Convert Your Car to Natural Gas

Between the tank and the engine is the fuel regulator, which reduces the fuel-tank pressure of 3600 psi to a usable 125 psi delivered to the engine. The fuel regulator is heated to prevent freezing from the expansion of the gas. The lower-pressure gas travels to the engine, Chrysler's flex-fuel-capable Pentastar V-6. A flex-fuel engine is important, since it has hardened valves and valve seats, which are necessary for CNG operation. The natural gas is routed through a parallel fuel rail, and a second set of injectors is plugged into a clever adapter designed to accommodate both the gasoline and CNG injectors on the same injection port. Natural gas runs at an ideal air--fuel ratio of about 16.8:1, whereas gasoline runs happily at 14.6:1 for the Pentastar engine. As a result, the programming for the new injectors has to be slightly different. NatGasCar's wiring harness intercepts the signals from the engine-control module and, depending upon which fuel is selected, turns on either the gasoline or the CNG injectors. The signals bound for the gasoline injectors are modified to deliver the appropriate amount of fuel to the natural gas injectors. This way, very little fine tuning is necessary, and the car's engine-control unit does most of the work.

As it turns out, there are very few technological barriers to overcome. In fact, converting existing vehicles to burn natural gas isn't particularly challenging. Unfortunately, if you tried to do it yourself, you'd more than likely run afoul of the Clean Air Act's rules against modifying fuel systems--a violation that could cost you up to $5000 in fines for every day you drive the converted vehicle. So if you want to green your wheels today, the only way to do it is by hiring a certified compressed-natural-gas (CNG) installer to do the job. To get the skinny on aftermarket CNG systems, I visited NatGasCar in Cleveland. It's a startup shop that augments gasoline cars by installing a parallel natural gas fuel system. They showed me their latest creation, a dual-fuel Dodge Caravan intended for airport taxi service. It starts on gasoline and switches over to natural gas once the engine warms up.

NatGasCar's biggest component is also its most crucial and expensive--the compressed-natural-gas fuel tank situated behind the rear seats in the cargo area. The company uses a Type 4 tank, the most advanced kind. It reduces weight with a plastic composite core wrapped in carbon fiber and is rated for severe impact and puncture resistance.

Natural gas has been used in our homes for generations. Americans use it to run water heaters, home furnaces, stoves, clothes dryers, and other appliances. As a fuel it accounts for 24 percent of our total energy consumption nationwide, all but 1 percent in residential applications. And as we reported last fall ("Drilling Down," September 2011), new fracking techniques are tapping domestic reserves that previously were not economically viable. Vast global supplies are projected to last well into the next century even if natural gas replaces gasoline completely. So it should be no surprise that natural gas will remain incredibly cheap. It runs at one-half to one-third the current cost of gasoline on an energy-equivalent measure. In a properly tuned engine, natural gas combustion delivers 20 percent lower carbon emissions and about a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gases compared with the cleanest gasoline engines, all without damaging existing catalytic converter systems. So right about now you're probably wondering: Why aren't we putting this stuff in our cars?

Fueling Woes

So a new fuel tank and a little bit of tinkering with the fuel injectors and I'm ready to go, right? Unfortunately not. Natural gas is delivered across the country to millions of homes. But what would seem to be the ideal distribution network is actually the biggest headache of natural gas vehicles. Home natural gas is delivered at about 0.5 psi, but natural gas in vehicles needs to be pressurized to 3600 psi. So if you want to use CNG in your car, you'll need a compressor. A National Fire Protection Association safety standard bans compressed gas storage in homes, so a stand-alone multistage compressor pump in the garage must be hooked up to the vehicle's fuel tank, filling it directly. This leads to fueling times of up to 22 hours (even longer than equivalent home charging times for electric vehicles). Honda's Civic Natural Gas is paired with a home compressor system called Phill ($4500), the only commercially available product of its kind. NatGasCar is developing a compressor system capable of 8-hour fill-ups; the current target price is $3500. Some states have incentivized the installation of high-speed filling systems at gas stations, where fill times are as brief as 4 to 5 minutes, much like gasoline's. But these systems cost $750,000 per station to install, and low demand means there are only 941 high-pressure CNG filling stations scattered across the country, mostly in New York, California, Utah, and Texas.

Economics

Okay, okay, it's a pain to fuel CNG vehicles, but is it worth it? Nationwide, natural gas ranges from 79 cents to $1.50 for a gasoline gallon equivalent (gge) of fuel. That's considerable savings over petroleum-based products, especially considering that CNG vehicles get the same or better relative fuel economy per Btu because of the higher octane rating of natural gas. Our test drives indicated no hit to performance, and a perfectly acceptable range of about 250 miles. But there are some pretty extraordinary initial setup costs. A properly installed conversion will run anywhere from $6500 for a basic system to $12,000 for a top-of-the-line installation with a high-capacity, composite fuel tank. If you want a home fueling compressor, tack on another $3500 minimum. Even at the low end, you're looking at spending enough on the conversion to buy more than 1800 gallons of gasoline at today's prices.

