Who would have thought that buying a car you’ve never seen from a seller you’ve never met would ever take off? Well it certainly has thanks to the internet, and now more and more of us are purchasing our new cars online. But, how do you pick a winner and not a banger? The following tips from Desperateseller.co.uk the UK’s premier car selling and buying website will show you what you should do when you shopping for a car online.

Preparation Is Key.
Before you start shopping, you first need to make two vital decisions: how much do you want to spend and what kind of car are you looking for? This is where the internet can really help. Several sites, including Desperateseller.co.uk have buyer’s guides that can help you compare one model to another within your budget. You can also read comprehensive reviews and ratings from leading car magazines and consumers who drive your potential future car every day.

As helpful as the internet is, there is one thing it can’t offer, and that’s first hand experience of how a particular model handles. So as soon as you know which car you are interested in, go down to your local dealer and take it for a test drive.

Know Your Price.
Once you’ve selected the car you want, read all the reviews and taken your future car out for a test drive, it’s time to research prices. If it’s a used car you are thinking about buying, first check the Glass’s guide for the car’s current value, by visiting www.glass.co.uk.

To determine the price you are willing to pay for your future car, you need to find out the minimum price being offered to private sellers on online sites, the maximum price from retail dealers and the going rate from an average of the prices asked in the classifieds.

What you also need to include in your budget for your new car is the cost of insurance. Sites such as Money Supermarket (www.moneysupermarket.co.uk) can search all leading insurers by filling in one form to provide you with a quote for insurance.

Start Searching.
Looking for your new car online as opposed to the local newspaper, gives you the opportunity to search and compare prices for thousands of cars in your area and scanning multiple pictures can also help you to get an idea of the car’s overall condition.

Desperateseller.co.uk is a great place to start your search. You can search using a range of different options, such as new or used car, private seller or dealer, price, engine size, automatic or manual and so on. All searches require your postcode, so that every listing returned includes the distance in miles from your location to the seller.

We recommend limiting your search to vehicles within 20 or 30 miles of your home. This way you can easily test-drive them and get them inspected by a mechanic you trust.

The Test Drive.
Once you’ve selected a potential vehicle to buy, a test-drive is a must! Try and arrange the test drive at the seller’s home, this should give you a better feel for the car by visiting the seller’s home and talking to their family. Also, never be swayed by shining looks: a quick valet and a new set of number plates will make any old banger catch the eye.

Insist on viewing the full service history from new to the most recent service and check that all the paperwork is in order. And, if it is more than a couple of years old pay for a full independent mechanical inspection.

Buying The Car.
Before money changes hands, make sure you’re up to speed on the legal aspects of buying and selling by reading the AA’s advice for private car sales, by visiting www.theaa.com

You also need to get an independent check from a company such as HPI www.hpicheck.com which checks the records to make sure the car hasn’t been written off, stolen or has outstanding finance.

By arming yourself with used car knowledge and know-how, beginning with these tips above, you’ll greatly minimise your risk of buying a vehicle that will be more of a costly headache than a joy ride.

Russell Berry is the co-founder of Desperate Seller.co.uk, the UK’s premier car buying & selling website. Established in 1999, the site was the UK’s first to offer a multi-website car advertising model, designed to reduce the time, stress and money involved in buying and selling new and used cars.

Although you may not have heard of this type of auction before, GSA
auctions have been around for a while and are a good place to get a
great deal on a vehicle.

GSA stands for General Service Administration.

It is an agency in the US government that, according to acting
Director David Bibbs, “is to help other US agencies better serve the
public by meeting … their needs for products and services, and, to
(help) simplify access to government information and services.”

One of the services they provide are auto auctions.

So why does GSA sell vehicles?

GSA purchases vehicles “in bulk”, i.e., it purchases “bunches” of
vehicles at once and then leases them out to different government
agencies. When the lease expires, these vehicles are sold to the general
public at GSA auctions, which allows the GSA to re-coup some of their
expenses and re-invest in more vehicle purchases.

Benefits of purchasing a vehicle at a GSA auction:

1.) American made vehicles - trucks, cars, SUV, police car, buses
and many other types (approximately 40,000 vehicles to choose from
per year)

2.) Vehicles are generally well maintained (by the US Gov’t). These
are not specialized vehicles or repossessed.

3.) Vehicles generally have low mileage

4.) Vehicles are generally 3 to 5 years old

5.) Vehicles generally sell at or around wholesale prices with no
extra buyer fees.

