Used Cars:
Thinking about a used car extended warranty? Nervous about what's under the hood? Used car dealers are feeling your pain all the way to the bank. In an ironic twist, "pre-owned vehicle" dealers have found a way to profit from their bad reputation.
No, they're not just selling overpriced used car extended warranties anymore. They're charging a 10%-25% markup on used cars "certified" (by them) not to be pieces of junk. The accompanying "certified" used car warranties in fact usually carry much less protection than the best used car warranties, which you can buy yourself online.
Who needs a used car warranty if your jalopy is a "certified" machine?
But even paying 10%-25% more won't eliminate risk. Thorough extended warranties for used cars are necessary, "certified" or not. In some cases, a half-hearted inspection means the certification may not be worth the paper it's written on. Used car problems often only appear months or years after purchase. That's why even for mint used cars, used car extended warranties are essential.
Worse, "certified" used cars don't always come with any extended used car warranty coverage.
When a "certified" used car warranty is included, it usually has much less coverage than a new car warranty. Even most standard pre-owned vehicle extended warranties offer much more protection than most "certified" used car warranties.
You can almost always do better on your own. An independent inspection and a used car extended warranty provide better peace of mind, often at a lower price.
Certified Used Car Inspection: Used Car Extended Warranties Still Needed
The cornerstone of a "certified" used car program is the supposedly super-thorough inspection. There are good reasons to think that the inspection does not replace an independent inspection or used car extended warranty coverage.
*Are inspections really added value? Don't you wonder why dealers aren't inspecting all their cars before taking delivery themselves? Car dealers aren't idiots, at least not with cars. Anyone who's had to haggle over a trade-in knows that.
The big question is whether the dealership will disclose everything it knows. Trust is still an issue with "certified" cars.
*Certified by whom? Think about it: the same people who are trying to sell you the car are also "certifying" it. Yes, you read right: the "certification" is usually done by the dealership selling the car. If there's any manufacturer oversight, it's often just an occasional inspection of the dealer's inspection.
*Duplicate inspection. You should have any used car, "certified" or not, thoroughly inspected by an independent mechanic. You're up against an industry that demonstrates about as much trustworthiness as, well, used car dealers. Do not give up your first line of defense.
*Limits of inspections.
No inspection in the world can foresee every possible problem. Oftentimes, something that breaks a few months after purchase really was fine when the car was sold--or was virtually undetectable. When--not if--something gives out, you'd better have a used car extended warranty.
"Certified" Used Car Warranty Coverage under the Hood
The implied selling point of "certified" used cars is they won't break. That kind of makes used car extended warranties seem unnecessary.
Naturally, some buyers may wonder what will be happen if something does break anyway. In order to ease those inquiring minds, "certified" used car warranties often come included, or are at least implied. Sadly, too few people will inquire further about what the "certified" used car warranty covers.
*Does certified mean "under warranty"? Not necessarily. The major manufacturers' "certified" programs usually include some extended warranty protection. But oftentimes, "certified" cars sold outside of manufacturers' programs do not come with any extended warranty coverage.
If it does break, tough luck.
*How good's the warranty? The GM Certified Used Vehicle Warranty is only for 3 months or 3,000 miles! Ford offers longer "certified" warranties. But they generally aren't bumper-to-bumper, covering only the "power train." Forget about the little extras like the roof or the doors. Right off the internet, you can buy extended warranty used car coverage that is generally bumper-to-bumper and lasts several years.
"Certified" Used Cars: Extended Warranties Still Needed
"Certified" used cars offer two things: an inspection and a used car extended warranty.
Arguably, neither is worth the price.
*Inspection. Let's face reality. The junky used car problem doesn't exist for want of dealer inspections. Lemons get sold for one of three reasons. a) The defect did not show up in the dealer's own inspection.
b) The dealer is trying to sell a car whose defects were already known. Or sometimes c) the buyer knows about the defects but is guilty of wishful thinking. In none of these cases will a "certified" inspection provide the protection of an independent inspection and extended used car warranty.
*Warranty. A "certified" used car will often cost 10%-25% more.
For a $10,000 used car, that's $1,000-$2,500. An extended used car warranty from an independent auto warranty company will often cost about the same. But the best used car warranties will provide a lot more protection than "certified" used car warranties. Given that fact, you may end up getting an independent extended car warranty anyway.
