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	<title>Grade A Transportation</title>
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	<link>http://www.grata.org</link>
	<description>Buyer’s Guide to Transportation</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:47:11 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>4 Signs You Need a New Car</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/4-signs-you-need-a-new-car.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/4-signs-you-need-a-new-car.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:37:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fuel efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.grata.org/?p=272</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Knowing just when to get a new car is a difficult thing to determine. There are many elements that go into deciding to buy a new car. Because of this, it is important that the investment is necessary and cost-effective for the future. Below are four signs that you are probably in need of a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Knowing just when to get a new car is a difficult thing to determine. There are many elements that go into deciding to buy a new car. Because of this, it is important that the investment is necessary and cost-effective for the future. Below are four signs that you are probably in need of a new car.</p>
<p><strong>Car Worth Less Than a Current Repair</strong></p>
<p>The older your car is, the more it drops in value. When a car gets old enough, it can quickly get to the point where a major repair is actually more than the car itself is worth. When you encounter this kind of situation, you would be better off asking yourself: &#8220;Should I just <a href="http://us.webuyanycar.com/" target="_blank">sell my car</a>?&#8221;, rather than keeping it and letting the repair bills stack up.</p>
<p><strong>Car is Too Old</strong></p>
<p>When cars become too dated, they can end up costing the owner big money. Determine how old your car is and if it will end up costing less to keep it and eat the inevitably upcoming repair bills, or to simply purchase a new one.</p>
<p><strong>Car has Major Upcoming Repairs</strong></p>
<p>At a specific mileage, major systems of the car begin failing and need repairs. In many cases, putting thousands of dollars into repairing these systems on a car that has high mileage is less productive than simply purchasing a new vehicle altogether. Consider getting <a href="http://us.webuyanycar.com/howitworks" target="_blank">cash for cars</a> that are older and using the money as a down payment on a new vehicle.</p>
<p><strong>New Car Payments Will be Less Than Monthly Gas Bills</strong></p>
<p>Each year, cars become more fuel-efficient. If you have a dated vehicle and are wasting hundreds of dollars per month on gas due to lack of fuel efficiency, it would be more cost-effective to buy a more fuel-efficient new car.</p>
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		<title>Where to Find Good Used Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/where-to-find-good-used-cars.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/where-to-find-good-used-cars.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:45:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vehicle Identification Number]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.grata.org/?p=268</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Purchasing a quality used car can be a challenge when you start to see the wide variety of lots and vehicles that you have to choose from. There are a few ways that you can make this task easier. When looking for cars for sale, the first step is to find a reputable car dealership. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mazda_Japan_Car_dealership_Saitama.jpg"><img title="“Mazda_Car_dealership_Tokorozawa_Saitama”" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Mazda_Japan_Car_dealership_Saitama.jpg/300px-Mazda_Japan_Car_dealership_Saitama.jpg" alt="“Mazda_Car_dealership_Tokorozawa_Saitama”" width="300" height="203" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>Purchasing a quality used car can be a challenge when you start to see the wide variety of lots and vehicles that you have to choose from. There are a few ways that you can make this task easier.</p>
<p>When looking for <a href="http://www.carcraft.co.uk/">cars for sale</a>, the first step is to find a reputable car dealership. Ask friends and relatives where they have had their best experiences, as they will often go back to the same dealership for several vehicles. Before you visit, have clearly in mind what type of vehicle you want. Your primary considerations should be a car that gets good gas mileage, is safe and is durable. This will get you the most for your money.</p>
<p>Finding <a href="http://www.carcraft.co.uk/used/car/cheap%20cars">cheap cars </a>is also possible if you comparison shop in your area. You can often find the same, or a similar vehicle at a lower price with another dealership. When you are considering a vehicle, write down the vehicle identification number and check out its history. There are a number of services that offer this for a small fee, which gives you details about wrecks that the car may have been in. This can save you from any hidden surprises after the purchase.</p>
<p>The extra time it takes to do research and comparison shopp can pay off when you buy the right car. You can then drive it off the lot with confidence, knowing that you have a safe and solid vehicle for your investment that will last you for years.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Used but Worthy: Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/used-but-worthy-cars.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/used-but-worthy-cars.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Jul 2011 10:33:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.grata.org/?p=266</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via @daylife Variety is the intention of all days &#8212; finding choices, gaining values. Such values remain elusive, however, when you slink onto a car lot. The inventory that greets you is limiting: with few vehicles priced within your budget and fewer still that impress. Their designs are new but unfortunately [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="float: right; width: 160px; margin: 1em;"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/06TFc5RcMA3VD?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=06TFc5RcMA3VD&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img style="border: none;" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06TFc5RcMA3VD/150x95.jpg" alt="SAN RAFAEL, CA - JUNE 09:  Used cars are displ..." width="150" height="95" /></a></p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com">@daylife</a></p>
</div>
<p>Variety is the intention of all days &#8212; finding choices, gaining values. Such values remain elusive, however, when you slink onto a car lot. The inventory that greets you is limiting: with few vehicles priced within your budget and fewer still that impress. Their designs are new but unfortunately ugly; their innovations are weak. You find yourself surrounded by items that do not please, with salesmen circling (trying to convince you to take what you don’t need).</p>
<p>It’s an easy philosophy: <em>new</em> is best and <em>used</em> is tragic. Cars without previous owners are deemed the only worthwhile notions. Too often, however, do these vehicles <a href="http://www.bikesatwork.com/carfree/cost-of-car-ownership.html" target="_blank">demand high costs</a> while offering few rewards. The common man may be without the diversity he craves.</p>
<p>And this is why used cars must instead be considered. These options require fewer dollars (often stripping away 50 percent of an original price). This allows drivers to search through larger inventories, discovering more options and having the value of <em>choice</em>. No longer do individuals have to be content with what they can barely afford. Instead they can select from multiple cars.</p>
<p>This is essential &#8212; ensuring that buyers receive what they need, rather than just what’s forced upon them. Used cars offer opportunities that can’t be denied. They aren’t shaped to rust and rickety frames. Instead they’re often only aged by a few years: allowing drivers to receive modern innovations without the shock of modern prices.</p>
<p>No purchase should be hasty, stretching both budget and sanity. Used cars instead provide relief&#8230; and endless variety.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Buying a Car – the Important Question</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/buying-a-car-%e2%80%93-the-important-question.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/buying-a-car-%e2%80%93-the-important-question.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:33:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vehicle]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.grata.org/?p=256</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image by Thomas Hawk via Flickr It&#8217;s an age-old decision when shopping. Used, or new? At least, it&#8217;s been around as long as someone had the bright idea to resell a lightly (or not so lightly) used product. In a way it&#8217;s a trace of the old barter economy, insofar as one gives up something [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="float: right; display: block; width: 250px; margin: 1em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/398768298"><img style="border: none; display: block;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/398768298_a7b3cf68fe_m.jpg" alt="Used Cars" width="240" height="160" /></a>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/398768298">Thomas Hawk</a> via Flickr</p>
</div>
<p>It&#8217;s an age-old decision when shopping. <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/auto/new-or-used-car.aspx" target="_blank">Used, or new</a>? At least, it&#8217;s been around as long as someone had the bright idea to resell a lightly (or not so lightly) used product. In a way it&#8217;s a trace of the old barter economy, insofar as one gives up something one does not need (the used product) to get something one does (money – not so much from the barter system).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The question is especially pressing when it comes to cars, one of the most expensive commodities. There&#8217;s a massive industry in used-car sales, and for good reason. Whether through brilliant design or serendipity, or both, most cars last longer than people need them. When cars are properly maintained, they can keep on going for years and sometimes decades; rarely do people&#8217;s own transportation needs stay so consistent. A couple might have children and discover they need a minivan to accommodate the additional passengers, or maybe those children are all grown up and it&#8217;s time to reduce to something smaller.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In any case, as a buyer, the advantages of used vehicles are <a href="http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=buy&amp;story=nuUsed&amp;subject=new_used&amp;referer=&amp;aff=sacbee" target="_blank">many</a>. Shopping around, one can find a vehicle in great shape with minimal wear and tear for much cheaper than a new vehicle would cost. On the other hand, there&#8217;s no denying the excitement of being the first owner of a brand-new vehicle. It&#8217;s a costly pleasure, though. One has to decide how much that new-car smell is really worth. For most people with limited resources, it&#8217;s not worth the sticker price, and they go with used. Many have an ambition to buy a new car at least once, though.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Getting a Cash Loan with Your Car Title</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/getting-a-cash-loan-with-your-car-title.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/getting-a-cash-loan-with-your-car-title.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 09:31:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit score]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unsecured debt]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.grata.org/?p=246</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you need cash now, your best bet may be using your car title as collateral, especially if you’ve had some credit problems in the past, or if you have a lower paying job. Since your car is the payment you would owe if you end up defaulting on the loan, your credit score and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you need cash now, your best bet may be using your car title as collateral, especially if you’ve had some credit problems in the past, or if you have a lower paying job. Since your car is the payment you would owe if you end up defaulting on the loan, your credit score and income bracket are generally the last things that get checked, if they get checked at all.</p>
<p>One of the best reasons to use your car title to apply for <a href="http://www.plaingreenloans.com/" target="_blank">online personal loans</a> is that you will know whether you&#8217;ve been approved almost immediately. You definitely won’t have to fret about not being able to pay off your emergency bills because your application is still waiting in the stack for approval. In fact, not only is a fast cash loan easier to get than a traditional loan, but if you have credit troubles, paying off your loan may also prove cheaper in the long run if you have to use your car title to pay it off.</p>
<p>The amount of money you can take out on your car title will solely depend on how much your vehicle is estimated to be worth. For instance, a newer car may allow you to take out several thousand dollars because it has a higher <a href="http://www.kbb.com/" target="_blank">resale value</a> than a car that’s twenty-years-old. As long as you own the title to your car free and clear, you will stand a very high chance of being approved for an online personal loan, which can almost instantly put cash in your hand for an emergency.</p>
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		<title>Compensation for Car Accidents</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/compensation-for-car-accidents.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/compensation-for-car-accidents.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2011 16:24:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Angeles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traffic collision]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.grata.org/?p=244</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In order to ensure you receive financial support after a car accident, you need to make sure you take the proper steps after you have been rear ended. Being hit by a two-ton vehicle can be a traumatic event. It can be difficult to know how you will react during and after the collision. Informing [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In order to ensure you receive financial support after a car accident, you need to make sure you take the proper steps after you have been rear ended. Being hit by a two-ton vehicle can be a traumatic event. It can be difficult to know how you will <a href="http://socyberty.com/law/how-to-make-car-accident-insurance-claims/">react</a> during and after the collision.</p>
<p>Informing yourself about what to do after a car accident will help make dealing with insurance companies and the other driver easier. You will need important contact information when you file a claim. You need the name, address, phone number and insurance information. After the accident, it is extremely important to get all of this information from the driver.  It can be intimating, but you should research <a href="http://www.girardikeese.com/">personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles</a> to help you deal with the insurance companies.</p>
<p>No one likes to say they do not know the next step in a situation, but you need someone who is on your side. Not only will your lawyer help keep the insurance companies in line, but he or she will be able give you clear instructions about what you need to be doing.</p>
<p>It can be a tiring procedure trying to talk to the right insurance agent. Instead of worrying about the agent, let your personal lawyer do it. Your lawyer will make sure you have all of the documentation you need and that it is correct. A picture of your injuries and your car damage is important to get after the accident. Focus your energy on getting better. Allow your lawyer to do all of the work for you.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Keeping Safe on the Road</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/keeping-safe-on-the-road.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/keeping-safe-on-the-road.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 07:54:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car/Dealers/Used or New/Research/Crash tests/Recalls/Traveling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.grata.org/?p=231</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Life is different in a larger vehicle. From high atop your personal mobile mountain, it can be all too easy to feel like you&#8217;re practically indestructible. But you really aren&#8217;t, and the illusion that the size of a large vehicle creates can be a very destructive thing if you ever get into an accident. While [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="mceTemp" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="zemanta-img zemanta-action-dragged" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ExtendableMotorHome.jpg"><img title="An extendable motor-home at Lausanne" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4f/ExtendableMotorHome.jpg/300px-ExtendableMotorHome.jpg" alt="An extendable motor-home at Lausanne" width="300" height="224" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Life is different in a larger vehicle. From high atop your personal mobile mountain, it can be all too easy to feel like you&#8217;re practically indestructible. But you really aren&#8217;t, and the illusion that the size of a large vehicle creates can be a very destructive thing if you ever get into an accident. While you can make jokes about &#8220;choking&#8221; on small vehicles that you could practically run over, this is a serious matter.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So when you start shopping for <a href="http://rvinsurance.org/">RV insurance</a>, you need to be careful. Not only do you need to have liability insurance in case you cause damage to someone else, you also need to make sure your RV doesn&#8217;t end up getting damaged on the road. And if you do end up getting into an accident sufficiently<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrtpJU6VgUQ">harsh</a> to break an axle or bend a rim, you need to make sure that your insurance coverage is good enough to get you back out on the open road as soon as you can.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After all, RVs aren&#8217;t indestructible. You are not invincible just because you&#8217;re in one, either. So when it comes down to keeping your <a href="http://www.rversonline.org/RV4Safety.html">RV safe</a>, you need to remember that you are just as vulnerable to damage and injury as anybody else is. And when it comes to making sure you have enough insurance coverage, you need to make sure you&#8217;re covered in case your vehicle suffers from expensive damages. While it is easy to forget that you can be damaged on the top of the road, your insurance company knows the score. Make sure you&#8217;re protected, and then focus on having some fun.</p>
