December 1st, 2009
Full Financing Available!! Must sell - $9200.00 OBO. Great mechanical condition! Very minor cosmetic flaws. 2007 Honda Civic coupe, 33,500 miles, auto, cd, cruise, heater block installed, tinted windows, blue with light grey interior, 30+ mpg, comes with purchased extended warranty on engine and electrical. 2 sets of tires, incl studded snow tires. Honda winter floor mats. The warranty is for 5 years/150K miles, purchased Aug 2008 at 17K miles. Has reconditioned (NOT salvage!) title, hence the cosmetic flaws and great price. 406-368-2398
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September 3rd, 2009
Every year you are required to get a smog test on your vehicle in order to register it properly with the DMV in your name. Unless of coarse your vehicle is exempt to these regulations due to its age, which generally applies to vehicles made before 1970.
But what if your vehicle fails to pass an emissions test? We have all heard of people paying off the smog test attendant, but we strongly urge against this. First because it is illegal, second because it does not help you in the long run because you will fail your next emissions test as well.
Lets instead look at acceptable ways to help you pass the required emissions test and why your vehicle might be unable to pass it.
First of all, is your check engine light currently on? On any vehicle with a check engine light on there is no way for it to pass a smog test. This is because when the emissions test computer is connected to your vehicles ECU(computer) it can sense that this indicator is on and will by default cause you to fail the test. Generally the emissions computer will be able to tell the attendant why the check engine light is on. However, if it doesn’t there are places you can go that offer free ECC diagnostic services, such as Autozone.
A CEL(check engine light) being illuminated can be a number of things. Anything from a defective(or loose) gas cap to major engine problems. This depends if the CEL indicator is flashing or constantly on. A flashing CEL is most often a very serious issue and your vehicle should not be driven.
Tags: maintenance
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August 14th, 2009
Lets face it, not everyone can drive like James Bond, people are most likely bound to get an a car accident at some point or another. Don’t stress though, even if it is your fault it might not be as bad as you think. If it is a major accident and people are possibly injured before all else be sure to check on the other drivers and passengers and call the authorities if needed.
If its just a small accident with little damage and no injuries then there’s not much need for police. Simply trade insurance information with the other driver and be sure to call your insurance company and inform them, even if it was your fault and the other driver will do it anyway.
In most cases if an accident pay out is less than $500 the insurance company will consider it an under threshold at fault accident and generally wont penalize you for it. If there is an increase in insurance premium than it is usually minimal. Just make sure to let your future insurance agent know that it was an under threshold accident with no injuries if you ever find you self looking for a new insurance provider.
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July 28th, 2009
Beautiful, excellent condition with 2 slide-outs. Pull out storage bins. Leather interior. Desk in bedroom. Full size double closet in bedroom. Two AC’s; fireplace/heater; two TV’s; entertainment center with surround sound; satellite receiver; awnings all around; 18′ main awning; outdoor stereo; user friendly black and gray water; macerater pump. Motivated seller located in Marana Arizona. Price reduced $145,000.00 Call 520-668-7869 to speak directly to the owner. Click the picture above to see more details and other pictures.
Tags: used RV
Posted in Used RVs | Comments Off
May 30th, 2009
NationalMotorSales VIN Check Review
Get a VIN (vehicle identification number) check prior to any purchase – regardless if the vehicle is new or used. Basing your buying decision on the appearance alone or on the information provided by the seller simply is not the approach to take and could lead to disaster.
A cosmetic inspection does not address potential underlying problems. Engine and transmission issues in particular could be undiscovered – or even well hidden – by the seller at the time of purchase and only later will these issues rear their ugly heads. Remember, once you purchase a vehicle you assume all liability unless otherwise expressed in the bill of sale. Most Private Party purchases are sold ‘As Is’ which means you have little or no recourse if there is a problem.
NationalMotorSales suggests the following approach. Talk to the owner. Find out how long they’ve had the vehicle for and if they’re the original owner. Try to get copies of invoices when it was taken in for service or repairs. The inability to provide paperwork is a tell tale sign of how the seller may have treated the vehicle. You do not want to purchase a vehicle that was neglected. It will only cost you money.
Once you have all the paperwork sort them by date and look to see if it’s been serviced regularly. Review any and all repair invoices. Were replacement parts used or refurbished? Make sure that you are looking at credible documentation. Dealer name or shop name should be on the invoice without exception. Do not take the work of a mechanic that is also a friend of, or related to, the seller.
Once you’ve gotten all of the invoices take the vehicle out for a test drive. Drive the vehicle for at least twenty minutes. Keep the windows up with the radio and A/C off for the first few minutes. Listen for rattles as this indicate potential problems including loose or broken interior parts that may have been jerry rigged. Then turn on the A/C. You’ll notice immediately if it’s working properly as well as if it’s taking a drag on the engine’s performance. After you’ve gauged the working condition of the A/C turn it off and roll the windows down. You want to do this last because you will have had a chance to settle in the vehicle and understand how it drives. With the windows down you’ll be able to listen to the engine, brakes and other crucial elements. The sounds the car makes will tell you everything you need to know. Refrain from asking questions during the test drive as the dialogue will distract you from your review of the vehicle. Take mental notes and cover every issue thoroughly. ‘I don’t know’ is not an acceptable answer and press the seller to get accurate information.
