National Used Cars

720

Car brochure collecting. Why it is good fun, cheap (sometimes!) and interesting hobby. What to avoid, where to buy and suggested items to collect.
automobilia car auto brochure collecting
If you have read the previous articles in this series you should now have a clear idea of what brochures you are trying to obtain for your collection.

Now for the fun bit! Starting, maintaining and increasing your collection.

As you are collecting second-hand items, the condition of an item you are after can vary dramatically. Also, it does not help that sellers regularly either omit or misdescribe items.

Therefore, it is paramount that you ask the right questions and look for what the seller hasn’t said as much as what he has in his advert description.

Having been disappointed on more than a few occasions when a “pristine?item has arrived through my letterbox, I have a checklist that I consult before committing to buying. The list is as follows:

1) What is the size of the item in centimetres? Pictures can be deceptive and what looks like a 21cm x 29cm item, may be much smaller in size.
2) How many pages long is it? Beware that on smaller brochures, there can be confusion between seller and buyer with what represents a page. My firm only uses the term “pages?for items that are 6 pages long or more. Otherwise, we use the term number of “sides? As a reputable seller, this avoids any confusion and disappointment.
3) What is the reference number of the brochure? Most manufacturers have a code system for their brochures that you will become familiar with very quickly. By keeping a note of the references, you will avoid duplicates in your collection.
4) What is the condition of the brochure? Amazingly, very few sellers have a condition scale attached to the advert (we do). One person’s “pristine?may be fit only for the bin in other collectors eyes! I therefore ignore vague words like the above and ask direct questions ?Has it any creases or tears and if so how many and how bad? Any fading? Any foxing (A term used to describe stains, specks, spots and blotches in paper)? Any water or damp damage?
5) How will the item be delivered to you? On auction sites especially, it is natural to go for the cheapest posting method. However, if the item is being sent for the cost of the stamp, can you really expect anything more than for it to be delivered in a flimsy envelope? Probably not. The only way that a collectable paper item should be sent is in a card-backed envelope preferably marked “do not bend?with the item wrapped in plastic to prevent water damage and a return address inside, just in case the postal system loses it. I also insist on a proof of posting, again just in case the item goes missing. For any item over a preset limit, in my case ?0/$60, I offer to pay extra for recorded delivery. Better safe than sorry.

If you get a satisfactory answer to the questions above, you will be as certain as you can be that you will get the item and that it will be of a standard reflecting the price you have paid. The list sounds a bit daunting, but essentially it boils down to ensuring you know what you are getting and making sure it arrives in the same condition with which it left the seller.

Many is the time that I have received a sodden envelope that contains a perfectly preserved item because I have insisted on it being wrapped in plastic. If the seller says, he does not normally do this, offer to pay extra for the service or if practical, collect the item. If your seller cannot or will not take this care, may I suggest that you walk away and wait for another to turn up.

Please remember that for older brochures especially, a bit of fading and foxing and the odd crease or small tear is perfectly acceptable. In fact, I prefer an item with a patina to an “as new?item as it seems to have more character.

Finally, unless it is extremely rare, I would avoid buying any incomplete, falling apart or badly damaged brochures. On the whole, they have little or no value and it is best to wait for a better one to be offered for sale.

Next week, I will be discussing the correct way to store your collection.

479

If you like the Acura RSX, hurry down to your local Acura dealer and get one today. This model year promises to be the last one for the venerable Acura coupe.
Acura RSX, Acura Integra, Acura MDX, Acura TL, Acura RL, Acura Legend, Acura Vigor, Honda Element
When Honda launched the Acura brand in 1986, two models powered the fleet: the Integra and the Legend. Since then many other models have been added to the Acura line up and the Integra was eventually renamed the RSX and the Legend was later given the RL designation. After two decades of service, the Integra/RSX is in its final year of production. Please read on for reasons why the Honda Motor Company will kill off this once popular seller.

Blowing Up Bridges ? When Honda created Acura, the company wanted one “bridge model?to be included in the mix to help Honda owners transition to Acura. The thought back then was that the price differential between the two brands would be too much for many one-time Honda owners to swallow. Thus, the Integra was created and priced only slightly higher than the most expensive Honda model, but well below the prevailing price of the Legend. With this pricing plan in place, Honda believed accurately that Integra/RSX owners would eventually opt for a more upscale Acura. Today, however, Honda is now actively separating the two brands with individual research and development departments in play. Furthermore, Acura is being repositioned to better compete against Infiniti and Lexus, two Japanese luxury brands without a bridge model.

