Auto related consumer complaints rank among the highest among all the industries.  Enough to make even the hardcore auto enthusiast hesitate before buying a new or used car.  Being forewarned is to be forearmed.  Knowing the pitfalls and what to expect will prepare the buyer to avoid being accosted by false claims from salesmen and loan sharks and give him the confidence to make the intelligent choice. Here we present some common car dealer scams and tips how to avoid them.

The Quick Fix

The intelligent buyer decides what he wants in advance and asks the relevant questions to get answers to his satisfaction.  Salesmen want to hurry the buyer into closing a deal at the earliest and make all kinds of promises to secure the order.  His ammunition consists of one-time offers, haggling, and promises for on-the-spot delivery.  The customer should state what he wants and what kind of money he is willing to spend.  If they have what the customer wants, fine.  If not, there are other sellers.

Staying Guarded

When at a car dealer’s showroom, the buyer should try and stick to just one auto professional, instead of being shunted between different people.  The astute buyer is one that decides who would be the best person to provide him with the information he is seeking and only approach him.

Car dealer scams to avoid

1. Advertising Gimmicks

Most car dealers make tall claims and promises with extras thrown in for good measure and display a great looking model to attract customers.  The customer is in for a surprise when he arrives at the showroom and is shown a lesser model and is coerced into buying it.  The smart customer should just walk away from such a trap.

2. The Hidden Bill

Prior to signing anything, the shrewd car buyer must ensure there are no hidden extras added to the final invoice.  He should read through the details to make sure the regular add ons like rust-proofing, extra-cleaning, alarms, fabric protection, etc are not being charged as extras.  The auto dealer will charge very steeply for doing the VIN (Vehicle Information Number) etching too.  It is far cheaper if the buyer gets a DIY kit and makes it at home.

3. Being held at ransom

The buyer needs to beware of auto professionals who ask for their current car keys to “test-drive” or use some such excuse to keep the buyer from escaping their sales pitch.

The surge in customer complaints against used-car dealers and their salesmen is on the rise.  Also, car sales volumes have dipped and are expected to decline over the next couple of years.  It is a daunting task for the dealers to ensure they get their customers to return.

The wise buyer should also seek his loan officer’s advice on how much he can prudently spend before buying a new car.

A Minivan — also called as a multi-purpose vehicle ( MPV),  multi-utility vehicle (MUV) or people-carrier — is a type of vehicle that is designed for personal use and has a shape similar to that of a van.  Minivans are taller than a station wagon, hatchback or a sedan, and are designed with spacious interior.  Minivans are considered the safest among automobiles out on the road today.  They share this feature with SUVs which also have similar safety features.

Safety features in Minivans

Minivans are hefty, heavy and stable. In case of a collision, the sheer weight of the minivan has proved to be a saving grace.  The center of gravity in SUVs makes them prone to turn turtle, though they are heavier in weight in comparison with minivans.  Minivans are also collision-friendly with smaller vehicles in an accident as both vehicles are equally involved and absorb the energy of the crash more uniformly.

Minivans – Necessary Safety Features

Computerized stability systems and antilock brakes – All new minivans from Japan are equipped with electronic stability systems and antilock brakes.  Older models, even the ones manufactured in the year 2009, don’t have these features.  The electronic stability systems are computer-based and the throttle helps keep the vehicle under control by assisting in braking individual wheels.  Likewise, the antilock brakes let the driver to keep steering even after braking at the maximum and reducing stopping distance.

Airbags

Proven to be the best safety and survivability feature today, minivans contain a complete set of airbags.  Since September 2006, it is mandatory to have frontal airbags in all light trucks and cars manufactured, though side-impact airbags are not.  The latter help guard the passenger’s torso and are deployed from the seat backs. Some even extend upwards to protect the head of the occupant.  Side curtain airbags cover all the side windows and are vented down from the ceiling during an impact.

Minivans – Optional safety features

Consider having more safety features like adjustable head restraints to help shield against whiplash injuries.

A backup camera installed behind the minivan guards by beeping with an increasing volume when approaching an object while backing up.

Adjustable pedals in addition to a telescoping steering wheel which is also adjustable to suit the distance between the airbag and driver is the best combination among safety features.

The downside of owning a minivan also has its disadvantages. The sheer weight and size of the vehicle makes it unwieldy to avoid a collision. Braking time in comparison with a smaller vehicle is longer as compared to a smaller vehicle, to avoid collision. Visibility for the driver of a minivan could also be troublesome due to sloping hoods and vehicle height.

Minivans and children
The minivan is considered the safest for child passengers.  Child-safety seats and belts seats are huge and snug.  The rear seat entertainment video system keep the child entertained and out of trouble.  Installing a power-sliding door safety will keep the children safe as the touch-sensitive strip will keep them from closing by accident.  And seat belts are a must for rear seats.

