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By Ralph Hoffmann
Interference Engines: ……..Free Useful informatio
When buying a used car always insist on determining if the vehicle has a rubber timing-belt. Be aware that about five years ago an International Oil Company did a follow up on 5,000 cars it had turned back after 3 year leases and traced them to their eventual private owners. All the cars had by then passed through wholesale auction markets and likely one or more retail dealers before being sold to a private owner. The survey disclosed that 50% of the cars had their odometers illegally turned back.
When buying a used car, supposedly with 40,000 miles for example, and determining it has a rubber timing belt, insist on a written guarantee from the seller to guarantee in writing to replace the timing belt at no charge if it fails within another 20,000 miles, a typical recommended total amount (Call any Dealer to get the recommended amount for the particular make of vehicle). After all, the vehicle may in fact already have 55,000 miles on it. If the seller will not make that guarantee, then he is admitting that the mileage is probably not accurate and by implication may well have been turned back. If the seller will not make that guarantee, consider a compromise, such as $100 maximum cost. If not acceptable, walk away and look elsewhere."
Before buying any car, especially 4-cylinder foreign cars, or even 6-cyl. BMW, be aware of the unavoidable cost of $400-$800 to replace the timing belt at anywhere from 50,000 to 70,000 miles if the car has an 'interference' type of engine. The sales person will invariably not mention that an 'interference' type engine powers the vehicle and may not even know what one is. If a timing belt on an interference engine is not replaced at recommended intervals, the repair cost when the belt breaks (not gradually, but always catastrophically) could increase to $3,000 to $5,000 due to engine failure because parts have smashed into each other
An 'interference' engine is an engine design that has been avoided by some manufacturers for well over 80 years. General Motors, Chrysler, etc., typically use a metal chain-type timing belt on push-rod engines (often called a timing chain) to transmit torque from the engine crankshaft o the engine camshaft that opens the valves that admit air and fuel. (Note: on some new cars the fuel is admitted not through the valves but through injectors in the top of the cylinder. Rather than use a steel timing chain, interference engines may use a rubber timing belt with its limited life, whereas steel timing belts typically last 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.
Valves open further in an interference engine and project further into the combustion chamber than in a 'free-running' engine. This allows outside air at atmospheric pressure flow faster into the combustion chamber through the larger valve opening. The engine can therefore inhale more air, be a little smaller, and still create as much power while reducing its. manufactured cost and also guaranteeing future repair business for its dealer. If a rubber timing belt breaks by not being replaced soon enough, some of the valves stuck in their open position will collide with the top of the pistons, thereby breaking or irreversibly damaging one or the other or both. To make matters worse, it is not possible to measure the wear on such a rubber belt so that it could be replaced when there is some indication of imminent failure. Failure in these belts is catastrophic, without warning. This will require a whole new engine be installed. Woe to the owner. Finally, the rubber belt may have to be replaced long before 60,000 miles solely due to its age. This is really playing a bad poker hand. Interference engines are like a time bomb waiting to explode unless replacing the timing belt at the recommended interval. Be aware of that guaranteed future expense before buying a new car, or especially a used car, " with such an engine.
For details on this subject or for recommended mileage to replace rubber timing belts on interference engines, connect on the Internet to http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2389&location_id=3053, a worldwide
manufacturer of such belts. When its web site appears, click on Replacement parts/Automotive. Look for 'Timing belt replacement Guide'.
Visit http://www.AutoTruckData.com for related resources
Copyright 2204-2005 by Beacon Data LLC.
Reprinted with permission
About the author:
Ralph Hoffmann has a major in Applied Mathematics, and became fascinated with the anomalies inherent in automotive leasing. His web site http://www.autotruckdata.comaddresses some of the fascinating results.
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www.cyrosella.com
Jumat, 03 April 2009
Timing belts, the sleeping time bomb
Tips In Buying The Ultimate Car At Low Cost
By John G. Nuble
You don’t really need to be the ultimate car geek to figure out the ins and outs of savings when buying a new car. You just need some car buying tips, a calculator, a notepad and pen and mental savvy to play the cost game with a couple of car dealers.
