Cars

Pay 28% Below Your Local Car Dealer at Government Car

Pay 28% Below Your Local Car Dealer at Government Car Auctions

Every year, millions of quality vehicles are indeed sold via Government car auctions. These take place where Government and other related organizations sell cars that have come to them for various reasons and which they need to dispose of quickly. These vehicle auctions are open to the general public. Another advantage of these car auctions is that the prices are often set to a no reserve. In fact recent figures show an average 28% below dealer recommended prices being achieved at Government car auctions. This represents substantial savings for the average person.

Many have heard of these auctions but there is still some confusion what cars are actually sold via these car auctions. Here follows a list of the main categories of cars that come up at these auctions;

1. Repossessed Vehicles
If a person or a company is unable to meet their financial contract payment dates or conditions, even after being given grace time, the finance company will repossess the vehicle at the cost of the contractee. These vehicles are sold as quickly as possible due to depreciation and cash flow reasons and are often dumped as no reserve listings.
2. Seized vehicles
Thousands of quality vehicles are impounded each year for several reasons. Many due to offence related matters. These vehicles may be deemed to be seized for various reasons and these vehicles are disposed off via Government auto auctions. Importantly, many of these vehicles are sold at no reserve limits. There are many genuine sales each year where BMWs and other luxury cars are sold up to 90% off estimated market value.
3. Fleet cars
Cars, and trucks that were driven by government officials, even police cars will be sold at the vehicle auctions when its time to vehicle to be replaced for the latest year model. Many times these vehicles are in prime condition, well maintained and under factory warranty. These vehicles are already written off and are many times sold at no reserve.
4. Surplus vehicles
When during the government and police auctions, we find surplus vehicles up for grabs, these are often specialized vehicles that were used by various departments. Again, these vehicles are already written off. And since they are often highly customized, with expensive options, there is no tangible market value. They offer a great opportunity for companies to make great bargains.

5. End of Financial term vehicles
People often take vehicles on lease for a fixed duration, and when this ends, they will return the vehicles to the financial institutions which in turn sell them via car auctions just to cover the write off value. This value is often much lower than then real value of the vehicle.

Due to the nature of these vehicles they represent a large volume of vehicles never found at your local car dealer.

Learn more at http://www.Gov-Auctions.org – The Largest US Government Auction Listing Service.

Pay as you go car insurance

You can pay as you talk with a cell phone plan, so why not pay as you drive auto insurance? It sounds like a good idea; but would pay as you drive auto insurance work for you? The idea behind pay as you drive auto insurance is simple. Basically its this- if you do not drive very much, you will not pay high insurance premiums. Advocates for this type of insurance policy think that there are many merits to this type of program. What if you car pool to work, or take public transit? You are not using your car very much so why are you paying high premiums. With a pay as you drive auto insurance premiums you would be able to quite literally pay as you go.

Another situation where this plan would be of benefit is that of many retirees who have winter homes in temperate climates, the ‘snowbirds’ living in Florida or Arizona six months of the year and six months in New York or Toronto for example. Essentially the insurance companies would set an average driving amount for each car type. It could then be broken down into a cents per mile basis. If you wanted to us the pay as you drive auto insurance system you could purchase a set number of miles and you would be covered for insurance during this period.

Pay as you drive auto insurance is an excellent idea for those individuals who do not use their car very much or try to find cost saving methods or environment saving alternatives. Currently this type of program is not yet available, but there are supporters in many states who are hoping to change that soon. Groups including Environmental Defense, the Conservation Law Foundation and even the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are working to organize a national cooperative that would work with insurance companies to offer deep discounts for low-mileage drivers; halfway a step toward PAYD (Pay As You Drive) insurance.

General Motors and On-Star Offers PAYD Rates. In mid-2004 General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) Insurance began offering mileage-based discounts to OnStar subscribers located in some states. The OnStar system reports a vehicle’s odometer readings at the beginning and end of the policy term to verify mileage. Motorist who drive less than specified annual mileage can receive insurance premium discounts of up to 40%. PAYD programs are also currently available in Israel, South Africa and Holland. PAYD is gaining momentum, and will be coming to your area soon.