Popular Japanese Minivan models include Toyota Picnic, Toyota Previa, Toyota Innova, Toyota Sienn, Honda_Odyssey, Honda Elysion, Honda StepWGN, Suzuki Wagon R, Suzuki Stringray, Mazda 8 and Nissan Quest.  If you are interested in buying a used Japanese minivan, please get in touch with your requirements and we can find a minivan to suit your budget and requirements.

Technorati Tags: Minivans, safety features, Japanese Minivan

Cars these days use many smart devices to warn and remind drivers of seat belts like buzzers and bells.  It is about time another problem was taken charge of using cell phones for talking and text messaging while driving.

Several car gadgets companies have come to realize that creating a widespread effective solution is not just a tough job but it is also not as simple as putting up reminders.

Although many states have banned drivers from using mobile phones, this has not seemed to reduce the number of crashes.  This is possibly because drivers continue to flout laws for their own safety.

Some start ups have managed to produce applications which are designed to deter drivers from using mobile  phones while driving.  However, the problem is that they work on only certain type of phones and they have a difficult time figuring if the cell phone user is really driving or not.

The important players are still  to step in and help such as wireless carriers, auto manufacturers and the federal government.  Small companies are not being able to promote widespread use and their tools might not really be able to improve safety.

Drive Safely Corp is proposing phone software that can detect if the phone  device is faster than fifteen miles per hour using a GPS chip.  It will display  a series of letters and numbers which need to be matched from the keypad to unlock the phone.  They assume that matching will not be possible while driving and hence the phone will not unlock for texting.  But this can prove dangerous for a determined driver.

There are other services with software tools like Textecution, CellSafety, TxtBlocker and ZoomSafer use the GPS chip of the phone to know if the cell phone user is moving.  They hold incoming messages in quarantine till after the trip and block the user from writing new ones.  These are expensive in comparison to regular downloadable applications.  Some of them cost 40 dollars with 4 dollars a month recurring fees. Parents of teens will pay for this just for feeling secure.  But since they have an option of override, a determined person will still take advantage of it.

Key2SafeDriving and Cellcontrol are using another approach, that of using the car to let the phone know  if it is moving.  They have a gadget which plugs into the car’s port.  This was originally intended for mechanics to diagnose car problems but it also manages to let the gadget know how fast the vehicle is moving.  Above a specific speed, the Bluetooth receiver of the phone receives a wireless signal and the phone application locks out some features of the phone.

This method does not drain the battery of the GPS although its software does not work if the phone has not been set up for a particular transmitter.  But a common problem in both methods is that these applications run only on certain phones like BlackBerry, Windows Mobile or high end expensive Nokia phones.  Phone like iPhone that lack smart OS systems like are of no use here.

The optional sync system of the Ford Motor Co links phone to the car controls, It reads out messages and can understand spoken commands. But replacing manual manipulation with voice commands remains questionable as research shows that mobile phone conversations distract drivers irrespective of whether or not they use handsfree.

Cellcontrol, iZup and DriveSafely are some other services for curbing distractions from your phone while driving, but the real challenge really seems to be to make the drivers just drive!

Here is some good news.  Times Colonist, a premier newspaper of Canada reports that Japanese mini trucks are a quite a hit with business and trade professionals in Canada.

The legions of Japanese mini trucks that are being embraced by the businessmen and trade people include the Daihatsu Hi-Jet, Subaru Sambar, Honda Acty, Mazda Scrum and Suzuki Carry.  These mini trucks are now fast becoming common place in Victoria.

These mini trucks find their origin in Japan in the year 1964.  They are also called Kei Trucks. The term ‘Kei’ implies that the vehicle is a Kei class vehicle of Japan.  This means it is of the sub compact class.  The vehicles of this class have an engine displacement which is limited to 660cc.

The micro trucks are diminutive in size and this makes them ideal for movement around town and it also allows them to be economical at the same time. These trucks can easily be navigated through narrow country roads, small city streets and even through rice fields. The micro  trucks have three or four small cylinder engines.

These trucks can be used for a variety of things like off-road hunting or as farm utility vehicles.  They can be used as maintenance vehicles for large factories, schools, golf courses, university campuses, shipping yards, ranches, warehouse facilities, dairies, theme parks, horse stables, airports, landscaping companies, orchards, campgrounds, local municipalities, movie sets, movie sets, security companies  etc.  The possibilities are really endless.

In Japan, you can see these vehicles almost everywhere including remote villages and in the mountains.  Japanese trucks which are old are put up for sale because of inspection costs and taxes which are levied on old vehicles in Japan.  Many of these vehicles might have had very low mileage.