All in all, if you are in the market for a great used vehicle at a
great price, check out GSA public auctions.

To find out where you can get more information on GSA auctions and
other vehicle auctions, simply send a blank e-mail to
gsaaa@GetMoreInfo.net

Bruce Dinger is a budding entrepreneur and is the author of many articles on a variety of topics.

lomist.com/GSAaa.html lomist.com/GSAaa.html
howtosavetimeandmoney.com howtosavetimeandmoney.com

Just months after its much publicized release, the 7 passenger Jeep Commander is a major disappointment for DaimlerChrysler to the point where it has become an albatross around the automaker’s neck. Stung with bloated inventories in excess of 100 days – an industry killer – the Commander is now commanding discounts of over $5000 per vehicle. What went wrong? Plenty, especially if you read what the pundits and prognosticators have to say about the new Jeep.

No vehicle introduction should be problematic however, as for the Jeep Commander this model has fallen well short of sales goals. There are many reasons why the Commander may be failing to live up to expectations including:

High Fuel Prices – Gasoline pushing past $2.50 per gallon cannot help any SUV. With the Commander’s three thirsty engine choices, the price at the pump can be painful. Yet, the even bigger Chevrolet Tahoe is selling well despite high fuel prices.

Dated Styling – Jeep mentions the Commander’s “heritage exterior design” as one of the chief draws for the vehicle. Take one look at the Commander, and the styling cues of the 1984 Jeep Cherokee quickly come to mind. While some vehicles successfully incorporate “the look” of an earlier model without copying the style, the Commander looks awfully like the earlier Cherokee, only stretched out. Personally, I find the style to be dated and awkward.

Cramped Interior – Put the Commander up against the next biggest Jeep, the Gran Cherokee, and you will see that the interior space is just about the same. This is bad because the Commander comes equipped with a third row of seats so there should be more room. Many have complained that only two small children could fit in the last row which, incidentally, does not completely fold into the floor like the “stow ‘n go” feature on the DCX minivans.

Overpriced – Fully loaded Commanders are retailing for well over $40,000. While this price range can be expected for the likes of a Yukon, Tahoe, or Expedition, it can’t for the Commander. Of course, the Commander is bigger than the Gran Cherokee which is priced just under $40,000. However, if you put the two models side by side, many would say that the Gran Cherokee is the better of the two.

So, will DaimlerChrysler actually discontinue the Commander? That isn’t likely. Instead, look for big rebates to remain in place and production to be permanently cut back. For the long term, DCX will need to give some serious consideration as to whether the Commander will remain part of the Jeep line up. In my opinion, if it does, it needs to be seriously overhauled in order to compete in today’s marketplace.

In all, the Commander is a costly mistake for the automaker. During these times of strong and aggressive competition, the Commander is a misstep that cannot be ignored by DaimlerChrysler. Goodness knows the Commander is being ignored by Jeep faithful who are spurning the model altogether.

Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is a full time freelance writer covering the best selling cars as well as niche models. To keep your car running well, shop the ecatalyticconverter.com Catalytic Converters and Oxygen Sensors shop for the best selection of automotive parts.

Price : $17.65

Features

• Sharp cutting stainless steel blade ensures quick cutting of the seatbelt
• Stainless steel spring loaded spike easily and effectively breaks through side and rear tempered glass
• Loop protector clip allows your ResQMe to conveniently fit on a key ring

Product Description

ResQMe is a revolutionary hand-held rescue tool amazingly powerful despite its mini size. A fierce but absolutely safe spring loaded stainless steel spike allows the vehicle occupant to easily break side windows and a carefully concealed stainless steel razor blade slices through a jammed seat belt to prevent vehicular entrapment.

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-07-28
This little tool is something I hope I’ll never have to use. I put it on a key chain and have it hanging on my steering wheel lever in case I ever need it in a hurry. I bought several more for my husband, son and friends. They hung them on their rearview mirrors. With a lot of cars having power windows nowdays you wouldn’t be able to get your windows down if the car stalled underwater so this tool would break out the windows so you could escape.

Review date : 2008-06-11
I purchased this item believing the hype behind the description, only to discover the small print in the directions declaring that it would not break a car window. It is made of cheap plastic and really has no purpose, a truly useless object, an expensive bobble of a keychain.

Review date : 2008-04-09
I purchased this product as a precautionary mesure, in which I HOPE I will never use and in case I use it I HOPE it will work.

