Archive for June, 2009

Cool designs and bizarre concept cars take the stage at Japan’s motor show, including Honda’s ‘organic’ car skin and a rotating Nissan that talks you out of a bad mood.

There are no shortages of websites that show classic cars for sale. Between private seller classified ads, classic car dealer ads, auto auction ads, it can be almost overwhelming.

Where do you start? Here are some tips that will help sort through the process.

First, zero in on what car you are looking for, or at least in a range of years. For example, before I bought my “62 Corvette, I was looking between 1958 and 1962. That narrowed the field. Then after some time I decided I wanted the “62, and it got a lot easier!

Next, you need to know what condition of car you want. Show car, project car, solid driver, etc. Formal ratings range from Excellent to Parts Car, and each is priced accordingly.

So, if you want a “good” condition 1967 GTO convertible you would be getting a car that probably needed some work, mostly minor, had been either well maintained or had a decent restoration at some time (not recent). The car as it exists would be a solid driver and probably not too hard to get into “Very Good Condition” (near perfect, great driver).

With this information, next go to some of the many dedicated vehicle sites – just type in 1967 Pontiac GTO in Google and start reading. Once such site is http://www.gtoalley.com/. Tons of information on the standard options, VIN number decoding and things you should now.

Many of these sites have books for sale that have great detailed information that a lot of professionals don’t even know. Pick up one or two. It will be money well spent.

Based on the above, you are now armed and marvelous, as they say. You should have an idea form the various price guides what the relative values are for your car. If you have not posted on any forums looking for your car, now is a good time to start. You’ll get some good information.

The next decision is how far geographically you will search for your car. Some will only look in their back yard; others have no problems with distance. Decide your preferences and plan accordingly.

If you find a listing from a private seller, rejection is your friend. Sounds odd, but you need to quality him / her as a legitimate seller quickly or move on.

• How much do they know about the car? You should be armed with VIN, Trim Tag and rear axel numbers so you can quickly determine how original the car is – or that the seller really doesn’t know.

• Do you have a lot of pictures that show detail? If not, then ask for more. If the seller hedges, then they may not actually have the car. Digital cameras are cheap and there is no reason why several more can be taken. Their version of “good” may not be the same as Hemmings Motor News.

• Does the seller have the proper documentation and authentication? For example, GM cars had Protecto-o-Plates, a metal credit card like plate glued into the Owners manual with VIN, Trim Tag & Drive train Decoding. When the car was taken in for service, the dealership would take an impression. How can they prove the car is authentic?

• If the seller wants a deposit or he will sell the car to someone else, then that’s a red flag for me anyway. I understand having skin in the game, but sending someone a few hundred or thousand dollars site unseen is not realistic. If they car seems okay, then agree to have it inspected. Once you get the inspection, you can make a decision. First, you’ll know that the seller really has the car! Second, you’ll know what it is worth. It may cost $200 for you to walk, but better than buying the wrong car.

• When contacting dealers, go through the same questions. They should have all the information at their finger tips. Once thing to realize is that many dealers purposefully do not update their inventory. They may show your car for sale and when you call – oops – it’ sold. They will offer to find one for you though. Your call. If you get a good feel it may be worth it. DO NOT enter into any exclusive agreement where you are obligated. Bad idea.

• If using ebay – all the above applies. There are scams everywhere and you need to be careful.

Don’t want to spend the time dealing with the flakes and scammers? Let Your Dream Car Finder do the heavy lifting. We know cars, where they are, and can find and deliver your car to you with no hassles.

Automobile insurance rules vary from state to state. It is important to understand automobile insurance rules in your state to make certain that you are prepared if you are involved in an accident. One of the first questions you should ask prospective insurance companies is what their automobile insurance rating is. Insurance companies receive a rating based on their financial status. The purpose of auto insurance is to prevent you from having to pay out a large amount of money if you are in an accident — whether you are at fault or not. If the insurance-company takes your premium but does not have the resources or inclination to pay out your claim, you will be in little better shape than if you had no coverage at all.

