Car Gazing #003: Ferrari F430

Ferrari F430

(+) Wonderful engine, clever electronics that help the chassis but don't spoil your fun; superstar looks
(-) the three-year wait to get one, even if you can afford it

ON THE ROAD

Performance
The F430’s new 4.3-litre V8 delivers 483bhp and 343lb ft of pulling strength via a six-speed gearbox with either a conventional floor shift or paddles behind the steering wheel. It pulls effortlessly from 2000rpm, but it’s so fast from 4000rpm to the rev limiter at 8500rpm that it seems as if the world has suddenly speeded up.

Ride and Handling
This is the first road car with Grand Prix traction aids, notably an electronic differential to inhibit wheelspin. You can adjust how much help it gives, as well as the degree of anti-skid control and suspension firmness, with a switch on the steering wheel. Its grip defies logic, while ride comfort is good.

Refinement
Part of the appeal of a Ferrari is the noise it makes. When cruising, the F430 is quite subdued apart from some wind noise from around the mirrors. However, squeeze the accelerator and the engine growls, wails and screams, giving an audible reference to your rate of progress. The paddle-shift gearbox is the smoothest yet.

OWNERSHIP

Buying and Owning
Anyone who can afford an F430 won’t bat an eyelid at the high running costs. The painful bit is the two-to-three-year wait to take delivery if your name isn’t already on the order list. Resale values are hugely dependent upon mileage, which is why many Ferraris aren’t used as often as is good for them.

Quality & Reliability
One of the great improvements at Ferrari in recent years is the quality of cars leaving the factory. The paintwork is superb and the fit and finish is close to the standards of German sports cars. The mechanical bits, especially, are a work of art and they should prove unbreakable as long as they are maintained properly.

Safety & Security
Ferrari claims the F430’s structure is so strong that there’s no need to fit side airbags. The electronic safety aids do their job brilliantly so that even 483bhp and a greasy road is not a daunting combination. Deadlocks aren’t fitted but in the UK Ferrari adds a tracking device to help the police locate stolen cars.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the Wheel
These days, you can tailor a Ferrari cabin any way you want. You sit well towards the centre in a snug seat but everything is adjustable and the view out is good for a low, wide, mid-engined car. If the electric window switches were on the doors rather than the dash, it would be close to ideal.

Space & Practicality
The F430 is a mid-engined two-seater but within the restrictions this configuration imposes, it does a good job. The central tunnel is slim to give good shoulder room, even though the seats are mounted well away from the doors. The front boot is quite small but there’s space for more luggage inside the cabin.

Equipment
The basic specification includes leather trim and electronic safety aids but you can personalise the car any way you want. Racing seats and belts, carbon or aluminium dash trim, a red or yellow rev counter and paddle-shift gearchanging are just some options.

source: www.whatcar.com

Test Driving Tips

Are you thinking of getting a used car? Are you searching for tips on what to check and look for when considering buying a car? It is of utmost importance to have a thorough knowledge of the car that you are going to acquire. This will ensure your enjoyment and contentment for the years to come using your car.

The proper mind set

First of all, you must keep in mind that test driving a car is not a simple procedure. It will determine the claimed performance of the car you want by the dealer and contrast it with the performance in real conditions. This is the time wherein you can see if the car that you have always wanted measures up with your ideals and standards.

Prepare a checklist of criteria

It is important to make a checklist of criteria by which you will be able to judge a car's performance without having any problems regarding objectivity. It will help you see the car's advantages and disadvantages without the influence of other factors that are not as important. This will also enable you to conduct the test drive faster since you already have a set list of the things that you are looking for in a car.

Explore other weather conditions

You should consider test driving a car in inclement weather conditions to have a better feel of the car's overall performance regardless of the type of weather it will be used in. It is good to know the car's feel when driving in rainy conditions or at night. If the dealer requires that a representative accompany you on the test drive, let the person know what you are planning to do and what route you will be taking.

Drive in different kinds of terrain

When test driving a car, outline a route that will take you to different kinds of terrain like bumpy roads and steep hills. When checking a car's turning capabilities and braking power, consider doing it in a side street that has very little traffic. If you are going to evaluate the car's acceleration and speed, then taking it to the open highway or the interstate is a good idea. You should also do a lot of driving on the types of roads that you encounter in everyday driving like your route from work going to your house or vice-versa.

