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vehicle depreciation

Other People's Money

When purchasing an auto, an alternate way to look at value is look at those vehicles that depreciate the most in the first one or two years as a great potential value. Some vehicles will depreciate 30 to 45% in the first year.

Let someone else pay one dollar a mile for the first 12,000 miles on a vehicle. Buy a one- or two-year-old car and you then can potentially get a vehicle with 12,000 miles on it at half of the new retail price. Use car value guides as a way to identify the best buys in slightly used vehicles.

Terry in Cheyenne

Looking to save time or money? Visit The Dollar Stretcher.com You'll find hundreds of helpful articles to stretch your day and your dollar. Copyright 2005 Dollar Stretcher, Inc.

Reprinted from ValuableContent.Com

Honda Car Parts

World Class Honda Car Parts Sold By Partstrain

Honda customers are among the most satisfied in the car industry is revealed this week in the latest J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Customer Satisfaction Study published in the June edition of What Car?

Achieving high customer satisfaction is a top priority for us and we are firmly committed to enhancing the customer experience,” says Honda (UK)’s Customer Insight Manager, Jane Nichols. “To this end, the J.D. Power and Associates Study is an important measuring tool, enabling us quickly to identify the things that really matter to the customer. We are greatly encouraged by our success, especially since this year’s study reflects steps we have recently taken to reduce ownership costs.”

Finding the right Honda car for you feels pretty good and so is finding the right car parts. You simply can't go wrong with the safe and reliable Honda car parts from Partstrain. Partstrain has a wide array of Honda car parts from headlights, filters, hoses, belts, condensers, catalytic converters, transmissions, engine parts, Honda Altezza lights, radiators, suspension, chassis parts, interior parts & accessories, and just about everything you might need for your Honda vehicle.

Honda is synonymous to innovative technology and social responsibility and so is Partsrain, which has served its clients for more than 25 years with impeccable track record. Partsrain gives you the most cost effective Honda car parts for its models like the Accord, Civic, CRV, CRX, Del Sol, Pilot, Odyssey, Insight, Passport, Pilot, S2000, Element and Prelude.

Only a few car parts manufacturers can match the quality that the stock Honda has according to Partstrain and the company boasts of an impressive array of Honda replacement and Honda car parts. Only the finest in the industry at extremely low prices that beats the automotive industry standard is the company's commitment to its customers.

Partstrain has a certified secured online store http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA that ships your order right at your doorstep in the soonest possible time. Like Honda the car manufacturer whose foremost concern is fulfilling the needs of its customers worldwide, Partstrain is strongly committed to the utmost satisfaction of its customer base.

Reprinted from ValuableContent.Com

Volkswagen Parts

Volkswagen Passat 2005: Body and Chassis for Volkswagen Parts at Parts Train

The Volkswagen Passat 2005 features a powerful design.

The new VW face with its chrome radiator represents the greatest design progression since the creation of the series.

The new Passat is 4.77 metres long (+ 62mm), 1.82 metres wide (+ 74mm) and 1.47 metres tall (+ 10 mm). The wheelbase measures 2.71 metres. One real indicator of outstanding quality is the static torsional stiffness. .

Volkswagen is using the FSI engines with homogeneous direct injection for the first time in the Passat. They deliver 85kW / 115hp, 110kW / 150hp and 147kW / 200hp (Turbo FSI). The Passat TDI will also be available with a diesel particulate filter. The most powerful TDI features the innovative Piezo high-pressure unit-injector system. The petrol engines with outputs of 85kW / 115hp, 110kW / 150hp and 147kW / 200hp can be optionally combined with a driver-friendly six-speed automatic gearbox Using aluminum components (weight: -13.3 kilogrammes) guarantee a maximum level of agility, comfort and safety, it has new four-link rear axle, which has been decoupled from the body to reduce noise, along with the McPherson front.

The chassis technology has been perfected with the ESP + Trailer Stabilizations that comes as standard on all vehicles with a tow bar. All Passats have 16-inch brakes with an integrated “wiper” function. The brake pads are applied lightly at specific intervals.

This “wipes away” any water film that may have formed while driving on wet surfaces and thus shortens the braking distance. Standard for the first time is the electronic parking brakes at the push of a button. It has new Starting and Locking System, New Automatic Adaptive Cruise Control, Sound System from Dynaudi, Draught-free Climatronic, Bi-Xenon Headlights with Cornering Function.

Hands-free telephone system with a Bluetooth interface is available as an option. Equally impressive and highly durable Volkswagen auto body parts, performance parts, replacement parts, discount parts are available at Parts train's online store.

