Used Car Prices and the Dealer

Are you looking for a used care dealer? If you are, you should not have any problems finding one. In today’s day and age almost every new car dealer also has a used car lot where they sell trade ins, etc. But just like buying any car, you have to be worried about getting the best price possible.

When searching a dealer that offers the best deal on used cars, there are a couple of things that you can do to ensure your success. First off, make sure that when you are doing this that you find a dealer that is willing to negotiate with you. Of course this means that both sides get a fair deal, but you want to at least be able to feel like you are getting a good deal.

Also, make sure that the price that you are negotiating on is fair. Check out similar cars in your area and see how much they are selling for. If it is less explain this to the salesman and ask them if they can meet the price. In most cases this will work because they will want to earn your business.

Overall, almost every dealership has a used car department. But just because a car is used does not mean that you should miss out on a good price. If you learn how to negotiate and know what to ask for you should not have any problems finding a car that suits your needs and budget.

The Hyundai Azera Surges to the Top

Hyundai’s all-new near-luxury sedan, the Azera, has been received with critical acclaim. Consumers and critics are calling the Hyundai Azera the highest quality, most luxurious Hyundai to ever appear in the highly competitive US market. A recent award from the automotive consultant group, AutoPacific has underscored what many are quickly learning: the Hyundai Azera is a car that leads in customer satisfaction. None of this is a surprise to Hyundai, but it may be as surprise for you. Read on for a look at Hyundai’s darling near-luxury sedan.

Near-luxury, you say? Yes, it is a category reserved for cars that have many luxury appointments and high engineering standards without the price. Retailing at just over $27,000, the Hyundai Azera is a bargain when compared to similar cars from BMW and Lexus, but not quite the engineering and technological marvel of these two competitors, however. Yet, the Hyundai Azera is offering plenty for consumers at prices well below that of its would-be competitors.

So, what has Hyundai dished up with the Azera? Plenty:

If you like performance, then the Hyundai Azera delivers. Try this on for size: a 3.8L V6 that produces a hefty an impressive 263 horsepower and 255 pounds of torque; terrific for a car of its size.

If you like speed, the Hyundai Azera beats out the Toyota Avalon by registering a zero to 60 time of 6.5 seconds. Compare that to 6.9 for the Avalon.

If you like authenticity, then the Azera’s real wood and aluminum trim will inspire you. No plastic trim, no faux wood…the Hyundai Azera incorporates Lexus-like luxury into its cabin.

If you like cabin comfort, the Hyundai Azera’s lengthy feature list is sure to please. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, power front seats, a 60/40-split rear seat, dual automatic climate control, and a CD/MP3 player are some of the creature comforts offered with the SE. Order the top of the line Premium Azera and you get a rear window sunscreen, a 6-disc Infinity sound system, adjustable pedals, rain-sensing wipers, folding side mirrors, and much more. Keep in mind that even with all of these “extras” the price of the Azera holds well below the $30,000 level.

Styling is all new for the Azera which is on a stretched version of the Sonata platform. The Hyundai Azera replaces the dated XG350, a car big on luxury but disappointing on engineering.

Yes, the Hyundai Azera boldly goes where no U.S. marketed Hyundai has gone before. This is good news for a leader and a car that will certainly cause Toyota and Honda to stand up and take notice.

Copyright 2006 - Matt Keegan is a freelance automotive writer covering the classics, new models, and industry trends. You can maintain your car - domestic or foreign — with the help of high quality auto parts from AFE, Green, and K&N.

First Steps in Reducing the Driving Test Delays for the Irish Learner Driver

We have talked and written a lot in the last six months about all the reasons for Driving Test Delays, of which there are many! It would make interesting reading to set up a questionnaire for the Public to see what the perception actually is.

Depending on which sector one happens to belong to, the results would be stark in their emphasis.

(1) If you belong to the Mature Adult Sector then assuming you have been driving since your early twenties you will have built up a very substantial memory bank of situations, experiences and horror stories that will affect your opinion. You will no doubt be concerned that we have(a) no real incentive to progress beyond a Provisional Licence unless forced to, or (b) that today’s new young drivers seem to think that learning sufficient to “Pass the Test “is quite enough driver education thank-you!

