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Buying a Car – the Important Question

Used Cars 

Image by Thomas Hawk via Flickr

It’s an age-old decision when shopping. Used, or new? At least, it’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’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).

 

The question is especially pressing when it comes to cars, one of the most expensive commodities. There’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’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’s time to reduce to something smaller.

 

In any case, as a buyer, the advantages of used vehicles are many. 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’s no denying the excitement of being the first owner of a brand-new vehicle. It’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’s not worth the sticker price, and they go with used. Many have an ambition to buy a new car at least once, though.

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Keeping your car safe from thieves

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:

1. 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!

2. Always remember to lock your car even if you have parked it in the garage.

3. Spare keys should not be left in the car as a thief is most likely to find them.

4. Avoid parking in deserted or poorly lit parking lots as they provide the perfect cover for thieves.

5. Whenever possible park in places that have attendants or security guards.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Thieves can easily dispose cars that have their registration or title documents in them so keep the title at home and registration with you.

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Volkswagen’s Program for Certified Used Cars

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 Used Car

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.

Warranty Coverage of Volkswagen Used Car Certification

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.

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.

Advantages of Purchasing a Used Certified Volkswagen

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.

Conclusion

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.

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The Basics of Crash Tests

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 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.
Frontal-impact crash tests also involve simulated crash tests involving two vehicles.
Sports utility vehicles have been omitted out of these types of tests because of their high-ride height.
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.
Offset crash tests simulate incidences of cars turning into approaching traffic.
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.
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.
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.
These tests also make sure roadside equipment including signs, guardrails, light poles do not create an excessive risk to vehicle passengers.
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.

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Smart Car Shopping

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.

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.

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.

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!

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