Invest Elsewhere ? Related to the first point, the RSX was due for a change. The current model is old and the monies to bring about a new model would take away from the company’s bottom line. Acura has mentioned that a coupe version of its popular TL sedan is likely to be introduced to satisfy whatever consumer demand remains for a luxury coupe.

Changing Consumer Tastes ? While a sports coupe has its advantages, the market for this type of car is limited and dwindling. Chevrolet gave up the Camaro, Pontiac the Firebird, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Ford Mustang manage to hold their own. None of these cars are on the luxury level of the Acura and consumer interest has been steadily dwindling over the past five years.

A New NSX? ? Acura’s discontinued NSX, a two seat sports car, is rumored to be coming back. Although sales will likely be limited to less than 10,000 models annually the high priced NSX would be the “halo?model for the Acura fleet. USA Acura dealers want the car and it appears that the Honda Motor Company many oblige.

In its heyday the Integra was a popular seller and a frequently stolen car. Hard to find parts made the Integra a popular target of thieves; expect this problem to worsen as the RSX goes completely out of production. So, if you don’t have an alarm system installed on your Integra/RSX yet, do so today. The Integra/RSX you currently drive may be the last one you own; don’t let thieves make that determination for you!

402

The term Antique Classics is used in reference to old cars. According to Antique Automobile Club of America, an antique car is generally defined as a car over 25 years of age. However, the exact legal definition for the purpose of antique vehicle registration varies widely from State to State.

With about 12 years being the normal design life of modern cars, 25 years is about double and therefore a car that’s reached 25 is a rare survivor, and probably not economic to maint…
antiques,classic cars,antique cars
The term Antique Classics is used in reference to old cars. According to Antique Automobile Club of America, an antique car is generally defined as a car over 25 years of age. However, the exact legal definition for the purpose of antique vehicle registration varies widely from State to State.

With about 12 years being the normal design life of modern cars, 25 years is about double and therefore a car that’s reached 25 is a rare survivor, and probably not economic to maintain as regular transportation.

The term Classic Car is often used synonymously with the term Antique car, but the formal definition of that term is restricted to specific high-quality vehicles from the pre-World War II era which began with the Great Depression in 1930 and ended with the recovery after World War II in 1948. The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) defines the term Classic as a “fine” or “distinctive” automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. A Classic was high-priced when it was introduced and was built in very limited quantities. Although, by 1930′s most of the manufacturing technologies had already been invented, certain factors like including engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories, such as power brakes, power clutch, and automatic lubrication systems, help determine whether a car can be considered a Classic.

Some exemplary pre-war Antique Classics are:

1. 19?940 Bugatti Type . The Type SC has become the singular classic car.

2. 19 Citroën Traction Avant. Has the distinction of being the first mass-produced front-wheel drive car,

3. 1936 MG T series, a sports car meant especially for American soldiers fighting in the war.

4. 1938 Volkswagen Beetle, the most-famous automobile of all times. It was a pre-war design that continues to exist even in the present times.

The CCCA Club keeps a thorough list of the vehicles they consider Classics, and while any member may petition for a vehicle to join the list, such applications are carefully scrutinized and very rarely is a new vehicle type admitted. They also acknowledge the fact that their rather exclusive definition of a classic car is by no means universally followed and hence they generally use terms such as “CCCA Classic?or the trademarked “Full Classic?to avoid confusion.

After 1930 the number of auto manufacturers came down sharply, as the industry consolidated, and developed after the war more advances in engine design were made, like the compression V8 engines and modern bodies from General Motors, Oldsmobile and Cadillac brands.

312

For Mazda Motor Corporation, the 2007 Mazda CX-7 is the very first vehicle for the company. Destined for 2007, the Mazda CX-7 has been crafted as a midsize vehicle in the mentioned segment.
auto parts, Mazda parts, Mazda speed Protég?performance parts
For Mazda Motor Corporation, the 2007 Mazda CX-7 is the very first vehicle for the company. Well, the very first entry of the company to the crossover sport utility vehicle segment and category which is rapidly gaining fame and name in the auto world. It certainly would not be surprising if one day, we are hit by the fact that the crossover SUV segment has already become the most sought after segment in the automotive industry and the 2007 Mazda CX-7 would surely be blazing along.

