4 Smart Reasons To Buy A Used Car

Whether you're a first-time car buyer or a seasoned veteran there's always the tough decision of deciding if you should go with a new or pre-owned vehicle for your next purchase. New cars have the latest style, tech features, low interest rates, and that much-loved new car smell but are they really the best choice for you and your budget? We're going to overview some used car wisdom and give you 4 great reasons to go pre-owned on your next car.

1. They're Less Expensive

Let's get the obvious out of the way - in most cases you're going to save money to buy your car used and probably quite a bit of money at that. Once you buy a brand-new car and take it around the block it's no longer new and that value drops quickly. According to Consumer Reports your car new car on average will be worth 54% of the original purchase after just 3 years - that hurts!

The average cost of a used car is predictably well below that of a new car model and that's not the only space for savings. Logically you'll pay less taxes on a lower priced car and it's often more affordable to insure them as well. However, you should take note of the vehicle's mileage because the distance driven and the remaining warranty will likely impact your maintenance expenses.

2. Financing Rates & Terms

With low manufacturer financing rates and longer terms available dealers are able to show you some very attractive monthly payments on a new car but don't forget to do the math. Even a lower rate can really add up over a 7 or 8 year financing term and the growth of certified pre-owned ( CPO ) programs has really narrowed the gap. Not only do banks offer aggressively low used car rates but certified used cars offer even lower rates still plus the added bonus of additional warranty coverage and extensive vehicle inspections. The new car advantage is really starting to fade with exceptional used car financing options available.

3. Vehicle History Reports

Maybe your hesitation about buying a used car is that you just don't know where it's been or what you're getting and that's understandable, but with transparent reporting using tools like CarProof you get a very good idea of what you're dealing with. Vehicle history reports might not catch everything but you'll usually get some essential information like

The number of previous owners

Any accident or damage history with details

Previous registration status ( Personal, Lease, Taxi, Rental etc.. )

Mileage validation and maintenance records

4. Reliability

If you're thinking it might be a risk to buy a used car because it won't last long then you should do some research. According to several studies the average vehicle on the road today is over 10 years old and that numbers continues to rise as car manufacturers continue to improve their line-ups. Modern cars, trucks, and SUVs simply have a longer life-span than they used to and that's great news if you're in the market for a pre-owned vehicle.

Top Reasons to Buy a Used Auto

Shopping for a car is a responsible process, which is often associated with lots of challenges. With so many nuances that have to be taken into account, it's not easy to choose a vehicle, the quality and characteristics of which will come up to your needs and expectations. Many people believe that buying a used car is a bad choice. So, they start looking for a new car, which is always a more expensive solution. If you face the same dilemma, consider the major reasons to buy a second-hand auto.

1. Affordability

Affordability is, probably, the major reason to get a used automobile. Whether you buy a 2-year old vehicle or the one, which is over 10 years old, it will still cost less as compared to a new car. This is no wonder, because autos depreciate with the lapse of time and even those cars, which initially were quite expensive, may cost several times less.

2. Certified Pre-Owned Options

When you buy a used auto, you are always worried about its condition and possible shortcomings you don't know about. This is quite risky, of course, and this is what often makes customers give preference to new vehicles, even if they are much more expensive. Fortunately, contemporary carmakers start offering versatile Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) options, which make used cars a nice money investment. These programs as well as their terms may differ a lot from each other, which basically depends upon the manufacturer. In most cases, CPO programs imply special warranty terms and some other options depending upon your current needs. This is a pretty nice solution for used car owners.

3. Extensive Choice

Hundreds of new car models emerge in the market each year. This number keeps increasing with every passing day, offering freedom of choice to customers all over the world. However, new cars cost a lot and you have to be sure about your financial abilities, if you decide to opt for the one. When it comes to selection of used automobiles, the variety of models available for sale is much more impressive. This means that your choice is more extensive. This is just the matter of your taste, requirements and budget. You can choose any car models you like - even those, which are not manufactured anymore.

4. Lower Insurance Rates

When it comes to insurance, new cars are undoubtedly more costly. This is because the value of an auto is that aspect, which is primarily considered in the process of insurance rate determination. In other words, the more valuable a vehicle is - the more expensive the insurance policy will be. This is quite understandable, because repairing a valuable car will cost more as compared to a used auto. Thus, when you buy a second-hand car, you will pay less for the insurance policy.

5. Powerful Aftermarket Communities

When you buy a new auto, you will have to look for the aftermarket community to help you solve your problems for quite a long period of time. This won't happen, if you opt for a used automobile. The older a car is - the more extensive and powerful aftermarket community it has. This is a notable support for any car owner, because there are many questions and answers you can discuss with the owners of similar car models.

