Posts Tagged ‘buying a car’

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Trying To Choose That New Car

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Making that decision to go for a new car is something that a lot of people find tough and this is because it is tough and something you must take a lot of time with, this is because you are going to be spending years with this car so it makes sense to do it! So will it be something like the BMW X6 or perhaps the Seat Leon? Although these are the first questions you need to ask yourself there are many things to think about.

 

Pricing It Up

This is surely one of the first things that you are going to have to consider and if you cannot afford something then is there really any point in giving it time of day? Everyone knows that the new Ferrari would be one of the ideal cars out there but will it get you through finance lease but once again it is just not worth it if you do not have the money. You always need to make sure you look at your bank account to help you decide.

 

Family

Thinking about how big the family is should be important? If you are taking the kids to school all of the time then perhaps you should not be thinking about a convertible, wait until they are a bit older and you can get one and go around with your partner then, family should always come first.

 

Costs Of Running

Although we have already covered the price this doesn’t touch the running costs of the vehicle and all of this research will need to be carried out correctly in order for you to make sure you do not run into debt with vehicle.

 

Make sure that you consider not only all of these points but also other points out there too!

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Online Car Buying

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

With everything virtually possible, why not car buying online?

Now, buyers can go online and do all this and more… that is if you know where to look in the World Wide Web. Here are some sites that will help you make car buying online as easy as shopping for grocery. So click away and take that virtual shopping cart.

The comparison strategy

Web sites like AutoVantage allows users to look at several models, their specifications and features and to compare them with each other. There are also resources on the site that would help you answer those frequently asked questions about car buying online.

Price is the name of the game

If you have already been car buying a few weeks now and know the model that you want, you can check your dream car’s prices online before going to different car dealers and haggling. You no longer need to visit several dealers as this site makes car buying online or even offline a breeze.

Virtual loans and finances

With the advent of super technology, car buying online has become a one-or-two clicks activity. One useful site is the E-loan, which offers loans and other financial arrangements. The site also contains various resources that would help people who are car buying online for the first time.

Insurance at your fingertips

Believe it or not, you can put insurance arrangements in your virtual cart when buying a car online. What is more, you can compare the prices of the plans being offered by several insurance companies. When buying a car online, you can try the site, 4insurance.

Delivery a click away

If you are not comfortable purchasing a car that you have not yet seen or examined, you can arrange to have it picked up instead. One site that has this feature is CarsDirect.com.

Saving on warranty

Doing your research and scouting for an extended car warranty online can actually save you up to 60% of the actual cost since this is usually sold direct. For prices for extended warranties, you can visit Warranty Direct.com, which offers several quotes. By John G. Nuble

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Mazda: Zoom-ZoomTo Success

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

Since the launch of the zoom-zoom advertising campaign, Mazda has been on a drive to popularize its vehicles and create greater brand awareness in the car-buying public. It always galled the advertising and brand executives that people usually thought Mazdas were either Hondas or Toyotas, and you’ll notice they insist that recent models have the company name affixed as part of the car’s name, e.g. Mazda6 not Mazda 6.

The company was formed in 1920 by Jujiro Matsuda, and current headquarters is in Hiroshima, Japan. The name is derived from the Zoroastrian god of reason Ahura Mazda, and the emblem is an ‘owl’ symbol. Financial turmoil suffered in the 1960s caused Ford to invenene in 1979 and buy a 7% stake. This has been gradually increased over the years, but in 2008 when Ford itself was haemorrhaging money it reduced its stake in Mazda, and Mazda even bought back 6.8% of the shareholding. About 1.3 million vehicles were sold in 2007.

Mazda’s Lineup

The Mazda lineup kicks off with the BT-50, a one-ton pickup truck with a three-litre diesel engine, also available as a dual-cab. The Mazda2, also known as the Demio, is a small city car. The latest model is beautifully styled and is definitely giving the Ford Fiesta some strong competition. The Mazda3 is a larger hatchback that has a 2.0 or 2.5 engine. The performance model MPS comes with a 2.3 turbo. The Mazda6 is a popular midsize sedan also sold with a choice of 2.0 or 2.5-litre engine. The MX-5 is a long-lived small sports car that’s won high praise from many motoring journalists and owners for its high driving-fun quotient. The RX-8 is a 4-door sports coupe with Mazda’s uncommon rotary engine. The engine can produce 170kW of power despite only having a displacement of 1.3 litres thanks to is high-revving nature and architecture. The SUV of the line is the CX-7.  It has a 2.3 turbo engine and is a midsize crossover with a 2.3 turbo engine.