Review date : 2008-04-06
I bought a few of these for friends and family. It’s an inexpensive gift that may save a life. I tested mine on a piece of window glass - it works with little pressure, and can be used over & over. I pray they never need it, but if someone I love is ever trapped in their car, this could save a life.

Review date : 2008-01-01
My wife said it was one of her favorite Christmas gifts because I listened to her and thought of her safety. I like that it is small and hooks on key chain.

Whether you are buying or selling a car, there are several tips that will help the process go a lot smoother. Buyers and sellers have one big thing in common - neither wants to be taken for a ride. In order to make sure the sale of an automobile is an honest one, both the buyer and seller are responsible for various activities to help close the deal.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 1

Know the value. The actual worth of an automobile is one of the most important deciding factors in either buying or selling a vehicle. If you are the seller, you want to receive a fair price for your car. If you are the buyer, you want to pay a fair price. Kelley Blue Book, found online at kbb.com, is a popular website used to help determine a fair value for an automobile based on it?s condition, make, model, age, mileage and other features.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 2

Understand the condition and performance of the automobile. If you are the seller, you must disclose any problems or defects to the potential buyer. As a buyer, you need to have some understanding of how the automobile is supposed to run and other mechanical performances. If you aren?t certain, as either a buyer or seller, take the car to a qualified mechanic who can determine an accurate condition for the automobile.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 3

Whether buying or selling a car, search the classifieds. This is a terrific place to find a car to purchase or to find someone who may be interested in purchasing the car that you have. The classified ad section of a local newspaper is also a terrific way to find a local prospect rather than dealing with someone miles away.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 4

Be upfront about the deal. If you are selling an automobile, be sure to inform the buyer of your preferred payment method. Many sellers prefer not to accept personal checks or, at the very least, will not transfer the title until the check clears. Most sellers prefer to deal in cash or a money order if dealing directly with the buyer. Buyers should be equally upfront with the seller by informing them of whether or not they intend to purchase, how and when they will be paying for the automobile, etc.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 5

Make sure the automobile has a clear title. In addition, the buyer should order a CarFax report, which can be found at carfax.com. For a small fee, anyone can learn about the history of an automobile, such as whether or not the vehicle has ever been involved in an accident, a flood or other incident that may affect it?s performance. This is one of the best ways for buyers to make sure they are getting an automobile with no hidden background.

Find more about KelleyBlueBook, O?Reilly auto parts and many other car models and automotive industry news on http://www.AutoNews24h.com

Well folks we have all the makings of a mid-1970’s energy crisis. After Hurricane Katrina we lost ten refineries, which probably supply 1 million barrels of production per day. We have platform and drilling rig damage in the Gulf of Mexico. But it is not oil alone you should be concerned about, Natural Gas supplies could potentially be insufficient to meet needs. Not a huge issue now, but it will be come winter. We have not been keeping up in the construction or new Natural Gas drilling over the last two-decades.

Due to low fuel prices prior to 1999 new oil exploration, infrastructure and drilling did not advance as fast as the needs of our nation. Now we are behind the power curve and it is an issue of supply and demand. The President has agreed to release some oil reserves into that the over all supply. Unfortunately the Federal Government needs fuel for war and rescue efforts and it only has enough supply for maybe 60-days. Meanwhile while we have supply, the delivery and refining capacity is at issue, not to mention the transportation problems. We have three very large ports shut down completely and it maybe weeks and rail is out like the Interstate 10 Freeway the mainstay of interstate commerce.

Now we face some serious issues and some experts are predicting $4.00 per gallon now. We all thought they were crazy when they said $3.00 per gallon, yet take a look at the signs today? It is time America think about conservation, perhaps better planning of trips, car pooling and driving at best rates of fuel use. How so? Well use cruise control and drive 55-60 on the freeways, this will keep your cars fuel consumption rates low, once you move much over 55 mph, the co-efficient of drag curve shoot up into a hyperbolic usage scale. Cut down on that wind resistance of high speed, as takes a big toll on your fuel economy. Another thing you can do is not accelerate from a stop, allow the car to slowly break ground (move forward) before touching the gas pedal. You can also think about using the air-conditioner less, use the poor man’s “model 52” air-conditioner drive fifty and roll down two windows. Think on this.

“Lance Winslow” - Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/

There are dirt bikes, and then there are Honda dirt bikes. A Honda represents speed, power and maneuverability (making it obvious why they are the top-sellers). Quality is its ultimate trademark, however, and a Honda dirt bike never fails to please.

And, with a wide range of choices, you are sure to find one tailored for your racing style–whether professional or amateur, you will see and feel the difference of Honda dirt bikes. It’s not just riding or racing; it becomes an experience.

