Buying Used Car Tips

Scouting for price-cuts is a smart habit. And buying used cars is no exception. No wonder why many people are enticed to buy used cars. In fact, statistics show that the number of people who buy used cars is three times more than the number of people who buy new cars.

But then again, not all used cars are maintained equally by their previous owners. Hence, it is important for those who wish to purchase used cars to consider the different factors that might affect the performance and the condition of the car.

Here is a list of some tips that will help buyers in choosing their used cars.

1. Safety features should not be taken for granted.
Every used car should still have its anti-lock brakes working properly and airbags that are still intact (for cars made after this requirement).

2. The mileage is important
This is because the amount of mileage reflects the way the car has been used by the previous owner. Moreover, the mileage will denote the used car age. Normally, an average driver will drive 12, 000 to 15, 000 miles in a year. In this way, the buyer will be able to estimate how old the car is.

3. Over-all check up is important
Before buying the car, the buyer should first conduct an over-all check up on the condition of the car, from its exterior parts up to the very detail of its interior portion. Being old does not mean any signs of wear and tear will be an excused. Hence, people should be aware what they are paying for.


4. Test drive
There is no better way to know the condition of the car until it has been test-driven. Hence, a buyer should make all the effort to do a test drive first before he or she jumps into conclusion.


5. If possible, the over all service history of the car should be checked.
This will provide the buyer solid information regarding the true condition of the car. Here, the buyer can detect if the car has so many technical problems before, if it has been into an accident already, or if the owner was good enough to provide the proper maintenance for the car.

Knowing these things is extremely important to avoid possible risks in the future.

Boiled down, inspection is mportant especially if the transaction concerns money. Cheap is no substitute for being a smart buyer.

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Special-Edition Ateva L Adds $2000 Of Camry Value

TOYOTA Australia has introduced a value-laden limited-issue Ateva L edition of its Camry medium-sized sedan.

Pricing remains firm at the Ateva automatic's usual $33,750 starting point, but the L adds leather trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, a lip spoiler and an SE decal on the rump - items that are said to add $2000 of value at no extra cost.

As a running change, Toyota has also added 17-inch alloys to the range-topping Camry Grande. Pricing is unchanged, starting from $39,990.via

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Buy & Sell used cars

It’s best to stature out precisely how much you can afford to squander. You know what you have to put down, you know what you can afford per month -- but how does that decipher to a sticker price, in particular taking into account taxes and finance charges? There are several car-payment calculators that will do the math for you (there are alot out there on internet). However, if you prefer to do the math manually, here's a relatively simple method.

What you can afford for a downhill payment. If you are trading in a car, visit a used car pricing site to calculate the car's approximate value (use the trade-in value, which is the lowest figure and represents what you can probably expect the dealership to offer) and add that to your subtotal. Valuing a second-hand car is both intention (year, make, and model) and prejudiced (appearance and condition). Normally, this would not be an issue if all cars were indistinguishable regrettably; second hand cars are all very distinctive.more...

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Cayenne Turbo S: The Most Powerful Porsche

RIGHT out of left field from Porsche at the weekend’s Auto China 2008 motor show in Beijing came the world premiere of the Cayenne Turbo S.

Hot on the heels of the Cayenne S-based GTS and due on sale here later this year at a price of $265,500 (representing a massive $50,300 price premium over the $215,500 Cayenne Turbo), the S version of Porsche’s top-shelf super-SUV packs a host of performance enhancements.

Top of the list is an extra 36kW of power and 50Nm of torque, making the 404kW/750Nm Turbo S not only the most powerful Cayenne, but the most powerful Porsche currently available.via

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Car Auctions

With so many advertisements claiming to offer the latest luxury cars for just a fraction of their price, people can get quite sceptical when they come across genuine opportunities like government and private car auctions.


The truth is that there are some expensive luxury cars available for a fraction of their price, but one has to go through a lot of Bucks to get to the luxury cars. One of the most cost effective ways of acquiring vehicles is through government and private car auctions (the cars available are essentially repossessed, seized or surplus vehicles).


To better understand the legalities involved, it is important to understand the difference between repossessed and seized cars.