(2) If you belong to the Middle Group of Drivers with say ten or more years under your belts(!) then you may be either totally unconcerned about the level of unsupervised Learner Drivers milling around ,until they run into you that is! Or you might perhaps take a more mature approach and blame it all on the plethora of Government Departments all vying for a piece of the Public Relations Pie who talk, huff and puff, set up enquiries, invent new Authorities and then dump them, and so on and so on.

(3) If you belong to the New /Younger age group of Learner Drivers then you are likely to be of the opinion that it is your God-given right to have a Driving Licence whether you have had any Driving Lessons or not; whether you have passed your Driving Test or not; just so that you can get around, impress your friends and generally be cool! Driving Test requirements are not any where near your top five Agendas …sure why would they be when you rarely are stopped by the Gardai for using a phone while driving; for carrying too many passengers home from a Party (this is a really cools scene incidentally); for displaying NO L Plates (even a week from your Driving Test) and so on…

(4) SUMMARY …We are all responsible for the Huge Delays in the Driving Test appointment system (if you can call it that) and since the numbers of new drivers going on the road is just going to increase exponentially for the next few years I believe that the first starting point to reducing the wait to a more acceptable 8 weeks or so is with, wait for it….

Driver Education:

Compulsory Lessons…Mandatory number of hours accompanied by Professional Instructors( who should be Professionally Accredited and Monitored)…Minimum number of Lessons before being allowed to sit the Driving Test… and Minimum number of hours tuition before driving unaccompanied(IE Zero).
Parents should take the inculcating of Driving Skills to their offspring very seriously which means Lessons from an Accredited Driving School first and then practise with Mum or Dad second …not the other way round.

Here are the current figures recently released:-

(5) Average waiting Times 2005 = 42 weeks!

If more Drivers were to take a suitable number of Professional Lessons then the first -time Pass rate would be much higher leading to the shortening of the waiting list which is chock full of drivers sitting their Test for the second or third time or more. It’s just part of the Equation …if all the various aspects were addressed with some sincerity then we would (will?) bring the sad situation under control in a year or two If we don’t then things will continue to deteriorate until our accident rate becomes the butt of Jokes Worldwide and not just in our cosy Euro Zone!

Astral Driving School, Limerick.Ireland is concerned about all the issues facing Drivers today whether they are young or old (like the Author)and believes it to be an obligation to pass on the fruits of a forty -year Driving Career to perhaps ease the pain and heartache that so many Families are facing.

Robin Piggott is the webmaster of Astral Driving School and the chief author of the two Driving Test and Learner Driver Blogs.Have a look you could learn something new!

http://astraldrivingschool.blogs.ie =Motorvating Blog.

http://www.astralmotoring.ie =Astral Driving School Website

GM Technician Training

No matter what level a technician starts at, the GM Technician Training Strategy allows for training at high school, college, and higher levels. This is done using a unique three-tiered approach, which customizes training to a specific technician’s needs.

For example, GM ASEP provides training for technically inclined students opting for a career in maintaining and servicing GM cars. The partners who develop and supervise the program are GM, its dealerships, and many North American universities. Only GM ASEP teaches current GM products. GM ASEP gives students the flexibility of alternating between attending college and working at a sponsoring GM dealership for two years. Students will graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology.

GM ASEP incorporates advanced automotive technical training with a strong academic foundation of math, reading, and electronics, and both analytical and technical skills. Students will be able to receive a solid education while also acquiring invaluable on the job experience, because they can earn an Associates Degree while learning and working on the job. More than 15,000 service technicians were created ever since 1979 due to GM’s continuous dedication to recognize and maintain GM car service education program colleges and universities.

Provided here is the information regarding the GM Automotive Service Educational Program.

Looking For Antique Car Part?

Finally you are able to own that antique car you’ve always dreamed of. You can be the talk of the town and get all the attention you want.

For many, restoring the classic car is also one of the reasons they purchased it. They don’t mind about all the time and money spent on it, because it’s one of the charms of owning an antique car.

First you’ll have to look around and figure out where indeed you’ll find the parts. This is when a bit of research is involved. It can be quite difficult to find all the parts you’re looking for.

The best place to look for the part is on the internet. Just type in “antique car part” and your city and see what you get. But if you don’t find anything much you research for, online stores and purchase the parts online, they will then be delivered to you. This is even more convenient since you don’t have to leave the house. Get all the parts you want with the click of a mouse.

