Buy a Used Car

How to Pass Time in the Back Seat

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 10:30:14 +0000

Long journeys sat in the back seat can be incredibly boring, even when you are a grown-up. If you’re on the motorway there’s just the same endless stream of cars and trees as your view and you can’t really have a decent conversation with those in the front of the car because they can’t hear you properly. Here are some ideas to help you pass the time.

1. Crosswords

Crosswords can be fun to do and with not much writing, they are practical to complete in the back of the car whilst you are travelling. Plus you’ll be exercising your brain at the same time and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two.

2. Try some online poker

Most poker sites have a mobile app now, that you could use to work on your poker game while you are on the move. Have a read through playing guides to help you work on your game before you set off and then put into practice what you have learned on your journey. You never know, you might bag yourself a spot in one of the big tournaments.

3. Sleep

You could make the most of the time and catch up on some sleep. Just check with the driver first to make sure they don’t need you to help with navigation.

4. Watch a film

Many cars of built-in entertainment now that you could watch a film on. You could even bring along a portable DVD player and catch up on some of the latest blockbusters. Make sure you wear some headphones so that you don’t distract the driver though.

5. Pen and paper games

It can be difficult to write when you are in a car but you should be OK with playing simple pen and paper games such as Tic-Tac-Toe or Hangman. If there is someone else in the back seat with you, playing old-style games could keep you both entertained for a good part of the journey.

Different kinds of car races

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 08:21:55 +0000

Car racing is undoubtedly one of the most exciting sports of our era. Many people are, however, not aware that there are many different kinds of car races, each with an appeal of its own. Formula racing is one of the most beloved types of car races. The car is a single-seater with the wheels located on the outside. Races take place at specially built race tracks. Sports cars are 2-seater vehicles that come in two types: the custom-built, prototype cars developed to compete on closed tracks, and the GT or Grant Turismo – vehicles that are derived from production cars. Stock car racing makes use of production vehicles that have been customized for racing purposes. Popular particularly in the US, it usually takes place on oval tracks. Rallies. Rallying uses production-based vehicles and races take place on closed public roads or off-road terrain. Road conditions often include asphalt, gravel, ice or snow. Races normally depart in regular intervals from the starting point. Off-road racing is, as the name suggests, conducted under off-road conditions such as mud, sand, river beds, snow, ice or other rough terrain. Vehicles can vary from production cars to motorbikes and trucks. Poker run. There are a number of different versions, but let’s summarize the basics: In a conventional poker game every player is dealt 5 cards. The ones with the best hand is the winner. Combine this with a nice motorcycle (or any other type of vehicle) ride and you have a poker run. The race starts upon check in, when you receive a route map and a score sheet. Typically there will be five check points, each of which will give you a card when you check in. After your score sheet has been updated, you will proceed to the next checkpoint. Similar to a game of poker, the player with the best hand at the end will be declared the winner. It helps if you at least become familiar with basic poker principles such how blinds and betting work before the game.

Revamp your car journey

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 12:38:34 +0000

The days of I-spy, confusing road maps and ‘are we there yet’ are thankfully over. Road trippers can breathe a sigh of relief. Long car journeys have finally gone high-tech. There are a huge number of gadgets available to make your car journey that bit smoother. Some are practical and some are just for fun. So, what ones should you invest in?

Heated cupholders

Drivers and passengers alike may need a caffeine boost to get them through a long journey. Keep your cappuccino toasty warm by purchasing a heated cupholder. These devices plug directly into your in-car lighter port and, as a bonus, can also be used to keep drinks cold.

Car-Fi

This one is a game changer! Save everyone’s mobile data by installing an in-car wifi system. Passengers can wile away long hours in the car by keeping up to date with Facebook or playing an online game like poker. Just make sure all players knows the game and rules!

USB charger

Car-Fi will be no use if your battery runs out. Make sure you all stay connected with this smartphone charger. Again, it plugs directly into your lighter port (just move that heated cupholder out of the way!) and the micro USB slot fits a variety of smartphones.

Anti-sleep alarm

Passengers may be able to pass the time with online games and social media. But monotony can kick in for the driver, especially on long motorway journeys. Make sure you stay alert with this anti-sleep alarm. There are a number of different devices on the market with a wide range of prices. The most basic model is worn on your ear and will sound an alarm if your head starts to tilt forward.