Researching a Mazda is as easy as looking for Mazda reviews. If you are searching for a second hand Mazda, head over to carsforsalenz.co.nz. Take some time and get a free car history prior to purchasing.

In general, Mazda has moved towards a larger range of solidly performing ‘journeyman’ vehicles, moving away from the raw power and fury of the RX-7 range that gave it so much kudos in the motorsports and performance car arena. Even with solid fleet performers and family cars, Mazdas find themselves slightly lost in the sea of equally competitive cars from Toyota, Mitsubishi et al.

 

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Mercedes-Benz, Going Strong Since 1881

Sunday, December 12th, 2010

If there is a single most recognizable brand in motoring, Mercedes-Benz is a contender for the spot. Mercedes-Benz’s history goes back to 1881 when it was founded by Karl Benz, the man who would 5 years later in ’86|five years later in 1886| five years later] invent the original petrol-powered car; an important automotive milestone despite later developments. To many people, Mercedes-Benz is not just a car company. It is a matter of status and luxury that lets others know that you’re somebody, that you’ve “made it”. The company is well-situated as the luxury car brand most people in the world aspire to, yet this mass appeal does not detract from the brand. The name Mercedes-Benz and its famous 3-pointed star emblem are together the backbone of one of the world’s most valuable brands.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles suffered a worrying drop in quality in the late ’90s and early 2000’s, when the company unwisely decided to dramatically increase sales volumes at the expense of build quality. According to surveys taken, owners were not happy with the cars bought in this time and Mercedes-Benz took action. Reliability rankings have been improving since 2005 and Mercedes-Benz is near the top of the quality surveys once more.

Some of Mercedes-Benz’s Models

The Mercedes-Benz range is very comprehensive, and kicks off with the A-class, a small classy hatchback. The B-class is next up, it is a slightly larger hatchback. Critics have been puzzled by the decision to have these two very similar cars on the market. The midsize volume-selling C-Class follows, and it’s available in a massive range of engines and trims, from the C200 Kompressor with a 2.0 supercharged engine, to the C220 BlueEfficiency engine with its environmentally clean, frugal diesel engine, all the way up to the C63 AMG, a tyre-smoking hotrod version that makes for one of the best cool car pics. The CLC is a compact C-Class that could be said to be somewhat truncated.

The semi-executive E-Class is here as well, also available with a satisfyingly large choice of engines; together with the CLS, a swoopy 4-door coupe based on the E-Class platform. First shown as a concept car, it was not in fact meant to be put on the marker. However, the demand from customers and clamour from the motoring press game Mercedes-Benz little recourse but to fire up their factories.

The aristocratic S-Class is a hot favourite of corporate titans, and it has been several times been labelled as simply “the best car in the world”. The sports-cars of the line are the SLK and larger SL which have spectacular, metal-origami folding hardtop roofs. The M-Class, long-time rival to BMW’s X5; the larger GL-Class resembles a larger M-Class, and the odd R-Class, a cross between SUV and MPV with six seats.

Mercedes-Benz’s cars are not cheap. If you are looking for a used Mercedes, try carsforsalenz.co.nz. Remember to get a vehicle check before you make any vehicle purchase.

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The History Of Kia

Sunday, December 12th, 2010

A second fiddler to Hyundai, their relationship mirrors that of Honda and Toyota in the respect of both Kia and Honda being somewhat “overshadowed” by the local giant. South Korea’s second-largest automaker is Kia.. The manufacturer sold around 1.6 million units in 2009 in 172 countries, runs 13 assembly facilities and employs over 42,000 people. Kia was founded in 1944, it is headquartered in Seoul, the current president is Hyung-Keun Lee and they have been selling to North America since 1994.. It is also ironically part-owned by its major competitor Hyundai. This is due to the Asian financial crisis of 1997 that caused Kia’s bankruptcy and Hyundai to outbid Ford for a 51% stake in the marque.

