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Car auctions are a great way to look for a vehicle if you know what you’re looking for, and you understand the rules. Just like any purchase situation, auctions have their own set of rules and standards that differ from a private sale. Though each auction house may have different or additional guidelines, most follow the basic set of guidelines listed below. First, the FAQs:What are the benefits of a Car Auction?In most cases, you’ll get a drivable vehicle with a pink slip that you can take home that day, or the following day depending on payment schedules.Where do the cars come from?You’ll find lots of different vehicles for sale at an auction. Ex-government vehicles, leasing companies, fleet operators, finance companies, and even general auctions with privately owned vehicles. Check around the various auction houses often to see if they have what you’re looking to buy. They get different vehicles in every day.Can you inspect the vehicles?Yes, in most cases, you can inspect the interior and exterior before the auction begins. However, you won’t be able to test drive the vehicle before purchase. You’ll want to check the times with the auction house and arrive in plenty of time to inspect prospective vehicles.Are there warranties?The cars are sold ‘as is’, meaning what you see is what you get. Some auction houses will do a pre-auction inspection and verify problems and damage. However, some auction houses don’t provide this service, so you’ll want to be prepared. Be sure you’re knowledgeable about cars and understand the vehicle’s problems before making the purchase. If you have little car knowledge, bring someone with you that knows what they’re doing.The Bidding ProcessIf you’ve never been to a car auction before, you might want to go and visit one before actually bidding to see how it works. Once you register for a bidding number, you’ll be able to get in on the action. Auctions can happen very quickly, so be prepared when the vehicle of choice is announced. Double check the lot or engine number for verification.When the auctioneer brings a vehicle up for bid, he’ll start at an amount and raise it at different monetary increments, such as $100. When you bid, raise your number and make sure the auctioneer acknowledges your bid. He’ll look to you as the bidding increases for your nod to raise your bid. When the bidding is done, he’ll knock down (bang the gavel) the vehicle to the highest bidder and record their bidding number.Bidding RulesAuction houses take bidding very seriously, and you don’t want to end up wasting your money on something you don’t want. Make sure you understand what the auctioneer is offering, and the price. Once you make a bid you cannot withdraw it. So by bidding, you’re making a commitment to purchase that vehicle or item.How to PrepareMake sure you get your finances in order before the auction. You’ll be expected to give a deposit (usually $500 to $1000). You’ll also want to know what your budget is, so you don’t get carried away during the bidding. If you can, research what kind of car or truck you’re looking for, and get a price range of what that car sells for to help you make bidding decisions.What Do You NeedYou’ll need to show a valid driver’s license or passport (they want a photo ID) and have either cash or a bank check to cover your deposit.Now that you know the rules to car auctions, you’ll be on your way to owning a vehicle in no time. Just be careful to follow the bidding rules, and you’ll end up with the title on a vehicle you’re happy to drive!

They work like most other auctions: You have an auctioneer and bidders. Sellers of auctioned cars can be anyone from car dealers to car lease companies to credit lenders to law enforcement agencies. The bidders in the auctions are usually car dealers, car collectors, and private individuals. In some cases, private auctions are held just for dealers or collectors who are invited. The person with the highest bid wins the auction for the item being bid on at the time. All bids form a binding agreement. All auction sales are final, unless otherwise stated.One of the most common types of car auctions are the ones held by car lease companies. Once a car becomes one to five years old, depending on the car model and the lease company, the car lease company will typically stop leasing the car and instead try to sell it. In many cases, the car lease company chooses to auction the car off because it does not specialize in car sales and it is inefficient for the lease company to try to put the car out on a lot and try to sell it themselves. A car lease company’s best buyers at these are typically car dealers who do specialize in selling cars. In these cases, the car lease company benefits by getting quick cash for the car and not having to pay for storage, upkeep and sales people. The car dealer benefits by getting a relatively new car that has been well-maintained that it can sell at a decent markup.However, sometimes it is the car dealers themselves who hold car auctions. This generally occurs when they are running out of space on their sales lots and they want to use that space for cars that sell either more quickly or at a higher profit margin. In these situations, the car dealer will be able to get rid of the car quickly by putting it in an auction and use the cash flow to put more current inventory on the car lot. It is not uncommon for the seller and bidders to all be car dealers.The most talked about types among the general public are government car auctions. That is because the government regularly seizes vehicles involved in felony offenses. These cars come in more varying conditions than cars from other types of auctions. Many of these cars have been highly customized and tweaked. These are the auctions you hear about where a bidder shows up and puts in a small bid and suddenly finds himself with a new car. While this is not the normal situation anymore, it does still frequently occur.For a variety of reasons, increasingly larger vehicles are showing up in car auctions. It is not so unexpected to see a large diesel truck or recreational vehicle auctioned off these days. These often provide a much better deal than small cars as there are fewer bidders there for these types of vehicles.Before you go to a car auction, make sure you find out what the rules are for that auction. Some allow you to inspect the cars before the auction takes place. You should take advantage of this or you will get fleeced because other bidders will have a mechanic look them over in most cases. Other auctions do not allow pre-inspection. Be wary of how much you bid in these auctions as good cars usually aren’t put in these types of auctions. Much of the information about various auctions and their rules and schedules is posted on the Internet.