Destined for 2007, the Mazda CX-7 has been crafted as a midsize vehicle in the mentioned segment. Thinking about it, other entrants to the crossover SUV category like the Dodge Nitro, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander, should be on the lookout for this new one. It has also been built in one body style which is the wagon that holds four doors. In North America, the Mazda CX-7 actually took the place that used to belong to the Mazda MPV. Sure enough, auto parts dealers that offer Mazda speed Protég?performance parts are also making sure that their collection of parts would now include replacement parts for this blazing new Mazda vehicle.

According to auto experts, when they first took a glance at the Mazda CX-7, they actually noticed that it looked more like a wagon rather than the SUV which it actually is. It is even stylish plus holds a lot in height. Under the hood of this breakthrough vehicle is an engine that could produce some 244 units of horsepower. And if you think that you can only take in your wife for a ride and would have to bring the kids next time, keep in mind that the Mazda CX-7 has the capacity to transport five passengers in its cabin plus a load of cargo in its back.

5

Did you ever wonder what you would do if petrol went up to over ? a litre or $3 a gallon?
Green Businesses organic social ethics fair trade health renewable energy eco babies ethical animal testing bio solar wind nuclear cars auto farm
It’s likely that the farmers would blockade the countries roads for starters! Unfortunately, the possibility of this happening are becoming more and more likely with increasing tensions around the world leading to ever increasing oil prices and volatility in the world markets. Fossil fuels are running out an alarming rate and people are starting to look seriously at other alternatives.
Needless to say, an increase in oil prices will create hardships to the economy and in every person’s life. But some people state that the only way to get them to use public transport or to walk the 5 minutes to the local shop instead of driving is to price them out of using their cars for inefficient journeys. Increasingly people and making their own biodiesel fuel from used cooking oil to run their cars to reduce their dependence on oil.

Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil (including used oil) in a process called •transesterification? whereby the glycerine is separated from the oil leaving a clean burning fuel that will efficiently power any diesel engine with vastly reduced exhaust emissions this is good for the environment. People have been deserting their local petrol station in favour of using waste vegetable oil from large scale users such as pubs, restaurants, or pure oil off the shelf.

The government is becoming aware of this use of cheaper, alternative fuel and is targeting this eco method as they are not paying tax on this oil which they would be doing if they bought petrol. The government appears to pay lip service to reducing climate change as the small number of Bio-diesal users are being targeted for tax evasion instead of encouraged to use this eco friendly fuel. Where is the incentive for current Bio-diesel users and companies to invest in research and development?

For those of you that are thinking of making the change there are different process or kits available to convert car engines and these cost between ?00 and ?,200. All you need to add is vegetable oil, methanol, a small amount of catalyst, electricity and tap water into this conversion and your ready to go! Oh?. and don’t forget to tell the taxman.

Save energy by using renewable products available via companies listed in GuideMeGreen.

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The Mazda 929, also sold as the Efini MS-9, is a full size luxury car. The model Mazda 929 was first introduced back in 1973.

The vehicle was crafted in Japan; it was as big as a coupe, sedan, or station wagon. This line had a 1.8 liter incline four Mazda 1800 engine; the engine was capable of a whopping eighty three horse power output. Since its introduction the Mazda 929 has had five different engines between the years 1973 to 1981.

The second generation Mazda emerge…
The Mazda 929, also sold as the Efini MS-9, is a full size luxury car. The model Mazda 929 was first introduced back in 1973.

The vehicle was crafted in Japan; it was as big as a coupe, sedan, or station wagon. This line had a 1.8 liter incline four Mazda 1800 engine; the engine was capable of a whopping eighty three horse power output. Since its introduction the Mazda 929 has had five different engines between the years 1973 to 1981.

The second generation Mazda emerged in 1981. It had been sold as a large front engine rear wheel drive sedan. It also used the new HB platform as a base which was also shared with the Mazda Cosmo. The new Mazda has seen three different engines in its life time. The third generation came about a few years later.

This new version had a pillared four door sedan along with a larger hard top that has four doors and no pillars. The engine was even upgraded to a double overhead Cam that had twenty four valves. That would in turn increase its fuel economy, performance and reliability.

