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Selling your vehicle privately can seem to be a daunting task. With a few simple rules to follow, it can however, turn into a profitable experience for both you and the buyer. Always do plenty of research regarding every step of the process and keep good records of any and all paperwork and in the end you can turn your old vehicle into cash!

The first step is to know the market. Family cars like minivans or sedans are always in high demand. People are always having children and growing their families. While these cars may not be the most exciting on the market, they are very practical to a lot of people. If you are selling a convertible or sports car, try to wait and sell it during warmer months. More people will want to look at a fun, flashy car when the it's wamr and the sun is shining so they can show it off around town. Also, do some research online and get an idea for what the average going rate is for cars similar to the one you want to sell.

A couple of useful tools online are Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds.com. These websites will help you to calculate what the fair market value for your vehicle is so you can price it accordingly. After researching what other people are selling similar cars for and getting a fair market value price for your vehicle, decide on a selling price. Make sure you leave some room for negotiating, buyers will inevitably try to get the best deal they can but you don’t want to end up taking a price lower than you really want. Also, price your vehicle carefully. People like the look of a nice round number, like “$8250”. If you price your vehicle at “47”, you could lose some potential buyers.

The next important step to take is to make sure you bump up your vehicle’s curb appeal. The first impression is a lasting impression, so make it a good one. Take your car to an auto detailing place and have them clean it from top to bottom. Make sure everything is as clean and shiny as you can get it. Remove any junk or trash from the floorboards and don't forget to empty the trunk. Also, give the car a good washing and waxing and see if there are any scratches or dings that you can easily buff out so your car is looking its best. Most buyers will decide in the first few seconds of looking at your car whether or not they are even interested in buying it. Also, consider getting a Carfax report to show buyers that the title is clean.

After you have gotten your car up and running and clean, it’s time to tackle the advertising. Newspaper ads, while a bit pricey, often get the best results. In this digital age, online ads can also be profitable. Many websites let you advertise for free and you could get some good hits off of them. Also, put a For Sale sign in the window of your car. This can be especially effective if you plan to continue to drive the vehicle while you are trying to sell it.

Once you have advertising out for your vehicle, be prepared for phone calls and always make the potential buyer comfortable so they will want to come out and look at the car. Also, be prepared for potential buyers to negotiate the price you have set. Try to prepare answers to questions like “What’s the best price you’ll give me” or “Would you accept (amount)?”. And finally, know your bottom line and don’t go below it; let the buyer leave and if they are truly interested, they will call you back the next day willing to pay your price.

Once you have a sale in the works, check with your local DMV to make sure that you are following all the laws regarding the sale of a vehicle. Sometimes you can also find a release of liability form to download on the DMV’s website. Record all important information about your vehicle prior to the sale, like the odometer reading and be sure to keep copies of all the paperwork dealing with the sale. And finally, once the sale has been finalized and the title was signed over to the new buyer, remember to cancel your insurance policy. You don’t want to pay insurance on the vehicle for any longer than you have to!

Scott Conklin is the president of Conklin Cars, a leading provider of Kansas Ford, Kansas Toyota, Kansas Honda, and many other Kansas cars, trucks, and SUVs.  Conklin Cars can be found online at:  ConklinCars.com

It’s obvious that used cars will be cheaper than buying a brand new one. There are some used cars on the market that can be up to eighty percent cheaper than the original price of a new one, but depend on things such as age, condition and mileage. Buying a used car can save you money while still providing you with a great run around.

Buying used cars is a simple procedure nowadays, especially with the advent of the internet. You can simply type in used cars in a certain area and you should be able to see a host of locations where you can buy the used car of your choice. There are also classified ads in newspapers and specialised magazines dedicated to the sale of used cars.

There are some people that really worry over trying to buy a used car, especially if it is in a private deal. It would be a good idea to check the car out before buying it. If you do not know anything about the mechanics of a car then you should take someone along with you who does. They can then give it a going over to ensure all is OK. Another good point is to take the car out to test drive it, this way you will get a feel for it while making sure there are no obvious issues.