Automobile insurance ratings are typically available through your state’s insurance commission, the state agency that oversees insurers. Other ways to determine the rating of a company are by asking the company directly, or asking your agent or broker. 

Once you are certain that you are dealing with a financially responsible company, you are ready to buy. It is important to understand the different automobile insurance rules so that you purchase the coverage that best meets your needs. By following the rules in your state you can be certain that you are protected. Automobile insurance protects you in the following ways:

1. Coverage if your car is damaged or stolen.

2. Coverage of your financial obligations if others are injured or their property is damaged due to actions on your part.

3. Coverage of medical expenses for you or others if you are involved in an accident.

Understanding these different types of coverage ensures that you are covered in any instance. Once you have purchased the policy that best meets your needs, it is important to meet your part of the agreement with the issuing company. If you are involved in an accident, it is important that you contact the insurer immediately. Automobile liability insurance reporting rules vary from state to state, but the basic rules are the same. If you are involved in an auto accident, whether you believe that you are at fault or not, there are several things that you should do:

If no one is injured, move to the side of the road. This reduces the risk of secondary accidents.

Call 911 or the local police. The rules regarding filing a police report differ, but typically if damage to either vehicle exceeds $250, you should file a police report. It never hurts to have an official record of the accident regardless.

Exchange insurance-information with the other party. Whether you believe that you are at fault or not, you should exchange information. The insurer will follow-up and, with the help of the police report and statements from everyone involved, determine fault and negotiate a settlement.

Automobile insurance rules differ from state to state and company to company, but if you understand the various types of coverage available, and follow the guidelines set forth by your company in the event of an accident, you should have no problems with filing or receiving a claim.

What can I say? I love SAAB and wanted to post a little history of the brand. Many thank to www.SAABHISTORY.com for most of the video that you see here. Also, for the knowledge and insight into the many models that make up the rich history of SAAB. If anyone has any interest in SAAB and its history, please visit www.SAABHISTORY.com The following models are in this video 1947 URSAAB (The prototype that started it all) 1948-56 SAAB 92 1956 – 59 SAAB 93 1959-78 SAAB 95 Station Wagon 1960 – 80 SAAB 96 1956 SAAB SONETT 1 (SONETT is a named derive from Swedsih meaning SO NICE) 1966 – 69 SAAB SONETT II 1970 – 74 SAAB SONETT III 1969 – 84 SAAB 99 1978 SAAB 99 TURBO 1979 – 1993 SAAB 900 1984 – 1987 SAAB 90 1985 – 1998 SAAB 9000 1993 – 1998 SAAB 900NG 1999 – 2002 SAAB 9-3 (Viggen shown) 1999 – 2008 SAAB 9-5 2003 – Present SAAB 9-3SS 2005 – 2006 SAAB 9-2X 2005 – Present SAAB 9-7X 2008 SAAB 9-3 TURBO-X XWD FUTURE – SAAB AERO-X CONCEPT MUSIC IS BY PINK FLOYD TITLED “SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND” A LIVE TRIBUTE TO SYD BARRETT VIDEO IS MOSTLY FROM www.SAABHISTORY.COM Please visit SAABHISTORY.com Still pictures from the internet with unknown owners.

Walt Disney pictures presents: CARS. Edited by me. Music and clips from CARS. Enjoy it

For an entertaining, challenging and ultimately fulfilling experience, hire vintage cars to have a distinct driving experience in the winding roads and the idyllic country of the British country side for a few days. Whether for birthdays, special breaks or anniversaries, driving or being driven in an old-timer is a classic way to celebrate a short break or a special occasion. Those who would like to drive classic cars for various reasons without incurring the high maintenance costs associated with ownership may opt for vintage car hire.

If you want a vintage vehicle for a corporate event

Chauffeur driven old-timers may be hired to shuttle guests to the event site, giving guests the delight of being driven in an authentic classic and adding to the event, a touch of character and sophistication. Hire a vintage car to create a lasting impression on your business associates.

