I don't like to think of myself as a girl who is very girly. I like to believe that I can hold my own with the guys. However, I know when I'm beat. When it comes to cars, I just don't measure up to the guys in my life. I used to pretend that I knew more about cars then I did but the truth is that they don't interest me all that much. Actually, they do interest me but their inner workings don't. I don't care at all about knowing how to change my own oil. As long as I can fix a flat in a pinch, I don't feel the need to learn much more about cars.
I used to be a bit insecure about this because I thought it made me seem too girly when I hung with the guys. These days I accept it, though. In fact, I totally rely on my guy friends for help with cars when I need to. If I need to go get new parts for my Camry, I take a buddy along with me. I can't tell genuine Toyota parts from Toyota Camry parts that are fake and cheap and not worth my money but my guy friends can tell for me. Of course, I do have to take some ribbing from them for being such a girl about cars but it's a small price to pay for the help that they give me. And I give them relationship advice so I'd say that about calls us even.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Should I Buy a New Car?
Is a used car a better option for me? Or perhaps I should just stick with the vehicle I currently have? So many questions when it comes to making sure you have a reliable car that will get you where you want to go, when you want to get there. First, let's deal with whether or not you should keep that old clunker you have now. There are a few simple questions you should ask yourself. Are you unhappy with the vehicle? If so, move forward with the process of choosing something new. If you're not dissatisfied, then why complicate your life right now? Surely there are other things that you could consider spending your time and money on. Are you spending much money on that vehicle you have now? If so, is it more than you'd spend on monthly payments for a new or used car? This can be tricky for some people to figure out. Often times car repairs only come every few months. But the total figure is astronomical. Sound familiar? If so, average out what you've paid over the past several months and you get your monthly payment amounts. Once you decide what you can or will afford monthly, some other aspects to consider are your insurance payments, maintenance and upkeep, garaging fees, and anything else that might cost you money in order to own and operate a vehicle.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tips for Saving Money on Car Storage
Many people choose to store their cars at professional storage units if they have to leave town for an extended period of time. This is a smart move since it helps to secure the car while you're away. However, it does cost money.
Here are some tips for reducing the cost of car storage so that you can keep your car safe without overspending:
Here are some tips for reducing the cost of car storage so that you can keep your car safe without overspending:
- Determine how much storage you need. Storage types vary from outdoor covered parking to parking inside of highly secure, climate-controlled buildings. Get the minimum storage that you need to keep costs down.
- Look outside of your immediate area. You may find that Phoenix storage is more expensive than Queen Creek storage or vice versa. Shop around within the surrounding area to get a better deal.
- Bring your own locks and tarps. It's cheaper to store your car if you bring the accessories that you need for storage rather than renting them or buying them on site.
- Ask about discounts. As with any other rental or purchase, there are often discounts to be found if you ask about them. Don't be afraid to try to negotiate for a better rate. The worst that can happen is that the storage unit manager will say no.
It's smart to store your car at a storage unit while you're away. It's even smarter to do it at a bargain!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Finding Auto Parts Online
I've found that as my car gets older, it is also getting harder to find genuine Toyota parts for my vehicle's model and year.
Luckily, though, as my car has gotten older, the best possible resource for automotive parts has also gotten bigger and better: I mean the Internet, of course.
The Internet is a perfect resource in so many ways. If you are looking for a hard-to-find part or a discount price, the Internet allows you to shop a virtual nationwide, even worldwide, market. The Internet also enables you to comparison shop and find the best price.
And it's not just about purchasing car parts, either. Online you can also find articles with how-to information on just about any repair or maintenance your car might need. And on one of the many car forums, you can read and contribute to chat about your type of car — everything from how to find Toyota accessories that actually fit, to suggestions for diagnosing a particularly difficult problem.
Lost your owner's manual? Don't worry, just by doing a quick Google search, you can probably find many of the specifications, maintenance schedules, and other important information that was in the manual.
Restoring a classic car, and interested in learning more about it? Yep, that's online, too.
And of course, there is the wonderful online VIN number lookup that has helped out so many car buyers since it was invented.
As you can see, the Internet is a great resource for car enthusiasts. Honestly, I don't know how people used to keep their older cars running without the 'Net!
Luckily, though, as my car has gotten older, the best possible resource for automotive parts has also gotten bigger and better: I mean the Internet, of course.
The Internet is a perfect resource in so many ways. If you are looking for a hard-to-find part or a discount price, the Internet allows you to shop a virtual nationwide, even worldwide, market. The Internet also enables you to comparison shop and find the best price.
And it's not just about purchasing car parts, either. Online you can also find articles with how-to information on just about any repair or maintenance your car might need. And on one of the many car forums, you can read and contribute to chat about your type of car — everything from how to find Toyota accessories that actually fit, to suggestions for diagnosing a particularly difficult problem.
Lost your owner's manual? Don't worry, just by doing a quick Google search, you can probably find many of the specifications, maintenance schedules, and other important information that was in the manual.
Restoring a classic car, and interested in learning more about it? Yep, that's online, too.