There are other things to think about too before committing to buying a used car. You should check out the make and model of the car and research online whether spare parts are readily available for that make of car. Checking out the cars fuel consumption is also a great idea before buying. Find out all about the cars service history and whether any repairs have ever had to be carried out on it. Knowing if parts have been replaced on the car is always a great idea.

For outstanding used cars, or a lovely used ford or used vauxhall wouldnt it be great to drive a new used car?

Transmissions are one of the most complex systems under the hood. In fact, that’s the reason many auto repair garages will refuse to work on them. Some might perform minor repairs, but will refer you to a transmission shop for anything more extensive. There are a lot of parts involved in making sure that the system runs smoothly and mechanics are loathe to cause bigger problems.

This level of complexity often makes transmissions one of the least understood components to drivers. Adding to the confusion, they’re designed differently. Some are designed for front wheel drive while others are designed for rear wheel drive. In this article we will look at some of the differences. I’ll describe your transmission’s job and help you decipher the pros and cons of a RWD and FWD.

Understanding Its Job

Your car’s engine generates power through its 4-stroke combustion process. That power must be delivered to your drive wheels in order to turn them. Also, it’s worth noting that your engine has a range of RPMs in which it operates at maximum efficiency. Your transmission’s job is two-fold. First, it needs to deliver the power generated by the engine to the drive wheels. Second, it needs to perform this task while keeping your engine operating within its optimal range of RPMs.

This is accomplished through several gears. In low gears, the engine must turn more quickly in order to power the wheels. In higher gears, it doesn’t have to work as hard. The transmission helps the engine advance from first gear to higher gears while keeping your car moving at higher speeds.

RWD Versus FWD

If your car has rear wheel drive, the transmmission will be located on the back part of your engine. A drive shaft will connect it to the rear axle. Your engine generates power and turns the crankshaft, then that power is transferred through the transmission, then to the drive shaft, and then ultimately to the rear axle. The rear axle spins, which causes your tires to rotate.

A front wheel drive car works a little differently, though the concept behind the power flow is similar. The transmission is still located near the engine. With the final drive, it forms a transaxle. A front axle forms a connection with the transaxle, which delivers the power needed to rotate the front tires.

To keep the explanation simple, I’ve ignored the torque converter. In reality, power travels from the engine through the torque converter into the transmission. The other components work as described.

Is One Better Than The Other?

Modern vehicles usually have front wheel drive. An FWD weighs less, costs less to manufacture, and usually delivers higher fuel efficiency. On the other hand, an RWD distributes the weight more evenly across a car’s frame, which improves braking ability. Plus, because the design is less crowded than an FWD, it’s easier to service without taking everything apart. In the end, when choosing between RWD and FWD, consider your driving needs and the factors on which you place a high priority.

Your car’s alternator won’t last forever. Neither will your catalytic converter. Actually, your fuel injectors, ignition switch, and muffler can fail as well. Every auto part under your vehicle’s hood can unexpectedly expire and need to be replaced.

If you take your car to the dealership, they’ll use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. On the other hand, the mechanic at your local repair garage is likely to use aftermarket alternatives. Which is better?

Claiming one choice is always better than the other is overly-simplistic; it ignores subtle pros and cons of each. Below, we’ll compare the advantages of investing in OEM parts versus buying their aftermarket equivalents.

The Advantages Of Aftermarket

Aftermarket components and systems are less expensive than their OEM counterparts. However, the percentage you’ll save will vary by the item your vehicle needs. Be cautious. A lot of aftermarket units seem low-priced, but hide defects that can leave you stranded at the side of the road.

Another advantage is that the quality can be just as high as Original Equipment Manufacturer systems. The reason is because the automaker is often forced to offset the performance of the component with other factors. For example, consider anti-lock braking systems. The manufacturer has to make sure the pads don’t squeal; otherwise, customers will complain. The problem is that high performance brakes are often noisy – ensuring the brake pads are silent sacrifices performance.

