Buying a Used Car Or a New Car

Posted by in Classic Cars on January 2, 2012

By Wonuola Saka

The debate as to whether one should buy a new or a used car is an age-long one that can never really be concluded. An individual who buys a new car can give you loads of sensible reasons why he or she decided to go for a new car at the same time someone who goes for a used car can probably give an equal number of good reasons.

One major factor that is considered by almost everyone who is about to buy a car is depreciation. Both buyers of new and used cars usually consider what the car will cost in another few years when they are ready to trade it in for another one. Another major issue is finance obviously a brand new Toyota Camry for example will be more expensive than one with a few miles on it no matter how little. Most buyers purchase their cars on a finance plan and there is usually interest to be paid on the loan, so anyone in this situation will want to buy a nice car that will have the features he or she wants without going above the budget. Since Majority of the people in most countries are in this category and new cars are usually expensive, you will find that more people go for used cars than new cars as this is simply what they can afford. Asides from finance and depreciation there are other factors that influence this decision. Used cars used to be deemed inferior but not anymore as there are now tools to do detailed checks of a car’s history before settling for it. A major reason people get skeptical about used cars is the possibility that there might be some underlying problem with the vehicle which the owner might not be revealing. There are now approved used car warranty plans that can offer up to twelve months warranty keeping the used car buyer re-assured.

The benefits and incentives of a new car are very obvious from manufacturer’s warranty to free repairs that can last up to three years; so far you can afford the one. Another factor to consider when buying a new car is the vehicle color, for example a pink Mercedes-Benz will not sell as fast as a black or grey one. Also if you buy a new car that was quite popular when it was released and the automaker is stopping production on it because a newer model is in the works, you might not have to worry much about depreciation as you will most likely get a good deal when selling because it will no longer be in production by then. One major advantage of getting a new car straight from the manufacturer is customization; the car can be customized to the buyer’s specification from interior color and material to exterior color and finishing. It is the job of the car sales guy to try to convince you to add some more features and customize to the maximum, to save yourself some money be prepared and know what you really want. In conclusion, there are benefits to either option.

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The Objects of Affection for Classic Ford Fans

Posted by in Classic Cars on January 2, 2012

By Nona Nixon

I have always been a classic Ford fan. I have beautiful memories of my father driving around in his Crown Vic, and I remember the joy and love he bestowed upon the car. The children were never allowed to eat, drink or chew gum in his beloved “Victoria”. My father has since passed on, and I am the proud owner of his true love. I never realized the relationship that one can have with a car until I became the proud owner of a classic car, thanks to my father.

The following classic cars have had many admirers:

Ranchero

Who does not love the line-up this car originated from back in the fifties? This car was a small truck. This car was the first ancestor of trucks we see today. These cars were titled coupes or standard roadsters that contained a small cargo box instead of a trunk. Unbelievably, the Ranchero proved easier than other cars to obtain financing on because it was easier to secure a loan on a truck instead of a car.

Shelby Cobra

In order to learn about this sports car, you must first get to know a Texan by the name of Carroll Shelby whose name is linked to one of the highest-performance cars of all time. Mr. Shelby was a race car driver, and when his medical condition (heart) cut his season short on the race track, he became an automotive entrepreneur. Originally, the sports car was to be sold only in the United States, but this idea did not last long. The British market completed the first right-hand drive version of this car in 1963 and was eventually sold throughout Europe. Production of the Cobra ended in December 1968.

Galaxie

This car was a direct competitor with the Impala. Both cars were enormous with beautiful, luxurious interiors and contained trunks so vast you could build a home in them. The Galaxie was born in 1959 and was produced through 1974. Erich Merkle an industry analyst for Ford Motor Company once stated “It was a vehicle that met pretty much everybody’s needs in the middle somewhere.”

Model T

This classic car was born in 1908 with the first one being sold for $950. At one point in history, the Model T sold for $280. This vehicle evolved from an affordable means of transportation to a luxury item for those who could afford it.

The Hi-Boy

This term is used when referring to Ford F-250s and proves to be a nickname instead of an authorized Ford name of the truck. You either love these trucks, or you hate them, there is never an in-between with this Ford product.