Car-leasing has been lauded as a more attractive alternative to buying, offering in the process the flexibility to drive a new car for less. The reality, however, is that leasing is an option that is fraught with many pitfalls for the average customer. Leasing regulation does not require as much disclosure as buying a vehicle. This has given rise to many leasing scams that trick the customer into believing they are into a good deal when, in effect, all he is getting is a rough deal on the dealer’s terms.Here we look at some of these common scams and how to avoid themArtificially low interest rates:Some dealers quote a lower interest rate when in reality it’s much higher. They do this by either purposefully quoting the money factor as the interest rate or calculating the loan without amortizing some closing fees, like the security deposit, into the loan lease. Take the money factor for example: this is typically expressed as a four decimal digit, something like 0.004. Some dealers quote this as a 4% interest rate when in fact you need to multiply it by 24 to get a rough idea of the interest rate on your loan. In this example, the interest rate is a much higher 9.6% than the “quoted” rate of 4%. Make sure you crunch the numbers and understand the formula they use to calculate their interest rate. Look out for any fees not factored into the calculation. If you are not satisfied, do not enter into the lease agreement.Terminate your lease early for a low penaltyThis is an all-time leasing scam. You ask your dealer how much you will pay if you want to terminate your lease and he tells you: “You want to get out early? Sure thing, you only pay an early termination fee of $300″. What he is quoting is only the small administrative penalty of early termination, there is a much stiffer penalty called early termination fee and this runs into thousands of dollars. Do not confuse the early termination administrative penalty with the termination fee. Read the small print carefully and know exactly how much you will get charged should you terminate your lease before its scheduled end.Pay for an extended warranty you don’t needThis is another shell game to inflate the dealer’s profit at your expense. The dealer slides an extended-warranty into the deal whilst it’s already factored into the monthly payments, or he tricks you into buying a 36-month warranty on a 24-month lease. You do not have to pay extra money for a warranty already built into your payments or for one that goes well beyond your lease term. They might slip an extended warranty in. Don’t be fooled, the warranty is already factored in.No security depositAny dealer who advertises a $0 security deposit is not telling you the whole story. A security deposit is always factored in the lease under the provision for disposition fees.

Even so-called ‘hot’ areas of the world like

There’s a brand new way to sell cars and, now that the online world rules the roost, local car dealers realize that they can no longer block the dealership doors, chain them shut and answer any specific car question the prospect might have because online, no one’s walking into any dealerships.(And let’s face it, when it comes to the second largest asset a person will ever purchase…there are going to be questions!)That’s hard to do (read:impossible) that with all of these virtual visitors, huh?Well guess what? Car dealers are coming to the dramatic realization that the purchase of a car is a HUGE deal for us consumers and they are attempting to find the smartest, newest, most genuine ways to get that question and answer session going with those visitors who took the time to visit their local sites.Knowing the value of being able to answer all those questions and roll over all of the potential objections the prospect might have, local car dealers are now discovering that there is INDEED a way to bond with those virtual visitors and to answer all of the questions.And to do it all on autopilot!By applying a tiny snippet of code to the home page of any local car website, these dealers are now discovering a brand new way to establish a lasting ‘conversation’ with that new car prospect. A way in which the car dealer can suddenly use strategic email marketing methods to PROVE to those prospects what really sets them apart.With this process, car dealers have found a way to ensnare those car buyers.And do it with 100% genuine honesty.Which, for a car dealer, is a pretty cool thing to be able to say!