If you want an unusual Weekend Break

What could be more fascinating than a classic car break in Yorkshire? Yorkshire with its widespread heritage including magnificent ruins and the National Parks of Moors and Dales with stunning Landscapes and its breath taking Coastline offers an ideal weekend destination for families to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.  You can choose to hire a jaguar sports car or one that would fit the whole family in total comfort.

If you want an exclusive gift

Hiring an Aston Martin and driving a loved one for a special occasion such as birthdays or silver, golden or even diamond jubilee celebrations is an exclusive experience that will definitely exceed loved ones expectations. Dumfries and Galloway the biggest town in the South Western part of Scotland offers beautiful landscape and atmosphere for you to drive your old-timer. This ideal location will leave definitely leave fond memories to all who visit it.

If you want a Wedding get away Vehicle

Hiring a vintage is a different and exciting way for honeymooners to spend their special time together after the hectic phase of planning the wedding and the wedding itself. What could be more enchanting than a classic Rolls Royce honeymoon in Cornwall and Devon’s idyllic countryside and Coast? The awe-inspiring scenery of the country side with its welcoming atmosphere and winding roads will definitely bring back fond memories of the wedding thereby providing couples a real escape from chaotic city life.

Classic car  hire will enable enthusiasts; tour some of the finest countryside for truly memorable drives thereby rekindling their fondest classic car memories with the smell of leather and the bubble of the exhaust.

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Automundo Magazine, published by Automundo Productions, Inc. on November 1, 1999. The length of the article is 672 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: auto NOVEDADES.(T… More >>

auto NOVEDADES.: An article from: Automundo Magazine

This edition of’Indiavision Auto Show’ test-drives’Ford Figo’ car. www.istream.in

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Product Description
Detailing shouldn’t be a Dirty Word. Slick Stixxx Detailing Component System. Ever wrap a rag around a screwdriver to clean something? Slick Stixxx are a patent pending detailing technology, utilizing a series of various straight and angled component handles and 7 component cleaning heads, and a rag, to help clean tight, hard-to-reach areas that cannot easily be reached using conventional tools or by hand. This kit is much more than a bunch of Q-tips! It is totally… More >>

Slick Stixxx Component Cleaning and Detailing System for Automobiles

When interested in either buying or selling a classic car, what better place to look or place an add than the classic cars for sale classifieds it’s a place where you and other classic car owners or potential buyers should be.

Many sellers love the classic car for sale classifieds because it’s place for them to get top exposure. They are there to give you top exposure to hundreds of hopeful buyers. For those looking to buy you get to see many cars that you would never expect with great prices and wide selection.

It’s better to look for classic cars in the classifieds because then you get to look at thousands of cars from lot’s of different places and compare them rather than going to a lot with just a few specific cars.You are given more of an opportunity to find something that you will be sure to like.

Different makes that you can look forward to seeing are Cadillac, AMC,Porshe,Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Mazda and many more with models such as Cadillac coup Deville, 1952 Mercedes Benz 220 four door sedan, AMC rebel, Ford Models, Pontiac GTO, Chevy classic trucks, Alfa Romeo just to name a few.

However even though you get a lot of positives there are negatives such as fraud and scams that take place. This happens especially online when people ask for ones credit card number and once gotten has access to the card and may have a free spending spree. It is best to meet all sellers in person when paying for the product no matter what the distance to make sure what is paid for is actually received.

Alternatively, you can use an escrow service to hold your money and only have it released once you receive the classic car you bought online. Classic car for sale classifieds are really a fun place to hang out and enjoy your passion for these cars from the past.

Ernkulam IG Tomin Thachankary talks about his Toyota Innova in this edition of’Indiavision Auto Show’. www.istream.in

India is no more a backward country with bullock carts and horse carts running on roads. It has successfully developed and modernized at its own pace. The automobile sector is also growing but at a higher pace. Indeed it forms one of the fastest growing sectors in the Indian economy and so is the popularity of automobiles in India. Be it cars, mopeds, vans, buses or tractors, the vehicles are manufactured at large. A number of cars and other automobiles are imported and exported every year.