But will it ever arrive in the biggest Car Insurance market, the UK?
There has been a lot of debate and forwarded working concepts but non yet approved. Discussions have been put in place and considerations made but for as far as the UK drivers are concerned, that is as far as it has gone. Perhaps the industry has too much to lose with this new money saving concept so it will be put off for a while, but as pressure and countrys evolve into the new scheme it would be irrational for the UK to stay behind, fingers crossed peps.

Bearing the Soul of a Sports Car

Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda is responsible for the Mazda 6, which is also known as the Mazda Atenza. This vehicle is a mid-size car and this replaced the Capella/626. It has a line up that includes a sedan with four doors, a hatchback with five doors, and an estate wagon. The name Mazda Atenza is only used in Japan, however, in any place the world over, this vehicle is known as the Mazda 6. The platform for this vehicle is used by the Ford Motor Company as the base for quite a number of its vehicles which includes the Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan, the Lincoln Zephyr, the Lincoln MKX, and a range of its sport utility vehicles and minivans.

A high performance version of the Mazda 6 is the 2006 MazdaSpeed 6. This vehicle features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 liter MZR I4 which has the capability to produce 274 horsepower. It has a revised front end with a raised hood, a 6-speed transmission, and an all wheel drive. Some markets, including Australia, has the MazdaSpeed 6 under the name Mazda 6 MPS, with MPS standing for Mazda Performance Series. This vehicle has an outstanding performance. Primarily, it has a driving experience and acceleration that is often seen in vehicles with a higher price to it, along with two fewer seats.

The Mazda 6 sports a combination of athletic stance along with top of the class sophistication. It gives a full attention to detail. It also has great vehicle dynamics and performance. It carries with it the characteristics of a sports car that is very rarely seen in vehicles in its class. It exudes a unique, fresh yet dynamic cabin design that is coupled up with an exceptional level of comfort and quietness. Space is something that the Mazda 6 could be generous of. Its interior has a smoothly contoured, T-shaped instrument panel that is mounted on a sporty titanium look finish. The Mazda 6s sleek interior emphasizes the power that this vehicle is capable of. It has well defined shoulders and smoother curves that makes the Mazda 6 stand high above the rest of the vehicles out on the roads. This vehicle also has put in the necessary safety standards and adds up an expressive list of advanced safety features. This vehicle has been engineered to meet or exceed crash safety standards in the different markets around the globe.

Customers and owners of Mazda 6 can check Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts extensive stock of Mazda 6 parts and Mazda auto parts.

Rumors have it that a larger version of the Mazda 6 will be made for 2008 or 2009 bearing the name Mazda 9. However, as for the Mazda 6, it certainly has been bagging awards for itself. Awards that this vehicle received includes the 2nd place for the European car of the year, the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Station Wagon award, and the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Family Car award for 2005. Along that line, this vehicle has also been included in Car and Driver magazines Ten Best list for 2003.

Counterfeit Auto Parts: A Global Epidemic

Recent concerns about U.S. port control have been focusing on the possibility that American ports will be used as a conduit for terrorists to attack America. What many people do not realize is that only about 5% of all containers going through our port system have their contents inspected by authorities. That means a full 95% of the containers never receive a visual inspection, although many do get electronically scanned. Still, it is the naked eye which can detect and determine if something in a container isnt quite right. As far as auto parts go, a visual inspection is necessary; unfortunately many fake parts do get through. A global epidemic is in progress and it has little to do with terrorists and everything to do with counterfeit auto parts. Lets take a look at the counterfeit parts industry and how you can avoid getting taken.

Yes, it is an industry…the counterfeit auto parts business that is. Every year billions of dollars worth of fake auto parts are produced worldwide and circulated to unsuspecting consumers. In some countries the problem is completely out of hand resulting in injury, even death, to drivers and their passengers. Among the parts frequently counterfeited are:

Camshafts

Rocker arms

Antifreeze

Transmission fluids

Bearings

Belts

Distributor caps

Valves

Alternators

Brake pads

Air conditioner condensers

Shocks and struts

Oxygen sensors

Spark plugs…

…the list goes on and on and on…

So, how can you spot a fake auto part? A visual inspection of the product is very important. Look at the part and feel it. If it seems or looks different from the part that it is replacing, then that can be a sure sign that it is a counterfeit. In addition, check the packaging carefully: odd shaped or odd fitting packaging, mismatched logos, typos, anything out of the ordinary should raise a red flag to you.