There are even many companies that work with you to find the antique car parts you need. They are like a locator service. You tell them what part you want and they basically do all the work for you and find where the part can be bought. Of course you will have to pay them a fee and buy the part from the place they found.

There are also companies who solely focus on antique car parts. They have a vast collection that can be offered on their web site or store. If you buy it online you’ll have to pay shipping. But hey, if you’re having trouble finding a part, it would be worth it to pay a little more to get what you want.

Another place to check out would be you’re local newspapers. You may be lucky and find someone who is selling a part that you need. You might even be able to bargain a little bit, as it’s not a company selling the part.

It may be a difficult task finding the antique part you need, but with a little research you’ll have a better chance finding them.

Jason Cox is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for www.carparttips.info/ . His articles have also been featured on related sites such as www.carpartsforu.info/ and www.1-scuba-diving-gear.com/

Researching a Car That is Right For You

Researching a Car That is Right For You Researching your new
vehicle is a daunting task in today’s world. Once you have
narrowed your next vehicle down to 2 or 3 choices it is time to
research. Take out a sheet of paper for each vehicle and write
down pros and cons for each one. Also on each sheet of paper
list the attributes which are most important to you. This list
might include: MPG - if you put a lot of miles on your car this
factor could make a big dent in your wallet if you pick the
wrong car. Engine power - HP is a big factor for many people out
there. Price - nothing needs to be said about this one. Interior
space Repair costs - consider the average costs to repair a
fender-bender. Insurance costs - this is often overlooked by
buyers and can catch you by surprise. Standard options. Anything
else, which is a factor to you. The idea is to custom tailor
your list to meet your needs. If you don’t care about engine
power then leave it off your list. Now how do you get the
information which is on your list? Here is a list of excellent
resources to use in your search. Offline: Consumer Reports
Magazine Auto Week magazine Your local newspaper’s auto
section Local dealers Online: Consumer Reports - requires a
subscription just like the magazine. Edmunds.com Kelly Blue
Book NADA guide book Car.com After your research is done you
should have a clear picture of which car is right for you. What
do you say? Clear as mud? Well take a step back and if you have
2 vehicles which are comparable you will then have to resort to
one of the following. Go with your gut feeling. You know the one
which says get the Porsche not the Yugo. Ask your wife, husband
or SO. (you might want to let them in on the decision a little
earlier than this if they will be driving the car too.) Flip a
coin. Ask your god for some divine intervention? Good luck!

Car Tune Up

A tune up is a simple task that almost anyone can do. This will make your vehicle more fuel efficient. This applies for any motorized vehicle. The filters are a good place to start. Depending how often you do a tune up will affect how much of an improvement that you will see. Most mechanics suggest a tune up by 60,000 miles.

The engine air filter can be your first tune up item. The air filter is located over a carburetor on older cars. The air filter is in the airbox on fuel injected motors. The fuel filter can be located anywhere between your engine and the fuel tank and should also be replaced. If the fuel filter is clogged it can make your engine run lean.

Many times if your check engine light has been on it is due to the o2 sensor not working correctly. This is normally only replaced when it fails but usually will not last long anyways. Now is also a good time to have your transmission filter replaced. If the transmission filter has alot of miles on it the transmission could be slipping.

Replacing this may need to be done by a mechanic, unless you feel comfortable enough to it. The filter is usually found under the transmission pan. The transmission filter will usually pull straight down and out. Unless you have the scarce, screw on filter like saturns.

The ignition system is also very important and requires attention. The spark plug wires will usually wear out even faster than the 60,000 mile tune up. Try half that mileage and it will save you money and troubles. Spark plug wires wear out and lose resistance, making the car run rough and use more fuel. While replacing the spark plug wires it is also a good idea to replace the distributor cap and rotor.

The engine’s distributor cap will come off easy, usually with two screws. It may be easiest to remove the distributor cap first to keep the wires running to the correct spark plug. When the cap is removed, the rotor will be located under it and usually has a push in tab to release it. Reinstall the new distributer cap and proceed to remove one spark plug wire only.

Now it is time to replace the spark plugs. The spark plugs will usually come out with a 5/8″ or 13/16″ socket. Replace the spark plug with a new compatible plug. Check the gap with a feeler gauge and tap on or pry the electrode back in until you have the gap the size it needs to be. Most engines run the spark plug gap between .030″ and .045″ depending on the vehicle.