Dashcam

Ideally, you’ll never need it. But in the unlikely event of an accident the dashcam is invaluable for providing evidence to your insurance company and the authorities.

How to Repair and Modernise Your Car

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Sat, 14 Jul 2018 11:29:04 +0000

There’s nothing wrong with driving an older car – chances are it’s paid off and you are saving money on car payments and insurance every month. On the other hand, having a newer car is nice too because they tend to have more conveniences and luxuries. You can combine the both of best worlds because there are some things you can do to your older car to bring it into modern times even if you have to earn some extra cash to do so.

Install Internet

In many new cars, passengers are able to access the internet during long drives (or short ones). By using a mobile hotspot in your older model car, you can use WIFI anywhere, anytime. This enables you to access maps, websites and even play casino games while you’re on the road (provided you’re the passenger and not the driver).

Hook Up Air Conditioning

Old cars didn’t always come outfitted with air conditioning. Luckily, there are many car mechanics who can install it in older model cars without it.

Enhance the Sound System

It’s a great thing to cruise down the road with the radio up, but older cars don’t have the best sound systems. Having a new subwoofer, speakers and stereo put into your older model car allows you to drive the vehicle you love while also getting top quality sound when you listen to your favourite tunes.

Install a Remote Start System

There are several options on the market, but most of them are compatible with older cars. A remote start system allows you to start your car from inside the house or office so that you can cool it off with the air conditioner in the summer and heat it up with the furnace in the winter – all without having to go outside. These options are suitable for older versions of modern cars but will also fit equally well in some classic models if there is compatibility.

5 Must Have Tools for Restoring Used Cars

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 13:12:03 +0000

If you are thinking about restoring a used car then the first thing you must consider is the tools you will need for the job. Car restoration can be a hard task that can take a lot of time, and if you don’t have the right tools for the job it can become almost impossible. Why not make the job easier with these five must have tools for restoring used cars.1. A Large Floor Jack or Jack StandsThe very first tool you should invest in is a large floor jack, as a car restoration will be impossible with out one. A floor jack is a machine that will help you lift your car from the floor to enable you to work on it. You should also consider investing in four jack stands for each corner of the car.2. An Air CompressorAn air compressor is another must have tool that a mechanic cannot live without. An air compressor is used to power many of the tools you need to use for restoring your used car. Not only is it used to power hammers, grinders, and impact wrenches but will also be used to power your paint spray gun too.3. A WelderIf you are doing any kind of work to the body of the car then a welder is a must have tool for restoring your used car. A welder will help you repair any of the outside part of your car such as rust patches. There are different types of welders available to purchase that can assist in different types of car exterior work.4. An Angle GrinderAn angle grinder is another car restoration tool that you will need to repair any bodywork. An angle grinder is used to remove any rust that has formed on the car. It is also used cut through metal and remove sharp edges.5. A Good Selection of Hand ToolsLastly, you are going to need a large selection of hand tools. A power drill, an impact wrench, various pliers and screwdrivers, metric wrenches, patch pieces, putty and tin cutters are just some of the smaller tools that you should have in your tool box.

Tips for Restoring Used Cars

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 13:10:05 +0000

Restoring a used car seems a thrilling but daunting task especially if you have never done it before. However, even for an amateur, making used cars useful again can be quite simple if well planned and executed. The tips provided here will help you restore your used car cheaply and within a short time.Inspection and BudgetingRestoring a used car should not eat too much into your savings. Yet that is exactly what might happen if you don’t adequately prepare for the financial cost of the restoration. That is why it is important that you first check all the parts that need repair and replacement. This inspection should as thorough as possible. Any oversight at this stage may prove costly later on. After this inspection, find out the cost of the parts needed for replacement as well as the cost of the repairs. With this information, come up with a fairly reasonable budget that should guide you through the whole restoration process. Have a professional do similar inspection and check through your budget to make sure it is the correct estimate of the money needed.Find Somebody to Work WithYou cannot carry out all the restoration by yourself; you will need somebody to help you through. That person can either be a friend or a professional car repairperson. If it is a friend, make sure they have some experience in car repair. However, it is always advisable to work with a professional. Even though they might cost a little more, you will greatly benefit from their experience and expertise. This will translate to a more durable and effective restored car.Start the RestorationAfter deciding which parts of the car you want to restore, start the process of restoration. It advisable to carry out one task at a time instead of attempting many tasks simultaneously. If you leave all the restoration to a professional go to the car shop as often as possible to make sure that the right type of work is being done.Final InspectionAfter all restoration work has been done, inspect the car in detail to make sure everything is fine. Don’t just limit this inspection to the appearance of the car; the functional aspect is very important too. That is why part of the inspection should involve driving the car around for some time. This will help you know if the car is in the right functional shape.By following these steps, you will be able to have your old car restored to usefulness cheaply and fast. However, that does not guarantee that it will last long. To make sure that your restored car lasts long, carry out regular maintenance with the recommended products and parts.