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		<title>Car Dealership Business Model – Loyalty Tilts Naturally Towards Car Makers And Lenders</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/car-dealership-business-model-%e2%80%93-loyalty-tilts-naturally-towards-car-makers-and-lenders.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/car-dealership-business-model-%e2%80%93-loyalty-tilts-naturally-towards-car-makers-and-lenders.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 19:24:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manufacturing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.grata.org/?p=249</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image by hessiebell via Flickr It is important to understand how the business model of car dealer works to identify where their loyalties lie. The dealer purchases vehicles in bulk from the automobile manufacturing company and sells the same to the masses. The dealer does not have freedom of determining the price of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: right; display: block; width: 250px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41894172972@N01/100323033"><img style="border: medium none; display: block;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/35/100323033_0904e2e035_m.jpg" alt="cars used" width="240" height="159" /></a>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41894172972@N01/100323033">hessiebell</a> via Flickr</p>
</div>
<p>It is important to understand how the business model of car dealer works to identify where their loyalties lie. The dealer purchases vehicles in bulk from the automobile manufacturing company and sells the same to the masses.</p>
<p>The dealer does not have freedom of determining the price of the vehicle. The company sets the terms of sale and the dealer simply has to follow the rules. The dealer acts as an agent and bridge between the customer and the car manufacturer.</p>
<p>In return, the dealer earns commission on ever sale. The dealer is dependent on high sales volumes to earn more. Further, finance companies have tie-ups where they pay the dealer to refer clients needing finance. This situation creates loyalty issues</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.negotiationtraining.com.au/articles/negotiate-car-deal/" target="_blank">dealer </a>receives business from customers but receives remuneration from car manufacturers and lenders. When push comes to shove, the dealer will focus on keeping the manufacturer and lenders happy. Losing a client is not a big deal as buyers are aplenty. This is the reason why individuals often complain that dealers do not focus on the interests of the customers. The dealer has a lot to gain by encouraging customers to go in for the most expensive car.</p>
<p>Another flaw in this setup is that the dealer is left free to use the most unscrupulous methods to boost sales. Dealers cannot raise car prices but often jack up price of after sales service by relying on redundant repairs and high labor costs. Rather than complaining about the condition of affairs, you should keep these factors in mind when you rely on a dealer for impartial and unbiased advice.</p>
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		<title>Buying a Car: Private Seller or Dealership?</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/buying-a-car-private-seller-or-dealership.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/buying-a-car-private-seller-or-dealership.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 May 2011 20:36:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.grata.org/?p=242</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image via Wikipedia Depending on your need, you may want to buy a used or a brand new car. Considering the number of choices available in terms of places to buy these cars, you will often be faced with the dilemma of buying from a private seller or from a car dealership. Both these [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="float: right; display: block; width: 310px; margin: 1em;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dresden-Audi.jpg"><img style="border: none; display: block;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Dresden-Audi.jpg/300px-Dresden-Audi.jpg" alt="Audi dealership in Dresden, Germany" width="300" height="181" /></a>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dresden-Audi.jpg">Wikipedia</a></p>
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<p>Depending on your need, you may want to buy a used or a brand new car. Considering the number of choices available in terms of places to buy these cars, you will often be faced with the dilemma of buying from a private seller or from a car dealership. Both these options have advantages of their own. And in both cases, if your research and testing are sound, you are bound to get a good deal.</p>
<p>Online directories such as Canada 411 are what will help you find private sellers as well as reputed dealerships. All you need to do is make a choice between the two. A car dealership will be able to offer you certified cars in the used section. This means they have been thoroughly checked and have had an accident-free life so far. You may even get some good deals on car washes as well as oil changes. That is why thoroughly scouring directories such as <a href="http://www.411.ca/" target="_blank">canada 411</a> is a good idea.</p>
<p>One of the biggest advantages of approaching a private seller is that you are going to get a good bargain on the price of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Used_car">used car</a>. A private seller is only looking at his own profits and does not have to deal with overheads. It would be a good idea to approach private sellers who are moving out-of-town or leaving the country, as their reasons for selling their cars are most clear. Making the choice between private sellers and car dealerships depends on your personal needs and the level of research and time you are willing to dedicate.</p>
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		<title>New Or Used Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/new-or-used-cars.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/new-or-used-cars.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:52:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=204</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The first questions that comes to your mind when buying a car is your budget and features After that next thing you thing of is whether to go for new or used one, as both have its on drawback. If you plan to go for a used car keep in mind these points. Whether the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The first questions that comes to your mind when buying a car is your budget and features After that next thing you thing of is whether to go for new or used one, as both have its on drawback. If you plan to go for a used car keep in mind these points.</p>
<p>Whether the person who is selling you the car is the actual owner of the car or not. Are there any accident cases with the car. Proper documentation is present. Also make sure whether your buying it from individual or used car dealers as there are fair chances that dealers might change the car parts. How well it was maintained like the number of times servicing was done to the car and the car battery details. So when you go to buy a used car take the car mechanic along with to inspect the car as he will have better idea of the car. It is better if you personally approach the bank.</p>
<p>Though used cars have its own disadvantage at times consumers who bought used cars are pretty happy as it serves the best like a new car which is bought from showroom. If your driving the car for the first time it is better to go for used car as it will help you to get better practice on the roads. But always a new car has its own pride when you drive as your the first sole owner of it.</p>
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		<title>4 Best New Diesel Cars in 2011</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/4-best-new-diesel-cars-in-2011.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/4-best-new-diesel-cars-in-2011.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:34:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alfa Romeo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BMW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diesel engine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=214</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Before you start enrolling for auto insurance or searching for more articles or content on the &#8220;Best Diesel Cars&#8221;, know that this isn&#8217;t your everyday list based on personal opinion or even engineering facts. While diesel is fast becoming one of the most efficient ways to power a car thanks to evolving automotive technology, the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Before you start enrolling for <a href="https://auto.21st.com/AutoQuote/home.do?method=getHome" target="_blank">auto insurance</a> or searching for more articles or content on the &#8220;Best Diesel Cars&#8221;, know that this isn&#8217;t your everyday list based on personal opinion or even engineering facts. While diesel is fast becoming one of the most efficient ways to power a car thanks to evolving automotive technology, the real best of the best involves the whole enchilada – the cake and the ability to eat it, too. Here’s why?</p>
<p>Think of muscle cars for a moment: Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo. While they&#8217;re superior-running cars, most of them are not known for their fuel economy and price – which is why they so often spend their days and nights cooped up in a garage and constantly wiped down with wax to prevent even one little <em>sign </em>of wear and tear on the body. What makes a truly amazing car that contributes to the environment as today&#8217;s modern diesel engine can do is the same luxurious benefit you would get from a sports luxury car while maximizing the cost efficiency. Now <em>that&#8217;s </em>a list of cars you&#8217;d want to see. . . .</p>
<p>And here they are! The <em>true</em> best new diesel cars of 2011.</p>
<h3><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2008-2011_Audi_A3_%288PA%29_2.0_TDI_5-door_Sportback_%282011-04-02%29_01.jpg" target="_blank">2011 Audi A3</a></h3>
<p>When you see Audi, you immediately think environmentally friendly. However, this new model also hits the sports luxury note harder than a highly paid celebrity athlete. With an MSRP of $27,270, 25% fewer emissions than with gasoline, and an astonishing 42 MPG, you have a classy sports car that can actually drive more than an hour without having to stop for fuel!</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2011/3/335dSedan/Default.aspx?enc=/eiUrYOZAxtXbrazY6tfknvs2p4czl6fdqlc7VGB7GOn3a+MIaq8x5xRWfw0ht9/ooBQNBWHjoHjcqOlGWy/drozk/UkeSEWPpbKwsMmRKWcIkEPSNwdshj4w8G6nhj0/zPoOAi40cNEstxn5ORQdi3en0MeXzTFVTJMl663hFc=" target="_blank">2011 BMW 335d</a></h3>
<p>BMWs have been around for a long time, and are quite cool to look at. The immediate thought is &#8220;Knight Rider&#8221;! This new model, though, can outlast Knight Rider (a BMW 335i) and then some thanks to the extra MPG, lower fuel costs, and -8% CO2 emissions; you&#8217;ll be driving in luxury while saving the planet!</p>
<p><strong>2011 Mercedes Benz E350 Bluetec</strong></p>
<p>Yes, the Benz is here to bring an actually cost-effective (compared to some of the wildest &#8220;supercars&#8221; out there) automobile while saving the environment with the use of diesel technology. With an MSRP of $50,900 and a respectable 26 MPG, you might not find any other sports car that can deliver true economical savings.</p>
<h3>2012 VW Passat TDI</h3>
<p>This is a real delight. This amazing model was unveiled in the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and is not only one of the first mid-size sedans providing a diesel fuel operation system, but is also the first mid-size sedan by Volkswagen to be manufactured right in the United States. The best thing about this model? Its fuel economy and price. Try to imagine a sporty car pulling in an astronomical 43 MPG on the highway! Stay tuned for this diesel diamond in the rough at an unbelievable upper $20,000 range.</p>
<p>Diesel gives the best of both worlds: sporty and cool, meeting economical and green. That&#8217;s a &#8220;Best of&#8221; list anyone can read. Be sure to check out these four wonderful vehicles if you&#8217;re in the market for the elite.</p>
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		<title>Latest Car Features</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/latest-car-features.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/latest-car-features.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:52:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Airbag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=203</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As consumers want more comforts the increase of technology has made everything possible. Technology used in cars also changes from time to time by enhancing new features to satisfy the consumers needs. Present situation Manufactures come up with new innovative ideas and with the help of technology and try to meet or exceed the expectations [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As consumers want more comforts the increase of technology has made everything possible. Technology used in cars also changes from time to time by enhancing new features to satisfy the consumers needs. Present situation Manufactures come up with new innovative ideas and with the help of technology and try to meet or exceed the expectations of the car owners. Some new features in cars which we draw people in buying them are<br />
Air bags: These are located above the windows and it prevents any type of accidents to the person who is driving the car.<br />
Blue-tooth technology. This is used for communication when you are traveling.</p>
<p>Route finder: This is one latest technology in foreign countries which will help you to detect the route while you are traveling.</p>
<p>Automatic on/off of AC :Most of the car owners think about the fuel will be consumed more due to Air conditioner , so they On and off it when it is cold .This automatic feature will switch on/off.</p>
<p>Safe guard lock system :This is special features which has sensors in it and any person who tries to break the lock it will give a long beeping sound.</p>
<p>Automatic Gear system. This feature will set the car gear automatically depending on the situation with button press.<br />
There are research works taking place to enhance a feature by which cars will be driven by its own technology. Future car makers are seeing to design a cars with technology which is fuel efficient.</p>
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		<title>Making Something of Your Old Car</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/making-something-of-your-old-car.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/making-something-of-your-old-car.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 07:32:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=149</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are looking for a new car, you might have put some thought into what you will do with your old one. Indeed, there are some options available, and each has a distinct set of benefits. Follow along to look at some normal and unusual methods that can make a lot of sense for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are looking for a new car, you might have put some thought into what you will do with your old one. Indeed, there are some options available, and each has a distinct set of benefits. Follow along to look at some normal and unusual methods that can make a lot of sense for many individuals like donating your old car to an organization like <a href="http://www.cucumber.com/kars4kids.html">Kars for Kids</a>.</p>
<p>Trading your car in is a popular option for many. While this is a simple option, it is not without its drawbacks. You may not be able to get as much for your car. You need to know what you&#8217;re doing so that you aren&#8217;t taken advantage of, as it does unfortunately happen. However, you may give yourself additional negotiating room with this option.</p>
<p>There is also the option of selling the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Used_car">used car</a> outside of a dealership. This involves options such as using a private seller, the newspaper or a number of other possibilities. The advantage here is a higher dollar amount than the previous option, generally speaking. Obviously, a drawback involves the time involved to sell the car.</p>
<p>A slightly less-than-normal option is looking at a charity. A charity such as Kars for Kids allows you to donate your car. This will reduce your taxable income and thus increase your tax refund when tax season rolls around. While you won&#8217;t get money immediately, deducting the donation from your taxes is a huge perk. It is hard to argue with supporting a valuable organization, especially if it supports children as in the current example of Kars for Kids.</p>
<p>Consider some of the advantages that may be appropriate to your situation. Perhaps getting money immediately is a good option, but supporting an important charity is not to be overlooked. Talk with your family to see what is best before you decide to purchase a new car.</p>
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		<title>Solar Car- A Continuous Research</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/solar-car-a-continuous-research.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/solar-car-a-continuous-research.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:52:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar panel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solar vehicle]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=202</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ever increasing fuel prices have forced people to look out for alternative resources of driving their cars. Petrol prices are sky rocketing and cars are going cheaper. People are considering various options to run their cars. Battery operated cars are being tried on roads. Research is being conducted to use alternative sources of energy like [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ever increasing fuel prices have forced people to look out for alternative resources of driving their cars. Petrol prices are sky rocketing and cars are going cheaper. People are considering various options to run their cars. Battery operated cars are being tried on roads. Research is being conducted to use alternative sources of energy like solar energy, hydraulic energy etc to run the cars. If scientists are able to create a commercially viable car that runs on solar energy then we will be in a position to stop the depletion of fuel reserves. We will be able to reduce the pollution caused due to smoke and emission of harmful chemicals from car exhausts. We will be in a position to use an economical means of transport.</p>
