Buying a Nearly New Car

Used car buying doesn't have to mean buying a clunker. A nearly new car, in the less than 3 years old range, can offer much of the comfort, performance and style of a new model, but for a considerably lower price. Since a new car loses a big chunk of its value as soon as it is driven off the lot, buying the vehicle you want nearly new can save you a lot of money.

Most new car warranties are good for at least three years, and for premium cars it can be even longer. There is usually rust and corrosion protection that lasts even longer and roadside assistance coverage as well. That means you can have all of the benefits of a new vehicle while skipping the initial depreciation.

Keep in mind that once a car is around five years old, the value usually drops again. So the best thing to do is to buy a used vehicle that is only 1-2 years old and sell it once it's around 3-4 years old, before it has another big drop in value. You may even be able to sell it for close to what you bought it for. That way you can get a new nearly new car every couple of years, without losing a lot of money from depreciation.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an expansion of existing cruise control technology. It's sometimes called active cruise control or intelligent cruise control.

When activated by the driver, regular cruise control maintains vehicle speed through a link in the vehicle's powertrain. In addition to maintaining the vehicle's pre-set speed, adaptive cruise control will also automatically adjust the speed in order to maintain a safe distance between other vehicles in the same lane.

When the driver activates the ACC system, it begins to scan for other vehicles within a distance of nearly 500 feet in front of the vehicle. When the system senses a vehicle, it calculates the distance and relative speed and the onboard computer then automatically sends a message to apply the brakes to maintain a pre-programmed distance behind the vehicle. When traffic has cleared, the system will accelerate the car back to the previously set speed. Just like traditional cruise control, the adaptive cruise control system is disabled as soon as the driver applies the brakes.

The potential benefits of ACC include a reduction in accident rates, a reduction in driver fatigue and an increase in fuel efficiency.
Most car manufacturers offer models that include ACC or have it as an available option.

Consider Buying a Rental Car

There are many options to choose from when buying a car. If you want to buy a gently used car that you know is in good shape, consider buying a used rental car. There are a number of advantages to buying a rental car:

1. Rental vehicles are usually very well maintained inside and out. The customers renting the vehicles expect them to be in top condition. There are also legal aspects that influence the maintenance of rental cars. Rental companies can be sued if an improperly serviced vehicle causes an accident.
2. Most car rental companies use a type of software that automatically alerts them when vehicles are due for service. They will usually stop renting those cars until the required maintenance has been performed. You can request a copy of these service records for any car on the lot at a rental company.
3. Most drivers of rental cars take good care of them because they do not want to end up with extra charges. Rental agreements usually contain a clause that the vehicle may only be driven on paved roads and not used for off-roading.
4. Rental vehicles often have low mileage because they are not in constant use and when they are used it's usually for short periods of time. They are usually sold when they are only 1-3 years old.

If you would like to buy a used rental car, just contact the rental companies in your area to see what they have available.

Keep Your Car Looking Shiny and New

A brand new car looks shiny, clean and attractive, but it doesn't take long before it gets dirty and doesn't look so nice anymore. Taking good care of your car and having a regular clean up routine can keep it looking great.

Washing
Try to wash your car at least once a week. Dirt and dust that gather on the car can eventual lead to scratches and rust. First hose off all the dirt and mud from the car. Then use a gentle cleaner and wash your car using a sponge in a circular motion. Once you are done with the washing, use a soft terry cloth to dry the car.

Waxing
After washing and drying your car, apply car wax. Apply wax using a sponge in a circular motion. Once you are done, remove the extra wax using a soft terry cloth.

Tires
Shining tires improve the overall look of the car. Wash the tires with soap and water. Once you are done, polish the car tires using tire polish.

Interior
To clean the interior of your car, first remove all the trash and extra materials. Then use a vacuum to remove the dirt and debris. You can use a leather conditioner to give a fresh look to leather car seats. Using a brush or a spray, clean the car electronics and dashboard. Use a regular glass cleaner to clean the windows.

Here are some simple things that you can do to keep the inside of your car clean and smelling fresh:

• Always keep a garbage bag in the car.
• Avoid eating and smoking in the car.
• Use spill-proof cups and snack holders.
• Put rubber mats on top of your carpet mats.
• Keep some basic cleaning tools in the car.
• Use an air freshener product.

The Dealer Four Square Technique

New car dealers use various techniques to try to secure a sale with the most possible profit. One of the most popular techniques is called the four square. The four square worksheet helps the salesperson view the total profit to the dealership as well as the separate elements of the deal. The sheet is divided into four squares:

• Trade-in price: The amount that the dealership will credit you for your trade-in vehicle. This figure is credited toward your purchase of a new vehicle. Consider selling your old car rather than trading it in, you may get more money by selling it yourself.
• New car price: This is the price of the new car that you want. Often a dealer will write the price of the car in large print, then write "plus fees," in small print, indicating that, on top of the cost of the car, you will pay sales tax and other fees.
• Down payment: Here they enter the maximum amount that you are willing to put down. The will try to coax the highest amount possible.
• Monthly payments: Here they enter the maximum amount that you are willing to pay per month.

The salesperson will then try to manipulate the numbers to get the most profit while making the customer feel that they are getting a deal. For example, if the customer is only willing to pay a small down payment, then they will write down a lower down payment and an inflated monthly payment.

Decide what your maximum down payment and monthly payment should be before going to the dealership. Don't tell the salesperson the maximum amounts you are willing to pay, tell them the amounts that you actually want to pay. Write all these figures down and stick to them.

