Affordable Government Used Cars Buy Your Dream Car At Auctions

Affordable Government Used Cars - Buy Your Dream Car At Auctions
By Tim Lee

You allow yourself to commute daily in your hometown. You pay for fees for travel just to get to your office at a very slow rate. You bike yourself to your school only to find out you are late once again. You are missing something, don't you? You need a car! That's it; you are in need for speed and convenience from a car.

But, the problem is: how much will you pay? Will you rather lose thousands of dollars just to get the car of your dreams? Or just look for some auction houses where you will find cheaper models? The latter is better. In fact, there are now car auctions that hold some government-used cars for sale.

What is a government used car, anyway? This is a type of car once used by the government. It is now being replaced by a newer one that functions much better. This type of car is no longer needed so that there is no more space for it in the government's parking spaces. You can buy it for a much affordable price at government-sponsored auctions!

Where to find these auctions? You can locate them at various classified ads in the newspaper. You can also try to contact for some information from the local government organizations. Try to find their numbers at the yellow pages of your phone directory. Ask for the schedules and other important details. Try to find out what items you should bring. Ask for a brochure for the listings of the cars. You need them in studying the cars. Try to research on these cars on the internet to get a better view of them ahead.

Before auctioning, bring in a car specialist and/or a mechanic for the examination of the cars so that you would get to know whether the car is of good quality or not. Try to look for some hidden scratches and other abnormalities or imperfections the car should possess. This is very essential as there are neither warranties nor guarantees available. You may switch on the engine but never ever test-drive as it is not permitted.

You can jot down some options so you can bid more effectively. By having options, it will be easier for you to choose and to auction as you have narrowed down the choices. Furthermore, you cannot bid on something that is already sold. One thing to do is to rely on the substitutes you have recorded once your favored car has been selected.

Remember that these cars are owned previously by the government. Their prices may be lower than usual. Their bidding prices might start up at a hundred bucks or lower. But if with the presence of a massive crowd, prices may jack up higher than the car's fair market value. But if the price has gone too high, forget about it. There must be something else that is much better and more affordable.

If you have not auctioned yet, visit an auction first and observe the process. So you can gather basic knowledge for the actual auction. It is important for you to have a little artificial experience before so you can avoid mistakes and embarrassment in the real auction.

Once you have read this, you are now ready for the actual auction. Remember to stay ahead of time. Research, choose, and examine: these are the three things you need to remember!

For listings of government-sponsored auctions, please visit http://www.auto-car-auctions.info

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Affordable Police Impound Cars are Up for Auction

Affordable Police Impound Cars are Up for Auction
By Albert Lee

Auctioning has been something that has been going on for years. Americans have been doing this since the 18th century when slaves were brought to the New World as help for the colonial masters.

Through the years, this practice has gone into other things such as old paintings, musical instruments, jewelry, property and also cars. These events are handled by banks, the government and the police who have acquired these from those who have failed to make the loan payments or when the contract on the vehicle expires.

These vehicles are not those that were confiscated from drug dealers or from solved crime cases. The price of the cars here are very affordable even if each model here is sold off to the highest bidder.

Why do the police sell of these cars? This is because it is mandated by law to do so and this just taking up space in the impound lot. The best way to attract people to check out what is available is by advertising this in the newspaper, posting it in bulletin boards and online.

The faster these disappear, the better to accommodate new ones that are coming in. Sometimes, prospective buyers are required to give a down payment or a sealed bid that will opened during the day of the auction and the same principle applies to determine who is the winner.

Prospective buyers are allowed to inspect the vehicle a few days before the auction. The person can sit inside the vehicle, examine the engine but cannot use it to go on a test drive.

The cars in the impound lot are sold on a as is basis. The nice thing about auctions of police impounded cars is that these are properly maintained to ensure road safety. The profit earned here will be used to fund projects in the police department such as the maintenance costs of the police cruisers and other equipment.