Kia, like Hyundai, decided around 2005 to pursue a more ‘European’ aesthetic. A former employee of both Audi and VW by the name of Peter Schreyer was brought on as head of design and the subsequent designs and sales of Kia models are a positive result of this change. The defining feature of Kia’s new look is the distinctive ‘Tiger Nose’ and it seems the company is really living up to its slogan “The power to surprise”.

Kia’s Models

There are a number of Kia models on the market. One is the Cerato, a small sedan/ coupe offered only with a 2.0 litre engine. The Carens is a compact 7-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) also marketed as the Rondo in other regions. The Carnival (Sedona elsewhere) is a bigger 8-seater MPV with a 3.8-litre engine. The resident workhorse is the K2900, a pickup. The Magentis is a rather boring midsize car that began production in 2002. Especially popular in Europe, the Picanto is a small and affordable car good for city commuting. The Rio, a subcompact, can be purchased as either a sedan or a hatchback. Sorento is a midsize crossover SUV that features a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Smaller than the Sportage is the Sorrento. Its 2010 model is one of the year’s most notable SUVs. Last is the Soul, a 1st-generation mini-MPV incorporating the Tiger Nose and first unveiled in 2008.

Maybe you are looking for a used Kia. Always get a car check before you purchase. If you are considering buying a new Kia, companies such as NAC Insurance will supply Kia insurance, even if you subsequently modify the car.

Rapid growth and some effective design decisions in the last 10 years has seen Kia expand its range to encompass practical people movers, sensible sedans and stylish smaller cars for trendy urbanites.

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Maserati, An Italian Classic

Friday, December 10th, 2010

Maserati is an Italian manufacturer of sport-luxury automobiles. Maserati is now headquartered in Modena but was founded in Bologna in 1914 by the five Maserati brothers. Maserati is a member of the Fiat Group and has a trident for a logo. Maserati’s motorsports heritage is rich. They won their first race in the 1926 edition of the Targa Florio.

Maserati, like some other notable Italian marques, has had several different owners over the years. In 1937 the surviving brothers sold Maserati to Adolfo Orsi, who relocated the headquarters to Modena. In 1968 Citroen bought the company, and in 1975 it changed hands once again to new owner De Tomaso. In 1993 Fiat purchased the marque and has used its resources to give Maserati a resurgence. Fiat sold half of Maserati to Ferrari in 1997 but Fiat part-owns Ferrari making this a somewhat unusual deal. However, Ferrari’s capital, shared platforms and stability have been welcome. The Modena factory is now one of the most high-tech in the world after a 2001 overhaul. Sales have also climbed steadily, and the company even has an exotic supercar, the MC12.

Maserati Models

The Gran Turismo and the Quattroporte are the two main models in the Maserati range. The GranTurismo can be easily recognized by its concave grille and is one of the best-looking coupes you’ll ever see. The engine choices consist of either 4.7 or 4.2-litre engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The other car is a large sport sedan with the same drivetrain options called the Quattroporte (Italian for “four-door”). Then there is the uber-exclusive MC12 – if you have to ask the price, you probably can’t afford it. The MC12 is a staple in any gallery of cool car pictures.

Maserati plays at the top end of the car market, and its cars are not cheap. Finding out about your next potential Maserati is as easy as looking for car reviews. Take some time and get a vehicle history report before you make any vehicle purchase.

Buying a Maserati is entering into a rich history of motorsport plus luxury that perfectly suits the discerning buyer.

 

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The History Of The Lotus Marque

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

In 1952, the great Colin Chapman founded Lotus. Although located in Norfolk, United Kingdom, Lotus has been owned by the Malaysian manufacturer Proton since 1994 when former owner Bugatti entered bankruptcy. The company has had success in motor sport, especially Formula 1, having won 7 world championships between 1963 and 1978. They won their first race with the notable driver Sir Stirling Moss in 1960.

