Finding and installing car parts

So you're mechanically inclined? Fabulous! You probably know a lot about repairing and installing car parts. When working on vehicles, there are certainly times when parts need to be replaced, costing you and, in turn, the customer a lot of money. But there are ways to cut your costs. Have you considered using recycled car parts?

Automotive recyclers offer great deals on used car parts. There are more recyclers out there than you might think. And their prices are hard to beat. One reason is that insurance companies can save money themselves by dropping off wrecked vehicles at a recycling yard. There are many other incentives, though, to shop from these guys.

Did you know that buying used car parts from auto recyclers helps prevent pollution caused by manufacturing new parts? A lot of oil is used to manufacture new car parts-resources that are saved by recycling. Reusing raw materials is beneficial to the environment. And finding the right car parts shouldn't be too difficult. Currently, more than 4 million automobiles are recycled every year in North America. That's a lot of available car parts!

Recycling car parts saves a lot of space in landfills. Why throw something away when it can still be used? Also, buying used car parts allows you to use quality parts made by the original manufacturer. Recyclers are skilled in determining which car parts are damaged and which are reusable.

And it is true: used car parts help you save money. Clearly, this is a cheaper alternative to buying new car parts. But are you getting the same quality? Good question. Actually, most automotive recyclers give warranties on car parts, so you won't need to worry about buying a lemon. Better yet, recyclers can often find car parts faster than other dealers, as they have developed an electronic network to communicate quickly with other recyclers. If they don't have what you need in stock, chances are they can find it in no time.

Next time you're looking for car parts, consider your local automotive recycler. You'll be satisfied with the product, and also with the price.

Fast Five Highest Grossing Movie 2011

Highest grossing movie in 2011 so far was Fast Five estimated gross in US & Canada $169,690,470 and worldwide gross $446,452,296.

Body Shop, How To Value ?

Many smaller body shop owners have asked, “How do I appraise my body shop?” In the last month I have been asked to do two appraisals on body shops. The first appraisal was to assist in partnership dissolution; the second appraisal was for marriage dissolution. (That is what the attorneys call a divorce.) Would you like to know how to appraise the value of a body shop business?

Before we begin, I would like to make one comment. Whenever a CPA has done an appraisal of a body shop, I find that their opinion of value is much greater than the actual value the market place will pay. This is not because the CPA’s do not know what they are doing because they do; it is just that the market place places a much higher risk on buying a body shop than the accountants do. The following is an excerpt from one of those appraisals.

THE THREE WAYS TO APPRAISE A BUSINESS

1. The ASSET VALUATION METHOD. This method is basically used when a body shop does less than $400,000 a year in gross income and the seller is making wages, but no real profit above what he would be paid if working for another. On this size business, a buyer is willing to pay for the assets of the business but little or nothing for goodwill. The equipment is usually worth between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on how many frame machines the business owns and how nice a spray booth the business owns.

I have seen some specialized shops sell for more than the above number because they have a truck spray booth or another business attached to the main business. Examples of attached business might be an auto repair shop or towing operation. Also the location, size and real estate rental amount will influence the value of any business, to some degree.

2. The second method, I call the GROSS SALES METHOD. This is used when the sales are over $1,000,000 a year but the profit is unknown or financials are not available or reliable. Because of experience, a Body shop buyer can make reasonable estimates of future profits, if they have some basic information. The basic information includes rent, source of business (DRP, STREET, or a CAR RENTAL AGENCY), and the desirability of the location.

When this method is used, the value appears to be about 3 months sales or 25% of the last 12 months sales. This method is not very reliable on businesses with sales of less than $1,000,000, because the question of being profitable is very questionable. Why is this breaking point $1,000,000 in annual sales? Multi-store buyers will have well paid managers, so many figure their breakeven point is around a million.

Less than $1,000,000 in sales is not even worth their time. Of course we know that there are exceptions to the rules. Some of the exceptions are A. when a new location will be a satellite store to a bigger location. B. The buyer must have a location in a specific area to please a DRP. C. To get rid of a competitor.

3. The third and most used method of evaluating any business, including body shops, is the NET PROFIT METHOD. This method is based on the idea that a business is worth what it generates, in profit and benefits, for an owner. Body shops, like so many other small businesses, often do not show a profit, at the end of the year. Strange, how so many businesses of different sizes all just happen to end up with little or no profit. What I find really amazing is that the IRS doesn’t audit more businesses then they currently do.

As a result of showing poor profits, on the books, it becomes very difficult to use the NET PROFIT METHOD for appraising many small businesses. Luckily for me, I can quite often find hidden profits, of a business, by adding to the books, items we call owner’s benefits. These include: Owners salaries, if a corporation. Personal autos and all the related expenses used by the owner and his family that are written off against the business, fife insurance and health insurance for the owners.

Depreciation is also a hidden profit that is usually added back in to the taxable profit to help build up the total owners benefits. And lastly, personal utilities, phones, trips, etc. that are deducted on the tax return but are not really costs to run the business.

After saying all this, what is the value of a business based on the Net Profit Method? Automotive businesses, especially auto body shops appear to sell for between 1.5 to 2 years adjusted profit (book profit plus owners benefits added back in). Larger body shops doing over $2,000,000 in annual sales may sell for much more, because the owner is making much more money, than just his salary and a buyer will consider part of the profit a return on his financial investment.

Very large body shops that are being bought by public corporations are evaluated primarily on their return on investment (Percentage profit that is being made on the cash purchase price of the business.) These big buyers can afford to pay between 5 times and 10 times annual net profit, after deducting all officers’ salaries and perks.