<p>Using solar energy to run cars would require solar panels to be installed on the car and solar panels to be installed in various zones. People can park their cars in these zones and charge them. Many federal governments are encouraging the use of abundant solar energy to conserve natural resources. For E.g. the federal government of Arizona has successfully tapped the solar energy to supply powers to hundreds of houses and factories in the state of Arizona. Scientists should learn something from this and try to create solar cars on similar lines. Solar cars are the most efficient way of traveling. They will create a future mode of transport for our coming generations.</p>
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		<title>What You&#8217;ve Got to Do</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/what-youve-got-to-do.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/what-youve-got-to-do.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:58:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Payday loan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=166</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes in life, you have just got to do what you have got to do. For instance, while nobody wants to take out a payday loan just to stay above board, sometimes you have got to do so just to keep your car and its payments in check. You have to maintain your ability to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sometimes in life, you have just got to do what you have got to do. For instance, while nobody wants to take out a payday loan just to stay above board, sometimes you have got to do so just to keep your car and its payments in check. You have to maintain your ability to get to work. Granted, making car payments with payday loans is not the best of all <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Better-Understanding-Of-Cash-Advance-Loans&amp;id=5926428">solutions</a> in this world, but it is a better solution than getting behind on your car payments and having your credit be dinged. It is also far easier to take out this loan than it is to try and beg the repo man not to take your car.</p>
<p>Even though<a href="http://www.paydayone.com/" target="_blank"> paydayon</a><a href="http://www.paydayone.com/" target="_blank">e.com</a> is a good option for many people who need a loan to keep their car on the road, it is not the only option. There may be some other avenues available to you. For instance, you could always try to renegotiate your interest rate with your lender. It may or may not work, but it is certainly worth trying to do. Stranger things have happened in the past. Your credit may have improved after a year or two of making your payments regularly, and this could be your big chance to reap the rewards of your dependability.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, you cannot always renegotiate or refinance your car note. Sometimes, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payday_loan" target="_blank">payday loan</a> is just going to end up being your sole option. It is far from a perfect solution, and this should only be your last resort in a time of dire financial need, but it may end up saving your bacon (as well as your car). When the situation gets bad, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. Just do not make this into a habit, because paying your routine expenses is not what payday loans are designed to help with.</p>
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		<title>Traveling- A Way Of Life</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/traveling-a-way-of-life.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/traveling-a-way-of-life.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 Mar 2011 13:52:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kerala]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sweden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=201</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are hardly any individuals who do not like to travel and explore new places. Traveling allows people to study different landscapes and different styles of living. Traveling allows a person to taste different delicacies. There are several individuals who travel far and wide only to study the eating patterns and learn various dishes that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are hardly any individuals who do not like to travel and explore new places. Traveling allows people to study different landscapes and different styles of living. Traveling allows a person to taste different delicacies. There are several individuals who travel far and wide only to study the eating patterns and learn various dishes that are cooked in these areas. Chefs are specially asked to travel the globe to taste different delicacies and master the art of preparing them. These chefs then pass on the culinary expertise to the junior chefs.</p>
<p>Traveling also allows people to collect the best of the best items from that region. Tourists who visit Kerala , India are said to purchase various items made from coconut shells and coir’s as it the specialty there. Tourists, who are visiting Sweden love to taste various chocolates and fondues as it the Swedish specialty. Many travelers buy Swiss watches as they are a masterpiece when it comes to watches.</p>
<p>Traveling allows you to interact with people from different origins and understand them better. There are many people who travel to different countries as a part of cultural exchange programs. Traveling is a way of life. It allows you to introspect. It allows you to fight for survival. It teaches you to enjoy the beauty of nature. It allows running away from stress and experiencing tranquility. Every land has a story to tell, one must be prepared to listen carefully.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=22f53263-89c1-4028-87cc-30ffff305111" alt="" /></div>
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		<title>Could Auto Refinance Loans Be a Good Money Move?</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/could-auto-refinance-loans-be-a-good-money-move.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/could-auto-refinance-loans-be-a-good-money-move.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:44:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Payment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Refinancing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=147</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[These days, everyone is looking for ways to tighten up the budget and stash cash rather than spend it, but those house and car payments don’t look like they’ll be shrinking any time soon. Or will they? You probably already know it’s possible to refinance a mortgage, but did you know it’s possible to refinance [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>These days, everyone is looking for ways to tighten up the budget and stash cash rather than spend it, but those house and car payments don’t look like they’ll be shrinking any time soon. Or will they? You probably already know it’s possible to refinance a mortgage, but did you know it’s possible to refinance your auto loan, too?</p>
<h3><strong>Getting to Know Auto Refinance Loans</strong></h3>
<p>With refinancing, it’s possible for you to take an existing debt and essentially trade the loan in for one with new terms. <a href="http://auto-loans.wellsfargo.com/" target="_blank">Auto refinance loans</a>, like any refinancing, have their positive and negative points, so it’s important to know how auto refinance loans will affect your finances.</p>
<h3><strong>The Pluses</strong></h3>
<p>Refinancing an auto loan has multiple possible benefits, all of which can <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debt_restructuring" target="_blank">positively impact your budget</a>. Here are some of those possible positive outcomes, the reasons you’re probably looking into auto refinance loans in the first place:</p>
<ul>
<li>You may be able to reduce your monthly      payments by taking advantage of improved interest rates.</li>
<li>You may be able to negotiate a different      loan term duration; a longer loan term will spread out and reduce      payments.</li>
<li>You may be able to change from a variable      to a fixed interest rate and vice versa. Both can be good choices      depending on what interest rates are doing and could potentially improve      your payment amount.</li>
</ul>
<p>These are all great reasons to consider auto refinancing, and could give your finances some much needed slack. It’s important to remember that refinancing has its inherent minuses. Take these into consideration before you go loan shopping; you don’t want a credit score hit to take its toll down the road.</p>
<p>You may balk at the idea of refinancing your home, but a smaller auto loan could be something worth looking into. With a little research, you may find it’s a good fit for you and your budget.</p>
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		<title>Used Cars Vs New Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/used-cars-vs-new-cars.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/used-cars-vs-new-cars.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:52:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business and Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=200</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Cars have become an important aspect in everyday life. Cars allow the person to travel from one place to another without much hassle. Car market is divided in two parts, used cars and brand new cars. Many consumers are worried about which car they should buy. Should they opt in for a used car or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Cars have become an important aspect in everyday life. Cars allow the person to travel from one place to another without much hassle. Car market is divided in two parts, used cars and brand new cars. Many consumers are worried about which car they should buy. Should they opt in for a used car or should they splurge on a brand new car. Let us look at pros and cons of each type of car.</p>
<p>When you buy a pre used car, you are definitely going to spend on repairs and maintenance, whereas in most of the new cars the first year maintenance and repair is free. A used car comes fitted with all accessories like the foot mat, the seat covers, the stereo systems, the woofers and the deck. In case of a new car all these accessories need to be purchased. This means you will spend considerable amount on accessorizing your car.</p>
<p>A brand new car is covered under first party insurance, this means that any damage to the car during the accident can be claimed from the insurance company, whereas a second hand car majorly has third party insurance. This means that any damage to the car cannot be claimed from the insurance company. Buying a brand new car means investing a considerable sum of money along with hefty down payment. In case of a second car, the price is almost one third of the original price. The choice is yours.</p>
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		<title>Car: The Comfort Of Traveling</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/car-the-comfort-of-traveling.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/car-the-comfort-of-traveling.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 06 Mar 2011 13:52:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kerala]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sweden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=199</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are hardly any individuals who do not like to travel and explore new places. Traveling allows people to study different landscapes and different styles of living. Traveling allows a person to taste different delicacies. There are several individuals who travel far and wide only to study the eating patterns and learn various dishes that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are hardly any individuals who do not like to travel and explore new places. Traveling allows people to study different landscapes and different styles of living. Traveling allows a person to taste different delicacies. There are several individuals who travel far and wide only to study the eating patterns and learn various dishes that are cooked in these areas. Chefs are specially asked to travel the globe to taste different delicacies and master the art of preparing them. These chefs then pass on the culinary expertise to the junior chefs.</p>
<p>Traveling also allows people to collect the best of the best items from that region. Tourists who visit Kerala , India are said to purchase various items made from coconut shells and coir’s as it the specialty there. Tourists, who are visiting Sweden love to taste various chocolates and fondues as it the Swedish specialty. Many travelers buy Swiss watches as they are a masterpiece when it comes to watches.</p>
<p>Traveling allows you to interact with people from different origins and understand them better. There are many people who travel to different countries as a part of cultural exchange programs. Traveling is a way of life. It allows you to introspect. It allows you to fight for survival. It teaches you to enjoy the beauty of nature. It allows running away from stress and experiencing tranquility. Every land has a story to tell, one must be prepared to listen carefully.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=d6e96dc9-fe96-4372-9e90-e8b1f691ac15" alt="" /></div>
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		<title>Things that Get Car Insurance Discounts</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/things-that-get-car-insurance-discounts.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/things-that-get-car-insurance-discounts.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:21:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Damage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vehicle insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=137</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are very few, very rich people who can afford to buy the car of their dreams, top it up with state of the art accessories and not worry about fuel prices and car insurance costs. However, for the majority of the crowd, all these things matter a lot. People think twice before investing in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">There are very few, very rich people who can afford to buy the car of their dreams, top it up with state of the art accessories and not worry about fuel prices and car insurance costs. However, for the majority of the crowd, all these things matter a lot. People think twice before investing in a brand new car and often end up going for a used one. Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest factors influencing their choice of car. Then there is the stress about getting the car insured! Most people would love to save as much as possible on the cost of getting the car insured so here are a few factors that can get you a discount from the insurance provider:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Some insurance companies provide up to 30% in discounts on Personal Injury Protection if your car has airbags on both the driver and passenger sides as well as automatic seat belts.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">If your anti-theft alarms switches on automatically when you turn off your car, it may get you discount on the comprehensive cover.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">If you are under 25 years of age and have taken a state approved drivers education course then you just might qualify for a discount on Medical Payments, Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Collision Coverage and Personal Injury Protection.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">4.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Certain cars are listed as ‘Safe Cars’ by insurance providers and get a discount for having particular features so check if your car is considered safe by the provider.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">5.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Insurance providers often give a discount if you have more than one car insured with the same policy or have your home and car insured with the same company. See if you can get a package deal!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">6.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">If you have driven for 3 years without a single point being taken off then you could qualify for a discount for safe driving.</span></p>
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		<title>Trouble With Car Payments</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/trouble-with-car-payments.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/trouble-with-car-payments.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:49:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Payment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=57</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Having a car is commonplace for many men and women. It’s the primary method of transportation and Americans would be lost if they didn’t have their car. Of course with this privilege comes a great responsibility to make timely payments for the car. Most people have been making their payments for so long and with [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Having a car is commonplace for many men and women. It’s the primary method of transportation and Americans would be lost if they didn’t have their car. Of course with this privilege comes a great responsibility to make timely payments for the car. Most people have been making their payments for so long and with such little effort that it doesn’t even register in their brains the amount or the frequency. It’s almost like a reflex.</p>
<p>This, of course, stops when an emergency comes up and making that car payment becomes difficult to make. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck with no room in their budget for any emergency to occur. It’s a problem with very little solutions for many so when something like a pet bill, medical bill, or a car repair itself comes up, it can often leave people in a bind. How do you pay your car payment and the emergency bill at the same time?</p>