Those prices will ultimately determine the fate of CNG vehicles. High gasoline prices historically have caused furious investment in cheaper, cleaner fuels, followed by a collapse in demand when gas prices fall. For now, CNG has a high price of entry that makes it viable only for taxi services and other fleet operators, but over time, economies of scale may bring down the costs for the ordinary car buyer. And if gasoline stays above $3 a gallon, that change may come sooner rather than later.

Cheap Auto Repair DIY

Car repair tools are something to consider - they can either provide a solution or, if used improperly, or in the case of Torque related tools, if not used at all, can make the car problem worse. You may not realize it but you may already own torque related tools. Have you ever wondered why the 10mm wrench is shorter than a 14mm wrench? Why does the ¼" drive ratchet typically only have sockets up to about 15mm? There is a good reason for both. If you use a 10mm wrench to tighten down a 10mm fastener, and aren't over "torquing", you are going to get the proper torque.

If you used a wrench that is twice as long to do the same thing your chances of over torquing, breaking or compromising the fastener are vastly increased. Using a ¼" drive ratchet to tighten a 10mm fastener is much safer than using a ½" drive ratchet to tighten the same 10mm fastener. This is a simple matter of understanding the forces of leverage and torque, the longer the tool the more leverage you get and the easier the torque is applied. As a rule of thumb, use a ¼" drive ratchet to tighten fasters if the bits are available. Generally speaking there is no reason to use a larger ratchet to tighten the fasteners below 15mm.

In some cases when torquing a fastener, whether it is a nut or a bolt, it is very important to achieve a level of accuracy. If you are attempting to repair your car yourself there are some basic techniques that will save you both time and, in the long run, money. By understanding and applying some basic car repair techniques the average person is going to increase their chance at performing a successful car repair.

There is another car repair tool that will get you the proper torque every time; provided the tool works properly. It's the torque wrench. What does a mechanic have that you don't? Well, for the most part, experience. Gaining a feel for how tight a bolt needs to be is the first step to getting the proper torque. This is simple to practice, and it is easily gauged with a torque wrench. There are certain instances that using a torque wrench is incredibly important. Rotating parts is one of them. You don't want a spinning part to loosen the nuts or bolts that hold it in place. So torque your axle nuts and flywheel bolts. Any time there is a gasket or a nut or bolt that is a "Torque to Yield" it is very important to get out that torque wrench to ensure proper installation and operation.

Make sure you replace a the bolt or nut if it is recommended by a Car repair manual. This is because that bolt or nut has to be, and has been, torqued to yield. This means that the fastener is actually getting stretched to it's proper torque. It also means that when that particular bolt/nut is removed you will not be able to reassemble using that previously torqued bolt and achieve the same required torque that assures both fit and function. Now when we are talking torque, let's consider some other factors. When the car repair manual says to oil the bolt before torquing they are further modifying the manner in which that bolt gets torqued. The friction is reduced from the addition of the oil and this means that more force is now being applied to the bolt for that set torque value. Now let's think about a dry bolt at the same torque - it is not going to get turned enough to do what the manufacturer intended to do at that torque. What is even worse is if there is a bunch of dirt, rust or any contaminants on the threads. So now that there is a bunch of dirt on the threads, you are increasing the friction and ultimately under-torquing your bolt. Do that on a new hub bearing assembly and you are going to have a separated wheel bearing that has too much play.
To get a better understanding of the importance of following torquing guidelines let's consider a situation like replacing a gasket that holds oil or coolant - a good example is a valve cover gasket; the factory wants you to apply 10 foot pounds of torque to "most" valve cover gaskets. What happens if you over-torque? You squish the gasket too much and that creates the potential for oil to escape, this compromises the gasket and the required seal.

Here are a couple of charts to give you an idea of the relative torque values that are typically applied to different sizes of bolts. These are guidelines only and this information has not been verified.

Bolt Assembly Torque (ft-lb)
Values are based on the use of lubricated threads
bolt size Grade 8.8 Grade 10 Aluminum
M6 5 10 4
M7 9 14 7
M8 17 25 14
M10 33 50 25
M12 60 85 40
M14 90 133 65
M16 140 200 100
M18 200 285 135

The above chart is for lubricated threads and only provides typical torque values - This chart is not to be followed for any torque to yield bolts or nuts and does not provide proper torque values for a bolt or nut that is holding a gasket surface. Gaskets are made of different materials and the manual pertaining to the exact application is the only source that should be used in determining the proper torque for these gaskets.
Note: size: 10mm does not refer to the bolt head it refers to the diameter of the shaft. Typical 10mm bolts have a 13mm or 14mm heads.

The following chart shows slightly different torque values, and is not based on lubricated threads. M8x1.25 is an 8mm diameter with a 1.25 thread pitch - the lower the number the finer the threads.

Hex head Cap Screw
bolt size Grade 8.8
M4 x 0.7 1.65
M5 x 0.8 4.13
M6 x 1.0 7.1
M7 x 1.0 12.0
M8 x 1.0 18.0
M8 x 1.25 17.0
M10 x 1.0 39.0
M10 x 1.25 36.0
M10 x 1.5 34.0
M12 x 1.25 65.0
M12 x 1.5 63.0
M12 x 1.75 59.0
M14 x 1.5 102.0
M14 x 2 94.0

Anther consideration is that fact that torque specification depends on the type of material used - 8.8 grade steel is the most common, but stainless steel fasteners are a stronger alternative, whereas, aluminum is a much softer metal and will require a different torque. Always check the manufacture's manual for proper torque specs. No chart that is provided in this document has been validated for accuracy. Most factory service manuals will show a torque specification chart simply based off the size of fastener, however this should only be referred to if the specific torque application is not provided.