If you believe a part is fake contact the retailer and let them know that you suspect that they sold a counterfeit part to you. Dont accuse the retailer of knowingly doing something wrong; any decent retailer will quickly remedy the situation as it is their reputation that is on the line.

No, you cant guarantee that you will never purchase a counterfeit auto part, but you can certainly reduce the chances. Only deal with reputable retailers and when purchasing online avoid purchasing from overseas suppliers. Auto parts wholesalers not only can save you money, but lessen the risk of you getting something that isnt genuine. How is that? Because wholesalers buy everything directly from the manufacturer. No middle man to get in the way to jack up prices or, potentially, try to pass off auto parts as genuine that are in reality, fake.

The counterfeit auto parts industry is booming but you can do your part to lessen its impact. Be aware of what you are buying and only purchase your replacement auto parts from reputable dealers who stand by everything they sell.

Tips on Car Donations in NY

Taking advantage of car donation services in New York is beneficial not only for the charity you choose and the beneficiaries of that charitys support but also for you. Driving and parking a vehicle in New York is a particularly hair-raising, and expensive, endeavor. Used car donation helps relieve you of the hassle of an unwanted car in an efficient manner. You also benefit from used car donation through the tax write-off that comes when you donate to charity. Finally, car donation gives you a sense of gratification, knowing that you are helping those in your local community through your gift.

Why car donation is particularly important in New York
Charity car donation is a service which is helpful to people all over the United States, but it is particularly important in New York for a number of reasons. The large population of New York City makes it a place which is, in many ways, overcrowded. This creates a two-fold problem which is eased through the car donation program. First, making use of unwanted cars alleviates the burden of waste which occurs when there are such unused large objects littering the city. Second, car donation allows charities to better serve the needs of the population.

How car donation serves you
The stereotypes that says that New Yorkers are all self-serving has never held true. However, it is human nature to want to know what you are going to get out of any given situation, because this helps you to weigh your options in decision-making. Car donation offers may benefits to the individual donating a car. Car donation relieves you of the hassle of towing an immovable vehicle or of advertising and negotiating sales of a used vehicle. In New York City, car donation is particularly useful in helping you to efficiently move a vehicle which may be accumulating parking fees and ticket fines. Car donation also makes you eligible for a tax deduction, reducing what you owe to the government and moving that money to the local community. Finally, charity car donation also allows New Yorkers to give to their community and to feel more connected to the people around them, despite the bustling, high-energy pace of New York.

Car donation isnt just for cars
Most people who participate in car donation are trying to get rid of their cars, but you should know that car donation can help you to get rid of many different types of unwanted vehicles. Trucks, vans, RVs and trailers are just some of the automobiles you can get rid of through used car donation programs. This information is especially useful for those people who have recently moved, or are considering a move, to New York City. Many people transport their belongings to New York, only to find that they are stuck with large vehicles which are debilitating in the city. Figuring out what to do with your vehicle is the last thing you want on your mind when you first move in to the city. Car donation will take away that burden.

Doing A Little Zoom-Zoom With the Mazda CX 7

Early this year, the building and production of another new vehicle from the Mazda Motor Corporation has already begun. And the stage has been set in Hiroshima, Japan, which is also where the headquarters of this giant automobile company is based. And this new vehicle that would soon be on sale this year is the Mazda CX 7.

The Mazda CX 7 is a crossover sport utility vehicle that is midsize. And this vehicle is actually the production version of the Mazda MX Crossport that was a concept car. When this vehicle starts to strut its stuff on the market, it would actually be marketed as a 2007 model. This vehicle will fill the niche that the Mazda Tribute has left behind. However, it has been said that this vehicle would only stay for a short time which would only be up until the company is able to take off two more new sport utility vehicles come the year 2008. The Mazda CX 7 is considered to be quite similar to the Honda Pilot, the Nissan Murano, Subaru B9 Tribeca, and the Toyota Highlander.

