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Archive for April, 2009

Gas Saving Tips For A Used Car

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

If you have a used car or are thinking of buying one, one of your first concerns is probably going to be how to get the best mileage out of your car and save gas. Well, here are a few quick tips that  should help.

Choose Well
Yes…the first step towards saving gas is to choose a car that will let you save gas. No point buying an SUV when all it does is guzzle all the fuel you put in it.  Buy a used car that gives you more for your money’s worth.

Driving Habits
Your driving habits could be costing you gas. Excessive speeding, a million short trips in a day and heavy braking are major gas guzzlers.

Drop the Weight
Is your car your second home?  If so, it’s probably carrying too much weight on its shoulders, er…seats. The heavier your car is the more fuel it will need to keep moving so clean it out.

Fine Tuning
What’s the engine in your used car like?  A used car may not have a very well tuned engine which could also result in wasted gas.  

Filtered Out
How clean is your air filter? A clean air filter could end up saving you at least 15% of the gas you currently use.  Older filters allow dirt into your engine, directly impacting the amount of fuel you use.

Tire-d Out
Check your tires. Are they worn out and poorly inflated?  If so, your car needs to make more of an effort to move, thus impacting your fuel economy.

Warmed Up
Used cars, especially if they’re slightly older, should be warmed up for a few minutes before driving.

These are just some basic tips. Of course there are many more tips and innovative “home remedies”. As long as it saves gas and doesn’t harm your car, go ahead and do it I say!

For more information, visit United Auto Credit – providing Used Car Loans and Bad Credit Car Finance in Atikokan, Dryden, Ft. Frances, Ft. Severn, Hornepayne, Kenora, Marathon, Nakina, Nipigon, Thunder Bay, White RiverAlliston, Barrie, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lindsay, Midland, North Bay, Orillia, Peteborough, Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, Wasaga Beach, and Ontario Canada.

Used Car: New Parts – What You Need To Know

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

For some, used cars may not have the same appeal as new cars, and they certainly don’t have that addictive new car smell you just can’t seem to get enough of.  But there’s no reason your used car can’t look as good, or better, than new.  In fact, a previously-loved car is usually more fun because you can experiment with it, fit new parts and have a car that runs like it’s brand new…for less.  Here’s some stuff you should probably know before you get started.

The Flashy Stuff
If you’re a newbie, there are a number of aftermarket shops that can help spruce up your used ride with things like rear spoilers, side panels, sunroofs/moonroofs and more.  If you’re an old hand with used or aftermarket parts, do it yourself.  Mind you, installing the sunroof/moonroof deal may be tricky.

Car Security
Some used cars may not have security features and if you’re particularly concerned about car theft  and security, then installing a car alarm makes sense.  Again, if you’re handy, give it a go.  If not, your local Auto Electric shop can do it for less than you think.  Canadian Tire’s ProStart 3-in-1 Remote Car Starter with Alarm goes for about $250.00.  Quite a bit less than you’d pay for these features in a new car.

Buying Online
If you’re buying new car parts online, make sure you do your research.  For example, when buying used car and/or aftermarket parts on Ebay, be sure to check the seller’s user rating.  If others have had positive experiences buying from the seller, chances are that you will too.

Dismantler or Parts Supplier
If you’re not buying online and looking for a deal, consider visiting your local auto wrecker for your needs.  With thousands of used car parts and supplies, chances are good that you’ll find some useful items.

If you don’t know much about cars yourself, consult a mechanic before setting out to buy new parts for your used car.

For more information, visit United Auto Credit – providing Used Car Loans and Bad Credit Car Financing in Algonquin Park, Alliston, Barrie, Collingwood, Hastings, Lindsay, Millbrook, North Bay, Orillia, Peterborough, Sault Sainte Marie, Sudbury, Sunderland, Timmins, Warkworth, WilberforceToronto, Mississauga, North York, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Scarborough, Beaverton, Bowmanville, Brooklin, Clarington, Courtice, Newcastle, Port Perry, Scugog, Uxbridge, Whitby, Brampton and Ontario Canada.

Buying a Used Car in Ontario (Part 4)

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

You’ve Bought a Used Car: What’s Next?

As the owner of a new ‘used car’, you’re obligated by law to register it with the Ministry of Transportation within 6 days of the sale.  The following is a step-by-step guide of the used car registration process:

1. Visit a Vehicle Licensing Issuing Office, bringing your Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) and vehicle permit with your completed Application for Transfer.
2. You’ll be required to pay retail sales tax during the transfer.  The used car retail sales tax is based on the purchase price, wholesale value, or greater of the two.
3. Licensing fees for plates and permit must also be paid for at this time.
4. If you plan on putting plates on the car, proof of insurance must be shown.
5. If the vehicle is to be plated and operated on the roads, you’ll be required to get a Safety Standards Certificate.
6. For used cars that are registered, plated and in the Drive Clean Program, you must show the vehicle emissions report.
7. If you are registering a plate or vehicle with the Ministry of Transportation for the first time, you must show proof of identity i.e. birth certificate and/or proof of age.
8. If registering plates that you currently own, bring the plate portion of your vehicle registration permit with you to the Vehicle Licence Issuing Office.

For more information, visit United Auto Credit – providing Used Truck Loans, Used Van Loans, Used SUV Loans, Used Car Loans and Bad Credit Car Loans in Belleville, Brighton, Brockville, Cardiff, Cornwall, Kingston, Marmora, Orleans, Ottawa, Petawawa, Rolphton, Trenton, Whitney Toronto, Mississauga, North York, Scarborough, Brampton, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Whitby, Peterborough Ontario, Canada or complete our Used Car Loan Application Online Today.