Gas powered Scooters are making a comeback as the preferred mode of transportation.

No longer are they just for kids. Gas powered scooters are rapidly taking over as the preferred method of transportation to work and school. They are economical, can maneuver through tight spaces and with a gas scooter, you can take short-cuts that an automobile can not.

Gas powered scooters are also known as mopeds which is a two-wheeled (normally) low powered vehicle. In most states its small size and low power output allow it to escape many of the licensing, insurance, and driver restrictions placed on motorcycles. However, be careful of the true description of moped.

a. A moped is traditionally defined as a motorized 2 wheel vehicle that is part human and part motor driven. A moped has pedals so that it can be propelled by human power. As you can see, gas powered scooters do not fit most states definition of moped.

Don’t fret though, a gas scooter used properly will not get you into any trouble in most places. If used responsibly and traffic laws are obeyed, most law enforcement won’t touch you.

Gas scooters were first introduced in the mid 1950’s. The first design was little more than a bicycle with an engine mounted on it, it was called a cyclemotor. The cylcemotor can still be seen on the road these days in the form of electric bikes.

One reason some people have a gas scooter is to circumvent loosing a driver’s license. Many states don’t require a driver to have an operator’s license if they are over eighteen years of age, sixteen in some states. They also don’t require insurance and registration.

Gas powered scooters have several advantage that should be noted.

a. No parking spots required. Some gas powered scooters can fold down for easy storage right in your office, or you can tie it up at the door with the bicycles right in front of the buildings door or on the sidewalk.

b. A gas powered scooter is faster than the average electric scooter. They can travel at speeds up to thirty-five miles an hour.

c. Gas powered scooters can maneuver rather well – A gas powered scooter is a great way to move through traffic. They dart in and out between cars, especially gridlocked traffic. Imagine sleeping in an extra twenty-thirty minutes. With the time you save avoiding traffic, you can afford to. how smart are you?

d. Gas scooters have very cool body styles; some gas powered scooters look more like miniature motorcycles than scooters.

e. Gas scooters save tons of money - While the cost of gassing up gas powered scooters might seem expensive compared to the low cost of running an electric scooter, the mileage they get quickly makes up for the gallon of gas they require.

f. Maintenance is a breeze– A Gas scooter is easy to maintain. With a basic grasp of tools and a decent book about mechanics most people are able to maintain their gas powered scooters in their own garage.

The best thing about a gas scooter is the freedom to literally go just about anywhere. While you ride your scooter along the trail or the beach, you can go more places than most automobiles. Hop on your new gas scooter and get ready for a new adventure. Take a minute and smell the roses or take in the sights like never before. What more could you ask for?

Wheelchair lift vans can be difficult to find because of their specialized function. These vans are made especially to accommodate wheelchair bound individuals. Wheelchair lift vans are designed in such a way that it will be able to allow wheelchairs to be lifted up and become part of the seating of the said van.

This makes it possible for such people on wheelchairs to have access to a specialized mode of transportation that will enable them to travel around in a convenient manner. But when one cannot be found, most people usually rely on having any regular van modified to allow a wheelchair to be accessed into it.

Wheelchair lift vans are included in a range of vehicles that have been modified in order to allow access by individuals who use wheelchairs in their day-to-day routine. The usual modifications made on such vans are lowering the floor and adding a special ramp so that the chair can easily be rolled into the van.

Another modification is adding a motorized lift that is capable of picking the wheelchair up from ground level to the same level as the floor of the van. AMS Vans has pictures of what a lowered floor conversion looks like.

A van must undergo through an intense modification process that requires pinpoint planning in order for it to become wheelchair accessible. If utmost care is not taken during the modification work, there is a big chance that the sloppy work will result in a vehicle that can become completely undriveable.

When looking for your wheelchair van or planning to have one modified, it is recommended that you deal solely with a known member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association when trying to acquire a wheelchair accessible van.