After reading this you should feel a little more confident and a little more worried. Continue to do your homework and take on the car repair jobs within your means. Ultimately, it is the experience that is required and some failures can be great learning experience so practice first and take your time.

Never this cheap again?

Cars have never been this cheap, runs the advert. For once, it's true. If you feel you will need a new car in the next few months, or simply fancy upgrading to something a bit more swish, now's the time to act - for two reasons.

First, car prices have been falling like a stone in recent months. They really are the lowest they've ever been in real terms. In some cases, cars are being offered for sale at half price.

Second, prices appear to have just hit bottom - and could be about to rise again. Despite numerous reports that new vehicle sales are at their lowest level since the Romans introduced chariots to Britain, manufacturers have reacted to the fact that they can't shift their fields of unsold cars by upping prices.

Two weeks ago, both Ford and Vauxhall said they were increasing their list prices by 4.7% and 5% respectively. They blamed the decline of the pound against the euro for the increase. Audi also increased its prices recently.

And, after months of decline, reports from the auction halls suggest that used car prices have risen by £300 since December as buyers started coming back into the used market.

It all adds up to one thing: if you have a bit of money stashed away and you do need a new car, prepare to become one of the few winners of the credit crisis.

New cars at half price

One internet car broker this week was putting together what will be a UK first - a three-cars-for-the-price-of-one deal. Simon Empson, managing director of the Essex-based car broker Broadspeed.com, made headlines last year after offering two Kia Magentis models on a "bogof" (buy-one, get-one-free) deal and says he is now hoping to go one better. "Buyers of certain cars have never had it so good, and we have plenty of new or nearly new cars on our books that are now half price," he says. "Cars aren't half price across the board, but you should be able to get 30% to 40% off almost everything in the mainstream."

Empson says that manufacturers, desperate not to kill the used value of their models, have increasingly been pre-registering the cars and then offering them in an "as-new" condition with just a few miles on the clock. They have also cut lease costs as a way of disguising the price paid by the buyer. It's now possible, for example, to lease a Mercedes saloon for the same monthly payment as a Ford Mondeo.

The savings can be eye-watering. Broadspeed currently has new Chrysler 300C luxury saloons for £17,995, while the list price is close to £35,000. Those looking for a more environmentally friendly car should look at the broker's Kia Cee'ds. These have a list price at close to £14,000, but Empson is selling models that are a few months old, with 2,000 miles on the clock, at under £8,000. These cars have a 1.6 diesel engine that will average more than 60mpg, and they come with an unrivalled seven-year warranty.

A new Fiat Panda 1.1 Active, list price £7,095, is for sale at £5,141. Empson has also just delivered a new petrol Ford Mondeo that sold for almost £14,800. This car, which is very popular at the moment, lists at around £24,000.

Richard Headland, editor of Which Car?, agrees that this is a phenomenal time to buy a car. "If you have the cash and your job is safe, there are some stonking bargains out there - particularly for new cars. We recently found Fiat Pandas being sold new for less than one-year-old models at dealers. Consumers are probably getting some of the best-ever deals, if they are prepared to spend a bit of time finding them. Car makers have said that prices are set to rise, although it remains to be seen whether this will actually feed through. You may find the list prices go up, but the discounts just get even bigger."

Used cars

Used cars are also offering previously unseen value for money, especially among bigger models. If you bought a new Vauxhall Vectra estate in the past year, you may want to look away now because these have collapsed in value. This week, the Slough-based car supermarket TradeSales.co.uk is offering a nine-month-old 1.8 model, with 18,000 miles on the clock, for less than £6,000. Yet these cars were selling for around £15,000 just nine months ago.

Darren Miller, of the west London super-site Cargiant.co.uk, which specialises in selling three-year-old ex-fleet cars, says there have been some spectacular bargains in their halls, particularly for bigger-engined cars.

"Smaller cars have been holding their value much better, but last year's big petrol price hike knocked the 4x4 sector for six," he says. "Grand Cherokee Jeeps that were selling for £10,000 last March, have been going for £4,999. High-mileage, three-year-old, Mercedes-Benz C180 saloons can now be bought for less than £6,000.

The Cargiant website features a three-year-old Mercedes-Benz 4x4 ML350 that would have cost around £34,000 new. It has done just 20,000 miles and is now selling at £9,499. The fact that it averages 20mpg gives a clue why it has dropped some £25,000 in three years. Wait a few months, and it will probably drop even more.

Meanwhile Tony Gannon, a director a British Car Auctions, says used car values may finally have stopped falling. "What we are seeing now is an improvement in values from a low base. This suggests motorists are now more confident to buy used cars. After all, they remain exceptional value."

Is financial help on its way?

Cars may be cheap, but the problem for potential buyers is that it has become virtually impossible to obtain finance. Simon Empson of Broadspeed says buyers who previously never had a problem meeting lenders' criteria now find themselves turned down.

