Cars

Questions to Consider when Buying a New or Used Car

Posted on by Spencer Dulal-Whiteway

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When it comes to buying a car, new or used, the overall process can tend to be difficult. While it may require that extra bit of legwork, it is imperative that you consider and ask specific overarching questions before making any type of commitment. At the end of the day, buying a car is a big expense. Because of this, you want to make sure you have reviewed and evaluated every avenue before signing something you may regret in the future.

Unless you are a professional car salesman, finding and buying a car will always be a hesitant process. In order to get the best deal at the most affordable price, you want to make sure the car itself meets your overall standards. A majority of the general public goes into these dealerships with a minimum and maximum price in their heads. While it is important to note the financial constraints of your purchase, you want to ensure your car is able to meet your personal and professional needs. For some people, the need is for their family. For others, the need is for them socially. Whatever is the case, make your wants and desires your priority. Just live in the realm of reality of what you can afford.

Now, moving forward, salespeople, especially those within the auto industry, are incredibly persuasive in having you buy the XYZ model. As persistent as they may be, make sure you are upfront about your wants and concerns. By establishing that as your priority, you will be able to take control of the conversation and steer the interest for the cars that meet your needs.

To help you with this, begin by asking these questions. Many of these questions are designed for ‘used’ models. For new cars, your focus will be tailored towards your standards and the price. In comparison, for used cars, you want your attention and the safety and maintenance of the vehicle in addition to the standards and price.

  • Do you have a clean Carfax?
  • Has this car ever been in an accident?
  • What year is the car? Why are you selling it?
  • Do all of the logistical operations work such as the lights, wipers, stereo, windows, and locks?
  • Do you have the title in hand?
  • Ask about any worn out conditions.
  • Does the vehicle leak any fluids?
  • How are the breaks? When was the last time you got new tires?
  • What are your fees?
  • Ask to take a test drive.

With these questions, you will be able to gauge the overall shape of the car. Even if the car is one-year-old from a dealership, you want to try and evaluate the model as much as possible. By asking these questions and matching them up with your overall standards, you will be able to determine if this specific car is right for you. If you feel that it meets your needs, make sure you take it for a test drive. Truly gain a feel for a car. If everything seems right and you have done an ample amount of research, try and solidify the deal. If you feel like you need more time, try and take, 24-48 hours to decide.

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The Evolution of Cars

Posted on by Spencer Dulal-Whiteway

 

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With Honda, Toyota, and KIA making big waves with their new luxury models, the transformation of the modern day vehicle has changed dramatically since days of the early automobile era. Since the beginning, many early models were designed and styled after various motor coaches and motor carriages that are comparative to that of a horse carriage. These early designs were simple in their nature and were meant more for functionality than for luxury. Having to endure rougher terrain, these early automobiles were equipped with high functioning capacity but with a low speed to ensure safe transportation. After more than a hundred years since we have seen dramatic changes in almost every element of a car’s design. Today, we no longer see the oddly shaped designs. Instead, we see a sleeker model that attends to the needs of the consumer for both power and efficiency, in addition with a splash of style. But to truly grasp the universal changes of the history of the cars, we have to look into a variety of different factors to truly understand the direction for the next future models of all of these different car manufacturers. These factors include the body design, the engine, the safety features, and the technology embedded within these modern day cars.

For the body design, we often picture the shape and size of an automobile with an outer layer of metal that gives a car its overall distinct shape. Throughout the years, these changes within the shape and design of the car have varied between manufacturers to companies in order to give each car a more unique and innovative theme to its need for the road. While the design of the car has its own practical need, the intrinsic want and desire for buying a car are now, more than ever, more visible within these deals. Because of this, many lower tier manufacturing companies have gone back to the drawing board to help design the interior and exterior of the cars on the basis of the consumers interest so that they can provide a design and functionality that best meets their driving needs. That mentality has given rise to some of the great brands we know today such as the Lamborghini, Bugatti, and the infamous classic Ferrari.

