How to check your Transmission Fluid Condition

KBB Adds Motorcycle History Reports

 

"Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new car and used car information announced its newly formed relationship with Cyclechex to offer motorcycle history reports on its website. Consumers contemplating the purchase of a pre-owned motorcycle now have the opportunity to view its history, dating back to model-year 1981.

The Cyclechex report can include historical title information such as the last recorded odometer reading, any disclosed damage, the number of previous owners, salvage, rebuilt, or stolen titles, vehicle identification number (VIN) decoding, vehicle specifications and the manufacturer's recall history.

"Working with Cyclechex, Kelley Blue Book offers its motorcycle shoppers access to the information they need to make an informed purchase decision," said Damon Bennett, vice president of business development and partnerships for Kelley Blue Book. "These reports generate data from a variety of governmental sources, consolidate the information, and deliver to the consumer comprehensive information that provides a level of confidence."

Cyclechex Motorcycle History Reports can be purchased through the Kelley Blue Book website." [Read more]

Dealers Do Well in Customer Service

"Contrary to the negative perceptions often associated with automotive dealerships, a recent Maritz Research CEBenchmarks study revealed the auto industry outperforms several other industries, including retail and wireless services, when it comes to providing a quality customer service experience. In fact, three in four customers rated their experience among the three highest ratings on a 10-point scale when purchasing or leasing a vehicle or having a vehicle serviced.

The CEBenchmarks study compared customer service experiences across 11 industries and 34 types of transactions. Specifically, for automotive transactions, customers were asked about experiences purchasing or leasing a vehicle from a new car dealership in the past six months and having vehicles serviced at a new-car dealership within the past three months.

When asked more detailed questions about their automotive sales experience, 74.5 percent of customers were satisfied. The study also identified key factors in driving this customer satisfaction. Customers rated their experience with the sales process as the most important aspect, followed by dealership honesty, dealership keeping promises, vehicle delivery process and financing/paperwork process as additional indicators of satisfaction. " [Read more]

Dependability Hits an All-Time High

 

"Strong initial quality of 2009 model-year vehicles has translated into historically high levels of vehicle dependability in 2012, according to the J.D.Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

The study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2009 model-year) vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

In 2012, overall vehicle dependability averages 132 PP100 an improvement from the 2011 average of 151 which is the lowest problem rate since the inception of the study in 1990.

The strong dependability of these models reflects their high levels of initial quality when measured three years ago.

According to the J.D.Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study, overall initial quality of 2009 model-year vehicles was the highest level of initial quality ever reached at that point. It has since been passed, including a new record in 2011.

Fully 25 of 32 brands have improved in dependability from 2011, while only six have declined and one has remained stable. Domestic nameplates have improved in 2012 at a slightly faster rate than imports, narrowing the dependability gap to 13 PP100 from 18 PP100 in 2011.

Despite facing immense challenges in 2009, automakers placed a keen focus on delivering outstanding levels of quality, which they understood would be essential to their long-term success, said David Sargent, J.D. Powers vice president of global automotive. Three years later, owners of these models are enjoying unprecedented levels of vehicle dependability and manufacturers are experiencing market recovery." [Read more]

Price Proves Most Important to Consumers

"When asked what made the sparks fly when deciding to buy a car, nearly half of all respondents said price was the leading factor, according to a new survey conducted for CarMax Inc.

The car of their dreams and lifestyle changes were other major factors, according to the survey. Additionally, men were more likely than women (35 percent vs. 27 percent) to say the car's personality or features (horsepower, MPG, etc.) was what made the sparks fly.

CarMax wanted to know about the love connection between owners and their vehicles to help kick off a five-week Love Your Car Facebook contest. To enter the contest, consumers visit the CarMax Facebook page and share a picture and caption to show how much they love their cars.

The survey also asked respondents why they "broke up" with their last car - 37 percent said, "not meeting my needs" - and why their car continues to "go the distance" - 45 percent chose "makes financial sense." [Read more]

What mechanics look for during a car safety inspection

When you take your car in for a safety inspection, there are several standard tests that a mechanic will put your car through in order make sure that your vehicle meets the necessary safety guidelines mandated by the State or Country that you live in.