<p>Many people face this problem and are turning to smaller loan companies like <a href="http://www.greatplainslending.com/">GreatPlainsLending</a>. Companies like these are built for the working class family who comes up with budget issues. These companies are the preferred method of relief because they only require that the person requesting the loan have a steady and stable income and that they pay back the loan in a small window of time with payments that are convenient for them.</p>
<p>For those in the bind with their car they may turn to these loan houses as opposed to traditional banks. The application process only takes minutes as opposed to days and the banks will most normally not consider approving a loan for such a small amount. These companies are flourishing because they are catering to the needs of a customer base that can’t go to a traditional bank. Having a car is a responsibility and when there is a problem paying it, these companies can be the best insurance policy.</p>
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		<title>Most Popular Cars in Chicago</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/most-popular-cars-in-chicago.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/most-popular-cars-in-chicago.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Feb 2011 10:29:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chicago]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kia Ray]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shelby Mustang]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=127</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Chicago is known for a few things: its weather, its deep-dish pizza, and its love of cars. Chicago, since 1903, has been home to the biggest and most lavish auto show in the world. Chicago’s deep devotion to the car has made the auto show a must-attend event for auto makers from every corner of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Chicago is known for a few things: its weather, its deep-dish pizza, and its love of cars. Chicago, since 1903, has been home to the biggest and most lavish auto show in the world. Chicago’s deep devotion to the car has made the auto show a must-attend event for auto makers from every corner of the Earth. Since we’ve already heard about new cars at the <a href="http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/top-10/top-10-most-significant-vehicles-at-the-2011-detroit-auto-show.html">Detroit Auto Show</a>, let’s take a look at the cars that have both captured Chicago’s hearts and their imaginations.</p>
<p><strong><em>1. BMW Alpina B7</em></strong></p>
<p>Few cars are an equal mix of cool for both the stylish driver and the high tech car geek, but the Alpina B7 is just that. With a 500 horsepower V8 engine and the handling that only BMW can make, it’s a car that dazzled Chicagoans on its last visit. It also goes from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. So there’s that little feature.</p>
<p><strong><em>2. Chevy Silvarado HD</em></strong></p>
<p>Chicago is a blue-collar city, and a blue-collar city loves two things: beer and a top-of-the-line pick up truck. Last year Chevy only showed their Silvarado at two auto shows, and Chicago was one of them. This car is as big as it is bad. It can transport 6,000 pounds and pull at least 16,000. What a south-side man would do with that kind of power who knows…and who cares?</p>
<p><strong><em>3. Honda Civic Concept</em></strong></p>
<p>In a city that is as American as apple pie, Chicago sure loves its Japanese cars. This concept car is one of the great cars of the auto show. This year’s model in particular should feature an anti-skid technology that is sure to entice those Chicago drivers who hate the snow.</p>
<p><strong><em>4. Ford Shelby GT500</em></strong></p>
<p>Whether it’s the boys on Harlem avenue, or the guys rolling down Lakeshore   Drive, Ford can be seen virtually everywhere. The Shelby was a hit at last year&#8217;s auto show. It&#8217;s stocked with a 550 horsepower engine and comes in 102 pounds lighter than the previous model. This is one bad machine.</p>
<p><strong><em>5. Land Rover LR2</em></strong></p>
<p>The Land Rover has been popping up all over Chicago streets; one look at this sexy vehicle and it&#8217;s easy to see why. Besides having one of the more powerful SUV’s on the market, it’s also one of the safest. It has an antiskid system, front side air bags, and traction control. Safety and comfort are attractive to every car buyer.</p>
<p><strong><em>6. Kia Ray Concept</em></strong></p>
<p>In a city that increases its green efforts every day, the Kia Ray is the best foot forward. It’s a plug-in sedan. It’s made from recycled parts and has a solar paneled roof. The car can run on 50 miles of electricity and can go over 700 miles before needing a fill up. This makes the Kia not just a good looking car, but a car you can truly feel good about driving.</p>
<p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></p>
<p>These cars aren’t just the toast of the Windy  City, but offer some of the most advanced technology in the world. These are great cars, and the <a href="http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/default.aspx">Chicago Auto Show</a> would know. Which of these top picks are you most interested in? Did your top pick get left out? Post a comment!</p>
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		<title>Customizing Car Performance</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/customizing-car-performance.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/customizing-car-performance.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:21:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parts and Accessories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tire]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=136</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For most people their car is more than just a mode of transportation. They take care of their car like a pet, keeping it immaculately clean and taking it for regular ‘check ups’ or servicing. A lot of people take great pride in customizing their cars often adding a host of accessories that enhance the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">For most people their car is more than just a mode of transportation. They take care of their car like a pet, keeping it immaculately clean and taking it for regular ‘check ups’ or servicing. A lot of people take great pride in customizing their cars often adding a host of accessories that enhance the look of the cars exteriors as well as interiors. There are also several adjustments and fine tuning that boost the performance of a car. If you have in-depth understanding of how a car works then you will know what extra fitting would add to your cars performance. However, if you don’t have the know how and would still like to improve your cars performance then here are some guidelines to keep in mind when customizing your car for performance:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">The body: There are several accessories that go a long way towards improving the aerodynamics of your car in addition to making it look great. Bull bars help saving your car from damage in minor crashes while front bumpers help air to flow over the car reducing drag. Similarly, rear spoilers, despite their name, actually make the car look more like a sports model and help with the aerodynamics too! If you are looking to ramp up your cars body, then do a good deal of research on what accessories are available in the market and how they affect your car’s performance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wheels: People wanting to accessorize their cars often look to install funky and cool looking wheels but fail to consider how it will impact their cars performance. While chrome steel wheels look great, they end up adding weight to the cars leading to increased drag. You can instead go for aluminum wheels that are lighter, have stylish looks and improve your cars performance. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Tires: Tires contribute a lot to the grip your car has on the road and also determine how fast your car can go. Grooved tires have stronger grip while slick ones are meant for fast driving. You should also check out what compounds the tires are made of.</span></p>
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		<title>Keeping your car safe from thieves</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/keeping-your-car-safe-from-thieves.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/keeping-your-car-safe-from-thieves.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:21:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motor vehicle theft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Theft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vehicle]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=135</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It can be a nightmare when you leave you car in your garage or parking lot and come back to find that it’s gone! Car theft is a major crime in the US and can be terrible for the car owner even if they have insurance. People who can afford them install expensive anti-burglary systems [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">It can be a nightmare when you leave you car in your garage or parking lot and come back to find that it’s gone! Car theft is a major crime in the US and can be terrible for the car owner even if they have insurance. People who can afford them install expensive anti-burglary systems in order to keep their cars from getting stolen. However, not everyone can afford such levels of security, especially those who have had to buy used cars because new cars are too expensive. Although not having a security system makes you slightly more vulnerable to thefts, there are some simple steps that you can take to make your car as safe as possible:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Never leave your keys in the car, no matter how small a time you need to be away. Over 20% of all car thefts in the US occur as the owners leave the keys behind!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Always remember to lock your car even if you have parked it in the garage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Spare keys should not be left in the car as a thief is most likely to find them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">4.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Avoid parking in deserted or poorly lit parking lots as they provide the perfect cover for thieves.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">5.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Whenever possible park in places that have attendants or security guards.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">6.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">It is never a good idea to leave your car running, whether it is for a quick stop at the convenience store or to warm it up on a winter morning.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">7.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Thieves often target cars that have valuables stored in them so never leave bags or laptops on the seat of a car, store them away under the seat or where they are not visible.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">8.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">It is always safer to park your car in the garage and not on the curb. You should also remember to lock the garage door as well as your car when you park it for the day.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">9.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Thieves can easily dispose cars that have their registration or title documents in them so keep the title at home and registration with you.</span></p>
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		<title>Buying cars at auctions</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/buying-cars-at-auctions.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/buying-cars-at-auctions.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:21:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Auction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=134</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The economies around the world may be recovering but the cost of new cars still remains sky high. People who had suffered at the hands of lay offs and salary cuts are still struggling to get their finances back in control and hesitate to invest in a brand new car. This is one of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">The economies around the world may be recovering but the cost of new cars still remains sky high. People who had suffered at the hands of lay offs and salary cuts are still struggling to get their finances back in control and hesitate to invest in a brand new car. This is one of the reasons why the used cars business is flourishing more than ever.  However, demand for used cars has led to the prices of second hand cars increasing as well. It is in such a scenario where buying cars at an auction becomes a great idea! Here are a few ways that you can buy a car at an auction:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Use the internet: There are several sites that provide online auctions of cars. These may be dedicated sites or sites like Ebay that offer a wide range of products including cars. You can look at the specifications and photographs of cars being offered by people for auction. You can bid for a car that matches what you are looking for and you can get an offer to close the deal if your bid is the highest. As cars are more expensive than ordinary products, most sites give you the option on first checking out the car in real before your deal is considered sealed. Check out the terms and conditions of online car auction sites to be on the safe side though!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government Auctions: Government vehicles as well as cars seized by the police for various reasons are regularly put up for auction to the public. You are allowed to take a look at the vehicles although you can’t test drive them. If you have a good eye for cars and spot one in good condition, then you might get some great deals at this form of auctions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Public Auctions: These are similar to online auctions but are held in actual physical locations and you have to attend them in person. Competition between bidders often leads to prices rising quickly for popular cars but these can be great places to pick up rarer models!</span></p>
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		<title>10 Tips to cut fuel costs</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/10-tips-to-cut-fuel-costs.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/10-tips-to-cut-fuel-costs.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:21:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automotive industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compact car]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fuel efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hybrid vehicle]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=133</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest factors that people consider before buying a car, especially since the gas prices have hit the roof! People are hesitant to purchase luxury or high end cars as they are known to consume more fuel than smaller compact cars. Major car manufacturers are launching hybrid cars that help [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest factors that people consider before buying a car, especially since the gas prices have hit the roof! People are hesitant to purchase luxury or high end cars as they are known to consume more fuel than smaller compact cars. Major car manufacturers are launching hybrid cars that help people conserve a lot of fuel. While some people would like a fuel efficient car because they care about the environment and its fast depleting natural resources, most of the time saving fuel is all about saving money! So here are a few tips on how you can reduce your expenses on fuel:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Plan your outings well so that you can complete multiple tasks on a single drive instead of going out for each individual work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Air conditioning requires a lot of fuel so use the car’s air conditioner only when necessary. If you can be comfortable with the air conditioning switched off and windows rolled down, do so! Keeping the air conditioner running on a low setting will also save fuel and so will turning it off once the car has cooled down.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Make sure you car is well maintained as cars in bad shape consume more fuel.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">4.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Avoid rush hours whenever possible as driving in traffic takes up more fuel than a free flowing ride.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">5.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Open widows at high speed increase drag and requires the car’s engine to work harder and use more fuel so keep the windows rolled up if you are travelling fast.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">6.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Weight impacts a car’s fuel efficiency too so don’t stack up unnecessary items in your car especially if they are heavy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">7.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Turning off your car when stuck in traffic or waiting at a long signal will save more fuel than idling it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">8.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Accelerating while in low gears may be great for drag racing but is terrible for fuel conservation. Change gears without stressing the engine and you can save a lot in cash!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">9.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Compare a car’s mileage with its competitors before purchase.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">10.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Always remain within the speed limit!</span></p>
