Don’t get caught out

It’s important to tell DVLA as soon as you selling a car or you’ll continue to be responsible for paying the vehicle tax or penalties for the non-payment of it. You may also receive mail relating to motoring offences committed in the vehicle. When DVLA has been told, you should receive an acknowledgement letter confirming that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. Important points to consider when selling a vehicle

There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of crime when selling your vehicle:

1. It’s worth remembering that thieves can pose as potential buyers
2. Never let the buyer go on a test drive alone as they may not come back
3. Don’t leave the buyer alone with your keys in the ignition
4. Be careful when accepting cheques or banker’s drafts, don’t part with your car until you’re sure the payment is genuine - if in doubt, contact your bank
5. It’s also worth asking the buyer for a form of identity, satisfying yourself that it looks genuine

Registration certificate

The buyer will want to see the registration certificate (V5C) to allow them to check the vehicle’s details. You may not be able to selling a  car without one. If you’ve lost it, you can get a replacement from DVLA.

Selling the car privately

You should always keep a separate note of the buyer’s name and address. You should tell DVLA using the appropriate section of the registration certificate.

If you don’t have a registration certificate you can still inform DVLA that you no longer have the vehicle. In order to do this you must write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR quoting the vehicle registration mark, make and model, exact date of sale and name and address of the new keeper.

However, you should note that DVLA records wouldn’t be complete until the new keeper tells DVLA in writing. Until they do, the police may need to contact you if they have to make enquiries about the vehicle.

Selling your vehicle between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI)

If you selling a car to someone whose address is either in GB or NI, both you and the purchaser should complete and sign Sections 6 and 8 of the registration certificate (V5C or V5CNI).

The V5C or V5CNI should then be passed to the new keeper for them to be able to re-register the vehicle in either GB or NI. While the new keeper will re-register the vehicle, you must also write to DVLA or the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA). You are still required to inform DVLA or DVA (the authority the vehicle is leaving) that the vehicle has been sold, so that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.

Selling to a motor trader

If you transfer your vehicle to a motor trader and you have a registration certificate you should tell DVLA of the change using the yellow section (V5C/3) and pass the rest to the trader.

Remove your tax disc from the vehicle and you can also apply for a refund of vehicle tax for any complete calendar months remaining on the tax disc.

For this purpose motor trader means:

1. motor dealer
2. motor vehicle auctioneer
3. motor vehicle insurer with whom you have settled a claim for total loss
4. motor vehicle dismantler (scrap yard)
5. finance company with a financial interest in the vehicle

Providing the vehicle mileage

Entering the vehicle’s mileage in the appropriate box of the registration certificate will help in the fight against vehicle ‘clocking‘. This is where the vehicle’s odometer (speedometer) is turned back to fraudulently reduce the number of miles that the vehicle is recorded as having travelled.

A new car is second only to a home as the most expensive purchase   many consumers make. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association,   the average price of a new car sold in the United States as of June 1998 was   $23,480. That’s why it’s important to know how to make a smart deal.

Buying A New Car

Think about what car model and options you want and how much you’re willing   to spend. Do some research. You’ll be less likely to feel pressured into making   a hasty or expensive decision at the showroom and more likely to get a better   deal.

Consider these suggestions:
1. Check publications at a library or bookstore, or on the Internet, that discuss new car features and prices. These may provide information on the dealer’s costs for specific models and options.

2. Shop around to get the best possible price by comparing models and prices in ads and at dealer showrooms. You also may want to contact car-buying services and broker-buying services to make comparisons.

3. Plan to negotiate on price. Dealers may be willing to bargain on their profit margin, often between 10 and 20 percent. Usually, this is the difference between the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the invoice price.

4 .Because the price is a factor in the dealer’s calculations regardless of whether you pay cash or finance your car - and also affects your monthly payments - negotiating the price can save you money.

5 .Consider ordering your new car if you don’t see what you want on the dealer’s lot. This may involve a delay, but cars on the lot may have options you don’t want - and that can raise the price. However, dealers often want to sell their current inventory quickly, so you may be able to negotiate a good deal if an in-stock car meets your needs.

Learning the Terms
Negotiations often have a vocabulary of their own. Here are some terms you may hear when you’re talking price.

1. Invoice Price is the manufacturer’s initial charge to the dealer. This usually is higher than the dealer’s final cost because dealers receive rebates, allowances, discounts, and incentive awards. Generally, the invoice price should include freight (also known as destination and delivery). If you’re buying a car based on the invoice price (for example, “at invoice,” “$100 below invoice,” “two percent above invoice”), and if freight is already included, make sure freight isn’t added again to the sales contract.

