Auto Extended Warranty

Mercedes Offers K&n Filters on Selected Autos

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 03:02:55 +0000

Mercedes, a German brand name of automobiles, coaches, buses, and trucks, is offering K&N filters on selected vehicles including the A Class and B Class. K&N Engineering has designed a lifetime Replacement Air Filter (33-2914) to blend in the factory air box of the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 models of the Mercedes A-Class and B-Class. Said filters are expected to deliver luxury packaging with a serious amount of performance.

K&N 33-2914 filters measure 8.5 inches long and 6.688 inches wide. Vehicle applications include 2007 Mercedes Benz B200 2.0L L4, B170 1.7L L4, B150 1.5L L4, A200 2.0L L4, A170 1.7L L4, A150 1.5L L4; 2006 Mercedes Benz B200 2.0L L4, B170 1.7L L4, B150 1.5L L4, A200 2.0L L4, A170 1.7L L4, 1.5L L4; 2005 Mercedes Benz B200 2.0L L4, B170 1.7L L4, 1.5L L4, A200 2.0L L4, A170 1.7L L4, A150 1.5L L4; and 2004 Mercedes Benz A200 2.0L L4, A170 1.7L L4, A150 1.5L L4.

Mercedes Benz is famed for its commitment in delivering advanced safety, innovative styling and driving dynamics. With K&N performance filters on selected vehicles, the automaker anticipates that more and more aficionados would be delighted.

Compared to disposable filters, K&N air filters are environment-friendly. They are washable and reusable. Additionally, the panel air filter is formulated to boost auto acceleration and horsepower without compromising superb filtration. It also enhances fuel economy so the owner of the vehicle saves money at the pump. K&N filters UK are also backed by a 10-year or 1,000,000 mile warranty to ensure the quality and productivity of the product.

K&N Air Filters utilize an extraordinary design philosophy that made use of an oiled cotton fabric placed between two layers of epoxy-coated aluminum screen. These filters capture dirt particles without blocking air flow. Each type of filter manufactured is designed in accordance with the vehicle’s make and model. The filters are capable of running up to 50,000 miles between cleanings.

For more than 30 years now, K&N Filters have been the leading alternative in engine filtration. This is attributed to its reliability and quality. The virtually unrestricted auto air flow given by the filters make the engine run cleaner, stronger and with superb fuel efficiency.

K&N Air Filters said the secret lies on the filter medium. How did the manufacturer produce the effect? The manufacturer layered 4 to 6 sheets of pleated and oiled cotton-gauze between 2 sheets of aluminum wire mesh. This design shuns dirt, dust and other harmful particles like no other filter, all while clean. Moreover, the power-enhancing air flows freely to the engine.

K&N auto filters only needs regular cleaning every 50,000 miles. When the vehicle owner is regularly doing maintenance activities, it is expected that K&N filters will last for the life of the vehicle without the expensive repairs and services.

Earlier, K&N’s typhoon air intake system was added to 1.8L 2006 and 2007 Honda Civic to add a remarkable 5.72 horsepower. “Special care was taken to ensure that the Intake System followed the Civics lines,” said K&N Project Technician Nestor Cabrera. “Our kit will not obstruct or rub against other parts in the engine compartment.”

Cabrera added, “The horsepower gain is exceptional for this size engine. There is symmetry between 69-1013TS and the engine compartment. We designed the heat shield with provisions for the factory fresh air duct so that the filter (RU-4960) could receive a consistent flow of fresh cool air.”

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Car Auction: Pros And Cons Of Purchasing An Auto At Auctions

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:05:32 +0000

Are you used to purchasing different items at auctions? If you are, perhaps you are considering buying a vehicle at car auctions.

You probably might know some people and investors who constantly buy repossessed and second-hand cars at car auctions. Then, you should know that auto purchase at such occasions would not just be practical but also could be a very wise move, investment wise.

In the United States and in almost all developed countries worldwide, regular car auctions are regularly held at cities, towns and communities. And certainly, there are always numerous car buyers who are lining up and bidding to purchase autos.

Through the years, there must be numerous perks and advantages to buying cars at auctions. And of course, there are several disadvantages as well. It would be helpful if you would ponder on the pros and cons of buying a car at car auctions. First, take a look at the following advantages.

1. Cars at auctions are usually very cheap compared to cars sold at conventional car dealerships and distributors. That is why people who are into a limited budget are always falling into queues just to get to almost every car auction in the community.

2. You would be able to secure and purchase the best and functionally reliable autos at car auctions. The organizers always make sure each vehicle they sell at auctions are of high quality and are very much in good condition for buyers to want to buy it.