In order, for a Ford truck to be considered a Hi-Boy, it should meet the following standards:

-1967 – 1977 Ford-250 4X4
-The front spring pack will contain an arch
-3 driveshaft’s
-The front choices for this vehicle were the low pinion Dana 60 or the 8-lug Dana 44
-360 2 bbl. V-8 engines or the 6-cyclinder
-Power ram assisted or manual steering

Cabriolet

Ford vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were ended back in 1933. V-8 models such as this car received all the attention from consumers. Henry Ford’s only son, Edsel Ford, made the decision to place a V-8 engine into this stylish machine. Who could not help, but fall in love with the slanted grille and windshield and rounded tapered, corners of the hood and trunk? This car was and still is a beauty to behold for any Ford classic car enthusiast.

Model A

This car was produced from 1927 – 1931 and proved to be the second most successful model for Ford Motor Company. This model followed the creation of the Model T and was available in only four standard colors but not black.

5 Window Coupe

This Ford Coupe contains two door windows, a rear window and two quarter panel windows. This car is the most popular in conversions to street rods. Everyone can agree that the original versions of these cars are popular. Most people think of these cars, and they reminisce about times in our nation ranging from the forties through the sixties. This is one of the expensive collectibles of Ford classic cars.

The GT40

This classic car was originally known as a 4-time Le Mans winning race car. It is rumored that this classic was the world’s first supercar. The vehicle was created for racing with the hopes of competing with the Italian Ferrari. If you want one of these cars in mint condition, get ready to hand over 6 figures easily to acquire this stunning racing classic.

“I saved the best for last”

The Crown Victoria

This is a straightforward sedan that provides tons of space and storage capacity. A fact that many people do not know about this classic car is that along with the 1909 Model T, both are built on frames that are separate from their bodies. The transmission is bolted behind the front-mounted engines, and they both have solid rear axles in the back of the vehicle. This car is retired from production, but if you enjoy the comfort and size of the car, if you can find a used Mercury Grand Marquis (they are no longer offered new) you will enjoy similar amenities to the Grand Victoria.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many reasons to love Ford classic cars. Numerous Ford classic fans worldwide love and devotes their life to these cars, the same as my father did. Ford Motor Company did all of us a favor in producing these classic cars. No matter your favorite classic, I am sure you will agree that Ford knew what they were doing when they created these beautiful cars for all of us to love and cherish.

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A Guide to Sprucing Up Your Car for Resale

Posted by in Classic Cars on January 2, 2012

By John Alvar

If you are planning to exchange or sell your car, it is apparent that you will be able to advertise it at a higher price if it looks good and functions properly. In addition, people will judge how you take care of your car based on its interior, exterior, and working condition, which is why you should see to it that you have spruced up your car in a way that will appeal to prospective buyers. Unbeknownst to many, there are several ways on how you can improve your car for little or no cost at all; however, it is substantial that you ascertain if the cost will be worth the profit from its sale.

Primarily, you need to improve your car’s exterior and clean its interior. If you have the resources, you can take your vehicle to a professional detailer, but if you prefer to avoid any additional cost, you can do it yourself by using several car care products. For instance, you may spray a wheel cleaner in order to remove the brake dust and dirt that your vehicle has accumulated. Furthermore, you can make use of a bug and tar remover in eliminating the unnecessary marks on your car’s paint, which can significantly enhance its look.

Bear in mind that once your car is dry, you can easily wax its paint or spray a detailer product to improve its paint’s appearance and surface shine. You may also finalize detailing its exterior by utilizing a trim detailer that protects and restores the plastic and rubber trims of your car.

With regard to cleaning your car’s interior, you may begin by clearing out all the unnecessary items inside the car. Initially, you can start tidying its windows with a damp cloth, and clean everything in a light manner. However, if you are experiencing difficulties in cleaning the inaccessible parts of your car where dirt has built up, you may use a cotton swabs or toothbrush, and gently wipe the dirt off your car’s parts.

Moreover, you may clean your vehicle’s upholstery with a fabric or leather cleaner, and vacuum the trunk interior if necessary. Make sure to check your car’s seats and floor for any evident stains, and try to use a carpet shampoo to tidy it up if ever you find one. Aside from focusing on your car’s interior and exterior, you may also get rid of its unnecessary odors, as well as worn-out dings and dents that may aggravate the total look of your vehicle.

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