There will be a lot of people who will be attending the auction. Some want to get a car for personal use while others have turned it into a business. Payments for the auctions can be paid in the form of cash, credit card or check. The winner also has to pay a sales tax in addition to how much was the winning bid.

Before attending any of these events, it will be a good idea to set a certain budget. There is a possibility someone might outbid the individual but surely there are other cars there as well as future events probably offering something better than the last.

It will also be a good idea to sign up as a regular member for the police impounded car auction. This way, the person will stay informed when these will take place. In fact, there are also other things that can be purchased during the event and it is not just a used car.

When the person drives this off the lot, the driver needs to have it registered under the new owner's name. The police will give the winner some documents that have to be filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV.

The police impounded car will last a long time as long as this is properly maintained. It does not matter anymore where this came from when driving along the open road because no one will be able to tell the difference.

For listings of police impounded cars, please visit http://www.auto-car-auctions.info/.

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Ford Ranger Gets Better And Better Aftermarket Ford Parts Store Catches Up

Ford Ranger Gets Better And Better; Aftermarket Ford Parts Store Catches Up
By Jason Moore

Ford once again reaffirms its high status in the truck segment
of the industry with the introduction of the 2005 Ford Ranger
model. This truck is America's strongest-selling compact pickup
for 17 consecutive years now and for sure, it will still be in
the years to come.

Since its introduction in 1992, the Ford Ranger just keeps on
getting better and better, refusing to relinquish its topmost
position in the compact pickup truck category. Almost every
year, the Ford Ranger gets cosmetic and performance upgrades.
In 1998, its parts were upgraded substantially for a
more precise and smoother handling.

Recent changes made to the Ford Ranger include enhancement of
its Ford
body parts like the Ford grille, which was made more
aggressive looking; and the Ford bumper, which was made tougher
and more stylish. The new Ford Ranger also features newly
designed exterior and interior Ford Ranger Parts including fender flares, parking lamps, fog lights, taillights, tailgate, door panels, and dash.

A long list of optional auto parts is offered aside from the
standard premium quality Ford parts and Ford accessories. These
and its well appointed and very comfortable cabin, a
respectable standard 2.3L 143-hp 16-valve DOHC four engine,
short and light body, and of course, its relatively low price,
make this pickup a winner in the market.

Mid-range Ford Ranger is powered by a 3.0L OHV V6 that adds
five horsepower to the standard engine while the top model
boasts its 4.0L SOHC V6 engine that delivers a hefty 207 hp and
238 lb-ft of torque. Ford Ranger's impressive powertrain
components are complemented by highly efficient Ford
fuel system parts, Ford electrical parts, Ford fuel injection parts, and Ford cooling system parts.

This year's Ford suspension parts also contributed to this trucks' strong appeal. Improved Ford Ranger Suspension parts ranging from bushings to springs, shocks and tires make this vehicle a stand out in terms of handling and ride quality.

Owning this Ford-tough, dependable, powerful and versatile
truck is indeed a pleasure.Ford Parts and Auto Parts knows this very well; thus, it provides you with equally tough and competent Ford Ranger parts and other Ford parts that would complement this vehicle's winning attributes.

In its efforts to catch up with Ford Ranger and other Ford
vehicles' non-stop development, this number one Ford Parts and Truck Parts dealer continues to update its inventory of Ford Ranger parts and other pickup and SUV Ford Parts and Car Parts. With its state-of-the-art facilities, you can shop conveniently and safely online for whatever Ford parts that you need for your vehicle's upgrade, refurbishment, repair or customization.

Ford
Parts and Truck Parts

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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas.
He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto
parts store in the country.

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Preventive Car Maintenance Tips and Quality Replacement Parts for Ford BMW Toyota Honda Chevrolet

Preventive Car Maintenance Tips and Quality Replacement Parts for Ford, BMW, Toyota, Honda Chevrolet
By Terry Brown

Believing that prevention is still better than cure, Auto Parts Inner offers preventive maintenance tips to a lot of car users in order to avoid common car problems, frequent repair and car part replacement and thus, prolong the life of their vehicle.