When you need Volkswagen Hood, first class quality is available at Partstrain. Volkswagen Grille and Volkswagen fenders for example are put you on top of the race due to its strict quality control measures. The number one provider of the best Volkswagen Parts online is just a click to http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLKSWAGEN with superb customer service and secured online transaction anytime. Nothing beats its excellent services and low price quotes.

Reprinted from ValuableContent.Com

BMW M6 Coupe

The New BMW M6 Coupe: One of the Most Beautiful Cars in the World With High Speed Engine Concept complimented with BMW Parts from Parts Train

The all new BMW M6 Coupe is the most sophisticated and powerful 6 Series ever: five-liter engine capacity, 10 cylinders, 507 horsepower, 383 lb-ft maximum torque, and engine speed beyond the 8,000 rpm limit.

The BMW M6 V-10 507 Hp Engine comes with all the driving dynamics required for the racetrack, while in terms of comfort and equipment it is simply ideal for all roads. Its chassis and suspension, elegant body in innovative lightweight technology, as well as the wide range of luxury equipment and the ten-cylinder high-speed engine gives the car a dynamic and impressive performance.

BMW's high-speed engine concept allows an optimum gearbox and final drive transmission ratio in all cases, thus guaranteeing impressive thrust and momentum on the road at all times. The engine control unit has ionic current technology serving to detect any tendency of the engine to knock, misfire and suffer mis-combustion. This intelligent control unit is able to sense any tendency to knock via the spark plug in each cylinder, checking the correct ignition setting and recognizing any tendency to misfire and thus allowing the engine to run as closely as possible to its theoretical limits, developing optimum power and performance in the process. Variable dual-VANOS camshaft control ensures an optimum cylinder charge cycle.

This means even more performance, an improved torque curve, optimum responsiveness, lower fuel consumption, and emissions reduced to a minimum. Its twin chamber exhaust system is made of stainless steel all the way to the silencers, before exhaust emissions leave the car through the four tailpipes. Exhaust emissions meet the European EU4 and, respectively, the US LEV2 standards.

The BMW M6 seven-speed SMG transmission is the world's only sequential transmission with seven gears and Drivelogic. With qualities even greater than on a six-speed SMG gearbox, this transmission allows manual selection of gears with extremely short gearshift times as well as comfortable cruising qualities thanks to the automatic gear selection function. The variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock gives the M6 superior driving stability and optimum traction.

Its Dynamic Stability Control with the first stage of DSC is conceived for maximum driving safety. With all these outstanding features, BMW has continued its tradition of excellence in the M6. Likewise, Parts Train is the ultimate site for the ultimate car featuring BMW Car Parts. Check out its online BMW Parts and BMW Accessories at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/BMW . It offers discount prices on new, OEM and aftermarket BMW auto parts and BMW car parts for all BMW models.

Reprinted from ValuableContent.Com

Volvo 3CC

Moving Toward the Future with Volvo 3CC Concept and Volvo Performance Parts

PremAir is offered on Volvos today.

The technology removes the ozone from the air sucked into the radiator, making select Volvo models four-wheeled pollution vacuums.

PZEV engines meet partial zero-emission vehicle standards in California and New England, and are among the cleanest-burning vehicles of any kind regardless of their requirement for gasoline. Volvo 3CC concept won the “Best Design” at the seventh Annual Michelin Challenge Bibendum, where the alternative-fuel concept vehicles compete as automakers are challenged to find better, greener ways of producing vehicles. We see the Volvo 3CC as a functional demonstrator from which clean, safe and efficient vehicles can be derived in the future," says Volvo Car Corporation spokesman Dan Werbin, Director Volvo Cars North America. The 3CC is powered by 3,000 lithium-ion cells like those in a laptop computer, can accelerate to 60 mph in 10 seconds while emitting zero emissions, according to Volvo.

It will travel 180 miles on a single charge, and can cruise at speeds as high as 85 mph. Unique engine housing construction allows the Volvo 3CC to conform to a wide variety of propulsion systems, giving it the flexibility to meet ever-changing power source requirements whether they call for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric, or bio-fuel motors. The 3CC is a small, sleek and environmentally efficient car with a powerful, zero emission electric power train, great aerodynamics and a lightweight, high-strength steel space frame.

Volvo could not compromise on safety for the 3CC thus it developed the unique 'Volvo safety ride down concept' to absorb collision forces in a frontal impact by controlling the forward motion of the occupants. For crash safety, engineers have designed the instrument panel, steering column, and seating in the Volvo 3CC to move forward as far as eight inches in an accident.

This movement effectively serves as a shock absorber for the 3CC’s occupants while simultaneously extending the car’s crash zone by the same distance. Volvo's commitment to clean vehicles and sustainable mobility is evident in its new and upcoming vehicles.

