Archive for December, 2009
Discovering Odometer Fraud: How To Rule Out Deceptive Rollback
Discovering Odometer Fraud: How To Rule Out Deceptive Rollback
Odometer tampering is an underrated risk every used car buyer must contend with. The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that odometer fraud results in consumer losses of more than 1 billion annually. But many countries around the world are not putting enough effort to combat this threat in terms of legislating specific laws and informing the public.
But what is odometer fraud anyway? Odometer fraud is a common scam wherein sellers roll back the mileage reading of a vehicle. This of course falsely inflates its value. When vehicles with more than 100000 miles on them have their odometers clocked back to about half of its actual mileage buyers end up paying a lot more than the vehicles real worth not just in the buying price but also in the subsequent cost of repairs that the vehicle inevitably brings.
Make sure the next preowned vehicle you purchase doesnt have a tampered odometer. It can be difficult but certainly not impossible to detect odometer tampering. Here are some practical ways to do it.
o If you are importing the vehicle and cant inspect it in person make sure that the company you are importing from has a reliable odometer inspection service preferably by an independent third party;
o Check the title and ownership history documents to see if the mileage reading on the documents have been altered;
o Check the service records and look for service stickers inside the door or under the hood that may give the actual mileage;
o When buying from a private seller check if the car is being sold immediately after a new title was issued the new title could have been obtained because an alteration of the mileage reading was apparent on the old title;
o If you could inspect the vehicle in person look for loose screws or scratch marks around the dashboard and misalignment of the digits especially the 10000 digit;
o Check for inconsistencies: vehicles with low mileage readings usually still have their original parts such as batteries hoses and clamps and they shouldnt show heavy wear on the seats arm rest and steering;
Digital Odometers
Many new cars have digital odometers and a lot of consumers believe that these modern mileage counters are a lot more tamperproof than the mechanical kind. The sad fact is that given the right tools a diagnostic computer and a software program readily downloadable from the net for free anyone can make the alteration in mere minutes. And what makes it even worse is that an electronic rollback is much harder to detect.
Be extra careful when buying used vehicles with digital odometers. The best way to ensure that they were not tampered with is by checking whether the mileage data on the vehicles ownership history report and service records correspond to its current mileage reading. A vehicle used privately runs at an average of 20000 to 30000 kilometers per year. If the odometer reading is inconsistent with its age take extra care in scrutinizing its history.
by Evert Canada
AutoTerminal.com
About the writer: AutoTerminal.com A worldwide distribution network selling used Japanese vehicles. Regionbased distribution centers are located in New Zealand Australia United Kingdom USA Asia Africa and South America.
Daewoo Seat Cover
Daewoo Seat Cover
Born of mixed parentage GM Daewoo; Toyota Daewoo; General Motors Korea and eventually Daewoo Group Daewoo vehicles and its accessories have undergone ample modifications that had affected its production during the past several years. However things have started looking stable when the Daewoo Group finally took over the reins. Now most Daewoo replacement upholstery are increasingly manufactured by Covers for Auto of southern California that includes the vehicles seat covers.
As Daewoo seat covers are made strictly in accordance with specifications attained from the present automaker Daewoo replacement seat covers are prized by users all over the United States for their enduring performance exquisite looks and unbelievable resilience. Daewoo seat covers are mostly used by vehicle owners to replace factory installed covers that have either been ruined beyond repair or needs to be covered up on account of disagreeable staining that has spoilt the cover. Daewoo modified seat covers are sometimes preferred by people who like to have a personalized look in their vehicle.
Designed and patterned through stateoftheart technology and aided by CAD/CAM process of manufacturing Daewoo seat covers are made from a wide range of materials that include velour as well as imported genuine sheepskin. While others charge extra for supplying covers for the head rests arm rests etc Covers for Auto single delivery package contains all including detailed instructions for installation. The US Quality Certified QS9000 and TS16949 company has also been specially permitted to use various marque of logos on seat covers made by them for several brand of vehicles.
Also since most contemporary vehicles have specially adapted front seats that can be tilted folded swung around etc and are provided with safety devices like air bags and integrated shoulder belts Daewoo front seat covers have cut out or flaps that allow full utility of the belts as well as the seat controls. However during installation one should make sure that Daewoo seat Covers with flaps are only used for vehicles equipped with safety airbags. In order to service customers better Covers for Auto maintains an astonishing volume of inventory for instant shipping of Daewoo custom seat covers through their chain of dealers and distributors spreading all over the country.
www.covers4auto.com is where you will find the best seat covers for the Daewoo.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Shane Watson
Content Writer
Custom Alloy Wheels – Are They Right For You?
Custom Alloy Wheels – Are They Right For You?
If you really want your car to stand out from the crowd have you looked into getting a set of custom designed alloy wheels made for it. You can pretty much guarantee that if you go the custom route no one in your area will have the same wheels as you and your car will be unique. There are a few firms out there who can design an alloy wheel to your specifications and produce wheels that are absolutely stunning to look at.
Performance Alloys for example offer a custom alloy design service that includes the following options; various offsets and different paint finishes including having the wheels painted to match your car. You can choose from various build types including one or three piece wheels. They can supply a range of wheels from 18; to 26; diameter and from 7; wide up to 13; for cars such as the Ferrari F50 and they also supply all the fitments to exactly match your car as well. If you decide to give them a try they do charge pound;30 for the custom design service due to the amount of time involved in the design process but this is refunded off the full price if you decide to go ahead and have the wheels made for you.
Going the custom alloy route will cost more obviously probably in the region of double the price of a set of alloys bought off the shelf but you will definitely have a unique car at the end of it. Its also worth bearing in mind that if you go the custom route these wheels are being made just for you and you will not be able to return them.
Performance Wheels also provide an excellent range of off the shelf alloy wheels including Kato Racing Kia Racing and Finichi. All offering fantastic designs and competitive prices
About the writer: Different alloy wheels suit different vehicles in both image and compatibility Alloy wheel Manufacturers often produce a range of mixed designs in there collection. Choose the best Alloys for your vehicle.