Yet another advantage of buying after-market components is that they’re widely available. Mechanics can easily obtain any replacement part your vehicle needs. In fact, they’ll often have them in stock.

The Advantages Of OEM

OEM parts also offer significant advantages. First, you’ll always know what to expect from them. They are nearly identical to the systems that were installed within your vehicle at the time it rolled off the factory floor.

Second, you won’t need to examine a given component in order to spot defects. Original Equipment Manufacturer parts are designed to be seamless replacements and possess a consistent level of quality. That means there is no reason to be concerned with compatibility and performance issues.

Third, they are usually supported by a one-year warranty. For example, if you have your alternator replaced and it malfunctions within the first year, the automaker will replace it with another OEM alternator without cost. The experience might not be the same if the alternator were an aftermarket unit.

Which is the Better Choice?

There are a few reliable rules of thumb to follow. Anything on your car’s frame (like a body panel) that needs to be replaced should be replaced with an Original Equipment Manufacturer replacement. Second, if you’re leasing your vehicle, you should also choose OEM parts. Otherwise, you’re likely to lose your deposit when you return the car. Third, for something like an alternator or a fuel pump (a key component), OEM is always the better choice.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to take a risk (and the risk can be substantial) in order to save a few dollars, aftermarket parts may be a good investment.

The Dodge Ram has long been an icon of US motoring. Over the past 30 years it has progressed through four different generations of models, and no end to its popularity is yet in sight. This mighty car, that packs the presence of a full sized pickup truck, remains a firm favorite with the public.

The Ram is known for it robustness and durability, and few argue with it being called a mighty or powerful vehicle. It is not lacking in style either, and it is one of the most customizable cars on the road. With qualities such as these, it is easy to understand why it is a much loved car, and why those why buy them want to hold on to them for so long.

As the older models are long lived and seemingly indestructible it is little surprise that the call for Dodge Ram replacement parts is widespread, and the availability of genuine brand new aftermarket Dodge Ram parts means that updating your Ram or replacing worn out parts is no big deal.

Perhaps the best way of getting hold of quality Dodge Ram repair parts is through online sellers. While local dealerships will undoubtedly stock the latest parts for the latest models, there are several outlets on the internet that are solely dedicated to supplying Dodge Ram parts online. For ease of use, simply type ‘Dodge Ram parts’ into your search engine and you will find a wealth of available suppliers.

Yes, looking online first is, as with most other purchasing decisions, the best way to go. It is quick, simple and secure to buy the Dodge Ram replacement parts you need; whether you need mirrors or lights, engine parts or radiator cooling fans, there are many suppliers of Dodge Ram replacement parts with comprehensive websites and online catalogues for you to look through.

If you prefer to go down the dealership route then the choice of yours, but bear in mind that some of the best manufacturers supply OEM standard – that is parts designed to fit straight on as the original. Dodge Ram repair parts via online sources, and using a web based supplier not only guarantees you a quick delivery, but a cheaper price thanks to reduced overheads.

Whichever way you decide upon to find Dodge Ram replacement parts, you can be sure that sooner or later you will have your Dodge Ram looking and running exactly how you want it to. A final point to bear in mind though, ensure that you use a reputable Dodge Ram repair parts supplier, maybe one that has been recommended to you by a friend or is mentioned in an article on Dodge Ram parts. Do so, and you will be certain that your Ram remains running sweetly for years to come.

If aftermarket parts are certified and meet OEM standards, you can relax in the knowledge that you have ordered the best Dodge Ram parts available online. There are many quality sites that offer Dodge Ram Parts, but www.dodgeramreplacement.com/pickup is one place where you can find part reviews along with the exact part numbers that fit your exact model year.

I am always looking for an old classic car, especially the 1973 Mustang Mach 1.  I would like to share with you the background behind the history of the Ford Mustang.

