Saturday, August 2, 2008

LOW COST CAR INSURANCE


Now that you have bought the car of your dreams, it's time to take care of your car insurance. Although it can be a bit confusing determining the right amount of coverage you'll need, it's easier than you think to find low cost car insurance that also provides you with the right level of protection.
Before you begin to shop for a cheap car insurance rate, you should know the factors that may either increase or decrease your auto insurance costs.
Age and Gender: Car insurance companies demand a higher car insurance rate when they assume that you are a person more likely to get involved in traffic accidents.
In addition to your driving record, their risk assessment is also based on your age and gender.
These variables can work wonderfully to bring down your car insurance rate so you're able to secure a low cost car insurance deal.
If you've been driving for some time and have a clean driving record, you're going to get a lower car insurance rate as compared to someone who is younger and less experienced. Women are charged a lower rate, as compared to men who have a history of unsafe driving, and who are charged higher car insurance rates.
While some of these factors are beyond your control, there are other ways you can secure a low cost car insurance rate.
History of traffic Violation: The insurance companies check the record of your past driving performances. If you have a low number of traffic violations and accidents on your record, then you are entitled to get a discounted car insurance rate.
Credit History: In addition to checking your driving record, car insurance companies also check your credit history.
A clean credit history puts you in a better position to bargain for low cost car insurance, while a person with a low score may be negatively affected by their credit history.
Annual Mode of Policy: By opting for an annual mode of payment, you can move one step forward to obtaining low cost car insurance. When you buy a yearly policy, your premium remains fixed for one year, as opposed to those bi-annual modes of payments, where you run the risk of a rate hike every six-months.
Learn Defensive Driving: Another way to get low cost car insurance is to complete a defensive driving course. A number of online car insurance quotes offer discounts on car insurance rates upon the completion of a defensive driving course. Check the website for the state insurance commissioner to find out the qualifications for joining a course and where they are offered.
Anti-Theft Devices: Is your car equipped with one of those sophisticated theft-stopping devices? If the answer is yes, then you are eligible for getting low cost car insurance rates. You may also be eligible for discount car insurance if your car has safety accessories such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and automatic seat belts.
These all help to bring down the car insurance rate. In some states you even get discounts for having your car's VIN# etched into your car window.
Multi-car Discount: If you own more than one car, you can qualify for a multi-car discount, which enables to you get a better deal on low cost car insurance.
In some cases you can have two cars insured for the price of one car, but check to see if a multi-car insurance discount is offered by your insurance company.
There are many factors that account for the varying range of car insurance rates. Some of them are flexible and some are not.
Your best bet is to shop online for the best car insurance quote, armed with the knowledge of what you can use to get the best deal.
See how easy it can be to get low cost car insurance - get your free auto insurance quotes today.