Beneath the glamour and the beauty of the Mazda CX 7, ones interest would also be held by the machine that keeps this vehicle running. The source of power of this vehicle is a 2.3 liter straight four MZR engine. This very same engine is also used in the Mazda Mazdaspeed 6. This power source could actually produce some 244 hp at 5000 rpm and also 258 pound feet of torque at a low 2500 rpm. Aside from that, this vehicle also boasts of additional features to make the driving and riding the Mazda CX 7 more pleasant and very enjoyable. The list of features include fully independent suspension systems, four wheel ventilated disc brakes with anti lock brakes made standard, and a stability control and traction control system. Interested parties may also have a choice between a front wheel drive and the Mazda Active Torque Split all wheel drive system. The latter actually has a computer controlled coupling that is able to provide up to a maximum of fifty percent of the whole of the engines torque to its rear wheels.

The Mazda CX 7 has been built on a new platform which has shown that the rumors were untrue about this sport utility vehicle using the same Ford/Mazda CD3 platform that is also used by the Ford Edge crossover, the Mazda6, and the Lincoln MKX crossover.

To know more about the Mazda CX 7 and also to purchase parts of this vehicle and other Mazda parts, you can actually visit Auto Parts Discount. Auto Parts Discount is one of the leading suppliers of Mazda parts in the United States. Each and every Mazda part that this online store offers is guaranteed to be made from excellent quality, durable and reliable material that would surely maintain the exquisite performance of any Mazda vehicle. Also, these parts are guaranteed to fit. With the parts available at discount and wholesale prices, Auto Parts Discount also offers an excellent customer service staff for any inquiries regarding their products.

2008 Saturn VUE: Inspired by Opel

General Motors Saturn division is hard at work on building a replacement for its small SUV, the Saturn VUE. Currently based strictly on U.S. technology, the 2008 VUE is expected to be heavily based on Opel technology: Opel is General Motors principal European brand. This is good news for those who were concerned that GM would ditch the Saturn VUE. Instead, the SUV will get new life and additional support via its new relationship with Opel. While it is too early to know all the details about the upcoming Saturn VUE makeover, there are some things we do know about this revamped model.

Ever since Saturn released the first S Series models back in 1990, the company has struggled to maintain a unique identity. Neglected by parent GM, the upstart Saturn brand had to wait nearly a decade before additional vehicles were added to its line including the Saturn VUE SUV. Along with the L Series midsize cars, the three vehicle lines [ION having replace the S Series] fully comprised the Saturn line for several years. Unfortunately, none of the three models were stand out performers, so the brand suffered accordingly.

With the demise of Oldsmobile has come new life for Saturn. Now a fully integrated GM division, Saturn is getting additional vehicles to help beef up its line up. Drawing upon its highly regarded dealer network and high consumer satisfaction scores, Saturn is being quickly remade into a European style division. Saturn has Opel to thank for that.

Along with the coming Aura midsize sedan which is heavily based on an Opel design, the Saturn VUE will be based upon the Opel Antera GTC. An Antera concept has been making the rounds of auto shows across Europe and what we know about the Antera points to what we can expect to see with the VUE.

The Antera is slightly smaller in size than the current Saturn VUE; although the Antera reportedly will have only two doors, the Saturn VUE model will get four doors. Both vehicles are closer in size to the current Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V models, their chief competitors. This smaller size also permits Saturn to introduce a slightly larger 7 passenger SUV next year, the Outlook.

The 2008 Saturn VUE will feature both four and six cylinder gas powered engines. Expect both AWD and RWD to be offered. The Anteras front end will be redone to mesh with the current Saturn look. Beyond that, the VUE will likely incorporate current GM technology with upgraded safety and performance features included. A base price of around $20,000 for the FWD model is likely with fully loaded AWD versions retailing for as high as $30K.

