Saturday, March 14, 2009
Monday, December 3, 2007
DON'T GET TRICKED BY THE CAR DEALER - (Part One)
Amazingly, no matter what car the customer wants, it is always 'hot property', 'very sought after' and/or 'hard to find'. Moreover, it isn't a secret; we have all known it for years. Nevertheless, some of us still continue to be tricked into buying a motor vehicle we really don't want to buy, and at a higher price than we expected. So let's find out what some of the most favourite and sneaky tactics they get up to and put them in our diary so that we can refer to them when next buying a new car.
Almost every new car dealership will drop the initial price they have listed on a car for sale. However, what you must be wary of are the scams, pressure tactics, twists, and turns that motorcar salespeople have up their sleeves. It is in the showroom, when you are ready to finalise the deal, where you shall be worn down by these machinations, if you don't have your wits about you. This is when a great online site like OzFreeOnline.com comes in really handy. You can register, log in, search thousands of cars and refine your search by using the vehicle 'keyword search'.
Car dealers will never give you a direct or exact quote because if they do, they know you will go to another dealer and have them better the price. And to check on prices and search for motor vehicles online is a great way to save a lot of footwork. I recently found two sites, which had thousands of Australian cars for sale. At carsguide.com.au, you will find new and used cars for sale as well as dealer specials.
If you do leave the dealership and tell the dealer you will 'look around for other prices', the dealer will most likely ask you to come back once the 'best price' has been obtained. Don't be fooled by this because the dealer will then either match the price, or try to increase it slightly by taking advantage of the fact that you have had enough of shopping and are now really eager to buy the car. Smart and very familiar, this trick works very well for most dealers. It relies mainly on getting you, the customer to feel obliged to buy, because you have put the dealer to 'so much trouble'.
A smart salesperson will urge you to commit to buying the car you really want, even before you get the final price. This is irksome and exasperating for customers, but reasonable from a dealer's point of view. Now your car dealer has two choices: To give you a quote and watch you walk out the door, or entice you to negotiate. Perhaps you may be lucky when negotiating with the dealer; however, you may never know whether you have paid too much. If you feel uncomfortable about a car dealer, then go online at consumer.vic.gov.au where you can check that this trader of motor cars in Victoria is licensed and has Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) number.
Most auto classifieds online give a price, which you can work with, but a regular trick, which is frustrating and time consuming for customers is this. A dealership will identify one or two cars of a particular model. These will be the 'undesirable' cars. The problems are common and may be simple. For instance, 'the manufacture date is very old', 'the car has been in the showroom for a very long time', perhaps they are 'the least popular colour' and of course 'with no options'.
Next, the dealer will run a large advertising campaign based on these two cars, with the price ridiculously below cost. When the advertisement runs, the dealer waits for customers to flood through the doors. Of course, when they do arrive to get the best deal, they are usually told that the cars have been sold and are now waiting to be 'delivered' to the clients. Consequently, you will be invited to browse the showroom or customers are 'switched' to another car.
If you still insist on looking at the vehicle, if it is still on the floor, the salesperson just points out why this particular car is undesirable, and then persuades the customer to look at a better car, of course you will expect to pay more. To make sure you do not pay too much, log in to OzFreeOnline.com a site where you just register, log in, and search the thousands of vehicles available Australia wide. Not only can you search for a motor vehicle with a simple keyword search, but also when you are ready to sell a car you can use the free classifieds to do so.
by Ronnie Maurillo
Almost every new car dealership will drop the initial price they have listed on a car for sale. However, what you must be wary of are the scams, pressure tactics, twists, and turns that motorcar salespeople have up their sleeves. It is in the showroom, when you are ready to finalise the deal, where you shall be worn down by these machinations, if you don't have your wits about you. This is when a great online site like OzFreeOnline.com comes in really handy. You can register, log in, search thousands of cars and refine your search by using the vehicle 'keyword search'.
Car dealers will never give you a direct or exact quote because if they do, they know you will go to another dealer and have them better the price. And to check on prices and search for motor vehicles online is a great way to save a lot of footwork. I recently found two sites, which had thousands of Australian cars for sale. At carsguide.com.au, you will find new and used cars for sale as well as dealer specials.