Now refer to the wire set up on the old distributor cap. Trace the one wire back to where it needs to be on the new cap. Do this to all the wire and plugs so that they can’t be mixed up. The ignition timing should also be checked by connecting a timing light to #1 spark plug wire. The timing setting should be around 8 to 12 degrees advanced or zero on newer cars.

The actual timing spec, along with the spark plug gap, will be displayed under the hood on a tag. Also if excessive oil was found in the air filter, you should replace the PCV (positive crankcase valve) which will be usually be found in the head, valve cover or air cleaner/box. If there is no oil in the air filter then the PCV valve is o.k. This will return your car to the factory oem specs and will probably improve the power, smoothness and fuel economy.

Jerry Lemke is the author of http://www.freeengineinfo.com A site for information for repair and modification of various vehicles.

Bulletproof Glass Explained Again

Have you regularly been in need of buying bulletproof glass and wondered how it stops the bullets fired at it? Bulletproof glass is made by using a strong material referred to as polycarbonate thermoplastic or by using different layers of laminated glass.

This fancy polycarbonate layer is normally put right between layers of regular glass. A bullet will probably pierce the exterior glass layer, but will be stopped by the really solid polycarbonate layer before it can pierce the inner layer of glass. There’s also what’s called bullet resistant glass that’s made of laminated glass layers. This is assembled from sheets of glass glued together using some sort of liquid rubber.

As technology develops in the field of bullet resistant glass we now have a new type of bullet proof glass called one-way bulletproof glass. These types of glasses are normally used by armored cars.

The beauty of this glass is that it will resist incoming fire arms striking the outside of the glass, while allowing those on the other side of the glass, such as guards, fire from inside the armored car, through the glass at the exterior threat outside.

Generally One-way bulletproof glass is made up of two layers. A brittle layer on the outside and a flexible layer on the inside. If a bullet is fired from the outside it will hit the brittle layer first and will probably shatter an area of it. This shattering of the glass absorbs some of the bullet’s energy, and spreads it out on a larger area. When the slowed down bullet hits the flexible layer, it will be stopped.

However, when somebody shoots a bullet from the inside it hits the flexible layer first. The bullet will then go through the flexible layer because its energy is focused on a smaller area. The brittle layer will then shatter outward because the inner layer flexes and doesn’t stop the bullet’s progress.

By: Paul Kelly
Auto Glass

Pontiac Solstice 2006: The Weekly Driver

The Pontiac Solstice is less expensive than its two primary competitors, the Honda S2000 ($33,150) and the Mazda MX-5 ($20,435). And that presents a dilemma. The new roadster has the most unique design of the trio and offers several other keen innovations.

Yet the Solstice falls short in several areas, and that makes the debut vehicle an uncertain choice regardless of its economical attractiveness.

From a design perspective, the Solstice succeeds. During my weekly test drive, I received more comments and got stares and glances than in any other vehicle I’ve driven.

There’s nothing jagged or abrupt about the Solstice. The car has fine curves and smooth, rounded corners. In short, it’s sexy. A full-on front view reveals a short, compact grill. With its elongated headlights, daytime running lamps and the small, pointed Pontiac insignia, the front of the Solstice resembles a human face with a determined expression.

Additionally, the 18-inch wheels fit perfectly under the body and the windshield is angled just right. The Solstice looks like a sports car, and it’s an American sports car.

Only one Solstice model is available. It has a 4-cylinder, 2,.4-liter, 177-horsepower engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. (Pontiac says an automatic transmission will be available later this year.) Unfortunately, the Solstice’s sharp sports car looks don’t fully equate to a sports car drive. The manufacturer reports 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds, but the acceleration isn’t authoritative, and there’s a constant exhaust noise while shifting through gears.

Sports cars aren’t particularly known for being quiet or for smooth rides, so it’s hard to fault the Solstice. There’s substantial road feel, wind whistle and some intermittent squeaks over around-town speed bumps. Yet, for sports car enthusiasts, those characteristics are part of the vehicle style’s attraction.

What sports car enthusiasts appreciate more is sports car handling, and that’s the Solstice’s best attribute. It’s well-balanced, feels tight and it’s extraordinarily secure on the road.

Sports cars can feel inferior on highways, but the Solstice is confident and has better assertiveness at higher speeds than when it’s called upon to accelerate quickly in a lower-speed predicament. There’s also good side vision (for a convertible) when the top’s up.