One of the bigger advantages of having a Kei truck is that it ownership cost is very low. Although, earlier they were in demand in only right hand driving countries like Asia and Australia, but now even Canadians are embracing them.

Technorati Tags: Japanese mini trucks, mini trucks, Japan, Kei Trucks

Japanese automobile makers are taking the electric automobile industry forward in a big way.
Very soon, Electric Vehicles will become commonplace.  Recently, Japanese car makers like Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan have teamed with Fuji Heavy Industries and ‘Tokyo Electric Power Company’ forming the CHAdeMO association – which is an abbreviation of ‘Charge de Move’.  This association will promote standardized charging methods for electric vehicles, by establishing a protocol for recharging infrastructure.

The aim of this council is to standardize technology which is being used to charge electric cars across the entire motor industry.  The firms are hoping that places across the whole of Japan will offer charging station after the creation of this technology.  They want to make the technology compatible with all electric vehicles.

158 companies and organizations including the above mentioned five companies areall  set to join this association.  This consortium includes many overseas businesses.  Campaigns have already started in USA to make the Japanese recharging technology a global standard.  There is a lack in competing standards.

A home plug recharges the electric vehicles as well but the main point of difference between this and the power station is that the station delivers fifty kilo watts at 150-200 amps so your car gets recharged in a few minutes and not hours.

The availability of  power stations encourages owners to take their car further although they might not have  charged it and encourages use of electric vehicles.  Right now the electric cars cannot travel more than two hundred kilometers on a single charging.  A brand agnostic station for charging is critical for the future success of these cars. The technology is currently already  in use by Subaru and Mitsubishi, and Nissan is likely to follow them.

The Japanese automobile industry had always led the way for the hybrid and electric car sector.  The Toyota Prius is the most popular hybrid in the world and is Japans top selling vehicle.  The government of Japan is supporting this EV standardization venture of CHAdeMO with 13.7 million dollars.

Honda Accord has been the best selling and most popular Japanese car especially in the United States for almost fifteen years from 1982-1997.  Honda started manufacturing the Accord mid size sedans in 1976.  There have been several different versions and styles of the Accord since then.  Amongst them, the seventh generation (2002-2008) of Honda Accord has been the most popular used car from Japan in global markets.  Honda Accord is considered one of the most reliable cars around the world.

Here we provide you with a review of the  Honda Accord 2004 model.

The 2004 model of Accord is considered one of the best and most popular exported  mid-size car from Japan.  In the past decade, it has proved to be a best seller amongst mid-size cars.

If you are wondering whether to purchase a used Honda Accord, now would be a good time.  You will avoid steep rates of depreciation which occur in brand new cars.  You will be able to get a Honda Accord 2004  at a much lower price.  Honda Accord is a car respected for its high resale value, so all in all it makes for a good investment.

This stylish car is powered with an iVTEC 4-cylinder engine and brings with it a 6 speed manual transmission.  You can also have an optional 5-speed automatic transmission.  Its standard equipment consists of power windows, ‘dual zone’ climate control, CD player, cruise control, adjustable tilt-reach steering wheel, theft alarm,  ABS/EBD equipped 4-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, Vehicle Stability Assist, side airbags and dual airbags.

This car has a distinctive stylish wedge design which makes it appealing.  Other features such as chrome mirrors and handles add to its grandeur.  The interior is plush and the spacious leg room and cabin storage just add to its plus points.

The Honda Accords powerful engine and 5 speed auto transmissions go well with each other and give a performance which is ideal for suburban commuting and highway driving. The 5 speed auto transmission has very smooth shifting. The fuel efficiency is exceptional in city driving as well as highway driving.

Poor roads surfaces are hardly a pain with the high quality of suspension in the Honda Accord 2004 model.  Even the brakes are strong & powerful and high in quality.  The 4-cylinder engine of iVTEC had amazing power and more than adequate torque making it spin effortlessly to reach the maximum revs.

To summarize,  Honda Accord 2004 boasts a powerful engine, quality construction, comprehensive features and great chassis dynamics.  It provides a smooth ride,  a tight build and has good scores in crash tests.  If you are looking for an efficient and powerful family car with stylish spacious interiors, we strongly recommend you to go for
Honda Accord 2004.

Technorati Tags: Japanese car, used car, Japan, Honda Accord, used Honda Accord, Honda Accord 2004

I have owned five cars since I started driving.  And this used Japanese car Toyota Hilux Surf (1996 model) which I bought from you six months ago, is by far the most enjoyable and versatile car I had driven so far.

In spite of being a 14 year old  car, it has no signs of rust on the body work;  it is well built and has a solid feel.  My Toyota Hilux Surf is quiet comfortable vehicle with ample  space for leg-room and is quite spacious for in the front as well as in the rear.  The boot-space is terrific too – there is plenty of space to lie out full stretch – great for camping expeditions.