3. The best car brands and models are sold at very reasonable prices.

4. There are many vintage cars that could almost pass as collectors’ items that are sold at auctions. And of course, at very cheap and reasonable prices.

After the advantages, it would be wise to also take a look at the possible and usual setbacks of buying cars at auctions.

1. Cars are cheap because they are usually repossessed or confiscated cars. Second-hand cars sold can also not be second hand at all, but third-hand, fourth-hand and so on.

2. Many cars auctioned are not of good mechanical condition. Some of them are just refurbished and made to look good and functional during the auction but when the buyer finally use the cars, flaws and damages would start appearing.

3. Most or almost all cars sold at auctions do not have warranties and insurance coverage, not unlike their counterparts sold at traditional and formal dealers and distributors.

4. There is a possibility that you may be acquiring a ‘hot’ car or a vehicle that has been illegally smuggled into the country or has been stolen and then sold to the market. You may have troubles over the car’s ownership in the future.

Car buyers are divided on their stand on whether it is advantageous or not to purchase autos at auctions. You would have to decide for yourself with regards to this. You may expand the given lists of pros and cons above so that you would come up with a more informed decision as you move to buy your own car.

When deciding on whether you would purchase an auto at auction, you can first take advice from experts or hear feedbacks from car buyers who have already acquired cars at such auctions.

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Good cars for teen drivers

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:48:13 +0000

When you buy a car for your teen, you have the deciding vote. I didn’t buy cars for either of my teens. My older son worked and bought a 1969 GTO. My younger son bought a 1967 tri-power GTO. My first car was a 1968 Plymouth Fury III.

The thing we have most in common, aside from the obvious, is that we worked for and paid for our own vehicles, therefore the choice was ours. When you buy a car for your teen, you have the deciding vote in the selection, but make the selection a joint effort.

What is both safe and right for a teens first car? Let’s have the airbags, ABS brake system, sturdy body sytle, and a high crash test rating. If possible, let it still be under the manufacturer’s warranty or less than 5 years old.

Experts agree that a mid-sized sedan is generally safer and more practical for your teen. A second choice is a hatchback. They’ve become more hip, more stylish and might have more eye appeal than a sedan. Some hatchbacks also have all wheel drive.

Sports cars are the worst choice. In addition to the worry of your teen driving too fast and getting into an accident, the insurance is incredibly high on sports cars. If you didn’t already know, inexperienced young drivers tend to drive fast and maneuver turns faster than they should.

SUVs are not safe for young drivers. Although they’re large and put up a good wall of protection, they have a higher center of gravity that makes them candidates for rollovers in adverse situations.

If you teen should select and buy his car with his own money, as both of mine did, chances are they will be more likely to protect this costly investment.

Statistics reveal that 6,000 teen die every year shortly after receiving their driver licenses. If you’re a parent of a teen, this figure is very sobering. While some cars are safer, it’s the driver who has to take the responsibility for his driving.

If you buy a car for your teen, perhaps you could wait until he or she has gained at least 6 to 8 months of driving experience. The car crash statistics go down as the new driver gains experience behind the wheel.

Make your teen a part of the car selection process, but keep him safe in the process.

In defense of my first car selection, I didn’t even realize what I was driving until years later. I’m a female and I bought my Fury III because it was the right price at that time, and I needed a car. I didn’t know of its reputation for high speeds until later. That’s my story anyway.

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7 Top Tips Let You Buy A Cheap Car Directly From A Main Dealer

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:55:05 +0000

Buying a cheap new car isn’t as difficult as your local car dealer might want you to think – all you need is to know a few simple facts and you will be able to get the kind of deals that you hear other people talking about, but never seem to get yourself.

When I was working directly in the motor trade myself, I would get 20%, 30% and sometimes even more discount on new cars that I would sell on to the public after keeping a share for myself. I don’t sell cars any more, and I’m ready to tell you my secrets.

Knowing the right time to buy a car can be worth hundred, possible even thousands of pounds, because four times a year, like clockwork, almost every manufacturer gets desperate for business. The last week of March, June, September and December they all fight to get a higher placing on the published lists of best selling cars, and give hundreds or even thousands of pounds extra – buy that week and you bag a bargain!

The easiest saving that you’ll make when you visit a main dealer is to ask what company cars they have for sale. One of the perks of a job a car salesman gets is a company demonstrator. But when a new model or reg plate is out, the salesman will sell their own car for next to nothing to get a new one themselves!