Auto Parts Inner suggests a regular inspection of the vehicles major and minor parts, including the cooling system, engine system, ignition systems and the electrical system components.

It is also important to check all fluids in your car such as the transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid. They must be kept in normal level to ensure your safety.

Furthermore, you must make sure that the wheels are properly aligned and the tires are well inflated to ensure safety, better handling and ride quality.

In addition, Auto Parts Inner provides a wide selection of auto parts for your car part replacement needs. This store provides wide array of Ford parts, Toyota parts, Chevy parts, Mercedes Benz parts, GMC parts, Mazda parts, Honda parts, BMW parts and so much more.

Car part replacement is inevitable in your cars maintenance since all auto parts of the vehicle are subject to wear and tear and malfunctioning; thus, they need to be upgraded, repaired or replaced in order for the vehicle to function normally or more effectively.

Among the auto parts that wear out fast or gets frequently damaged are the body panels and other exterior parts such as the bumper, the door, the tailgate, and the wheels, including the tires. They are exposed to a lot of corrosive elements, which speed up formation of rust.

Sometimes, accidents happen and they too cause a lot of trouble to your vehicle no matter how much you have cared for your auto. The bumpers and the fender usually bear the brunt of the accident; thus, minor accidents are usually called fender benders. In most instances you need to replace them to restore the vehicles gutsy looks and excellent safety.

Other parts of the car that need to be checked include the radiator, auto lights, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, alternator, battery and other cooling, electrical and exhaust system parts. These auto parts perform very vital and difficult tasks and so they are also prone to abuse. They need to be checked every now and then as well.

Auto Parts Information offers top quality bumpers, fenders and fender flares.

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Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.

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Quick and Easy Steps to Replace Ford Headlights from Your Friendliest Ford Parts Dealer

Quick and Easy Steps to Replace Ford Headlights from Your Friendliest Ford Parts Dealer
By Jay Stevens

Imagine your Ford auto without auto lightsyour car or truck would definitely be boring! But more than enhancing your vehicles exterior looks, auto lights help a lot in keeping your vehicle safe and sound as you drive it down the road. Without lights, your Ford auto would be like a blind man groping in the dark. The Ford headlights are among the most important lights in your Ford. They provide illumination for you to drive by and keep your car visible, especially at night in harsh weather conditions.

Auto lights are among the most lasting parts in a vehicle, but just like other exterior auto parts they are exposed to damaging elements that may cause them to lose their original luster. Replacing your Ford headlights as well as other exterior Ford parts like the Ford grille, Ford mirror, Ford taillights, Ford hood and Ford spoiler is a perfect way to give your Ford a fresh new look!

Thousands of Ford Taurus parts, Ford Explorer parts, Ford Mustang parts, and Ford Thunderbird parts are in stock for your immediate need of quality replacement and aftermarket auto parts. This number one Ford Parts Discount store has the greatest variety of auto parts for Ford and the most exciting wholesale prices as well. Explore the site and see for yourself the best Ford replacement parts you can get for your Ford car, truck or SUV.

Meanwhile, take a look at these easy-to-follow instructions on how to replace your headlights.

How to Replace Headlights:

1.Remove the exposed plastic or metal trim surrounding the housing to reach the headlight retaining ring and adjusting screws.

2.Using the correct tool, remove the four retaining-ring screws. Caution: these fasteners are often corroded, and it's easy to strip them. Give each a squirt of penetrating oil and let it soak in for a few minutes. Be careful not to turn the headlight-aiming screws.

3.Remove the retaining ring, and the headlight will be free. Unplug the wiring connector from the back of the headlamp.

4.Plug the wiring connector into the back of the new headlight and place the light in the mounting base. Lugs on the back of the headlight will position it. If it does not fit securely, you probably have it upside down.

5.Turn on your headlights to test the new light. If it doesn't come on, you might have a problem with the wiring, not the light.