Repossessed Cars (repo cars)
Repo cars are cars that were offered as collateral against a defaulted loan, or have been repossessed by government organizations or banks due to non payment of instalments. Repo cars are more often than not well used, and should be treated as second hand cars. In fact, the reason why repossessed cars are so competitively priced at government car auctions is because they have been used by the owner (in some cases for a few years).


Seized Cars
Whenever a person is imprisoned for a financial crime (like tax evasion or fraud), all his assets (like cars and properties) are seized. In addition, cars that are part of federal evidence or have been used in a crime are also seized and auctioned off at government car auctions. Seized cars should not be confused with repo cars as there is no defaulting of payments or collateral involved.

car auctions | used automobile | car pricing

KTM Dallara Challenge ; The X-Bow is back in production trim as the Dallara Challenge.

Austrian motorcycle maker KTM stunned the Geneva show last year when it presented the concept version of its X-Bow, the company’s first automobile. Designed primarily as a track car, KTM’s lightweight roadster, which tips the scales at less than 1500 lb., is powered by a 240-bhp turbocharged, direct-injection 4-cylinder engine from Audi. That engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The X-Bow is back in production trim as the Dallara Challenge. This extreme machine is designed to compete in a spec racing series named after the legendary Italian race-car maker that builds all the chassis for the X-Bow.Although the car is powerful and light weight, top speed is not the prime consideration in the X-Bow’s development. Rather, the car emphasizes handling, in which aerodynamics plays a crucial role. As a result of extensive testing in Dallara’s wind tunnel, the X-Bow is fitted with a unique rear diffuser that helps to generate 440 lb. of downforce.

KTM claims the X-Bow is capable of pulling 1.23g on the skidpad.Even though the X-Bow was conceived as a track car, it has a 2-passenger cabin, leaving the door open for street homologated versions of the car and perhaps even a closed-cockpit version.

TechArt GTstreet

Aftermarket tuners, especially German ones, simply love the Porsche 911 Turbo. TechArt is no different, turning its considerable talents to Zuffenhausen’s 997 edition of the 911 Turbo to create one of the most potent street-legal machines ever.

The GTstreet edition turns up the boost on a pair of BorgWarner Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) turbochargers to add an extra 150 bhp, extracting a total of 630 bhp and 605 lb.-ft. of torque from Porsche’s 3.6-liter flat 6 engine.

This massive infusion of power produces some stunning performance figures. According to TechArt, the GTstreet is capable of 0-62 mph acceleration of just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph. In just 10.9 seconds, the car can reach 124 mph.

In addition to the engine modifications, the GTstreet is equipped with carbon- ceramic brakes with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers. The all-wheel-drive system with its factory installed stability-control system is retained.

Extensive wind-tunnel testing resulted in a striking body design. The GTstreet has larger front openings, a front splitter and lower, wider side rockers that channel air upward into the rear intakes. At the rear is a large wing set at an optimum angle to generate the downforce needed to counteract lift when the car is at top speed.

Rinspeed sQuba Concept

Swiss car designer Frank M. Rinderknecht has a fascination with the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me, wherein James Bond’s Lotus Esprit was able to drive underwater. In that vein, Rinderknecht’s latest Rinspeed creation is a Lotus Elise converted into “the world’s first real submersible car,” according to the company. The conversion was largely performed by Swiss engineering specialist Esoro.

The mid-mounted combustion engine of the Elise was replaced by three electric motors (powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries)—one provides propulsion on land, the other two drive the screws for navigating the underworld; two Seabob jet drives are located up front, which breathe through special rotating louvers to open and close the water intake. All of which make the sQuba a zero-emissions vehicle.

When driving on land, the sQuba’s stainless coil-over suspension by KW automotive and large Pirelli tires on custom wheels from AEZ should provide better handling than your typical amphibious vehicle.

The sQuba is functional to a depth of 10 meters, but for safety reasons as the car submerges, the interior (done up by Strähle and Hess to be saltwater resistant, with mother-of-pearl trim and diamond-plated, non-slip inlays from KGS Diamond) gets filled with water. In scuba-diving fashion, an onboard tank of compressed air provides oxygen for the occupants. Bathing suits (or water-resistant clothes) recommended.

Lorinser Nardo3 SL

If you’re looking for the ultimate bad-boy ride, Lorinser may have your number with the Nardo3 SL, a pumped-up version of the Mercedes-Benz SL 2- seater.