Inside the car

When you are inside the car and behind the wheel, some of the things that you should check are the following:

Look to see if the gauges are working properly and are easy to read. Make certain you can easily see beyond the steering wheel and it does not in any way obstruct your view.

On the dashboard

After checking the gauges and steering wheel, the next thing to look at is the dashboard. Check that all the dashboard controls are within easy reach and you do not need to significantly move out of a comfortable driving position. Search for any extensions on the dashboard that may potentially cause injury to the driver or passenger during sudden stops or when surging forward.

Visibility

Check that windshield wipers are working properly. Use the squirting mechanism that applies the wiper fluid onto the windshield and find areas that may not be reached by it. This is critical since it may affect your night time driving and when driving during bad weather conditions. Does the car have a tint? If the tint is too thick, it will impair night visibility and cause you to have a hard time driving at night. There are also laws that prevent the windshield from being tinted. Check the rules and regulations in your state to determine if that applies.

On the road

While driving, check for blind spots by looking closely at the side mirrors as well as the rear view mirror. Evaluate the performance of the car's suspension by checking if it offers a comfortable ride and you feel that you are in control at all times. Look for a parking lot without too much vehicles and conduct a few sharp turns as well as a U-turn. Does the suspension work well or does the car wobble too much?

Steering performance

Observe that the car has a responsive steering mechanism. A little turn of the steering wheel should be enough for the car to respond efficiently. The steering should be balanced enough so as to have enough power for easy steering and at the same time it should correctly render the feel of the road to the driver.

These are some of the things to consider when taking a car for a road test. Remember to put a car's performance first in your priority before its other aspects.

About The Author
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com.

The Best Places To Compare And Check Prices Of Cars Online

Do your online used car shopping at Australian Cars for Sale

Do you want to buy a car but don't know how much you should spend or whether you should buy new or used vehicle? Do you know what kind of car you want but don't know which cars meet your criteria? Do you have at least three or four cars in mind and would like to compare their specifications and prices? Do you know exactly what car you would like to buy but want to research it fully? Are you raring to buy a car right now?

Do you find yourselves in any of the situation above? Then you are probably on the lookout for the best place where you can check and compare prices of cars. The Internet is filled with literally thousands of websites offering cars both used and bran new. It can really be confusing which site to visit. Of course you could visit them all but that would take you a very long time. And it is simply not worth it.

So how do you know the right place to check and compare prices of cars? Well all you need to do is follow some simple guidelines that could significantly narrow down your search for a place to buy a car.

The first thing that you could do is look for a website with a comprehensive Internet directory of automobile related resources. The site should also have links that provide a wealth of information about the ins and outs of cars shopping. It must also have resources on car accessories, auto financing and insurance.

Look for a website with a well organized database of car information. You should be able to find relevant information quickly and easily. Also, look for ratings from credible organizations. Ratings often tell if a site has good service and products.

If you are completely clueless about how to buy a car then you should visit car buying guide websites. These websites are usually a good place to check and compare prices of cars. These buying guides include data - such as reviews and safety test results - on both new and old cars.

Most of these sites have an archive of articles on specific car model reviews. Some also hive an advanced search feature that would allow you to look for information on a specific car throughout the site. Some would even allow you to search a car by price.

If you are someone who has at least two to four kinds of cars in mind, then you should look for website with good tools for comparing vehicles. A number of web sites sport superior tools for comparing cars that will aid you in scrutinizing every aspect of a certain car in comparison with other cars. Just type "Car Comparison Tools" in the search engine.

As the name suggest, car comparison tools lets you compare cars. There are websites with car comparison tools that would allow you to virtually compare cars side by side. Look for a website which lists the specifications of the cars as well as a detailed summary of the comparison. The more cars you can compare side by side, the better. There are websites that would allow you to compare up to eight automobiles side by side.

You should also be able to adequate of information like crash ratings, dealer holdback, a short anecdote of pros and cons section and warranty data. The information must be well stated and easy to read and comprehend.