The Volvo 3CC is a further step towards a new mobility paradigm as envisioned by Volvo. Partstrain shares Volvo's commitment towards fuel-efficient cars with lower emission. Preserving the environment and sustained mobility dominate the theme of every carmaker today.

Parts Train with their superior Volvo auto body parts joins them by offering top of the line Volvo Replacement Parts, Performance Parts, Aftermarket Parts in its online store at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLVO Its proven reliability for genuine and quality Mercedes auto parts keep customer loyalty for years.

Reprinted from ValuableContent.Com

Listing a Car For Sale in the Classifieds

Listing a Car For Sale in the Classifieds
by: Michael J Medeiros

Opposed to trading-in, selling a vehicle can provide a significant financial gain. Dealerships have moderate overhead that forces them to offer reduced trade-in values. In addition, they attempt to maintain a profit margin, as any business should. These expenses are passed on to buyers who take advantage of trading-in their current vehicle for the purchase of a new or pre-owned automobile. By attending to a few details, devoting time, and utilizing classifieds a consumer can achieve a quick sale and maintain monetary rewards for their efforts.

Attend to the Cars Exterior

Similar to selling a home, the cars exterior will provide a lasting first impression to prospective buyers. Wash the vehicle with a quality Car Wash. Ensure that brake dust is removed from the cars rims and wheel hubs. Remove built up road-dust from creases in the cars body. Pay extra attention to decorative moldings, door jams, and spaces between body parts. After washing the car, dry the vehicle with a shammy, to prevent dust from sticking to the clean surface.

Once the vehicle is dry and the surface is cool, wax the entire car with a quality carnauba wax. Read the instructions carefully before applying carnauba wax to the finish. Use a small hand applicator to wax creases and difficult to reach areas of the cars body. These areas are especially important to the external appearance of the vehicle.

Tend to rubber and plastic on the vehicles exterior. Apply high-gloss sun protectent to moldings and tires. Using an applicator, apply a generous amount of sun protectent product evenly. This should remove dulling that occurred from the sun or dust. Any product that is accidentally applied to the vehicles finish should wipe-off easily, as a result from the fresh wax that is protecting the finish.

Clean the Cars Interior

Use quality glass cleaner to remove built up residue from skin oils, cigarette smoke, and moisture that dried dust to the glass. Clean gauges and other glass-like surfaces that are in the vehicle. Use an interior cleaner to remove dust from the dashboard, instrument panel, door panels, and sun visors. Apply a high-gloss sun protectent to the plastic interior parts once they are cleaned.

Vacuum the cars upholstery and carpets. Using attachments for the vacuum, reach down between the seats and doors. Pay extra attention to the drivers-side of the vehicle near the pedals. Use a quality carpet cleaning product, as instructed, to remove stains in the carpet and upholstery.

Clean the Cars Engine Compartment and Attend to Minor Parts

There are a variety of products on the market that now make cleaning an engine simple. Many products may require the battery to be disconnected and water to rinse engine parts. Follow the instructions on the product of choice to achieve the best results. A clean engine is very important as consumers will want to see and inspect engine parts. When the motor is run, a clean engine will reveal any problems, if they exist. This is generally the consumer’s biggest concern.

Inspect all belts and hoses on the vehicle. If dry-rot appears, replace the hoses. If the belts are dry-rotted or cracked, replace them. Ensure that all fluid reservoirs all full to the proper level. This may include windshield wash, clutch fluid, transmission fluid, motor oil, and coolant.

Determine a Reasonable Marketing Price

Once the vehicle is clean and ready for consumer inspection, determine a fair value for the vehicle. This will require some research with similar models that are currently for sale. It may be in a seller’s best interest to review similar vehicles that are for sale. Compare the price and condition of the vehicles. Remember, marketing price is not necessarily the price a seller is willing to accept. Common negotiating principles are for seller’s to start high, and consumers to start low.

Review book values for the make and model of the vehicle. Kelly Blue book is a well known and used resource for establishing a fair value. Consider any modifications that have been made to the vehicle. Modifications may not be reflected within the Kelly Blue Book suggestion.

Gather Information and Place a Classified Ad

Route through receipts and gather maintenance records. Consumers will probably want to know what was done to the vehicle and how well it was maintained. By having these records ready before hand, it will reinsure trust that the vehicle was taken-care-of.

Be prepared to provide details regarding enhanced features or parts, provided by the manufacturer, for the model. A commonly overlooked feature is Low Jack car recovery devices. Custom wheels, stereo equipment, and engine type. Being able to provide these details will reinforce value to consumers who have viewed several similar vehicles.