Named after the famed high-speed Italian oval, the Nardo3 is simply a beast. The German tuner has worked its magic on the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12, boosting output to an amazing 660 bhp and promising a top speed of 220 mph. Even more awe inspiring is the 747 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Lorinser Nardo3 has been fitted with all sorts of aerodynamic devices that not only keep the car firmly planted to pavement when traveling triple digit speeds, but also adds to the outlaw aura. The front and rear fascias have been modified with extra inlets to improve airflow to the engine and brakes.

There’s also a new scoop ahead of the rear wheels and a corresponding exhaust outlet behind the rear wheels that also aids in brake cooling.All this muscle does not come at the expense of comfort. All the cockpit amenities that you’ve come to expect from this Mercedes-Benz flagship have been left intact.

Not only is the car fast, it is exclusive. Only 50 copies will be produced by the German tuner.

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

In 2007, Rolls-Royce sold 20 percent more cars than the year before. Since BMW took over one of the most traditional British brands in 1998, only Emily (the nickname of the Flying Lady that adorns the cars’ grilles) remains. Today, Rolls-Royce resides in Goodwood, U.K., manufacturing its Phantom models. After this summer, this Phantom Coupe will be added to the model mix.

Based on the Drophead Coupe soft-top, and sharing most of its dimensions, the closed version comes with upgraded suspension and will therefore be the sportiest Rolls in the range. It also retains the Drophead’s unique suicide-style doors. The engine and corresponding power remain the same, but its 453 bhp and 531 lb.-ft. of torque from the 6.75-liter V-12 should be more than adequate. It delivers power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Incidentally, the fuel capacity has been increased by 25 percent over the convertible version. The lower tailgate can be positioned to create a seating platform for two adults, called the “picnic boot.”

The Phantom Coupe is a massive automobile in the grandest of tradition. Riding on a 130.7-in. wheelbase, the new coupe measures 220.8 in. in overall length and has 21-in. wheels. Priced at Euro 360,000 (the U.S. price has yet to be given), the Phantom Coupe is for the lucky few

2009 Maserati GranTurismo S

One year after the GranTurismo coupe’s debut, it’s time to rev the car up a bit. The new GT S version can be recognized by its sinister alloy wheels and by its extra howl, coming from the exhaust pipes of the larger 4.7-liter V-8, up from the original 4.2 liters, which now packs a 440-bhp punch (up from 405).

Also new is an electro-actuated transaxle-mounted gearbox with sequential paddle shifters and an automatic clutch. The so-called MC-Shift system was adapted from Maserati’s exotic MC-12 mid-engine racer.

The GranTurismo S also benefits from new brakes, developed in conjunction with Brembo initially for the larger Quattroporte S sedan. The revised braking package feature front rotors made with a dualcast technology, which casts the units out of iron and aluminum. These discs are paired with aluminum mono-block calipers with six pistons.

The GranTurismo rides on a 115.9-in. wheelbase and is 192.3 in. in overall length. The GranTurismo’s sexy shape was created by the Italian design house of Pininfarina.

In addition to minor detail changes on the car’s body, the interior has been freshened with the use of Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara inserts distinguished by horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.

2009 Bentley Brooklands

It's tough to get more "automotively English" than Bentley and Brooklands.

The former is, of course, the famous automaker while the latter is a historic- if-now-defunct high-speed race track near London. Put the two names together in 2008 and you have a new coupe that is the sum of 6.75, 530, 774, 3, 5.0 and 340,990.

How does it add up?

You begin with the chassis of the Bentley Azure convertible, already stiffened to be a luxury drop top. Add a steel coupe roof while retaining in all but one piece of the convertible structure, and you have a very rigid automobile. Make certain that top matches the lower body, give it an air of luxury and style and add the name Brooklands.

Now here come the numbers. Take the rather traditional Bentley V-8, displacing 6.75 liters, add a pair of turbochargers and the appropriate internal changes needed, and you come away with 530 horsepower and 774 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3 is an approximate number, but represents the Brookland's weight in tons with driver and passenger. That 5.0 is the number of seconds to get the big Brooklands to 60 mph. You've probably guessed that $340,990 is the base price of the Brooklands coupe. With options and taxes you may be closer to $400,000.