You should be able to see cars compared in different categories like overview, specifications, features and safety, etc. The site must also be able to tell you which car has an advantage in terms of different aspects.

The summary of comparisons of the cars must be laid out clearly. Most importantly, the prices must be shown when the cars are being compared. This would make it easier for you to choose the car that would fit your budget.

Whether you are totally clueless of cars, know a thing or two or is a complete expert when it comes to motor vehicles there is a website that can help you check and compare prices. A website that will make it convenient for you to browse thorough different model of cars so you could properly choose one before buying.

Happy car shopping!

About The Author
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com.

Cars: Passion or Addiction?

I was watching Miami Ink the other night on TLC and Ami James, the shop owner, was buying himself a car now that the shop is doing well. He ended up buying a 1972 Cuda with a 340. Being someone that has had toy cars in the past it got me to thinking. Why is it that guys are so into cars? Ami makes some money and the first big purchase he made was a car.

I tried to figure out what it was about cars that made me buy toy cars. My last toy car purchase was a 1987 Buick Grand National with 10,042 original miles. The car was beautiful. So beautiful in fact that I hardly ever drove the car for fear of something happening to it. As much as I enjoyed driving the car, because they are very fun to drive, I loved just looking at it shining in my garage as well.

In an effort to get to the bottom of this I posed the question to some friends that are also into cars, even more so than I am. Each of them said that they couldn’t put it into words but they felt it was in their blood. They grew up around cars because of their dad and they just always loved them. The same was true for me, my father was into cars and we went to car shows together. But, that still does not answer the question. We all have a sister and the sisters were all exposed to the same things we were as far as our father being around cars. They could care less about cars, as long as they have one to drive the kids and get to work they are fine.

So what is it? What causes men to go spend thousands and thousands of dollars on weekend cruisers? I see cars for sale on eBay where it is obvious that someone had put $30,000 worth of parts and goodies in their cars.

I do not think the reason for the interest in cars is hereditary. There is something about the “need for speed” or the power of some of these cars. That gives me a rush when I drive them, but I could get those things from many cars off a showroom floor nowadays. There is also a sense of freedom when you are on a nice cruise on a brisk fall day. Once again, I could get that from any car I was driving.

The conclusion I have come to is that there truly is no way to describe it. There are just some things that you can never find words to explain, such as your love for a child. You obviously love your kids but there is now way to explain just how much. I would love to hear from anyone that could put into words why they like cars as much as they do, I think that would be interesting conversation.

About The Author
Scott Bianchi is the operator of www.bestinternetbargains.com. He writes on a variety of topics and welcomes any discussion regarding one of his articles on his forum. If you publish one of his articles with his link you should contact him for a reciprocal link.

Defensive Driving Tips On Vehicle Lane Changes

Lane changes can be one of the easiest maneuvers with a vehicle, and can be one of the hardest maneuvers at the same time. Changing lanes requires processing information and making a safe decision well in advance to make the maneuver a simple and safe task. The faster your speed is, the faster you have to process information, which in turn makes it a little more difficult. There are important defensive driving procedures you must do, before making a lane change.

Look ahead and plan ahead. If you plan well in advance, the maneuver becomes a lot easier and safer. Checking your path ahead before you consider changing lanes is the number one priority. What traffic and pedestrians are doing ahead of you is the first step in processing information and making a decision. You must always check your path ahead for vehicle traffic changes, and controlled intersections that affect these changes.

There are many potential hazards that you should be looking for. You have to be looking ahead for vehicles slowing down and possibly stopping in front of you, and making sure you’re on the look out for pedestrians that may step off the curb up ahead. Also checking for vehicles that may possibly come out in front of you, or from another merging lane. A good indication of what traffic and pedestrians are going to do ahead of you would be motorist signaling ahead of you with a signal and or brake lights. If their signaling to turn, they have to slow down and possibly stop for other traffic or pedestrians, depending on circumstances where they are turning. All this information is important, because it affects everybody in motion.

