If you’re tired of your old “clunker” always needing some form of auto repair or tune up, you may be ready to turn it in and head out the door to look for a reliable used car or truck. You don’t want to worry whether it needs a basic car tune up, or has some other complex problem that is lurking just under the hood.

In a recent survey by Kelley Blue Book, the majority of car shoppers plan to buy used and spend less than $15,000. The competition is fierce, making it a buyer’s market. To help you through this daunting experience, here are a few tips:

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THE SEARCH Find the type of vehicle you want to purchase: websites, auctions, classified ads, reviews, on-line forums; Locate the cars you’re interested in: selecting those within the Kelley Blue Book price range (you want to know the value of your current vehicle and the one you want to purchase); Ask for a history report: this will tell you whether it’s had a regular car tune up schedule, been in an accident, or other important information; THE EVALUATION Ask questions. If buying from a dealership, ask about the documentation fee, or any other hidden charges. Is there a dealer’s guarantee, manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty left on the car, and if so, is it transferrable? Does the car have a clean title? Consider the mileage. The ideal used car mileage ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 per year. Go for a ride—hit the brakes, listen to the road noise, gun it a little, check for unacceptable blind spots, drive over bumps, inspect it for dings, inspect tire tread, check for fluid leaks and exhaust smoke. Evidence that the car may be in need of a tune up or major repairs: poor gas mileage, sluggish acceleration, rough idling or stalling, “check engine” light flashes or stays on. Schedule an inspection with a certified auto mechanic if purchasing from a private party. If you’re purchasing from a dealer, an inspection and a car tune up has most likely been performed. THE PURCHASE Negotiate the price you want to pay and stick to it. Do the paperwork. If buying from a private party, you will need to go the DMV with a bill of sale to register and transfer the title. A dealership will usually handle this for you.
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The snow during winter can really make the road slippery and make visibility more difficult as well. That is why driving during this season could be a bit more difficult. Aside from the issue of the road safety, the need for roadside assistance could also stem from dead batteries due to the cold atmosphere. And it’s bad enough that you have to worry about getting back on the road, it would even be more stressful when you have your family to think about. 24/7 Assistance You don’t have an effective roadside assistance (or as we Danes say – Autohjælp i hele Europa) program if it does not offer 24 hours a day and 7 days a week service. In fact, this is the reason why you get memberships with auto clubs that offer the said service. With such membership you would be provided with a toll free number which you can call when you are in emergency situations such as when you run out of fuel or get locked out of the car. You can also call the number for other car breakdowns any time. This is the service they provide. And you can call them anytime you need assistance.
Types of Services
You could just leave the car out in for a few hours and you get a dead battery. When this happens you definitely need a technician to fix the situation for you. The technician could give the battery a boost and before long you would be on your way again. On the other hand, the problem could either be a flat or blown out tire, shortage of fuel or a need for other car fluids as well. Or worse, your could need a bigger type of repair. Roadside assistance would handle all of them with relatively more ease than if you have to do it yourself. That is because professional skilled people would come to help you. In fact, you are paying the annual fee to have these services available when you need them.
Additional Benefits
Aside from all the repairs and assistance that is provided by the auto club, there could be other discounts and information provided as well. For instance, travel maps could be provided to you. Discounts in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions could also be offered. Of course, these are not directly associated with the service. It does help make paying for the annual fee more worth it though.
Peace of Mind and Convenience
Annual fees generally amount to a single towing service. If you get to call for roadside assistance twice or thrice in a year you even save money. But more than the money, what you would really appreciate is the service that it provides. For one, you will no longer be stranded in the middle of the road when your car breaks down. Then it’s quite convenient to call for help because you only need to know and call a single number for many types of services you would most probably need while on the road. And then again, it gives you peace of mind that you can call for these services any time of the day and night.

When you’re driving in your car, you often realize that there are a lot of improvements or car decorations that you’d like there. Many car decorations play a double role in fact, as they aren’t only decorative, but also useful for drivers and passengers.

Among the most popular and bought interior car decorations is the Laptop Computer Mount Table Holder Auto Car Tray. This is great if you want to use your laptop once you’re on the road and work in the car. It provides a stable, flat surface on which you can safely keep your laptop, but you can also use it for other different activities, such as eating or holding drinks. It fits most steering wheels and car seats and it’s very reliable and practical.

If you’re looking for something more fun when it comes to car decorations, then you might like the Owl Shape Car Bobblehead Solar Power Doll. This solar power doll signifies fortune and luck in some cultures. Its special design makes it out of the ordinary, but also funny to look at. It is made out of high material, so if it falls down while driving, it won’t break. Durable and reliable, it can be the perfect companion for long journeys.

Among other distinctive car decorations is the Car Side Window Curtain for Cars. Perfect for the summer, this accessory allows the sun shade to defend you from the negative effects the sun might have. It’s able to block out the sunlight and to protect the passengers and the driver of getting sunburned. At the same time, it’s also perfect for protecting the car from the heat that often damages it.