Often these, public corporations, high purchase prices include two important restrictions, which is really why they are buying the business in the first place. First: The business is bought for little or no real money. They use restricted corporate stock that is not negotiable for two years. And second: The management is required to stay and run the company for some period of years.

The bottom-line, as I see it, is that you sold your soul, not your business. One last comment on selling to large corporations; heaven help the seller who sells his business for corporate stock or the buyers bonds and the buying company goes broke or the stock market crashes. I had a close friend sell his company for mostly cash and some seller carry back financing in Dec 1997. By Feb 1998 the buying company was in bankruptcy, making the paper my friend held worthless.

CONCLUSION: Appraising a business, especially body shops, is an art not a science. No two people will appraise the value of a business the same. I am amazed that the same thing one buyer thinks is a great asset is what another buyer thinks is a major negative. Differences of opinion are what make life interesting.

Forklift Parts

There are several components that all forklifts have in common. These forklift parts are vital to the operation of the equipment. Forks, brake components, and transmissions are some of the parts that are purchased most often.

Forklift parts can be purchased from several sources. Both new and used parts are usually available wherever forklifts are sold. Many dealerships have extensive catalogues that list the parts they have available. There are a number of different manufacturers of forklift parts. The same company that made the forklift can make the replacement parts or a generic maker can manufacture them.

The forks are possibly the most important component of the forklift. Without quality forks, the lift is not able to transport cargo efficiently. The forks, also called blades or tines, vary greatly from model to model. Most forks are made of steel. Forks differ in the amount of weight they can handle. Weaker model forks can safely lift 900 pounds, while heavy-duty forks are capable of lifting several tons. It is important to note that a forklift’s weight capacity depends on much more than just the forks. The engine size and the strength of the lifting system also play important roles in determining how much a forklift can safely carry.

Forklift brake parts are other important parts. Forklift brakes operate in a similar manner to the brakes of an automobile and they have many parts in common. Brake shoes and break drums are among the most commonly purchased forklift brake parts.

Forklift transmissions are vital to the machine’s operation. Forklifts can use either manual or automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions are probably more common and are easier to fix, but many people prefer automatic transmissions because they are easier to use. Many forklift parts dealers have both new and used transmissions for sale.

Buying good replacement forklift parts is a great way to keep the machine functioning properly. Many forklift parts dealers offer extensive warranties on their products. Forklift parts are available for nearly every make and model, so it should not be too hard to find the necessary parts.

Give Your Auto TLC, It’s Fall Car Care Month

October has been designated as the Fall Car Care Month by the Car Care Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating motorists about proper vehicle care and maintenance. This time of the year is perfect time to prepare for the approaching winter months, that is, to repair or replace the car’s old and worn out auto parts, have all its systems and components checked or get the car properly serviced by a mechanic.

Fall and winter months are the harshest months for vehicles, especially those hard to maintain automobiles; thus, you need to give your vehicle extra care during these months. Why wait for those agonizing months when you can keep your auto fit ahead of time. As early as now, work on your car’s problems, even the minor ones. Simple things like weatherstripping your windows for example can make your ride a lot more comfortable and stress-free.

By means of weatherstripping the windows, doors, windshield, trunk and other parts of your auto, you are not only making your car air and watertight but safer as well. Small wholes and gaps on the window frames cause the glass to rattle, which is annoying and risky at the same time because the glass might break as you drive through bumpy roads.

Find premium quality Toyota weatherstripping, Honda weatherstripping, Ford weatherstripping, Chevy weatherstripping and more from Auto Parts Wholesale. This store also offers great choices of replacement and aftermarket auto parts made to match your car’s original parts.

Another way to prepare your auto is by making sure that all your lights are working and are properly aimed. Of course after long years of using your car’s original lights, you would need to replace them as well. Be sure to install high quality and durable auto lights. You can go to Auto Parts Wholesale for these lights. This store features great variety of lights including high quality and stylish Toyota headlights, Dodge fog lights, and Honda taillights.

The fog lights are very important during fall and winter seasons because these lights provide low illumination that helps you pass through thick fog, snow and rain. They are specially designed to keep you safe while driving through the worst weather conditions. Especially if you are driving in mountainous areas at night and early in the morning, you need quality fog lights to illuminate the road ahead of you. Your headlights when used in circumstances such as this might be futile or worse, dangerous since they emit stronger light that produces glare.

Keep your car wheels including the tires at their best condition. Make sure that that the tires are properly inflated to avoid misfortunes on the road. Likewise, check on the car’s air conditioning, heat, exhaust, cooling, starting and electrical systems. Should you need replacement for any of the original auto parts, don’t hesitate replacing it. Spending some extra cash for new replacement auto parts isn’t a bad idea especially if your safety, comfort and convenience are at stake.

Check out the store’s featured premium quality replacement auto parts including Ford a/c condenser, Nissan Alloy wheels, BMW mirror, Jeep engine parts and thousands of other GMC parts, Volvo parts, Honda parts and Toyota parts.

Your car must be an extension of yourself so take care of it. No matter how tough its original parts are, you can’t expect them to work perfectly right in worst driving situations if you don’t maintain them properly. Give your car the most tender love and care it deserves now before winter comes to test its endurance and driving abilities.

Employee Pricing from Auto Manufactures

With all the employee pricing being hyped and advertised
on the media I thoughtI would write a short article on the
subject. I have also gotten a lot of questions in emails about the subject.

Here’s the deal: Employee pricing is the lowest price you will
ever be able to purchase a vehicle for period.

Employee pricing is usually several hundred dollars below
invoice.