While your checking your path ahead, you have to know what is happening behind you. If you use your rearview mirror all the time, you will always know what is happening around you. Using the rearview mirror, gives you a bigger picture than your side mirrors. Checking your rearview mirror should be done at a glance only. Your main concern is in front of you. When glancing at your rearview mirror, you should be glancing for traffic coming up faster than you, also vehicles signaling to change lanes behind you. They may be picking up speed to pass your vehicle.

In order to make a safe lane change, you have to either slow down to let traffic get by you, or speed up to stay ahead of traffic, without going over the speed limit. If you’re doing the same speed as traffic behind you, they won’t catch up to you, unless you start braking. If traffic is doing the same speed, you should accelerate slightly to maneuver over to the other lane, unless there is a good reason not to.

Once you know what is happening both ahead of you and behind your vehicle. The number three procedure is signaling to let traffic know your intentions on the direction you plan on maneuvering. The signaling procedure is for communicating to other drivers. If you signal and let other drivers know what you’re doing, they may slow down to let you make the safe lane change. Warning other vehicles of your intention to change lanes, include vehicles ahead of you and behind you.

Drivers negotiating to maneuver out in front of you may stay where they are, if they see your signal to move over, possibly into the lane that they want to maneuver into. People do not always do what there suppose to do, so anticipate the worst. Take nothing for granted! It may be a safer lane change beyond traffic waiting to come out, if you have time. You also have to consider not surprising the vehicles close to your vehicle by signaling as they approach the corner side of your vehicle. They may panic and brake, thinking you’re moving over sooner. Wait until they are beside your vehicle and your signal is out of their sight before you signal to warn other traffic behind your vehicle. This seems like a lot of info for just a signal, but communicating with other drivers are important in defensive driving.

After you have signaled and you know everything is clear ahead of you and behind. Take a quick glance over to your blind spot, and make sure there is nobody sitting along side your vehicle. Stay in your lane, if it is not safe. When you check your shoulder, it’s only supposed to be a glance. You still have one more important procedure before maneuvering into the other lane.

Recheck the lane ahead of you, just before you turn the steering wheel to make sure nobody is stopping or coming out into your path. Once you have glanced over your shoulder and looked forward, gradually maneuver over right away with a slight adjustment of the steering wheel. Only if it’s safe! You do not want to be maneuvering over, if there is a vehicle stopping in front of you, or coming out in front of your intended path. If you cannot make the maneuver right after the shoulder check, cancel everything and start over. The worst scenario would be traveling an extra block in town.

Do not make lane changes at intersections. Make sure lane changes are done before and after intersections. Intersections include any crossroad, side road, lane or street.

Constantly planning well in advance and constantly using your mirrors, will help you become a better defensive driver.

I hope these defensive driving tips help your goal in becoming a safe driver.

For more information on this topic, please consult with a family member and a recognized Driving School on defensive driving techniques.


About The Author
George Gabriel owned and operated a Driving School for several years. Taught over 2000 kids and adults how to drive. Now operating a Discount Tee Time site at http://www.golfanchor.net and a golf site at http://www.golfanchor.com.

Car Gazing #002: Ford Expedition

2006 Ford Expedition

Vehicle Overview
In 2003, Ford hailed its redesigned full-size sport utility vehicle as the "best on the road, best in the dirt, best in the snow." The Expedition, which is closely related to the Lincoln Navigator, was second in size only to the Excursion in Ford's SUV lineup. Now that Ford discontinued the Excursion, the Expedition ranks No. 1 in dimensions among Ford's SUVs.

All 2006 Expeditions use a 5.4-liter Triton V-8. A Reverse Sensing System and a Safety Canopy side curtain-type airbags system are now stand-alone options. A chrome-tip exhaust pipe is standard on the King Ranch edition.

Six trim levels are available: XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer, Limited and King Ranch. The instrument cluster was redesigned for 2005, and raised roof rails replaced the previous roof rack. For 2005, the available AdvanceTrac electronic stability system gained Roll Stability Control. AdvanceTrac applies the brakes to individual wheels to help control the vehicle during a skid or spin.

An on-demand ControlTrac four-wheel-drive system automatically distributes torque to the wheel that has the most traction. Expeditions also come with rear-wheel drive.