If you’re a person who carries along many things while driving, then the Car Storage Trash Can Box offers all that you may need. It’s a convenient multifunction pocket made out of resistant material and easy to clean. You can use it to keep drinks or cups, but also cell phones, keys, make-up and other similar things. It’s easy to install and doesn’t require any modifications to the vehicle. It’s great for keeping the interior of your car tidy and neat at all times.

If you only want something in which to keep your phone while driving, then get the Mickey Mouse Car Auto Hanging Cell Phone Holder. Besides being practical for your car, it’s also a nice item. Made of premium quality plush, it can be used for a long time. It has a hook enclosed, so you can stick it anywhere in the car. Besides, it adds a great deal of fun to your driving, especially if you have a child in the car.

1.#J12 edition jewelry collection table: J12 watch with 18K white gold, set with 713 rectangular cut diamonds, weighing a total of 43 kt. New Case diameter 42 mm, mechanical self-winding movement. Bracelet set with 502 diamonds, weighing over 30 carats. Bezel set with 48 rectangular cut diamonds, weighing a total of 5 kt central case set with 78 rectangular diamonds, weighing a total of 5 kt. Opal cutting hemispherical crown set with diamond-shaped, rectangular dial set with 84 diamonds cut. Limited 12, respectively, individually numbered engraved. 2.#J12 Tourbillon DKNY Watch: This paragraph Tourbillon watch jewelry box and bracelet for the white table-tech precision ceramic and 18K white gold, 38 mm dial. Manual winding movement: “Chanel 05-T.1″ mechanical devices, power reserve 100 hours. Table box set with 46 rectangular cut diamonds, weighing 4.5 carats. Crown-shaped diamond is cut opal. Ceramic substrate ratio of 1 / 100, can be said to achieve the highest level of pottery making. World’s limited 12. 3.#J12 Chronograph Rose Gold Jewelry: This paragraph is 18K rose gold case, 41 mm dial. Mechanical self-winding movement. Dial set with 264 diamonds (total weight of 0.6 kt) and 9 diamond hour markers. Mosaic rectangular table frame 36 cut diamonds (total weight of 5 carats). Limited 100, respectively, individually numbered engraved. Positioning table with jewelry Chanel and Audemars Piguet in the Swiss first time in 2008 jointly launched the latest top watch J12 “J12 Calibre 3125″. This series, with 18K gold and dark to create the perfect shape precision ceramic, glass and through the sapphire crystal case back, to watch the rhythm of panoramic fundus. Audemars Piguet and the first time using the Advanced tab (Haute Horlogerie) of the top movement, Audemars Piguet is represented with a long history of watchmaking, the absolute focus on any of the details, the elegant flowing lines set off intricate Rado Watch technology, such as works of art like the perfect success.

VEHICLES parked in inner Melbourne are at greater risk of intentional harm, with nearly 17 per cent of malicious damage claims lodged with RACV Insurance in the past year taking place in this region.
The latest RACV Car Insurance claims data shows that inner Melbourne suburbs such as Melbourne, South Yarra, St Kilda and Richmond are the riskiest areas in the state for malicious damage.
Southern Melbourne suburbs such as Brighton, Cheltenham and Chadstone also recorded a high number of malicious damage claims, as did western Melbourne suburbs such as St Albans, Footscray, Essendon and Williamstown.
RACV Insurance claims data shows there were more than 1300 malicious damage incidents in Victoria in the past 12 months that cost more than $3.5million at an average of $2690 per claim.
Malicious incidents included vehicles being broken into, keyed and scratched, and windows being smashed. Incidents of roof denting caused by people jumping on cars were also reported.
RACV Insurance Acting General Manager, Bob McGuinness, said the claims data shows that motorists need to be aware of the potential risk of malicious damage when their car is left unattended.
“Malicious damage claims lodged with RACV were most often a result of vandals intentionally damaging vehicles or would-be thieves attempting to steal vehicles,” Mr McGuinness said.
“Drivers can reduce the likelihood of malicious damage by avoiding parking in locations where vandals or would-be car thieves are more likely to strike such as railway station and shopping centre car parks.
“While malicious damage can happen at any time and place, taking preventative measures like parking in a well lit and frequented car park with clearly defined parking spaces, and where possible, a car park with security cameras or guards, can reduce the risk of malicious damage.”
The RACV claims data also showed that 57 per cent of malicious damage incidents occurred between the daylight hours of 6am and 6pm.
“This finding should act as a clear reminder to motorists that vandals can strike at any time, so it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure their vehicle isn’t a target,” Mr McGuinness concluded.
About The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV)
The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) is run to benefit members through high quality service, great value products and wide range of member benefits. RACV is committed to representing members’ interests in areas such as road safety and mobility, through advocacy and sponsorship of community programs.
RACV also offers a range of car insurance policies from comprehensive car insurance and third party property insurance to roadside assistance, with member benefits that include discounts and savings.