If you do leave the dealership and tell the dealer you will 'look around for other prices', the dealer will most likely ask you to come back once the 'best price' has been obtained. Don't be fooled by this because the dealer will then either match the price, or try to increase it slightly by taking advantage of the fact that you have had enough of shopping and are now really eager to buy the car. Smart and very familiar, this trick works very well for most dealers. It relies mainly on getting you, the customer to feel obliged to buy, because you have put the dealer to 'so much trouble'.
A smart salesperson will urge you to commit to buying the car you really want, even before you get the final price. This is irksome and exasperating for customers, but reasonable from a dealer's point of view. Now your car dealer has two choices: To give you a quote and watch you walk out the door, or entice you to negotiate. Perhaps you may be lucky when negotiating with the dealer; however, you may never know whether you have paid too much. If you feel uncomfortable about a car dealer, then go online at consumer.vic.gov.au where you can check that this trader of motor cars in Victoria is licensed and has Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) number.
Most auto classifieds online give a price, which you can work with, but a regular trick, which is frustrating and time consuming for customers is this. A dealership will identify one or two cars of a particular model. These will be the 'undesirable' cars. The problems are common and may be simple. For instance, 'the manufacture date is very old', 'the car has been in the showroom for a very long time', perhaps they are 'the least popular colour' and of course 'with no options'.
Next, the dealer will run a large advertising campaign based on these two cars, with the price ridiculously below cost. When the advertisement runs, the dealer waits for customers to flood through the doors. Of course, when they do arrive to get the best deal, they are usually told that the cars have been sold and are now waiting to be 'delivered' to the clients. Consequently, you will be invited to browse the showroom or customers are 'switched' to another car.
If you still insist on looking at the vehicle, if it is still on the floor, the salesperson just points out why this particular car is undesirable, and then persuades the customer to look at a better car, of course you will expect to pay more. To make sure you do not pay too much, log in to OzFreeOnline.com a site where you just register, log in, and search the thousands of vehicles available Australia wide. Not only can you search for a motor vehicle with a simple keyword search, but also when you are ready to sell a car you can use the free classifieds to do so.
by Ronnie Maurillo
Protect your Vehicle with these Tips to Buying a Car Alarm System
Are you one of the many car owners thinking of buying an alarm system? If you're not, then you should. Think about it. The cars we drive around in often times the most expensive items we own. For many people, myself included, they are also the most important things we will ever own.
We use our cars and trucks to get us to all those important places we need to go such as school, work, doctor's offices and even for food. Needless to say, it's just a tad bit understandable why we want to protect this important and integral part of our lives any way possible and choose to have car alarm systems installed.
Many people often times make silly, mistakes when shopping for a car alarm system and it's mostly due to lack of knowledge on the subject. They either don’t know what’s available or what works best for their needs. A lot of times they are pressured into buying an expensive system that they just don't need from an aggressive salesperson looking to make commission. Here are a few important things you should be aware of before you spend any money on a car alarm system:
Before you begin, it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about all of the different combo alarm features and options. I found the best way is to simply do a search online. Car alarm systems anymore are now manufactured with multiple modes of detection through wireless communication with your car and another reason why it is so important for you to understand which features are crucial as you look for the right combo alarm system.
Read up on something known as glass break sensors. These set off your car alarm system if the windows or windshields are struck hard enough to shatter the glass. These are a great feature to have since most car alarms are only designed to go off if the car’s door is opened.
I'm sure after all that previous research you did that you know what remote outputs are. If not, then you should probably go back and read up on them in order to understand how they work. They are actually customized features installed for protection and convenience. An example of one of these is a remote car starter or keyless entry. Most if not all car alarm systems come with one or more of these remote outputs.
If you can, try to find an alarm that uses passive arming. This comes in handy for those of us who have alarms but seem to always forget to arm them. A system with a passive arming will do it for you fifteen to twenty seconds after you park and turn your car off.
Now that you have a decent understanding of the above mentioned features you can start picking which ones you like. Make a list of all of car alarm system needs and wants and begin creating your combo. You are ready to begin shopping around for an alarm system that fits your lists needs.