Place an Ad for the vehicle. Avoid terms such as, “to many parts to list”. Instead, enter, “complete maintenance records available”. Describe the vehicle accurately. Many details can be found in the vehicles owner’s manual. Indicate the best time to contact the seller. A consumer, who continually calls without an answer, could give-up trying. Ensure the contact information is accurate and consumers can leave a message, if there is no answer.

About The Author Michael Medeiros is the owner of http://www.mjmls.com and open-source advertising solution for the United States.

What is the right deductible to carry?

Should You Have Higher Deductibles On Your Coverage?
by: Erick Pace

What is a deductible? A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance carrier pays any claim. Insurance companies offer deductibles on certain coverage in insurance policies as a method of sharing risk with the people they insure. Insurers believe that if you, the insured, share some of the risk you will likely be more careful and try to minimize the possibility of a claim. Since you, the insured, pay your share before the company is liable for their share, smaller potential claims are often avoided.

What is the right deductible to carry? It depends not only on the particular coverage but further on your willingness and ability to pay the specified amount in the event of a claim. In other words, select a deductible based on your tolerance for risk. Your agent should be able to help you choose a deductible that is right for you. Often, the decision is an easy one as insurers may only offer a few choices in deductible for a specific coverage.

Typically, which type of coverage offers a deductible? The most common type of coverage with a deductible is physical damage (also known as comprehensive and collision). This is coverage for your vehicle itself. For damage caused whether or not at fault. In many cases if you have borrowed money to purchase your vehicle through a bank or credit union, the lien holder will require that you carry this coverage. This coverage is usually required in the event any damage occurs while you are still paying for the vehicle. Typical physical damage deductibles are $250, $500, and $1000. Higher deductibles will reduce the cost of your insurance by lowering your premiums. When evaluating higher deductibles, it is a good idea to consider carefully your circumstances. Ask your insurance provider for quotes for various deductibles, and analyze them carefully before making a decision. The higher the deductible is on a specific coverage, the lower the premium for that coverage. This is a great way to save on the total cost of your policy. For example, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 could reduce the physical damage portion of your policy from 15% to 30% depending on your insurance carrier.

Another type of coverage typically offered with a deductible is Personal Injury Protection or PIP. This coverage is also sometimes referred to as No Fault. "No Fault" insurance is a general term that is used to describe any auto insurance system that not only requires drivers to carry insurance for their own protection, and places limitations on their ability to sue other drivers for damages. In an accident, under no fault laws, your auto insurance company will pay for your damages (up to your policy limits), regardless of whom was at fault for the accident. Any other drivers involved will be covered by their auto insurance policies. Not every state requires this type of coverage. No Fault is required if you live in: Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Utah or D.C.

No Fault is usually offered with or without the option of a deductible. You can choose to purchase this coverage with a deductible if you want to absorb some of the risk as with other coverage such as physical damage. As with physical damage, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium on the No Fault portion of your policy. Your agent may recommend taking a deductible on your No Fault if you have health coverage elsewhere since you can only make one claim on any one injury. Some health insurance policies exclude automobile accident so it may be wise to check with your healthcare provider to make sure you are covered if you decide to go with a deductible. Common deductibles options on No Fault are $0, $250, $500, and $1000.

Visit http://www.carinsurance.com to Set Your Deductible

About The Author Erick Pace is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728. CarInsurance.com's online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online. Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!

Honda Accord Hybrid

Honda Environmental Technology Advances with Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Fuel Cell Stack
by: Jenny McLane

Employing Variable Cylinder Management technology (VCM), Honda Accord Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle to deactivate three of its engine's six cylinders in certain conditions like highway cruising for greater fuel efficiency without affecting its performance.

The new 2005 V6 Accord Hybrid integrates the fuel economy of a four cylinder compact Civic and high-level performance.

Combining VCM with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology, Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid captured four of the top five slots in the EPA 2004 fuel economy ratings. In 2005, Honda-developed fuel cell stack featuring increased performance and fuel efficiency, reduced cost and the capability to start in below freezing temperatures.

Leading the pioneering efforts for the development and application of leading edge environmental technologies including the first Low Emissions (LEV) and Ultra-Low Emissions (ULEV) vehicles and the first commercially certified fuel cell vehicle, Honda now again has proven its innovative ideas.

FCX fuel vehicle powered by the Honda FC stack is the realization of Honda's long held effort of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Honda FCX then on its launching will be the first and only fuel cell vehicle certified by the EPA and California Air Resources Board for regular commercial use.