There might be help on the way from the government, which is considering various schemes to assist the ailing car market. There have been rumours of a VAT-free holiday, or £2,000 grants for those willing to scrap their old banger and replace it with a new low-emissions car. However, as many car discounts have now already gone below the 15% VAT level - Citroën is already offering VAT-free deals - it probably wouldn't make much difference to the real prices paid.

Such a move would, of course, help anyone daft enough to go into the local dealer and pay the price shown in the window without asking whether a better discount is available elsewhere.

Car prices: No need to drive a hard bargain in the showroom

Richard Headland, editor, Which? Car, says: "The internet is revolutionising the way people are shopping for cars, and we're all for it. Not only can buyers find bargain prices online, they have better legal rights. The web has thrown down the gauntlet to traditional car dealerships."

He says that on top of big discounts, car buyers going online get the benefit of distance-selling regulations. These apply if you complete your deal on the internet rather than in person, and give buyers a seven-day cooling-off period in which you can reject the car and get a complete refund. If a deal is done in a showroom, you have no chance to change your mind.

Richard Sanders, founder of Drive the Deal (drivethedeal.com), claims to have sold the first new car on the internet in 1998.

Since then, he says, there has been a 35% increase in people buying online year on year. "I saw building a website as a way of quoting large numbers of people at minimal cost, so that I could pass on to the consumer as much of the saving as possible. People like being able to get a quote without pressure to buy. Contrast this with going to a showroom – if the buyer doesn't know what discount to ask for, they may not get a good deal."

Brokers such as Drive the Deal have been joined online in recent years by independent and franchised dealers, and even reverse auction sites where traders bid for the chance to sell the consumer the car they want.

Drive the Deal and Broadspeed.com buy large numbers of cars from dealers, then pass on the bulk discount they negotiate to individuals. The car is ­supplied by a dealer with full UK warranty and is exactly the same as you would have got from your local dealership. Which? Car says only 5% of the consumer group's members bought their last car online, but 18% said they are likely to do so in future.

Simon Empson, managing director at Broadspeed, which has been selling cars via the web since 1996, says business has never been better.

"Buyers have now become used to buying cars online from trusted ­companies. We now have some ­customers who have bought three or four cars from us and say they would never go back to trailing around the dealers. The only problem we have is getting cars quickly enough.

"In the face of the recession manufacturers slashed production for the UK market, but demand has remained strong and the industry is struggling to get cars. The discounts are still there but now most bookings we are taking are factory orders."

He suggests that when "block ­exemption" rules on who can sell new cars are ended in March by the European Commission, it could have a big impact on prices .

"We'll be able to order new cars for customers direct from the factory," Empson says. "We've successfully trialled working directly with five manufacturers over the last 12 months, and estimate this buying method could knock 25% off a car's asking price."

Our Picks For The Best $10,000 Used Trucks

Toyota Tacoma

Year: 2004
Equipment: 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual, 2WD

The last year of the first generation Toyota Tacoma found success not only with truckers but with beach bums and California hippies alike. The Tacoma may not be the cheapest new truck on the market but it sure does hold up its values well. We liked the first generation "Tacos" because of their reliability. It should be noted that recent complaints about this generation's inadequate rustproofing (specifically 1995-2000 year models) prompted the company to offer 15-year corrosion warranties to all Tacoma owners.

Cheap Thrills: The Cheapest Cars With Satellite Radio And iPod Connectors

Changing Times, Cheaper Rides

If we roll back the clock one decade, you wouldn't find a single car available with satellite radio or iPod connectors. Reason? Neither technology had been invented yet. Satellite radio showed up on the scene in September of 2001 and the already iconic iPod first made its way into consumers' eager hands one month later. Roll that clock forward a couple of years and some cars were capable of playing satellite radio and/or connecting to your iPod, but they were very expensive high end models. As time marched on, both technologies began to trickle down to cheaper cars, but both Satellite Radio and iPod connectivity remained expensive options. As we make our way into 2010, both are now cheap and commonplace in cars of all stripes and sizes. Here's some of the cheapest cars with one or the other – or both!

Cheapest Cars To Drive

Americans may be snubbing trucks and sport utility vehicles in favor of fuel-efficient, smaller cars, but when it comes to saving money over the long haul, a range of costs -- from depreciation to maintenance to taxes to insurance -- has to be considered. This is especially important for a simple reason: Small cars aren't right for everyone.

In other words, when it comes to saving money on a car, size isn't everything. And neither is the sticker price.

In Pictures: Cheapest Cars To Drive

"The sticker price is truly the tip of the iceberg," says Christie Hyde, a spokeswoman for AAA, the consumer motor vehicle association.

To find the least expensive-to-drive car in the class that best suits your needs, you'll need to do some homework as to what you'll be spending money on the instant you drive off the lot. And gauging what's most important to you -- be it fuel efficiency or depreciation or reliability --could quickly sway your purchasing decision.