And, to fully enjoy that experience, you should understand all aspects of what makes Honda dirt bikes… well, a Honda dirt bike. Don’t cringe. Some history lessons are worth knowing.

Honda is a name that summons respect in the biking world, though no one would have guessed that from its dubious beginnings and low sales. When Soichiro Honda opened the first store in Los Angeles in 1959, the reception was tepid at best. The American people were already devoted to their Harleys and Triumphs. Honda tried, in vain, for that first year to sell his products, but was only able to come up with 1700 units. The American market
refused to let him in.

Overseas, however, things were different. In Japan, Honda was the number one selling bike (an estimated 500,00 units sold). Throughout Europe, the bikes were starting to win races and garner attention. Honda was the top-player.

But, in America, they were nothing: just funny looking bikes that didn’t seem powerful enough to fit the image motorcycles had crafted.

That was about to change.

Soichiro was not about to give up on the American and decided to change the perceptions linked to bikes. They were no longer for hulking men with beards and dirty leather jackets; they were for anyone who just wanted a ride around town.

Honda began a campaign of happiness, blanketing the market with
everyday men and woman riding his bikes, all grinning and cheerful. The result was a new way to look at bikes–Honda’s were seen as the better choice, the every-man choice.

They’ve remained that way ever since.

And the reason they’ve remained on top? They offer great selection and great quality.

Now, if you’re purchasing one of your first Honda dirt bikes, you need to see which part of that great selection works best for you. There are many bikes to choose from and you want to pick perfection. So, first decide what it is you intend to do–are you looking to start racing professionally, or are you
just wanting something solid to ride the trails with? Whatever your scenario, there is a Honda dirt bike built for you.

Honda dirt bikes - Motocross Division:

CR125R: A constant winner in races, the CR125R is a lightweight and easy to handle bike. With a 125cc engine, it’s also a powerful one. Sporting a price tag of $5,449, this is not for the casual racer.

CR250R: Few can think of champions without thinking of this Honda selection. Toted as the “best 250-class two-stroke that’s ever been”, the CR250R is ideal for racing. It typically runs at $6,399.

CRF250R (4-stroke): Extremely lightweight and fast, this is a 250cc with a four-stroke and is already being hailed as the bike to beat in competition. Its price tag is affordable, being set at $6,199.

CRF450R (4-stroke): A retuned version of an old favorite, this bike features tighter suspension and enhanced engine performance. Honda is pushing this as one of their best and, at $6,899, it should be.

Honda dirt bikes - Off-road:

CRF250X: Named the ‘Best Bike’ by Dirt Rider, the CRF250X is a marvel of off-road ability. Light, agile and blessed with a four-stroke, this will take you wherever you want to be. Priced at $6,399.

CRF450X: A coupling of Honda’s most popular features, this bike has it all: greater torque, wider gear ratios and more supple suspension. At $7,199, the CRF450X is the ultimate off-road bike.

XR400R: At $5299, this reliable bike is a bargain, and the favored choice of 90 percent of rental companies. It’s guaranteed quality and ability.

XR650R: A champion of unrivaled proportions, the XR650R is aluminum framed bike that will leave everyone speechless. At a relatively low $6,299, this bike represents winning.

Honda dirt bikes - Mini dirt bikes:

CR85R (2-stroke): Smaller than most of its competitors, this bike still causes fear wherever it rides. Fast and blessed with Honda’s reliability, this $3,099 will keep you ahead of the rest.

CR85RB (2-stroke): Made for the long run, the CR854RB offers fully adjustable suspension and a more than capable engine. Ideal for younger riders, this bike is priced at $6,190.

CRF100F: At an inexpensive $2,319, this bike has all the look of a racing champion without the price tag. Featuring a four-stroke power and comfortable seating, riding has never been this easy.

CRF50F: If the kids are interested in dirt biking, this model is ideal for them. Semiautomatic transmission and built for whatever situation, this is the perfect bike. It’s priced at $1,299.

CRF70F: Clutchless shifting and semiautomatic transmission make this the easiest bike available for those just starting out. Sleek and reliable, the CRF70F costs $1,599 and is guaranteed quality.

Honda dirt bikes stand for quality and performance… what else could you want for your hard earned cash?

Mark Sturge is the webmaster at dirtbike-action.com dirtbike-action.com A site where visitors can find information on dirtbike-action.com Honda dirt bikes and other ranges such as dirtbike-action.com yamaha dirt bikes as well as useful hints and tips for dirtbike enthusiasts.

