Sent by Leonid Alexandrovich
6/26/2007
A true car-amphibia!
This auto-boat was given to my wife's husband by granny in village Pokrovka(Russia) and now it stands in our garage. Its average speed is 80 kmph. And it is 30 years old!
Sent by Leonid Alexandrovich
Sent by Leonid Alexandrovich
6/18/2007
Custom Car Covers For That Perfect Fit!
Bob Crowley and his wife, Teresa, were proud of their silver Honda Accord. Despite living in the city and parking their car right on the street, their ’98 Accord was nearly free of dings. The finish looked just as good as when they purchased the car. How could this be possible? With kids playing stick ball, tight parallel parking, air pollution, and pigeons that frequently splattered cars up and down the street, no car was immune from the regular insults of urban living. For the Crowley’s it was no mystery: a custom fitted car cover was placed over their Accord whenever it was parked to give it maximum protection. For an investment costing less than two hundred dollars you can protect your car too. Please read on to discover all the advantages of utilizing a high quality car cover.
Without exception, a custom fitted car cover offers the best protection for any vehicle. With side mirror pockets, a high quality car cover will fit your vehicle snuggly much in the way a well fitted dress graces a woman’s body or as a glove fits a hand. The benefit is a car cover that stays in place without flapping in the wind or sliding off.
By: Matthew C. Keegan - Custom Car Covers Shop.
Moreover, a custom fitted car cover will protect your car from the following:
Moisture – With four layers of protection a custom fitted car cover will resist moisture and protect your car’s finish from acid rain, road salt, hail, sleet, and snow.
Pollution – Air pollution, dirt, and flying debris can all wreak havoc on your car’s finish in no time. A high quality car cover will prevent your finish from looking old before its time.
Nature – In the city you have a burgeoning pigeon population to contend with, while in the suburbs you have squirrels, birds, and a host of other little critters who see your car as an invitation to leave their mark upon. Even if nature’s critters like your car cover, they won’t be able to do harm to your car.
Sunny Days -- You protect your skin with sunscreen, right? Don’t think for a moment that your car’s finish isn’t immune from harmful solar rays. Even the best finishes come under attack and need protection. Regular washes and waxing does help, but in between times your finish is under constant assault.
Small Impacts -- No, a car cover won’t protect your vehicle from another car slamming into it, but it can protect your car from someone who opens their door and bangs into your car as well as kids on skates who get a kick out using your hood as a seat for rest.
Intruders -- Why is it that strangers think nothing of peering into your unoccupied car when you are not around? Don’t think for a moment they are admiring the design of your interior! Likely, someone is casing your car for anything of value left out in full view or they are admiring your Bose sound system. Regardless, a car cover keeps the snooping folks away. What they can’t see they aren’t likely to go after.
High quality car covers such as those made by Covercraft can offer the best protection for your car. Each custom fitted car cover is developed for the specific make and model of your car no matter whether it is a Honda, BMW, Dodge, Kia, or any other vehicle. The more layers it consists of means better protection for your vehicle too. Select one with side pocket mirrors and your vehicle will receive maximum protection. Truly, for what amounts to a small investment a custom fitted car cover offers an excellent return on the money.
Without exception, a custom fitted car cover offers the best protection for any vehicle. With side mirror pockets, a high quality car cover will fit your vehicle snuggly much in the way a well fitted dress graces a woman’s body or as a glove fits a hand. The benefit is a car cover that stays in place without flapping in the wind or sliding off.
By: Matthew C. Keegan - Custom Car Covers Shop.
Moreover, a custom fitted car cover will protect your car from the following:
Moisture – With four layers of protection a custom fitted car cover will resist moisture and protect your car’s finish from acid rain, road salt, hail, sleet, and snow.
Pollution – Air pollution, dirt, and flying debris can all wreak havoc on your car’s finish in no time. A high quality car cover will prevent your finish from looking old before its time.
Nature – In the city you have a burgeoning pigeon population to contend with, while in the suburbs you have squirrels, birds, and a host of other little critters who see your car as an invitation to leave their mark upon. Even if nature’s critters like your car cover, they won’t be able to do harm to your car.
Sunny Days -- You protect your skin with sunscreen, right? Don’t think for a moment that your car’s finish isn’t immune from harmful solar rays. Even the best finishes come under attack and need protection. Regular washes and waxing does help, but in between times your finish is under constant assault.