6. Lower Registration Expenses

The cost of car registration generally depends upon the location you live in. It may differ even from one state to another, not to mention different countries at all. However, registering a used auto is much cheaper than a new car in any country. This often depends upon the age, power and even weight of a car as well as on other important characteristics. What's more, some countries charge annual taxes for cars depending upon their age.

4 Basic Tips to Consider Before Disposing Your Car

So you are having a junk car in your garage which is holding a lot of space. I guess at some point we really need to get rid of junk from our garage but getting a fair deal for it becomes difficult. Mostly owners demand a high amount which dealers refuse to fulfill. Seldom it is also affected by the fluctuations in scrap rates and we keep on waiting until a good deal is found. Finding a good dealer and rate is tough but if you have found one then here are some basic tips before you finally dispose it off.

1. Check thoroughly:

What can possibly be in that car? would be your first thought while thinking of checking it. We have a tendency to leave our belongings in the car. Sometimes car becomes another home and we tend to leave things in it thinking to be safe. Yes, definitely it is safe but now that you have decided to dispose it why not give it a thorough check. Check the car completely that is, the CD player, under floor mats, above visors,bins. If you have any insurance card left in the car then take it out as well even if it is out of date. The paperwork should be with you too. It is your responsibility to check before the tow truck comes.

2. Sell valuable parts alongside:

Ofcourse you found a good junk deal but there is no harm in selling valuable components of the car to some other person for few extra bucks. For like your car batteries as they have a resale value and you can sell it to some recycler as the lead in batteries can get some extra bucks.

3. Remove license plates:

The junkyard is always in a hurry, so you do not get sufficient time to even talk to the towing drivers. Make sure that you remove license plates to avoid any future distress. In many countries you have to handover the license plate to the motor vehicle department for cancelling car registration or an insurance. Make sure to remove it in the first place.

4. Use your fuel:

If your car was in working condition before selling it to the junkyard and you would want to use up the fuel before towing. Even if it is not running at all then siphon the gasoline from the fuel tank discreetly. The junkyard is anyway going to drain all the fuel off your tank before recycling it.

Mercedez Benz S Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as Sonderklasse (German for "special class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse"), is a series of luxury flagship vehicles produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz, a division of German company Daimler AG. The S-Class designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since.

Features:
Rear Defogger/Wash Wipe
Yes

Tachometer
Yes

Trip Computer (MFD)
Yes

Power Windows
Yes

Steering Adjust (Rake/Reach)
Yes

Aircon/Climate Control
Climate Control
Rear Aircon
Yes

Wheels (Steel/Alloy)
Alloy
Central/Remote Locking
Yes

MP3/AUX/USB
Yes

Sunroof
Yes

Steering Controls
Yes

First generation (1972-1980):
In 1972, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first to be officially called the S-Class. Produced from 1972 through 1980, the W116 series featured a four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes. The 280, 350, and 450 (4.5L version) models featured SE and SEL versions. Production of the W116 totaled 473,035 units. This was a groundbreaking sedan for Mercedes-Benz, and for the first time in the company history, the car had an obvious, blatant and outward emphasis on safety placed above a pure styling viewpoint. The overall design incorporated numerous safety features developed from the "safety research vehicles" in the mid-to-late 1960s to the very early 1970s.

Second generation W126 (1979-1991):
The W126 series premiered in late 1979 as an 1980 model, and in March 1980 as an 1981 model in the US and Australia replacing the W116 line. The W126 line featured improved aerodynamics and enlarged aluminum engine blocks. In Australia in 1981, the W126 S-Class won Wheels magazine's Car of the Year award. The W126 was manufactured from 1979 through 1991 with a mid-cycle update. Coupé models based on the S-Class were reintroduced with the W126 (380/500 SEC). Total sales of the W126 S-Class sedans reached 818,036 units, with an additional 74,060 coupes sold.
In 1981, the W126 introduced a driver side airbag, as patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1971, as well as the passenger side airbags (in 1988), seat-belt pretensioners, and traction control. It was the first production car to feature an airbag standard, and as late as 1991 there were only a few other manufacturers in Europe who offered an airbag.

Third generation W140/C140 (1991-1998)
The W140 cost 25% more than the W126. It replaced and featured double-pane window glazing, self-closing boot lid and doors, electric windows with a jam-protection feature (lowering when encountering an obstruction), rear-parking markers in the US (which appeared on the rear wings when in reverse), and a heating system which emitted warm air while residual energy was available after the engine was turned off.