Lotus is actually a group of two companies, Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering. The engineering division has worked closely with other manufacturers to produce suspension and powertrain components; for example GM’s 4-cylinder Ecotec engine was manufactured by Lotus, and it powers several cars in GM member companies, among them Vauxhall, Opel and Chevrolet. In addition, they developed the first monocoque Formula1 chassis, and were the first to integrate engine and transaxle into the car’s chassis, as well as advanced aerodynamics.

Lotus Models

Lotus primarily produces sports cars, and some more hardcore track machines. First up is the 2-Eleven, which is an open-top racer that actually has to be changed to make it road-legal. This is aimed at the trackday market. The next model is Lotus’ best-known, the Elise. A lightweight roadster that uses its sub-one-tonne mass and 1.8-litre engine to pull off some surprising speed and acceleration. The Europa is Lotus’ concession to making a more upmarket, usable sports car, but it is still lacking in equipment and practicality compared to rivals. The coupe counterpart to the Elise roadster is the Exige. It is only available with a 6-speed transmission and a 1.8-litre engine..

Lotus cars are moderately expensive. If you have the financial capability to purchase a new Lotus, insurance companies such as NAC will supply Lotus insurance, even if you subsequently modify the car. If you are looking for a secondhand Lotus, visit carsforsalenz.co.nz. Be sure to get a car check before you purchase.

Driving a Lotus shows you are a true enthusiast. Their impractical and compromised nature is more than made up by their exhilarating performance, though.

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Lamborghini, From Tractors To Icons

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

Lamborghini is Ferrari’s main rival in exotic Italian sports car manufacture’. The company was started in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini and is based in the small town (village really) of Sant’Agata, where it also operates its sole factory. Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, now owns Lamborghini due to a succession of owners that couldn’t keep the company in the black. The oil crisis of the 1970s almost killed Lamborghini, since fuel economy was not (and is still not) a trademark of its cars, but Audi’s ownership has heralded much-needed stability and increased profitability.

The tale is often told of how Ferruccio started the company. He owned a successful tractor manufacturing company, and with his wealth indulged himself by buying a Ferrari. He was dissatisfied with his car’s handling and noise and went to Enzo Ferrari himself to have a chat about it. Enzo Ferrari retorted that Feruccio should stick to the making of tractors and leave sportscars to himFeruccio was not a timid man himself and set out to build a car to rival Ferrari. So began a fascinating new chapter in automotive history. Lamborghini does not concern itself with motorsport since its founder considered it to be a unproductive use of company finances. This originally caused some friction between Ferruccio and some of his engineers, some of whom had come from Ferrari.

Lamborghini also has its own quirks, like the famous upward-opening doors on most of its models, and a technique, invented by their legendary test driver Valentino Balboni, in which the driver sits half-outside the car on the door sill and looks over the top of the car while reversing, owing to the poor rear visibility. They name many of their cars after famous animals in the dangerous sport of bullfighting. Lamborghini is famous for some of its historical models like the 1966 Miura (considered by many to be the first no-compromise supercar), the 1986 Countach with its crazy design and the Diablo.

Lamborghini Models

Lamborghini is a source of many drivers’ favorite cars. One is the Gallardo, a mid-engine sports car available as the 5.0-litre V10 or the more hardcore 5.2-litre LP560-4 with 4-wheel drive. Another is the Murcielago, a larger mid-engine car with a 6.5-litre engine, available as either convertible or coupe.

If you have the financial capability to purchase a new Lamborghini, companies such as NAC Insurance will supply Lamborghini insurance, even if you subsequently modify the car. If you are looking for a used Lamborghini, check out carsforsalenz.co.nz. Be smart and get a car check before you make any vehicle purchase.

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Lexus, Japan’s Benz

Sunday, December 5th, 2010

Lexus is the luxury division of giant carmaker Toyota. After evaluating the marketplace in the 1980s, Eiji Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota, came to grips with brand-conscious car buyers’ reticence to take Toyota seriously as a luxury vehicle. He challenged his execs in a secret meeting to solve this, and they made the brilliant decision to introduce a separate marque to rein in these customers and stop them going elsewhere. Though some assembly is done in Ontario, Canada, the cars are mostly built in Chubu and Kyushu in Japan. The company’s largest market is the US, but Lexus is on a global expansion drive, and now operates in over 70 countries.