For example, it doesn't take much intuition to figure out that one of the least expensive cars to drive over a five-year period is indeed a small car, the $11,550 Toyota Yaris, which gets an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- estimated combined 31 mpg. The five-year cost of owning the car is, on average, $33,831 (triple the purchase price), which is modest so far as long-term car expenses go. It's wise to consider, however, that while the car will save you on gas, with fuel taking up about 30% of the long-term costs (assuming you drive 15,000 miles per year), you'll be hit hard on depreciation. The car depreciates at a rate of 73% -- the fastest of any car on our list.

Similarly, the popular Toyota Prius hybrid claims a spot on the list, with a markedly low 17.9% of the five-year costs going to fuel. But this car also depreciates quickly (though only just less than half the rate of the Yaris), as those in the market for a hybrid want the latest and newest technology, not a car that's a few years old.

Because of the range of factors that go into considering a car's expense over the first few years of ownership, the rest of the list of the least expensive cars to drive is a m?nge with as many standouts as surprises. Some are fuel-efficient, some aren't, some hold their value well, others not so much.

Behind The Numbers

To identify the 10 least expensive cars to drive we used data provided by Vincentric, a firm that tracks vehicle life expenses for the auto industry. To calculate the cost of ownership, Vincentric evaluates depreciation, interest and opportunity costs, fuel, maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes and fees over a five-year period. We then divided the market into 10 vehicle classes to find the least expensive-to-own 2008 models in each.

The most fuel-efficient and more affordable cars aren't necessarily the cheapest to own. Finding a spot on the list is the $43,175 Cadillac DTS luxury sedan. The cost of fueling this car is the highest of any on the list, helping boost the five-year cost of ownership to $69,663. However, the car's depreciation rate is among the lowest on the list, at 38%, and insurance is only 10% of the total cost -- far less, percentage-wise, than that of the Yaris or the Prius.

Why such high insurance costs for the cheaper cars? Smaller cars usually have higher auto insurance rates than larger vehicles because they tend to have higher rates of injury and collision claims, says Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Small cars are less safe than bigger vehicles, so people are more likely to be injured in them when they crash, and small cars also tend to get into more crashes to begin with, so they have more insurance claims for repair."

Big Car, Low Price

Also noteworthy on the list, then, is the Jeep Patriot, which has a long-term cost of ownership similar to that of the Toyota Prius. Along with a base MSRP about $4,000 lower than that of the Prius, the Patriot is among the more fuel-efficient SUVs on the road, getting a combined EPA of 24 mpg (thus reducing the fuel costs), and has one of the lowest maintenance and repair costs of any vehicle on the list. The insurance costs are also among the lowest on the list.

Where the Jeep isn't so hot is on depreciation, but the same could be said for any car on the list. Paying close attention to depreciation, in fact, is critical since a whopping 60% of the cost of ownership occurs in the first year, and most of that will be depreciation. Depreciation is also the largest annual ownership cost for vehicles up to six years old, according to Consumer Reports.

But because so many other factors are at play as well, car buyers are best served thinking about their individual needs first and foremost. There's no point in buying a cheap-to-drive small car if it doesn't fit everyone in your family, for example. After thinking about the class of car that's right for you, then start doing your homework.

In Pictures: Cheapest Cars To Drive

"People are finally starting to understand how these costs work," says David Wurster, president of Vincentric. "As the economy gets a little tighter, consumers are becoming smarter at looking at the total cost of ownership."

Cheapest Cars to Own

Cheapest Cars to Own: Introduction

These costs can vary tremendously by model. For instance, drivers of the Toyota Yaris might pay out $4,927 over five years for fuel while Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 drivers will shell out almost three times more--$14,123. And over five years, while a Mini Cooper should be worth just over half of its $18,550 MSRP, the Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG could lose about $133,000 (66%) of its original value.

The Cheapest American Cars

Chevrolet Aveo

MSRP: $10,235 - $12,020
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy/24 mpg City

The Aveo sedan and Aveo 5 hatchback combine a fuel efficient engine, seating for five, ample cargo space and a host of optional features. It's The front-wheel drive Aveo is available in three trims. The LS comes standard with power steering, body-colored mirrors, 14-inch wheels, front cloth bucket seats and an AM/FM radio.

• More on this American Car

How many miles are too many for a used car?

I hear this question a lot from people looking at used cars for sale.

Generally, 15,000 miles a year is considered as an "average" number of miles per year. So a car that is 5 years old would have about 75,000 miles to be considered "average." Anything more, and a car is considered to be "high mileage." Anything less, and it's a "low mileage" car.

Does this mean you should avoid cars with "high" mileage? Are cars with high mileage a higher risk? Will they break down sooner?

In the last decade or so cars have become much more reliable than years ago when a car was looked at as junk when it reached 100,000 miles. Not so anymore. Many modern cars with 100K miles or more are in great condition and will easily go another 100K.

However, if a car has not been maintained properly and has been driven hard, it can be junk with only 50K miles on the odometer.

Therefore we can't judge a car's condition or its risk for problems by simply looking at it's mileage. It's an old rule-of-thumb that doesn't work well anymore. We can't simply say that a certain mileage is "too many."

What is more important than a car's mileage is its actual condition — as determined by a mechanic's inspection. A professional mechanic has the experience and equipment to not only determine a car's current condition and how well it has been cared for, but he can also judge if it is likely to have future problems. If you are considering buying a used car, an inspection might cost you $75-$100 but it can help you avoid a much more costly mistake.
Sell Your Car Instantly

Remember, used cars are sold "as-is" which means you can't take them back if you find problems later — even if the seller lied to you. In many cases, a seller may not be fully aware of his car's problems or potential problems and can't tell you about them if he doesn't know himself. You should not completely rely on a seller's statement about the condition of the car he is selling.