Fourth generation W220 (1998-2005):
As with each new S-Class, the W220 brought in innovations such as Airmatic air suspension and Active Ventilated Seats (which used miniature fans in the seats to move air through perforations). A navigation system with center console-mounted screen display was introduced, along with the COMAND input control system. Other options included keyless entry and ignition, a radar-controlled Distronic cruise control system and a cylinder shut-off system called Active Cylinder Control. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system was introduced to the North America market S-Class for 2003, complementing the traditional rear-wheel drive configurations.

Fifth generation W221 (2005-2013):
The all-new W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with sales starting in autumn of 2005 and export to other markets beginning in 2006. The W221 S-Class made its North American premiere at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The W221 is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, and it features three newly developed engines with up to 26% power increase. The interior is completely new, all materials have been upgraded and make for a more luxurious ride, and the center console transmission gear lever has been replaced with a column-mounted shifter. New technological features on the W221 include an infrared Night View Assist feature and the latest Mercedes-Benz pre-collision system. The W221 features sharper exterior styling (most notably wide fender arcs) and technological improvements. The W221 is the second consecutive generation of the S-Class to be solely produced in a sedan body style.

A special armored version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been produced, known as the S-Guard. Features include the capability to withstand small arms fire and certain explosive devices, a self-sealing fuel tank, and an alarm system.[37] For 2009, Mercedes-Benz launched a long-wheelbase version of the S-Guard, known as the Pullman Guard. This model is 45 centimeters longer than the standard model and also has a higher roof and taller rear window with a different rake.

Awards:
Notable examples of awards received by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class include the top ranking in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index from 1987 to 1990,[60] seven time ranking as What Car? "Best Luxury Car", and five times as Fleet News "Luxury Car of the Year".The S-Class was Wheels Magazine Car of the Year for 1981 and 1999,U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute "Safest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989,[62] and European Car of the Year in 1974. The S-Class is also the first car ever (2005) to receive an environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance (TÜV).Other awards range from Popular Science Best of What's New-Grand Award 2005 to Top Gear magazine's "Limousine of the Year" for 2006.

Motor Cars: Beauty and the Beast

Over sixty years of active motoring, one has observed with interest the changing styles followed by manufacturers in search of popularity and volume sales. From a British perspective it was always Ford of England that initiated a radical departure from the established norm, risking the derision of critics but, more often than not, capturing the imagination of a public always eager to be seen in something radically new. This pattern of progress continued virtually unchanged for five decades until it was overwhelmed by the Asian dominance of the new millennium.

In the 1950s, the new look in motor cars was ushered in by the Ford Prefect and Anglia saloons. The innovation may have had antecedents in the USA, where the evolution of private vehicles had continued while suspended in Britain during World War II, but, if so, it was reproduced without the ostentation and glittering chrome so characteristic of American cars of that era. At any rate, it proved immediately popular in Britain, and other motor manufacturers rushed to follow the new style, hoping at the same time to add some distinctive feature of their own.

The three-box style had a long life. It was amenable to great variation in detail and was readily adapted to two boxes in estate car or station wagon varieties. The influence of wind tunnel testing led to more streamlined shapes reputed to reduce air resistance and improve performance and fuel economy. Streamlines proved to be as aesthetically pleasing on cars as they were on aircraft and Ford continued to lead the way in an evolution that culminated in the universally popular KA model of the 1990s.

From there, there was nowhere to go. As far as is humanly possible, perfection had been achieved. The Ford KA inspired numerous copies from other manufacturers but all, in striving for a unique feature, degraded the beauty of the original. Many people, tired of constant pressure to buy something new, might have liked the KA to become a standard product in perpetuity. But the industry had now passed through Japan to South Korea and China, countries eager to promote worldwide sales of newly manufactured products.

Making something different from perfection means making something less pleasing to the eye and the Asian manufacturers have certainly succeeded in that quest. Yet so dominant is their global stance that the residual industry in the West has felt compelled to copy the Eastern degradation. It is an old English saying that after the Lord Mayor's coach comes the corporation cart. In motor styling, the Lord Mayor's coach has passed, and we are still waiting for the corporation cart.

How to Purchase a Used Automobile: Tips From the Auto Insurance Guys

These days, purchasing a new car requires a lot of money. For those looking for another option due to the financial output, shopping for a used car may be a good bet. Of course, a previously owned car, no matter how sleek and shiny may have hidden disadvantages.

Below find tips from some finely-tuned insurance professionals on how to go about the task of shopping for a used car.