There are general steps that manufacturers follow in converting a regular van into a wheelchair accessible vehicle. These steps may differ greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. All manufacturers or dealers of wheelchair lift vans should be closely aware of what takes place and what is needed during their conversion process. These manufacturers must be able to answer all questions that individuals may ask about the conversion process. Most van conversions to become wheelchair accessible usually change the usual parts of the van. First of all, the original van floor is generally removed. Front seating is specially modified in such a way so as to allow easy access when using a wheelchair.

A special means of external access added, which is most often a ramp, a motorized lift, or turning seat. The van suspension is then stiffened to allow for the extra weight of wheelchairs, usually those that are powered by a motor.

It may also be necessary for gas tanks to be modified or replaced with custom models. After the conversion process, these modified vehicles are then tested to ensure safe and ideal operation.

Driving an automobile is a luxury that most of us take for granted. Automobiles are the primary means of transportation in United States, with ninety percent of American adults owning or previously owning a car or truck. What we don’t realize is that operating a car or truck is a responsibility that can bring serious consequences. Every year in the United States alone, more than ten thousand vehicular accidents occur. An average of four hundred Americans die each year as the result of automotive accidents. It’s a tragic figure, especially when you consider that many of these accidents could be prevented with proper maintenance and routine check-ups. Keeping your car well-maintained means reducing the risk of mishap or even death, and protecting your loved ones and fellow drivers.

Before hitting the road, be sure to conduct these checkups regularly:

Tires Most Americans use all-season tires. These tires should carry you safely from season to season, but it is imperative that you check the tires regularly for wear or damage. Ideally, tires should be checked on a weekly basis.

Brakes The brake system serves one main purposes: to slow down or stop the car when it is needed. If you step on the brake pedal and it goes all the way to the floor, you’ve got trouble. Late-model automobiles are equipped with a brake warning light. This dashboard indicator will light up if something is wrong with your brake system. If your brake warning light indicates trouble, it is imperative that you check the brake system immediately. Consult your owner’s manual for maintenance advice, and call an experienced mechanic for repairs. Brake repairs or replacements are no job for a weekend or hobby mechanic.

Headlights In 2005, over 2,300 pedestrians died because drivers suffered eye problems or had faulty headlights in the automobiles. Properly maintained vehicle headlights help you drive safely, and see more clearly. Replace your headlight bulbs at least once per year.

Wipers Many people don’t think of changing their wiper blades until it is too late. This is one of the easiest and most inexpensive parts of the car to maintain. Change your wiper blades twice a year, in the spring and just before winter.

There are 10 common reasons why automobile owners visit the mechanic:

1. Electronic/Ignition control 2. Suspension/steering 3. Electrical problem 4. Brake system 5. Oil change/filters/lube 6. Exhaust system 7. Radiator repairs 8. Fuel system/carburetor 9. Clutch/transmission 10. Air conditioning system

Routine check ups and proper maintenance of a car be expensive, and budget restrictions are often the leading factors in keeping car owners from living up to their responsibilities. This does not need to be a problem. The key is in knowing how to save on car maintenance and repairs. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirmed that $20 billion has been wasted on unnecessary auto repairs due to fraud and incompetence.

If your car is not performing to its full potential, remember the following tips to help you save money on repairs:

Preventive Maintenance Be your car’s best friend, and you can save a bundle. By conducting regular preventative maintenance, such as regular oil changes and radiator flushes, you prevent unnecessary damage to the car and save a lot of money in the long run. Regular checkups by a qualified repairperson will keep your car running better, longer.

Conserve Even automobiles need to take a break now and then. If you drive your car everyday the miles will add up quickly, and damage can occur prematurely. To avoid this, consider carpooling with friends and coworkers. Ask around to form your own carpool group. You’ll all save on maintenance, and you’ll be able to pool your fuel and parking expenses.

Estimate Before choosing a mechanic to repair your car, be sure to get a written estimate. If the mechanic wants more than your budget can afford, shop around. Compare estimates to find the best deal. Just be sure that you are paying for quality service.