So how is the auto dealer making any money selling at employee
pricing?

It’s simple… They are reimbursed from the auto manufacture.
For example General Motors gives $1500 to the dealer for every
car sold at employee pricing.

When you combine employee pricing with the rebates your getting
the very best deal possible.

Obviously the dealer is still going to try and up his profit
margin in several other ways.

If you are trying to trade in a vehicle then the dealership is
going to try and offer you even less than he normally would.

Because of employee pricing everyone and their brother is
buying a new car right now and the dealerships are stuffed with
used car inventory. Therefore unless they can “steal” your
trade they are really not that interested in taking in another
used car in their inventory.

If you want to buy a car at employee pricing then this would be
the best time to try and sell your trade in vehicle yourself
and save yourself the headache of muddying the water with your
employee price purchase.

The other question I get asked a lot lately is, “How do I know
I am getting the actual employee pricing?”

They are doing national advertising for employee pricing and it
is coming from the auto manufacture. When the actual auto manufactures come out with an incentive program the dealers
must adhere to it! If they tried to be dishonest and sell you
the car you want above the employee pricing they would be
in extreme hot water with the manufacture, could lose their
franchise, and get sued.

Therefore you don’t have to worry about not getting the actual
employee price if it is advertised. The only time the numbers
can get skewed is when you throw in your trade vehicle which
you owe money on. Again, this is why I encourage you to sell
your vehicle yourself.

Last but not least, just because there are great deals at
employee pricing does not mean you should go out and buy a new
car. If you can’t afford the car or the payments then it does
not matter how good a deal you got.

You’re still putting yourself in financial hardship. Think
before you buy!

"Cars 2" Movie Trailer

Drive slower, save the planet!

The environment is a hot issue that we just can’t afford to ignore any longer. To some, being environmentally aware is a way of life, a necessary and fundamental aspect of existence. To others being ‘green’ is something to aspire to, a lifestyle that with a bit of guidance could be achievable.

Young people have been brought up in a culture of ecological revelations, such as the depletion of the ozone layer and melting polar ice caps. We all know that these things are still happening yet we’ve still got a long way to go before the impacts of modern society on our planet are decelerated. Our parents weren’t particularly clued up about the effect that peoples’ actions have on their environment and recycling was certainly never an option in many houses in the 80s and 90s. However, these days we do have the resources and the knowledge to make little changes that can improve the planet for the better. If we can slow down on the road then we might be able to slow down climate change.

High levels of Co2 emissions are one of the biggest influencers of climate change and environmental damage. Exhaust emissions contain a myriad of chemicals which clog up the atmosphere and cause long term damage to our surroundings. Aviation contributes to a large proportion of the damage. Each jet requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel to get to its destination. Short of getting to your holiday resort by rail, a bit tricky if you’re off to the Maldives, there is little that you or I can do about aviation emissions. However, drivers can make a massive difference to the environment by taking a few steps to reduce their emissions and help reduce harmful pollution.

You can reduce the amount of fuel you use by up to 25% by changing some of your habits. Driving is expensive, with the cost of car insurance, road tax and fuel to consider. It’s not difficult to alter your lifestyle; we owe it to our future offspring and more importantly right now, we owe it to our pockets! Whilst we may not live long enough to see the benefit to the environment we can feel the immediate benefit to our pockets.

By being slightly more conscientious drivers we can all make a huge difference. Follow these tips from www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk and you’ll soon help protect the planet and feel the immediate payback in your pocket.

• Keep a steady speed when driving; by reducing the use of your pedals you reduce the use of fuel.

• Anticipate conditions, and accelerate and decelerate efficiently. This is safer and uses less fuel. It is also proven that you won’t get to your destination faster by speeding. According to Earteasy.com the most fuel-efficient speed for your car is roughly 55 mph, or 90 km/h. Increasing your speed from 55 mph to 75 mph boosts your fuel consumption a stunning 20 percent!

• If you are in traffic or caught behind railway gates, then turn off your engine. Idling uses up a great deal of fuel especially when some train gates stay down for as long as ten minutes.

• Keep your tyres pumped up to the correct level. This will save you up to 4% fuel.

• Maintain your car and change the air filter as recommended by the manufacturers’ guidelines.

• If at all possible, car share to work, this will save you money and give you a clear conscience! Some companies arrange car share schemes as do some local councils. See www.nationalcarshare.co.uk and www.liftshare.co.uk for more information.

• Walk to work if you live nearby. Not only will this keep you fit but you’ll also save fuel and money.

• Buy a car with a small engine. This will not only cut emissions but also means really cheap car insurance, cheaper tax and manoeuvrability in busy towns. Driving a 4x4 means 50% less fuel efficiency, so unless you are a farmer and regularly go off road, there really is no need to drive a gas guzzling vehicle in urban areas. By the way spray on mud is a dead giveaway!

So, we can all cut our costs and save the planet at the same time by making a few changes to the way we drive, but what about the future of fuel? Surely driving more slowly can’t be the only solution?

The future of travel

There are some innovative new energy solutions, new engine designs and hybrid car concepts which are set to take off in the years to come.

Hybrid cars are vehicles that have an ordinary combustion engine combined with another energy source such as batteries or electricity. The alternative energy source takes over from the engine when it is inefficient, such as during long slow drives. These hybrids are extremely efficient and half as polluting as normal cars with petrol engines. The good news is you don’t even have to change your beloved car because it can be converted as long as it’s less than six years old. This can be costly but long term it could save you money. There are also several government schemes running that can help you to convert your car. Some manufacturers have already caught onto the benefits of hybrid vehicles. For examples of hybrids look at the Toyota Prius, the Ford Escape and the Honda Accord to name but a few.