Although I didn’t drive the vehicle with the top down, it’s the convertible top and the trunk panel that’s problematic. The ragtop secures with side hinges, but the hinges aren’t well designed or particular secure.

The trunk panel features innovative dual bumps, and it opens in reverse of most trunks.. The ragtop fits into the trunk, but the process isn’t simple. If the ragtop is up, the trunk space still isn’t much — perhaps enough for a duffel bag or a small suitcase.

While its exterior design is admirable and innovative, the Solstice’s interior features are contradictory. There’s sufficient leg and head room and the instrumentation is nicely designed and user friendly. Armrests are positioned ideally for easy comfort.

But passengers sit particularly low in the cabin, and the top end of the instrumentation panel nearly obscures front windshield vision. Although it’s a small problem, the cupholder extends from below the small storage bin positioned between the back of the seats. It’s not easy to reach for a secured drink.

My test vehicle included three option packages — premium (leather seats and steering wheel and steering wheel radio controls, $590); Convenience (Cruise control, integrated fog lamps, $455); and Power (door locks, remote key entry, power windows, $625). Air conditioning adds $925, and the audio system with XM satellite system adds another $915. Another few charges — floor mats to a slip rear differential — push the price to $23,230.

For under $25,000, the Solstice is an interesting choice. It’s a U.S, roadster and it can satisfy the driving wonts of sports car enthusiasts. But it has its drawbacks, and it also may present a unique scenario for owners. They’ll rarely, if ever, be able to drive the Solstice without attracting attention.

Pontiac Solstice 2006: The Weekly Driver

Safety features — driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags

Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 20 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway).

Warranty — Bumper-to-bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 6 years/100,000 miles

Base price — $19,420.

James Raia, a journalist in Sacramento, Calif., writes the syndicated car review column, The Weekly Driver. To read more reviews, visit the web site: http://www.TheWeeklyDriver.com

Revamping the Fiesta

The 2006 Ford Fiesta would be soon cruising down the streets starting this year 2006. Ford Motor Company asserts that “with their bold exteriors and more colour choices than ever before, the new Fiesta range injects passion into every journey.” An impressive in-car technology, a range of advanced engines, and Ford’s advanced safety system has been added in to give drivers renewed confidence.

This new vehicle from Ford features striking new exterior styling with a fresh, wide-eyed look all due to its distinctive new headlamps. Its interior has a wide choice of stylish new trims and fabrics giving off a spacious, sophisticated feel for its cabin. Other features had been added in that includes Bluetooth, a satellite navigation control, and voice control to perfect the whole new 2006 Ford Fiesta.

This vehicle is a mid-class supermini car that was designed by the Ford Motor Company in Europe, and was also manufactured and crafted in other countries like Brazil, Mexico, China, India, and South Africa. It is marketed worldwide with Japan and Australia in the list. Considered to be one of Ford’s most successful cars, it has over ten million units sold in six distinct generations since its production in 1976 and continues up to the present.

Its history goes back to the early 1970s when demand from consumers for small cars were on the rise, and Ford’s strong competitors were launching cars like the Fiat 127 and the Renault 5. The demand has also been affected because of the effects of the energy crisis in the year 1973. The company had to craft a small car to compete in the market. The “Bobcat”, a prototype and project of the company, had been the basis for Ford’s new car which was the Fiesta. The Ford Fiesta was then introduced to the world in the year 1975. This vehicle has also earned a feather in its cap when it was pronounced as Australia’s Best Small Car winner in 2004.

This new 2006 Ford Fiesta features a whole new face plus a complete new interior. The exterior has been done in with prominent changes to its front and rear ends. The Fiesta’s nose will feature new headlights and a redesigned grilled to reflect that of the new Focus. The rear also sports revised tail lights and a new bumper as well. Side skirts and new alloy wheels complete the changes. Changes in the interior have been of the most drastic. The architecture reflects that of the Focus, with its fit and finish being top notch.

Ford has no intentions of being outpaced in this hurried race for automobile innovations and advances. With all the breakthroughs in the industry, Ford Parts and Performance Parts stands by its commitment of delivering excellently engineered Ford Fiesta parts, and replacement auto parts to along with Ford’s efforts of sustained production of quality vehicles.

Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.