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		<title>Add Ons to a Car’s Cost</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/add-ons-to-a-car%e2%80%99s-cost.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/add-ons-to-a-car%e2%80%99s-cost.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:21:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=132</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are looking to buy a new car, you will go through several dealerships and look at a host of models before zeroing in on the model that you like the most. However, once you have selected a car of your choice, then starts the process of getting the best price for it. While [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">If you are looking to buy a new car, you will go through several dealerships and look at a host of models before zeroing in on the model that you like the most. However, once you have selected a car of your choice, then starts the process of getting the best price for it. While you may want to get the best bargain out of a car dealer, there are certain factors, the knowledge of which can help you strike a better deal. The sales price of a car consists of many things, some of which can be used by the dealer to make bigger profit. That, however, means that you end up paying more than you should! So here is a list of things you should check up on before bargaining with a car salesman:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">The Monroney Sticker: Way back in 1958, Oklahoma Senator Almer Monroney backed by the National Automobile Dealer’s Association and Detroit manufacturers, helped in the passing of a law that made it mandatory for new cars to carry a sales sticker. This sticker informed you of retail price suggested by the manufacturer as well as a list of features already installed by the manufacturer before the car was delivered to the dealer. This helps in preventing any kind of fraud or malpractice regarding the retail price and add ons on the part of the car dealer.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">False Stickers: Dealer sometimes place a sticker of their own next to the Monroney sticker and try to pass it off as the original. In addition to mentioning accessories installed by the dealer, this sticker may include costs such as Additional Dealer Markup (ADM) or Additional Dealer Profit (ADP) that are fully negotiable by the customer. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Fees for Documentation: Dealers often add a ‘Document Fee’ which they say is payment for getting the vehicle title, plate and registration done and also other activities like checking for recalls. This fee can range anywhere from $30 to $500! Although you can’t have this cost reduced, you can keep it in mind while bargaining the over all price.</span></p>
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		<title>Lexus’ Program for Certified Used Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/lexus-program-for-certified-used-cars.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/lexus-program-for-certified-used-cars.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Jan 2011 16:40:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lexus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lexus LFA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=115</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is sometimes wise to purchase a used car from a new car dealer. Let us take a look at the certified used car program offered by Lexus. It has several advantages and apprises customers about the qualifications required for certification. Qualifications to be Certified as a Lexus Used Car Like all car manufacturers, Lexus [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2007_Lexus_LF-A_concept.jpg"><img title="Lexus LF-A" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/2007_Lexus_LF-A_concept.jpg/300px-2007_Lexus_LF-A_concept.jpg" alt="Lexus LF-A" width="300" height="173" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>It is sometimes wise to purchase a used car from a new car dealer. Let us take a look at the certified used car program offered by Lexus. It has several advantages and apprises customers about the qualifications required for certification.</p>
<p><strong>Qualifications to be Certified as a Lexus Used Car</strong></p>
<p>Like all car manufacturers, Lexus sets its own standards and criteria for certification. As per these criteria, the Lexus vehicle must be less than six years old, and must have logged less than seventy thousand miles. Moreover, the car should pass the 161-point mechanical as well as appearance inspection conducted by Lexus professionals.</p>
<p><strong>Warranty Coverage of Lexus Used Car Certification</strong></p>
<p>Most car manufacturers consider warranty to begin when the car is put into is first service. Lexus’ warranty lasts for three years after the used car is purchased, or a hundred thousand miles logged, which ever happens first.</p>
<p>Lexus offers no covered repairs, and also offers a loan car if the car is in the workshop for an entire working day. Moreover, Lexus also provides free assistance if a car breaks down on the road. The certified warranty covers engine, transmission, axles, steering, brakes, fuel and cooling systems, air conditioning, heating, electrical, safety systems, accessories and wheels. What it does not cover are brake pads and rotors.</p>
<p><strong>Advantages of a Purchasing a Used Certified Lexus</strong></p>
<p>A used certified Lexus can be purchased at lower financing rates. The parts used for reconditioning will be genuine. The car’s history report will be genuine, and report any accidents or problems that the car may have had. Tyres and brakes will be guaranteed to be appropriate. Reconditioning would have been done by the Lexus professional mechanics.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>
<p>There are several advantages of buying a used Lexus with a certified value. It is best to explore this option, along side others, before making your purchase of a used car.</p>
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		<title>Volkswagen’s Program for Certified Used Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/volkswagen%e2%80%99s-program-for-certified-used-cars.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/volkswagen%e2%80%99s-program-for-certified-used-cars.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:40:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carfax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vehicle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Volkswagen]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=114</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is sometimes wise to purchase a used car from a new car dealer. Let us take a look at the certified used car program offered by Volkswagen. It has several advantages and can turn out to be a deal better than that of a non-certified used vehicle. Qualifications to be Certified as a Volkswagen [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is sometimes wise to purchase a used car from a new car dealer. Let us take a look at the certified used car program offered by Volkswagen. It has several advantages and can turn out to be a deal better than that of a non-certified used vehicle.</p>
<p><strong>Qualifications to be Certified as a Volkswagen Used Car</strong></p>
<p>Like all car manufacturers, Volkswagen sets its own standards and criteria for certification. As per the criteria, the vehicle should not be older than five years. It must have logged less than seventy five thousand miles. It must pass a 112-point mechanical as well as appearance inspection conducted by Volkswagen’s professional mechanics. The vehicle must adhere to the Carfax report and maintain a clean title.</p>
<p><strong>Warranty Coverage of Volkswagen Used Car Certification</strong></p>
<p>Most car manufacturers consider warranty to begin when the car is put into its first service. Volkswagen’s warranty lasts for two years after the used car is purchased, or twenty four thousand miles logged, which ever happens first.</p>
<p>Volkswagen offers no covered repairs; the warranty covers manufacturing defects, not regular wear and tear. Volkswagen also honors existing warranties that come with a new car, and carried forward when the car is sold.</p>
<p><strong>Advantages of Purchasing a Used Certified Volkswagen</strong></p>
<p>Buying a certified Volkswagen used car has additional advantages. The buyer gets additional warranty coverage and lower financing rates. The buyer is also assured genuine parts when the vehicle is reconditioned. It also comes with a free Carfax report. The inspection and reconditioning of the car is done by Volkswagen’s professional mechanics. Volkswagen also provides free assistance in case of a breakdown on the road, for two years.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>
<p>There are several advantages of buying a used Volkswagen with a certified value. When purchasing a used car, rest assured of the authenticity of the deal.</p>
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		<title>Used Car Buying Tips</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/used-car-buying-tips.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/used-car-buying-tips.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:40:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used good]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=113</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are number of things that you should look out for when buying a used car. To start with first do your research on what car you want to buy. The key factor that you should find out is the current market value for the car that you are eyeing on. This will give you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are number of things that you should look out for when buying a used car. To start with first do your research on what car you want to buy. The key factor that you should find out is the current market value for the car that you are eyeing on. This will give you a good picture of the price that you should be paying for the car and for that particular model. Before you go to a used car dealer, make sure you make a checklist of things that you want to check on the car before you decide on buying the car.</p>
<p>The things that you should do homework on are the dealer from whom you are buying the car, the price that you are willing to pay, how many years has the car been used, what make the car is of, the exterior and interior color and condition and definitely the mileage of the car as this sums up for a lot of things giving you an idea of how new or old the car could be.</p>
<p>It will always be better to involve your friends when you are looking for a used car, this way you will cover more ground quicker and also get different opinions on the car that you want to buy. Make sure that you spend enough time on scouting for the right car at the right price so that you don’t repent after spending the money on the car. Make sure that the car goes through your self-made checklist and passes it. You should also take note on the dealer from whom you are dealing with. Use references and previous customers of the dealer to find out about the genuine quality of the cars they sell and if they are at the right price. Little homework to find the right car is the best way to buy a used car</p>
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		<title>A Good Credit Report Saves You Money When Buying a New Car</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/a-good-credit-report-saves-you-money-when-buying-a-new-car.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/a-good-credit-report-saves-you-money-when-buying-a-new-car.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:09:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit score]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=55</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There should be a class in high school teaching kids about the importance of keeping their credit clean and paying their bills on time. Many youth entering college have fallen victim to getting credit cards, maxing them out, failing to make payments and suffering for years as they try to build back their credit score. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There should be a class in high school teaching kids about the importance of keeping their <a href="http://www.ehow.com/facts_5827917_companies-credit-checks-before-hiring_.html">credit clean</a> and paying their bills on time. Many youth entering college have fallen victim to getting credit cards, maxing them out, failing to make payments and suffering for years as they try to build back their credit score.</p>
<p>Of the major purchases that people make in their lives, a car is one of the first and one of the biggest. It is the vehicle to freedom for many young people, the method to get to and from work, and one of the first big things that people tend to finance.</p>
<p>Your <a title="A Good Credit Report Saves You Money When Buying a New Car " href="http://www.starreviews.com/credit-report-service-reviews.aspx" target="_blank">credit report</a> and credit score will ultimately be the deciding factor in how much you pay for the car you purchase. Lenders look at your credit score to determine what kind of customer you would be. If you don’t pay your bills on time or have overdue bills of any kind, you will be considered a high risk client. If you pay your bills on time and have a clean credit report, these lenders will look at you as a person who is likely to pay a car payment on time each month.</p>
<p>For high risk candidates, the options are limited to not being able to secure a loan or getting a loan with a very high interest rate. Low risk candidates are going to get lower financing rates and perhaps even the option to lease the car, which lowers the interest rates even more.</p>
<p>Ultimately, over the life of your car loan, high interest can tack on several thousand dollars as you pay off the car.</p>
<p>Here are a couple of hints to have your credit report in good standing:<br />
• Pay your bills on time<br />
• Get a credit card, but pay it off every month<br />
• Stay out of debt if at all possible<br />
• Check your credit score to know where you stand</p>
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		<title>Smart Cars with Smart Safety</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/smart-cars-with-smart-safety.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/smart-cars-with-smart-safety.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:40:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=112</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Smart cars are one of the biggest crazes in the chic cities all over the world. The smart cars are smaller and can easily cut through traffic and are environmental friendly than any other car. They are light and easy to maneuver. But when in real life on the streets, it all comes down to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Smart_car_alloy.jpg"><img title="A picture of my own Smart car." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ea/Smart_car_alloy.jpg/300px-Smart_car_alloy.jpg" alt="A picture of my own Smart car." width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>Smart cars are one of the biggest crazes in the chic cities all over the world. The smart cars are smaller and can easily cut through traffic and are environmental friendly than any other car. They are light and easy to maneuver. But when in real life on the streets, it all comes down to how safe the car is. Due to their light weight many might think that they don’t really stand a chance against the bigger and heftier vehicles that are nearly twice their size and also twice their weight. But the smart cars have smart safety features.  They have the active and passive safety features. The ABS and Electronic Stability Program gives the driver a true piece of mind while driving these cars in decent speeds without worrying about skidding out. The US board ran it though many tests before accepting it.</p>
<p>The passive features of safety include the inbuilt safety features. The front airbags and the side airbags, with the seat belt sensors you can adjust yourself in an instant without any discomfort. It also has steel bumpers in the front and back. The car is made of tough material to withstand high impact collisions and also to protect the passengers and driver inside the car.</p>
<p>Most these smart cars got a good passing raging in the NCAP in Europe. Though not up to the level of other heavier vehicles right now, smart cars are getting there slowly. They are able to pass the safety aspects of almost any country at least with low set of ratings; the considerable point is that they pass the tests. On an overall basis, the smart cars still need some improvements to improve the efficiency of the car. As long as you are driving inside the city limits, this car is best suited.</p>
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		<title>Automobile Crash Safety</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/automobile-crash-safety.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/automobile-crash-safety.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:40:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=111</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Anyone before buying a car must give a good deal of priority to the safety aspects of the vehicle. Especially if you are planning to buy a family car, then you have to spend additional time on choosing the car that offers maximum safety. Since the 1990s, vehicle safety has improved drastically giving consumer many [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2005_Mitsubishi_Lancer_ES_IIHS.jpg"><img title="Crash-tested 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer photograph..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/2005_Mitsubishi_Lancer_ES_IIHS.jpg/300px-2005_Mitsubishi_Lancer_ES_IIHS.jpg" alt="Crash-tested 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer photograph..." width="300" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>Anyone before buying a car must give a good deal of priority to the safety aspects of the vehicle. Especially if you are planning to buy a family car, then you have to spend additional time on choosing the car that offers maximum safety. Since the 1990s, vehicle safety has improved drastically giving consumer many options to choose. The NHTSA conducts many-controlled crash tests on the new cars that launches into the market and gives each car ratings based on how it performs under the crash conditions that is set by them. These tests usually cover all the safety aspects of the car including for all the passengers and driver inside the vehicle. They have rates in several areas out of five. A maximum of five stars given when the safety conditions are highest and a one star given when the safety aspect is lowest. Even if the safety aspect is low, they should still meet the minimum set requirements established by the NHTSA.</p>
<p>The website offers all the details about the tests conducted on the cars since 1990. Inside the five star safety ratings link, you can choose the new or older models that are available. Then you can enter the class, year, make and model of the car to get the exact ratings of the car that you are looking for. However, the newer models will definitely have more and better collected information when compared to older ones. This is due to the improved technology used to test the crash results. Today’s crash tests provides more accurate results and also many other aspects are brought into consideration each year, thus updating the requirements of the safety standard and thereby improving the overall standard of the vehicle that the end consumer will be driving in the future. The new cars are fairing much better even with stricter crash testing standards.</p>