There are various major players in automobile sector in India. Sonalika Tractors, Ashok Leyland, HMT Tractors, Royal Enfield, Chevrolet LML India, BMW Kinetic Motor Co. Ltd., Force Motor, Monto Motors, Toyota, Kirloskar Motors, Ford Motors, Ford, Mercedes, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Nissan Motors TVS Motor Co., Hero Honda, Reva Electric Co., Volvo, Hindustan Motors, Yamaha Motor etc. are among them. . Indian automobile industry is the tenth largest in the world. Every year new and advanced model of cars and other vehicles are launched by various leading manufacturers suiting the consumer needs.

With the increase in per capita income, the purchasing power of people has also increased. More and more people are turning to private vehicle and have become a successful affordable mode of transportation. The Indian automobile Industry is currently growing at the pace of around 18 % per annum which is remarkable. Such a tremendous progress has fueled and is a result of economic liberalization by Indian government. Progress has accelerated ever since the foreign direct investment has been allowed. International automobiles giants have helped Indian automobile sector to enlarge by setting up local basis.

The technological changes and progress successfully led to the progress of automobile sector in India. Automobile industry in India is one of the fastest growing automobile industries and has made its position in the world market.

Find Used Cars Online – Used cars for Sale:

Sometimes when people want to buy a good pre-owned car for a low price they go to government-sponsored automobile auctions. Because the government is not allowed to make a profit on the cars it auctions off, there are plenty of opportunities for people to find incredible deals at government car auctions.

Most of the cars sold at government auctions have been seized from people who for one reason or another were unable to make payments on their cars. These cars are then repossessed by the lending institutions or banks that provided the automobile loans that were used to buy the cars in the first place. Other automobiles that are sold at government auctions come from people who failed to pay their income tax or other taxes and do not have the cash to pay the government what is owed. The government then liquidates part of the tax cheat’s estate and takes possession of items such as cars. A third way cars come to government auctions is if they belong to a criminal and are taken by the government as a result of a criminal procedure. Sometimes the automobiles sold at government-sponsored car auctions are old fleet cars that were used by the various branches of government.

With the exception of the government fleet cars, it is often difficult to ascertain information regarding the history or a car being sold at a government auction. Often, there is no way a person can find out who owned the car before it was seized, why the car was seized and is now in the hands of the government, and what the maintenance record on the car is. While it may be possible to do a background check based on a car’s vehicle identification number (VIN), it is often difficult to get a really good picture of the condition of a car that is sold at government automobile auction.

In the days and weeks leading up to some government-sponsored car auctions, customers are allowed to examine the cars, trucks, SUVs and automobiles that will be sold at the auction. However, other government-sponsored automobile auctions where seized and repossessed vehicles are sold do not let people examine the cars closely before they are sold.

Car dealerships often send representatives to government auctions in order to buy pre-owned cars at low prices. These auto dealerships will then usually sell the cars they buy at car auctions for prices much higher than those they paid for the vehicles.

Like all auctions, customers at government-sponsored automobile auctions must place bids on how much they are willing to pay for the car on the auction block. Whoever makes the highest bid for a car sold at a car auction gets the car. While it is next to impossible to get an automobile loan for the exact amount one pays for a car at a government-sponsored vehicle auction, it is possible to get a loan for a specified amount before one heads off to the auction.

It is not unusual for high-end and luxury cars to be sold at government-sponsored car auctions, although most of the cars sold are the normal trucks, cars and SUVs one sees everyday on the road. Visit Best Car Deales Blog for the best deals on used cars

• ISBN13: 9781400068630
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
This is the epic saga of the American automobile industry’s rise and demise, a compelling story of hubris, denial, missed opportunities, and self-inflicted wounds that culminates with the president of the United States ushering two of Detroit’s Big Three car companies—once proud symbols of prosperity—through bankruptcy. The cost to American taxpayers topped $100 billion—enough to buy every car and truck sold in America in the first half of 2009. With unprecede… More >>

Crash Course: The American Automobile Industry’s Road from Glory to Disaster

In the past 20 years, many classic car restoration shops have left the scene. With so few of these restoration shops remaining, many classic car owners have been forced to either take upon themselves the daunting task of restoration or simply give up their hobby.