LOW COST CAR INSURANCE


One should always be on the lookout for cheap car insurance quotes.
You'll want to consider the longer-established as well as the newer insurance companies for cheaper rates; newer companies are competing for your business, however they don't have the history to back them up.
There are many things to consider when getting free quotes online between the many car or auto insurance companies in business today.
Spending a little time researching this online will pay off in finding discounts and lower or cheaper car insurance quotes, rates or prices. Saving money today on your car insurance is one of the easiest things you can do and often one of the most overlooked ways to free up more money for your household.
Auto or car insurance rates and quotes are never the same for each company; there are many variables in the plans.
Many companies will offer lower or cheaper insurance rates or more affordable rates than others with the same type of policies.
You also want to know if you can make your monthly or quarterly auto insurance payments online; this can save you a lot of hassle and avoid cancellation of your car insurance because you can pay early and know they have received your payment, where sometimes by mail payments get.
You'll want to make sure that you have full coverage or at least the coverage you basically need in your insurance policy and that the insurance agents will be easy to contact at their office or home. Make sure you find out exactly how much deductibles will be and any conditions that are attached to them.
Of course if you're already insured you can choose to stay with your present auto insurance company or go with a new if you want to, but low cost or cheaper rates may be a good reason to switch to another insurance company.
You want to compare, compare and compare the cheap car insurance quotes that you do get; some may be very similar but some quotes could be quite different. You can visit insurance company websites and request free cheap car insurance quotes. You'll need to give them basic, detailed information about your history, your current situation and what you need in terms of your policy. Senior drivers are often eligible for retirement discounts reflecting lower average miles driven by this age group.
If you don't have a good driving record you may not be able to get the deductible you want; so make an attempt to focus on trying to turn your driving record around to lower your insurance costs. Every auto insurance company has low cost deductions for various factors; make sure to ask what they are.
If you are planning to buy a car, make sure you check with your insurance agent first; some cars will cost you more in premium such as sports cars and cars that are frequently stolen.
If you've always been with one company, don't assume you are getting the best rate; compare features and get quotes from other companies. Generally insurance premiums tend to become lower at the age of 25.
Most single line and multiple line companies offer discounts and other great benefits for carrying multiple car insurance policies and other lines of insurance in the same household.
Teenage drivers who have no driving record will have higher car insurance premiums. However young drivers are often offered discounts if they undertake further driver training on recognized courses, such as the Pass Plus scheme in the UK.
If you do your research you'll find the best, affordable for the best price and the best cheap car insurance quote.
You want to make sure to compare, compare and compare again. Get as many car insurance quotes as you can find time for and you should be able to come up with some of the best, free, online, cheap car insurance quotes out there.
These are just some of the best tips that hopefully can help you save money on your auto insurance and give you an idea what to ask and hat to look for when you're want to get cheap quotes.

Buying A Used Car


I have always purchased my cars used.
And each time, I got a great deal. Don't think I counted on luck, though - no siree.
There are a few "musts" for making sure you don't end up drinking "lemon"-ade.
Spending a little time now may save you serious money later. Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there.
Looks are one thing, but don't ignore safety.
Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over. While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often.
Take heed. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.
Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model and VIN. Go over it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.
Are you going to purchase from an individual?
Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an auto’s major systems as a shopping tool.
You also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.
Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise.
If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract.
The car also may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable.
Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.
Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency.
Hey, it's just a phone call. And it could save you a real headache later!
Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:
Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist.
You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car. My favorite book that I've used several times is How to Buy and Maintain a Used Car by Brad Crouch.
Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn't work.
If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!
Test drive the car under varied road conditions—on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Ask for the car’s maintenance record.
If the owner doesn’t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.
Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
There you go. Do your homework, and it's very likely that, like me, you'll find yourself buying used every time!

LOW COST CAR INSURANCE


One should always be on the lookout for cheap car insurance quotes.
You'll want to consider the longer-established as well as the newer insurance companies for cheaper rates; newer companies are competing for your business, however they don't have the history to back them up.
There are many things to consider when getting free quotes online between the many car or auto insurance companies in business today.
Spending a little time researching this online will pay off in finding discounts and lower or cheaper car insurance quotes, rates or prices.
Saving money today on your car insurance is one of the easiest things you can do and often one of the most overlooked ways to free up more money for your household.
Auto or car insurance rates and quotes are never the same for each company; there are many variables in the plans.
Many companies will offer lower or cheaper insurance rates or more affordable rates than others with the same type of policies.
You also want to know if you can make your monthly or quarterly auto insurance payments online; this can save you a lot of hassle and avoid cancellation of your car insurance because you can pay early and know they have received your payment, where sometimes by mail payments get.
You'll want to make sure that you have full coverage or at least the coverage you basically need in your insurance policy and that the insurance agents will be easy to contact at their office or home.
Make sure you find out exactly how much deductibles will be and any conditions that are attached to them. Of course if you're already insured you can choose to stay with your present auto insurance company or go with a new if you want to, but low cost or cheaper rates may be a good reason to switch to another insurance company.
You want to compare, compare and compare the cheap car insurance quotes that you do get; some may be very similar but some quotes could be quite different.
You can visit insurance company websites and request free cheap car insurance quotes.
You'll need to give them basic, detailed information about your history, your current situation and what you need in terms of your policy.
Senior drivers are often eligible for retirement discounts reflecting lower average miles driven by this age group.
If you don't have a good driving record you may not be able to get the deductible you want; so make an attempt to focus on trying to turn your driving record around to lower your insurance costs. Every auto insurance company has low cost deductions for various factors; make sure to ask what they are. If you are planning to buy a car, make sure you check with your insurance agent first; some cars will cost you more in premium such as sports cars and cars that are frequently stolen.
If you've always been with one company, don't assume you are getting the best rate; compare features and get quotes from other companies. Generally insurance premiums tend to become lower at the age of 25.
Most single line and multiple line companies offer discounts and other great benefits for carrying multiple car insurance policies and other lines of insurance in the same household. Teenage drivers who have no driving record will have higher car insurance premiums. However young drivers are often offered discounts if they undertake further driver training on recognized courses, such as the Pass Plus scheme in the UK.
If you do your research you'll find the best, affordable for the best price and the best cheap car insurance quote. You want to make sure to compare, compare and compare again. Get as many car insurance quotes as you can find time for and you should be able to come up with some of the best, free, online, cheap car insurance quotes out there. These are just some of the best tips that hopefully can help you save money on your auto insurance and give you an idea what to ask and hat to look for when you're want to get cheap quotes.