Consider buying a pre-registered car. These are cars that have been registered in someone else’s name, either a dealer or a leasing company, in order to get extra discount. You would appear as the second owner, but the car is brand new with delivery mileage, and you will have saved hundreds – maybe even more – into the bargain.

Using the dealers own finance company is also a way of saving money when you’re buying a car. Most manufacturers have their own finance company that they either own outright or have a partnership with a bank. Their rates are priced to make a car look attractive to you, and they will almost always be cheaper than the bank – all you have to do is ask for their best rate.

Most people when they buy a new car have one to put in part exchange, but very few people get the best price for it, even though you already know how – you just don’t know that you know it. When you go to buy a car, you expect it to be clean, smelling nice, without any scuffs or scratches, right? Well if your car is clean, smelling nice and well polished a dealer will fall for your car the same way that you fall for theirs – just make it look the best you can, and you’ll get the best offers!

Buying a late model, low mileage car can half the list price of many cars. Think about this; if a new Mondeo has a list price of 18,000, and you can get one that’s six months old with 4,500 miles on the clock for half the price, would you buy it? Those cars are out there today, you just have to look. They have usually been owned by car rental companies who get huge discount from new, and then make their profit not by renting them out, but when they sell them on. They also know that they have to be well looked after to get the best price, so you can be sure that you’re buying a bargain that will still have more than two years of manufacturers warranty left.

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Should you buy new or used cars? – Part 10

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:34:21 +0000

Before my husband died, we always bought used cars. He was a mechanic, so there seemed no reason to have a car depreciate $2000 or more the minute it left the lot. He did all maintenance on everything from constantly adjusting lifters in our early high-performance cars to oil changes to checking out the strange noises I reported now and then on every car we owned. He even became expert at interpreting my auto-ailment sounds.

As you may have guessed from that last statement, I am no auto mechanic. And, while used cars served me very well when a mechanic was on call twenty-four hours a day, things changed twelve years ago when my dearly loved husband died.

At the time I owned two good used cars. Both were aging even beyond the length we usually kept cars since my husband had been ill so we hadn’t searched for replacements. Nor had he felt up to keeping them in top shape. I was, actually, lucky, that I had two of them. After six months or so, one of my used beauties was in the “shop” for repairs all the time.

My first action was to sell one and buy another used, but newer model car. I was not nearly so good a judge of vehicles as my late-husband, and I trusted the wrong person to check it out for me. I learned then to only take one of the mechanics my husband respected with me when I bought a used car.

My second venture with a used car did go better, but one never does know how a former owner has treated a car. This one developed small, but continuous, problems after only one year. My late husband could have fixed them for very little expense. I had to hire the labor each and every time. At that point, a new car seemed worth the extra expenses, even the instant depreciation, higher taxes and much higher insurance.

My decision paid off. I’m easy on a car, and I see that the oil is changed and the tires are rotated on a rigid schedule. I can’t do those like my husband once did, but money spent on keeping oil clean keeps the engine clean and running a long time. Same with other auto fluids, filters and the like. Rotated tires last five times as long, at least. Yes, I pay for service, but I don’t pay for hours and hours of tear-it-down and put-it-back-together time or for expensive replacement parts.

Once the warranty was off of my new car, I began going to a repair shop my husband respected. I think he must have laughed with them about my strange engine noise imitations; they seem to understand them, too. My 1998 Monte Carlo Z (bought right before the ’99’s came out for some savings) is still in fine running condition, with only a few repair trips and only a few replacement parts (battery, windshield wipers, a belt that simply got brittle and broke from age). It’s paid for, insurance and taxes have dropped really low, and I think it’s good for at least another year. Sure, it’s a used car now, but I know exactly how it’s been cared for. I am the “former” owner.

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How To Find And Install Auto Parts On Your Own Vehicle

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:06:35 +0000

Are you one of those people who is mechanically inclined? If so, congratulations, while I can do simple auto repair I prefer not to especially with the way cars these days are getting more and more complicated. Still, if you enjoy it and you want to save some money, you can save quite a bit by finding the parts you need and installing them yourself. One way that you can reduce the expense of auto parts is to go for recycled car parts.

You will find that companies that specialize in recycling auto parts can offer you some really good savings. When you first thing of recyclers you may think that they are probably rare but the truth is there are a lot of companies that offer this service. The parts they have are in most cases just as good as new and you will pay a fraction of the price. One of the ways that they get the cars is from insurance companies that drop off cars that have been deemed to be totaled which the recyclers use the parts from.