If you’re comfortable with the vehicle, get the VIN number from the tile, registration or insurance paperwork. Verify the VIN number by checking the manufacturer plate located on the inside of the driver door. You can check the VIN by visiting NationalMotorSales or by simply clicking here. This report is crucial and will help you verify all the information you’ve collected. In addition you’ll receive important, decision making information that you could not have gotten on your own. Your VIN Check review will include the following: has the vehicle had a salvage title, fire, water or frame damage, been labeled a ‘lemon’, if the odometer has been cracked or rolled back, if it’s been in any accidents, stolen or vandalized.
Once you have the report in hand you can make your final decision with real ease. Buyers save too much money buying used vehicles, but you need to purchase wisely and do your homework first.
Visit the NationalMotorSales.com blog for regular updates.
Posted in Buying Tips, Used RVs, Vehicle History | No Comments »
May 27th, 2009
The credit crunch is really beginning to take its toll. With major automakers General Motors and Chrysler not doing so good, it raises quite a bit of concern for their new and old customers. This not only affects GM and Chrysler, it also affects their multiple subsidiaries and their customers. What will happen to their warranties? What will happen when these vehicles need serviced or parts? Will people leasing vehicles encounter any problems?
Your warranty with GM or Chrysler is safe though. The government is working with both companies to create a fund that can be used in the event that either of these companies goes bankrupt. The fund will protect consumers and their warranties. In fact, your warranty is probably safer than ever with the government backing it up. This includes any servicing that is needed for your vehicle.
As far as leased GM and Chrysler vehicles, that is all done through financial institutions. The auto makers don’t actually lease your vehicle. As long as the financial institution you’re leasing your vehicle through still exists, so will your lease.
Tags: Auto Warranties
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May 26th, 2009
Generally, the best time to sell a used boat is during the boating season. Though there is no truly defined boating season, it is normally considered the time of year when boating is most popular. Of coarse you can sell your boat at any time of the year you wish. But, some months out of the year boating is very slow thus the market for selling boats will be affected. Boating is mostly limited to fishing during the winter months, where as sport boating, water skiing and sailing are far more popular during the spring and summer months. At NationalMotorSales we have noticed that our listings tend to get considerably more hits in the spring and summer seasons.
Tags: Used Boats
Posted in Selling Tips | Comments Off
May 19th, 2009
When selling any vehicle online, the pictures are arguably the most important part of any ad or classified listing. Use pictures to bring out the best in your vehicle, make sure it’s been cleaned and detailed before you take any pictures. Take pictures of any defects or damages your vehicle may have, sometimes not disclosing the defects in the pictures that the buyer may initially see can damage your credibility when they come to see the vehicle in person. Now you don’t have to be a professional photographer, but try and capture every aspect of your car or truck that you can. Make sure you take the pictures in a good amount of light too! You don’t know how many people take snap shots of their car at night with only a wimpy flash to light the picture. At NationalMotorSales.com you can post up to six high resolution photos of your vehicle for sale, as well as an infinite amount of text description. You can write a novel about selling your vehicle if you feel it’s necessary!
Tags: Selling Tips
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May 15th, 2009
So you’re buying your first bike? Before you do that however, you need to find out what you will be using your bike for. Will it be for commuting everyday or just riding as a hobby? Or maybe you just have a death wish and crave adrenaline that can only be achieved by traveling at incredibly dangerous speeds. Ah yes there are many different styles of bikes to choose from. Of coarse the absolute best advice a sane person could give anyone interested in riding would be to start off on a used cruiser or standard. Something that is not too powerful, heavy or hard to ride. It doesn’t make sense for an inexperienced rider to start off on a powerful sport bike with a 1000cc engine, or even a 600cc. That is simply too much bike for a beginner. Really, I would advise against any sport bike as a first bike. The riding position on them doesn’t give you a clear view of everything around you. Even sports bikes with lower engine displacement can be dangerous, this is mainly when doing city driving. Because motorcycles are harder to see in traffic sometimes a rider needs a sufficient amount of power to quickly move away from merging vehicles and drivers unaware of your position in traffic. This becomes more difficult with an underpowered sports bike like the Kawasaki 250R, a modern looking sport bike with a 250cc engine. Don’t get me wrong, the 250R is a great bike and fun to ride but the lack of power won’t help you get out of situation you don’t want to be in.
So in hindsight, the ideal first bike for a new rider would be a used cruiser or standard motorcycle. Get your riding experience on a bike like this. No offense to you the reader, but you’ll probably end up beating this bike up pretty good. You don’t want to go out and buy a new bike and end up dropping it and damaging those pretty plastic fairings. Bikes depreciate in value pretty quickly too so that’s another reason not to buy a new bike at first. Learn to ride safely and gain enough experience then when you know your comfortable go out and spoil your self with a new Ducati or Yamaha R1000.
Tags: Buying A Motorcycle, Sports Bike
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May 11th, 2009
Since cars do not appreciate in value the obvious answer to this question would be no. But say your car is already paid off, would it be more cost effective to keep paying for repairs on a car you’ve had for maybe five years or more? If you’ve still got a warranty on your vehicle than your best bet would be to keep your car that’s paid off, or almost paid off. The best thing about new cars however, is you know they will be more reliable than an old car.
Tags: Selling Tips, Used Cars
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