The last generation of Mazda 929s still has the same luxury and is considered a premium sedan. It has been redesigned and has a more rounded flowing body. There are many add ons as well. For instance, they added five more horsepower to the engine. They have added dual air bags; a glass moon roof has replaced the metal unit. The premium package includes a wood console trim and rear armrest storage compartment. Leather upholstery has been added, even a remote keyless system and wood interior trim. This vehicle has been ranked the highest among its class.

The Mazda 929 has changed quite a bit in these thirty years, but Mazda still gives us the safety and luxury that all customers want.

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Car brochure collecting. Why it is good fun, cheap (sometimes!) and interesting hobby.

What to avoid, where to buy and suggested items to collect.
automobilia car auto brochure collecting
Ever since the first car was made manufacturers and tuners have been producing literature to promote their products.

One of the most interesting aspects of collecting auto brochures is that they provide a unique social history of the time they were produced.

For example if you have a brochure for a Volkswagen Beetle from the 1960′s you will find information about the time in which it was produced like hairstyles, clothing and popular decor of the time.

Add to this, the fact that most brochures can be bought inexpensively and take up little space to store (unless you get obsessed!) you have the basis for a popular and rewarding hobby.

However, as with all collecting there are many ways (especially as a beginner) that you can come “unstuck” and end up spending your hard earned money on inferior, fake or incomplete brochures.

Over the coming weeks, amongst other things I will cover the purchase, safe-keeping and suggested themes for brochure collections and provide an analysis of a number of my favourite brochures both expensive and in one case commonly available for less than ? or $8!

Hopefully you will find my articles both a valuable resource and one that improves your knowledge of this area of collecting.

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The plain vanilla look of the Impala is gone while a bolder, more assertive model is now in its place. For 2006 the SS returns, promising to pack some extra bunch for Impala fans.
Chevy Impala SS, super sport, Chevy parts, Chevy accessories, Chevrolet, Malibu, Cobalt, Corvette
Chevy’s flagship car, the Impala, finally has the power to match its heralded name. Ever since the car was redesigned in the late 1990s, the Impala has been more of a pretender than a performer. Now with an optional small block 5.3L V8 added to the mix, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala can go toe to toe with the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Charger. The changes for the Impala are not all under the hood, Chevy took the time to redo the entire car and they did it with care. Let’s look at some of the changes for 2006.

More Power ?A V6 is a great engine, especially in these times of high gas prices. Still, if you opt for a car of the Impala’s size, at least having the option of purchasing a V8 makes sense, doesn’t it? You better believe it. GM has sweetened the deal by plunking in a V8 that incorporates Corvette technology as the engine heads with “their pent–roof combustion chambers and flat–top pistons deliver high horsepower? this according to Chevrolet’s promotional material. In addition, GM’s “displacement on demand?technology allows the V8 to squeeze out a miserly 28 mpg on the highway [18 mpg city] with computer equipment that shuts down unneeded cylinders at the appropriate time. Cadillac tried this in the early 1980s with its V8-6-4 engine that failed to live up to the job as computing technology then wasn’t what it is today. Fortunately, current GM technology makes this a reality for current models.

Better Looks ?When it comes to “looks?beauty is subjective. Yet, previous Impala models had a bit of a pedestrian look to them. In the highly competitive large sedan category, this can easily mean lost sales as the choices for similarly priced, but more aggressive looking cars is strong. All new sheetmetal, a more assertive nose ?similar to the Cobalt’s ?and updated headlights and tail lights gives the Impala a fresh and assertive look.

More Models ?6 in fact. The return of the “SS?as the signature model should help sales. SS, or “Super Sport?is a term that was originally used for the 1961 Impala and by the mid 60s came to represent each of the performance models in the fleet. The Chevelle, Nova, and Camaro all had that designation then while the Impala, Cobalt, Malibu, and TrailBlazer wear it today.

Improved Interior ?If you are going to change the skin and what is found under the hood, you might as well dress up the interior, right? The LTZ model ?who the heck knows what that stands for ?has heated front bucket seats trimmed in leather. Throw in 8 way power and lumbar support for the driver and you are talking top of the line comfort. On select models new “flip and fold?rear seating is available; side curtain air bags for the front seat is standard on all Impalas; and keyless entry, power windows, tilt wheel, OnStar, cruise control, and a host of other features all come standard on the Impala.

Prices start in the low 20s {US} and climb to nearly 30K {US} for fully loaded SS models. How the SS sells remains to be seen, but its bold, fresh look will certainly appeal to those who previously dismissed the Impala.