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		<title>What is Nissan Up To?</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/what-is-nissan-up-to.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/what-is-nissan-up-to.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:14:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clothing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marc Ecko]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nissan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nissan Motors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nissan Pathfinder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=42</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Self-made millionaire, Mark Ecko, is the founder and chief designer of the Ecko clothing company. The company began humbly, but quickly evolved into one of the very best clothing companies in the world. Everyone from everyday school kids, to celebrities in both music and film were sporting the Ecko look. But Mark [...]]]></description>
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<dl class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:99-04_Nissan_Pathfinder.jpg"><img title="2002 Nissan Pathfinder photographed in Fort Wa..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/99-04_Nissan_Pathfinder.jpg/300px-99-04_Nissan_Pathfinder.jpg" alt="2002 Nissan Pathfinder photographed in Fort Wa..." width="300" height="204" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:99-04_Nissan_Pathfinder.jpg">Wikipedia</a></dd>
</dl>
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</div>
<p>Self-made millionaire, Mark Ecko, is the founder and chief designer of the Ecko clothing company. The company began humbly, but quickly evolved into one of the very best clothing companies in the world. Everyone from everyday school kids, to celebrities in both music and film were sporting the Ecko look.</p>
<p>But Mark Ecko isn’t comfortable just doing clothes. The man has a passion for stepping outside of himself and exploring something different. This came to be in 2006 when he designed a <a href="http://jalopnik.com/211098/marc-ecko-nissan-pathfinder-revealed">Nissan Pathfinder</a> that put the car company back on the map.</p>
<p>Nissan had been one of the biggest car companies for years, but it had fallen on hard times. Nissan was getting outsold and it wasn’t until Ecko came in did that company begin to breathe life again. In 2006, his Nissan Pathfinder not only increased the company’s sales, but it also brought them world wide attention.</p>
<p>Of course, fans of Mark <a href="http://www.sojones.com/hiphop-clothing/ecko/">Ecko</a> began wondering when it was that he might hook up with the car company again. After all, that success only deserved a repeat performance. Still, since 2006 there hasn’t been any talk between the two parties (at least nothing publicly) that would indicate they are going to be working together soon.</p>
<p>However, in recent months, rumors of a new car are running rampant on the Internet. There have been videos on WSJ that show Mark Ecko getting his car <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_customization">customized</a> by a third party company. Now there are those out there wondering if he is starting to do some preliminary research about what kind of features he would like on the new car. It’s quite possible considering he is a smart business man and he knows that people want to see the car again. If he can pull it off he’ll be looked at as not only a leader of fashion, but a leader in the auto industry as well.</p>
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		<title>Car Safety and Reliability Ratings for Free</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/car-safety-and-reliability-ratings-for-free.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/car-safety-and-reliability-ratings-for-free.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:40:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=110</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The CARFAX history does not appear or the mid of a car buyer until the last moment, that is not until the time of decision making about buying the car or not. However there are several stages the car buyer has to pass through before coming to the final decision making stage. There are surfeit [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9161595@N03/4081769790"><img title="Jaguar 3.8 S: 3/4 front view" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4081769790_45ae616a29_m.jpg" alt="Jaguar 3.8 S: 3/4 front view" width="240" height="160" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Chris Devers via Flickr</p></div>
</div>
<p>The CARFAX history does not appear or the mid of a car buyer until the last moment, that is not until the time of decision making about buying the car or not. However there are several stages the car buyer has to pass through before coming to the final decision making stage. There are surfeit choices of the cars that they can choose from. There are various modes, various types, new cars and old cars with many branches under each. Especially while going for a pre-owned vehicle, the vehicle’s reputation will definitely help you narrow down your search. No one will want to buy a car that turned out to be a complete failure in the car market. This will help to completely avoid even thinking about such cars, saving you considerable time that you can spend on the other vehicles.</p>
<p>Car buyers use the CARFAX Safety and Reliability offered service to narrow down their search for used cars. The company offers the safety and reliability ratings for the vehicles that have been manufactured from the year 1991 to the present day, name it and they will have it. Once the car buyer can locate the vehicle in CARFAX’s service, then they can get all the related data and information about the vehicle at their fingers. The company offers reports from highway crash test results, low speed damage repair to Safety recalls.</p>
<p>These vehicle reports prove to be of help to the used car buyers to a great extent as it gives them all the details that they could possibly need about the car. Also this gives them ample time to consider about the car rather than waiting to see the car in live and then deciding on it. They can move on if they don’t like the reports about the car saving them time and quickening the process of buying a used car.</p>
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		<title>Car Safety and Aftermarket Products</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/car-safety-and-aftermarket-products.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/car-safety-and-aftermarket-products.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:32:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aftermarket (automotive)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car seat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manufacturing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=97</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whether you are a driver or a passenger, the safety that the car gives is what you rely upon when you get into it. Sometimes the fancy things that you add to your car might not be the best for your car especially in terms of safety. Safety is of the utmost importance to a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Whether you are a driver or a passenger, the safety that the car gives is what you rely upon when you get into it. Sometimes the fancy things that you add to your car might not be the best for your car especially in terms of safety. Safety is of the utmost importance to a parent who is taking their child along. There are many aftermarket products that are available promising provide better safety to you and your child but might actually end up hurting. Though many are available in the market, not all are approved by the car sear manufacturing companies. The aftermarket products that are sold apart from the car seats separately like the toys that are placed inside the car, or some kind of positioning and tightening device or even the thermal covers that are bought to keep the heat away are not completely safe and cannot be relied upon. Majority of these products would not have undergone quality tests and might not deliver what they promise.</p>
<p>In every car seat manual, there is one thing that is stated as prime ultimate – not to use aftermarket products on the seat as they could disrupt the integrity that the seat offers originally. When the user violates this message and uses aftermarket products, then the warranty for the seat covers becomes void and will not stand of any use to you. There are a number of accessories available for the children who are travelling in the vehicle. But many of them might actually injure the tender children in some way or the other. The seat belt positioners which are actually supposed to hold the seat belts at the place you want them to be, actually could be rubbing against the soft skin of your child and causing damage to it. So is the case with many other products. You should take extreme care while using or if possible avoid them all.</p>
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		<title>Pictures Help Your Car Crash Claim</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/pictures-help-your-car-crash-claim.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/pictures-help-your-car-crash-claim.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:32:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traffic collision]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=96</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The very first step that you should take when your car is crashed is to immediately consult a car crash accident lawyer. Also make sure that the lawyer that you are consulting has a vast experience in the automobile accident claims and also be qualified legally to represent your claiming in the court. The first [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23562295@N00/344717013"><img title="The car that killed the motorcycle rider" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/344717013_0efaad59f7_m.jpg" alt="The car that killed the motorcycle rider" /></a></div>
<p>The very first step that you should take when your car is crashed is to immediately consult a car crash accident lawyer. Also make sure that the lawyer that you are consulting has a vast experience in the automobile accident claims and also be qualified legally to represent your claiming in the court. The first thing that they will ask for is the photos that were taken immediately after the crash occurred as they prove to be proof for the crash incident. If you don’t immediately respond legally to the claimant then the situation might worsen with them placing unsubstantiated accusations over you.  So it is always good to leave these things in the hands of the experienced. You can also use the internet to find a suitable lawyer to fit your bill.</p>
<p>The lawyer that the claimant hires should know all about the crash scene with special reference to the time of crash. The lawyer will all the crucial details such as location of the crash, witness statements, road layout, direction of traffic and many other things. These are very crucial to support your claim as these evidences might not be still existent at the time the trial is taking place. Using these, the court could reconstruct the crash scene and will also be considering a lot of factors such as traffic lights at the time of crash, the traffic density during the crash, the weather conditions among many other things. It doesn’t matter with which the pictures are taken, it can also be taken with a camera in the cell phone as that could be what is available at the instance of the crash to make immediate recordings of the how the crash happened and the damage that was sustained by the cars involved and other things. Your claim might solely rest on these evidences that you produce</p>
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		<title>The Safety of an SUV</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/the-safety-of-an-suv.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/the-safety-of-an-suv.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 06:04:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nissan Rogue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nissan Sentra]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sport utility vehicle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toyota Corolla]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toyota RAV4]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=53</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you want to protect your family, there is nothing better than an SUV for doing so. Sitting higher than most cars, you can ride both stylishly and safely. Here are a few great SUVs for keeping your family as safe as humanly possible. Cadillac Escalade This seven seat beauty is more than just a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you want to protect your family, there is nothing better than an SUV for doing so. Sitting higher than most cars, you can ride both stylishly and safely. Here are a few great SUVs for keeping your family as safe as humanly possible.</p>
<p><strong>Cadillac Escalade</strong></p>
<p>This seven seat beauty is more than just a high caliber status symbol. It also boasts a five out of five safety rating, and seven seats- so you can carry your entire family, and a few of your children&#8217;s friends as well. In a beast like this, your worst problem is going to be getting the best <a href="http://www.freeinsurancequotes.org/">insurance quotes</a>. So make sure you check out plenty of them.</p>
<p><strong>GMC Envoy</strong></p>
<p>With ABS as a standard feature and stability control options, you will always be able to keep control of your Envoy. Being able to keep control is critical when you go out there among all of the crazies on the road. So the Envoy is a solid vehicle for keeping safe. And on top of that, it&#8217;s even a good choice for towing, due to its truck underpinnings. And with a 22-gallon gas tank and a 4-liter V6 engine (with estimated 19 miles per gallon on the highway), you won&#8217;t have to worry about a lack of power, or running dry out in the middle of nowhere, either.</p>
<p><strong>Infiniti QX 56</strong></p>
<p>This bad boy is a truck through and through. But you won&#8217;t feel like you are trying to muscle around a big rig when you are taking your kids to and from soccer practice. With air suspension, the ride is super easy. And with its seven person seating capacity and five star safety ratings, you can carry everyone that you love inboth great comfort and perfectsafety. After all, being able to get where you are going without incident is great. But this is your family. They deserve the best you can give them, right?</p>
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		<title>Things to Remember While Buying a Car</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/things-to-remember-while-buying-a-car.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/things-to-remember-while-buying-a-car.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:32:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=95</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyone will want to buy a new car at one time or another. Shopping for an old car is one thing, but when you are buying a new car, it is entirely a different game. The best way will be to use a guide about buying cars. Though buying a car always gives the excitation [...]]]></description>
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<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0dk19z4e384yw?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0dk19z4e384yw&amp;utm_campaign=z1"><img title="WOLFSBURG, GERMANY - AUGUST 31:  German Financ..." src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dk19z4e384yw/150x100.jpg" alt="WOLFSBURG, GERMANY - AUGUST 31:  German Financ..." width="150" height="100" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Getty Images via @daylife</p></div>
</div>
<p>Everyone will want to buy a new car at one time or another. Shopping for an old car is one thing, but when you are buying a new car, it is entirely a different game. The best way will be to use a guide about buying cars. Though buying a car always gives the excitation and thrill, you have to calm down so that you do not look over the fine prints. You should know to see if the car has a high interest finance bundle to if it the car is genuine of stolen. Following a few simple rules will help you from causing a disaster when buying a car.</p>
<p>Before you enter any showroom, make sure you do some homework. Check out the manufacturer’s top newest deals for the car that you want to buy. Try not to stick to a single manufacturer, keep yourself open to a good car from any manufacturer. Whether you want to or not, always take the car for a test drive. A test drive of minimum 20 minutes will tell you a lot about the vehicle. Drive it through different terrains to see how the car responds at different situations.</p>
<p>When it finally comes down to the topic of choosing finance for the car that you want to buy, make sure that you spend enough time deciding on the details of the finance. You do not necessarily have to fix with the finance that the car dealer offers, there could be other options where you can get your car financed for a much lesser interest. Make sure that the dealer is giving you some free things like car floor mats and other stuff. Though these are not big, they could definitely save you some money and time that you will spend looking out on your own.</p>
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		<title>The All New Ford Fiesta Review</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/the-all-new-ford-fiesta-review.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/the-all-new-ford-fiesta-review.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:32:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ford Fiesta]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Imagine a car that is fuel efficient and stylish to attract the eyes of everyone in the streets, then you better set your eyes on the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta. It can be generously called as the best fuel efficient and affordable car that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket in any way. The [...]]]></description>
