs, for its three 1.9 liter TDI diesel engines, which are offered in 100bhp type, can certainly cover approximately 50 miles per gallon. Lastly, you might consider the fact that Audi A4 is one of the fastest cars present, and it can be used in both long and short distances.

If you want to know more about genuine Audi parts, you can visit our site at gtimotorsports.com to know where you can find performance Audi parts online.


Original article

Some Things to Consider When Buying a Classic Car

Many of us dream of cruising down the road in a classic sports car or maybe a something a little more elegant and luxurious. Whatever our dreams may tempt us with, when it comes to reality of buying and owning a classic car, sometimes it a long way from our dreams.

When considering a purchase of a classic car there are many common mistakes made by naïve people when buying for the first time. Unless you have mechanical knowledge or expertise, it's well worth doing some homework before you jump in to that all important purchase.

Researching online, through books and magazines is a good start, but it would be advisable to speak with some experts too. Whether it's a motoring organisation or local car club members, as the more information you are armed with when you start to look around at what is on offer to you, the better it will be for making informed decisions about a purchase.

Next, make a short list of the make or models you are particularly interested in and set a realistic budget. Because unlike new or nearly new cars, older classical or sports cars will need annual care and attention mechanically. It depends on what car you are looking to buy, how much you intend to spend, plus the age and condition of the vehicle you eventually purchase.

Don't purchase the first car you see, try not to be impulsive, get a second opinion, even better take a friend or pay a mechanic for impartial buying advice and try to get the vehicle inspected mechanically. This will defiantly save you time and money in the long run, as weeding out the problem cars at this stage will be an asset.

While you are having the car inspected, make sure both you and the mechanic take the car for a drive, this will help make sure there are no negative aspects to the way the vehicle drives & the performance is as it should be for that vehicle of the given age and mileage. Make sure you check all the paperwork and any bills that are present at time of sale, this will give you a glimpse into how the car has been cared for and potentially what the annual running or servicing costs are likely to be.

This could also be useful for a bargaining chip when making a purchase, as if your designated mechanic or vehicle inspection specialist finds any issues or potential problems and there is work that needs to be carried before or straight after a potential purchase, this could be something to use for negotiation of the car's price.

Gregory Greene is writing on behalf of Romans International, the best choice for a Porsche Dealership or when choosing a Bentley Dealers for your next luxury sports car.


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