Electric cars may be the way ahead for city dwellers. With no emissions and using a quarter of the energy consumption of a similar sized petrol car they may revolutionise driving in the longer term. Although the cars currently on the market only drive at a maximum of 40 mph, they are exempt from tax, some congestion charges and great news for young people… they are in the lowest car insurance group. After the initial outlay of around £8,000 the car is cheap to run and extremely eco-friendly.

The future of fuel

Sulphur free fuel: We can expect to be able to buy this by 2008, in fact this will become compulsory by that date.

Biodiesel: This is a blend of 95% low sulphur diesel and 5% rapeseed oil. This reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 5% and can be used in an engine that hasn’t been converted to this type of fuel.

Bioethanol: Although this could take years to become widely available it produces less air pollutants and is renewable. It is made through the distillation of wheat, sugar or biomass. It can be used blended in unmodified engines or straight in modified engines.

The future of our environment is in our hands. If you can’t afford to buy a hybrid car or convert your engine, you can certainly make a start on your eco friendly lifestyle by following the driving tips above. It’s not too late to decelerate the impact of our polluting behaviour by decelerating our driving. It really is worth it for the future of the planet and for the health of our bank balances.

A Look at Car Transport Trailers

If you are moving a standard passenger car and want to investigate different car transport trailer options there are many possibilities in today’s auto shipping industry offered to the discerning customer. Open carrier transport is the most popular and least expensive type of auto shipping.

In most cases, your car will be transported on an eight or 10-car hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars. These trucks are 75-80 feet long and almost 14 feet high. They can be difficult to maneuver and are limited to major roads that are free of low hanging trees and low clearance bridges. Make sure you keep this in mind when directing the truck to the pick-up location. If you want to make sure that your car stays clean, and avoids all highway wear and tear, then have your car transported in an enclosed car transport trailer.

Enclosed trailers protect your car from all road hazards and weather for the duration of the trip. Due to the premium equipment and service provided with enclosed car trailers, it is usually the most expensive option in auto shipping. The following features are often available at an additional cost: lift gates for safe horizontal loading, ramp gates for long wheelbase vehicles, and winches for inoperable vehicles.

This car transport trailer option is excellent for costly or exotic cars. Some other popular enclosed trailer options for secure car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Multi-car or enclosed transport sometimes can't be used due to height and width issues. Be sure to check the specs of the trailer and the size of your car.

Some drivers prefer to transport their own vehicle. It is best to learn from a trained professional some of the nuances of moving cars. When you buy or rent a trailer ask for basic driving instructions and transport hints. There are some car transport trailer companies that will custom build your own trailer the way you want it. This option will depend on your budget and your specific needs.

When choosing the proper car transport trailer for your car, discuss the length and weight of your car with the car trailer company to ensure it is within legal load specifications. More over if you are renting or buying, look for companies with large inventories and factory stock so you can avoid waiting for the trailer that you want.

Finding the appropriate car transport trailer to fit your specific needs and budget should be an easy task providing that you know you budget limitations, special travel requirements for your car, and length of trip. In today’s market there are literally hundreds of car transport trailer options out there, and you can count on finding the right one for you in no time at all.

Auto Coverage In Alabama

If you live in Alabama and want to know what insurance you need read on. By speaking with car insurance agents online you will also be able to get car insurance estimates. Having the right coverage and getting it for the right price are important.

Bodily injury liability is required by law in Alabama. It provides coverage for damages to a person covered by the policy to pay for bodily injuries to other people involved in the accident when you are responsible. If you injure someone in an auto accident the liability can add up very quickly sometimes totaling into the hundreds of thousand of dollars. So you need to make sure you have adequate bodily injury liability coverage to protect yourself and your financial interests. Always purchase the highest amount you can afford. The more assets you have and the better off you are financially the more coverage you will need.

Property damage liability is also required by law in Alabama. This coverage protects the policy holder from damage caused to property when you are at fault. Property includes vehicles, houses, lamp posts and any other non human item. Here again you should purchase as much as you can afford. Remember some of these new cars are worth a lot of money and if you don’t have adequate insurance to replace the vehicle then the other party will come after your personal assets.

Uninsured motorist bodily injury is not required by law, but the law does require your rejection of coverage in writing. Since you have to buy insurance to protect yourself from financial loss for others you might as well buy some coverage to protect yourself too. Uninsured motorist bodily injury protects you if the other driver is in the wrong and does not carry adequate liability insurance. It’s a good policy to have.

Medical payments are not required by Alabama law. This coverage protects against medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident. Costs such as ambulance, x-ray, hospital visits are all covered. Whether you require this will depend on what type of medical insurance coverage you have. If your coverage has limitations you will want to carry medical payments coverage.

If your existing medical insurance has unlimited coverage you may not require this coverage. The only problem is that medical payments also covers passengers in your vehicle and if they don’t have adequate medical coverage you could be held liable for expenses and without medical payments coverage it could put you in the poor house.

Collision coverage is not required by law in Alabama. This is the coverage that helps pay for damage to an insured auto as a result of an accident even if you are in the wrong. The premiums can be reduced by choosing a higher deductible. This is the portion you are willing to pay before the insurance company starts to pay. Never choose a deductible that is higher than you can afford because the insurance company is not going to pay their portion until you come up with yours.

Comprehensive coverage is not required by law in Alabama. This coverage protects against damage to your vehicle that is not a result of an accident. For example, hail, theft, vandalism, or falling objects. Again you can reduce your premium by choosing a higher deductible.