Starting and operating a vehicle in cold weather and freezing temperatures is a daunting technical barrier to the mass-market application of fuel cell technology. Honda's answer to this problem is the Fuel Cell stack with its newly developed electrolyte membranes and stamped metal separator structure for improved efficiency, recycle ability, and operation over a greater range of temperatures.

Prior to the FC stack's introduction in the Honda FCX, public road evaluations in the U.S and Japan is on going.

Make Honda parts shopping hassle-free and satisfying for you. Partstrain offers the best prices to save you on your next Honda parts purchase. We give you the best value and superior quality Honda parts. Buy from http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA and expect fast & reliable shipping of your Honda parts orders.

About The Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Synthetic Lubricants

Synthetic Lubricants Mean Less Dependence on Foreign Oil Consumption
by: Steve Danielson

As big oil companies continue to grow bigger, foreigners are the ones who get most of the money. If you own a lot of oil stock you may be happy, but the rest of us can only grumble when we see prices jump higher at the pump. The gas station is the easiest way to see how the rising cost of oil affects us, but there are many hidden costs, too.

Much of the world’s oil now comes from the middle east. We are able to see on a daily basis the price of being dependent on another part of the world for the energy we have come to rely upon. The wars in that region may not be for oil specifically, but if there was no oil, there would be considerably less money to make war. Most of the oil money goes to a few people who are in control. The majority of the people in the oil rich countries remain poverty-stricken and greatly resent the way the cash flow does not improve their lives.

For every dollar we spend on gasoline or oil, a significant portion goes to companies paying taxes in foreign countries. In much the same way that it hurts our country to lose jobs to foreign corporations, our economy suffers greatly when we buy foreign oil.

The U.S. population consumes an incredible amount of energy. For most of us, mobility is necessary to live our daily lives. We drive to work each day; chauffer our children from place to place, and rely heavily upon rental and company cars for business travel. In a more perfect world, mass transit or bicycles would be much better, but with frequently changing jobs, nomadic lifestyles and hectic schedules, these options are hardly practical.

Many people complain about the price of gas, the war and the terrorists who are funded by oil money. Instead of enabling the situation, let's make some changes for the better.

Now is our chance to make a difference for our country and the future of our economy. How can you help? Exercise your American buying power!

Boosting the fuel economy of our vehicles can dramatically reduce foreign oil consumption. We don’t have to be as dependant on foreign oil as we might think. Just lessening our oil and fuel usage even a small amount will help. Buying products made in the USA can reduce our dependence and keep the money and jobs in our country.

LessForeignOil.com is dedicated to helping reduce the amount of oil we use through the development of environmentally-friendly synthetic lubricants. What are some synthetic oil-based products that will prove economical for your cars, trucks and machinery parts while being kind to the environment?

• synthetic engine oil
• synthetic racing oil
• synthetic motor oil
• biodegradable hydraulic oil
• transmission fluid
• synthetic polymer food-grade grease
• suspension fluid
• oil and air filters
• gas stabilizers

As we move into an economy that includes developing countries with needs that will soon exceed the USA, reducing oil use is even more important. If you're the kind of person that takes a great opportunity when it is offered, you can get started now. For more information on a full line of technologically-advanced, superior-performance synthetic oil products, visit www.lessforeignoil.com. Buy American, and make a difference for your country's economy and for future generations to come.

Copyright 2005 Steve Danielson. All rights reserved.

About The Author Steve Danielson has over 35 years of experience designing, building, repairing, operating and owning machinery including autos, heavy trucks, RVs, construction, sawmills, concrete, mining systems and farm equipment. Learn more at http://www.lessforeignoil.com. steve@lessforeignoil.com

How to Summer-ize Your Car

How to Summer-ize Your Car
by: TheCarSites.com Staff

We go to great lengths to make sure our vehicles are ready for winter. Who wants to get stuck in sub-zero degree weather with a stalled car?

But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.

Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too! I made it a point to get my car serviced according to the dealer’s schedule, and when I traded it in, I got far more than I expected due to the stellar condition of the engine.

Now I know this isn’t bedtime reading, but the owner’s manual can be your best friend – assuming you read it! At least take a look-through periodically. How about while you’re waiting to get your oil changed?

Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. This could save you a major breakdown.

Have the air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. A check up here can save you a huge bill later.

The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem by making sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled as recommended.

Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.

Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.

Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.

Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so your fluids may be low.

Tires should be rotated every 5000 miles or so.

Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!

Transmission troubles equal money troubles equal emotional troubles! Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills.

If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.

Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left!

Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working.

Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.

There you go – a simple list to keep your car in great running shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer.

Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!

About The Author Contributed by TheCarSites.com. Visit http://www.TheCarSites.com for auto articles and news pertaining to the auto industry.