Do It Yourself You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish after doing a little research. Read over your owner’s manual from time to time. Learn as much as you can about your car. Understand potential problems and how to solve them. For example, that mysterious clunking noise might be bothersome, but could be as simple to fix as tightening a bolt. Regular maintenance tasks like oil changes and radiator flushes are fairly easy to do if you understand your vehicle and take the time to do the job properly.

As an automobile owner, you have a responsibility to keep your car properly maintained at all times. Consider it an investment in your car’s future, and remember that it could save a life.

The beginning of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1903 was very impressive. The founders, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson, began at a prototype with a small engine- so weak that it cannot conquer the Milwaukee hills. But, all things must have started from small beginnings. And that was exactly what happened to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Schoolboys, as they can be considered, Bill and Arthur may have been born to give contribution to the motor industry.

The concept of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was very advanced at that time considering that fact that these two individuals were living in the period where horses were still the main form of transportation and automobiles were still developing. Bill and Arthur lived in an era where motorcycles were still in infant stage. What was more surprising was that, Bill and Arthur were still too young to be founders of a company then.

The prototype may be considered a success but could not produce more power to be efficient in hills. As resourceful as they were, Bill and Arthur made stronger engines that produced more power and speed.

That very same year, Harley-Davidson made its very first sale. Two years later they had made 11 motorcycles. And in 1908, they had made 154.

As the years went by, the company had produced and sold more and more units. Harley-Davidson, which started at a small backyard of a modest home, grew to become a motorcycle empire in a very short span of time.

Innovations after innovations and awards after awards, Harley-Davidson Motors had increased its reputation as the leader in the motorcycle industry.

Harley-Davidson was one of the 2 motor companies that had been commissioned to mass-produce motorcycles for the government to be used for First World War and the Second World War as well.

Within the 100 years of the company’s existence, they had been challenged with so many trials. The company’s sale went off in some periods but they regained on the next. The company’s quality had been compromised but they had regained it. And like the toughness of the motorcycles they built, the company had remained tough.

After more than a century of motorcycle manufacturing, Harley-Davidson is among the most sought after motorcycle brands around the world. They have created several models that are truly world-class. Harley-Davidson will continue to manufacture quality motorcycles that are indeed an exiting machine to ride.

So you have at last purchased the car that you have always dreamt of. Only problem is, the deal has been made in the other corner of the country. Well, you do not have to view it as a problem, as there are many car transport services that help you transport your car from any one point to another. If you are unclear and uncomfortable dealing with car transport services, the following tips may help you deal better with your car transport company.

The Cost Factor

The first question you have to ask the car transporter is: what will be the total cost of car transportation? Here you have to do some homework and ask for quotes from several auto transport companies so that you can compare the rates. The cost of transporting your car is usually calculated on the basis of the following information that you need to supply to the auto transport company:

* Origin and destination points

* Type of vehicle to be transported

* The date of departure

* Type of transport service you want such as door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal etc.

Mode Of Payment

Enquire about the payment method. Most of the auto transport companies will not demand a full advance payment, but others may request a deposit fee that should not exceed 25% of the total transportation cost. Either cash or check is generally accepted, but in case of credit card payment you may be required to pay a surcharge of 2 to 3%.

Go Through The Contract In Detail

Do not go by the verbal promises of the auto transporter, and be sure to put everything in black and white on paper. Make sure that there is a clause regarding the penalties the company has to pay if it cannot deliver your car within a specified time period. Similarly you may have to pay some penalty if you cancel the contract after a certain time limit. But this should not exceed $250.

Enquire About Insurance

Your car should be insured against any kind of damage by the car transporter. Demand a copy of this insurance and know beforehand the type of the coverage, whether it is primary or secondary. If any damage occurs on transit, your car insurance provider will be responsible for paying for the damage. However, if you place any personal article inside the car, the auto transport company will not be responsible for their damage or theft.