The 2008 Saturn VUE will be built in Spring Hill, TN home of the original Saturn plant. Along with the Outlook, the Aura, the SKY roadster, the RELAY crossover, and the ION compact, new life is being breathed into Saturn thanks to Opel. This is good news for Saturn fans that have loyally supported the automaker since its inception more than 15 years ago.

The Rapid Motor Vehicle Company And Max Grabowski

The Rapid Motor Vehicle Company was started in 1902 by Max Grabowski.

It was the manufacturer of some of the earliest trucks and was purchased in 1909 by GM. In 1912 the name GMC was first used at the New York Auto Show and in 1996 the suffix Truck was dropped.

What most people don’t know is that GMC also makes cars.

In 1902 Max Grabowski founded a company called the “Rapid Motor Vehicle Company”, which developed some of the earliest commercial trucks ever designed. In 1909 the company was bought by General Motors to form the basis of the General Motors Truck Company, from which GMC Truck was made. In 1912 the name “GMC Truck” was first shown at the New York Auto Show.

In 1996 GM dropped the word ‘truck’ from the GMC Truck name, thus creating the GMC name as we know it today. There never was a Grabowski Motor Company or a Grabowski Motor Corp.

They now make personal automobiles, as well as pickup truck and bus engines.

General Motors Corporation NYSE: GM, also known as GM, is a United States-based automobile maker with worldwide operations and brands including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Daewoo, GMC, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saturn, Saab, and Vauxhall Chevrolet and GMC divisions produce trucks, as well as passenger vehicles.

Other brands include ACDelco, Allison Transmission, and General Motors Electro-Motive Division that produces diesel-electric locomotives. GM also has stakes in Isuzu, Subaru, and Suzuki in Japan and a joint venture with AutoVAZ (Lada) in Russia. In December 2003, it acquired Delta in South Africa, in which it had taken a 45 percent stake in 1997, and which is now a fully-owned subsidiary, General Motors South Africa.

GM’s headquarters are in the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.

General Motors is the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer and employs over 340,000 people. In 2001, GM sold 8.5 million vehicles through all its branches. In 2002, GM sold 15 percent of all cars and trucks in the world. They also owned Electronic Data Systems from 1984 to 1996 which is a former Ross Perot company and, prior to selling it to News Corporation, DirecTV. GM owned Frigidaire from 1918 to 1979.

The current chairman (since May 1, 2003) and chief executive officer (since June 1, 2000) is Rick Wagoner, succeeding John F. Smith, Jr.

General Motors is selling its 20 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent of Subaru, in a deal that could raise more than $700 million as per news released on October 6, 2005.

Also, General Motors Canada auto workers voted on Sunday to ratify a new contract that will lay off 1,000 workers over the next three years, the Canadian Auto Workers and GM said.

General Motors lost 2.5 billion dollars last year, and would have made a profit if it was not saddled with 6 billion dollars in health costs.

The UAW and GM are now reaching agreement to reduce this health cost by about 1 billion dollars annually.

2006 Honda Accord: Still Topping Lists

One of the best vehicles in the midsize category in the American automobile market, the 2006 Honda Accord has been redesigned and re-engineered. It is not only one of the best vehicles, it also is one of highest selling as well. It sports a good combination of high technology and quality. It is very much usable for everyday operations and functions. Its main competitor is the Toyota Camry. It is offered in both sedan and coupe styles. It has also been made available in three trim levels that comprise of the DX, the LX, and the EX. The vehicle has a maximum passenger capacity of five people.

Taking a look around the Honda Accord, the vehicle has a design that has angular headlamps as well as sharpened noses which is very much like that of the Acura RSXs. It is very much muscular and very agile. The vehicle also has carefully sculpted combination of concave and convex surfaces in its corners and sides. If you try to go inside its cabin, the interior is very smooth, firm, and quiet. It holds wide seats that are very comfortable. This is due to the springs and urethane padding beneath is. This also reduces vibration much. These seats have the option of a manual height adjustment or power adjustments.