It is a beautifully done machine, from its hand-finished body seams to the highly polished solid wood trim to the military straight stitching. Bentley says this is the most commodious coupe cabin in the world, and it feels like it when you're stretched out in back enjoying the countryside blur by.

With the exception of new uprights to allow for the optional ($30,000) carbon- ceramic brakes, the suspension pieces also carry over from the Azure, though tuned to sportier — as in firmer and flatter — performance.

It is a mighty thing to stomp the gas, feel the back end slew a bit as the power bites and rushes the great machine forward. Once the road starts winding, the Brooklands is surprisingly agile though it is somewhat light-steering. Mind you, as it edges right, then left down the road, you will never forget this is one big, heavy machine... nothing cat like about it. But as a piece of traditional British automotive power, it is impressive.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Another eagerly awaited car bowing at the Geneva show is the all-new Mercedes- Benz SL63 high-performance roadster.

This AMG-built 6.3-liter V-8 powerplant should produce in excess of 500 horsepower and will most likely be mated to Mercedes’ 7-speed automatic transmission featuring AMG Speedshift steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Highlights to the latest iteration of this venerable German top-down two-door SL-Class include a sportier, new-look front fascia and hood, McLaren SLR-style side vents, a restyled cabin, and Airscarf – a head and neck warming system integrated into the headrests to allow for more top-down touring in the cooler seasons.

But this classy yet athletic-looking machine gets an even more aggressive look for the SL63 model. Lightweight 5-spoke alloys are shod with large-diameter, low- profile performance rubber for improved handling. And that aforementioned “fish gille”-styled side vent on the standard car is replaced by a larger, sturdier- looking one piece appliqué featuring bold “6.3 AMG” scripting. At the back, a more pronounced rear undertray, quad exhaust tips and a lip spoiler running across the trunk from taillight to taillight lets those caught in its wake as it rapidly passes by know that this isn’t any ordinary SL.

Prices for the new SL-Class should range between $100,000 (V-8 engine) and $140,000 (V-12-equiiped), with the new SL63 likely slotting in somewhere in between (though most likely closer to the upper echelon).

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560/4

Presented in Geneva, the refreshed Gallardo will come with the designation LP560/4, which describes its beefed-up V-10 (now at 5204 cc) that delivers 560 horsepower (an increase of 40) and its all-wheel drive. Lamborghini claims it will run to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, while its top speed will be 6 mph higher, at 202.

The new LP designation, similar to that used on the Murciélago, refers to the engine’s longitudinal and posterior positioning in the car. The engine upgrades, which include direct injection and a flat plane crankshaft, come courtesy of Lamborghini’s parent, Audi AG. Similar technology was employed on the V-10 engine in the Audi RS6 sports sedan.

The revamped Gallardo is also distinguished by styling changes front and rear and new alloy wheels. The front end is more aggressive, with slightly larger intakes. The interior remains virtually unchanged, except for a few new switches on the center console.

The first LP560/4s will arrive in the U.S. in August, alongside the current Superleggera version, which is sold out until spring of 2009. Lambo’s top model—the Murciélago—will remain largely unchanged for the next two years, although a Superveloce version (to be unveiled at the Paris show in October) is expected next year.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Those expecting to see a new entry-level Ferrari at Geneva, possibly called the Dino, were disappointed. But we do hear such a car may be possible at the Paris show later this year. In the meantime, Ferrari unveiled an updated version of its 2+2, the 612 Scaglietti.

Although the exterior appearance remains largely the same, many of the updates are beneath the car’s sexy skin. The new premium GT now comes with a modified F1 semiautomatic gearbox, which features sequential paddle shifters and an automatic clutch. The new setup promises faster upshifts and ear-pleasing throttle-blip downshifts. The steering wheel is also fitted with a revised Manettino switch, which allows the driver to configure the car’s engine output for extra power and the level at which stability - and traction-control systems intervene as well as firmness of the adjustable suspension.

The 612, originally introduced in 2004, rides on a 116.1-in. wheelbase, and its all-aluminum body measures 193.0 inches in overall length. The engine is a 5.7- liter V-12 producing 532 bhp and 434 lb.-ft. of torque. Ferrari claims the 612 is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The 2009 Scaglietti will be available late this summer.