As for the engine, the automotive engineer has pushed to improve the internal combustion of the engine to give it a more powerful and efficient driving experience for the driver. While the original principle is still intact, many drivers look for cars to provide a smooth operational use. In addition, they are also looking for these engines and logistical operations of the car to meet their external concerns such as a scarcity of oil. While it was not necessarily a problem twenty years ago, today, this concern has completely changed the way automotive engineers designed many of their cars. For newer models, many of these automobiles provide greener friendly options such as hybrid electric features in order to give their driver a sense of ROI when their driving-to-gas comparison. In many ways, this makes sense. To really build a model for your consumer, you need to look at these concerns. Oil prices will not be what they were ten (twenty, fifty) years ago. Because of that, automotive engineers need to provide viable solutions that can ease and secure the mind of the driver.

One concern that has constantly stayed consistent is the overall safety of the car. It is no question the relationship between faster-growing cars has led to an increase in car accidents. Because of this, many motor vehicle designers are constantly looking to provide their customers with the best set of protection through safety belts, airbag features, and now radar detectors. These types of safety features will always be a major concern for the driver. With that said, safety will always remain a concern for car manufacturers each and every day.

Now, even with the design, style, and safety features, every consumer is always looking for the newest technology that can make their driving experience that much easier. From hand-held free device settings to built-in GPS computer screens, these features will always be asked and requested in every type of car sales meeting. Because of that, many models such as Honda and KIA have improved their standard tier cars in order to provide a first class luxury experience for their drivers at an affordable cost. While they may not be the Lamborghini or Bugatti of the car world, they are raising countless eyebrows and sales all across the world.

For me, I am excited to see what new models will come up in the future. As much as I enjoy the flash and speed of a car, the overall functionality and experience of the ride will always be the major factor in any and all of my automobile decisions.

Self-Driving Cars, The Future or the World’s Next Nightmare

Posted on by Spencer Dulal-Whiteway

 

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With the advancement of technology, the once unimaginable self-driving car is now moving closer to becoming a reality. While the general public can toy with the thought of what these futuristic science-fiction ideas can do for their lives, we have to, at the end of the day, be realistic to what can and cannot happen. That leads me to the million dollar question: Can we inherently believe that these machines can take us from point A to point B without any errors? While many critics can rebuttal with the subway and train system as examples, the world, and our technology, is simply not ready for something this drastic.

Now I am not saying that the idea should not be attempted. In fact, I do believe there are incredible benefits to self-driving cars. For instance, many of these cars can provide the options for independence for elderly and visually impaired loved ones. In addition, self-driving vehicles can provide the freedom and relaxation for drivers coming back to work. As brilliant and life changing self-driving car would be, we have to understand the technologies overall limitations. Anything dealing with technology will, in most cases, endure a drastic amount of flaws. That is the nature of the game. While self-driving cars are designed to navigate safely through the streets with sensors detecting objects as far as two football fields away in any and all directions, the technology has already a variety of speed bumps. The main one is its lack of recognition for United States roadways.

In various tech articles, self-driving cars are getting a lot of criticism for their struggle to cope with United States roads. With shoddy infrastructure and badly maintained roadways, engineers are vexed in developing the right technology for these cars to perform at optimal levels. In fact, many automakers are forced to develop more sophisticated sensors and maps to compensate for its lack of performances. For many of these cars, they utilize cameras, radars and lasers (sensors) as their eyes and ears with their surrounding environment. But even with their achievements, they are still unable to overcome this hurdle. Boston Consulting Group has gone as far as to estimate that the science fiction robot car manufacturers may have to spend more than $1 billion dollars over the next decade to research solutions in developing more sophisticated features.

Now even if these self-driving cars are able to detect the shoddy roads, they will still need to accommodate and analyze human intelligence as a part of their technology. For example, simple instances such as a hand gesture signal or wide turn signals should be already ingrained in its software. While we have not heard of any of these features just yet, these are definitely ideas that should be taken into consideration if we want to make this technology efficient and effective for the everyday driver.

The only thing we can do now is to wait and see what the next self-driving car can have for us. Hopefully, they can provide the necessary needs for its next test.