I am completely satisfied with my Hilux Surf. Though I bought this used Toyota Hilux Surf at a bargain price,  I still haven’t faced any problems with its engine.   The Hilux Surf is good for transporting goods required for my business, and also a very sturdy and reliable companion for off-road journeys.

The interior looks typically Japanese and it comes with many extra features, from air-conditioner to power mirrors, windows, rear heater, sunroof, reclining rear seats, multi adjustable front seat and rear tailgate.

The 2.4 ton diesel delivers about 100 bhp and is just about adequate for a vehicle of this size, returning about 13 km per liter of diesel. The top speed is about 170 km/hr on this used Hilux.

I never had any problems about the reliability of this car. I change oil every 6000 km, not because the engine uses up too much oil but just to keep engine in proper working condition, Once I had a long drive for over 300 km covering hilly areas.  I went at full speed for hours together; yet, at the end of the journey when I checked the oil levels,  it was almost the same as it was when I had started.  That was a real surprise for me.

Toyota Hilux Surf has nice seating arrangement and with its 4×4 drive, you are able get nice driving experience, even on hilly, slippery or heavy snow clad roads.

I am very much satisfied with my purchase of this Toyota Hilux Surf.  Though it may not be one of the best looking car on earth,  it is very realistic and most importantly it never breaks. In short, Toyota Hilux Surf is quiet an amazing car and goes beyond all its expectations.  I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a car with good performance.  Now, I am planning to get one more ‘Hilux Surf’ exclusively for my family.

Customer Testimonial from Mr. Richard Kyle – South Africa

Technorati Tags: used Japanese car, Toyota Hilux Surf, used Toyota Hilux Surf, Hilux Surf, Japanese

The Nissan Cube manufactured by Japanese car maker Nissan is mini but Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV).  The Japanese automaker is targeting young buyers to buy this mini Nissan Cube.  Presently Nissan Cube is mainly sold in North America, Europe and Japan.  The 1st generation of the Nissan Cube was established in Japan in 1998.  To maintain a proper balance between the Nissan lineups from Nissan March & Nissan Sunny, the Nissan Cube was created.  The 1st generation of the Nissan Cube was only sold in Japan.

The 3rd generation of the Nissan cube was released late last year in Japan.  The new Cube is a tall and made up of boxy kind of design. These features of Cube are more curved styling cue and rounded compared to its earlier generations.  Five people can be accommodated comfortably.  The rear hatch is attached in such a way so that it open along its vertical axis towards the curb.  Loading and unloading becomes easy with this feature if vehicle is parked in a very crowded street.  According to the designers of Nissan, the interior of cube is greatly inspired by the ‘enveloping curves of a Jacuzzi’ which try to exhibit a social and comfortable atmosphere.

Nissan is trying to promote its brand by convincing people that it is not a car but some new technology related stuff.  The Nissan’s target group is young techno savvy buyers.  Nissan is comparing its Cube with mobile or gadgets like iphone.  To select accessories is to “set your preferences” and to hit the road with friends is to “upload yourself and four buddies.”  Despite of the Nissan’s attempt to promote its car by using anti-car marketing strategy, one thing is for sure Nissan  Cube is made up of many good features like smooth steering, decent driver, passable handling, six-speed manual, powerful brakes and terrific low-speed maneuverability. The manual gear of Cube shifts smoothly. Moreover, it also has many safety features like anti-lock brakes with proper distribution between brake assist and brake-force, full array of air bags, safety gear for a low-end model, traction and stability controls.

The Nissan Cube is powered by 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine which is quiet good for urban city traffic as well as flat highway but less for driving on slopes. The Nissan Cube gives about 30 mpg highways, 28 mpg in city and 29 mpg combined result. The key advantage of a box shaped vehicle is vast space and so passenger space is quiet generous in Cube. Even though Nissan Cube is targeting young buyers, the room inside the car well enough for their well-spread and well-fed elders; even the cargo space is quiet big. Other features include good Visibility and tight turning circle which can attract young nervous drivers who Nissan thinks as their target audience. Apart from all these features it also includes options like shag carpeting at the centre of dash board which helps MP3 or cellphone from sliding around.

So now finally you would like to know what is the cost of Nissan Cube? Well, the start price of Nissan Cube is just around $14,385. On the whole Nissan Cube it is cool and useful car with a trendy twist. Though Nissan Cube is an ideal car for young buyers at the same time it is also a spacious, competent, and extremely comfortable family car.   

Technorati Tags: Nissan Cube, Japanese car, Japan, Nissan March, Nissan Sunny, Nissan