You are also helping the environment by buying recycled parts because there is a good bit of pollution caused by making new parts due to the fact that they use a lot of oil to make new parts. As with many other things that we use as humans, reusing raw materials like this is very beneficial to our environment. There are well over four million vehicles recycled annually in the United States so that should tell you that there are lot of parts available out there for a wide range of vehicles. The act of recycling also saves and helps the environment by not filling unnecessary space in landfills. There is simply no reason to toss something out that can still be used. You are also able to get the same quality parts by using a recycler as you would get from the original manufacturer’s parts.

Recycled parts have so many benefits, from being environmentally conscious to saving you lots of money this is one of the best possible ways to buy auto parts. If you are concerned about the quality of the recycled auto parts you should know that most of the recyclers give warranties on the parts they sell so you do not have to be worried about whether they are good or not. They also usually have huge networks of other recyclers and parts dealers and can find the part you need quickly, efficiently, and at a good price.

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The used car business explained

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:56:05 +0000

A used car, also known as a pre-owned vehicle and second hand car, is a vehicle that has previously had one or more owners. Used cars are sold through franchise and independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, auctions and private party sales.

I have been in and out of the used car business since 1978 and I’m not sure I truly understand the business, it is a very difficult business to be in. The used car dealer is perceived to be fast talking, silver tongue devils just shy of a corrupt con artist and I resemble that remark! So I ask why are we so successful? Used car buying is a necessary evil, more consumers are realizing the substantial savings on the depreciation vs. a new car. The problem is that even the “honest” dealer has no crystal ball to predict the future or to know all of the past history of the car. The reputable dealer will offer a warranty to not only protect you but themselves as well.

The used car business is just that, a business, this is not the red cross where charitable give aways are offered, the goal is to be profitable. The line sometimes gets crossed and consumers are out and out taken over the barrel. There are steps that can be taken to help avoid this, one make sure you are dealing with a reputable dealer, do this by seeing if the local Better Business Bureau has a recommended report, if there is one or two complaints lodged against them is one thing, some consumers are just never satisfied and complain unfairly, however if there is a laundry list of complaints it is a good idea to avoid being the next victim. Research the pricing of the vehicle, considering the condition as well as the mileage, todays standard is 15,000 miles a year is average. I recommend several sources such as Cars.com, the Auto Trader and Kelly Blue Book to not only get an appraisal but also see what the “going” price is. Another important step is to bring the car to your local mechanic, if you don’t have one call AAA to have them recommend a local mechanic, its worth the few extra bucks to prevent making the wrong decision.

Used cars themselves are on the market from new car dealers trade ins, bank repossessions, reconditioned vehicles sold at auction, rental car companies, lease turn ins and private party ownership resale, it is a good idea to get the Carfax report to determine where the car you are looking at came from. Many vehicles have minor accidents so that shouldn’t deterred you from purchasing that car, however frame damage and airbag deployment should take more consideration and a bigger discount.

To sum up, the car business is that one needs to be more than a broker, the quality dealer will drive the car he sells, knows the way it is supposed to drive and make sure the car is one he would own himself and don’t be afraid to ask them just that, well I wish I did have a crystal ball, then maybe all my customers would be happy!

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Cars! Can’t Live With Them (sell!), Can’t Live Without Them (buy!)!

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:11:36 +0000

Cars! Can’t live with them (Sell!), can’t live without them (Buy!)! But it can be great fun looking and searching for a new or used car. It can also be frustrating, if you can not get the deal you are after.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a car, if you live in the U.K., make sure you make a quick detour to BuyYourCar.co.uk, This is one of the most comprehensive automotive sites to be found on the internet: one-stop shopping at it’s very best!

If you are looking to sell your car, why not use the power of the internet? In under five minutes and for less than £10, you’ll be able to set up your own listing (with photo) and advertise it instantly to thousands of people.

Not sure how to word your ad? Not sure how to price your car for sale? Look at the menu on the left hand side and follow the very helpful Selling Advice listed there.

Need a car? Not exactly sure what type of automobile you’d like? Need to know how it compares to other vehicles in the same class? Click on the Car Reviews tab and get the information you need as to which car is best for your needs.

Don’t want to spend a lot of money? Look into the Used Cars section and you will be amazed at what is available. There is an enormous selection of used cars offered at the best prices by both private sellers and used car dealerships.

Need financing? The Car Loans tab provides easy access to obtaining a loan quote designed to fit your needs in three easy steps.

Whether you are looking to purchase a new car or used car, BuyYourCar makes it so simple, even your Great Aunt Gertie could find her dream car here! If it’s listed as one of the new car best discounts, she might actually save enough to take an extra holiday!