To set you on the road to the car that you’ve always wanted without the burden of high costs, here are some car buying tips guaranteed to lighten your path.
Car buying tip #1: Do your price homework.
In order to get the best deal, you have to first determine what the fair price is for the car that you want and what the car costs in various car dealers. Researching for the fair price can be a bit tricky as all dealers would have different prices. One way to do this is to log on to websites such as Cars.com, InvoiceDealers.com, CarsDirect.com, AutoWeb, Edmunds.com, Car.com and AutoUSA and see what their prices are. After comparing, you will have a fairly good idea how it costs.
Car buying tip #2: Price is not everything
While price is the motor that would keep your car buying running, it is not the only thing that you should consider. Most car dealers would have a promo of some sort whether it be a free service, free parts or lower interest rates in financing. Look at this also along with the price. One may have lower prices but may not offer the same package.
Car buying tip #3: Compare and tell
Having done your price homework, you can now use the data to haggle with car dealers. Tell each of them that you are looking at the prices of several dealers. Quote some prices to make them believe you. Knowing this, they will give you their lowest possible price and may even offer some good deals just to prevent you from buying your car at their competitor.
Car buying tip #4: Budget. Budget. Budget
Knowing how much you can shell out and sticking to it can help you in negotiating for a better price. This is one car buying tip that most buyers forget. Remember, dealers can sense your indecision and may not give you the best price that they have in the house.
Car buying tip #5: Secure your finances
Car dealers are not the only ones who can offer great financial deals. You can get a loan from your bank or even from online lenders like Capital One Auto Finance and E-loan.
Car buying tip #6: Consider trade-in
When you have an old car and you will not be using it anymore, consider trading it in to lessen the costs of the other car. Figure its trade-in value and start from there. Some dealers accept trade in but oftentimes, you can get a better deal selling your old car privately.
Car buying tip #7: Allow for a time leeway
Buying a car at the last minute will not only cut off the possibilities of doing research and waiting for better deals but it will also make you quite desperate to buy one. Desperation in any car dealers’ book equals high costs.
Car buying tip #8: Ask for rebates and rewards
When you pay in cash, car dealers offer special discounts, rebates or rewards. Make sure that you ask your car dealer about them as some can “conveniently” forget about them until after you are out the door.
About the author:
John G. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about car buying, please go to: http://car-buying-guide.us/
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Sites To Help You In Car Buying Online
By John G. Nuble
With everything virtually possible, why not car buying online?
In fact in the past years, car buying online has evolved from tips and comparison charts to honest-to-goodness online transactions. Gone are the days when you have to personally scout for your dream car, hopping from one store to another, talking to car dealers and comparing prices.
Now, buyers can go online and do all this and more… that is if you know where to look in the World Wide Web. Here are some sites that will help you make car buying online as easy as shopping for grocery. So click away and take that virtual shopping cart.
The comparison strategy
Web sites like AutoVantage allows users to look at several models, their specifications and features and to compare them with each other. It also gives you an idea on what specific car model suits your needs, lifestyle and of course the budget. Car buying online has never been easier as websites like these allow for clearer and faster comparisons as you are given prices and features at the drop of the hat. There are also resources on the site that would help you answer those frequently asked questions about car buying online.
Price is the name of the game
If you have already been car buying a few weeks now and know the model that you want, you can check your dream car’s prices online before going to different car dealers and haggling. The InvoiceDealers.com is a site that gives you competitive prices that you can choose from. You no longer need to visit several dealers as this site makes car buying online or even offline a breeze.
Virtual loans and finances
Who says you can only avail of financial arrangement through face to face transactions? With the advent of super technology, car buying online has become a one-or-two clicks activity. One useful site is the E-loan, which offers loans and other financial arrangements. The site also contains various resources that would help people who are car buying online for the first time.