506

Buying a car needs not just investment but deep thought. The market is overflowing with choices and temptations. Buyers need to think, what kind of car and can I afford it?
car rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo van rental
Buying a car needs not just investment but deep thought. The market is overflowing with choices and temptations. Buyers need to think, what kind of car and can I afford it?

Think, what do I need transportation for right now and what will I need two years from now? Do I want a car as a status symbol or as something that makes my life easier? Will the car be a commuter vehicle, or to transport children? Would a van with cargo space and high clearance be more suitable for a growing family? Should the car be a two-wheel or four-wheel drive? What kind of terrain will I be driving in most of the time? Go through auto magazines as well as consumer reports to get a clear picture of the world of cars.

1. Work on your finances and determine what you need to spend each month on transportation. A car should not cost more than 10% of your net pay per month. If it is more, then consider leasing a car instead of buying one.

2. Before you finalize anything, find out what the target price is. Four figure discounts are available with almost every make.

3. Never sign an arbitration clause or blank financial forms. Try and get finance from a separate source, a bank or financial institution.

4. Haggling will get you a good deal apart from shopping around for finance. The market is competitive be sure to check dealer fianc? high street, internet lenders, as well as other options.

5. Try and ensure a large down payment thereby reducing the loan to be paid. Work out your finances and choice of car such that the term of loan is for the shortest period.

6. Find out what buying incentives are on offer. These vary from audio systems to cash back offers, and 0% financing. Ask what extras and add ons will cost in addition to the price of the car.

7. Be sure to evaluate your old car independently if you are considering a trade in. Pay attention to ‘cost to change? the difference between what the new car costs and what the old one is worth.

8. Find out about warranties, taxes, and insurance. These can eat into your budget.

9. Vet the contract well. Read the fine print. Make sure that paying off the loan before time will not carry any penalty.

10. Check out at least 3-4 dealers to gauge what the best offer is.

Test drive the vehicle before you finalize the deal and go through the car booklet page by page to understand all that the manufacturer needs to tell you. Be clear what is under warranty and what is not.

Never choose vehicle based on a picture or dream. It is not how you look in the car that’s important but how well the car will fulfill your needs. Be practical and sensible; do not buy a model because the dealership is offering a holiday for two or a low interest scheme. Identify a vehicle that suits your needs before subjecting yourself to an onslaught of marketing.

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The Isuzu Ascender is a vehicle that has been designed and produced to be a mid size sport utility vehicle. It has been designed and mounted on the 4WD GMT 360 platform which makes it very much related to the GMC Envoy, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Buick Rainier, the Oldsmobile Bravada, and the Saab 9-7 X.
auto parts,aftermarket parts,Isuzu Ascender,Isuzu parts,Isuzu Ascender parts
The Isuzu Ascender is a vehicle that has been produced and manufactured by General Motors. Production for this vehicle started back in the year 2003. However, sad news for those who would like to purchase or own one of these Isuzu Ascenders is that this year, 2006, would be the last year of its production. Come next year, 2007, there will be no more Isuzu Ascenders to be produced.

In the line up of vehicles under General Motors?Isuzu division, the Isuzu Ascender actually took the spot and niche that the Isuzu Trooper left vacant when the production for this vehicle, the Isuzu Trooper, was completely halted. As per the Isuzu Ascender, this vehicle has been designed and produced to be a mid size sport utility vehicle. It has been designed and mounted on the 4WD GMT 360 platform which makes it very much related to the GMC Envoy, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Buick Rainier, the Oldsmobile Bravada, and the Saab 9-7 X. The power for this vehicle comes from two engine choices. These engines comprise of the 4.2 liter Vortec I6 engine and the 5.3 liter Vortec V8 engine. Interested parties and customers can choose between the two engines which would serve as the power source for the vehicle. In the automobile market, the Isuzu Ascender has had and continually has a couple of competition vehicles. The list of these vehicles include the Toyota 4Runner, the Nissan Pathfinder, the Ford Explorer, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Toyota Sequoia, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Ford Expedition, and the GMC Envoy.

Upon its introduction back in 2003, the Isuzu Ascender came as a sport utility vehicle that could hold a maximum of seven passengers in its interior. However, the following year, another version of this vehicle was introduced to the automobile market and this time around the vehicle could only take in a maximum of five passengers inside. Both of these vehicles have been made available and continually produced up until this year only.