Check Thoroughly At Time Of Delivery

Do not be in such a rush when receiving your car, and make sure to examine your car carefully and slowly for any damage. Take note of the mileage in addition to the condition of the car, such as the car roof and bumpers. Instances of damages are rare; still if you find any, make a list of all damage and obtain the driver’s signature on it.

Before you rent a car for the first time, try to make an accurate assessment of what your needs are. Consider whether you’re traveling alone or with other passengers. Decide how much storage space your going to need. Do you need a compact car, a luxury vehicle, an SUV or truck? Take into account where you will be traveling and your budget for travel expenses.

After you’ve got a short list of your car rental needs, start shopping the different rental companies in your area (or the area you’ll be traveling in). It’s very simple these days to look up these companies on the Internet. All of them have websites, and most even do locally based advertising via Google Adwords.

Pick the company that seems to have the best combination of price, terms and service. Remember the old adage, “you get what you pay for” holds true in this industry as well as any other. If one company is considerably cheaper than the others, they’re probably going to have problems in other areas. It’s hard to go wrong, however picking one of the large well-known chains. If the businesses in your area aren’t any of the well known national firms, a quick call to the Better Business Bureau wouldn’t hurt.

If budget is your primary concern, look for a corporation like Rent a Wreck. They’ve been around a long time and provide very good rates on used cars.

When you make your rental reservations, you will need to have a valid, unrestricted license. You’ll also need insurance, either your own or you may buy a policy issued at the car rental establishment. Be sure to check with your insurance company to see if your insurance covers a rental. If it does, don’t buy it through the rental agency. There’s no need to pay for it twice. You will also be required to have a credit card for a deposit.

In some countries, you may need an international driver’s license.

Once you have determined what you need in the way of transportation, chosen a prospective car rental company, and gathered the information and documents you need, you are ready to book your car.

You can walk in most car rental companies and rent one on the spot, but there are advantages to booking the vehicle in advance. Making advance reservations can save you time, money and lots of headaches. Often, there are packages and special offers that will save you a bundle by planning ahead. Ultimately, you save time and reduce anxiety because you know you have it all arranged and are confident that the car rental you want is available, reserved for you. Nothing is worse than scrambling at the last minute trying to get transportation when none is available.

You can make reservations by visiting the rental location in person, by phone or online. Many people, including this author, prefer to shop online to be able to look over prices and specials at leisure. Many reduced rates are only available through an online reservation.

Arrange to arrive to pick up your rental car with time to spare. There are often unexpected delays that could cause you to miss a flight, appointment or cause undue aggravation. Avoiding these with a little planning will make a trip flow much more smoothly.

Before driving away, thoroughly check the contract, review the charges, and inspect the vehicle. If there is any damage inside or out on the rental car, make sure that the employee duly notes it on the contract and signs off on them. If anything is missed at this stage, you’ll be charged for it when you return the car.

Make sure you have the appropriate contact numbers in case of emergency or other concerns with your rental car. You never know when a breakdown might occur. If you’re in a strange town this can turn into a minor disaster without knowing whom to call.

Finally, be sure you are comfortable with the rental terms, deadlines and restrictions before you head off to your destination.

Not too long ago, the words “auto manufacturer” meant dealing with the “Big Three” – the American manufacturing companies like General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. Everyone bought their cars and they were clearly industry leaders – powerful companies that ranked high in customer satisfaction, made quality vehicles and were the most popular cars to own. Times have definitely changed. Not only are the “Big Three” not as powerful as they once were, they have lost the loyalty of so many Americans who now look toward other manufacturers for better value and better prices, even if it means ignoring American pride and going after imported cars instead.

When I think of importing a vehicle from, say, Japan, I’m not talking about those that are really made in the U.S.A. – cars like Toyotas, Hondas or Nissans. I mean an actual imported vehicle that comes from Japan and is shipped overseas through the efforts of an automobile exporter.