Insurance at your fingertips
Believe it or not, you can put insurance arrangements in your virtual cart when buying a car online. What is more, you can compare the prices of the plans being offered by several insurance companies. When buying a car online, you can try the site, 4insurance.
Delivery a click away
Another consideration when car buying online is the delivery. Some websites offer instant delivery where the car of your choice will be delivered to your home and office. If you are not comfortable purchasing a car that you have not yet seen or examined, you can arrange to have it picked up instead. One site that has this feature is CarsDirect.com.
Saving on warranty
Warranties are really important whether you are car buying online or offline. This is especially true when you are buying a model that you have not yet tried using in the past or a model that you are totally unfamiliar with. Doing your research and scouting for an extended car warranty online can actually save you up to 60f the actual cost since this is usually sold direct. For prices for extended warranties, you can visit Warranty Direct.com, which offers several quotes.
About the author:
John G. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about car buying, please go to: http://car-buying-guide.us/
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Discount Replacement Chevrolet Parts Available at Inner Auto
By Terry Brown
The new Chevy Corvette has all performance systems including engine, transmission, chassis, tires and suspension. Standard Active Handling works in conjunction with Traction Control and ABS on select 03 and 2005 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvettes, making maximum use of available traction to assist the driver, when needed, in keeping the car in line with steering input. The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has a chassis, which is all aluminum, hydro formed in similar dies to those used to build the standard steel C6 frame. Magnesium and carbon fiber parts are also used to help contain the total curb weight to less than 3150 pounds. The front grille is larger, and an additional small scoop in front of the hood gulps cool intake air. Barely visible from a distance, 1-centimeter-wide black strips follow the wheel arches, oriented at a right angle to the fender. An all-new LS7 7.0-liter V-8 (the displacement works out to 427 cubic inches) is said to churn out 500 horsepower. It will also be fitted with wider tires and larger Brembo brakes. Body modifications include a high-rise hood, deep side skirts and cooling ducts ahead of the rear wheels. The car's larger-displacement engine and lightweight are claimed to deliver 0-to-60-mph acceleration times of less than 4 seconds, a 12-second quarter-mile and a top speed of more than 190 mph on the track. Just as the base engine grew to 6.0 liters and became the LS2, the Z06 power plant has grown to 7.0 liters and becomes the LS7 V-8. It’s rated for 500 hp at 6,200 rpm and 475 pounds-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm Red brake calipers employ six pistons apiece up front, four pistons per side in the rear and 20 individual brake pads, which Chevrolet says deliver more even wear. The ventilated, cross-drilled brake rotors measure 14 inches in front and 13.4 inches in the rear. ABS is standard. Have a look at Inner Auto Parts’ extensive stock of dependable, long lasting replacement auto parts, performance auto parts, body parts etc. It could be the start of great savings for you while preserving the performance of the car that exudes performance and comfort. For Replacement Chevrolet Parts, Inner Auto Parts offers first-class quality auto parts at discount prices to ensure one hundred percent satisfaction in getting the perfect replacement Chevy parts and Chevy Accessories. Its secured site and friendly customer service staff ensures fast and convenient online shopping for repair Chevy parts and accessories. Unlike any auto parts offered by other auto parts stores, Inner Auto Parts' auto Chevrolet parts as well as Chevrolet accessories are the best in the market and superior quality goes into its every detail. Inner Auto Parts’ product line-up for Chevrolet includes Chevy Bumpers, Chevy A/C Condenser, Chevrolet Catalytic Converters, Chevrolet Mirrors, Chevrolet Radiator, Chevrolet Suspension, Chevrolet Tail Lights, Chevrolet Wheels and a variety of additional upgrades that compliments your car. Its extensive array of maximum quality Replacement auto Parts and great wholesale deals awaits you at Inner Auto Parts. A wide variety of maximum quality Replacement auto parts, Aftermarket auto parts, Performance auto parts and great wholesale deals await you in our online store. In case you have any difficulties in choosing your Chevrolet Parts, its customer service center are always ready to serve you.
About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto
related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.