Used Sports Car – The Best Brands to Buy

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 13:07:06 +0000

Buying a used sports car is a great way to get your hands on an affordable, yet high-performance car. Reliability, cost of maintenance and condition are three key criteria for buying a used sports car. Some of the best brands to buy in this category are:1. AudiAudi is one of the first names that pop into your mind when you think of ‘luxury car’, but the German auto maker is also known for its sports cars, specifically, the Audi TT and the Audi R8.2. JaguarThe iconic British car maker has gone through a period of great change over the last decade as it switched ownership and introduced a slew of new models. It still retains its racing heritage with a number of sports-oriented models. The Jaguar XK is one of the best used sports cars around today – powerful, beautiful, exciting, yet affordable.3. PorscheThe Porsche brand needs no introduction. Porsche 911, Boxster and Carrera have defined the dreams of several generations of car lovers. If you’re in the market for a used sports car, look no further than the Porsche Boxster.4. ToyotaYou normally associate Toyota with safe family cars, but the Japanese company also makes a number of high-end performance sports cars. A favourite among car enthusiasts is the Toyota GT – fast, powerful, and stunning.Buying a used sports car is a great way to save money without compromising on performance, especially if you buy any of the four brands listed above.

Useful Equipment to Have for Car Restoration Work

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 13:19:16 +0000

Restoring used cars is a business for some people and a hobby for others. Whatever the reasons for getting involved in vehicle restoration work, it is important to have the right tools and equipment to do the job properly. Some of the useful pieces to have in a garage for restoring older cars includes the following.Vehicle LiftIt is important to be able to get to the underside of a vehicle for inspection and restoration work and a vehicle lift is one of the best options for this. It will raise a car to a position where you can stand under it to work more comfortably on parts such as the exhaust system. Companies that produce this type of equipment include BendPak and Rotary, and it can be useful to have in a garage.Vehicle MoversCars being restored may not be capable of moving under their own power as work is carried out on the engine. This means that a vehicle mover is a good piece of equipment to have available and Stringo has some of the best car movers on the market. The company offers a range of models to suit different needs and this ensures that whether you need a car mover for smaller or larger vehicles, you will be able to find one through Stringo that is up to the job.Metal Polishing ToolA lot of older cars have chrome features such as bumpers, and giving a car an attractive appearance means polishing these back to their original shine. This can make a metal polisher an important tool to own for restoration work. There are plenty of manufacturers that produce these, with some to consider including Ingersoll Rand and Black & Decker.Engine StandGetting a used car running well again will typically involve working on the engine. This can be easier to do if it is removed from the vehicle and an engine stand is designed to hold it securely in place as repair/restoration work is carried out. Many auto parts retailers have these for sale, with Frost Restorers Equipment being an example of this.It can take dedication and hard work to get a used car back to looking and driving at its best. Those carrying out the work will also need the proper equipment to complete the job and the pieces shown above are some that can be useful to have available.

Used Car Prices – What Causes Price Differences Between Different Car Brands?