You have the option to install the alarm system yourself but it takes a lot of skill and knowledge of your cars electrical system. It is best to leave it in the capable hands of an installer. The store or shop you purchased the system from more than likely offers installations on systems they sell. Most times it's actually part of the total price. Decide whether to install it yourself or have it installed by a professional.
by TL Kleban
We use our cars and trucks to get us to all those important places we need to go such as school, work, doctor's offices and even for food. Needless to say, it's just a tad bit understandable why we want to protect this important and integral part of our lives any way possible and choose to have car alarm systems installed.
Many people often times make silly, mistakes when shopping for a car alarm system and it's mostly due to lack of knowledge on the subject. They either don’t know what’s available or what works best for their needs. A lot of times they are pressured into buying an expensive system that they just don't need from an aggressive salesperson looking to make commission. Here are a few important things you should be aware of before you spend any money on a car alarm system:
Before you begin, it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about all of the different combo alarm features and options. I found the best way is to simply do a search online. Car alarm systems anymore are now manufactured with multiple modes of detection through wireless communication with your car and another reason why it is so important for you to understand which features are crucial as you look for the right combo alarm system.
Read up on something known as glass break sensors. These set off your car alarm system if the windows or windshields are struck hard enough to shatter the glass. These are a great feature to have since most car alarms are only designed to go off if the car’s door is opened.
I'm sure after all that previous research you did that you know what remote outputs are. If not, then you should probably go back and read up on them in order to understand how they work. They are actually customized features installed for protection and convenience. An example of one of these is a remote car starter or keyless entry. Most if not all car alarm systems come with one or more of these remote outputs.
If you can, try to find an alarm that uses passive arming. This comes in handy for those of us who have alarms but seem to always forget to arm them. A system with a passive arming will do it for you fifteen to twenty seconds after you park and turn your car off.
Now that you have a decent understanding of the above mentioned features you can start picking which ones you like. Make a list of all of car alarm system needs and wants and begin creating your combo. You are ready to begin shopping around for an alarm system that fits your lists needs.
You have the option to install the alarm system yourself but it takes a lot of skill and knowledge of your cars electrical system. It is best to leave it in the capable hands of an installer. The store or shop you purchased the system from more than likely offers installations on systems they sell. Most times it's actually part of the total price. Decide whether to install it yourself or have it installed by a professional.
by TL Kleban
Air Compressor Terminology and Definitions
Here is a list of common terms that relate to air compressors and how an air compressor functions
Vacuum pumps are machines for compressing air or gas from an initial pressure which is below atmospheric to a final pressure which is near atmospheric. Reciprocating air compressors are those in which each compressing element consists of a piston moving back and forth in a cylinder.
Rotary air compressors are those which utilize two intermeshing helical rotors to trap a volume of air, then compress it to a higher pressure.
Single Stage Air Compressors are those in which compression from initial to final pressure is complete in a single step or stage.
Two Stage Air Compressors are those in which compression from initial to final pressure is completed in two distinct steps or stages.
Intercoolers are devices for removing the heat of compression of the air or between consecutive stages of multistage air compressors.
Aftercoolers are devices for removing the heat of compression of the air or gas after compression is completed. They are one of the most effective means of removing moisture from compressed air.
Moisture separators are devices for collecting and removing moisture precipitated from the air or gas during the process of cooling.
Air Receivers are tanks into which the compressed air or gas is discharged from the air compressor. Receivers help to eliminate pulsations in the discharge line and also act as storage capacity during intervals when the dean
PSIG is pounds per square inch gauge
Absolute Pressure (PSIA) is the existing gauge pressure plus atmospheric pressure. At sea level the gauge pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) plus 14.7 gives the absolute pressure in pounds per square inch (PSIA).
Dew point is the temperature at which air is fully saturated with water vapor.
Delivery (ACFM) is determined by precisely measuring a voume of air which has been raised to a specific pressure and is expressed in conditions existing at the air compressor discharge. This flow rate is generally stated in terms of actual cubic feet per minute (ACFM).