6.Replace the retaining ring. Again, be careful not to disturb the settings of the adjusting screws. Finally, replace any trim elements that you had to remove.

How to replace halogen bulbs in composite headlights:

1.Never touch the glass portion of the new halogen bulb with your bare hand. Oil from your fingers could contaminate the bulb and cause premature failure. Handle the bulb by it plastic base.

2.Locate the back of the bulb socket. A plug-in wiring connector will be attached to the back socket. Carefully remove the connector.

3.Unscrew the retaining ring if so equipped, or turn the bulb counter-clockwise to release it.

4.Install the new bulb by aligning the notches on the base with the ridges in the socket. Push the bulb firmly into the socket.

5.Replace the plastic retaining ring, or turn the bulb to lock it into place.

6.Replace the electrical connector on the back of the bulb and check for proper operation.

Ford parts, including Ford lights are among the easiest to replace because of the popularity of Ford vehicles. Ford Parts Online is one of your most trusted auto parts dealers online and the countrys leading Ford parts dealer. Among its millions of parts in stock are top quality Ford headlights and other Ford lights like corner lamps, sealed beam, turn signal lights, side marker lights and so much morefor almost all Ford models.

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Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.

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Ford To Get Help From Other Automakers?

Ford To Get Help From Other Automakers?
By Chuck Smith

In Dearborn, Michigan, the Ford Motor Company is trying to get right back on its feet after suffering several blows to its finances. And it looks like the company that used to be one of the giants and movers in the auto industry is now considering the idea of forming alliances so as to help them regain what they lost.

According to sources, this auto manufacturer is looking at the situation and is considering if alliances would be helpful to the company. The company is even thinking of having other auto companies and manufacturers as their alliances. Perhaps this is because the company believes that the other car makers would be able to assist them pick up the pieces.

Though the company would continuously be producing Ford Country Sedan parts and other Ford parts, products, and vehicles for the market, Ford would be undergoing a restructuring. It would be William Clay Ford Jr., the chief executive for the company, who would be taking the lead in the whole restructuring process. And it seems like Ford has already been able to communicate with the chief person for the Nissan and Renault brands, Carlos Ghosn. However, what happened during the meeting was not announced to the public for Ford believes that the topic is quite sensitive on their part.

On the other hand, it seems like such a meeting between Ford and Ghosn had helped lift up the companys shares. In fact, investors may have found the act to be an intelligent move for the Ford Motor Company. The Ford shares have risen some 34 cents which is a good movement at that.

The alliance was not yet confirmed and put in paper. As per the talk between Ford and Ghosn, it seems like this was just Fords way of checking which auto companies would best be included in the alliance that would help out the company. There are no reports at present regarding Ford having meetings and conversations with other heads of auto companies. One source even states, There is outreach of all kinds its not just Ford talking to people, its people talking to one another. You have to be prepared and game things out in a lot of ways.

Ford Country Sedan parts

Chuck, a 38 year old freelance writer from Charleston, South Carolina, has been specializing on automotive-related articles and news. He has a degree in Automotive Technology.

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General Motors & Ford Its the Cars Stupid part II

General Motors & Ford - Its the Cars Stupid part II
By Richard Stoyeck

Weve already stated our belief that that 2007 will see Americans buying several hundred thousand less cars than they will purchase in 2006. We are looking for 16.8 million vehicle sales this year. Lets get into the numbers, and see what the implications are. When you, or I buy a car for our personal use, we pay on average about $25,000 per car. The car rental companies in the United States purchase more cars than any other group. They buy American cars, and pay an average of $15,000 per car. We dont see any big profits from this market segment.

Lets look at the dealerships, and sort out how the Japanese do against the Americans. A Chrysler dealer last year on average sold about 225 cars. If you were a Ford dealer, you averaged almost 700 cars per dealer. GMs Chevrolet dealerships came in under 650 cars per dealer. Would you be surprised to learn that Toyota sold more than 1600 cars per dealership last year?