Don't assume a car is in good condtion because it has "low" or "average" miles — or that it is in bad condtion if it has "high" miles. It just not that simple.

Therefore, the time to learn about a car's actual condition and risk of future problems is before you buy, not after.

One way to reduce your risk of expensive problems and breakdowns is to get an extended used-car warranty when you buy a used car. It's relatively cheap and can protect you from unexpected expenses.

What web sites sell good used cars?

Where can I find used cars online? What are the best web sites for buying cars? These are common questions on automotive consumer web sites and question/answer boards. We answer the questions here.

Although there are many off-line places to look for good cheap used cars (see Cheap Used Cars), many people enjoy the ease and convenience of on-line searching and shopping.
So what are the best sites for cars?

cheap used carsMany people are familiar with eBay.com, the popular online auction site. A separate section of the web site called eBay Motors conducts online vehicle auctions. Sellers might be individuals or dealers. What are the benefits? There are thousands of cars to choose from, in all price ranges, and eBay has a good buyer protection program. Some parts of the program are free, some cost you money. What's the disadvantage? It's an auction. There may be many other bidders for the car you want. Unless you are willing to pay more than the car is worth, you may not win. Furthermore, the car might not be close to you. You can't see it, you can't inspect it, and you can't drive it – until after you buy it. It can cost you extra to have it inspected and shipped to you.

cheap used carsAnother popular site for buying and selling used cars is Craigslist. It is a classified ads site, not an auction like eBay. Sellers are primarily individuals but dealers advertise there as well. You can search for cars in your city and talk via email with buyers. One big caution – scammers love Craigslist, which has no buyer protection program as does eBay. See Car Seller Scam for more details.

cheap used carsOther sites such as AutoTrader.com, Edmunds.com, and Cars.com primarily feature dealer cars and have full-featured search capability. UsedCars.com is one of the largest and most popular of this type of site.

cheap used carsMany new-car and used-car dealers have their own web sites on which they list and display used cars for sale. Use Google to search for used car dealers in your city or town.

cheap used carsMany newspapers who have classified ads also have web sites on which the classified ads are shown. Find your local newspaper's web site and look for the automotive classified ad section.

cheap used carsAnother excellent place to look for used cars online is on enthusiast web sites and forums. If you know the vehicle brand you want, use Google to search for owner/enthusiast sites. Most have buy-and-sell sections. For example, the BMW enthusiast forum, BimmerFest, has a classified ad section where members can buy and sell.

Is this a good reliable car?

This question is usually asked about a specific car that the asker is considering to buy. It might be a general question about a particular make/model/year car. Or it might be a very specific car that the asker found for sale on an online web site.

This is always a tough question to answer because every car is different, even those of the same make, model, and year. Some have been well maintained and driven sensibly. Others have not.

Even a very reliable brand can have problems if it has not been maintained properly and regularly.

A car that has been wrecked and repaired may not be as reliable as one that has not, especially if non-OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement parts have been used.

But if we ignore these kinds of possible differences, certain car brands are known to have better quality and reliability than other brands. Some makes and models have fewer problems than others.

Consumer Reports magazine conducts annual car owner surveys to find out not only which makes and models have problems, but exactly the kinds of problems they have experienced. After thousands of survey responses have been compiled, a clear picture appears of how the various car brands measure up. New results are published each year in the April Auto Issue of the magazine, as well as on the Consumer Reports web site (www.consumerreports.org).
What about brand reliability? Which makes are most reliable?

For a specific car, when someone asks about reliability, they are actually asking about the possibility of future problems. Clearly, nobody wants surprise breakdowns or unexpected repair bills. Buying a reliable car not only means less inconvenience and cost but also greater piece-of-mind.

According to Consumer Reports' latest survey (as of this writing), the top ten brands for reliability are as follows:

Honda (most reliable brand)
Acura
Scion (Toyota)
Subaru
Toyota
Lexus
Infiniti
Mitsubishi
Porsche
Buick (GM)

Notice that only one (Buick) is an American brand. The others, except for German-made Porsche, are Japanese brands. Therefore, in general, Japanese brands are more reliable than most American, European, and Korean brands.

Interestingly, the lowest rated five brands (bottom-up) are:

Land Rover (least reliable brand)
Hummer (GM)
Cadillac (GM)
Mercedes-Benz
Pontiac (GM)

Of these least reliable brands, all except Pontiac are considered premium luxury brands. We guess you don't get what you pay for these days.
Yes, but is this car reliable?

As we've seen, Honda is the most reliable of all car brands. Does this mean if you go out and buy a 1996 Honda Accord with 120,000 miles it will give you no problems for the next 100,000 miles?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Reliability surveys only cover about the last 5-6 years. After 6 years, at an average 15,000 miles per year, a car will have 100,000 miles or more on the odometer. Any car in that mileage range, regardless of initial reliability, can have problems, especially if it hasn't been driven sensibly or maintained properly. For example, Honda recommends that engine timing chains be replaced at 65,000 miles. To not do so means the engine could be destroyed if the chain breaks. To buy a normally very reliable Honda with 100,000 miles on which the timing chain has never been replaced is a big risk.