With more men and women driving vehicles that demand additional gas on a daily basis, the rise in prices in being felt financially. Though experts concur that the rise in gas prices are not impressive enough to hinder consumers from driving their big trucks and sports utility vehicles, the niggardly spender may see things differently. A favorite alternative for those anticipating for a cheaper way to tour is the hybrid.The “hybrid” is something of cross-bred origin or composition by definition. A hybrid automobile is one that has both a gasoline apparatus and an electric mechanism in which it operates about. The gasoline engine is frequently smaller than in conventional vehicles, permitting the electric apparatus to recompense with power. A high-voltage battery charges the electric apparatus when the car is parked. Today’s hybrids can perform using either motor or both at the exact time. This competent system is great for the ecosystem and even superior for your check book.With hybrids churning on both a gasoline motor as well as an electric apparatus, they do not demand as much gasoline as conventional vehicles. many hybrid vehicles average roughly 70 mpg, which is staggering when compared to commonplace gasoline motor vehicles. The incredible gas mileage is one argument hybrids are being jostle to the fore-part of the industry while the soaring gas prices. On another note, whereas hybrids blaze less gasoline than regular vehicles, they also discharge fewer pollutants. Studies elucidate they are 90% cleaner than a common vehicle. The bantam and thrifty engines also help reduce their total exhaust emissions, making them not just financially discerning choices but also environmentally sound choices.The reality that hybrids possess two engines that toil together to get the highest productive results in vehicle travel is the main reason why hybrids get great gas mileage. There are a few variant minor reasons that also supply however. Most hybrids are being sold with low-rolling resistance tires included. These tires are named as such because they have proven to roll easily on the road. The easily rolling measurement also means that they reduce the intensity used by the tire. With the tires using less energy, they are allowing the car to be more efficient and in turn get better gas mileage. Studies have shown that hybrids with low-rolling resistant tires have saved drivers an average of 6% extra on gasoline consumption.The usual driver of a sports utility vehicle may grumble of spending up to $50 a week on gasoline for their conveyance. These drivers are those they have just traveled in their own municipality during the week. An average hybrid driver estimates they pay out less than $20 a week in gas for their hybrid. This is due to the fact that hybrids get better mpg than old-fashioned gasoline powered cars. Diverse models of hybrids will in reality get divergent mpg rates.Charts clarify that if you own a vehicle that gets 21 mpg, you will pay out an average of $8,500 a season on gasoline. If you own a hybrid that gets 46 mpg, you will save over $4,600 a year, spending only $3,900 on gasoline. Buying a hybrid that gets 55 mpg or more, you will save between $500 and $1000 more a year compared to a 46mpg hybrid. These statistics are adequate to make common SUV owners want to run to a hybrid.If you are whacked of paying way too immensely at the pump, then you should unreservedly deliberate an alternative form of transportation. You can elect to take your bike, take a city bus, or carpool. The highest opulent option regardless is to acquire a hybrid. There are many diverse models of hybrids offered at this period. There are myriad more models coming out soon. Profuse hybrid models have palpable looks, whereas others, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid will possess a conventional “Camry” look. No matter what styles and models you like, there is something in a hybrid option for you. So, take a drive down to your local hybrid car lot and take one for a trial drive today! You will love that you are driving a car that is great to the environment as well as easy on the wallet when it comes to gasoline.

The Vehicle Registration Marks Act recently became law ( 19th July 2007 ) , it was instigated by the CNDA ( Cherished Number Dealer Association ) and was presented by Richard Ottaway MP.It will change the way a vehicle registration number can be retained.Previously , when private number plates were taken off a car and put on retention using form V778/1 , the applicant would be the registered keeper who would become the Grantee on the V778 retention certificate. The Grantee was able to nominate a third party as Nominee but this person only had one right and that was to assign the number to a vehicle registered in his name. The Grantee was the only person who could extend the certificate, change the nominee or importantly request a duplicate from DVLA. This created a potential fraud situation whereby a retention number could be sold by the grantee who could then request a duplicate ( which supercedes the original ) and the buyer would lose the registration number. Similarly a buyer could pay the seller to put the registration number on retention and never receive the V778 retention certificate as it would be posted out to the Grantee .Under the new Bill the applicant ( registered keeper ) will be able to nominate a third party to be the Grantee on the V778/1 thereby giving full rights to the buyer including the most important fact that the DVLA will correspond only with them regarding that registration number.Note that registration numbers already on retention will not be able to transferred in this way purely new applications for registrations still on vehicles. Nevertheless this greatly improves the security of the scheme and cuts out a possible fraud situation.Members of the public wishing to sell their private number plate would now be best advised to keep it on their vehicle until a buyer is found so they can take advantage of this new legislation , especially if they think they may be selling to a cherished number dealer. If they sell the number to someone who wished to put it straight onto a car ,they can still change the nominee to the buyer’s name and the number can quickly be assigned to a vehicle , however if the purchaser wants to keep the number on retention he will be exposed to the potential problems which the old system has always suffered in that he can only assign it to a car regsitered in the Nominee’s name , he cannot extend the certificate, he can’t change the Nominee and the DVLA will not correspond with him.It is considered a great success that the CNDA has been successful in having a Private Members Bill passed through Parliament with the help of Richard Ottaway MP.

