Posted on July 19th, 2010 by WarrantyDirectBT
This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.
Dear Tom,
I saw your article on AOL Autos regarding pre-purchase inspections and it was very helpful. I am thinking of purchasing a ‘73 Chevy P-10 (Original Ice Cream Truck), but it is in rough condition and needs restoration. It has some rust on the axle, brake lines, and leaf springs. The engine and engine block are coated with what looks like years of caked-on oil deposits. It has an aluminum body that is in decent shape visibly. I did not notice any leaks on the ground near or around the vehicle. I want to restore the vehicle for various events, but I don’t have much money. The work would be done the Restoration Company located in New Jersey (the truck is in Connecticut). Do you know a company that could do the type of pre-purchase inspection that you wrote about? Can it be done on location? The restoration company has recommended a compression test. Can this be done on-site? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Paul from Cherry Hill, NJ Read more...
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Filed under: Americas Car Show, Buying a Car, Consumer Affairs, Vehicle Inspections, Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle reliability, Warranty Direct
Posted on January 11th, 2010 by Warranty Direct
Below are some recent photos from the 2010 NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show):
Ford CEO Alan Mullaly and Scott Monty answering reader questions live from NAIAS
2010 Chevy Cruz
2010 Ford Focus
BMW ActiveE photos
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Filed under: Auto News, Auto Show, Buying a Car
Posted on December 10th, 2009 by Warranty Direct
If you are in the market for a new car this holiday season be on the lookout for options and add ons that your dealer might try to offer you. Some of them are worth it but some are just a big waste of money. MSN Autos says “Beware of these overpriced and often unnecessary add-ons to your new-car purchase. Here are eight of the most common dealer options and how to avoid them.” Read more...
- Rust-Proofing: Some dealers charge up to $800 for this service, which sometimes amounts to no more than spraying a coating from an aerosol can in the wheel wells.
- Fabric Protection: For a couple of hundred dollars, some dealers will try to sell you fabric protection for your car’s interior that will repel stains. You know it as Scotchgard.
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Filed under: Auto News, Buying a Car, Car News, Consumer Affairs, Dealership Car Warranties, Extended Car Warranty Contracts, Extended Car Warranty Coverage, New Car Warranty, Researching Auto Warranties, Scams, Warranty Direct
Posted on November 17th, 2009 by Warranty Direct
This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.
Dear Tom,
If I want to buy my car at the end of the lease, is the price negotiable? They want $15,000. Will they take less? Thank you.
Anne from WA
Ann,
You didn’t give me year, make, and model so I can’t tell you if this is a good price. That said, you must realize that in car sales and leasing EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE!! Especially when you might return a leased car with mileage on it. The dealer wants to sell the vehicle to keep inventory down. Do your homework and find out exactly what the car is worth based on local market values, vehicle condition, equipment, and mileage. Then negotiate hard, especially since inventories are on the rise again. You should be able to get a better price. Success to you.
Tom Read more...
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Filed under: Americas Car Show, Buying a Car, Maintenance, Vehicle repairs
