What Floats Your Boat?

Hamilton Used Car Dealership Wholesale Division
Tuesday, August 9 2011

As stated in the previous blog - buying a new car is a big commitment. You need to be sure you've found "The One" before consulting the bank book. People have standards, they are looking for something specific and are not usually willing to stray too far from that. There are a number of factors that could be dealbreakers for a carshopper and their soon-to-be new car.

Colour - Does it really matter? Some families colour code their cars so their driveway is a sea of white. It's a common misonception that colour affects car insurance rates. Colour is a common dealbreaker though! If "black shows scratches, white shows dirt, yellow is too flashy, and silver is too common"...what is the perfect car colour, and would the 'wrong' car colour prevent you from driving the car of your dreams?

Interior - Does it come down to what you can afford, or are you willing to pay a bit over your budget for luxury items? When buying a car, are shoppers looking for something that will get them from Point A to Point B safely, or is a little bit of luxury almost expected from their cars? Perhaps it depends on the individual...but who doesn't want heated seats for the winter and ice cold air conditioning for the summer?

Mileage - When buying used, sometimes a car can be up there in mileage. Certain makes and models seem to run forever though...is this considered when purchasing used?

When car buyers walk onto a used car lot, physically or virtually, they usually know what they're looking for. Or what they're not looking for. What is one thing your new used car must have?

What Are You Scared Of?

 

Hamilton Ontario Used Car Dealership, Wholesale Division

Monday, July 25 2011

Many first time used car buyers have questions, fears, and doubts when approaching the subject of Where/Who/What/When and How to go about buying that all important first car. Used car dealers sometimes have a bad rap - but it's not as bad as it may seem! If you look  beneath the surface and get to know your Used Car Dealer, you may be pleasantly surprised. A reputable and honest used car dealer will answer any questions you may have, and provide you with the vehicles history report as a rule, not an exception.

Before going car shopping in person, look up car dealerships in your area online. What are you looking for in a dealership? Will they provide history reports? Are they rated online? Check their Google Place Page, or Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn if they are present in social media and see what others are saying about them.
Used car buyers often have the option of viewing the car in question online before going to see it in person. Check out the used car dealerships website before making the drive. Is their inventory listed online? If not, why not? If so, print off the information you find and bring it with you. Jot down questions you have and bring a pen with you to write down additional information you are provided with. Can you have a copy of the CarProof? Does the VIN on the CarProof match the VIN on the vehicle?

Buying a car is a big commitment, and your used car dealer is the third piece to the puzzle. Make sure you, your car, and your used car dealer fit together perfectly. And don't forget - after you've had a pleasurable experience buying your used car, let people know! Rate the used car dealership on Google Places, and refer them to friends.
 
Hamilton, Ontario used car dealership Wholesale Division offers a list of 9 important tips to buying a car. Check it out here: 9 Tips

What are you scared of when buying a used car?

Wholesale Division
1020 Upper Wellington Street, Hamilton, Ontario
905-389-2886

Distracted Driving - Are You Guilty?

Used Cars Hamilton, Ontario Wholesale Division
Tuesday July 12 2011

The Ontario Provincial Police are ready to start handing out tickets - does one have your name on it? Distracted drivers are the focus as the Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other campain goes into it's second week of a four-week campaign. Cell-phone users are the prime targets, as are people eating while driving, searching for something in their car, and people using entertainment devices. One of these distracted driving tickets can run you as much as $2000, jail time, or a license suspension. Some may think this is harsh, but what price can you put on your safety?

The first week of the campaign was May 16-22 and resulted in 1600 tickets being handed out.
As the second week of the campaign rolls out, drivers in Hamilton, and all of Ontario need to ask themselves...
You hear your ringtone while you're driving - what do you do? If you answer or check your phone, you are a distracted driver. You desperately need some lip chap while you're driving - what do you do? If you search your bag or vehicle for it, you're a distracted driver. You pick up some lunch on the way to work and eat it while you drive, you're a distracted driver!
Being a focused driver saves you money, time, worries, and possibly your life.
Some tips to avoid distracted driving:

• Bluetooth. Just be sure to set your Bluetooth Headset up before operating your vehicle.
• Enjoy your drive. Leave work e-mails, text messages, and phone calls until you're out of your vehicle. If you just focus on driving it can be a way to destress and take a break from everything else that's going on.
• Taste your food. Avoid cramming your sandwich down your throat while you drive. Take an extra few minutes before or after you drive to sit down and enjoy what you're eating.
• Use your co-pilot. Have someone sitting shotgun? Use them to map out routes, use the GPS, and other things that require attention. What are friends for right?

What distracts you while driving, and can it be avoided?

Improve Your Fuel Economy

Summer is the perfect time for family vacations, camping trips, road trips, and travelling. Whether it's taking a drive up to the cottage for the weekend, visiting family in the next city, or simply the daily commute to work, there are some easy alterations you can make in your driving to make that tank of gas last a little bit longer.

1. Lighten up - Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Transport your golf clubs to and from the course, but take them out before visiting the in-laws for dinner. Same goes for other heavy items like coolers and tool boxes.

 2. Carpool - Family members or friends work in the same area? Take turns driving with them! Carpooling also means you can take advantage of the HOV lanes in Ontario!

Not this kind of car pool!

3. Cruise - Try to maintain a constant speed on highways and city driving when possible. Avoid speeding up and hitting the brakes, this is better for fuel economy and easier on your car.

4. Tire pressure & tune up - Check that your tires have the proper PSI. Proper tire pressure and a tune up improves fuel economy. Check your owners manual for the magic number!

5. Plan! - Group errands together to avoid multiple trips. This reduces distance travelled, and your engine is most efficient when it is already warmed up.

These 5 tips will help to spread out the trips you need to take to the gas station.
What are some of your tips and tricks to increase your fuel economy?