Auto insurance, reduce costs but maintain protection


Auto insurance is a legal requirement in every US state and Canadian province. Costs are continuing to rise.
How can you reduce some of these expenses and still get the best coverage?
First, get multiple quotes from the Internet and your neighborhood broker.
You can shop for different types of quotes from a direct-sell insurance companies and offline and online brokers.
Auto insurance that is cheapest isn’t always the smartest move. Ask yourself, is the company financially secure? Are they reputable and will they pay out if you have to make a claim.
The first piece of the policy is almost always liability insurance.
If you only have minimum liability coverage and you injure someone, their attorney can go after your personal assets. Many insurers feel that minimum liability is a gamble. In fact, that is why it is often only a little more money for more protection.
Auto insurance varies on car types. Coverage for a sports car is very different from insuring the family sedan or mini-van.
If you are looking to buy a car, consider buying a car that "looks good" to insurance companies. For instance, insurance companies know what kinds of cars are prone to problems. They also know what kinds of cars are most often stolen.
If you haven't purchased your car yet, find out what cars make this "good list" among auto insurers.
Consider how much coverage you really need to buy and the price each of these coverages will pay. Think about collision and comprehensive coverage, which is how much you will be reimbursed for the loss or destruction of your vehicle. Are you carrying $30,000 worth of collision coverage for a $12,000 vehicle?
If your car was totaled, would you be able to afford to replace it? If not, you will want comprehensive and collision coverage.
The decision to buy this coverage is usually based on the value of your car. Guidelines usually suggest that if your car is worth less than $2,000, it won't be worth it to buy comprehensive and collision.
If you own a $50,000 car though, it would most certainly be worth it to pay an extra $200 annually or so to insure that your car will be replaced if you get in a serious accident.
If you’re driving a used car from 10 years ago, dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage can usually give big savings.
Run through various scenarios such as if I totaled someone else's car, will my insurance cover it? How much will I have to pay out of my own pocket?
Paying a higher deductible can also keep your policy costs down. Remember, the deductible is what you pay out of own pocket when making a claim.
Buying a low mileage car and insuring with a good driving record, will all help bring insurance rates down.
Don’t speed, don’t drink and drive and you’ll save.
Single, young males under the age of 25 get the short end of the stick in this deal so if you fall into this category make up for this price increase by purchasing a more sensible vehicle. Consider delaying the purchase of that cherry red Mustang until after you’re 26 and married.
Keep yourself adequately covered.
You can get away with having the bare minimums required by each state to keep you in compliance with state laws, but that may not be enough to protect your assets if you have a major incident.
insurance experts recommend that you review your insurance policy often and thoroughly.
Many insurance companies offer discounts for anti-theft devices and advanced driver-training courses.by: Drew Harris

Friday, August 1, 2008

Upgrading and Customizing the Honda Civic


The Honda Civic is one of the most popular and successful car models in the world. Many people regard the Civic as a good value for money, offering a combination of excellent performance, fuel economy, reliability and a good number of standard features.
The Civic appeals to many people, from college students to elderly professionals because of its flexibility, dependability, and excellent performance. Because of the popularity of the Civic, it is relatively easier and cheaper to customize or upgrade this car due to the wide availability of Honda parts and accessories.