History of the 1st Generation Ford Mustangs

Everyone has heard of the Mustang, but in case you have been a hermit the last fifty years, this is a car and not a horse. It was developed by the Ford Motor Company. From 1964 to 1973, first generation Mustangs were the ultimate muscle car ride. The Ford Falcon was retooled to become the legendary Mustang. With the sales of the Falcon beginning to wain, Ford started to begin the process of phasing it out of the marketplace. It was the point in time in which the Ford Mustang could come in and make a big splash.

The day was one that many car collectors can quote like the date of their own birthday. It was March 9, 1964. The Mustang went into production that day and things have never been the same. It all began, the Mustang was about to take its place in automotive lore. This car brand became the most revered cars ever. In fact, to this day the first generation Mustang has a special place in the hearts of most classic car collectors. Introduced to the public at the New York world’s fair on April 17, 1964, it became Ford’s most successful launch since the model A! Mustangs have the distinction of being the only pony car in history to never drop out of production, even temporarily.

This type of car body would come to be known by many as the “pony car.The pony car was pretty small and light-weight, yet had a tremendous amount of power. The car was all American and by the late 60′s all of Detroit’s automakers were churning them out. The idea took off as a result of the mass appeal of the 64 Mustang. This car had a long hood and a short deck and a big motor. It was considered very youthful. The Mustang was the purest form of the poy car, and became a highly popular type of car design. Due to the fact that Mustangs were very popular, competitors came out the woodwork to emulate the look of the Mustang with their own version of the pony car. Cars like the Camaro, Javelin, Barracuda, Cougar, Firebird, Challenger, and later the foreign-made Toyota Celica arose from the pony car look.

Looking for a 73 Ford Mustang Mach 1 for Sale?  My Mustang was a car that I will never forget. The beautiful car was the 1973 Mach 1 Mustang.  It was the last member of the first-generation Mustangs. It was the 1973 Mach 1, and in my opinion it was the most impressive car I had ever laid my eyes upon. My dad must have been crazy to let me have the Mustang, but thank God he did. I had the time of my life in those years and like a brand burned into the side of a farm animal, my soul has been branded with a hot brand known as the Mustang.

I can’t help it, but when you are my age and you look back at your first Mustang, you also have to get a little teary eyed. It is really the memories that are attached to a car like the Ford Mustang, that really make it burn into your soul for the rest of your days. The carefree days, the girls, and the freedom of being on the open road will never be forgotten. Its unfortunate, but I ended up selling that old 73 Mach 1 Mustang, but I will never lose the love of that first generation Mustang. Need I say more? The first generation of Mustangs will always keep a place in my heart and in the hearts of car collectors all over the world.

Recommendations regarding when to change your vehicle’s air filter fall into a surprisingly wide range. Some experts claim that doing so every 3,000 miles helps to ensure that your vehicle’s engine is performing as efficiently as possible. At the other extreme are proponents that claim that changing it every 30,000 will suffice. In truth, neither is entirely correct. It;s based on more factors than the standard 3000 miles indicators. What’s more, this is one area in which it might behoove you to ignore your owner’s manual (I’ll explain why in a moment).

The basic job of the air filter is to prevent dirt, grit and debris from getting to your car’s engine. This is significantly important. When foreign particles enter the engine, they can accumulate and cause expensive damage. By filtering them, your engine can remain free of debris and perform more effectively.

In this article, I’ll explain why your driving circumstances will influence the frequency with which you change your air filter. I’ll also describe its value in the context of fuel injection systems.

Consider Your Driving Situation

People drive in different circumstances. For example, you might drive in an area that is not exposed to a large amount of dust. If that’s the case, you might be able to drive 20,000 miles without needing to replace your car’s air filter. On the other hand, suppose you live in a city that undergoes perpetual construction. Grit, dust, and dirt are always a factor in the outside environment. In that case, you may be able to drive 10,000 miles before needing a replacement part.

The more dust and debris that is in the air or kicked up on the road, the more frequently you’ll need to buy a replacement. This is the reason why you should only use your owner’s manual as a guide. The automaker has no way to know whether you’re driving your car in extremely dusty conditions or not.

