Aftermarket Equipment: Not Always A Good Idea

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
As you may have heard, Toyota recently issued a massive recall involving several makes of automobile from across the company’s marks. Everything from the Prius and Camry to Lexus models like the ES 350 and IS350 are under order to return to the dealer to take care of a faulty floor matt issue which may cause the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably. The move to recall the 3.8 million cars and trucks came after a recent fatal accident. While the floor mats were technically optional dealer equipment, the crash and recall highlights an important issue when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle: aftermarket equipment.
The aftermarket is a great option when it comes to making your vehicle custom and comfortable, and there are hundreds of excellent companies out there geared toward providing you the absolute best product for your money. That doesn’t mean there aren’t just as many selling low-quality items that may be dangerous or illegal to use. If you have your eyes on a used car with a long list of aftermarket equipment, make sure the parts come from companies you recognize. If they don’t, do a little research to make sure there are no consumer complaints against the manufacturer. If the parts look like cheap Chinese knock offs, you may end up having to replace those bits shortly after purchasing the vehicle.
You should also be mindful of how the products were installed. Did the seller install them? Are they capable of properly installing the aftermarket equipment on the vehicle? It’s easy to cross a wire when bolting up a new stereo, resulting in popped fuses or even vehicle fires, and larger mechanical parts like intakes, suspension components and brakes should be handled by a qualified professional. If the seller doesn’t know who swapped your parts, you might be better off with a used car or truck a little closer to stock.

As you may have heard, Toyota recently issued a massive recall involving several makes of automobile from across the company’s marks. Everything from the Prius and Camry to Lexus models like the ES 350 and IS350 are under order to return to the dealer to take care of a faulty floor matt issue which may cause the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably. The move to recall the 3.8 million cars and trucks came after a recent fatal accident. While the floor mats were technically optional dealer equipment, the crash and recall highlights an important issue when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle: aftermarket equipment.

The aftermarket is a great option when it comes to making your vehicle custom and comfortable, and there are hundreds of excellent companies out there geared toward providing you the absolute best product for your money. That doesn’t mean there aren’t just as many selling low-quality items that may be dangerous or illegal to use. If you have your eyes on a used car with a long list of aftermarket equipment, make sure the parts come from companies you recognize. If they don’t, do a little research to make sure there are no consumer complaints against the manufacturer. If the parts look like cheap Chinese knock offs, you may end up having to replace those bits shortly after purchasing the vehicle.

You should also be mindful of how the products were installed. Did the seller install them? Are they capable of properly installing the aftermarket equipment on the vehicle? It’s easy to cross a wire when bolting up a new stereo, resulting in popped fuses or even vehicle fires, and larger mechanical parts like intakes, suspension components and brakes should be handled by a qualified professional. If the seller doesn’t know who swapped your parts, you might be better off with a used car or truck a little closer to stock.

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Check Out UsedCars.com’s CPO Center!

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Certified, the easy way!

We have a new Certified Pre-Owned center over at UsedCars.com! You can get the skinny on all the different manufacturers’ CPO programs, and what exactly a car needs to be the cream of the crop. Usually, CPO cars are off-lease, which means they have really low miles and have been maintained by the dealership. That means you’re getting an essentially brand-new vehicle without having to shoulder all the depreciation. Now that UsedCars.com has a special CPO center, you can easily tell which vehicles on the site are certified – identifiable by special badges – and which aren’t.

There is a big difference in the type of certification used cars carry. While manufacturers maintain strict standards with long lists of check points, mileage stipulations and repair history parameters, local dealers can have their own CPO programs. Many times, local programs are less strict when it comes to what vehicles make it into the pool and as a result, you may end up with a car that could be more of a headache than a help. Fortunately, UsedCars.com’s newest CPO center only picks manufacturer-backed vehicles to help you find the perfect CPO car or truck in a hurry.

Aside from knowing your CPO vehicle has been given an extensive once-over by the manufacturer, there’s another reason to go certified. Most CPO cars and trucks carry a factory warranty, which is better than most used vehicles out there. That means if you encounter a mechanical problem, just take it back to the dealer and everything should be squared away at a fraction of the cost of a normal repair. So, if you’re looking to get into a great used car sometime soon, check out UsedCars.com’s CPO center to get started.