Most Honda Civic owners are happy and content with their cars. On the other hand, many Civic owners would not mind a few alterations, either cosmetic or in the engine, to enhance either the performance or the look of their vehicles. There is a huge variety of options when it comes to enhancing the Honda Civic's performance or appearance.
If you want to upgrade, modify or customize your Honda Civic, you will find that there are many ways to do so.

The three main reasons that Civic owners upgrade their cars are performance, looks and style. In terms of style and looks, you can transform your Honda Civic from a car that looks similar to thousands of other Civics on the road to one that could look like a completely different model. You can achieve this by installing performance body kits to your Civic.

Body kits are accessories, such as bumpers, side skirts, and rear valance that you add on to your Civic to create a more muscled, aggressive look. Performance body kits give the Civic the look of a racecar.

The drawback of performance body kits is that they can be very costly. However, body kits are merely cosmetic alterations.

If you want your Civic to look good on the outside, then you must also want your car to perform as well as it looks. Interior modifications include everything from engine upgrades to audio systems.
Nevertheless, if you are on a tight budget, you can still achieve a fresher and more updated look for your Honda Civic without spending too much.

There are inexpensive Honda Accessories you can use to create a more personalized look for your car.

A new Honda Civic Bumpers, either chrome or monochromatic, can certainly give your car a sharper facade. You can even add in a new Honda Spoiler for a sportier look. One of the best ways to customize subtly the way your car looks is by installing Honda Hubcaps or wheel covers. With the wide variety of designs and styles available, you can surely find the perfect set for that perfect look you envision for your car.
Honda Accessories are available in various auto parts dealers all over the country, However, there is an easy and convenient way to shop for Honda accessories and other Honda Parts without having to pay a visit to your auto dealer across town. Online auto parts stores now offer a huge array of Honda auto parts and Honda accessories.

They offer everything from Honda A/C condensers to Honda wheels.

They also offer essential auto parts such as Honda headlights, Honda fuel tanks, Honda Radiators, Honda grilles, Honda hoods and many other Honda parts.

It is better to shop for auto parts from a company that knows its business thoroughly and is a known expert in the field.
Inner Auto Parts is a renowned source of useful and relevant automotive information. They offer a comprehensive resource of everything about the automobile – the systems, its history, and other relevant topics.
The good news is that Inner Auto Parts now has an auto parts store offering high quality Honda parts and accessories. Now you can easily find the high quality affordable Honda accessories you need to customize or upgrade your Honda Civic.