Small Impacts -- No, a car cover won’t protect your vehicle from another car slamming into it, but it can protect your car from someone who opens their door and bangs into your car as well as kids on skates who get a kick out using your hood as a seat for rest.
Intruders -- Why is it that strangers think nothing of peering into your unoccupied car when you are not around? Don’t think for a moment they are admiring the design of your interior! Likely, someone is casing your car for anything of value left out in full view or they are admiring your Bose sound system. Regardless, a car cover keeps the snooping folks away. What they can’t see they aren’t likely to go after.
High quality car covers such as those made by Covercraft can offer the best protection for your car. Each custom fitted car cover is developed for the specific make and model of your car no matter whether it is a Honda, BMW, Dodge, Kia, or any other vehicle. The more layers it consists of means better protection for your vehicle too. Select one with side pocket mirrors and your vehicle will receive maximum protection. Truly, for what amounts to a small investment a custom fitted car cover offers an excellent return on the money.
Buying A Car? Tips About Financing
Before purchasing a dream car, try to assess if the budget can really afford it. Questions like, how will it be paid, who will be helping to pay for it, what is the price limit of the car to be bought, and how long will it take to pay off the car? These should be considered even while planning to buy the car. The trend nowadays is that people buy the cars by cashing out the down payment, and the balance will be paid by installment. Others are just lucky enough to have saved the right amount of money that they are able to cash out the total cost of the car, which, by the way, seldom happens now. Never set aside the possibility of paying thousands of dollars when buying from a dealer or a specific car company, where in the end, charges you more for the interest which takes even years to pay.
Once you have found a way to finance the car you are eyeing on, then it's time to start shopping around. There are credit unions and even local banks that are willing to loan the needed amount to purchase the car with an Annual Percentage Rate of only 1.9 per cent. However, this may turn out to be a catch, since this will only be happening on the first year. Without prior notice, these interest rates can increase which is a total inconvenience for those with just a fix income every year.
It is a big plus if a buyer is a member of a credit union. Being a member could save you from the trouble of spending a whole day in a lender's office because the processing of the loan could only take just a few minutes after filling out the necessary papers for the request. In a credit union, fifteen to twenty minutes is all that is needed to do the application. They could even loan even up to $25,000.00 within just an hour after signing the papers.
It will be very helpful when a research is made prior to making that loan for a car. Believe it or not, car dealers are really digging out most of the penny in a buyer's pocket by issuing interest that is sometimes unreasonable. There are two things needed to consider when thinking of financing a new car:
First, what's the price willing to be spent by a buyer? More often than not, other people would rather ask themselves the question: How much of the car price do they intend to buy instead? They will be willing if the know they can afford their choice. Consider monthly regular expenditures. The monthly payment for the new car should not get in the way of paying the fixed monthly dues in the household. If in case it does, by merely doing a math, then just consider a second hand car. Just make sure that all is checked and examined to avoid hassle in the future.
Second, is it really important to change cars every two to four years? Consider cars offered on a lease, if so. Other dealers and car companies offer the leasing of a car for that amount of time, which you can return but no money will be refunded. However, there is an allotted amount of distance or mileage that should be covered during those years of lease, but this is negotiable. On the other hand, if a buyer is not interested in changing cars, it's best not to opt for the cars for lease.
It is safest to get a loan from a credit union or a financial institution instead of a local car salesman; they would definitely try to reach even a buyer's bottom dollar. Getting information from someone whom can be trusted and expert about financing a car, for they will be able to give you tips at your own interest. Financing either a new or a second hand car is a lot of sweat, but the determination to get the best car at the best price can be considered a success.
This should be a win, win situation for anyone. After all it’s your money that is at stake here. Do your research and it can be a beneficial decision on your part.
By: Gregory Ashton (http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com/)
Once you have found a way to finance the car you are eyeing on, then it's time to start shopping around. There are credit unions and even local banks that are willing to loan the needed amount to purchase the car with an Annual Percentage Rate of only 1.9 per cent. However, this may turn out to be a catch, since this will only be happening on the first year. Without prior notice, these interest rates can increase which is a total inconvenience for those with just a fix income every year.