There are also additional coverage you can purchase if needed. For example coverage for your stereo system, or loss of vehicle coverage. If you require any of these coverages check with an agent.

It is very important that you make certain you have adequate coverage. An accident occurs in just a split second and no matter how good of a driver you are you just never know when you might be involved in an accident. You certainly don’t want to risk the financial well being of yourself and your family by buying insurance carelessly. So take you time and make sure you understand the coverage you have purchased. Make sure you have adequate coverage for the laws of Alabama.

Car Insurance Estimate

Shopping around for a car insurance estimate is not something most people look forward to. It is one of the least exciting chores that is required in order to have a car on the road, but it is worth seeking out the most competitive car insurance estimate available. Although getting a car insurance estimate from a number of companies isn’t a desirable task; many people spend far more than they absolutely have to each year on their auto insurance because they simply haven’t taken the time to compare rates and policies with other auto insurance companies. It would be hard to find someone who would walk into an appliance store and decide to spend $200.00 more on a washer that offers the same exact quality and features as the one next to it that costs far less. It doesn’t make too much sense to do the same thing with car insurance.

Most of the time, a car insurance estimate will include collision, liability and comprehensive coverage on a vehicle. Most households have two or more vehicles and every car should be included when seeking out a car insurance estimate. There are a few things that can be done to make getting a car insurance estimate easier and more accurate especially when dealing with more than one car insurance company.

One of the best things to do before looking for a car insurance estimate is to see exactly what the state requirements are as far as what the necessary minimum coverage is in order to have adequate coverage. This is something that might be better to do without the assistance of an insurance agency if possible because their job is to sell insurance and they make more money with the more coverage they are able to sell.

In order to spend less time on the phone when looking for a car insurance estimate, it is a good idea to have a number of items handy including a driver’s license, vehicle identification numbers, make, model and year of each car and even the name and contact information for the company that is financing all vehicles if applicable. There are also a number of factors that can be taken into consideration when seeking a car insurance estimate that may mean additional savings per year. Features on each auto including airbags, auto alarms, anti-lock brakes and other things may mean discounts on auto insurance. Some insurance companies will even offer discounts for having more than one policy with their company as well as insuring multiple cars through with their coverage. Additional discounts may be found through other things like accident-free driving record, defensive driving course incentives and other discounts.

Other circumstances may cost a driver more with certain companies when looking for a car insurance estimate. Men under the age of 25, single drivers, younger drivers under the age of 21, the number of miles driven per day and even the kind of car that is driven can cost a person more money on car insurance when shopping around. The best part about this is that not one car insurance will probably charge the same amount of money for the same coverage so shopping around will prove that there are better choices available.

SUVs vs. Minivans

Has your family started to cram into the old sedan like a pack of sardines? Have members of the neighborhood car pool begun to look suspiciously at your battered station wagon? Perhaps it’s time to retire the old family car and move up to a bigger vehicle. Often, the choice for a more spacious family vehicle is a toss-up between a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a minivan. Both offer flexible passenger and cargo areas, comfortable seating for five to eight persons, and rear-seat entertainment systems. Although the SUV has a slightly higher risk for rollovers than minivans do, both are equipped with similar safety features, such as air bags and anti-lock brake systems. So, which one deserves to park in your family garage? To come up with the right choice, you need to look at how the vehicle’s styling, fuel economy, passenger and cargo space, towing capacity, and safety will suit your family’s needs and lifestyle.

Styling

More than a matter of need, a vehicle’s styling is a matter of personal preference. The SUV usually wins out over the minivan when it comes to appearance. With its rugged, sporty styling, an SUV oozes urban cool, unlike the minivan, which is perpetually associated with soccer moms and suburban neighborhood carpools. Most men would recoil at the thought of driving a minivan, so if your husband would be sharing driving duties, you might have to talk it out with him. Likewise, many teenagers wouldn’t be caught dead stepping out of a minivan, so if you’d be using the vehicle mainly to drop off and pick up your adolescent children from school, you’d have to consider their preferences, too.

Fuel economy

Minivans give better mileage than SUVs, which have a reputation for being gas guzzlers. If you want to squeeze more miles out of the gasoline tank, then a minivan would make a more economic choice than an SUV. Other ownership costs, such as maintenance and insurance, also tend to be higher for SUVs than minivans. Unless you’re willing to pay the price for being cool and stylish, the practical minivan is the way to go.

Passenger and cargo space

Sport utility vehicles and minivans have comparable passenger and cargo space, but the roomy interiors of a minivan can be a delight to young kids. Unlike SUVs, minivans also have a low step-in height, so they’re easier for kids to climb into. Minivans’ large picture windows afford young passengers a better view of the passing scenery, therefore keeping your impatient young ones amused for a good part of the ride.

Towing capacity

If you own a boat and like to take the entire brood for weekend sailing retreats, then an SUV would make an appropriate choice. SUVs have superior towing capacities, enabling them to pull practically anything between a trailer and a small boat. Otherwise, if you’re only schlepping groceries and your kid’s soccer team, then there’s no reason to overlook the minivan.

Safety

Although both have comparable safety features, SUVs have a higher rollover risk than minivans. SUV devotees counter this by pointing out that rollovers account for only three percent of all traffic accidents and claiming that SUVs offer excellent passenger protection in two-car collisions. It remains to be seen whether this supposed collision safety factor outweighs the risk of rollovers. If the threat of rollover accidents keeps you awake at night, then a minivan could give you a little peace of mind.

Is Your Car A 'Lemon'?