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:03:33 +0000

Not all used cars are alike. Similar used cars in similar conditions often fetch wildly different prices depending on the brand.Some of the reasons why used car prices differ between different brands are:1. ReliabilityIn the used car market, reliability is king. The more reliable a car, the better its value in the used car market. Some brands are known for producing extremely reliable cars. Toyota, Honda, Nissan are all known for their legendary reliability, which leads to higher prices in the used car market. Jaguar, Range Rover, Chevy, etc. are not particularly well known for their reliability, which leads to lower prices for used models.2. Desirability“Desirability” is a combination of the car’s aesthetics, performance, and brand value. Some cars are obviously more desirable than others. A Porsche will fetch a higher market value than a similar condition Toyota, and a Lexus will sell for more than a similar Suzuki. Generally speaking, desirability often trumps reliability and even condition in the used car market. A battered classic Mercedes will sell for a lot more than a Mazda in top condition.3. AvailabilityThe used car market is driven by demand and supply. Highly desirable used car brands such as Honda and Toyota have such high demand that they seldom stay on the market for more than a few days. This leads to higher prices and very short ‘lot time’ (i.e. the time the car spends on the lot before being sold).In contrast, brands that are in less demand, such as Renault, are easily available in the used car market. This leads to fewer offers and hence, lower prices.4. After Sales supportwhen you buy a used car, you are essentially taking on a lot of risk. Hence, brands with large networks of repair shops and top-notch after sales support are always in high-demand. This leads to higher prices.In contrast, smaller brands with limited repair shops and poor after sales support tend to receive little buyer interest. This reduces demand and leads to lower prices in the used car market.The prices of a used car depends a lot on model-type, condition and mileage, but brand factors also play a large role in determining eventual price. The factors listed above are key contributors to prices in the used car market.

Buying a Used Car

Dr. Aisha VonRueden — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 12:58:31 +0000

While it may be most people’s dream to have a shiny, brand new car parked on the driveway, for many purchasing a used car is a more realistic and affordable option. New cars are notorious for depreciating rapidly in their first year so, if budget is a consideration (as well as future trade-in value), a used car can offer a more cost-effective solution. A vehicle that is only a year or two old may well have the balance of the manufacturer’s warranty and be exempt from MOT tests until 36 months old, while an older car – if sourced from a reputable seller – can prove to offer excellent value.Plan ahead for motoringWhen planning a used car purchase, bear in mind that there are considerable running costs which tend to vary depending on the make, the age and the engine size of the vehicle. From tax to insurance and fuel economy to maintenance, the costs of maintaining a car can spiral so it makes good sense to anticipate the impact on your wallet before you buy.Car tax may now be disc-free but the obligation to purchase remains. As the charges are not always easy to predict, using the DfT’s calculator is an essential pre-purchase step, while an expert website such as parkers.co.uk can give you an insight into the likely running costs of your favourite four-wheeler.View wiselyViewing a car before you commit to buying is obviously essential but beware of sellers who want you to see the vehicle at times of the day when light is poor. Darkness and rain can obscure a variety of non-standard modifications such as paintwork scratches and dents which could prove costly to repair (warning: respraying is expensive).Similarly a test drive is unavoidable, irrespective of the service history or length of MOT. Simply viewing a car from the outside can’t tell you about spongy brakes, wandering steering, noisy exhausts or a whole plague of other mechanical problems.Ask the right questionsSadly, car sellers cannot always be believed and the opportunity for fraud is huge. Insist on seeing the V5C document which will tell you who the registered keeper is – if the seller isn’t the keeper, ask why not. You should also attempt to trace the service history of the car, so check the service record book (have services been carried at the right intervals by a qualified technician?) and previous MOT certificates, looking carefully at the ‘Advisory’ section for recommended work which falls outside of the MOT test itself.A car that has been well-maintained should have a continuous history and should offer you greater confidence when purchasing (though expect to pay a little more, quite rightly, for the reassurance).Know your VIN from your HPI?You should also check the car’s VIN (vehicle identity number) against the number stated on the V5C to ensure it is the same. The VIN is usually stamped on a metal plate somewhere under the bonnet; if it is difficult to read or appears to have been deliberately damaged, ask serious questions about the honesty of the seller.Existing HP (hire purchase) on a vehicle effectively means that you don’t own all of the car, irrespective of what you pay for it, so it’s quite likely that the vehicle could be seized to recover losses for a credit lender. A simple HPI check will ascertain that no outstanding finance remains: in other words, the car is all yours.Purchasing a used car is a serious business which takes time and research but, equipped with the right information, you can be confident of making a decision which you can be confident about.