Automotive Guruz

I really had my eyes opened this past week when I finally decided to get rid of my old Junk car (a 2000 VW Rabbit). I was just going to drive it down to a local shredding facility and hoped they would give me enough money to cover the taxi ride back home. Luckily I mentioned my plan to my mom and I was shocked that she knew so much about this, apparently she helped her best friend junk a car a few months before and both her and her friend are really into saving the environment.

She explained that it was very important to dispose of old cars in an eco-friendly way as to not add pollution to the earth. I found a couple of local green disposal companies and talked to them on the phone and soon realized they took the business of green car disposal quite seriously. It is funny because I ended up going on a 45 minute tour of the facility when I took my car there and it was a lot of fun and they even told me I could come back with my two sons and press the button to start the crusher next weekend.

Just goes to show you that you are never too old to learn something new and helping save the planet can take on many different looks in today’s society.

Deciding on buying a used car can seem like a huge decision. Buying a used vehicle often offers the best dollar value to the consumer, but with it can come many issues and problems. Many people feel that by purchasing a used car they are setting themselves up for a lifetime of sitting in the local garage and having a depleted bank account. All this can be true, but with a bit of research and careful consideration mixed with common sense, a good used car can be the perfect answer to all your vehicle needs. You just need to take time and balance the pros and cons of each vehicle you are considering.

A used vehicle offers a long list of advantages over trying to obtain a new one. Costs of expenses like insurance, taxes, better vehicle options, as well as the obvious lower price, are all bonuses on the side of the consumer. Also, compared to new vehicles, it is easy to research the history of the vehicle and learn about any mechanical issues it may have as opposed to a new vehicle, especially if it is the first year for the model.

Insuring a used vehicle is considerably lower than insuring a new model. Costs can be as different as $50 to $500 or more annually depending on the make, model, year and previous driving record of the person insuring the vehicle. Another reason for the lower insurance costs is that an older vehicle does not always need to be covered for all possible insurance options, such as collision. A brand new vehicle will need more coverage for protection from accidents.

Used cars may not be under any type of service warranty so you will need to be prepared for out of pocket costs for repairs. Everything from tires to transmissions will be possible issues, so research your potential vehicle before purchasing. Some makes and models are prone to certain common repair needs so avoiding those vehicles will be easy if you check them out first.

Many vehicles that are previously owned are much more reliable than they had been years ago. Vehicles manufactured since the late1980’s have reported less repairs and problems occurring to the exhaust systems and body deterioration. Many of today’s used vehicles will last well past 100,000 miles and some as high as 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. How the vehicle fairs will depend on how well the previous owner treated and cared for the car.

Unfortunately, an older used vehicle may not have the safety requirements you would like or need to have, so make sure that this is something you take into consideration. Airbags, child safe seat restraints, and traction control are likely to be lacking, but a garage will be able to install a child protective system, and if you shop around, the other features may be found.

There are a few issues to consider when buying a used vehicle but as long as you are alert and practical your purchase should prove to be well worth the efforts made. Always take the car you are considering to a respected and trustworthy independent mechanic for a through inspection. This move on its own could not only make or break the deal, but could save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you are like me and like to save money wherever you can then you should definitely spend some time searching for your local auto recycler. Buying new parts for your car can be extremely expensive and many of the used auto parts you find at your local auto wrecker are just as good and often half the price or less! Beside that when you buy auto parts from the junk yard you are helping to save the environment by recycling.

By the same token if you have an old clunker lying around make sure to take it to a car recycling center where they will take it apart and sell the used car parts. You can even donate your old car to the charity of your choice. Now that is a good way to save the environment and also make a difference in your own community.

When it comes to charity donations you can usually choose your own charity and you even end up getting a charitable tax receipt so you can make a deduction claim on your yearly income tax filing. So what are you waiting for? Get rid of that old junker by doing a good deed and end up saving a few bucks on your tax return.