In The United Kingdom, there is an annual M.O.T. (Motor Ordinance Test). This is required by law and is designed to keep all vehicles operating within a very high safety level. One may feel that this test is too strict.


In the United States of America, vehicles are NOT subject to an annual inspection, however, when a vehicle is sold to a second hand party, that vehicle has to be put through a test known as a 'Sate Inspection'.

Basically, the inspections are similar in both countries.

The safety requirements for the State Inspection in the US are listed below.

A vehicle must have good tires! All tires must be the same size and with sufficient tread, including the spare. Bald spots, exposed wire and irregular wear, are definitely not acceptable. On the side of each tire is an indicator level and if the tires are worn below that point, then the tire has to be replaced.

Your windshield must be free of any cracks or chips. Just one blemish may cause your vehicle to fail the test and you will have to have the windshield replaced!

Brakes may be tested on a treadmill. If your vehicle cannot withhold the standard pressure applied by the treadmill, then it will fail. Wheels are removed and the Drums, Rotors and brake pads will be checked for ware and tear. Brake hoses must be free of leaks.

Your steering capabilities will be checked for safety! If there is any movement in the front end or steering mechanism, your vehicle may have worn connecting rods or ball joints that will inevitably relate to critical consequences in the near future. The need for a simple alignment adjustment may be over looked." [Read more]

Used-Car Prices Climb

"Used-car shoppers may want to consider making a purchase sooner rather than later because prices aren't expected to come down any time soon. In fact, they are going up.

The average price tag on previously owned vehicles is on track to rise 1.8% in 2012, with much of that increase expected in the second half of the year, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. 

It would mark the third-consecutive year that used-car prices—already running at or near record highs—will have risen. Prices jumped 3% in 2011 from the prior year.

"I have been looking at used-car ads for two weeks and can't get over the prices," said John Timmons of Canton, Mich. "Looks like I am just going to have to take the plunge and buy."

A midsize used car under five years old is projected to sell at an average price of $11,850 this year, according to the group. Two years ago, the same car would have sold for $10,325. The average price for a large, used pickup truck one to five years old is expected to be $19,050, compared with $17,050 two years ago.

"The prices you see out there now is the new normal for the market," said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst at the National Automobile Dealers Association. "We don't see prices having a huge falloff, which is good when it comes to depreciation, but for consumers, it means they will really have to shop around."

For years, the used-car market was a haven for thrifty shoppers looking to buy a car at an affordable price. Sticker prices often fluctuated thanks to auto makers who would routinely flood dealer lots with more cars than the market could handle. Big incentives to spark sales added another level of pricing pressure as consumers who rushed to nab a deal also would trade in their vehicles, further saturating the market."[Read more]

10 Steps to Buying a Used Car

"The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the used car you want. If you still don't know what car to buy, read 10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You and then come back after you have decided.

STEP 1: STARTING OUT -- WHY BUY USED?

If you've decided to buy a used car, you've already made a smart decision. You can get a car that's almost as good as a brand-new one without paying for the depreciation that wallops new car buyers as soon as they drive the car off the lot. Even cars that are only a year old are 20-30 percent cheaper than brand-new cars.

But there are other good reasons to buy a used car:[Read more]"

Chrysler Hints at Look of Next Dodge Viper

 

"If you have to make a list of the new models that car fans can't wait to see, the Dodge Viper would be right at the top of the list.

Chrysler Group knows it, so it's starting to parcel out clues about how the next Viper will appear. The wavy image at top appeared magically this week on Chrysler's Facebook page. We know this much: the next Viper is going to be based on an Italian model, just as the new Dodge Dart has underpinnings from Italy's Fiat, which runs Chrysler. And even from the crude drawing released to whet appetites for the new Viper, it already has a bit of an Alfa Romeo look." [Read more]