Happily, even though the shops themselves have disappeared, many of the mechanics and other restoration experts who worked on those classic automobiles are still around and are more than willing to help you, if you can find them.

One of the best places to find an auto restoration specialist is at a classic auto show. Look for newspaper or television notices of classic auto conventions and events occurring near your town and make an effort to attend. As you look at the cars, take special note of the ones that have restoration quality work that impresses you. Then, simply ask questions to find out who did the restoration work on the vehicle. If you do this for all the classic cars the impress you, you will probably have quite a list by the time you leave the auto show.

Depending on where the automobiles hail from, quite a few of the restoration experts may be too far away from your home. This doesn’t mean that you should not contact them. In fact you should contact ALL of them. Simply tell them that you were recently at an auto show and saw some of their work which you admired. Explain that you are looking for someone they could recommend that does quality work similar to them but who is closer to your town. You will not get referrals from all the experts that you contact but you may be pleasantly surprised at how many names you do get. Many will also give you other restoration tips that you might not have thought of on your own. And it never hurts to build up your contact list.

The advantage of finding a restoration specialist in this manner as opposed to finding them through a phone book or a newspaper ad is that you have seen, first hand, the results of their labor.

Another excellent way to find classic car repair specialist is to join and become a member of one or more classic auto clubs. These clubs can be an invaluable resource for finding parts, services, and other information of interest to classic car hobbyists. The best thing about these clubs are that they are full of enthusiasts who are always willing to go above and beyond to help other members. And don’t think that these clubs have to be local. If you’re in New York and join a club based in Chicago, for example, in most cases you’ll still be able to actively take part in the club through their bulletin boards, newsletters, ezines, and so on. Classic automobile clubs can also help you to avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous shops, restoration specialists and so on.

In addition to pointing you to the best restoration resource, classic car clubs help their members by giving them information on what questions they should ask a classic car renovation specialist. The clubs will also give them tips on how to tell if they’re being gouged or overbilled, how long certain jobs should take, what to do if there’s a dispute between you and the car renovation specialist and more.

As more and more restoration shops leave the scene, the classic car owner will increasingly find himself looking for all of the help that he can. At least, for now, the help is still out there if you’re willing to take the time to research and find it.

Cars – Used Cars – Best Deals On Repossessed Used Cars:

Used cars are becoming more and more popular every year. People are realizing that a good used car can be had for the fraction of the cost of a new car. They figure that there is no point in buying a new car, when in one year they can get the same car with a huge discount on it. The only difference is that the car may have a few thousand miles. But that is usually not too much of a concern in today’s day and age. Cars are made to last a long time, and a few thousand miles is not going to harm the car in the least beat.

Used cars can be found in a couple of places. You can first start out by reading your local newspaper. A newspaper will usually have hundreds of used car listings. All you will need to do is read through them and find the ones that catch your eye the most. At this point you can simply go and check out the ones that you like.

If your newspaper is not giving you what you need go online. There are many car sites that specialize in providing used cars to the general public. Sites which offer many different options for the person who is looking for a used car, you can browse thousands of cars in your area and within a matter of minutes. This will allow you to maximize your time, and ensure that you do not miss out on any good deals that may be available. Visit Best Car Dealers blog for the best deals on Cars, Used Cars, Best Repossessed Used Cars

Joel Pereira and Rohan Joshi compare the executive sedans Skoda Superb and Honda Accord in this edition of ‘Times Drive’.