Exterior
Claimed to be stronger and freer of vibration than the previous-generation model, the current Expedition has well-defined fender and wheel-lip moldings. The four-door Expedition has a 119-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 205.8 inches.

Ground clearance is 9.3 inches, and all models ride on 17-inch tires. A load-leveling air suspension is available.

Interior
Three seating configurations are available, and one offers space for nine occupants. The second row can be equipped with a 40/20/40-split bench seat or a pair of captain's chairs. The second- and third-row seats fold flat, and a power-folding 60/40-split third-row seat is optional. The center of the second-row bench can slide forward 11 inches.

A navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are optional. Maximum cargo volume is 110.5 cubic feet, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the third row.

Under the Hood
All Expeditions hold a 5.4-liter V-8 that produces 300 horsepower and 365 pounds-feet of torque and mates with a four-speed-automatic transmission. Available with rear- or four-wheel drive, the Expedition can be equipped to tow as much as 8,900 pounds.

Safety
Antilock brakes, a tire-pressure monitor, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist are standard. Options include a Safety Canopy side curtain-type airbag system and a Reverse Sensing System that detects objects to the rear while backing up.

Driving Impressions
Drivers aren't likely to mistake the Expedition for a passenger car, yet the sizable SUV yields a light, almost carlike, sensation. The ride isn't gentle, but it leans toward the soft side. Occupants get bumped a bit on rolling pavement, but this experience isn't as harsh as that of a full-fledged truck. Even relatively smooth surfaces tend to produce excess motion.

On twisty, two-lane roads, the Expedition behaves admirably, provided that you exercise some restraint in curves. This SUV appears quite sure of itself when traveling off-road.

Ford's 5.4-liter V-8 produces sufficient vigor under most conditions, though its performance isn't stunning. Engine and transmission responses are excellent.

Comfortable, well-cushioned seats deliver good support. Second-row occupants don't have an overabundance of legroom, and the gauges aren't the easiest to read.

Source: Jim Flammang cars.com

Tips For Selecting New Cars

Purchasing A New Car

When people buy new car, keep abreast of the newest selections, makes and models. Bringing home a new car can provide happiness and joy. However, at the same time it can be very expensive if you are not financially well off. All sorts of new cars are being sold in the market, cars for the middle class, business class and sports car. Whenever you plan to buy any of the new cars available these days make sure that you are well aware of the facts and figures related to cars. Learn about the things and parts that you must look for before making a deal. Browse the net, read books or seek your friends help. Keep yourself abreast of the following tips that can make your selection and purchase of any of the new cars easy.

- Be leery of advertising. Never get carried away by the advertisements that might be enticing. Always check your budget and the price of the car that you are buying. Enquire for the prices of all the new cars. Luxurious cars are no doubt the best in the lot of new cars but if any of their parts breaks you could end up investing quite a big amount in its repair. Therefore, before buying, ask yourself whether that particular brand of car and vice-versa is the best for you?

- Check for the financial aid offered on new cars. This can also help you to make your choice if you are confused. Also get your car insured once you buy it.

- Before buying, consider the fact whether you will be using your new car daily or occasionally. For daily use, a strong and durable car must be selected, but occasional users can settle for fancy and delicate ones. Also check whether or not the parts of the car will be easily available in your area. Do check the services centers as well.

- Select a car that is made for the roads and the traffic in your area. For example you cannot run a sports car on the roads full of potholes. Although, this may sound weird, it helps to control your emotions when you visit the showroom for new cars and get fascinated by a flashy sports car.

- Put money aside for emergencies. If your new car happens to be the vintage car the money to be stored can be somewhere around $3000 or more.

About The Author
Ferat Verkau is the proprietor of Great New Car, Inc., your premier source for all of your new car needs. Find your new car at: http://www.greatnewcar.com

How To Estimate A Used Car’s Value

Comprehensive list of used cars

When searching for a used car, one of the most important factors to consider is whether the car you are looking for really is worth its tag price. Even though the car may look like quite a deal, it is possible that you are being ripped off. Here are a few tips to help you make that decision when considering used cars.