Lexus retailed its first car in the USA in ’89, and since then the marque’s prestige and cachet has increased to at least equal that of the German luxury manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The original cars shared many components with their Toyota counterparts, a questionable marketing move, despite the inherent reliability, but since 2001 Lexus has operated independent design, engineering and manufacture facilities. The first car to be released is still the current flagship of the range, the LS, and it immediately won several motoring awards; some motoring magazines even rated it higher than the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-series of the day, a feat simply unheard of for a newcomer. Aside from their engineering integrity, Lexus cars are known for their build quality and reduction of NHV (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). Lexus cars are known for their silent interiors and excellent quality.

Models Produced By Lexus

{One significant Lexus car is the IS, a small sedan to challenge the likes of Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3-series, and Audi A4|Perhaps the most significant (and ubiquitous) model is the IS, which competes directly with BMW’s 3 Series, Audi’s A4 and Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class}. It’s also available as the stunning IS250C convertible and the IS F super sports sedan with a 5.0-litre V8. Next up is the GS, a midsize sedan to go rival the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5-series. It’s sold with either a 3.0 V6 or 4.6 V8, or as the GS450H, which is a hybrid featuring a 3.5-litre engine and an electric motor-generator. Then comes Lexus’ flagship sedan the LS, available in either 4.6 V8 or the full-fat LS600hL, a long-wheelbase, hybrid super-luxury model. The full-sized LX and the midsize crossover RX are the SUVs of the line. Lastly the poor-selling SC430 is a luxury coupe/ convertible with folding hardtop roof that stows in the boot.

Lexus cars are moderately expensive. Researching a Lexus is as easy as looking for Lexus reviews. If you are looking for a secondhand Lexus, head over to carsforsalenz.co.nz. Take some time and get a car check before you make any vehicle purchase.

Lexus ownership says that your value quality as well as reliability.

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A Synopsis Of The Jeep Marque

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

Jeep is known for being the first manufacturer of off-roaders and SUVs. It was the inspiration for that other renowned SUV maker – Land Rover. The word “Jeep” was at first used to refer to any four-wheel drive off-roader. The disputed story of the origin of the ‘Jeep’ moniker was that American World War II soldiers named the car after Eugene the Jeep, a character in the Popeye cartoon who was small and could solve seemingly impossible problems. Even today some Jeep models still carry remnants of the original’s design, like the seven-bar grille, round headlights and short overhangs. Jeep only manufactures 4X4 off-road vehicles.

The company is currently part of the Chrysler Group, having cycled through several owners starting with the Willys-Overland Company in 1941. Jeep also licenses its production out to other companies, such as Mahindra (India) and Mitsubishi (Japan). Jeep’s head office is in Toledo, Ohio.

Jeep’s More Recent Model Range

The Wrangler traces its lineage back to the original Jeep and is a utilitarian model that has progressively had more bling applied to keep its appeal fresh. It’s even available with a canvas soft-top, and the doors can be removed for that classic Jeep look. The Grand Cherokee is a larger 5-seater SUV popular in the U.S. and is targeted towards families. It comes as a 3.0 litre turbodiesel, 4.7 petrol, or the SRT8 hotted up version featuring a beefy 6.1-litre V8. For those owners who don’t really need the full-on SUV experience, the slow-selling Patriot is Jeep’s crossover effort. The Cherokee is a compact sports utility vehicle with monocoque construction (as opposed to the traditional body-on-frame SUV), and lastly the Commander – a large seven-seat cousin of the Grand Cherokee.

If you’re considering purchasing a new Jeep, companies such as NAC Insurance will supply Jeep insurance, even if you alter the car to increase its performance and/or looks. If you are looking for a used Jeep, visit carsforsalenz.co.nz. Be smart and get a car ownership check before you buy a car.

If you’re buying a Jeep, you’re buying a lifestyle and decades of history. On the road, you’ll have to put up with average handling, and less than spritely performance (unless you have an SRT8 version), but off-road, the Jeep can hold its own.

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