Electric Cars and their Milestone within the 21st Century

Posted on by Spencer Dulal-Whiteway

 

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With the world shaping their view to more environmentally friendly alternatives, electric cars have continued to gain a wide range of popularity year after year. For many people, these cars are not simply a solution to gas-guzzling options. Instead, they are the key to a better and brighter future.

Like with any big item expenses, there is a lot of thought that goes into these purchases. For greener electric cars, you have to consider the price, style, comfort, safety, reliability, convenience, and of course the overall performance these models can serve for your needs. But what makes electric cars the more viable option is the long-term value and return on investment you will get out of these cars. Ultimately the cost versus value goes beyond your monetary value and sticker price you agree to said-purchase. Instead, it comes down to the detrimental effects standard cars and trucks have on the environment as a whole. This toll includes unhealthy air pollution, oil spills, damage to habitats, and global climate disruption.

For the general public, they continue to remain unaware of the pollution and harm standard gas-guzzling cars have on the environment. With global warming continuing to be an ever-pressing problem, electric cars serve as a more sustainable option that attends the needs without jeopardizing the environmental necessities for our future generation. One of the biggest contributions to this cause is, of course, Mr. Elon Musk and his company Tesla Motors. Tesla first gained widespread attention following their production of the Tesla Roadster, the first fully electric sports car. With new incoming fully electric luxury models, Tesla has begun to tackle not just environmental problems, but also the aesthetics and performance of a strong car. As of March 31st, 2016, Tesla Motors has successfully sold almost 125,000 electric cars worldwide since the delivery of its first Tesla roadster back in 2008.

Now, with more awareness and the efficiency and effectiveness of electric cars, many countries all around the world are beginning to acclimate this option within their everyday lives. As of April 2016, the United States is the leading country market with a stock of about 450,000 highway legal light-duty plug-in electric vehicles delivered since 2008. China ranks second with around 300,000 units sold since 2011, followed by Japan with about 150,000 plug-in units sold since 2009, both through March 2016. Almost 475,000 plug-in electric passenger cars have been registered in Europe up until March 2016, making the continent the world’s largest light-duty plug-in regional market. Currently, Norway is said to be the highest market penetration per capita in the world where over 1 in every 100 passenger cars on the roads is a plug-in electric vehicle.

So, if you are looking for a new car for the family, I highly recommend you consider an electric car as your next option. Remember, this is not just a decision for your family’s need, but for their future requirements as well.

What to look for when buying a Car

Posted on by Spencer Dulal-Whiteway

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Buying a car is always an exhilarating process. But with any type of big purchase, it is absolutely vital that you do your homework before making any type of commitment. For much of the general public, they tend to spend only a few days before making the decision to buy. As eager as you may be, do not make this mistake. A mistake like that can leave you with a car that you ultimately may not have wanted.

Now, as a buyer, the first thing you need to comprehend is that you are the one in control of the entire process. While you may have a sales person pressuring you to buy now, do not let them bully you. In fact, before you even step foot into a dealership, make sure you do your research. With so much reliable information available online, it is absolutely important that you understand both your financial status and your wants-and-needs before you go to the dealership.

To begin the process, start by evaluating your finances holistically. For many buyers, they tend to overlook this step because of the lust and lure of getting a new car. Do not make that mistake. Instead, evaluate your monthly revenue and expenses and compare the two figures against each other. This number will give you a general idea of the minimum and maximum figures of what you can realistically spend each and every month for car payments. Having those figures noted is not just beneficial when looking for a car, but tangible. The one situation you do not want to find yourself in is you struggling to pay the car payments and risking your overall financial health.

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Once you have ironed out all of the financial logistics, now you can begin figuring out what type of car you would like to buy. For this to run smoothly and efficiently, make sure you are realistic and honest about your driving situation. If you tend to have longer drives within the week, you may want to consider a car with great gas mileage. If you are looking for something to run errands and pick the kids up, you may want to consider a safer and more efficient model that meet the needs of your family. Whatever is the case, make sure you are realistic about your situation. Now, this of course should not stop you from honing in on the overall aesthetics of the car. At the end of the day, you are investing a large amount of money and you want to make sure your new car can hit all of your needs. As you are doing your research, be sure to look at different models, both inside and out, and note what features you would like to have for your future car. Be specific. The more detailed information you have, the better. This will help you rule out any unwanted cars that you may see when you are at the dealership. One piece of advice, make sure many of these aesthetics are not deal breakers for your purchase. Remember, we are limited to the amount that is allotted to us. Unless you are willing to pay more, you may have to compromise some of these needs for the overarching goal.  