PETERSEN’S KIT CAR – THE SPECIALTY CAR MAGAZINE September 1991

• ISBN13: 9783836514637
• Condition: USED – LIKE NEW
• Notes:

Product Description
Henry Ford jump-started the age of the automobile with the first assembly-line car in 1908: the Model T. For the next one hundred years, the automobile would evolve from chugging workhorse to tailfin-era showboat to sleek status symbol, stamped with a Mercedes Benz hood ornament. Once a novel invention of wonder, the car of the Postwar Era grew into a necessity of the modern age, a key to the freedom promised by the open road. So various were the choices of colors a… More >>

Classic Cars of the 20th Century: 100 Years of Automotive Ads, 1900-1999

Automobile companies go to extreme lengths to one up the competition, they roll out new makes and models yearly. The cars of today are lean, mean horsepower monsters showcased in the most beautiful designs imaginable. During times of oil and petroleum crisis, consumers are still waiting in line to purchase the latest automobiles.

So it is very fortunate that there are some manufacturers that came up with the concept of hybrid automobiles. Hybrid cars were developed to save on the world’s oil resources and to produce lower emissions. Hybrids are a combination of the combustion gasoline engine of the present and electric motor. To power to these automobiles, multiple propulsion packages are utilized. Electric batteries are utilized to crank up the electric motors. The batteries of the modern commercially-produced hybrids are recharged by acquiring kinetic energy through the means of regenerative braking used in the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight hybrid-electric vehicle.

There are many kinds of hybrid automobiles. These types are distinguished by the connection manner between fueled and electric halves of the powertrain and the designated operating period of each portion.

Here are the main classifications and the brands that utilize the following hybrid packages:

1. Full hybrid

It can operate on just the engine or the batteries alone, or both power sources combined. These automobiles have more drivetrain flexibility because of the presence of split power path. The electrical and mechanical power is interconverted. Differential-style linkage is utilized by the vehicles in the middle of the motor and the engine linked to the transmission’s head end in order to put balance from each power portion.

Toyota’s Prius and Highlander SUV are full hybrids, with computer-operated systems that decides which power source should be in operation, or if both of them should be working at the same time. When operating on its normal mode, the electric power is used, and the gasoline engine will only work if it is required or if the electric motor has been turned off.

2. Assist hybrid

These hybrids use the engine as the main source of power. A very powerful electric motor is connected to a conventional powertrain. It operates when there is a need for the engine to be turned over and also when the driver requires additional starter power.

This design is used by the hybrid automobiles of Honda, like the Insight. It compliments the reputation of the company in producing gasoline engines that are small and efficient. Honda’s system is called Integrated Motor Assist. The difference of the Assist from the Full hybrids is that it cannot function on electric power alone.

3. Mild hybrid

They are conventional vehicles equipped with starter motors that are oversized. The advantage of this is that the engine can be shut off whenever the car is in braking, coasting or stopping motion, and still be able to restart with no problems at all. Like the other hybrids, energy is recaptured by utilizing the motor for regenerative braking.

Some people do not consider the mild variety as hybrid automobiles, because they do not save up on fuel compared to the other kinds. Chevrolet used this system for their Silverado automobile, and they improved its fuel efficiency by making the engine turn off or restart on demand. General Motors created the Belt alternator starter hybrid system, for the Saturn VUE Green Line automobiles. Its operation is more or less the same as the Silverado.

4. Plug-in hybrid

They are full hybrids that function using only electric power, equipped with bigger batteries and has the capability to recharge energy from the power grid. The primary benefits of using these vehicles is that they can be independent from gasoline for short, daily trips, but can also have the capabilities of other hybrids when it comes to long distance travel. They can also be used by multiple fuels to supplement the electric power.

Companies such as Renault and DaimlerChrysler are producing automobiles using this system.

Here are some more of the hybrid automobiles that are currently available in the market:

1. Lexus RX400h and GS450h from Lexus

2. Honda Insight Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid from Honda

3. Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner from Ford

Consumers today have lots of options when purchasing their automobiles. For those who are conscious of the amount of fuel wasted and the amount of emissions produced, hybrid automobiles are a very sound option.