2. Base Price is the cost of the car without options, but includes standard equipment and factory warranty. This price is printed on the Monroney sticker.

3. Monroney Sticker Price (MSRP) shows the base price, the manufacturer’s installed options with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, the manufacturer’s transportation charge, and the fuel economy (mileage). Affixed to the car window, this label is required by federal law, and may be removed only by the purchaser.

4. Dealer Sticker Price, usually on a supplemental sticker, is the Monroney sticker price plus the suggested retail price of dealer-installed options, such as additional dealer markup (ADM) or additional dealer profit (ADP), dealer preparation, and undercoating.

Financing Your New Car

If you decide to finance your car, be aware that the financing obtained by the dealer, even if the dealer contacts lenders on your behalf, may not be the best deal you can get. Contact lenders directly. Compare the financing they offer you with the financing the dealer offers you. Because offers vary, shop around for the best deal, comparing the annual percentage rate (APR) and the length of the loan. When negotiating to finance a car, be wary of focusing only on the monthly payment. The total amount you will pay depends on the price of the car you negotiate, the APR, and the length of the loan.

Sometimes, dealers offer very low financing rates for specific cars or models, but may not be willing to negotiate on the price of these cars. To qualify for the special rates, you may be required to make a large down payment. With these conditions, you may find that it’s sometimes more affordable to pay higher financing charges on a car that is lower in price or to buy a car that requires a smaller down payment.

Before you sign a contract to purchase or finance the car, consider the terms of the financing and evaluate whether it is affordable. Before you drive off the lot, be sure to have a copy of the contract that both you and the dealer have signed and be sure that all blanks are filled in.

Some dealers and lenders may ask you to buy credit insurance to pay off your loan if you should die or become disabled. Before you buy credit insurance, consider the cost, and whether it’s worthwhile. Check your existing policies to avoid duplicating benefits. Credit insurance is not required by federal law. If your dealer requires you to buy credit insurance for car financing, it must be included in the cost of credit. That is, it must be reflected in the APR. Your state Attorney General also may have requirements about credit insurance. Check with your state Insurance Commissioner or state consumer protection agency.

Trading in Your Old Car

Discuss the possibility of a trade-in only after you’ve negotiated the best possible price for your new car and after you’ve researched the value of your old car. Check the library for reference books or magazines that can tell you how much it is worth. This information may help you get a better price from the dealer. Though it may take longer to sell your car yourself, you generally will get more money than if you trade it in.

Considering a Service Contract

Service contracts that you may buy with a new car provide for the repair of certain parts or problems. These contracts are offered by manufacturers, dealers, or independent companies and may or may not provide coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Remember that a warranty is included in the price of the car while a service contract costs extra.

Before deciding to purchase a service contract, read it carefully and consider these questions:

1. What’s the difference between the coverage under the warranty and the coverage under the service      contract?
2. What repairs are covered?
3. Is routine maintenance covered?
4. Who pays for the labor? The parts?
5. Who performs the repairs? Can repairs be made elsewhere?
6. How long does the service contract last?
7. What are the cancellation and refund policies?

1. Hyundai Santro

The Santro is basically the champion of the road

Hyundai Santro is one of the most popular cars. It is the great combination of fuel economy, power, ride comfort, reliability and performance. The Hyundai is powered by 1086 cc Epsilon engine that results in improved fuel efficiency, reduced emission, increased power and reduced maintenance costs. The timely styling updates of Hyundai, the Santro still looks and feels quite contemporary.

2. Maruti Suzuki Swift

Technology you’ll love to drive. A non-stop excitement.

Maruti Suzuki was first unveiled at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. Since its launch in May 2005, Swift has made a statement in the automobile market with its style, performance and handling. It is a compact car with a fresh design and dynamic features like small hatchbacks, nondescript styling and spacious interiors. Maruti Swift is an eye-catching, more refined and user-friendly car that gives a pleasurable experience while driving. Maruti Suzuki Swift has made waves and has a long list of awards. It has won the Car of the Year 2006 award. Swift is also listed as one of the best-looking cars on sale in India today.