Once you have settled on what model and what car is right for you, make sure you look up the invoice price for that car. The invoice price is what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car. Knowing the invoice price of your car will help you with the negotiating process so that you can get your dream car at the best price possible. To of course help with the process, make sure you are aware of any rebates the dealership or manufacture is marketing to the general public. In the world of consumer marketing, vehicle rebates are a little slide of heaven. Think of these as coupons where a fixed amount of money is returned to a buyer for a purchase of a particular vehicle. Be aware of all rebates for which you qualify for and make sure you receive them.

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Now, to help finalize you homework, make sure you research the dealers. Yes, this can be a somewhat mundane process, but having a stronger idea of the people and support you will be working with can help you decide which dealers are right for you. The best place to do this is by checking their online reviews. If you cannot find any online reviews, try asking your friends or neighbors for some advice. They can potentially lead you to the right place where you can happily purchase your new car.

After everything is researched and looked at, you are officially ready to find that car. Once have narrowed down your search from a handful of vehicles to one or two options, make sure you complete the experience with a test drive. The best way to assure yourself that you made the right decision is by testing the car out yourself. Be sure to note if the engine runs smoothly or not. In addition, be observant of any noises and electronics and make sure they are working properly.

If you are completely satisfied with both the price and test drive, the only thing left for you to do is to sign your name and take your new car home.

Elon Musk and the Future of Driving

Posted on by Spencer Dulal-Whiteway

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In many interviews, Elon Musk has stated that, “It is possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary.” While the man is far from ordinary, Elon Musk has gone above and beyond by taking the ideas and dreams of millions of people across the globe and turning them into a tangible reality. His mind and his brilliance has lead many in awe and continues to do so with his various accomplishments with SpaceX and Tesla.

Even when he was a young boy, Elon Musk was always driven by his imagination. He began showing strong capabilities at the young age of ten where he self-taught himself how to program. By twelve, he was able to take that foundational knowledge of coding and programing and created and sold a code for BASIC-based video game called Blastar to a magazine company. While he was able to assume a small financial success of a few hundred dollars, the sale itself was just the beginning to Musk impact on society.

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By age nineteen, Musk decided to continue his studies of computer science, physics, and business at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, Elon had intended to further his knowledge with a PhD in applied physics at Stanford University. But with the work of a new project, he felt that it was best to leave his program and begin his journey as an entrepreneur.

As an entrepreneur, Elon was able to see immediate success with Zip2, also known as PayPay, after selling it for millions. While making a large fortune from the sale, Musk felt the need to do more than just retire from the entrepreneurship game. Instead, Elon decided to optimize his financial gain to drive his vision, beliefs, and fantasies by establishing SpaceX (2002) and Tesla Motors (2003). For Musk, it wasn’t seen as a risk. Instead, it was seen as the first domino in a line of much needed change.

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Today, one of the biggest problems going on in the world is global warming. While many efforts have been made to sustain the negative effects of greenhouse gases, Elon Musk has been able to affectively change one of the leading causes for greenhouse gases, driving. For decades, driving has become one of the main causes for greenhouse gas emission. The gas used to drive releases an exhaust that has continuously damaged the earth year after year. Thus sparked the electric car. Now, while the idea may have been out there, the look, elegance, and efficiency that Tesla Motors have produced is something out of this world. There ability to produce the world’s first electric sports car showcases the demand and need for eco-friendly cars.

Today, Tesla Motors is in position to release two new model, the 2016 Tesla Model S and Model X. These two models are seen to be the safest, fastest, and most capable sport utility vehicle in history. To learn more about each model, please visit the link here: Tesla Motors