8 Ways to Get a Good Deal on a Previously-Owned Car

• Decide How Much You Can Spend on the Purchase

Prior to shopping around for a good used car, do a personal financial tally. Then focus only on buys you can afford - whether via financing or full payment method.

• Choose the Right Kind of Vehicle

Unmarried people without kids do not need a big car. On the other side of the coin, married folks with children in tow could use a larger car. Recreational drivers, long-distance drivers and city or highway drivers have different needs as well. Assess your individual requirements, then shop for the car that matches them.

• Check Out Prices and Repair Frequency

Look online to determine what you should be paying for car makes and models according to year and usage. This search will also let you know what type of vehicles requires less maintenance work and what type has less mechanical headaches.

• Learn about the Car's Past

Research a particular car's history by putting in the Vehicle Information Numbers. This will get you to a full report about past collisions, owners and even recorded maintenance and repair jobs.

• Test the Car out by Taking it for a Spin

Drive your prospective car purchase over a calculated route that includes hills, bumps, curves and highway maneuvering. This way, you'll get an idea how the overall driving ability is.

• Get a Professional Mechanic's Opinion

Enlist your favorite mechanic in the decision by hiring him or her to inspect the car for surface problems that a layman like you may not be able to detect.

• Use Your Price-Negotiating Skills

Utilize the knowledge you have gained from all your research on the car to negotiate a price that fairly reflects its true value.

And Last But Surely Not Least

• Don't Forget About Auto Insurance

Before completing the buying process, speak to an experienced independent insurance agent about insurance for the vehicle. After binding the policy, sign the contract, pay, and you are good to go. No worries about the possibility of no coverage on the road to home!

Now that you have a new (used) automobile take care of it with good maintenance practices and remember to keep driving safety a priority.

Happy driving!

Importance of Rideshare Insurance

The rideshare industry is growing and just keeps expanding. This means that in theory, the demand for rideshare insurance should be growing, too. But, that is not the case, in fact, about 90% of drivers that are a part of Uber or Lyft do not have rideshare insurance.

Why is this a big deal? Well, rideshare and insurance companies see a few different phases of rideshare. They are as follows:

Period 0: Your app is offline and you are covered by personal auto insurance

Period 1: Your app is online, waiting for requests. Your personal auto insurance does not cover you at this time, nor does the insurance bought via rideshare company.

Period 2: You have received a request and if you have insurance through Uber and Lyft, you are now covered.

Period 3: You are now carrying passengers and you are covered by the rideshare companies' policy.

So, as you can see there is a gap where you would not be covered. If an accident occurs during Period 1 you could get stuck paying for 100% of the damages. But, that is not the only reason you should highly consider obtaining rideshare insurance.

Without rideshare insurance, you run the risk of having your insurer drop your personal auto insurance coverage. Reason being, is that you must specify that you are using your car to make money because it is not covered under traditional auto insurance. After you are dropped, your premium will significantly increase since you are now considered high risk.

Another possible obstacle is that not all states offer rideshare insurance yet. The prices also vary from state to state and company to company so be sure to receive about three rideshare insurance quotes to ensure the best deal for your needs.

However, the good news is that there are many options to ensure that you are appropriately covered. You need a policy in some form since you are technically using your vehicle for commercial use since you are making money from driving. So, that being said, if your state does not offer rideshare insurance or if it is a better fit, you can opt for commercial auto insurance.

There is also an option to purchase Period 1 coverage to close the gap of the insurance you may already have directly from Uber or Lyft. Some insurance companies even offer an agreement where they will not drop you as long as you disclose that you are a rideshare driver. The only catch is that they will not cover you while your app is online, so experts recommend that you only use this option if you do not move around a lot while waiting for requests and if you have insurance from the rideshare company. Also, be sure to double check with your insurance provider that this is the case to avoid a situation where they would drop you, at all costs.

Ultimately, it comes down to a few things one of which being your state's law. As states have laws on personal auto insurance, many are adding laws regarding rideshare insurance as well and the minimum coverage you need. This should be a prime motivating factor. Additionally, you should consider how you plan to handle an accident of any scale during Period 1 of a driving session. As previously mentioned, it could easily wipe out your bank account without careful consideration.

Therefore, as a rideshare driver or if you are planning to become one it is crucial to seek out rideshare insurance. Even though your premium may increase slightly, it is affordable, especially relatively to having to pay for all of the damages of an accident. Additionally, many insurance companies allow you to add on to an existing auto insurance policy instead of issuing an entire new one which is extremely beneficial to you as a customer. So, overall it is not only vital, but also well worth it to have rideshare insurance.