August 19th, 2006
Don’t Get Taken Every Time: The Insider’s Guide to Buying or Leasing Your Next Car or Truck Customer Review: A must read
Everyone in the US buys a car at some point. Whether it’s a new or used car this book tells you how to buy a car the right way. Think of it as an investment. Spend a little for this book, save a huge amount when buying a car.
It’s hard to say enough about this book. Highly, highly recommended.
Customer Review: Don’t Buy A Car Without Reading This Book!
An incisive look at a dog-eat-dog business. Helps the car buyer through the major pitfalls of purchasing a new or used car which, unfortunately, exist at just about every stop in the car dealership.
For car buyers willing to do their homework, there is no reason to get ripped off. Sutton shows you how to arm yourself with some common-sense tactics that almost anyone can use.
An amusing sidebar for me was, after reading Sutton’s book, was having several salespeople AND managers ask me if I was a former car lot manager. I just smiled inscrutibly and answered that I had ‘contacts’ in the business.
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Posted in Buying A Car, Financing Options, Uncategorized | No Comments »
August 19th, 2006
Question:
My new 2006 G6 was left under a pecan tree while I was on vacation for 2
weeks. Upon returning I quickly washed it off, but now have brown spots
all over the finish. What can be done to remove the brown spots?
Answer:
I would try bug and tar remover first. Make sure to use a 100% cotton towel and make sure it’s clean. You want to avoid grinding any dirt into the finish. If that does not remove it, I would try a clay bar. Most auto parts stores carry Mothers Clay bar, which should get your spots off. Again, be cautious with the clay bar… read the directions and knead/fold the clay often to prevent dirt trapped in the clay bar from becoming like sandpaper.
Good Luck,
Kevin
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Posted in Body, Car Care | 1 Comment »
August 18th, 2006
Question:
Hi Kevin:
It is interesting stumbling on this site.
My 1992 Honda Ballade makes a noise in idle running. Pressing the clutch stops the noise. What part of the clutch could this noise be coming from? What could be the cause from your own view?
-Tunji
Answer:
Either the pilot bearing or the throwout bearing. Generally the throwout bearing will make noise when you push the clutch in, but I have heard them make noise when the clutch is out. Sometimes it is just the linkage vibrating too. There are usually some rubber isolators which keep vibration from traveling to the clutch pedal, and if they are worn you can get some noise. Either way, it does not seem too serious. If the noise gets worse, I would have it checked.
Kevin
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Posted in Drivetrain | No Comments »
August 18th, 2006
Question:
Hi Kevin,
I found your blog very useful… I bought a new car last week and unfortunately scratched it on a pole in the apt parking garage. The scratch, some a little deep, are just above the rear right wheel. A little bit, 1/4 inch, extends into the door/bumber. I went to several auto body shops and their estimate range from about $300 to $1000. The one that I’ve been recommended is about $750 and I’m leaning towards that since they seem to do good job. Am I being over charged? I feel if I go to the $300 one I’ll get a crappy job. The mgr explained the big job is the painting and blending it into the rest of the car. When they paint it, would it be noticeable after several yrs when the color starts fading?
Thanks,
Answer:
Since the car is fairly new, the paints should age about the same, so years from now when the paint starts fading, you should not see a difference. I would go with the shop you trust, it is not an easy job matching the paint. While computers make it easier to match the paint, there is still a human making the final judgement. Even the weather conditions can effect the final color, so going with someone you trust is very important. Without seeing the damage, I can not say if you are being overcharged, but it sounds about right for a scratch that big.
Kevin
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August 18th, 2006
Buying Your First Car (Consumer Books for College Students) Buying Your First Car is common sense, biblical approach to help readers decide whether or not to buy a car. It addresses the hidden costs of owning a car and provides a handy buying checklist.
Buying your first car can be a scary proposition. If you have questions about how to value your trade-in, what price to pay for a new car, or even if you should buy a new car, check out this book. Geared towards the college student, it’s a valuable resource for any new car buyer.
Permanent link to this post (100 words, 1 image, estimated 24 secs reading time)
Posted in Buying A Car | No Comments »