Volvos New City Safety Technology

Volvo is already known for producing safe vehicles, but the 2010 Volvo XC60 will take car safety to a new level. The 2010 XC60 will have a new safety system called City Safety as standard equipment. It will officially be Volvos safest vehicle so far.

The City Safety technology helps the driver to avoid a low speed collision. The majority of reported collisions take place at low speeds, mainly due to a distracted driver not braking in time. If the XC60's City Safety system detects an imminent collision, it automatically applies the brakes and gives an audible warning to alert the driver.

The system uses a laser sensor that is located near the top of the windshield, behind the rear-view mirror, to detect objects within 13 feet in front of the vehicle. At speeds up to 18 mph, the lasers will scan for obstacles. If a possible collision is detected, the system can automatically stop the vehicle without driver input. Between 9 and 18 mph, the system focuses on slowing down the vehicle as much as possible before a collision happens.

A red light flashes on the windshield, as well as a warning light in the multifunction display, to inform the driver that the system has engaged. It also illuminates the brake lights to warn drivers behind the vehicle.

Overall, the system helps to protect occupants inside the vehicle, as well as occupants of the vehicle directly in front and behind.

The Lowest Priced New Car in the U.S.

It's nice to know that there are affordable car prices for any budget. With an MSRP of only $9,990, the 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 Base is currently the lowest priced new vehicle available in the U.S. The Versa is a subcompact car that offers a comfortable interior, good fuel economy and decent performance.

The 2009 Versa is available as a hatchback or sedan in two trim levels, S and SL. The 1.6 Base has a 107-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and a standard 5-speed manual transmission. The estimated fuel economy for the 1.6 Base is 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

The Versa 1.6 Base is also an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). A ULEV is a vehicle that has been verified by the Air Resources Board of California to emit 50% less polluting emissions than the average new vehicle released in that year.

Standard features on the 1.6 Base include ABS, front side and curtain side airbags, 14" wheel covers, front-seat Active Head Restraints and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). An ABS Package is available as an option for another $250.

Each Nissan vehicle is backed by a 36-month/36,000-mile limited vehicle coverage and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage.

What are Green Dealerships?

In addition to selling green vehicles, some new car dealers are also making their entire dealerships green.

There are at least 16 green dealerships already in the U.S. Toyota is aiming to make 100 of their dealerships green. They have created a design that dealerships can follow to be certified as environmentally friendly. GM also has several dealerships with green aspects. Many more automakers are expected to join the green movement. Dealers are hoping that the 'green' angle will help promote their sales and at the same time save them money and deflect some of the environmental criticism aimed at the automotive industry.

Some things that dealers do to make their dealerships greener include:

• Lubricating car lifts with vegetable oil
• Using a geothermalheating system
• Using a geothermal pump
• Using organic soaps in the car wash
• Cleaning cars with recycled water
• Having a water-soluble paint booth
• Using biodiesel powered machinery
• Cutting energy usage
• Installing skylights for extra light
• Making doors out of pressed corn
• Having the staff wear organic shirts

Some dealers are also going after a LEED designation from the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED designation recognizes buildings that are environmentally friendly. This has to include design, construction and operation.

Selling Your Car on Ebay

The internet has become a great tool for connecting used car buyers and sellers. Ebay has become one of the most popular sites for this purpose. They have made a website specifically for vehicles called Ebay Motors. Ebay Motors makes it easy for buyers to search for a specific type of vehicle. They can search by category, make, model, location or vehicle type.

To sell your car on Ebay, start by setting up a free account and creating your advertisement posting. Ebay does charge advertising fees, but they are very reasonable. You should add as many photographs of the vehicle as possible. Make sure they are good quality photos. Include detailed pictures of the interior, exterior, tire tread and motor.

Because Ebay is an auction site, the ads are bid oriented, although you can post a "buy it now" price or set a reserve price. If there are no appropriate bids, the vehicle is not sold. Do your research and make sure to set an appropriate value on your vehicle from the start, you will have the best chance of selling it if the price is reasonable.

It will also be easier to sell your vehicle if you can validate the claims that you make in your ad. If you're advertising the vehicle to be in excellent condition, have it inspected and certified as proof. A buyer will be more likely to commit if you remove any doubt on the validity of the claims you have made.

The New Interstate Vehicle Database

The U.S. Justice Department has launched an interstate vehicle database called the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, or NMVTIS. The state motor vehicle bureaus have never been linked before, which created a loophole that made used car buying riskier. Vehicles with a rebuilt title from one state could be given a clean title in another state. This criminal practice, called title-washing, will soon be put to an end.

Title washing is the practice of hiding the history of a vehicle that's been salvaged. Salvage titles are assigned to cars that are deemed a total loss by insurance companies, because of an accident, flooding, etc. Titles are washed by transferring a salvaged vehicle to a state that doesn't recognize the brand. When the state issues a new title, it may no longer show that it had been salvaged. Once the salvaged title is eliminated, the car's value goes up and it's a lot easier for the owner to sell it.

By January 1st, 2010, all states will be required to be in this system. Insurers and salvage yards will also contribute to the database. Like other car database systems, a fee will be associated with using the system. The information provided will include: The current and previous state of the title, the title issue date, the odometer reading, any brands applied to the vehicle, any auto recycler or salvage yard history for the vehicle and any insurance company salvage determination history for the vehicle...