Sooner or later we all must buy a car. And when we can, we buy them brand new.

However, most of us are stuck having to a buy a used car from a dealer or private party at some point. The downside to this is that you can get a car that at first seems like everything you ever wanted, but soon becomes your worst nightmare.

What I have come to learn is that by the time that you begin to realize that you have a lemon on your hands, it is usually too late. The car has already outlived its 90 day warranty which is often filled with loopholes for the dealer anyway. What does this mean for you? If you're like most people, you're thinking to yourself, "it means you're screwed." However, read on.

Most people who buy their cars used know that dealers set up their agreements in terms that will serve only their best interests. Buyers also assume that there is really nothing that they can do in order to get the most out of their money.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, there is a lot that you can do to protect yourself even after you have bought yourself a lemon.

That’s right: as a buyer you do have rights as well.

In fact, there are laws that are designed to protect you should you find that you get stuck with a bad car and a terrible dealer.

Did you know that now is the best time to buy a car? There are very large cash rebates, dealer discounts and employee discounts offered just about everywhere.

The recent major drop in the car industry had forced many people to steer away from buying new cars and also has prompted some of the best discounts ever from the dealerships. You need to do some online research before hitting the dealership and it could save you money and headaches.

Websites like Autoweb.com, Edmund's Automobile Buyers Guide, Autolink, Autopedia, Kelley Blue Book and CarPrice.com are just some of the sites that are currently giving up to date pricing information on new cars.

You should however make note of the dates when each rebate is set to expire so that you can take advantage of these special offers.

When you are looking for the best prices, you want to visit several different Web sites when researching pricing information for the obvious reasons.

Everything from sticker price to customer rebate information may vary from site to site. It's wise to cover all the bases. Whenever you are in doubt, contact an auto manufacturer directly.

When it comes to the basics behind the lemon laws, knowing the basics can be the difference between whether or not you get screwed or get the chance to recover the money that you spent on the car.

The state and federal statutes offer a wide array of relief for consumers who get stuck with a bad car or truck after they buy.

At the same time, these statutes provide buyers with the chance for recovery of costs and attorney fees which are a strong incentive for attorneys who would like to take up the cause on behalf of unhappy lemon owners.

"Lemon laws" basically outline all of the procedures that are used in order to settle these sorts of new car problems.

These lemon laws differ from one state to another, but lemon laws in general are designed to provide the owner with a refund or replacement vehicle should this problem occur.

For example, some states mandate a refund or a new car if a large enough problems cannot be repaired within four tries, or if the car has been out of service for around a month within the first year or 12,000 miles driven.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as; some states only provide you with the chance to make one attempt for significant safety related issues such as the brakes or steering.

Some states do not even stop with just providing lemon owners with either a refund or a new car. Some of them will, in fact, also let you recover any sort of attorney's fees that you have to deal with during your pursuit of getting some satisfaction from your purchase of a lemon.

It is always good to know that you can get some sort of return on your money when you buy a lemon. It happens so often that eventually there was bound to be some laws protecting the buyers.

What is sometimes sad about the lemon laws is that they do not necessarily help you. It all depends on your specific situation.

Buyers guide for aftermarket replacement car seats

Aftermarket replacement car seats come in a variety of
colors and styles. This can be a tricky and potentially
costly decision to make. But it does not have to be. This
is no different than buying anything else. Just do a little
research. We are going to provide a few hints to make your
experience a little easier.

1. Buy from a reputable dealer.One way to check this is to
email them and ask a few questions before you purchase.
How long in business, who their supplier is, what support
do they offer etc.

2.Although you might be tempted to buy the lastest fad such
as new designs and such you are better off staying with
your original color and design as this will preserve the
value of your vehicle.

3. Before you purchase make sure they guarantee that your
new seat covers fit with a money back guarantee.

4. If you are not installing your new seat covers yourself,
find some one in your area to do this before ordering. This is because
some don't like to do this if you do not purchase from them.

5.If you are doing the installation yourself make sure some
concise instructions are included.Some also provide online
manuals to follow.

6.If you are a do-it yourself type person replacing your seat
covers should not be a problem.Basic hand tools are required.

7.Check with your supplier to see what is included with your
purchase and to see if any additional supplies are needed.

By following this short outline this will make your
purchase and installation of aftermarket replacement car seats
go much smoother.

Best Negotiating Tips When Buying An Used Car

Being a good negotiator doesn't have to be difficult. Sooner or later everyone has to negotiate with someone if they want to get a good deal on a purchase.

When you are trying to negotiate with a car dealer, you should know that they are very practiced in the art already. You will need to know how to get through their car speak in order to be successful.

Since you now know how to calculate your offer and already know what the dealer paid for it, you should get a copy of the paperwork from a friend that recently bought a car, so that you can become familiar with what you will see on your paperwork. They are all generally the same.

If you've followed the above mentioned tips, you will also be pre-approved for a loan. The key is for you to get in and out of the dealership as quickly as possible because the salesman will definitely find more loopholes to up your charges if you stay.

Here are a few tips to successful negotiating.

· Remain positive and confident

· Don't talk down to your opponent

· Show up prepared and ready to counter anything that may come up

· Bring ads from other dealerships with you as an extra weapon

· Finance your loan before you arrive at the dealership so as to avoid paying unnecessary extra fees

· Bring a friend with you for extra support

Something that you should look out for from salesmen is the extra little tricks that you will likely encounter that will try to force or rush into a buying decision.

You have to remember that they are trying to negotiate you into paying more money just as you are trying to negotiate paying less. Here are some of the things that you can expect to hear from them.