It is a big plus if a buyer is a member of a credit union. Being a member could save you from the trouble of spending a whole day in a lender's office because the processing of the loan could only take just a few minutes after filling out the necessary papers for the request. In a credit union, fifteen to twenty minutes is all that is needed to do the application. They could even loan even up to $25,000.00 within just an hour after signing the papers.
It will be very helpful when a research is made prior to making that loan for a car. Believe it or not, car dealers are really digging out most of the penny in a buyer's pocket by issuing interest that is sometimes unreasonable. There are two things needed to consider when thinking of financing a new car:
First, what's the price willing to be spent by a buyer? More often than not, other people would rather ask themselves the question: How much of the car price do they intend to buy instead? They will be willing if the know they can afford their choice. Consider monthly regular expenditures. The monthly payment for the new car should not get in the way of paying the fixed monthly dues in the household. If in case it does, by merely doing a math, then just consider a second hand car. Just make sure that all is checked and examined to avoid hassle in the future.
Second, is it really important to change cars every two to four years? Consider cars offered on a lease, if so. Other dealers and car companies offer the leasing of a car for that amount of time, which you can return but no money will be refunded. However, there is an allotted amount of distance or mileage that should be covered during those years of lease, but this is negotiable. On the other hand, if a buyer is not interested in changing cars, it's best not to opt for the cars for lease.
It is safest to get a loan from a credit union or a financial institution instead of a local car salesman; they would definitely try to reach even a buyer's bottom dollar. Getting information from someone whom can be trusted and expert about financing a car, for they will be able to give you tips at your own interest. Financing either a new or a second hand car is a lot of sweat, but the determination to get the best car at the best price can be considered a success.
This should be a win, win situation for anyone. After all it’s your money that is at stake here. Do your research and it can be a beneficial decision on your part.
By: Gregory Ashton (http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com/)
What's My Car Worth?
If you are thinking about trading in your car or perhaps selling it in the paper, then like most everyone you are wondering what’s my car worth? Interesting enough over a person’s lifetime they will spend more money on buying automobiles than real estate. However, unfortunately, while real estate will usually go up in value, when you purchase an automobile it’s a given that the value will indeed go down. For this reason, you really want to get top dollar anytime you trade in or sell your car out right or other vehicles you are going to be selling.
So, how does a person go about getting top dollar when selling or trading their autos? Believe it or not, most people never really get top dollar of the value of their vehicles. If they simply trade it in at a car dealer, they usually just accept what the dealer says they will give them on trade leaving money on the table they could have been made. On the other hand when they sell it in the local papers they may arrive at a selling price after looking at similar cars and what they are selling for while making a fatal mistake because no two cars are ever alike and the same with their value.
Remember buying cars is one of the biggest investments you will make over a lifetime and as far as resell value, also the worst. So knowing this, here is some key information that will help you research the value of your car, so you can get top dollar for it when you head out to trade it in or sell it outright. First, you need to understand that the value of a car depends on the market and the demand for your vehicle and it actually varies form state to state. Here’s a good example, lets say you have a 1990 Chevrolet ½-ton pick-up truck and you live in Detroit, Michigan. More than likely, your truck will not be in big demand one being you live in a big city and pick-up trucks are not as popular along with the fact that the weather up north is known to rust out the bodies fast due to all the salt they use on all the roadways.
Now, lets say you have a 1990 Chevrolet ½ ton pick-up truck and you live in a town somewhere down in Texas that’s a farming community, the weather is fairer so the bodies in much better shape compared to the same ½-ton pick-up truck that’s in Michigan. Your truck could be worth a couple thousand dollars more in Texas where they are very popular and the demand is high, as they are needed for every day work around farms and ranches.
Secondly, what people will pay for your car varies from person to person. People in general, buy cars based on emotions, Lets say you have a really slick looking corvette but it really has super high miles so compared to ones that are similar its really worth a thousand or two less. If the car looks sweet and runs good, then go ahead and ask top dollar because if there are not many around like yours, a person who loves and wants a corvette will more than likely pay top dollar for yours simply because he wants it and there aren’t any more around to shop and compare. It a good deal for both, you the seller and the buyer, He bought the car he really wanted and did not mind paying a little more and you got top dollar for your car maximizing your profit based on demand. Both you and the buyer went away happy because you both got what you wanted. Now, book value is always a good guideline to help you figure out a general idea of your car’s value. One of the most popular and well-know is of course, the NADA. NADA stand for National Auto Dealer Association and is used by both new and used car dealers nationwide for appraising the value of cars and other vehicles. Individuals may also use this guide to determine the value of their autos and I recommend that you use it before you head out to trade in your car, so you have a heads up on its value before you trade at a dealership.