A Kid’s Dirt Bike or Mini Dirt Bike has all the working parts and features of a normal Dirt Bike. It only weighs less, is much smaller and has a lot less power (about 49cc on average). Most kids Dirt Bikes are built with a two-stroke engine, so they are also designed to hold only half a gallon of gas on average.

Since there are no age requirements to ride these bikes, and with hundreds of models to choose from, the popularity of these little but considerably powerful machines is still growing. Thousands of Kids Dirt Bikes are sold every year around the world, with the number increasing each year.

Kid’s Dirt Bikes don’t always come cheap just because they are smaller in size. For example, the Pitster Pro 125cc can cost you around 2,095 dollars. However, Kid’s Dirt bikes with less engine power, normally less than 90cc, are quite affordable with price ranging from 200 to 600 dollars only.

Even though there are no age requirements to ride Kid’s Dirt Bikes, make sure that the child is old enough to be able to handle the machine physically. Also remember to give proper training and guidance before your kid starts operating the Bike on his/her own.

Since some of these Kid’s Dirt Bikes can run up to 75 mph or so, preliminary precautions should always be taken before letting kids ride them, especially for younger kids. Helmets should be made compulsory and children should not be allowed to ride these vehicles on a speed of more than 40 mph.

There are Dirt Bike Competitions held in many parts of the United States for Kids aged between 4 to 15. You can get information from websites such as www.dirtbikekids.com. There are also other numerous organizations, which support Kid’s Dirt Bike riding such as American Amateur Racer, Inc, American Motorcyclist Association, National Motosport Association, and World Sports etc.

e-dirtbikes.com Dirt Bikes provides detailed information about dirt bikes, dirt bike parts and more. Dirt Bikes is affiliated with e-snorkeling.com Maui Snorkeling.

When buying a car, one should keep the following things in mind. Firstly, when negotiating the price of the car, be sure to negotiate the price rather than monthly payments. Often the dealer will try to sneak in a higher interest rate or longer contract than you may be aware. Blue book values very greatly, and the actual value of the vehicle could be radically different. Unless you are yourself a mechanic, be sure to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase. Never assume that the dealer is being candid about the vehicle. He may not even know about a particularly defect. Beware of extras that may be very dear, and are often available elsewhere either cheaper then the dealer is offering or even free.

Extended warranties are one example. They are often pricey and unnecessary as the might duplicate the manufacturers warranty. To find out about manufacturers warranties, contact the manufacturer directly rather than by speaking to your dealer. “Doc fees” are not required by law, and many dealers gouge their customers here. Legally, the most a dealer can charge for document processing is 5$ before signing the paperwork, make sure you really want the vehicle. There is no “cooling off” period for car contracts and once you sign for the vehicle, the deal is closed immediately. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been lodged against the dealer. As with buying anything else, it pays to do your homework as best you can.

Check Out More Articles:

Price : $17.99

Features

• Easy-to-Read Gauge allows for immediate pressure status check
• Easy-to-pull safety pin rust and impact resistant nylon handle
• Powder coated aluminum cylinder for corrosion protection
• Single use, Wall hanger included
• UL rated 10-B:C

Product Description

Kitchen Fire Extinguisher, UL Rated 10-B:C, Suitable For Common Fires To The Kitchen, Wall Hanger Included, 10 Year Warranty.

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-07-24
great product to have in the some. every home should have one. I keep mine under the sink. Almost had to use it. glad I had it.

Review date : 2008-07-21
Great value, attractive look and fits nicely in the kitchen. Hope I never have to use it but it is a great comfort having it now.

Review date : 2008-07-11
I literally bought my mom an extinguisher for every room in their house. It is great how they make one specifically designed for each area and its common fire sources - like grease in the kitchen and gasoline and oil in the garage. Very nice design and fairly stylish for the home so it is not such an eyesoar. I would recommend to everyone who cares about their home and family - in other words - everyone!!!

Review date : 2008-04-22
This extinguisher is something I had been intending to stock near my kitchen for several months, and I’m glad to have it. Though I can’t speak for how well it puts out fires yet, I will say that it is labeled clearly, and is an appropriate size for the kitchen.

As well, it looks decent and yet inconspicuous enough that people don’t notice it much.

Review date : 2007-10-03
This is a nice fire extinguisher that fits nicely in my cabinet under the sink. I can’t say how well it works, because I have not had an occassion to use it and hope I don’t.