If you don’t want to purchase a car outright, you might want to look into car leasing and contract hire as an option?. Each new vehicle comes with a full U.K. warranty and the low lease rates might surprise you (Great Aunt Gertie won’t be surprised: she already knows how great the discounted prices are here!). Perhaps you can afford to drive that new dream car of your own!

How do they do this? By working with Franchised Dealers and Car Brokers all across the U.K., BuyYourCar is able to get the low discounts necessary to offer the very best new car prices you will find on the internet.

Alright, then…you’ve made your choice and now have the car you wanted. Only one thing left to do: now you need to get insurance so that you can actually drive away in your vehicle. Wait, what is that over to the right of the site? Incredible! There is even a section set up on BuyYourCar so you can get a car insurance quote.

BuyYourCar goes above and beyond in taking that extra step in providing you with what other sites often fail to: outstanding customer service by anticipating everything their customers might need.

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The best places to find used cars for sale – Part 1

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:33:24 +0000

Buying a used car can be a difficult and uncertain process, especially if you don’t know much about cars. Used cars are a money-saving option to new cars, though. Statistically, the moment a brand new car drives off the lot, its value falls $13,000 even if it’s re-sold immediately.

Generally, buying a used car is a far more fiscally responsible decision than buying a brand new car, especially if you know where to look. There are multiple options for looking for a new car. They start with looking locally very locally, in your own social circle. Or you can expand your search worldwide, on the worldwide web. Before you look, wherever you look, make sure to have your favorite car expert and hard bargainer in tow.

With each option, you must maintain the same discretion, ask the same questions, and turn down deals that are non-negotiable or seem too good to be true.

Friends and Family

Before looking too far, first find out if any of your friends or family are looking to sell a car. Close friends and family are typically more trust-worthy, and you may even have prior first-hand knowledge of the car. Plus, if something goes wrong, you can bounce the question off your friend (Have you ever heard this noise before? When were the brake pads last changed?).

However, even though you’re buying from a friend, make sure to sign appropriate papers and complete a legal transaction.

Used Car Lots and Dealers

Ah, the used car salesman. Is there anyone less trusted? Probably not. The truth, though, is that used car lots can be a great source for buying a new car. Keep your eye out for good deals (typically cars that have been on the lot for a while) and bargain hard. Don’t be afraid to make demands and walk away if they won’t agree on a price that you’re comfortable with. If there’s a warranty or trial period available, consider it.

Dealers are a little safer than the typical used car lot, mostly because they are held accountable in ways independent dealers aren’t. Heads up for possible extra fees, though.

Online

Ebay, Craigslist, Cars.com and AutoTrader.com are just a few of the names that have replaced the classifieds for the best place to find a new, used car. The Internet has a wide variety of cars available, and you can shop any time.

Buy local (made possible by Craigslist) or widen your search. With sites like Ebay, you can buy a car from anywhere in the world. Remember to take extra precautions when buying from unknown dealers.

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Get The Best Auto Loan For A New Car

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:53:46 +0000

Banks and other lending institutions are always looking to lend money to folks who are purchasing a new car; the key is finding the lender with the lowest interest rate and the best terms. A low interest rate doesn’t look quite so attractive if there are prepayment penalties and other fees tacked onto the loan. This article offers some tips on getting the best new car auto loan:

Shop Around

Some people rely on their bank or credit union for financing, while others trust the car dealership to secure a loan. Neither of these are necessarily bad ideas. Using a familiar bank can make a transaction feel more comfortable and payments can be streamlined since the lender already has access to deposit accounts. Dealerships likewise are viable options for financing, as they usually have more than one lender they deal with directly and can shop around for several acceptances at once. A problem occurs, however, when a loan applicant doesn’t bother to research current interest rates and simply accepts whatever they are offered by the bank or dealership without question.

Do Your Research

Before applying for a new auto loan, make sure to check online or in newspapers to get an idea of what the current interest rate trends are. If a better interest rate can be secured by going with an unfamiliar lender, then that’s fine, but you’ll need to make sure it’s a reputable lender and that the loan doesn’t include all sorts of hidden fees. Things to look out for include a prepayment penalty, absurdly high late fees, and mandatory additional products tacked onto the loan such as disability insurance or an extended warranty. Even if this sort of loan has a great interest rate, it’s still not worth it for all the hassles the extras will inevitably cause.

As long as an applicant doesn’t have horrendous credit they should be able to find a decent auto loan for a new car. Do some investigating to find the best rate with no hidden fees; it will save you money and alleviate future complications.

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