So, what is the answer?

If you are considering buying a older used car with high mileage, the only way, repeat only way, you can know the condition of the car and its chances of future problems is to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic.

You should never totally depend on a car seller's statement about the vehicle's condition or how it has been maintained. A car can easily have problems that the seller is not aware of. Remember, used cars are sold "as-is" which means if problems are found later, it is too late to do anything about it.

How much should I pay for this car?

This is a question we see almost everywhere we go online. It's usually asked about a specific car that the asker has found either online, at a dealer, or being sold by an individual.

The car's seller has set a price and the asker doesn't know if it is a good price or not, or if the seller might accept a lower price.
It's just an asking price

All used car prices are negotiable.

Let's repeat that statement for emphasis. All used car prices are negotiable.

Dealers and savvy individual car sellers know that you always set your asking price higher than the price you are willing to accept as a final sale price. How much is the price usually bumped up? Dealers might set asking price 20% - 50% higher, or more. Individual sellers may only go 10% - 20%.

If you don't know how much a seller has bumped his price over his intended selling price, and we don't know the fair market value of his car, how do you know what to pay? We just provided the most important clue – fair market value.

A seller may have an unrealistic notion of the fair value of his car. He might believe his car is worth, say $5000, and set his asking price at 10% higher — $5500. A potential buyer, knowing the seller has probably bumped the selling price up, offers $5000. The seller takes it and both parties go away happy with the deal.

So, what's wrong with the deal? If we check Kelley Blue book (www.kbb.com) we find that the car is only worth $4000. The seller, perhaps unknowingly, based his asking price on a selling price that was too high for that vehicle. He made more money than he should have, and the buyer paid more than he should have.

Let's look at another scenario, this time with a dealer car. A dealer has a car he knows is worth $4000. He would make a nice profit at that price. He puts it on his lot with a $6000 price tag. There is a good chance that someone who has little knowledge of fair market prices will come along, fall in love with the car, and pay full asking price. He makes $2000 extra profit on the deal. However, along comes a more savvy customer who knows that asking price is almost never selling price and "talks the dealer down" to $5000. Both parties go away happy. However, the dealer just made $1000 of extra profit (since the car was worth only $4000), and the buyer thinks he just got a $1000 discount.
The right price to pay

Even though there are used car price guides such as Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides, and others, the values in these guides are just educated estimates and almost always vary between different guides. So which one is best? Which one is "right?" None are best. None are "right." That's why they are called "price guides" and not "standard prices."
Sell Your Car Instantly

The "right" price to pay for a used car is one that is fair, based on a consensus of the pricing guides and the going prices for that same make/model/year car in your area. Essentially, the right price for any car is the price that a smart informed customer is willing to pay. If a car is especially desireable, such as a good hybrid car during times of high gas prices, it may be worth a little more than guide prices, which can't always keep up with fast-changing market conditions. Or it might be worth less if it's a gas guzzling large SUV.

If the car is one for which you've been searching for a long time, and it's in great condtion, go ahead and pay more than fair market value. It's okay. Congratulate yourself and enjoy your car.

Therefore you should use used-car pricing guides as a base for making decisions about what to pay, but also add your own personal factors into the decision-making process to arrive at a price you are willing to pay.

If you will need a loan to buy your car, the "right" price is a price that your bank or ar auto loan company such as Auto Credit Express considers fair. Getting a pre-approved loan will tell you exactly how much you can borrow for the car you want. If you pay more, you make up the difference with a cash down payment.

Where can I buy a good cheap car for $200, or $500, or $1000?

Buying a good used car for $200, or $500, or even $1000 is not impossible but it requires some extra time looking, checking, and driving to find the jewels among the junkers.

When you consider that a brand new car might cost $20,000, the same car some years later will likely have a lot of miles on it and possibly some problems. High mileage, however, is not necessarily a reason not to buy. Many cars with high mileage are in great condition and can last many more miles before finally falling apart.

Many problems with older used cars can be fixed relatively easily and inexpensively. Problems with engines and transmissions are the most expensive to repair. If the only problems are things like hoses, belts, wires, brakes, or electrical equipment, these can be fixed or replaced without great expense.

Sellers of older cars with problems may simply not want to fix the problems themselves but are willing to sell at a large discount to a buyer who will do the repairs. Buyers should make sure that the selling price plus the cost of repairs does not exceed the fair market price of the car in good condition. Market values can be found at kbb.com or nadaguides.com.
Buy from Used Car Dealers

Most dealers normally don't sell older cars with high mileage, especially new-car dealers who have used-car lots. However, smaller independent used-car dealers , especially buy-here-pay-here lots, may specialize in this type of vehicle. They cater to customers who are on limited budgets. Do not expect the cars to be well-inspected or repaired, regardless of what the salesman tells you.

Used car dealers do not necessarily know the problems a car might have. We often hear from people whose cars have broken down after a few days and want to sue the dealer for deceiving them. Let's say it again, used car dealers don't make much effort to inspect or test their cars to learn what problems the cars might have. When they buy a car at a wholesale car auction, they usually don't know the detailed condition of the car. The car then is put up for sale on their car lot.