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How to buy a good truck or a car found at the Internet site?
By Pavel Borodin
The Net is constantly growing and its users develop more and more applications and utilize it in completely new ways. Several years ago a couple of new sites showed up in the Net; these sites were dedicated to the sale of automotive vehicles. Since that time the number of these sites has substantially increased and I have participated in building search engine for used truck sale -European www.truck1st.com , American www.truck1st.us and Russian www.truck1st.ru. Basing on my experience in Internet used truck sales, I can offer you several recommendations on buying trucks and cars; I hope you'll find them very useful.
The main goal of this kind of sites is to connect sellers and buyers of automotive vehicles, both new and used. Using such sites makes vehicle trade much easier for sellers as well as for buyers. These sites create virtual marketplace where buyers can offer their vehicles and sellers can look through the buyers’ stock. So the search for the customer or for specific vehicle becomes unnecessary, saving lots of time and money for both parties.
In practice it looks as follows. The seller places his vehicles at the website, usually it is vehicle description, pictures and additional info (price, delivery terms and contacts). See www.truck1st.com for specific examples. So when the buyer wants to buy a vehicle, he gets online, connects to the website and looks through the sellers’ vehicles. Then he gets in touch with the seller, confirms vehicle specification and availability and purchases the vehicles. Such internet trade allows to shop for vehicles located not only your vicinity, but nationwide and even worldwide. Sometimes it saves a lot of money and lets find exactly what you are looking for.
It is clear that the used car or truck technical condition is a crucial factor. When choosing used truck or car, the more choice you have – the better the chances that you will buy a vehicle in good technical condition. In this case Internet purchase is a very effective solution.
So let’s contact the seller and clear everything up. It is better done by phone, though email message is also acceptable. But you will save a lot of time by making simple phone call. Besides, the human factor in communication is very important, so pick up the phone and call him.
What should I mention during my first contact with the seller? Here is a list. But very important – write down everything the seller will say to you. Later, when you think everything over to make decision, you will appreciate it later.
So let’s contact the seller and clear everything up. It is better done by phone, though email message is also acceptable. But you will save a lot of time by making simple phone call. Besides, the human factor in communication is very important, so pick up the phone and call him.
What should I mention during my first contact with the seller? Important – write down everything the seller will say to you. Later, when you think everything over to make decision, you will appreciate it.
1. First of all represent yourself, name the reason of your call and website where you have found the truck. Ask if the vehicle is still available.
2. Let’s assume it is not sold yet. Then ask about every word in the description to check it is really true. It is much better if you spend 2 minutes of your time now, than to come to the buyer after and find out that there is no air conditioning, though it was mentioned at the website.
3. Ask about everything that was not described – minor technical problems, condition of engine, body, clutch, suspension, tyres, interior. Do not forget anything, you should have complete picture in your mind. For example, the cost of new tyres for tractor truck is about 200$ for a wheel and a lot of people usually forget to ask about tyre condition.
4. When it comes to price, do not be shy to argue a bit. Usually people put a little higher price that would actually satisfy them. Anyway a little of bargaining never harmed anyone.
It is much better for if you choose several vehicles and make several calls. You should not restrict yourself to a single truck, remember – the more choice you have, the better truck you will buy.
So by this time you should have called 3-4 sellers and have 3-4 papers with complete description at your table. Now its your time – relax and think everything over and make your final decision. Sometimes it is wise to call the sellers again and tell them that you have a little better offers – it will surprisingly move the prices down and help you make your final decision.
That’s it, now you are ready to go and pick up your new used truck. Just don’t forget to let your eyes see everything your ears heard – take the paper with vehicle description (that you have written down during your talk with the seller) and check everything. It is very advisable that you check the truck or car at the local service center – let professionals do their job.
And by the way, the last price is always fixed after final vehicle examination.
Pavel Borodin. http://www.truck1st.com manager.
About the author:
Pavel Borodin is a manager of TRUCK1ST - www.truck1st.com, website devoted to the used truck sale. He has five years of experience in selling and buying trucks over Internet.