1. These cars are flying off of the lot. It may not be available for the same deal tomorrow. (Threaten to leave and they will ease up and try to change their strategy)

2. This deal is only good for today. If you come back tomorrow I can't guarantee that the deal will be the same.

3. I'm an honest man. Look at how many cars I've sold this weekend (This is where he will show you his list of sold cars. If he does this, then tell him that he doesn't need your money).

4. I hate to tell you this but I have another offer on the table from a man that is willing to pay more money than this. I am just waiting for his paperwork to be returned. (Tell him that if he promised the car to someone else, you don't want to step on someone else's toes and that you should leave then).

5. To cover the overhead costs, we have paid $13,000 for this car (Just check your paperwork in your folder and prove them wrong).

Oil is The Life Of Your Car

Oil cleans your car. It lubricates parts. It helps cool things down. Without it, your engine would be sitting squarely in the center of your local junkyard.

Scheduling regular oil changes is vital to the life of any vehicle.

The oil filter keeps little bits of dust and other contaminants out of your engine, and helps ensure the oil runs smoothly, so you want to change that every time you change the oil.

Imagine how your body would react if your kidneys and liver shut down. The impurities in your blood would build up continually, and it wouldn't take long for your body to completely break down.

Oil for your car can be likened to blood to your body. Your car needs clean oil to keep going. What would happen if you never changed your oil?

Well, you'd be lucky to get 30,000 miles out of the car before your engine would collapse.

Say you only change your oil once a year. Your car seems to be running fine, so no harm done, right? Not so fast! Your engine has been flooded with contaminants. It won't be long till you find yourself coming to a standstill.

Regular oil changes are as important to your car as daily trips to the bathroom are to you. Now, we won't take the analogy too far, but you get the idea. This one scheduled maintenance may help your vehicle avoid mechanical failures.

I actually heard two mechanics say that they figured you could run a car forever if you had the oil changed every 2000 miles. That may seem excessive to some folks. But it kept my baby humming nicely!

Now if you see any hint of an oil leak on the driveway after the car is parked, get to a service station. This could be ultra bad news and you need to have your car checked out immediately. Ditto if you detect a burning smell or smoke coming from around the engine!

You may not feel 100 omfortable changing your oil, but you can check it easily. It's best to check the oil when your engine is cold. Unscrew the cap and pull out the dipstick. Wipe it with a clean tissue or paper towel. Reinsert the stick all the way. Then pull it back out and check the dipstick. You'll see "add" and "full" lines clearly marked on it. If the oil film is between the "add" and "full" lines, you're good. If it's below the "add" line, you need a quart of oil. Make sure you use the kind recommended in your owner's manual. After adding the oil, repeat all the steps.

See, that wasn't too hard, was it?

Make sure you take the time to check the oil levels in your car, and have it changed regularly. It literally means the difference between life and death for your vehicle!

OEM-quality Ford Focus Parts Available

“It begs to be driven,” says Ford. Beyond doubt, this car is very inviting. It appeals to a lot of buyers not only because of its modern styling and excellent driving abilities but most especially, its reasonable price.

Now on its sixth year, Ford Focus remains to be a strong contender in the economy car class in America and in United Kingdom. Since its debut in 1998 (in UK), Ford Focus has garnered over 60 awards, including 13 Car of the Year awards, both in Northern American and in Europe. It was also included in Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best List from 2000 through 2004 and recognized as the world’s best-selling car in 2001 and in 2002.

The Ford Focus was substantially upgraded in 2005 so there are only few changes to the 2006 Ford Focus model. The 2005 Ford Focus came with restyled Ford hood, larger Ford grille, reshaped Ford front fenders integrated with the Ford headlights. These new Ford parts were maintained for the 2006 model; however, Ford offers this time a new Street Appearance Package for Ford Focus ZX3, Ford Focus ZX4, and Ford Focus ZX5, laden with safety and convenience features.

Ford Focus Street Appearance Package came with different front and rear fascias, adding new Ford lights(Euro Altezza); lower Ford air deflector, Ford spoiler and rear Ford Front bumper; and chrome exhaust tip. The S and SE trim levels got optional alloy Ford wheels. All these additional features gave the new Ford Focus a racing car look.

Continuing success of the Ford Focus only reaffirms Ford’s renowned excellence in creating vehicles of extraordinary performance, interior and exterior auto parts. Also it further proves Ford’s high standards on quality automobiles and its commitment to the customer’s ultimate satisfaction.
Because of this, manufacturers and dealers of aftermarket and replacement Ford parts like the country’s top quality Ford auto parts supplier, Ford Parts Online, feel the need to continuously raise their quality standards as well in order to meet higher demands of Ford car users and match the latest from Ford.

At one time or another, you would need to replace some auto parts in your Ford Focus or any other Ford vehicle, whether it’s simply for maintenance, for repair, for car enhancement or customization. No matter how well built and how well designed your Ford is, it is still subject to some car problems and of course, you can make it better.

Replacing your OEM Ford auto parts has never been easier than it is today. There are thousands of aftermarket auto parts dealers all over the country and even online. You can have access to virtually all of them in just a click on a mouse, making it more convenient on your part. However, you still have to choose what is best for you. Even if many offer rock bottom Ford Parts Discount deals, you are not guaranteed to get the best for your Ford.