Honda Civic EX 2000-2003 Specs


2000 Honda Civic EX
Standard features equipped on all models include tilt steering, a folding rear seat and color-keyed impact-absorbing bumpers. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, child-seat tether anchors and a rear defroster.
The EX upgrades the lower models by adding air conditioning, a CD player and cruise control. The Si coupe, Honda's top of the line model, features 15-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tips, four-wheel disc brakes and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
2001 Honda Civic EX
The all-new Civic Coupe is introduced in 2001 sporting many refinements and is available in four models: DX, HX, LX and EX. The Hatchback model is no longer available. A larger 1.7L engine boasts higher horsepower and torque, along with improved fuel economy. The HX Coupe is equipped with a VTEC Lean Burn engine, which can be optionally paired with Honda's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). LX upgrades include air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows, mirrors and door locks. The EX model adds a VTEC engine, ABS brakes, a power moonroof, 15-inch wheels and tires, and a remote keyless entry system. Available options include a CD changer, alloy wheels, floor mats, and various trim kits.
2002 Honda Civic EX
The two-door Civic returns for this year with minor changes to the coupe trims: DX, HX, LX, and EX. The new mid-year introduction of the Civic Si hatchback is added to the lineup. A 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine producing 160 horsepower powers the Si hatchback.
The Si features a rally style shifter mounted on the center dashboard, firmer suspension, larger-diameter disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and variable assist Electrical Power Steering (EPS). Added insulation improved damper settings and various interior trim enhancements are among the revisions.
In addition, the LX model now adds a front armrest while the EX model receives standard variable intermittent wipers.
2003 Honda Civic EX
The 2003 Honda Civic Coupe is mostly a carryover from 2002. For 2003, the Honda Civic Coupe has five trimlines: DX, HX, LX, EX and Si. All trimlines can be equipped with a standard five-speed manual transmission with overdrive. A four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is also available for the DX, HX, LX and EX.
The HX is equipped with a VTEC-E lean burn 117-hp engine, and it achieves an efficient 36 mpg city and 44 mpg highway.
The Si is powered by an i-VTEC 2.0L160-hp engine. For added safety, dual stage airbags are standard for all trimlines. Side air bags are available at extra cost, and a power moonroof is standard on the EX and Si trimlines. An electric power-assisted steering and four-wheel disc brakes are also standard on the Si.
2000-2003 Honda Civic Si Specifications & Dimensions
Engine Type: VTEC 1.7L
Horsepower: 127 @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 114 @ 4800 rpm
Cylinder Number: 4
Curb Weight: 2554 lbs
Factory Rim Size: 15"
Seating Capacity: 5/5
Gas Mileage: 32 City / 38 Highway

Honda Accord EX 2000-2002 Specs


2001 Honda Accord EX
The Accord Coupe is available in two trim lines: LX and EX. The four-cylinder models are available with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the six-cylinder models require the automatic.
The EX features the Leather interior package with upgrades such as leather bucket seats, an eight-way power driver seat, and steering wheel radio controls.
All Accord Coupes have received a newly redesigned front and rear bumper, a body-colored front grille, and new wheel designs.
In addition to standard features such as a power moonroof and aluminum alloy wheels, the EX coupes now include a six-disc in-dash CD changer. A single disc CD player is now standard on the LX coupes and six-cylinder Accords feature Honda's TCS traction control system.
2002 Honda Accord EX
New for this year, Honda offers an Accord Coupe Special Edition (SE).
The SE is based on the LX Coupe with an automatic transmission. SE equipment includes alloy wheels, a power moonroof, a security system, and an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player. Interior enhancements include silver-accented trim, floor mats, and a driver's seat power height adjustment.
All Accord coupes come equipped with cruise control, tilt-steering, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, and power windows, mirrors, and door locks. EX trim upgrades include a driver's seat lumbar support, a six-disc CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The EX V6 comes equipped with a 200-hp 3.0L V6 engine, leather seating, and 16-inch wheels and tires.
Honda Accord EX 2000-2002 Specifications & Dimensions
Engine Type: 2.3L VTEC
Horsepower: 150 @ 5700 rpm
Torque: 152 @ 4900 rpm
Cylinder Number: 4
Curb Weight: 3014 lbs
Factory Rim Size: 15"
Seating Capacity: 5/5
Gas Mileage: 26 City / 32 Highway

2003 Honda Accord EX V6 Specs




The Accord now offers a side curtain airbag available as standard safety feature on the EX V-6. The front side airbags are standard on all models except the LX. The ABS (Anti-lock Brakes System) is now standard on all Accord models.
A new Satellite Navigation System that features voice activation system will be available on the EX models early in 2003. Also, a new 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission will be available on the EX-V6 model.
2003 Honda Accord EX V6 Specifications & Dimensions
Engine Type: 3.0L VTEC
Horsepower: 240 @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 212 @ 5000 rpm
Cylinder Number: 6
Curb Weight: 3294 lbs
Factory Rim Size: 16"
Seating Capacity: 5/5
Gas Mileage: 21 City / 30 Highway