1. Do a Little Research

When you find a used car that catches your fancy make sure you do research on that car. Find out how much that car costs if it were brand new. You should also look into whether the car is still in production and if its parts are still available. You could also try a little shop hopping to compare used car prices among cars of the same value and same age.

If a car’s price is too low, that should send you into a state of alarm. It is possible that the car is much more trouble than it is worth.

If it is too expensive, you may want to ask why that is so.

2. The Older the Car the Cheaper is Should Become

Brand new cars typically lose up to 30% in their value in 3 years, and by the time the car is 5 years old, it may have lost up to 65%. If you know the car’s original price, you may want to use this rule of the thumb for your estimation.

3. Use a Third-Party Information Service

Car Fax is a good way to find out about used car histories. They offer a service that will give you a detailed history of the car you are interested in. The information included will typically include accident history and insurance data.

Kelly Blue Book is one of the most comprehensive used car value listings around. It would be a good idea to take a peek into their services for an updated list of hundreds and hundreds of used car values.

4. Take a Mechanic with You

A car’s value is also directly related to its running condition. If you are not that well versed in mechanics and cars, you may want to take a mechanic along so that he or she can evaluate whether the car really is worth the used dealer’s tag price.

Some used car dealers will offer cars that are defective and try to hawk them by sweetening the deal. Beware of these kinds of car dealers.

Try to look for a reputable dealer. The past experience of your acquaintances will be very valuable in evaluating a car dealership.

About The Author
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com.

Buying A Used Car? Know The Basics

If you feel purchasing a new car is tricky, then buying a second hand car can be quite trickier. But don't fret just yet--with these guidelines to keep you on track, that used car could be one of the sweetest deals you've ever had.

Where to Look

Snoop around. It pays to be on the lookout for owners wanting to shift to a newer model, and thus wanting to sell the car of your dreams. This is where your friends and family come in. Aside from referrals, they could more or less ensure that the price is reasonable and the car's ownership history is satisfactory.

Asking the Right Questions

Why are the owners letting the car go? Make sure that they are not selling due to any major problems.

How long have they owned the car? Given proper maintenance, a five to seven year-old car would generally be in good condition. What repairs have been done, or are currently needed? How's the mileage? The lower the mileage, the better. However, a used car with more miles could be satisfactory, too. In this case, ask about the vehicle's use. Was it a family car limited to city driving? Does the car come with a warranty?

Take Note of the following:

Body rust or holes are difficult to repair. A body panel rusting through is to be replaced. Different paint shades from one panel to another, peeling and cracked paint, or smudges on other car part indicates a poor re-paint job, which needs to be re-done. Threadbare tires, chipped or cracked glass, the electrical work and what's beneath the hood should be given proper attention, too.

Going Out for a Test Drive

If it's a manual car, the clutch shouldn't slip. If the clutch slips, instead of being steady as it accelerates, the motor will be revved up as when using neutral. If this happens get yourself a new clutch! Is the exhaust not chugging out excess smoke and noise? The car may need some good motor repair, or some of the exhaust system parts replaced. Do the pothole test. Overly shaky rides could indicate a suspension problem, an alignment problem and or a tire problem. Always have a trusted mechanic or a car aficionado friend to thoroughly go over the car with you.

The Turn Over, at Last

The number of previous owners, registration details, applicable taxes, and insurance papers - should all be properly documented. With the paperwork done and the payment terms agreed upon, you're ready to hit the road, and enjoy the ride!

About The Author
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com.

Why Are You Buying That Car?

Before buying a car – new or used – you should ask yourself why exactly do you need a car. Other than the obvious reason of having convenient transportation, are there any other pressing reasons for buying a car?

You should try to identify the reasons for buying a car and justifying if they are indeed valid reasons. Perhaps it is a necessity like requiring inexpensive transportation to and from work. Or, maybe you are a work at home mom or dad and need a vehicle to haul children around to school and various other activities. Regardless of your reasons, make certain that purchasing the car is for a valid purpose and not just because you want to outdo your neighbors.

The following are basic questions and reasons you should consider when making that all important car purchase:

How They Treat You - Though not always true, when buying cars, you could get many ideas just by observing how car sales people deal with you. Usually, these non-verbal signals are fairly correct enough enabling you to know what to expect from your car purchase.