The entire trunk of the 2006 Honda Accord measures some 14 cubic feet. The power of the 2006 Honda Accord is due to its 2.4 liter i-VTEC engine with four cylinders that can produce some 166 horsepower, as well as another 3.0 liter VTEC V6 engine that could generate a maximum of 244 horsepower. Both these engines are great on fuel efficiency.

The 2006 Honda Accord has a huge range of color choices to choose from. The list comprise of carbon bronze pearl (black), carbon bronze pearl (ivory), desert mist metallic (ivory), graphite pearl (gray), nighthawk black pearl (ivory), Redondo red pearl (gray), royal blue pearl (gray), sapphire blue pearl (black), taffeta white (ivory), and alabaster silver metallic (black).

Featured accessories for the 2006 Honda Accord include in its list a deck lid spoiler, a rear wing spoiler, wheel locks, 15 inch alloy wheels, a removable roof rack, a ski attachment, a snowboard attachment, a bike attachment, a car cover, a half nose mask, a full nose mask, door edge guards, a gold emblem kit, a gold exhaust finisher, a Fenderwell trim, door visors, fog lights, a moonroof visor, front and rear all-season floor mats, a cargo net, a trunk tray, a metal trim kit, a leather steering wheel cover, an outside temperature gauge, a leather shift knob, the XM satellite radio, a six disc in-dash changer, a DVD-based i-VES, a cassette player, and an MP3 player among many others.

Same Day Car Parts is where customers and owners can order genuine Honda accord parts and Honda accessories at wholesale prices. Same Day Car Parts supply every Honda parts available today. The stores huge inventory and efficient delivery system allows for a quick and easy delivery.

Retro Mania: Old Cars Rock!

Americas thirst for cars of significance continues unabated. Long tired of copycat, cookie cutter, uninspiring models, consumers are demanding and receiving cars that are, quite frankly, retro. Yes, Americas automakers are reaching back in time to build a bunch of models based on popular models from yesteryear. Lets take a look at the Big 3 automakers and their current crop of retro cars as well as future models soon to be released.

Defined, retro cars are vehicles that take their styling cues from cars built a generation or two ago. No, these vehicles arent carbon copies of earlier models, rather each retro car borrows much of their look from earlier models.

Although American automakers dominate the retro market, the Volkswagen New Beetle was one of the first cars to reach back as it went forward. Based on the VW Golf platform, the circular shaped New Beetle hearkens back to the flower child era with its current rendition of the peoples car. Fortunately, VW had the presence of mind to include its famed flower holder in with the dash, to evoke memory of the earlier model.

Ford pushed the retro market forward with its introduction of the Thunderbird in 2002. Borrowing heavily from early sixties era TBirds, the car has had mixed success as Ford sold a very limited number of the model for a few years and then discontinued it after the 2005 model year, citing poor sales. In 2004, Ford introduced a retro version of the Mustang, based on the 67 Mustang fastback. Unlike the TBird, the Mustang has been a huge success and Ford can barely keep up with production. No word if a retro Pinto is being planned by FoMoCo.

Chrysler got in the retro craze with its introduction of the 2000 PT Cruiser. Based on 1950s era panel vans, the PT Cruiser sits on the now defunct Neon platform, but sales have been strong for Chrysler. The Dodge Challenger, another Chrysler product, is the car many are waiting to see if and when it debuts as an 09 model. Borrowing cues from the 71 model is part of the fun of this car: a hemi engine coupled with a fantastic interior will certainly help move sales. For the record, the current Dodge Charger isnt retro it has four doors but I am mentioning it because it is one cool car!

Chevrolet went retro with the SSR, a truck based on 1950s era pick ups. Word has it that the slow selling SSR hey, $42K for THAT thing is on its last legs. Fortunately, the HHR [Heritage High Roof] will keep Chevy in the retro business as this new for 2006 model takes its styling cues from the 49 Suburban. Some would say the PT Cruiser!

Are we likely to see more retro cars in the future? Maybe, but probably not a Caddy replete with fins or a Chevy Vega. Americas love with old models is strong, but selective, and the automakers must be certain that consumers really want a particular retro car before putting it into production. Oh, by the way, the 09 Chevy Camaro concept is one hot looking car!