Worst of all, certified used cars come with an expensive risk.
They tempt you to let your guard down. Ford even issued a press release headlined "Pre-Owned Vehicle Program Reduces Customer Buyer Beware." As if that were a good thing.
Of course, in the end, you may buy a "certified" used car anyway. These days it seems there are fewer and fewer used cars that aren't "certified." Just make sure to get an independent inspection and an independent used car extended warranty. "Certified" or not, it's still a used car.
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Habitat for Humanity?s Cars for Homes Program Steers Families Toward Local Affordable Housing
AMERICUS, GA (ContentDesk) August 1, 2005 -? Steering more low-income families toward local affordable homeownership opportunities, Habitat for Humanity is launching its nationwide "Cars for Homes?" vehicle donation program.
Cars for Homes? takes donated cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, RVs and other vehicles and sells them through automobile auctions, recyclers or salvage yards to raise funds that help build simple, decent homes. Funds generated from vehicle sales benefit the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate and community where the donation is made.
Habitat began its Cars for Homes? program in the fall of 2003 in the Seattle area. Since that time, car donations have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars that ultimately help build homes in partnership with low-income families."We are excited to expand Habitat's Cars for Homes? program across the country," said Marcia Rundle, Cars for Homes? general manager.
"It provides a hassle-free and easy way to give...
Habitat for Humanity?s Cars for Homes Program Steers Families Toward Local Affordable Housing
Used cars > Habitat for Humanity?s Cars for Homes Program Steers Families Toward Local Affordable Housing
Tall Magazine Rates New Cars and Trucks By Available Driver's Space, not Available Horsepower
Tall, the only consumer magazine targeting the needs of men over 6'2" and women over 5'9", moves into 2005 with a comprehensive look at which of the newly released batch of cars and trucks can be deemed "tall-friendly." ???? The Tall staff ? ranging in height from 6'2" to 6'11" ? spent a full day at the November 2004 San Francisco International Auto Show inspecting every model on the floor.???? Unlike other new car reports, the Tall staff looked at aspects of the car overlooked by consumer guides, marketing specialists, and dealers ? but not by a discerning public. "How fast a car can go in 60 seconds, an engine's torque, its braking speed, how many speakers come standard; we ignored all that," said Tall publisher Everard Strong, who stands 6'9". "Instead, we went after the three variables that matter most to members of the tall community: legroom, headroom, and visibility."???? The report also rated the passenger's available space, and an overall grade was given for how everything came...
Tall Magazine Rates New Cars and Trucks By Available Driver's Space, not Available Horsepower
Used cars > Tall Magazine Rates New Cars and Trucks By Available Driver's Space, not Available Horsepower
'Festivals of Speed' Sports the World 'Super Cars;' Ferrari FXX, Maserati MC12, Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and Other Exotics Set for Display
St. Petersburg, FL (ContentDesk) January 16, 2006 -- The Third annual St. Petersburg "Festivals of Speed" will take place in St. Petersburg, Florida in Vinoy Park on Sunday February 26, 2006 with a collection of the worlds leading Super Cars in attendance. Ferrari FXX, Bugatti Veyron, Maserati MC 12, Porsche GT1 and others all ready for display.???Festivities begin on Friday, February 24th with a "Jet Hop" reception.
Participants, sponsors and guests will gather in an actual aircraft hanger for a festive evening as they indulge in cocktails from a premium brands open bar and enjoy Martini's from a sculptured ice bar. As for culinary options, guests will delight their palette with food from themed food stations On display will be a fabulous display of exotic cars, luxurious aircraft, custom motorcycles and high speed boats. Smooth Jazz, a live/silent auction and drawings to win luxury items are a part of the fun.???On Saturday the 25th a "Yacht Hop" will take place 12pm-3pm....
'Festivals of Speed' Sports the World 'Super Cars;' Ferrari FXX, Maserati MC12, Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and Other Exotics Set for Display
Used cars > 'Festivals of Speed' Sports the World 'Super Cars;' Ferrari FXX, Maserati MC12, Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and Other Exotics Set for Display
Getting Started In Radio Control Cars
Take note that you need to decide whether you want a radio control nitro or gas car or perhaps one that has an electric engine. You could purchase either one which is ready to run (rtr) or a kit. Now, knowing how much you would want to spend start going shopping for a vehicle that fits your specifications. Like me passion is what drew me to this exciting hobby and there's a lot you are going to learn before you can "get behind the wheel".It is always good start at a nearby hobby store - look for one that specializes in radio control vehicles. Speak to people you'll find working in the store and chances are that these people are true blue rc hobbyists as well.