Used cars are sold "as-is" without warranties or guarantees. There Is no "cooling off" period or "right of return" laws to protect customers. Lemon laws only apply to brand new cars, not used cars.

Therefore, when buying a used car from a dealer, especially a car that only costs $200, $500, or $1000, you should always have the car inspected by a mechanic or someone very knowledgeable about cars before you buy. It might cost you $75 or $100, but it might save you from making a terrible mistake.

Many buyers of such cheap cars also get a Carfax or AutoCheck® vehicle history report, but it is generally a waste of money for older cars. What's more important is the actual condition of the car, right now, rather the fact that it might have been involved in an accident years ago.

Buy from Private Party Individuals
When you are buying a car in the $200, $500, or $1000 price range it is best to buy from an individual rather than a dealer. Dealers must make a profit to stay in business, so when they sell a car for $500, it's probably worth only $250.You could buy the same car from an individual seller for about $250.

Much of the same discussion above about buying from a dealer also applies to buying from an individual. An individual seller may or may not be aware of problems his car might have. If the car breaks down a couple of days after the purchase, it is entirely possible the seller was not aware of pending problems. But even if he did know about them, and he purposely didn't disclose them, there's little you can do. Unless you can prove he knew, you have no legal recourse.

Again, you should always have a knowledgeable person or mechanic inspect any used car before the purchase. If you discover problems later, it's too late.

Interesting Facts About Used Japan Cars

The used Japan cars play a vital role in the growth of international market and have satisfied millions of people worldwide. You will be well aware of the fact that used cars from Japan are tested and certified for low emission, high efficiency and great eco friendliness. These are the main reasons why people around the planet prefer the used Japan cars.
As the used Japan cars are boosted up with best technology at a very cheaper pricing, buying used Japan cars is a trend in today's modern world. Japanese used cars include all models such as station wagon, SUV, sedan, hatchback and even trucks. Moreover, these cars are available in both pattern of right and left hand steering that makes the Japan cars comply with the driving habits in different countries. Normally, the used Japanese vehicles are re-checked and maintained by experienced engineers before it comes out for sales to the public. This maintenance takes place in authorized work shops across Japan.
Auto Auctions in Japan:
Japan is known as a world off auto auction. An interesting fact about the Japanese auto auction is that more than 150,000 vehicles are sold per week through these auto auctions. With the advancements in technology, now anyone can participate in these Japanese auto auctions online from anywhere in this planet. You will be able to see the pictures of the used Japan car available for auction and once you choose the used Japan car of your liking, you can start bidding for it right from your home. It has to be noted that, across Japan, five to fifteen auctions can be attended daily and the customers get responses for their orders within 24 hours. To the added advantage, the customers are allowed to monitor their orders and alter bidding if necessary. Every day, all bids are responded, and the customer is informed if the bid was successful or not.
Importing used Japan cars is easier than ever before
Importing used cars from Japan is just a breeze today. Vehicles purchased are fist transported to work shops, for a brief checkup and maintenance. If the vehicles purchased have accidental damages or faulty engines then the dealer returns the car to the auction with no risk to the customer who made the bid. Every Japanese used vehicle is covered by Japanese Government's guarantee under the terms of Trade. After inspection and confirmation, vehicles will be shipped to the destination port of the customer. The main advantage of importing used cars directly from Japan is that, no import tax is charged. Normally, the car delivery will be made within 6-8 weeks but some port destinations can take up to 12 weeks.

Where to Buy A Cheap Car

There are some great ways to locate a cheap model so that you don't have to worry about steep auto prices each and every month. Saving money by driving a cheaper vehicle may give someone more money in their pocket each and every month.
Low rates on a car could come from waiting to the end of a year. End of year dealership sales can have someone getting into a low priced car. These devices are still new but are at the end of their year. Many dealers will feature low prices and special promotions.
You may also discover a reliable and affordable car by looking at used models. To find a used vehicle you can look online or go to a used shop. There are many reliable vehicles available that are in great shape and simply need a new driver.
Combining an affordable monthly auto payment with cheap insurance companies, will ensure that a driver has low monthly transportation costs. Affordable coverage and a reliable car can make commuting to work and social events easier to handle.
Having driving training and no tickets could help someone get low rates when hunting for the right auto coverage. That idea may encourage someone to not speed and encourage any tickets. Taking a driving course when learning how to drive may also help to get a low rate when looking for a new policy.
It also helps to drive a vehicle that is approved by most protection agents. These cars could include a specific type of brand, with four doors and certain features. The cheaper the car is to fix and repair, the easier it will be to insure for less. Buying a cheaper model that is also cheap to repair, could help to lower rates on policies.
Driving a vehicle with a low policy rate and a low monthly payment, could make the idea of owning a vehicle more manageable. Learning how to reduce car costs through affordable monthly rates, can keep a driver on the road and keep extra money in their pockets. Drivers who have a clean record and who have no history of claims, may be able to find low rates on their monthly policy. Agents will look at the driving record and will take into consideration the type of vehicle that is driven, in order to allow for low rates.