This way you’ll be able to strike up a better deal because you know in advance what your cars worth just like the dealer would. There are many other things you can research and consider to find out what your car is worth. Nevertheless, a good starting place is NADA for quick analyses, but remember if you want more than the book might say ask for it and if the demand is there you just might be pleasingly surprised at the extra profits you can pick up.
By: Dennis D James
So, how does a person go about getting top dollar when selling or trading their autos? Believe it or not, most people never really get top dollar of the value of their vehicles. If they simply trade it in at a car dealer, they usually just accept what the dealer says they will give them on trade leaving money on the table they could have been made. On the other hand when they sell it in the local papers they may arrive at a selling price after looking at similar cars and what they are selling for while making a fatal mistake because no two cars are ever alike and the same with their value.
Remember buying cars is one of the biggest investments you will make over a lifetime and as far as resell value, also the worst. So knowing this, here is some key information that will help you research the value of your car, so you can get top dollar for it when you head out to trade it in or sell it outright. First, you need to understand that the value of a car depends on the market and the demand for your vehicle and it actually varies form state to state. Here’s a good example, lets say you have a 1990 Chevrolet ½-ton pick-up truck and you live in Detroit, Michigan. More than likely, your truck will not be in big demand one being you live in a big city and pick-up trucks are not as popular along with the fact that the weather up north is known to rust out the bodies fast due to all the salt they use on all the roadways.
Now, lets say you have a 1990 Chevrolet ½ ton pick-up truck and you live in a town somewhere down in Texas that’s a farming community, the weather is fairer so the bodies in much better shape compared to the same ½-ton pick-up truck that’s in Michigan. Your truck could be worth a couple thousand dollars more in Texas where they are very popular and the demand is high, as they are needed for every day work around farms and ranches.
Secondly, what people will pay for your car varies from person to person. People in general, buy cars based on emotions, Lets say you have a really slick looking corvette but it really has super high miles so compared to ones that are similar its really worth a thousand or two less. If the car looks sweet and runs good, then go ahead and ask top dollar because if there are not many around like yours, a person who loves and wants a corvette will more than likely pay top dollar for yours simply because he wants it and there aren’t any more around to shop and compare. It a good deal for both, you the seller and the buyer, He bought the car he really wanted and did not mind paying a little more and you got top dollar for your car maximizing your profit based on demand. Both you and the buyer went away happy because you both got what you wanted. Now, book value is always a good guideline to help you figure out a general idea of your car’s value. One of the most popular and well-know is of course, the NADA. NADA stand for National Auto Dealer Association and is used by both new and used car dealers nationwide for appraising the value of cars and other vehicles. Individuals may also use this guide to determine the value of their autos and I recommend that you use it before you head out to trade in your car, so you have a heads up on its value before you trade at a dealership.
This way you’ll be able to strike up a better deal because you know in advance what your cars worth just like the dealer would. There are many other things you can research and consider to find out what your car is worth. Nevertheless, a good starting place is NADA for quick analyses, but remember if you want more than the book might say ask for it and if the demand is there you just might be pleasingly surprised at the extra profits you can pick up.
By: Dennis D James
Buying A Used Car: Avoiding The Scams
There are a few things that you should always look for if you are buying a used car. Here are the tips that you will need not to get a lemon.
1. Warranty Facts
You can sometimes get a car that is still under warranty. If this is the case, check with the warranty (perhaps call the number in the warranty book) to ask if there is anything that you need to do to keep the warranty when you buy the car. This often just involves sending out a letter with the purchase information to the dealership.
If you buy from a car dealership, you can often get warranties on used cars. If you want peace of mind when purchasing, consider this option for sure.
2. Warning Signs
If the odometer reading doesn’t match the wear and tear of the car, then you should definitely ask for some records.
If there is any vagueness about getting the service records for the car, you might want to walk away.
3. Getting a Good Price
Because the cost of new cars is going up, there is more of a demand for used cars. This means that some dealerships believe that they can take more money than the car is worth. There are a few things that you need to do to get a good price.