I have several reasons why I think these imported autos from Japan are better than those made here in the U.S. One big reason is the exchange rate. It’s more attractive financially to obtain a car directly from Japan, even when you include the extra fees and monies you pay for shipping and taxes. It’s simply cheaper to buy a car directly from Japan than it is to buy a similar car made in the U.S. In addition, I can afford a much nicer car if I buy straight from Asia. The price difference can be in the range of thousands.

If I am in the market for a used car, I’ll get a better deal from those shipped over from Japan. The Japanese car owners don’t rely on their vehicles on a daily basis like we do in the U.S. They use scooters, public transportation or simply walk instead of using their cars. Often, Japanese cars are saved for weekend trips so they aren’t like these high-mileage used cars you’ll find here. I can buy a car from Japan that is several years’ old, pay a reasonable price and I won’t be looking at inheriting a steep mileage on the car. What’s more, you won’t find many of these models made in the United States so their rarity makes them far more special than your average “foreign car”.

When I initially thought of the idea, I didn’t think it would be worth the extra hassle and I wasn’t sure how much extra it would cost to directly import and ship a Japanese vehicle. I thought it would take forever and I didn’t know if I could trust any of the importers. Finally, I did my homework and found an exporter that I felt comfortable with and who had a decent reputation. Once I discovered it wasn’t that big of a deal, I made the leap and bought an automobile I liked. It took a while to be shipped overseas, but my efforts were rewarded with a car I truly liked.

My personal advice is to dump the usual set of cars made here in the U.S. and think about buying an import from Japan that is reasonably priced and in good condition.

Getting around in a store or in a mall for an hour at a time can be difficult if you are not feeling well, or if you are experiencing any type of pain. You can put the pain and the discomfort behind you using a scooter. A scooter gives you the mobility you have been dreaming about so you can shop. From groceries, to holiday shopping, or just personal shopping you can take your scooter along, and enjoy your day out of the house.

Advantages Of Owning A Scooter Are Vast, But Different For Every Person

The advantages of owning a scooter include the ability to be self-dependent. You don’t want to wait for your children to take you shopping or do your shopping for you, but with a scooter, you can get out and do it yourself still.

A scooter can be used to take you to the store. If you live in town or near the store, you can ride your scooter to the store, shop while riding the scooter and carry your goods home on your scooter. A scooter is a great method of giving those who are unable to walk or those who are unable to walk long distances the ability to be self-dependent.

While owning your own scooter, you don’t have to disinfect a scooter in the store where you are shopping. Sometimes accidents and spills will happen in the retail setting leaving you with a scooter that may not be clean, sanitized. If you were to purchase your own scooter, you will feel more comfortable.

Using your own scooter also means you have the advantage of always having a scooter that is fully charged and ready to go. Often times those who are disabled will enter retail centers only to find the scooters are out of power, and are useless. To provide yourself the freedom of mobility with a fully charged scooter, bring along your own scooter and leave all the worries behind you.

Owning your own scooter gives you the choice of knowing and being familiar with the scooter you are riding. Riding a scooter you are not familiar can often times be a little awkward as you learn the controls. The retail scooters are big, bulky and will not cut corners very well. Using your own scooter is going to allow you the freedom to travel in the retail setting while still feeling comfortable. You make the personal seat adjustments to your scooter, adjust the handle bars and the controls to your personal liking, and the scooter settings will stay that way, because you are the only one who is using your scooter. Your personal scooter is just like your car, your personal transportation.

You’ve likely heard one of those chaos theory statements such as “If a pigeon lands on a statue in Trafalgar Square, and at the same time a tree falls in Yellowstone Park, then it will rain on Mount Kilimanjaro.” Baffling, isn’t it? Well, such is the nature of chaos theory. But higher prices for fuel at the pump are absolutely causing more and more people to sit at traffic lights that won’t change for them. It’s a very direct cause and effect issue – not at all chaos theory.