3. Tata Indigo

Spoil yourself in the Luxury of Fuel Efficient Tata Indigo

Tata Indigo had redefined the style of driving dynamics. It has started a new era of comfort, style and power performance. One can’t deny the fact that that the Tata Indigo offers power performance for your buck. The car is equipped with improved interior upholstery, hi-end music system, latest communication technology, front seat with built-in LCD screen teamed with advanced 1.4 litre engines. Tat Indigo is one notch ahead of others with its cabin space, fuel economy and ride comfort.

4. Honda City

Dare to Explore the Niche of Honda City

The Honda City is an astounding car. Longer, wider and sturdier- Honda City is one of those very few cars that has elevated the driving experience. The car measures 4420 mm in length longer and 1695 mm in width. The Honda City has sleeker and sturdier body shape. Its extended wheelbase creates a spacious cabin interior and makes efficient use of space for both the driver and the occupants.

5. Skoda Octavia RS

Feel the Comfort, Sporty Aggressiveness and Pleasure in RS

Skoda Octavia RS is all about fuel efficiency, ride comfort, refinement and cabin space. It has enough power for life at full throttle, but can be a comfortable and safe companion when you need to slow down and relax. The car is a head-banging rock and roll bravo. Skoda Octavia RS has enough power for life at full throttle. It is spacious, comfortable and safe companion to speed up and slow down.

6. Mahindra Scorpio CRDe

It Takes the Rough with the Smooth and Keeps Going Where Others Can’t…

Mahindra and Mahindra popular for its jeep have come a long way in a last decade. They have evolved with bigger and better cars models. The Mahindra Scorpio CRDe is the feather on the M&M hat. It has received overwhelming success and is one of the best SUV. It has stylish front radiator grill and bumper.

7. Honda Accord

Honda Accord - Overflowing with Luxury Excellent Fit and Finish and Technological Creativity

Honda Accord is indigenously simple yet powerful. One can’t stop gushing at the sheer appeal of the car. Honda Accord looks good, spacious and comfortable. High-Performance look and wide-opening doors for easy entry and exit and supple leather trim with plenty interior room are some of its appealing features.

8. Chevrolet Tavera

Chevrolet Tavera- Spacious, Comfortable and Fuel Efficient Muv

Chevrolet Tavera is a multi-utility vehicle that has gained widespread reputation for its refinement, comforts and fuel-efficiency. The car is reasonably- priced which makes a lot of sense. The Tavera with its stylish interior and bold outlook is ruling everyone’s heart. Chevrolet Tavera promises reliability and assurance to the buyers.

9. Toyota Innova

Toyota Innova- Owner’s Pride for Its Contemporary Styling and High Levels of Refinement

Toyota Innova is popularized with its design, comfort, safety and new innovative features. Innova most appealing feature is its accommodation capacity for eight people. It has trend setting design and its interior is equipped with surrounding cabin, door bottle holder, mobile charger, adjustable passenger’s and driver’s seats, chrome plated door inside handle. The exterior of the Innova car include superior multi reflector headlamps and towering height.

10. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz- Packed with Luxury and Performance

Mercedes-Benz is a series of the largest Sedans. It has advanced safety systems and smart interior features. The car has introduced the S-Class first airbag supplemental restraint systems, and electronic stability program.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are propelled by an electric motor (or motors) powered by rechargeable battery packs. Electric motors have several advantages over internal combustion engines (ICEs):

1 . Energy efficient. Electric motors convert 75% of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the      wheels-internal combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20% of the energy stored in gasoline.

2 . Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the      electricity may emit them. Electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants     causes no air pollutants.

3 . Reduce energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.

4 . Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and     require less maintenance than ICEs.

The Down Side: Batteries

EVs face significant battery-related challenges:

1 . EV recharging Station Driving range. Most EVs can only go 150 miles (or less)     before     recharging- gasoline vehicles can go over 300 miles before refueling.

2 . Recharge time. Fully recharging the battery pack can take  4 to 8 hours.

3 . Battery cost: The large battery packs are expensive and usually must be replaced one or more     times.

4 . Bulk & weight: Battery packs are heavy and take up considerable
vehicle space.

Researchers are working on improved battery technologies to increase driving
range and decrease recharging time, replacement frequency, weight, and cost.
These factors will ultimately determine the future of EVs.

Cab companies are ten-a-penny. Being responsible for choosing between them is fraught with issues.

Passenger time is precious, requiring a reliable service and quick pick up times. The government is breathing down your neck for carbon emissions savings of 15%. Security is always an issue so confidentiality needs to be maintained. Last but not least there is the cost of the service.

All this in a climate where you are being asked to deliver efficiencies within current expenditure.

How do we know all this?