Do your research; check online and in used car guides (often available at the local library) to find out what the prices of cars listed online to sell are. If you are uncertain about buying a car online, then don’t. Often purchasing a car online means that it will come from a long distance, and as such, you will have to pay exorbitant shipping or delivery costs, which will not be worth the money that you are saving off the sticker price.
4. Making the Payments
Instead of getting a car loan from the dealership and paying the dealer or the seller monthly payments, consider taking out a loan from the bank. You will often get better interest (or financing, as it is called with cars) rates. Go to a bank or credit union before you go shopping for your car. Salespeople will try to talk you into going with the dealership’s rates; you will be better off if you already have your financing set up. Credit unions can sometimes offer even better rates than banks on loans and are an often-overlooked choice.
5. The Information to Get
In Ontario, and in some states, you can ask to get the used vehicle information package. This will have the details of the previous maintenance and ownership history of the car.
Always do a complete visual inspection of a car. Even if you are buying a car from the internet, buy one from your province or state so that you can go and check it out first. Alternatively, agree with the seller that you have the right to return the car for a full refund (including shipping) if it does not meet your standards.
6. What not to Trust
Don’t judge the use of a car by it’s brakes; a dealer can buy new brake pads for less than $10, which is often an easy fix for a car.
If a car has rear-door-hinges that are very worn, it might have been used as a taxi, and you should probably find another one. Check the roof of the car to see if there have been any holes filled in; this could have been a sign for a delivery vehicle. They also often have been used a lot.
Be careful if a car looks like it has been freshly painted. This could mean that it has been in an accident that is trying to be covered up.
7. And finally
Buying a used car can be a great deal for you. You can save money on the car itself, and you can get a safe means to travel. Remember, the condition of the car is more important than if it has had multiple owners, or even the odometer reading. Good luck shopping!
1. Warranty Facts
You can sometimes get a car that is still under warranty. If this is the case, check with the warranty (perhaps call the number in the warranty book) to ask if there is anything that you need to do to keep the warranty when you buy the car. This often just involves sending out a letter with the purchase information to the dealership.
If you buy from a car dealership, you can often get warranties on used cars. If you want peace of mind when purchasing, consider this option for sure.
2. Warning Signs
If the odometer reading doesn’t match the wear and tear of the car, then you should definitely ask for some records.
If there is any vagueness about getting the service records for the car, you might want to walk away.
3. Getting a Good Price
Because the cost of new cars is going up, there is more of a demand for used cars. This means that some dealerships believe that they can take more money than the car is worth. There are a few things that you need to do to get a good price.
Do your research; check online and in used car guides (often available at the local library) to find out what the prices of cars listed online to sell are. If you are uncertain about buying a car online, then don’t. Often purchasing a car online means that it will come from a long distance, and as such, you will have to pay exorbitant shipping or delivery costs, which will not be worth the money that you are saving off the sticker price.
4. Making the Payments
Instead of getting a car loan from the dealership and paying the dealer or the seller monthly payments, consider taking out a loan from the bank. You will often get better interest (or financing, as it is called with cars) rates. Go to a bank or credit union before you go shopping for your car. Salespeople will try to talk you into going with the dealership’s rates; you will be better off if you already have your financing set up. Credit unions can sometimes offer even better rates than banks on loans and are an often-overlooked choice.
5. The Information to Get
In Ontario, and in some states, you can ask to get the used vehicle information package. This will have the details of the previous maintenance and ownership history of the car.
Always do a complete visual inspection of a car. Even if you are buying a car from the internet, buy one from your province or state so that you can go and check it out first. Alternatively, agree with the seller that you have the right to return the car for a full refund (including shipping) if it does not meet your standards.
6. What not to Trust
Don’t judge the use of a car by it’s brakes; a dealer can buy new brake pads for less than $10, which is often an easy fix for a car.
If a car has rear-door-hinges that are very worn, it might have been used as a taxi, and you should probably find another one. Check the roof of the car to see if there have been any holes filled in; this could have been a sign for a delivery vehicle. They also often have been used a lot.
Be careful if a car looks like it has been freshly painted. This could mean that it has been in an accident that is trying to be covered up.
7. And finally
Buying a used car can be a great deal for you. You can save money on the car itself, and you can get a safe means to travel. Remember, the condition of the car is more important than if it has had multiple owners, or even the odometer reading. Good luck shopping!
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