Now you know why American car dealers are complaining and going out of business. In the last year GM lost 200 plus dealers while Ford lost 40, and Chrysler lost more than 110. This is happening on our home turf, folks. This is not the Japanese and the Americans slugging it out on European soil for control of European markets. This is the American consumer choosing to buy Japanese over American made products on American soil. People are voting with their feet.

Heres the next big question. If American car dealers are closing their doors at this rate, what kind of shape can the rest of them be in? Can the owners be putting big bucks into their dealerships while their friends dealerships are folding up? We think not. Will the friendly banker be willing to finance their car inventories when the bank sees other domestic dealers closing their doors? We dont see it. This means that American car dealers can only finance through the car manufacturers financing arm, and thats not good when the dealer has only one choice. We estimate that half of Fords dealers are not making a penny. We think for General Motors, it could be as high as 25% are unprofitable. Whats the customer experience going to be like in a dealer thats losing money on every car he sells? Is anybody listening in Detroit?

Every time GM loses a point of market share, they have to implement plans to dismiss 20,000 people from their jobs. We see the necessity for GM to cut another 60,000 jobs that they havent announced to establish break-even 12 to 18 months from today. With all the talk about GM in the news in the last 60 days, has anybody at GM or Ford uttered a word about their real problem, QUALITY? The American consumer does not want to buy American made cars in any quantity that would allow Detroit to make money.

We believe that GM will be unprofitable until 2008 at a minimum, and 08 can only be profitable if they maintain market share, and we see continued declining market share. The Chairman has verbalized nothing that deals with the issue of quality, and upgrading the consumers consciousness to consider GM cars when it comes to quality. Even Mercedes marvels at Japans ability to produce the quality they do for the dollar it costs. Mercedes doesnt understand how Japan does it at their price points.

We took a close look at Ford (where Quality is number 1, and Ford has a better idea), and found their restructuring plan isnt substantial enough to get the job done. They call it the Way Forward Plan. We call it the Lost in the Wind plan. They are taking total charges of $3.4 billion in 06. They expect to be profitable in 08, why, we ask? Whats going to change between now and 08? They believe they can save almost $6 billion in costs. We dont see it, and if they were able to do it, dont you think Japan would jump on the bandwagon and do whatever they have to do to drag their already low costs lower.

Did you know that when GM, or Ford produce an interesting car, Japan buys the car immediately, rips it apart, part by part in Japan, and than takes any interesting technology and applies it to their cars almost immediately. Japan can put out a car in one-third the time it takes GM, or Ford to design a car by committee. South Korea can go from design to showroom in even a shorter time span.

Fords restructuring efforts in our opinion are clearly overstating the bottom-line results. We see a headwind coming, where Ford thinks its got a tailwind at its back. Its going to get tougher for Ford, and this is being overlooked because GM and its troubles are getting the headlines. With the employees departing from both companies how do you think the guy down on the assembly line is feeling? Do you think hes a loyal, lets get it done type of individual? Do you think hes wondering if hes going to be there 2 or 3 years down the road? Will his pension benefits be safe? Will he ever get a pension? Will he even have a future at either of these two companies that were once the unquestioned leaders of American managerial know how?

Henry Ford wrote the book on manufacturing, and GMs Alfred P. Sloan wrote the book on building a company that is still studied at Harvard Business School, and MIT today. Somehow in the last 3 decades, the bean counters in Detroit forgot how to make cars. They literally forgot what business they were in. They instead thought only about the money. Labor became a cog in the wheel, not an integral meaningful partner in the process. To turn this American industry around will involve a different level of intelligence than the intelligence (used advisedly) that got them into trouble in the first place. Einstein was right.

Goodbye and good luck!

Richard C. Stoyeck

www.StocksAtBottom.com

Richard Stoyecks background includes being a limited partner at Bear Stearns, Senior VP at Lehman Brothers, Kuhn Loeb, Arthur Andersen, and KPMG. Educated at Pace University, NYU, and Harvard University, today he runs Rockefeller Capital Partners and StocksAtBottom.com

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