• Because we continually ask our customers what service they require.
• Because we are part of government.

We have been providing car services to government and the wider public sector for more than 60 years. As such, we know government inside out, appreciate how it works, what it demands and we deliver our services accordingly.

Green Cars is the largest green taxi fleet using hybrid technology in London. Use Green Cars and travel with a cleaner conscience.

Benefits

Quick and punctual pick-ups

Because we provide Green Cars solely to the public sector we have cars situated where they are needed which means you can have your car within 10 minutes of booking it. No more standing in the rain on a hope and a prayer

Carbon neutral service

If you need to get from A to B and public transport is not an option use Green Cars and save at least 55% of the carbon emissions compared to a black cab. What’s more, we will offset the rest via the Government Carbon Offsetting Fund.Green. Not black.

A highly secure service

All our uniformed drivers are security cleared by government to at least Counter Terrorism Check level. Not only are our customers driven by trained, law-abiding and trustworthy individuals but also discretion is assured. Our lips are sealed.

Cost-effective service with no hidden extras

Green Cars is not required to make a profit so the service remains competitive with the private sector. We don’t charge administration fees, booking fees, congestion charge fees or meet and greet charges at airports and stations. Value for money assured.

Enhanced communication

Although your booked car is never far away we will text or call you or the passenger when the car is ready, giving the driver’s name and car registration. In the unlikely event of a delay we will inform you of the car’s estimated time of arrival.

Since 1997, vehicle crime has fallen dramatically, but more   than a million vehicles are still broken into, damaged or stolen every year.   There’s a lot you can do to ensure that your car isn’t one of them.

Some of the advice may sound obvious, but it could make all the difference if   you follow it consistently. Read our top ten tips to find out more.

1. Don’t leave items on display

Never leave anything on display when you leave your vehicle. Even an old coat  or a plastic bag can tempt a thief.

2. Use immobilisers

Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your vehicle from starting and are the  best way to stop thieves. You should only buy security devices or services that  are approved by either Thatcham (the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre   0870 550 2006, Thatcham)

They should be professionally fitted - either by your car dealer or by an installer   approved by the Vehicle Systems Installation Board.

3. Park safely

When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both   your vehicle and your garage. If you don’t have a garage, try to park in a well-lit ,   open place.

4. Use Park Mark car parks

When parking outside, always try and park your car in an attended car park.   Try to look for a public car park which is part of the police approved Safer   Parking scheme (new window) and displays the Park Mark brand.

5. Buy a steering wheel lock

Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your vehicle.

6.  Get an alarm fitted

Alarms can deter thieves not only from stealing your vehicle, but also from   taking items from it. You can get more information about alarms, immobilisers and other security devices by phoning the Vehicle Security National Helpline   on 0870 5502006 or the Sold Secure Helpline on 01327 264687.

7. Secure your wheels

Locking wheel nuts are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your   wheels.

8. Etch your vehicle identification number onto   surfaces

Have your vehicle registration number or the last seven digitsof your Vehicle   Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your   headlamps.

9. Mark your equipment

Mark all your equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration   number.

10. Check before buying a used vehicle

Before buying, check whether the car you are interested in has been reported   stolen, seriously damaged or is still subject to finance.

It is up to you to make sure the vehicle you want isn’t stolen, if you do end
up buying a stolen vehicle you could:

• lose all your money
• lose the vehicle
• inherit whatever problems the vehicle had (unpaid tickets, penalties etc).
• risk police interest in your actions

So don’t take the chance, check it out first!

If you have any suspicions, notify the police immediately.

People are very much elated to hear words of praise for the look of their cars. They will be terribly deflated when any adverse remark is spelt out by others about the car’s upkeep & maintenance. This is a global emotion. Not only the aesthetic sense of beauty that dominates such opinions, but the resale value of the car too counts a lot. If the car is maintained neat & tidy, sleek & stylish, the monetary equivalent of the car also shoots up. But, generally cars are not maintained in proper fashion, in spite of utmost care & concentration. Scratches & stains, bird droppings, tar from roads, dust from construction, sun damage, acid rain, children’s pranks, neighbor’s attitudes – there are many factors which spoil the look of the car. The following tips & hints will be very much useful in keeping your car intact. Bird droppings & tar spots cannot be easily removed from the paint & chrome of the car. Bird droppings are acidic & require different efforts. Soap & water will remove most bird droppings. A wet, bunched-up paper towel, if placed on the stain for a few minutes will wipe away the stain. Under normal conditions, paint will come off on older cars if it is scratched. A special spray can remove tar stains.