The Age Of Fuel Injection Systems

Newer vehicles are not equipped with carburetors; fuel injection systems have taken their place. The advantage of fuel injection is that it offers a more precise blend of air and fuel for combustion. That allows your car engine to perform with greater fuel efficiency. The issue remains that a clogged filter can cause many problems with the system. Even though your car’s computer will attempt to recalibrate the mixture based upon available airflow, the ratio is imprecise. As a result, fuel efficiency plummets and your engine’s performance is hampered.

Invest A Few Extra Dollars

When it’s time to buy a new air filter, spend a few extra dollars and invest in quality. A high-quality replacement will generally cost less than $20, yet its overall impact can be enormous. It is designed to keep dirt and other particles away from your engine to prevent damage an increase performance. It will also affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

You should also check for clogging in your air filter every time you have the oil changed. You may not need to swap it out, but at such a low cost, it’s far better to err on the conservative side.

Every minute you’re driving, your vehicle’s engine goes through its combustion process thousands of times. As it does, it produces intense heat. Nearly half of that heat leaves through the tailpipe and dissipates in the air. The other half must be absorbed by the auto parts that comprise your engine. That includes the cylinder heads, pistons, and other components.

On their own, these parts cannot withstand the high temperatures generated by combustion; they would start to malfunction and eventually fail completely. Luckily, your car has a cooling system. It is specifically designed to help these components soak up the excess heat without their being destroyed in the process.

Below, I’ll give you a brief overview of the three main car parts that make up your vehicle’s cooling system. I’ll explain the job they do and how they help ensure your engine doesn’t overheat.

#1 – Water Pump

The “secret” behind your cooling system’s effectiveness is the coolant. It circulates throughout the engine and surrounding components, absorbing much of the excess heat along the way. Then, it travels into the radiator which is cooled by constant airflow.

In order to circulate, the coolant must be pumped along its path. This is the job of the water pump. It’s powered by your car’s timing belt, though older models might have a flat belt that powers the pump. If the timing belt breaks, it cannot operate the water pump, which will ultimately prevent the coolant from circulating and absorbing the heat.

#2 – Plumbing

By plumbing, I’m referring to the auto parts through which the coolant travels. That includes a network of hoses, valves, and the radiator. This includes the heater core, but that is not a significant part of this dialog. We’re mainly concerned with the hoses. Because the hot coolant travels through them continuously, they deteriorate quickly. It is recommended that you replace your hoses at least every 3 years. Every four months, you need to check them for fissures and cracks. The hoses are relatively inexpensive, so if you notice crack – even small ones – replace them.

#3 – Sensors And Thermostat

Your car’s cooling system is equipped with sensors, fans, and a thermostat to monitor and control the temperature around the engine. They work in congruent of each other to assure that temperatures stay with in a predetermined limit. If any of these parts fail, the temperature can rise higher than normal. When that happens, your vehicle’s performance can be hampered and emissions will likely rise.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of your vehicle’s cooling system. When all of the components involved work properly, your car’s engine will perform its combustion process without problem. However, if the water pump, hoses or valves, or sensors or thermostat malfunction, your vehicle can overheat. And that can easily lead to expensive car engine damage.

When looking to purchase a new car, most people are only concerned with the sticker price or up front costs. They judge the deal based only on the amount of money they pay before driving their new car off the dealership lot. However, studies show that the initial investment can be misleading. Over the course of several years, a seemingly inexpensive automobile can end up costing far more than a higher-priced model.

Below, we’ll explore the four factors that can increase the long-term cost of automotive ownership. When you eventually decide to purchase a new model, keep these factors in mind.

Tip 1 – Fuel Efficiency

A lot of drivers would be surprised by the variance in gas expenses for different models over five years. You can save literally thousands of dollars by driving a 4 cylinder car rather than a fuel guzzling SUV. To determine how much you’ll be spending on gas, assume that you’ll be driving 12,000 miles each year. You’ll also need to make an assumption regarding where you think fuel prices will be during the next five years.