Is The Price Right? - The best time period to buy that car you have always dreamed of having is later in the month. Usually, there are numerous rebate programs and bonus offered by month’s end based on a dealer’s monthly sales quotas. The idea is that, sometimes dealers fall short of meeting their sales objectives. If their performance is assessed by the end of the month this can prove to be good news to most car buyers since dealers now have no choice but to sell vehicles at a price that is lower than their norm. They are pressed to make more sales that will count for their monthly sales and that puts you at an advantage as a buyer.

Peace of Mind - Sometimes dealers do a song and dance routine just to make that sale. The result is that often car buyers end up with car features they realize later on they do not really need and a price they actually could not afford. You can avoid this potential stress by always remembering to trust your instincts. If ever you feel in doubt, do not let yourself be pressured to making that purchase now.

Is The Dealership Trustworthy? - If at any time you feel that the person selling you the car is not trustworthy or simply do not like him or her, always remember that you have the option to leave. You are always free to politely walk away, anytime, anywhere, and in any way you like it. But if there are not many car dealers in your area, you may want to linger for a few moments more and wait until the negotiations you have with your dealer breaks down and you simply have no option but to run off.

The Invoice Price - Another thing to consider when buying a car is the invoice price. Make sure to ask that you see the invoice. If dealers are working their tails off against it, you have enough reason to believe that the car being offered is an unpleasant deal. Usually, the price on the invoice is the cost the dealer paid the manufacturer for buying the car. This is before any rebates or incentives were included. Once this is known, only then will you have an idea as to how much the dealer could profit from each vehicle sold.

Incentives - There are instances when manufacturers provide the dealers with a little something extra, like money, rebates or a bonus because they are able to sell cars that are either overstocked or undersold. Make sure that before actually purchasing a car, you were able to know if that car you are buying has some dealer incentives attached to it. If so, take off that amount from the car’s purchase price and have yourself a very good deal and hopefully, a very good car as well.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price - This is commonly called the sticker price. This is the price one usually sees in the window of the car that is being sold. Never ever consider paying the amount stated on the sticker price. This amount is just the starting point to your negotiations with the dealer.

Finally, do not forget that you should always sleep on it and then decide. This is a lot better than making your mind up now and forever holding your peace!

About the author:
Dr. Drew Henry is the webmaster of a chain of auto-related websites, including http://www.carpricesnow.info and http://www.carquotesecrets.com. For more articles and resources about cars, visit his sites today.

What To Look For When Buying Cars Online

Ten years ago, you would be laughed at if you were to tell someone that people would buy cars without first inspecting them in person. Well, today thousands of people are buying cars on the internet through sites like eBay, without ever physically coming in contact with their cars before the purchase!

Let's face it: The internet is a hassle free place to shop for cars. There are many advantages to shopping cars online. When buying a car online, you don’t have to listen to a dealer talk about the specs of a car. You just have to read all about it in a website. You don’t have to go to a showroom, you just to have to point and click your mouse and you could browse through different make and models of cars. And if you want to take a second look at a car it’s very easy.

Furthermore, transactions can be done without you having to go out of your room. After ordering the car you want and paying the price, all you have to do is to wit for your brand new vehicle to be delivered to the nearest dealer. Some dealers would even deliver the car right at your doorstep.

Depending on the sites you are visiting, the method in which they sell cars to you will differ. Some websites will only get you in touch with a real car seller. This means you have to transact the traditional way. Then there are websites that would take car of everything. Some websites would even deliver the car at your doorstep. Of course this would mean a bigger amount of service fee.

However, before you decide to buy a car online, you must first know exactly what kind of car you want. How? By determining the types of car you’re looking for and the price you are willing to pay for that car.

Below are some helpful tips for buying cars online:

1. Make sure it’s safe. Make sure that the website you go to is secure and reliable. Most sites would let you browse by car type, by price range or both.

2. Research carefully. The most important thing to do is to research. Don’t get too excited. Check on the different packages available.