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High Quality and Durable Replacement Parts for Nissan at Inner Auto: Excellent Quality at a Low Price
By Terry Brown
Choose high quality and durable replacement parts for your Nissan. Replacement parts are available for your air intake system, body electrical, body mechanical and trim, body sheet metal, brakes, climate control, clutch, cooling system, diesel injection, drive belts, drive shafts and axle, engine electrical, engine parts, exhaust, fuel delivery, steering, suspension, tools and hardware, transmission. Replacement parts keep your Nissan running and looking great, these parts will surely make it more stylish, more fun to drive, more comfortable and convenient, and more high-tech. Performance Nissan Parts not only enhance the appearance of your car but also increase its horsepower while lowering fuel costs. The turbo for example can be enhanced to improve combustion without restricting airflow, allowing the engine to burn fuel more fully and efficiently. Nissan Performance shifters are for ultra low friction and extreme corrosion resistance. Throw and shift knob height are reduced depending on application for an improved sports car feel. To improve the steering power of your Nissan especially in sharp turns and increased speed, steering power kits can be found in various auto part markets either in complete or partial sets. Performance Nissan Parts also provide torque increases as well as improvements in throttle response. Shift speed is also improved on vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Nissan Performance enhancers installed to your vehicle's sensors modify sensor outputs of the vehicle's onboard computer. Carefully selected from outstanding Nissan car parts, Inner Auto's products are guaranteed to be of the highest quality. Visit the online store at Inner Auto Parts for a huge selection of Nissan parts for all models including the Nissan 200SX, Altima, Maxima, Murano, Sentra, Titan Pathfinder, and more. Each store stocks thousands of Nissan parts for all enthusiasts. Find OEM Nissan auto parts, remanufactured parts, new aftermarket parts, used parts, Nissan performance parts, and more. From engine and radiator parts to filters, wipers, auto body parts and trim and a whole lot more, you will find everything to repair and maintain your Nissan car.
About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.
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Researching Vehicles Online
By Amber Lowery
The purchase of a new car is a serious investment. It is best that you do your homework before purchasing a new vehicle, to avoid ending up with a vehicle thats overpriced or just not right for your needs. Luckily, with the help of the internet, you can do all of your research directly online from the comfort of your home.
Your first goal should be to figure out what type of vehicle is right for your family. Are you looking for a sports car, or do you have children and need a sedan, minivan or SUV? You need to consider how many seats you need and how much storage space for cargo.
With todays rising gas prices, you may want to opt for the most fuel efficient type of vehicle. In other words, carefully compare the difference in gas mileage between two types of vehicles before choosing the one thats right for you. A sedan will likely use much less gas than a minivan, and if you dont need the extra seats or cargo room, you can save a significant ammount of fuel cost over the lifetime of a vehicle. Minivans and SUV's use similar ammounts of gas, depending on the size of the vehicle. A mini SUV may be a good choice over a full size SUV, saving you money every time you fill up at the pumps.
After you know what type of vehicle you are shopping for, you can focus on a make and model. Be sure to read reviews from existing owners, they often times can save you from purchasing something that isnt going to make you happy.
There are many excellent consumer review sites on the internet that have a wealth of information on what owners like and dislike about their vehicles.
Here are a couple of sites to get you started:
http://auto.consumerguide.com
http://www.edmunds.com
Many auto review sites also offer price guides so that you can know in advance what the vehicle of your choice is likely to cost you. Also, auto makers often offer price quotes directly from their sites. You can also find additional information, pictures, and sometimes video at the auto makers sites.
Once you have done all of your research, selected the make an model of the vehicles you are interested in, you can then go to your local dealership armed with all of the information necessary to make an informed buying decision. By researching vehicles online, you can save time, money and gain piece of mind.
About the author:
Amber Lowery is an online publisher and is responsible for maintaining a large network of consumer related sites. For more articles and information on Auto Buying, visit: http://www.newcarbuyer.info
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