Sun damage will decrease the shine of the car’s paint. A car polish can be used to avoid this. In tough cases, bad oxidation, rubbing compound can also be used. Car polish & rubbing compound are available in liquid form or paste form. They can be applied on the spot in circular fashion. After sometime, it is buffed off with a clean towel. Wash your car first thoroughly. Special car cleaning solutions are available in the market. Later, a particular car wax or car polish can be employed. Synthetic car polishes will have durable effects. Wax is more preferable.

Applications of two coats of car polish & later two coats of a carnauba wax will create wonders & your car will have a showroom shine. Nicks & dings together spoil the show. They happen in the parking lots. Body shops demand $300 to $500 just to set right a ding or nick. A dent removal expert will serve the purpose. Dent wizard is the best & the cheapest one. The expense will be barely $30 or maximum $90. To set right a nick, a touch up paint and a tooth pick can be used. A small container of touch up paint will cost only $10. Brush has to be avoided. A toothpick is the most suitable instrument to fix a nick.

Headlight restoration & cleaning deserve much importance. Institute for Highway Safety emphasizes that more than 80% of the vehicles on the road have inefficient, worn-out, cloudy & improperly-aimed headlights which are responsible for most of the highway accidents. You run a risk if you drive with opaque lenses without sufficient light output. Your vision gets reduced. Other cars coming in the opposite direction cannot see you with dim lights.

Headlight restoration & cleaning kit available in the market, made by mdwholesale.com is a powerful one. This has proven effective. The expenses will be very much minimal. Your night time drive will be safe with this kit.

These are the ultimates in car maintenance to ensure style, looks, safety, and performance & more so with less expenditure. Now, the door is kept open for you with all these useful tips.

Governor Rendell is triumph out to Chrysler dealers looking to make the conversion from new car sellers to used car dealers.

Pennsylvania was hit hardest by the modern decision by Chrysler to terminate new car dealers, with 53 dealers cut loose. Basil Merenda, the commissioner for the state Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, says Governor Rendell has prepared the bureau and the vehicle board that licenses dealers to accelerate the process of licensing dealers who formerly sold new Chryslers to be used car dealers:

“He also wanted us to cut during red tape for the dealers with PennDot and the Department of Banking, which also issues licenses and authorizations to these dealers.”

Merenda says hopefully, a process that can take some months can be shortened to a few weeks so that there’s no break. The commissioner says the administration also wants to help terminated GM dealers too, but notes that GM is taking a “kinder” approach to its terminated dealers.

The amount of smog a car puts into the air depends essentially on which emission standards it meets. (See “What are emission standards?” below.) It can also be affected by how you drive and maintain the car, how much fuel the car use, and the manner of fuel used.

Passenger cars must meet certain fuel mileage standards. Generally, the better the fuel mileage, the “cleaner” the car. For example, smaller cars typically get the best fuel mileage, which also means they pollute less.

Light trucks – which include vans, small pickup trucks, a

nd sport utility vehicles (SUVs)– are allowed to get lower fuel mileage than passenger cars. As a result, the average light truck pollutes more than the average car.

Some of the heaviest light trucks, such as large SUVs, do not have to meet any mileage standards. They are among the most polluting vehicles..

Emission standards

Emission standards limit the amount of pollution coming from a vehicle. All new vehicles for sale in the United States meet either federal emission standards (set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), or California standards (set by the California Air Resources Board). The California standards are stricter than the federal standards

No matter what you drive - SUV, sports car, family sedan, pick-up, or mini-van, when you go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right. The following advice should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good repair establishment.

I.Preliminaries
Don’t just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment and hope for the best. That’s not choosing a shop, that’s merely gambling.

• Read your owner’s manual to become familiar with your vehicle and follow the manufacturer’s suggested service schedules.
• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
• Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.
• Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the shop
• If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a facility solely on the basis of location

Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job; if you are pleased, trust them with more complicated repairs later.
II. At the Shop

• Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Professionally run establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff. The service writer should be willing to answer all of your questions.
• Feel free to ask for the names of a few customers. Call them.
• All policies (labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.
• Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some facilities specialize.
• Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major work.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program status, customer service awards.

The backbone of any shop is the competence of the technicians

• Look for evidence of qualified technicians by trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications - a national standard of technician competence.

III. Follow-Up

• Keep good records; keep all paperwork.
• Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
• If the service was not all you expected, don’t rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.