Driving Clean
There are rules and regulations that govern the selling of a used car in Ontario and they are designed with the public’s safety and health in mind. Especially since the environmental concerns of the last several years are rising to the forefront of everyone’s minds, the government of places like Ontario have implemented a Drive Clean program that we’re all familiar with but might not know everything about.
The program is a mandatory program that checks vehicles for smog causing problems that the owners need to have subsequently repaired. The tests begin on a rotating basis after the vehicle is five years old and all the vehicles that require the test are reminded when the owners receive their plate sticker renewal packages. Statistics on the program show that an overwhelming number of the car and truck owners in Ontario go out of their way to maintain their vehicles. As of last year, 85% of the twenty million light vehicles including cars passed the test while only 12% failed. The government also has suggestions for the general public so their cars and trucks stay in the majority.
• They suggest that you keep the tires properly inflated. Tires with the right air in them improve fuel economy so the engine doesn’t need to strain.
• Excessive engine idling costs in extra fuel and engine maintenance. The experts suggest that you shut the engine off whenever you can.
• Keep the car light. The more weight you carry in the vehicle, the more fuel you burn.
• Following the manufacturers maintenance program is important. You should especially follow the service schedule to help the car’s lifespan and performance.
• Pay attention to those flashing lights. An Engine Needs Service light is a real indication that there’s something wrong. Ignoring that warning could cost you in repairs to a damaged emissions system.
• Tune your car up properly. A poorly tuned vehicle costs up to 40% more in fuel and can wind up leading to early repairs.
The consumer should remember these helpful tips as there are more and more used cars on the road these days. The cost of insurance and a new vehicle itself is prohibitive in this modern world. As the used car and truck market grows online as well, the savvy consumer will need a professional place to look for the information they can trust. Try AutoProCanada.com for all you vehicle needs.
autoprocanada is Canada&undefined;s number one online auto classified.
The Pros and Cons of the Used Car
There&undefined;s no doubt about it anymore, the car market is changing and a lot of that has to do with rising fuel costs. All statistics tell us that more and more people are downsizing in the kinds of vehicles they drive and moving from the more expensive SUVs to the smaller compact models, and there is also a trend that is becoming evident that the used car is selling more rapidly than the newer car.
It is possible to buy a high quality used car for less than market value, drive it for several years, and then resell it at a price close to the original. If you&undefined;ve done your homework and show a lot of patience you can save a lot of money on a used car. Used cars are cheap to buy since the appreciation takes a large chunk of the price of the car as soon as you drive it off a lot brand new.
As well, used cars are cheaper to insure because the replacement value of these is lower and insurance premiums on older cars are lower than the brand new models. For the most part, used cars are well taken care of. Particularly recently, these cars have been turned in after a one, two, or three year lease, and to avoid penalty charges consumers have taken care to make sure these vehicles are up kept in top condition. One of the last advantages to choosing a used car is their abundance.
When you first start looking for a used car on the market you will be amazed at all the choices. With such a wide range to choose from the consumer has quite a bit of power and the ability to walk away from any deal.
But there are disadvantages to the used car as well. Used cars have limited warranties or maybe even no warranties at all. As well, some used cars can have a checkered past and it&undefined;s difficult to get an accurate history of these cars unless there are fully documented service records within the vehicle. Although it may not look that way on the outside, used cars are usually overpriced as well—especially from the dealerships. Make sure you always try to negotiate at least 10% off the sticker price.
Just Use autoprocanada.
Finally there is a disadvantage to the used car that you may not have thought of and that&undefined;s that every used car is unique and because of that finding one that comes together with everything you want can be a chore. Every used car has different mileage, different options, and different driving characteristics. If you&undefined;ve decided that the used car is the right vehicle for you, it&undefined;s wise if you keep your wish list flexible. Make sure that what you expect from a used car is fairly simple and not to elaborate. Used cars tend to come with different variations that are out of the control of the buyer.