There is much you can learn from, so pick their brains well. You'll find these machines to be sleek and powerful, tearing up the terrain in a jiffy and it's certainly a lot of fun watching them go.The types of radio control vehicles that you need to get aquainted with are nitro and electric cars, monster trucks, stadium trucks,...
Getting Started In Radio Control Cars
Used cars > Getting Started In Radio Control Cars
Used Cars:
Thinking about a used car extended warranty? Nervous about what's under the hood? Used car dealers are feeling your pain all the way to the bank. In an ironic twist, "pre-owned vehicle" dealers have found a way to profit from their bad reputation.
No, they're not just selling overpriced used car extended warranties anymore. They're charging a 10%-25% markup on used cars "certified" (by them) not to be pieces of junk. The accompanying "certified" used car warranties in fact usually carry much less protection than the best used car warranties, which you can buy yourself online.
Who needs a used car warranty if your jalopy is a "certified" machine?
But even paying 10%-25% more won't eliminate risk. Thorough extended warranties for used cars are necessary, "certified" or not. In some cases, a half-hearted inspection means the certification may not be worth the paper it's written on. Used car problems often only appear months or years after purchase....
Used cars > Used Cars:
Major Bankruptcy Code Reform Takes Effect October 17, 2005 and Will Effect Millions of Americans
(ContentDesk) October 11, 2005 -- Consumer debt in the United States has reached staggering levels. It has risen from $1.5 trillion in 2000 to $1.98 trillion in 2003 while sharply increasing to the tune of $10 trillion in 2005. This astronomical and growing debt is placing an increasing amount of final strain on millions of Americans. Bankruptcies,lay-offs, unmet financial obligations, and lower retail spending levels are all direct and indirect results of a nation under too much financial strain....
debt consolidation
Used cars > Major Bankruptcy Code Reform Takes Effect October 17, 2005 and Will Effect Millions of Americans
Internet Astronomy
For many generations various human cultures have had great knowledge about the star constellations. However, these days most of the so-called modernized breed of human can't tell you much about what's around us in the infinite Universe. The funny thing is, technically we now know more about what's there than ever before, we've even got photos. With the Hubble Telescope we now have access to the most unbelievable pictures imaginable: galaxies, nebulae and millions of stars close up. You don't need...
Used Cars:
Used cars > Internet Astronomy
Turn your FREE eZine into a moneymaker, Tip #1
Almost every online business, that's serious about their marketing effort, has their own eZine. Out of the hundreds of thousands of eZines on the net, only a handful make money for their publishers. Does your eZine make you money? Here is a quick tip to turn your eZine into a moneymaker.Confirmation message.When someone subscribes to your eZine, they should receive a confirmation message. Generally, the confirmation message says something like:Thank you for subscribing to ABC eZine. We're glad...
Used Cars: Used cars home generator
Used cars > Turn your FREE eZine into a moneymaker, Tip #1
Puppy House Training Secrets Revealed!
For some owners, puppy house training can be a real challenge. Katz shows you how to teach your puppy to obey your every command with his amazing techniques. He doesn't just show you how to housebreak a puppy either, but explains why his program works.Here's what one happy dog owner, Rebecca Fabiano, has to say about puppy potty training after applying Katz's strategies, "... I had a very hard time getting her to go potty outside. Now when she needs to go, she will go and stand by the door and...
Puppy House Training Secrets Revealed! Used Cars: Used cars potty training
Used cars > Puppy House Training Secrets Revealed!
Shopping for a swimming pool
When the summer rolls around and the air heats up, we all dream of having pools in our own backyard. However, before shopping for pools, it is important to be aware of safety issues. Make sure you are willing to take on the responsibility before you buy.
Do you have a lot of kids in your neighborhood? Pools are magnets for children! Be aware that if the pool is on your property, you may be liable for any accident that may occur. For safety reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics...
Used cars > Shopping for a swimming pool