Tip 2 – Insurance Premiums

Many motorists believe that their insurance premiums are based solely upon their driving record. In truth, most insurance providers also take into account the type of car you’re driving. As an example, the premiums that your would pay on a convertible sports car are significantly higher than you would pay for a 4 door family car. Call your insurance agent prior to purchasing a new vehicle. He should be able to tell you which models will cost more to insure.

Tip 3 – Regular Maintenance And Repairs

This is one of the hidden expenses of owning an automobile. When buying a new car from a dealer, the last thing on the prospective car owners mind is the expense of future car repairs. Maintaining and repairing your car is inevitable. The older it gets, the higher the likelihood that car parts and systems will fail. The important thing to realize is that certain models are more expensive to repair than others. And while your warranty will cover the first few years, it won’t last forever. Take into account that you can save money on car repairs by utilizing used auto parts which are not only cheaper, but help save the environment

Tip 4 – Depreciation

Finally, we come to the largest expense of all: depreciation. Most people understand that automobiles depreciate. However, many people are taken a back when they learn, how much, how fast and the difference between car makes and models.

It is estimated that vehicles lose more than half their value during their first five years. Some models lose their value more quickly than others based on available inventories, popularity, and even the cash incentives offered by automakers and dealerships.

When you decide to purchase a new car, consider the initial price in the context of how much it will actually cost to own the vehicle. In other words, don’t be swayed simple because of a low sticker price. Consider the factors I’ve listed above to make sure you’re still happy with your purchase several years down the road.

Fuel Injection Systems, known as ( FIS) are part of the fuel pump. Located next to – or often within – the tank, it has two jobs. First, it must make sure enough gasoline is available for the injectors. Second, it needs to generate the right level of pressure so the injectors can deliver the proper amount of gas to the engine. If something goes wrong with this part, the issue can impact your vehicle’s performance and increase its level of emissions.

In this article, we’ll explore this component in detail. We’ll look at the potential problems that can occur and how to diagnose them. I’ll also provide insight about replacing the car parts that a lot of motorists might be surprised to learn.

Things That Can Go Wrong?

The purpose of your car’s FIS is to provide the precise amount of gasoline for any type of conditions in which the car engine is operating. The technological advances and precision level are the main attributes why fuel injection systems replaced the outdated carburetors. When the fuel pump fails to work properly, the injectors cannot add the right amount of gas to the mixture. As a result, your vehicle’s engine might run “too lean” or “too rich.” That can cause idling problems, a persistent stumble, power loss, or trouble during cold starts.

Running too lean or too rich can also lead to misfiring. When that happens, your vehicle will produce higher levels of emissions (i.e. hydrocarbons) which can potentially cause your car to fail a smog test.

Diagnosing Problems

Let’s suppose you’re noticing symptoms while driving that suggest the pump is failing. It’s possible that the issue is simply a bad connection. It’s also possible that your battery isn’t generating a sufficient charge to operate the fuel pump, so check the battery’s voltage output. If the problem is not related to a connection or a low charge coming from your battery, check the static pressure. If it doesn’t match what is listed in your owner’s manual, you’ll probably need to replace the component.

Replacing The Unit

The first thing you’ll need to do is to make sure the replacement car part is a good match for your vehicle. Just because it fits does not mean it’s appropriate. Again, look at your owner’s manual. It should list the proper specifications that your car’s fuel pump must meet. If you change and install a miss matched part for your car model, it will work. However, you’ll probably notice performance issues.

The industry has undergone a fair amount of consolidation in recent years. As a result, a lot of fuel pumps are sold in a “one size fits all” configuration. Realize that this configuration may not meet your automakers standards. When the time comes to replace the part, make sure it meets original equipment parts (OE) specifications. That way, you can be sure that the replacement doesn’t cause your engine to run too lean or too rich.