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Showing posts with the label vehicle

Buyer's Checklist for Inspecting Used Cars

Buyer's Checklist for Inspecting Used Cars By  Anders Abadie The inspection is one of the most important aspects of the car buying experience. The initial inspection gives the potential buyer the opportunity to check both the interior and exterior for problems such as rust, a faulty sound system, or mechanical issues. Although a buyer's personal inspection isn't a substitute for a thorough inspection by a professional mechanic, it is an essential step when purchasing used cars. Before investing in a used vehicle, follow this checklist for inspecting used cars. Examining the Exterior Before you actually get into the vehicle for a test drive, it's best first to examine the exterior for any defects. While minor cosmetic flaws such as small scratches or dents often remain unnoticeable, other blemishes like rust can spread when exposed to air and moisture long-term. When examining the exterior, check for the following problems: - Cracks in the windshield or windows...

Donating Used Cars Is Not As Straightforward As It Used To Be

Donating Used Cars Is Not As Straightforward As It Used To Be By  Anders Abadie Many people have a thorough understanding of how to sell or trade used cars, even if they have never done so themselves. However, the process of donating a vehicle to charity is mostly unknown to most of us. There are many common misunderstandings about the process, which will be cleared up below. The Truth About Tax Breaks All over television, billboards, and even on the Internet, there are ads stating that if you donate your used cars to charity, you will receive a tax break. Even though this is technically true, these tax breaks are much smaller than they were in years past. Unfortunately, this is because some people took advantage of the system. Up until recently, the process was quite easy and straightforward. Taxpayers simply claimed the fair market value of the vehicle on their tax forms. This was easily determined by auto valuation services such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. As a res...

Tips for Negotiating With Car Dealers

Tips for Negotiating With Car Dealers By  Anders Abadie Negotiating with car dealers can be a daunting and intimidating task; however, if you want to get the best deal possible on your new ride you should know some negotiation basics. This article features six helpful tips for getting a good price. Know your limit You should already know your highest offer before you visit any car dealers, and once negotiations reach your limit, don't budge. If the dealer can meet your price, they'll sell to you. Don't be offended if your offer is turned down. It's nothing personal, salesmen also set limits during a negotiation and their goal is to turn a profit. If you're unsuccessful at one dealership, simply move on to another. Negotiate selling price, not monthly payments While you'll probably end up financing your vehicle, make sure you negotiate in terms of its overall price. You need to know exactly how much expense you're committing to, despite how much nic...

Guidelines for Safe Use of Vehicle Recovery Snatch Straps

Guidelines for Safe Use of Vehicle Recovery Snatch Straps By  Alex Stojanovski GENERAL INFORMATION Recovery straps are made from 100% nylon webbing that can stretch under load and recoil back to almost its original length. The combination of the recovery vehicle pull and the tension in the strap creates a 'snatching' effect that can pull a stranded vehicle free from being bogged or unable to move under its own power. Always adhere to safe operating procedures and guidelines. When used in accordance with these guidelines, vehicles may be recovered with minimal risk of injury to people or damage to vehicles and equipment. KEY INFORMATION AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Check the strap and its packaging for the stated Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS). 2. It is recommended that the minimum breaking strength of the strap should be between 2 and 3 times the vehicle's gross vehicle mass (GVM) (the weight of the vehicle and any people, accessories and suppli...

1991 vehicle with recalls

My vehicle is under recall If I own a ‘91 vehicle with recalls can I bring it to a shop/dealership for repairs... and are they for free?  First you have to understand that recalls come in different flavors; voluntary and safety. A recall will commonly have a time and/or mileage limitation. If the recall is a safety recall the age or ownership of the vehicle is not a factor. To have the repairs performed at no cost requires that the work be done at the dealer. In the event you have had safety related repairs performed prior to the announcement of the safety recall, manufacturers have historically reimbursed the vehicle owner for those repairs if they present their receipt of the repairs. Consumers can get up-to-the-minute information on safety recall campaigns, or information on the recall history of a particular make and model of the car or truck, by calling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Agency's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888...