Unfortunately, people not being able to trigger traffic lights to cycle to green has the effect of causing more gasoline to be consumed/wasted. This raises the demand for fuel, which as we have seen, causes the prices to go up even further. It’s an unattractive loop, to be sure. And let’s not forget about the many other negative aspects of getting stuck at traffic signals that won’t change such as irritation; excessive engine temperatures and overheating; frustration; additional green house gas emissions; excessive engine wear; carbon build-up, and so on.

Let’s take a look at how high gas prices are affecting traffic signals. When regular unleaded gas hit $3 per gallon, with spikes as high as $4 in places around the USA, people started buying smaller means of transportation. Motorcycles, mopeds, small cars, and small trucks, with their miserly fuel behaviors, became much more desirable, and much more common on the streets and highways. It’s a logical occurrence. If you own a vehicle that gets 15 miles per gallon, and you trade for one that gets just 18 miles per gallon, you stand to save hundreds of dollars a year on gas spending.

One of the reasons that smaller cars and trucks are so much more fuel efficient is that they use lightweight, high-tech alloys, plastics, and rubbers to construct them. There is no argument that new materials and construction techniques make today’s vehicles eminently better than those of the past – and certainly more fuel efficient. However, the lack of (1)iron in these modern marvels of transportation makes it a real problem to trigger traffic lights. It’s not the lower weight of these vehicles, it’s actually the lack of iron. This makes it easy to see why motorcyclists, bicyclists, and moped riders have always had difficulty when it comes to triggering green lights. But let me explain further…

Since early in the 1960’s, the overwhelming majority of the controlled traffic signals in the United States are regulated by very large, very weak electromagnets. Electromagnets that are used to sense iron, instead of lift it, are called “inductive loops.” These loops most often appear at controlled intersections as large rectangles (outlined in black) in the road.

Inductive loops, like all magnets, detect iron - not aluminum, rubber, plastic, weight, mass, titanium, etc. Small cars and trucks, as well as motorcycles and mopeds, rarely have enough iron close enough to the ground to cause the inductive loop to detect their presence at the intersection – ergo, the light does not trip. Now for the solution to the problem.

Each Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changer (available at www.signalsorcerer.com) generates and directs a very powerful field that causes the traffic signal controlling inductive loops to detect the vehicle it’s attached to, and initiate a signal cycle change. Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changers have been a must-have motorcycle and moped accessory around the world for years, but now that so many small cars and trucks are on the road, they are becoming the new ‘must-have’ accessory for four-wheeled vehicles.

Signal Sorcerer® traffic light changers install in about two minutes, and require no special tools. Everything needed comes with the each traffic light changer. No electricity, no wiring, no maintenance, a lifetime of service, legal everywhere, EPA compliant, DOT compliant, and the internationally famous Iron Horseman Technologies guarantee of your complete satisfaction.

(1) Iron: ferrite, chemical symbol Fe – used in the making of steels. Ferrite used to be a primary component of steels, but now, with newer, more efficient and stronger materials available, ferrite is rather rare.

Signal Sorcerer® is a registered trademark of Iron Horseman Technologies. Iron Horseman Technologies® is the registered trademark of Iron Horseman Technologies.

Most of us realize that used cars are usually less expensive than new cars. But we often still shy away from that kind of bargain because we may be intimidated by just what we may be buying. Could it be a great deal, or a lemon? And how do you know? Well, there actually is a way to work through the process of buying a great used car if you follow a few simple steps and stick to your guns. Would it surprise you that your first stop should be your credit union? Well, it should be.

You need to know how much car you can afford, and what the terms will be before you go car shopping. When you talk to your credit union, make sure you understand the difference in rates, if any, between various car model years. Newer car loans are generally lower than the interest rates charged for older models. Why? The lender assumes more risk with an older vehicle, and they pass some of that risk on to you in the form of a slightly higher rate. Does that mean you should only buy newer models? Not necessarily. That newer car will probably cost more, so even at a lower interest rate your payments could be higher than the payments on a less expensive older model at a slightly higher interest rate. Of course, your individual credit-worthiness will impact the loan rate you are quoted, as with any other financial product. Be sure you ask, too, if the credit union is sponsoring a used car sale any time soon. These events can give you a great place to comparison shop for dozens and dozens of vehicles. The prices are usually marked on (or in) the cars, and may be purported to be “non-negotiable.” But ask anyway. You may be able to negotiate a lower price, so why not check it out?