SCFM represents standard cubic feet per minute. Defined as the characteristics of air at 14.696 PSIA, 60 F and 0% relative humidity, this relates to dry mass flow. SCFM is used to define a bench mark condition upon which the required amount of air to do a given function can be determined to the specific site conditions at which the operation will be undertaken.
by Jason Miller
Vacuum pumps are machines for compressing air or gas from an initial pressure which is below atmospheric to a final pressure which is near atmospheric. Reciprocating air compressors are those in which each compressing element consists of a piston moving back and forth in a cylinder.
Rotary air compressors are those which utilize two intermeshing helical rotors to trap a volume of air, then compress it to a higher pressure.
Single Stage Air Compressors are those in which compression from initial to final pressure is complete in a single step or stage.
Two Stage Air Compressors are those in which compression from initial to final pressure is completed in two distinct steps or stages.
Intercoolers are devices for removing the heat of compression of the air or between consecutive stages of multistage air compressors.
Aftercoolers are devices for removing the heat of compression of the air or gas after compression is completed. They are one of the most effective means of removing moisture from compressed air.
Moisture separators are devices for collecting and removing moisture precipitated from the air or gas during the process of cooling.
Air Receivers are tanks into which the compressed air or gas is discharged from the air compressor. Receivers help to eliminate pulsations in the discharge line and also act as storage capacity during intervals when the dean
PSIG is pounds per square inch gauge
Absolute Pressure (PSIA) is the existing gauge pressure plus atmospheric pressure. At sea level the gauge pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) plus 14.7 gives the absolute pressure in pounds per square inch (PSIA).
Dew point is the temperature at which air is fully saturated with water vapor.
Delivery (ACFM) is determined by precisely measuring a voume of air which has been raised to a specific pressure and is expressed in conditions existing at the air compressor discharge. This flow rate is generally stated in terms of actual cubic feet per minute (ACFM).
SCFM represents standard cubic feet per minute. Defined as the characteristics of air at 14.696 PSIA, 60 F and 0% relative humidity, this relates to dry mass flow. SCFM is used to define a bench mark condition upon which the required amount of air to do a given function can be determined to the specific site conditions at which the operation will be undertaken.
by Jason Miller
Motorhome Hire: Hiring Happiness
One of the troubles faced by travelling enthusiasts is uncomfortable travelling. There are times when it becomes so bad that most of the joy of a journey is lost. In fact, it also spoils the mood of unravelling an exotic locale. It is with the intention of helping such harrowed souls that motorhome was invented. Today, motorhome hire is a ritual that simply cannot be overlooked by anyone who is planning an outing.
There are several reasons that make motorhome hire such a big necessity for travellers. There are a lot of problems that just don't raise their heads with motorhome around. Laced with such utility features like bathroom, refrigerator, television, music system etc. it is a paradise for travellers. Its utility is mostly realised on occasions when one comes across a place where it is difficult to find water, food or shelter.
Otherwise also, motorhome allows one the pleasure of moving at one's own pace and savouring the beauty that nature has to unleash en route. Moreover, motorhome hire is also available at a low cost, and it can be hired by almost everyone. No wonder then that as soon as one decides about going on a journey, hiring a motorhome is the first thing that comes to his mind.
The upswing in popularity of the fad of motorhome hire means that it is now virtually curtains for caravans. Sad, as Caravan Club recently celebrated its hundredth year of coming into existence. And it is not only caravans which are feeling the heat. All other vehicles that provide similar services are put to shade by motorhome, which certainly is head and shoulders above anything else and certainly on top of the wish list of people. It is no wonder then that hiring motorhomes is a phenomenon which is showing a sharp rise amongst people around the world.
by Allan Elvin
There are several reasons that make motorhome hire such a big necessity for travellers. There are a lot of problems that just don't raise their heads with motorhome around. Laced with such utility features like bathroom, refrigerator, television, music system etc. it is a paradise for travellers. Its utility is mostly realised on occasions when one comes across a place where it is difficult to find water, food or shelter.
Otherwise also, motorhome allows one the pleasure of moving at one's own pace and savouring the beauty that nature has to unleash en route. Moreover, motorhome hire is also available at a low cost, and it can be hired by almost everyone. No wonder then that as soon as one decides about going on a journey, hiring a motorhome is the first thing that comes to his mind.