Choosing a trusted and experienced auto parts dealer like Ford Parts Online can save you from worries. This auto parts dealer offers a great variety of Ford replacement and aftermarket parts including the finest line of Ford Explorer parts, Ford Mustang partsFord F-150 Pickup parts and Ford Escape parts. Sourced from well recognized Ford parts manufacturers, you can be sure that these parts meet the industry’s highest standards for car parts. Priced like Ford Parts Used, its Ford Parts Discount are the perfect answer to your high quality and inexpensive Ford replacement part needs. Ford Parts Discount

Start A Taxi Business

Here is a simple business anyone with a van or SUV can perform: haul stuff for other people who don't have a way to do it themselves.

You could move lawn mowers, bags of garden soil, playground equipment, Christmas trees, musical instruments, furniture, big dogs from the groomers-you get the idea.

Starting this home business is easy. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape. Be sure your car insurance is up to date. You don't want any trouble if your vehicle should get into a fender-bender.

Now, print up flyers advertising your business. Place the flyers in furniture stores, garden centers, grocery stores, laundromats, and wherever else you can find a bulletin board. College bulletin boards are prime hunting grounds for business. Also, place ads in your local newspaper.

Once your business takes off your customers will soon be telling their friends, "Hey, I know a guy with a van who will haul it". Word of mouth is a priceless form of free advertising.

How much you should charge for your service depends on what you're hauling and how far you have to haul it. You want to keep the price reasonable, or word will spread of your high prices and your customers will go elsewhere. Reasonable prices and friendly reliable service will build your hauling service fast.

Here's another way to put your gas-guzzler to work: Start a grocery shopping service.

Your customers would call or fax their grocery order to the supermarket. Your customer gives you the money to pay for the groceries. You go to the store and pick up the order for your client.

The growing senior population would love this service. Make sure you place ads in the paper and flyers in supermarkets, laundromats, and senior citizen clubs.

Here's one more way you can put your vehicle to work! If you have a safe driving record you could provide a taxi service for senior citizens and any latchkey kids who need to get to an after school activity.

You could charge five or six dollars per trip. Give your frequent travelers a break by offering a free ride after a certain numbers of trips.

It would be wise to provide the parents of any kids you transport proof you can be trusted. If the parents say it isn't necessary then insist they check out your driving record, car insurance, and whether or not you have a criminal record. You are protecting yourself by doing this. Bad things happen. You don't want to get caught in the crossfire.

Make sure your vehicle is comfortable and clean for your travelers. Have a fully outfitted first aid kit, a primed fire hydrant, and a toolbox in your car. Accidents do happen, people, even to the safest of drivers. You need to consider the safety of your passengers so insist everyone buckle up.

Prove to be a reliable and trustworthy taxi service and many other parents will soon have you shipping their kids to and from soccer practice.

Hauling furniture, grocery shopping, and a taxi service. You use your vehicle to do these chores for yourself all the time. Start making money doing them for others!

Where to Find Wholesale Radar Detectors

Radar detectors have become an extremely popular piece of technology for drivers. With quality detectors running several hundred dollars, the perceived high cost of these devices has the potential to drive away consumers. In reality, consumers can purchase wholesale radar detectors through many venues, especially online.

One source for wholesale radar detectors are those online stores that specialize in this equipment alone. An online radar detector distributor will often have more information than a general electronics store and will be able to provide the buyer with a wider selection and more in-depth analyses of the products.

Wholesale electronic distributors, on the other hand, may be able to offer radar detectors at a slightly lower cost. Further, there are more wholesale general electronic stores online than those that specialize in detectors.

As with any online purchase, consumers should beware of scams. Shoppers should always investigate the credibility of the site before buying anything, and they should never give their credit card information through an un-secure website.

Transporting Your Exotic Car

Exotic car transport is a growing branch of the car transport industry, a specialized field that includes auto transporters of custom-built automobiles, luxury cars, antique autos, exotic cars, and prototypes. Exotic car transport companies utilize state of the art satellite tracking and mobile phones to keep track of your vehicle every mile of the way. Secure and safe loading on custom built covered trailers with full lift gates and unique tie-down systems provide security without damage to your vehicle. Airtight sanitary environments and full air equipment for smooth and even travel are just some of the many special options available for shipping an exotic or special car.

Custom equipment designed to meet your specific needs is a standard in the exotic car transport business. When investigating exotic car transport companies check to see whether they maintain fleet of opened and enclosed transports at their facility, and whether they employ a professional crew of mechanics and maintenance people to serve your needs. To protect your interests, also make sure they carry the finest insurance coverage available.

Some popular trailer options for secure exotic car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Most auto transporters of exotic vehicles will offer delivery from door to door or delivery to the customer wherever they choose. Most exotic car companies will accept non-running vehicles. Many exotic car transport companies will design an itinerary according, solely, to your car transport requirements.

When you are searching for a exotic car transport company ask if exotic and vehicle shipping is their main focus or a sideline of another business, further find out if they contract out shipping jobs to third parties. Be certain when you are investigating exotic car transport companies that exotic and custom-made cars are their specialty and they are experts.

Many exotic car transport companies will offer worldwide vehicle transportation solutions to individuals. These car transport companies specialize in dependable, efficient service with numerous departures from major U.S. ports. Usually you will be assigned a very knowledgeable customer service person to insure the safe convey of your exotic car.

Exotic car transport companies use various methods and vehicles to move your car long distances, such as custom designed flatbed trucks, enclosed single and double non-stacking trailers and enclosed rail service. Your car will probably travel flat without being tied down by chains.

It should not be difficult to find an exotic car transport company with a crew of certified professionals who maintain an exceptional fleet of opened and enclosed transports to fit your needs and budget. Just knowing the some basic information about the nuances and services of moving exotic cars will make finding the best exotic car transport company an assured success.