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Kenya Becomes Biggest Importer of Japanese Used Cars

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
Back in the ‘90s, if you were into the import car scene, the hottest stuff came courtesy of Japan. Anything marked as Japanese Domestic Market, or JDM, cost a pretty penny. Importers picked up engines, transmissions, even the front half of cars, to sell here in the land of the free. The most ambitious guys went about importing whole cars. Right-hand drive Honda Civics and Nissan Skyline GTR’s were the ultimate in not-for-US cool. These days, we get fun cars like the Honda Civic SI and the Nissan GT-R that are just as fast as their Japanese counterparts. That means the import and sale of JDM metal has slacked off considerably.
At least that’s the case here in the states. Kenya has just taken the throne as the number one importer of Japanese used cars. By and large, Kenyans aren’t so much looking for extra performance as they are a low-dollar, reliable vehicle. While dealers in Kenya have seen interest in used cars slack somewhat in recent months, individual importers are buying cars abroad and having them shipped home to save on dealer fees, resulting in a spike in imports. Previously both Russia and Chile have held the title as importing the most used Japanese vehicles.
It just goes to show that a good used vehicle is a better buy than a new one no matter where you live. [Source: AllAfrica]

Back in the ‘90s, if you were into the import car scene, the hottest stuff came courtesy of Japan. Anything marked as Japanese Domestic Market, or JDM, cost a pretty penny. Importers picked up engines, transmissions, even the front half of cars, to sell here in the land of the free. The most ambitious guys went about importing whole cars. Right-hand drive Honda Civics and Nissan Skyline GTR’s were the ultimate in not-for-US cool. These days, we get fun cars like the Honda Civic SI and the Nissan GT-R that are just as fast as their Japanese counterparts. That means the import and sale of JDM metal has slacked off considerably.

At least that’s the case here in the states. Kenya has just taken the throne as the number one importer of Japanese used cars. By and large, Kenyans aren’t so much looking for extra performance as they are a low-dollar, reliable vehicle. While dealers in Kenya have seen interest in used cars slack somewhat in recent months, individual importers are buying cars abroad and having them shipped home to save on dealer fees, resulting in a spike in imports. Previously both Russia and Chile have held the title as importing the most used Japanese vehicles.

It just goes to show that a good used vehicle is a better buy than a new one no matter where you live. [Source: AllAfrica]

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Check That VIN Twice

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Escalade Limo

More than likely, one of the last things on anyone’s mind as they’re buying a used car is whether or not the vehicle is stolen. Unfortunately, cars with a shady past get bought and sold in this country every day. Take this story from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. According to a press release issued by the bureau, a Cadillac Escalade was stolen from Coral Gables, Florida. The thieves then manufactured a new VIN plate to obtain a clean title and sold the vehicle to an unsuspecting buyer all the way in Orange, California.

The buyer specializes in converting vehicles into limousines for fleet service, and set about converting his new, high-dollar SUV into a stretch limousine. Once the work was complete, the limo-builder sold the vehicle to a Texas business man for the princely sum of $125,000. When the buyer went to obtain a new Texas title for the truck, he was alerted to the fact that Cadillac had never produced a vehicle with that VIN, and the authorities seized the vehicle. Now the buyer and the limo builder are out a truck and their money. The authorities are currently attempting to locate the offending thieves and con artists.

The NICB urges buyers looking to pick up a used vehicle to check the VIN against the bureau’s free database. Doing so could alert you to a possible stolen vehicle, saving you thousands. [Source: NICB]

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Vandals Strike Used Car Dealerships

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Sales may be climbing for used car dealers everywhere, even in an otherwise tight economy, but a few locations have had to combat a new challenge. A few dealerships around the country have suffered vandalism in recent months. According to the Gaston Gazette, up to six used Ford Mustangs received damage at the hands of an unknown number of vandals. A set of wheels was stolen, and someone through a brick through one of the vehicle’s side glass before setting it on fire. The North Carolina dearlership says the damage totals more than $6,000, and so far police have no leads.

Similarly, another dealership in Shakopee, Minnesota had a vehicle’s dash ripped out and wheels stolen. Around 12 other vehicles had their windows smashed, but nothing taken from inside. According to the Shakopee Valley News, dealership owner Tom Mulcare will have to pay for the damage out of pocket as his cars have only liability coverage. So far the police have no leads on either case of vandalism.

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Used Car Prices Keep Climbing

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

used car sales

If you’re looking to sell your used car or truck, now couldn’t be a better time. According to Bloomberg News, used car prices continued to rise last month. That makes June the sixth month in a row where wholesale car prices have climbed. The figures are up 5.8 percent from June, 2008 and 16.4 percent since January, 2009. Unfortunately, the reason for the increase in used car value has less to do with buyer demand and more to do with the number of cars available.

It’s no secret used car sales are absolutely dismal, and as such, there are fewer trade-ins available. What’s more, rental companies aren’t replacing their fleet vehicles with the same frequency as before. The result is fewer available vehicles than the market is accustomed to. What’s more, lower gas prices have spurred an interest in big, thirsty vehicles like SUVs and pick-up trucks – causing their value to climb as well.