The upswing in popularity of the fad of motorhome hire means that it is now virtually curtains for caravans. Sad, as Caravan Club recently celebrated its hundredth year of coming into existence. And it is not only caravans which are feeling the heat. All other vehicles that provide similar services are put to shade by motorhome, which certainly is head and shoulders above anything else and certainly on top of the wish list of people. It is no wonder then that hiring motorhomes is a phenomenon which is showing a sharp rise amongst people around the world.
by Allan Elvin
Is Womens Car Insurance Just A Marketing Gimmick?
Women's car insurance has been popping up all over the net and our TV screens lately. There's a whole new class of insurers like Sheila's Wheels and Cover Girl who offer car insurance for ladies only. They promise lower premiums for women drivers because, they claim, it's cheaper for them to insure women. Women are better drivers so a lower risk, they say. They have fewer accidents, fewer driving convictions and when they do have an accident, the repairs are usually cheaper. So, is it really true, or is it just another marketing gimmick?
The answer to the question is both yes and no. Women only insurance companies are marketing to a specific niche - women drivers. Of course it's a gimmick, but like the best marketing gimmicks, it is based in truth. Here are the facts about women drivers and insurance:
-92% of driving convictions are handed out to men.
Those figures are changing, though, as women become more aggressive drivers. According to statistics gathered by the car insurance comparison site confused.com, 16.8% of male drivers have convictions on their driving record, compared to 9.8% of female drivers. That number is up from 4.8% of female drivers just three years ago.
-Men drive differently than women.
A whopping 98% of dangerous driving convictions were handed out to male drivers last year. According to all the research, men tend to be more aggressive and competitive behind the wheel than women, and that naturally leads to more accidents. Women tend to drive more slowly - generally within the speed limits - and to drive shorter distances. All of those facts add up to fewer accidents that involve women. (So much for all those jokes about lousy women drivers. The statistics say otherwise.)
-Insurance companies pay out less in damages for policies taken out by women.
When women do get into an accident, they tend to be of the fender-bender scrape variety. Overall, insurance companies have always known that female drivers cost them less in payouts.
However, that doesn't necessarily translate to the lowest premiums from companies that only insure women. In fact, many of them offer actual quotes that are higher than the rate you'd be quoted from a more generic motor insurance company. The truth is that despite the widespread sentiment that women drivers underwrite their more expensive male counterparts by paying higher insurance, most insurance companies offer lower insurance rates to female drivers as a customary part of doing business.
That's not to say that you won't get the best price from an insurer who only insures women's cars. The bottom line is the same as it is with any other auto insurance decision. Shop around. Get insurance rate quotes from a number of different companies before you decide on the policy that's best for you. Keep in mind when you're comparing policies that you should always compare like with like. Decide on the specific cover that you want before you start requesting quotes, and make sure that the rate you're quoted includes all the cover you need. It's really the only way to be absolutely certain you're getting the best cover for your money.
by Simon Christopher
The answer to the question is both yes and no. Women only insurance companies are marketing to a specific niche - women drivers. Of course it's a gimmick, but like the best marketing gimmicks, it is based in truth. Here are the facts about women drivers and insurance:
-92% of driving convictions are handed out to men.
Those figures are changing, though, as women become more aggressive drivers. According to statistics gathered by the car insurance comparison site confused.com, 16.8% of male drivers have convictions on their driving record, compared to 9.8% of female drivers. That number is up from 4.8% of female drivers just three years ago.
-Men drive differently than women.
A whopping 98% of dangerous driving convictions were handed out to male drivers last year. According to all the research, men tend to be more aggressive and competitive behind the wheel than women, and that naturally leads to more accidents. Women tend to drive more slowly - generally within the speed limits - and to drive shorter distances. All of those facts add up to fewer accidents that involve women. (So much for all those jokes about lousy women drivers. The statistics say otherwise.)
-Insurance companies pay out less in damages for policies taken out by women.
When women do get into an accident, they tend to be of the fender-bender scrape variety. Overall, insurance companies have always known that female drivers cost them less in payouts.