One more thing to check about car models you may be interested in is car insurance. It may be worth a call to your insurance agent to get a sense of what differences you might see in car insurance rates for different types of vehicles and models. Should you buy that Mustang or Taurus? It’s not really a surprise that a very powerful engine might be more expensive to insure, is it? So check that out before you buy. You may also want to ask your agent what differences in rates you might see depending on who is driving the car. If your 17 year old son will be one of the drivers, find out what that means to your insurance costs on the vehicle models you are considering.

What’s next? You are ready to start your additional homework. Sounds a little boring? Think about this. The salesman you are buying a car from has sold hundreds of them—or even thousands. How many have you bought? It makes some sense for you to spend a little time in research to even the playing field a little. And if you buy from a private owner, you still need to do your homework to know what little problems to look for that the owner himself may not even be aware of.

Fortunately, there are some disclosure regulations on your side. Some states require safety inspections and require that the results of those inspections be made available to prospective purchasers. Check with your state’s transportation department web site or your state secretary of state’s office or justice department as places to start looking for what help your state’s regulations may provide you. The Federal Trade Commission also has a Used-Car regulation which says that dealers must disclose whether or not used cars have any unexpired warranty protection. These same agencies can provide you information about any lemon laws which may exist in your state.

When you are looking for your car, you will generally find that similar vehicles are more expensive from dealers than from private parties. There are several reasons for this. Dealers often recondition cars. Some offer warranties. And consumers may actually have more recourse if something does go wrong with a purchase from a dealer than from a private party. Consider, also, your own knowledge about cars. If you are a shade-tree mechanic in your own right, you may be able to evaluate a car with more confidence than someone without that knowledge. If that’s your situation, it may be quite logical for you to gravitate toward purchase from a private party.

Most of us have some idea of what kinds of vehicles appeal to us. Make your short list, and hit the computer. You have a better resource than ever before to do some basic research about the models you are considering. One of the most popular such sites is http://www.edmunds.com/, but there are many others including Consumer Reports.

Let’s assume you have identified the vehicle of your dreams, you know what it will cost to insure, and you have a good idea of how to check it out. These sites can also give you vehicle reports on specific individual vehicles when you input the vehicle’s VIN number. The VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) is usually visible just at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side. A vehicle history report on each candidate is absolutely critical when you have narrowed your choice to 3 or 4 cars. You may also want to circle back to your credit union again to find the ideal vehicle. Many large credit unions have buying services where they will take the information you provide about what vehicle you want and they will search for it for you. Then you can input the VIN and make sure the car is worth pursuing before you even go look at it. Make sure you know what, if any, fees such buying services will cost you.

Another source for your vehicle could be from companies such as Hertz and Avis which sell “program cars,” or cars which have come out of their rental fleets. They often have low mileage and are far less expensive than new cars, but even these vehicles should be thoroughly researched if you are considering purchasing one.

Would you believe that you may want to make one more pass at your credit union once you’ve found the perfect car? Suppose you’ve identified one at a local dealer, you are convinced you have their best price, and you’ve checked out the VIN number and talked to your insurance agent. And you know how much your credit union will lend you at what terms. But you don’t know what they will lend you on THIS car. A great way to confirm that “the price is right” is to ask your credit union exactly what they will lend on the car you want to buy. If it’s considerably less than what the asking price is, you may not have such a good deal after all.

Sound like a lot of work? It’s really not when you consider that our vehicles are going to transport us and our loved ones at 65 miles per hour (or more!) for what we hope is a good long time. Do the work up front to find a safe, reliable, affordable vehicle for your family. It’s a great use of your time!