While supply may be the main factor, the Bloomberg article says that while a rise in wholesale used vehicle prices is usually a precursor to higher demand for new vehicles, this time that may not be true. With credit still frigid in most parts of the country, few analysts predict the masses will come running to new car dealers anytime soon.

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Used Car Sellers Scammed in Cleveland

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Car keys and money

Police in Cleveland, OH are searching for a man accused of scamming individuals trying to sell their used cars through the classifieds. According to Fox 8, Anthony Kimbrough talks sellers down from their asking price. When the price comes down, Kimbrough says he has a cashier’s check made out to the higher amount, and asks the seller to give him change. Kimbrough then has the seller drive him to a relative’s house to retrieve the check, then makes off with the sellers change. In the end, the house turns out to belong to a stranger.

In one case, Kimbrough made off with $900. Watch the video above for the full story.

It’s not uncommon for less than trust worthy individuals to take advantage of people selling their used cars. While the police are doing all they can to protect the public from predatory individuals, those looking to take your hard-earned money will always find a new way to take advantage of your trust. In the end, it’s important to remember that no matter how nice a person seems, it’s best to protect yourself first and worry about being rude second. [Source: Fox8]

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VW Offers CPO Buyers Free Satellite Radio Trial

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

XM

If you haven’t been fortunate enough to get a taste of Satellite radio, trust us when we say it’s a great thing. No matter what you like to listen to, there’s a station out there that makes your daily commute or long-distance haul that much more enjoyable. Car manufacturers have been throwing in trial subscriptions to satellite radio like SIRIUS and XM for years now, but it’s a perk that runs out once the vehicle changes hands. Or at least it used to be that way.

Volkswagen has partnered with SIRIUS to offer customers who buy certified pre-owned, or CPO cars, the same 3-month trial. While that’s not likely to be enough of an incentive to get a buyer to change from one brand to another, it is a neat offering that used-car buyers deserve. If the used car or truck you’re buying is satellite radio capable, why not take full advantage of the equipment?

While Volkswagen is currently the only carmaker to offer the free trial, it wouldn’t surprise us to see other manufacturers jump on the CPO-satellite band wagon. Before long, you may be able to score a free trial of your favorite music from just about any company out there, giving you one more reason to skip over a new car all together. Not too bad.

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Tough Loan Criteria Make Used Cars Attractive

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Car Key and Dollars isolated on white.

No matter how you slice it, the economy is in a pretty tough spot. Banks and other lenders are understandably hesitant to hand out new loans for just about anything after a surprising number of defaults in 2008. As a result, people who would have been able to easily secure a loan for a new car or truck just a year ago are suddenly being turned away. That makes getting the cash for a brand-new vehicle a serious headache. So what are buyers doing? As it turns out, the smart ones are turning to buying used in order to get a great vehicle for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

According to an article in SubPrime Auto Finance, a little over 68 percent of all auto loans were for used vehicles in the first quarter of 2009. That’s up around four percent compared to the same time last year. The same article says that independent auto dealers saw their loans for used autos climb to nearly 35 percent – up from 31.5 percent from a year ago. So people are buying more used cars than ever before. We knew that one already. What we didn’t know is why.

Since loans for used vehicles are almost always for lower amounts than new cars or trucks, lenders are more likely to take a risk to help you get the keys to your dream ride. After all, in the unfortunate event you do fault on the loan, the bank will have lost less than if you had gone for a brand new car. Just another reason why buying used is the way to go.

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New Cash For Clunkers Bill Makes Used Cars Eligible

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

junkyard

Congress has been hard at work trying to sort out the details of a Cash for Clunkers type vehicle incentive program for months. The basic concept is this: you take your old, gas thirsty car or truck and turn it in at a dealership for a $4,500 voucher toward a new used car or truck of your choice – so long as that car or truck gets 30 mpg or better. Until now, most of the legislation making its way through the legislative branch has only had the vouchers applying toward the purchase of a new vehicle. That is until now.

A new counterproposal bill drawn up by four Senators from both sides of the aisle aims to change all that. Aside from upping the proposed legislation’s green credentials by increasing the mileage requirements for less fuel consumption and decreased emissions, it also makes leased cars and trucks and used vehicles eligible for the vouchers as well. Critics pointed out the House of Representatives bill seemed to be heavily influenced by lobbying from automakers, and the Senate’s version is a welcome solution to the raised eyebrows of used car dealers and consumers who couldn’t imagine taking on payments for a brand new car.

The Senate’s version of the bill was officially introduced on June 9, and some analysts believe it should pass by the end of the summer. If it does, getting into the used car or truck of your dreams could be that much easier very soon. Keep your eyes open for progress on the legislation.

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