However, that doesn't necessarily translate to the lowest premiums from companies that only insure women. In fact, many of them offer actual quotes that are higher than the rate you'd be quoted from a more generic motor insurance company. The truth is that despite the widespread sentiment that women drivers underwrite their more expensive male counterparts by paying higher insurance, most insurance companies offer lower insurance rates to female drivers as a customary part of doing business.
That's not to say that you won't get the best price from an insurer who only insures women's cars. The bottom line is the same as it is with any other auto insurance decision. Shop around. Get insurance rate quotes from a number of different companies before you decide on the policy that's best for you. Keep in mind when you're comparing policies that you should always compare like with like. Decide on the specific cover that you want before you start requesting quotes, and make sure that the rate you're quoted includes all the cover you need. It's really the only way to be absolutely certain you're getting the best cover for your money.
by Simon Christopher
What To Do With A Recreational Vehicle
To many, the simple term recreational vehicle inspires memories of several movies, most of them comedies, but to others it offers thoughts of a nomadic lifestyle. There are thousands of people that travel around the country, living in their RVs, and having no desire to park their traveling home. There is something enticing about the thought of following the sun across the country and enjoying all the sights it has to offer.
You can fill up your recreational vehicle and head out for a road trip, as long as you want, and will never have to worry about finding food or lodging along the way. You can take your recreational vehicle wherever you want and so they are perfect for the avid travelers out there.
If you are interested in purchasing your own recreational vehicle, then there are a few factors you are going to want to take into consideration before you get out there and start looking for yourself.
How to Choose
What with all the wonderful options out there it is really no wonder why so many people find themselves lost and confused when they are looking around trying to purchase an RV. There are a few things that you can use to help you out with your decision here however.
For one, you will want to check out any RV before purchasing it, making sure that you look for scratches, dents, missing light bulbs, and so on, even if you are buying brand new. You are going to have to consider how many people are going to be using the RV on a regular basis and use this to determine how large of a recreational vehicle you are going to need to purchase, as you want to ensure that the RV is roomy enough to let everyone inside be comfortable and have the necessary equipment ready.
You should always test drive an RV before putting any money down for it, and remember that just because it may look good, this certainly does not mean that what is under the engine is worthy of the price tag. If the dealer is unwilling to let you take the vehicle for a test drive then you can really only assume that there is something they are trying to hide, something that is wrong with the vehicle.
In addition to being self-contained for traveling and sleeping quarters, they are also more comfortable that tents and most cabins and with internal heating and cooling systems offer better climate control. The availability of safe and secure areas in which to park a recreational vehicle also makes them attractive to new travelers wanting to see the world around them.
by Terry Bolton
You can fill up your recreational vehicle and head out for a road trip, as long as you want, and will never have to worry about finding food or lodging along the way. You can take your recreational vehicle wherever you want and so they are perfect for the avid travelers out there.
If you are interested in purchasing your own recreational vehicle, then there are a few factors you are going to want to take into consideration before you get out there and start looking for yourself.
How to Choose
What with all the wonderful options out there it is really no wonder why so many people find themselves lost and confused when they are looking around trying to purchase an RV. There are a few things that you can use to help you out with your decision here however.
For one, you will want to check out any RV before purchasing it, making sure that you look for scratches, dents, missing light bulbs, and so on, even if you are buying brand new. You are going to have to consider how many people are going to be using the RV on a regular basis and use this to determine how large of a recreational vehicle you are going to need to purchase, as you want to ensure that the RV is roomy enough to let everyone inside be comfortable and have the necessary equipment ready.
You should always test drive an RV before putting any money down for it, and remember that just because it may look good, this certainly does not mean that what is under the engine is worthy of the price tag. If the dealer is unwilling to let you take the vehicle for a test drive then you can really only assume that there is something they are trying to hide, something that is wrong with the vehicle.
In addition to being self-contained for traveling and sleeping quarters, they are also more comfortable that tents and most cabins and with internal heating and cooling systems offer better climate control. The availability of safe and secure areas in which to park a recreational vehicle also makes them attractive to new travelers wanting to see the world around them.
by Terry Bolton
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