3. Read Third Party Reviews. Read reviews about the different make, model and year of cars. A good website must also have reviews and ratings for the cars they are selling. But you should also cross check by visiting independent car sites or sites that do not sell cars or are connected to car companies to get a more objective review.

4. Ask yourself what features are important to you. Do you give much ore importance to fuel efficiency than speed or vice versa? Are you more concerned about safety features than a good sound system? After you’ve done all these, it’s time to determine your budget. Just how much are you willing to spend for a vehicle?

5. Check on the history of the particular car line. You can easily do this by consulting consumer magazines and websites. You could also check out the website of the car’s manufacturer.

6. See if you can meet the seller offline. If you don’t want to make all transactions online then you could ask the dealer to meet you in person once you found him on the Internet. Upon meeting the dealer, negotiate with him as you would a normal car dealer and then sign the papers.

7. Do a detailed background check of the website or person you are about to buy from. It is advisable to buy only from websites which has detailed information about the vehicles they are selling. Ask if they have conducted inspections of each car in their lot through independent mechanics. If they have, then you’ll know that that website is a good place to shop for cars.

By following the above tips and always being aware that you are dealing with a legitimate, trustworthy seller, buying cars on the internet can in fact be a fun and rewarding experience. Now, who says you have to visit your local car dealer to buy a car?

About the author:
Dr. Drew Henry is the webmaster of a chain of auto-related websites, including http://www.carpricesnow.info and http://www.carquotesecrets.com. For more articles and resources about cars, visit his sites today.

Car Gazing #001: Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin Vanquish

Very beautiful, very fast, very modern, very capable.
A high-tech, high performance super-tourer for the 21st century.

ON THE ROAD

Performance
Fast? With the S version’s 6.0-litre V12 pumping out 520bhp, of course it’s fast. Aston claims a 200mph maximum, and if you can tame the wheelspin you’ll hit 60mph in just under five seconds. The standard car’s 480bhp engine is almost as quick, but it’s also remarkably easy to drive, with masses of low-down pull.

Ride & handling
The standard Vanquish is not a sports car so much as a driver-oriented grand tourer that can cover huge distances quickly, comfortably and safely. The ride is superbly absorbent and the car disguises its considerable size well: there’s even a tight turning circle. The S models have stiffer sports suspension and sharper steering responses.

Refinement
The noise produced by the V12 engine is simply magnificent, and even though it fills the cabin under acceleration no-one will mind. It melts away at cruising speed, though, when a bit too much road noise invades the cabin.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
The waiting list for a Vanquish stretches into months. Anyone in the market will be unperturbed by the cost of buying it, insuring it, servicing it and fuelling it (astronomical in every case). What might irritate, from a convenience rather than financial point of view, is the frequency of the fuel stops; you’ll need to fill up about every 250 miles.

Quality & reliability
The Vanquish is built around a structure of carbon-fibre, composites and aluminium and has a hand-formed aluminium shell, all superbly finished. The mechanical parts are beautifully crafted, too. Sadly, the leathers, metals and plastics in the cabin are not to the same standard and are more suited to a Toyota Camry than an Aston Martin.

Safety & security
As the most prestigious car in Ford’s Premier Automotive Group stable, you’d expect the Vanquish to have all the safety features and security defences available elsewhere. It does, and adds one or two extras, including a winter setting for the gearbox, which softens getaways to avoid loss of traction.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
Everything is logically placed and easy to find and use, and there’s a good driving position, although it might be cosy for more ample owners who have had years of good living. The modern materials look a little out of place, though, and rearward visibility and oddment stowage space could be better.

Space & practicality
You can purchase the Vanquish with a two-plus-two seating layout or with a ledge capable of holding suitcases in the rear of the cabin. The second of those options makes most sense: a Vanquish is never going to seat more than two in comfort, and owners who go on long journeys will certainly need more than the small standard boot.

Equipment
There’s a reasonable amount of equipment, as you’d expect of a car of this type – it includes a Formula 1-style paddle-shift gearbox that even has a fully automatic mode – but the list of goodies isn’t as long as it should be. Items such a multi-media system and sat-nav, standard on a Lexus at a third of the price, aren’t factory-fitted.

Source: www.whatcar.com