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<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32409497@N07/4461976074"><img title="Fiesta Sedan (1)" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4461976074_36d6a98025_m.jpg" alt="Fiesta Sedan (1)" width="240" height="160" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Ford APA via Flickr</p></div>
</div>
<p>Imagine a car that is fuel efficient and stylish to attract the eyes of everyone in the streets, then you better set your eyes on the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta. It can be generously called as the best fuel efficient and affordable car that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket in any way. The car is the best in its class in all features.</p>
<p>Safety features in the car are top technology. The car offers seven airbags placed ideally to prevent its passengers both front and back from getting hurt. It also includes the driver knee airbag that is beneath the steering column to provide complete protection to the driver which is not available in most other cars. The Post-Crash Alert system is automatically engaged when the airbags get deployed when a crash occurs.</p>
<p>The car though small in size is not small in features. The car gives you a little more pep than what you would expect from a regular small car. Because of its highly affordable price tag of around $13,300 there are a number of customers lining up to buy the car. The car is built on a light, high strength frame made of boron steel to keep the car sturdy and strong yet fuel efficient.</p>
<p>With its sporty aerodynamic flair, the car attracts people from all age group as it combines fuel efficiency with style. You can customize the interiors of the car to make it completely unique and your own. You can add remote button start system for your car, or an LCD message center inside your Fiesta, make the interior look posh and make the ambience that you like to be in. the optional super economy package gives you the car more aerodynamically crafted so that it offers better fuel efficiency in city and on highways.</p>
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		<title>Virtual Crash Test Dummies for Accurate Results</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/virtual-crash-test-dummies-for-accurate-results.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/virtual-crash-test-dummies-for-accurate-results.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:32:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crash test dummy]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The days when the auto-making giants relied on the plastic dummies that were made of plastic and metal are over these have now become outdated. These dummies were not able to give exact results and were not up to the mark to compare to humans actually driving the cars. This led to the Global Human [...]]]></description>
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<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IIHS_crash_test_dummy_in_Hyundai_Tucson.jpg"><img title="Crash test dummy in a 2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS ..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/IIHS_crash_test_dummy_in_Hyundai_Tucson.jpg/300px-IIHS_crash_test_dummy_in_Hyundai_Tucson.jpg" alt="Crash test dummy in a 2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS ..." width="300" height="466" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>The days when the auto-making giants relied on the plastic dummies that were made of plastic and metal are over these have now become outdated. These dummies were not able to give exact results and were not up to the mark to compare to humans actually driving the cars. This led to the Global Human Body Models Consortium that came into formation by an elite group of international automakers like the Chrysler, GM, Hyundai Motor, Ford, Honda, Renault, PSA Peugeot-Citroen, Nissan motors and Toyota. The dummy created by the consortium was not made of any materialistic substance, but was virtual, with extreme detailing to every part of the human body and its reproduction. The consortium to design the virtual dummy as well used not only adults, but also children. This way the dummy detailed even to the internal organs and their reactions.</p>
<p>Advanced techniques like the Computerized Topography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and laser surface scanning came to use in par with other engineering techniques. For example, the CAD came to use for complete reproduction with a high level of detailing and accuracy.</p>
<p>The reason for creating such crash test dummy is that only they can come to use for performing such life threating crashes to find how the vehicle performs on a crash and what impact it has on the passengers who are travelling. This will help the companies a great extent to improve their design based on the studied results from the crash tests. Moreover using a human is not safe for crash tests. Crash test dummies designed earlier were simple and unrefined. However, with the improvement in technology, there is a great need for refinement as this involves lives. The success and failure of an automobile also bases on the safety features that the automobile offers to its passengers.</p>
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		<title>Enterprise Car Rental for Used Car Purchase</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/enterprise-car-rental-for-used-car-purchase.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/enterprise-car-rental-for-used-car-purchase.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:32:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car rental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Enterprise Holdings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[used cars]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Enterprise car rental is one of America’s leading used car sellers with many branches spread all over the country. The company sells over 120 makes of used cars which can be seen at the company website. That is where you get to choose from their fleet of 700,000 cars out of which some were obtained [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SkodaSuperbII.jpg"><img title="A Škoda Superb II car." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/SkodaSuperbII.jpg/300px-SkodaSuperbII.jpg" alt="A Škoda Superb II car." width="300" height="212" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>Enterprise car rental is one of America’s leading used car sellers with many branches spread all over the country. The company sells over 120 makes of used cars which can be seen at the company website. That is where you get to choose from their fleet of 700,000 cars out of which some were obtained by auctions also. This is a one stop shop where you can check out for newer models that have become available at a bargain price just for you. About the car’s safety and quality aspects, you don’t have to break a sweat as the company does it all for you, interior through exterior, the engine condition, brakes, transmissions and also the electrical of the car.</p>
<p>The cars that are available here comes with a free vehicle history allowing you to go through the car’s entire history from the time it was first purchased to till date so that you can make sure that the car is clean. The customers have to pay the price quoted on the website as they are the minimum price that can be ever set for the car. These are decided by the in house experts at enterprise car rental who put the needs of the customers as the top priority.</p>
<p>There are various options that are available at the company for the car that you want to buy. It ranges from discounts that are especially available for you, the car loan and service packages based on the years or mileage of the car once you buy the car. There is also the seven day repurchase agreement which will exclude the documentation and cleaning fee and road side assistance covered by the AAA so that you can travel at peace feeling secure that you are backed up the company that sold the car to you.</p>
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		<title>The Importance of Crash Test Videos</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/the-importance-of-crash-test-videos.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/the-importance-of-crash-test-videos.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:38:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crash Test Dummies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crash test dummy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Motors]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Crash test videos are shown in slow motion not to be dramatic, but to display the full scope of the impact, so it can be studied and evaluated. Being able to study these videos from all angles allows for evaluating what was right and wrong during the crash. The vehicle attaches to a tow-line which [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Crash test videos are shown in slow motion not to be dramatic, but to display the full scope of the impact, so it can be studied and evaluated. Being able to study these videos from all angles allows for evaluating what was right and wrong during the crash. The vehicle attaches to a tow-line which has can showcase a variety of speeds. This method places safeguards for testers and guarantees uniformity in tests.</p>
<p>A number of pictures are taken of the vehicle prior to the crash. Measurements are created from many elements, which could shift following the collision. Cross-hairs and distinctive labels placed in a circle are put into the vehicle. This makes for visible reference points for establishing different speeds and measurements before, during and after a crash.</p>
<p>The idea behind simulated crashes is not to analyze a vehicle&#8217;s survival rate, but rather to analyze the driver and passengers survival rate. Not one inch of the vehicle goes undetected. Every single aspect gets studied. Whether it is fire risks from what leaks out of the vehicle, or the functioning of doors to see if occupants can get out or get rescue crews inside.</p>
<p>The crash-test dummy, otherwise known as The Hybrid III Biofidelic Anthropomorphic Test Device gets positioned inside the vehicle in almost exact ways that humans would be sitting. The crash-test dummy was created by General Motors during the late 1970&#8242;s. Although there have minor tweaks and versions of the Hybrid III, it is fundamentally built the same way it was thirty years ago.</p>
<p>Regardless of the collision, the most crucial factor is the measurements. Every measurement gets compared to reference values that assess injury to humans. Safety ratings are given out by the government based on these findings. Vehicles receive five stars for a front-crash only if the crash-test dummies demonstrate a serious injury of less than eleven percent resulting from the crash. Crash-test dummies and videos provide invaluable information.</p>
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		<title>4 Steps to Make Your Best Deal on a New Car</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/4-steps-to-make-your-best-deal-on-a-new-car.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/4-steps-to-make-your-best-deal-on-a-new-car.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:37:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Suggested retail price]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;re middle-aged like me, you may remember the days when shopping for a new car was a game heavily weighted in the dealer&#8217;s favor. Back then, it was difficult if not impossible to find the dealer&#8217;s true cost on a vehicle. Most often, the deal you got on the car was determined by how [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;re middle-aged like me, you may remember the days when shopping for a new car was a game heavily weighted in the dealer&#8217;s favor. Back then, it was difficult if not impossible to find the dealer&#8217;s true cost on a vehicle. Most often, the deal you got on the car was determined by how good you were at negotiating. Today the game has changed. While negotiating is still important, it is made much easier by the ability of us consumers to compile loads of information about our desired vehicle on the internet.</p>
<p>With this in mind, here are 4 steps to help you get your best deal on a new car:</p>
<p>1.Research the current pricing on the car you want.</p>
<p>Get a hold of the MSRP (suggested retail price) and the factory invoice (what the dealer had to pay) for the car you want. Never walk into a dealership without being armed with this information.</p>
<p>2.Find out what special offers are available on the vehicle.</p>
<p>Many new cars have rebates, buyer incentives or special financing available. Some of these are advertised to the public, others are not. It is worth the time and effort to search these out and make sure you know all that is available before go to the dealership.</p>
<p>3.Research what others are paying in your area for this vehicle</p>
<p>These days, there are forums on just about everything. Buying cars is no exception. It takes some effort, but again it&#8217;s worthwhile to join some of these forums and ask others what they have been paying for the vehicle you want. Sometimes, a simple question to Yahoo Answers could get you the info you need.</p>
<p>4.Wear your poker face when you go to the dealership.</p>
<p>When the negotiation phase begins, make sure you keep your emotions steady. Never let on how much you like the car, and always indicate a willingness to walk away if you don&#8217;t get your price.</p>
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		<title>Will online Car sales rival onsite car sales in future?</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/will-online-car-sales-rival-onsite-car-sales-in-future.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/will-online-car-sales-rival-onsite-car-sales-in-future.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:35:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AutoNation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ebay]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Despite the internet revolution and the presence of large online consumer conglomerates like Amazon, Ebay etc, large ticket purchases like a House and a car are done on site only. Typically, besides a house purchase, consumers spend the most time in researching cars before they buy them. Despite online car sales portals like AutoNation, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Despite the internet revolution and the presence of large online consumer conglomerates like Amazon, Ebay etc, large ticket purchases like a House and a car are done on site only.</p>
<p>Typically, besides a house purchase, consumers spend the most time in researching cars before they buy them. Despite online car sales portals like AutoNation, and information portals like Edmunds.com, Cars.com, and numerous internet auto magazines, buying cars online has never gone mainstream.</p>
<p>There are several reasons behind this. First, cars are much more complex, so consumers want to make sure they research all aspects of their potential vehicle purchase before spending their money.</p>
<p>Second, car is the second most expensive single item purchase after real estate and consumers want to make sure they physically experience the product by touching it, driving it and speaking to salesmen and other informative sources before spending their money.</p>
<p>Third, once consumers purchase cars, they expect to keep them for several years at a minimum and this makes it very important that they experience and research the cars on site and in great detail before they purchase it.</p>
<p>Therefore, unlike purchasing a music system, a smartphone or a cheap computer, cars require a much more detailed and sophisticated internet user experience.</p>
<p>One way online car purchase can rival that of on site car purchase is if in future there is a technological revolution which will enable potential car customers to enjoy a virtual experience in a large screen 3-D television format.</p>
<p>This format will have to be so sophisticated that consumers can feel the exterior and interior design of the car as well as the driving experience in a virtual 3-D mode and come out it feeling just as informed and convinced as if they were on site in a dealership lot checking out the car.</p>
<p>Until then, online car purchases will remain a tiny fraction of total car sales.</p>
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		<title>The Basics of Crash Tests</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/the-basics-of-crash-tests.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/the-basics-of-crash-tests.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:33:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crash test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sport utility vehicle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vehicle]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[A crash test is a type of damaging test procedure that is performed on motor vehicles to make sure they meet the required safety standards and demonstrate the effects on the vehicle and occupants in potential crash incidences. Crash testing includes frontal-impact, offset, rollover, side-impact, roadside hardware, and old against new crash tests. 1. Frontal-impact [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A crash test is a type of damaging test procedure that is performed on motor vehicles to make sure they meet the required safety standards and demonstrate the effects on the vehicle and occupants in potential crash incidences. Crash testing includes frontal-impact, offset, rollover, side-impact, roadside hardware, and old against new crash tests.</p>
<p>1. Frontal-impact crash tests are the most commonly known type of crash test. It involves head-on impact with a solid obstruction such as concrete, with the vehicle accelerating at a certain speed.<br />
Frontal-impact crash tests also involve simulated crash tests involving two vehicles.<br />
Sports utility vehicles have been omitted out of these types of tests because of their high-ride height.<br />
2. Offset crash tests involve crashes where only a section of the vehicle impacts with an obstacle. The forces of the impact are generally the same as frontal-impact procedures, but a smaller area of the vehicle has to endure all of the power of the collision.<br />
Offset crash tests simulate incidences of cars turning into approaching traffic.<br />
3. Rollover tests evaluate the ability of vehicle to support itself in a vigorous incidence. These tests typically assess the durability of the parts that are holding the roof of the car.<br />
4. Side-impact tests assess the damages and injuries most likely to occur due to the fact that cars do not have a considerable crumple zone to absorb the high impact power before a driver or passenger is injured.<br />
5. Roadside hardware crash tests and used to make sure crash obstructions and crash padding will protect the occupants of a vehicle from hazards on the road.<br />