Firestone had to undertake a massive tire recall back in 2000 involving tires made for SUVs. Out of some 14 million sold, the approximately 6.5 million still on the road were recalled. The story, highlighted by numerous rollover deaths, remained in the news for months, and had a severe impact on the manufacturer. Among other things, angry consumers often were told that replacement tires were not in stock. The recall did not go smoothly. Congressional investigations followed, and new tire safety legislation was enacted.Reminiscent of those days are two recent tire recalls involving the same defect that prompted the 2000 recall, namely tread separation and high failure rates, risking dangerous blowouts. The danger is exacerbated in hot summer months.  Now, as if there are not enough woes with recalls of Chinese products, you can to the list of tire recalls some 450,000 tires imported from

In fact, the prices these days are even concerning those who have never really given it another thought in days not so long gone by. Some of us are hoping for a little more return on our fuel investment though and seeking new and improved ways of stretching our fuel dollars. There are many ways this can be accomplished and the more that are utilized in your particular situation; the greater the reward has the ability to be.There are the common sense steps you can take to increase gas mileage, which in turn reduces the amount of money that is fed to your never satisfied gas tank each and every month. Some of these methods include things such as removing excess weight from the trunk, keeping the air pressure in your tires at the factory recommendation for maximum efficiency, have regular tune ups, preventative care, and maintenance performed, turn off the air conditioner, and drive at reasonable and consistent speeds whenever possible. While not all of these tips are manageable each and every day using as many of them as possible on a regular basis will greatly reduce the costs involved in driving your car from one day to the next.Another thing you can do to improve the fuel output of your diesel vehicle is to find alternative fuels that are effective and cost efficient. By lowering the costs of the fuel you put into your vehicle you are effectively paying less for the mileage you are getting provided you are getting equal mileage for the same amount of diesel. This can be accomplished by purchasing alternative fuels such as biodiesel, which gets better mileage than traditional diesel fuel and burns cleaner. Many areas also have fuel that is subsidized with biodiesel at lower prices than regular diesel sells for because government subsidies are offered for those who seek alternatives that weaken our dependence on foreign oil. Many find that these fuels are at the very least comparable in value if not superior to traditional diesel fuel that can be purchased at the pump.One final way that you can stretch your fuel budget for a few dimes more is by using additives such as FuelBoost Diesel Additive. The purpose of FuelBoost is to help your fuel burn cleaner and more efficiently. The chain reaction of which is less required maintenance such as filter changes, more power, less wasted fuel, and better fuel mileage. You can’t really argue with results such as that and the savings more than justify the cost of the additive.We live in a world where dimes may not seem like much alone but if you managed to save one dime for every gallon of fuel you pump into your vehicle the savings could add up quickly, particularly for those who use their vehicles for a great deal of travel or for work (such as long haul truck drivers, tractor drivers, and those who use additives in farm equipment). A penny saved was once believed to be a penny earned. Imagine the difference a stack of dimes could make.

Mens leather jackets for motorcycle riders have always been available in many designs and forms, however recently women’s leather motorcycle have also become available. These jackets are especially made to fit a ladies figure. Before this women riders had to make do with a small leather jacket that was designed for a mans physique and not a woman, therefore a perfect fit was never achieved. Most manufactures of apparel these days have recognized that more women are riding bikes then ever before as well as the fact that they have been passengers for a long time and where never properly addressed. Well that has now changed and women can now choose from many a motorcycle leather jacket.Leather has always been the preferred choice of material for a jacket. The leather offers protection from road rash. That is if quality materials are used and stitched together and re enforced properly. We recommend you buy all your apparel from a brand name manufacture. This insures that you are truly going to get some protection out of the jacket because it will be made from quality material, where as you can buy cheap leather jackets made in Pakistan and India for a lot less but you will find that most of these are a very inferior product compared to a Icon, Agv Sport or an Arlen Ness piece. You should be able to find a quality men’s or women’s motorcycle leather jacket from any of those manufacturers.Textile and Mesh are the newest thing in motorcycle jackets where as before these highly durable materials were introduced the best you could do to get a warm weather riding jacket was too get a leather perforated one. The perforations are designed to let air pass thru while still giving you protection. Now with new mesh and textile materials made from Kevlar and the like you can get almost the same protection from a jacket made from Mesh then a leather piece. These new materials have a high abrasion resistance and do not tear easily. Also most of the garments made from the mare double stitched to prevent a tear at the seams. Icon as well as Agvsport and Alpinestars make some quality mesh and textile motorcycle riding jackets for men and women both.So now a days you have a choice in materials. Decide whichever suits your needs best and is going to be the most comfortable to wear. Comfort is very important when it comes to riding apparel since if you do not feel comfortable in the item you are not likely to wear it in the long run. Personally I have two jackets one from mesh and one from leather, that way when its cold outside I can wear the thicker leather one that also has a insulated insert to help keep me warm and on warm days I can wear the mesh one and have all the protection as well as comfort to ride all day. I do have to admit I prefer the look of my leather motorcycle jacket to the mesh just because it’s a more old school look.