These tests also make sure roadside equipment including signs, guardrails, light poles do not create an excessive risk to vehicle passengers.<br />
6. Old against new tests assess the impact of old and larger vehicles versus new and smaller vehicles or two different styles of the same model to display the improved crash effect of model advancements.</p>
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		<title>And all I got was this lousy recall!</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/and-all-i-got-was-this-lousy-recall.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/and-all-i-got-was-this-lousy-recall.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:32:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transportation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toyota]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[You may have heard something about Toyota recalling almost 4 million cars in the United States. Dangerous malfunctions had made the cars unsafe and numerous instances were reported before an eventual recall. So, what is involved in a recall and how do you know if your car has a recall outstanding? 1.)The reason for a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You may have heard something about Toyota recalling almost 4 million cars in the United States. Dangerous malfunctions had made the cars unsafe and numerous instances were reported before an eventual recall. So, what is involved in a recall and how do you know if your car has a recall outstanding?</p>
<p>1.)The reason for a recall is often an engineering or manufacturing error. These errors can lead to disastrous performance and safety issues and should in no way be ignored. Often times it will be a group or batch of cars that were manufactured together in the recall.</p>
<p>2.) The most issues like common recalls are usually associated with potentially hazardous issues like faulty power steering or wiring issues that could result in fires. Problems with brakes and air bags are also high on the list of typical recall issues.</p>
<p>3.) You will want to take measures if confronted with a recall on a car you or a family member is driving. These recall notifications typically arrive in the mail but may also appear via e-mail if you supplied your address to the car dealer. Car owners who are viewed most at risk should make an appointment with your nearest relevant car dealership in order to get the issue corrected.</p>
<p>4.) If you believe your car has a manufacturing defect, you can contact the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) who will typically run an investigation on such issues.</p>
<p>The best way to look at this is that a car recall costs the company money and they wouldn&#8217;t be doing it if it weren&#8217;t necessary. If you receive such a notice, do not ignore it as you could be putting yourself and loved one&#8217;s in danger. Instead, seek a close by dealership servicing cars of that brand and be sure to bring your recall notice.</p>
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		<title>Smart Car Shopping</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/smart-car-shopping.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/smart-car-shopping.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Dec 2010 17:31:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compact Disc player]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fuel efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vehicle]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[There are several things to consider when shopping for a new car. First, consider what you can really afford comfortably. Next, consider what your needs truly are. Do you travel a long distance for work daily? If so, you need to be looking at something with better gas mileage. Do you have a large family? [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are several things to consider when shopping for a new car. First, consider what you can really afford comfortably. Next, consider what your needs truly are. Do you travel a long distance for work daily? If so, you need to be looking at something with better gas mileage. Do you have a large family? Then, you will be looking at something large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. Is the vehicle you are looking for an every-day vehicle or primarily recreational? Once you have considered the type of vehicle you are looking for, it is time to do your research to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.</p>
<p>Take some time and learn about the vehicles you are considering. By checking the gas mileage, capacity, crash ratings, safety features, extras (CD player, tape player, power seats, power windows, heating/cooling options, etc.), you can start narrowing down your options to the vehicles that have what you really want within your budget. By comparing the vehicles you are considering, it will give you a better idea of what you are really getting for your money.</p>
<p>Now that you have narrowed down your options, dig a little deeper. Check for any recalls on the vehicle you are looking at. Have there been any major malfunctions in the vehicles you are considering? If you know someone who has a vehicle similar to the ones you are looking at ask them what they like and don’t like about it. Getting personal opinions from people who have been living with their vehicle can go far in helping you to decide which one to choose.</p>
<p>Once you have done all your research, have made your comparisons, and narrowed down your options to a couple of vehicles that fit your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget gather your information and head to the dealership!</p>
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		<title>How to get the best value out of your trade-in</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/how-to-get-the-best-value-out-of-your-trade-in.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/how-to-get-the-best-value-out-of-your-trade-in.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:30:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[People who work at the dealerships will tell you that there is a whole systems of assessing your trade-in and it is not only mechanics, it is also psychology. Remember, dealerships make the most money on used vehicles &#8216; not on new ones. When you bring your car to the dealership, the goal of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>People who work at the dealerships will tell you that there is a whole systems of assessing your trade-in and it is not only mechanics, it is also psychology.</p>
<p>Remember, dealerships make the most money on used vehicles &#8216; not on new ones. When you bring your car to the dealership, the goal of the car sales representative is to get your trade in from you for the least amount of money possible. That&#8217;s just how the business is done. Some of the dealerships will outright convince you that your car is a worthless pile of metal and you would do yourself a big favor by giving it to them for free, so be prepared.</p>
<p>First, self-assess the condition of your car. When you take it in for the oil change, ask for the mechanics to do a quick inspection. You may even want to fix or tune up whatever you feel can be tuned up because it may pay off big when you take your car into the dealership. Keep you receipts. You want to be able to prove that you have been taking a good care of your vehicle and show them that you just recently took it in for a tune up.</p>
<p>Second, right before you take it in, clean it out as well as you can possibly clean it out. Vacuum, scrub and polish everything. One of the strategies that dealerships use is looking for dirt and pet hair in your car. The salesman may see pet hair and say, â€œOh, I see you have had dogs in here. Itâ€™s going to take quite an effort to clean outâ€. Also, clean all of the areas where the VIN numbers are located. The premise is that talking about the messiness of your vehicle lowers its value in your own eyes, thus making it easier for the dealership to offer you less that you deserve.</p>
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		<title>Auto Financing: What to Expect When You Apply for a Car Loan</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/auto-financing-what-to-expect-when-you-apply-for-a-car-loan.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/auto-financing-what-to-expect-when-you-apply-for-a-car-loan.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:29:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit score]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Used car]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[At least three quarters of those that intend to purchase a new or used car will need to be approved for some type of financing.The type you get and how affordable it will be will depend on several items such as your credit score, whether you will be purchasing your car new or used, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>At least three quarters of those that intend to purchase a new or used car will need to be approved for some type of financing.The type you get and how affordable it will be will depend on several items such as your credit score, whether you will be purchasing your car new or used, and what type of dealership you plan to shop at.</p>
<p>Most normally, the dealerships that charge that highest interest rates for financing are the ones known as &#8220;Buy Here, Pay here&#8221; car lots where the Lot owner finances the car without using a financial institute or bank. These types of dealerships usually carry very used cars that they pick up at auto auctions. They then bring the car back to the dealership, clean it up and change the oil, etc. Very rarely is there a warranty on these types of cars.</p>
<p>New car dealerships usually work with a variety of financial lenders. Once you have chosen the car that you like, you will be asked for several types of affidavits. Knowing what to take with you beforehand can help keep the process running more smoothly and have it be less time consuming. You will more then likely need proof of employment, sometimes for several years. You may also be asked for references and proof of residence. Personal information such as your social security number and phone number will also be needed.</p>
<p>Once you fill out all of the required paperwork, a decision will be made whether or not you are approved by the finance company. This may take some time, so be prepared to spend a few hours at the dealership. After you are approved, be sure to look over the amount of the interest you are being charged to be sure it is the agreed upon amount. Look over the warranty information and don&#8217;t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about any of the details.</p>
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		<title>Smart Car Shopping Tips</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/smart-car-shopping-tips.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/smart-car-shopping-tips.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:28:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Car dealership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Purchasing]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[1. Plan Ahead Purchasing a car doesn&#8217;t have to be a harrowing experience. Taking the time to do some on-line background before heading to the dealership can save both time and money. 2. Budget Having a budget that includes your bottom line is a good starting point when looking for a new or used vehicle. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>1. Plan Ahead<br />
Purchasing a car doesn&#8217;t have to be a harrowing experience. Taking the time to do some on-line background before heading to the dealership can save both time and money.</p>
<p>2. Budget<br />
Having a budget that includes your bottom line is a good starting point when looking for a new or used vehicle. Staying firm and within your budget is helpful in keeping your car purchasing experience positive. Remember to factor the cost of taxes and other fees into your final cost. Supplemental insurance will raise your monthly premium, but will protect you by paying your car note in the event of job loss or disability medical issues.</p>
<p>3. Prepping for the Back Office Manager Conversation<br />
Selling cars well takes skill and the gift-of-gab. At some point your salesperson will leave you alone to report your bottom line to his/her manager located in a back room, and whom you will never see. This may be the most stressful part of the car purchase process. Don&#8217;t sweat. Remember that dealerships want to move cars. Stand firm in your pre-determined price range.</p>
<p>4. Car Shopping Support System<br />
Take an experienced car buyer with you when you visit the dealership. A knowledge base that you can pull from is always helpful when making a purchase. In this case it can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.</p>
<p>5. Test Drive<br />
You will be asked if you want to take a car out for a test drive. Research shows that if you test it and like it, you stand a good chance of purchasing. Words of caution even if you love the car, donâ€™t show it. Stay neutral this one tip may get your price down. If this is your fist car purchase you may find it helpful to take an experienced friend along.</p>
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		<title>Traveling Tips for the Single Parent</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/traveling-tips-for-the-single-parent.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/traveling-tips-for-the-single-parent.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:27:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Child]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Single-parent]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Many people travel today with small children. This is not easy to do especially if youâ€™re doing it alone. There are many things to consider when traveling with small children. For example, how far distance you are going to travel, will you be traveling by car or air, and the ages of the children youâ€™re [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many people travel today with small children. This is not easy to do especially if youâ€™re doing it alone. There are many things to consider when traveling with small children. For example, how far distance you are going to travel, will you be traveling by car or air, and the ages of the children youâ€™re traveling with. So here are a few tips a single parent can use when deciding to travel with your kids.</p>
<p>Be Patient<br />
Everyone knows that kids can work your last nerve but theyâ€™re your kids, so you have to deal with it and be patient with them. Remember to try and keep your cool even thru the â€œmeltdownsâ€ that many toddlers have. Take a few seconds to relax and breathe. Everything will be okay. When kids see you break down, they only try and test you even more.</p>
<p>Give Yourself Plenty of Time<br />
If youâ€™re traveling by car leave as early as possible to avoid traveling at night since you will be traveling alone. Kids need the opportunity to stretch outside the car, have a potty break and snack time. Make a pit-stop every hour or so to avoid whining and to give yourself time to stretch. Kids can get fussy if they are in the car too long.</p>
<p>Snacks and Stuff<br />
Kids get bored easily so make sure you bring along plenty car snacks and activities to keep them occupied along the way. If you have a portable DVD player, those work wonders for at least an hour of quiet time, providing you have headphones. Be sure to have age appropriate snacks that are safe to eat in the car and easy to clean up. If your child has a favorite sing-along CD, bring it and sing along with them. They are sure to get a kick out of that.</p>
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		<title>A Guide to Buy a Motorycle</title>
		<link>http://www.grata.org/a-guide-to-buy-a-motorycle.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.grata.org/a-guide-to-buy-a-motorycle.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 07:36:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying a motorcycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[motorcycle insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motorycle]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://grata.org/?p=39</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As soon as I entered my teens I started making plans of my own Motorcycle as I always wanted to go on a Long Trip riding a Motorcycle. Now I am a proud owner of a Harley Davidson. Buying a Motorcycle whether it is new or old is not as simple as it sounds. There [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As soon as I entered my teens I started making plans of my own Motorcycle as I always wanted to go on a Long Trip riding a Motorcycle. Now I am a proud owner of a Harley Davidson. Buying a Motorcycle whether it is new or old is not as simple as it sounds. There are many things to consider and understand well before, during and after purchase of a Motorcycle.</p>
<p>While buying a motorcycle, the first thing is to make your mind up is what type of bike you want? Answering this question requires thinking about the kind of ride that one has planned. Another key factor that is required to consider when purchasing a motorcycle is whether one plan to use it for fun or want to use it for commuting and if someone is looking to ride the bike with co-riders or alone. Before buying a bike, one must remember that after paying a hefty amount the owner will most probably keep the motorcycle for several years so it&#8217;s sensible to plan ahead.</p>
<p>After the decision about usage of Motorcycle is made; comes the time to, do some Home Work and to make up your mind about the make of motorbike. You can visit the websites of Harley Davidson,  Honda, Yamaha, BMW, and other motorcycle manufacturers to learn about the newest styles, dealer invoice prices, features, and accessories. You can also read customer reviews of various motorcycle makes and models to help you reach a decision.</p>
<p>Before buying a Motorcycle don’t forget to take it for a test drive to make sure it fulfills all you needs and expectations well. A good bike should make it easy for you to stop, speed up, and slow down.</p>
<p>After you&#8217;ve bought a motorcycle, you must complete the registration process with your state&#8217;s Department of Motor Vehicles and get it insured as well. It is illegal to operate a motorcycle which is not properly titled, registered and insured. Buying good motorcycle insurance is really vital to ensure that you are safe on the road. I’ve been riding motorbike for quite a long time and have very reasonable motorcycle insurance. So getting a <a href="https://auto.21st.com/insurance-information/product.do?Page=Motorcycle_Insurance">Motorcycle Insurance</a> for your Motorcycle is always a good choice to make.</p>
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