And of course, there is the wonderful online VIN number lookup that has helped out so many car buyers since it was invented.
As you can see, the Internet is a great resource for car enthusiasts. Honestly, I don't know how people used to keep their older cars running without the 'Net!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Using Suzuki parts to keep from voiding your warranty
If you're driving a new or used Suzuki vehicle, there will be times when the car is going to need work done on it. Whether or not you're taking it in for normal, scheduled maintenance, or you have the desire to add some sort of after market accessory it is important to buy real, authentic Suzuki parts.
It is not uncommon to hear of stories where Suzuki owners have installed parts that came from some cheap, unreliable source and have come to regret that decision. In certain cases, one might even have to worry about voiding aspects of their warranty because they opted to use parts that were not authorized by the vehicle manufacturer.
Reputable parts resellers will be more than happy to show you their certificates of authenticity as they relate to the auto parts you are interested in purchasing from them. Even online parts sellers have learned in order to secure more sales from discerning customers, they have to post their authority to sell guaranteed manufactured parts.
When it comes down to it, would you really be willing to risk voiding your vehicles warranty just in order to save a few dollars on a part? Even worse, are you okay with the possibility of installing parts that may not meet safety standards set by the manufacturer?
It is not uncommon to hear of stories where Suzuki owners have installed parts that came from some cheap, unreliable source and have come to regret that decision. In certain cases, one might even have to worry about voiding aspects of their warranty because they opted to use parts that were not authorized by the vehicle manufacturer.
Reputable parts resellers will be more than happy to show you their certificates of authenticity as they relate to the auto parts you are interested in purchasing from them. Even online parts sellers have learned in order to secure more sales from discerning customers, they have to post their authority to sell guaranteed manufactured parts.
When it comes down to it, would you really be willing to risk voiding your vehicles warranty just in order to save a few dollars on a part? Even worse, are you okay with the possibility of installing parts that may not meet safety standards set by the manufacturer?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Popular 280ZX
My favorite kind of car is the 280ZX by Nissan (originally Datsun). These are great two-seater sport/touring cars, low to the ground and reasonably fast, not to mention fun to drive.
They made the 280ZX from 1979 to 1983, so they are getting kind of hard to find now, but you can still occasionally find them on used cars lots and via private owners. However, it is easier to find these used cars in Arizona and other arid states. They were quite popular on the East Coast in the 1980s, my dad tells me, but because they are so susceptible to rust they just didn't last in the humidity and with the salt on the roads there.
I think part of my interest in these cars is that I've been around them all my life. My dad had a 240Z until I was about 6, when he gott his 280ZX. That car finally quit running when I was 15, just before I would have been able to learn to drive. I was so disappointed that I actually put off learning to drive until a couple of years later, when my dad had another sporty car with a manual transmission (I was determined to learn to drive a stick shift).
This video below is great because it shows a 280ZX from all angles. Too bad the driver is a reckless moron and his car is evidently not too well cared for (see the hood sticking up? and how many times he nearly clips the curb?). Not to say that I haven't spun my fair share of donuts in my Z cars, but sheesh! I usually spin them somewhere where I have a bit more room!
They made the 280ZX from 1979 to 1983, so they are getting kind of hard to find now, but you can still occasionally find them on used cars lots and via private owners. However, it is easier to find these used cars in Arizona and other arid states. They were quite popular on the East Coast in the 1980s, my dad tells me, but because they are so susceptible to rust they just didn't last in the humidity and with the salt on the roads there.
I think part of my interest in these cars is that I've been around them all my life. My dad had a 240Z until I was about 6, when he gott his 280ZX. That car finally quit running when I was 15, just before I would have been able to learn to drive. I was so disappointed that I actually put off learning to drive until a couple of years later, when my dad had another sporty car with a manual transmission (I was determined to learn to drive a stick shift).
This video below is great because it shows a 280ZX from all angles. Too bad the driver is a reckless moron and his car is evidently not too well cared for (see the hood sticking up? and how many times he nearly clips the curb?). Not to say that I haven't spun my fair share of donuts in my Z cars, but sheesh! I usually spin them somewhere where I have a bit more room!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Vacationing On a Budget
Summer is quickly approaching. Now is the time to schedule that much needed, much anticipated family vacation. Family vacations mean time together away from the trials and frustrations of daily life. With no work for the adults and no school for the kids, vacations are cherished times to have fun, relax and recuperate from the stressors of daily life. With the kid’s home from school, families take advantage of the warm weather of summer and visit beaches and other amusement attractions.
As economic considerations enter into families’ decision making, there are opportunities to save money without limiting or eliminating vacation opportunities. Finding low cost hotels and car rentals in Orlando allow a family to enjoy the beaches of coastal Florida as well as the attractions offered by Disney Corporation. Discount websites makes airlines traveling less expensive, especially if you are willing to travel during the week rather than on weekends. Tourist attractions like Sea World or Disney World sell discount tickets though employers and wholesales shopping centers.
With planning and flexibility, there are cost savings to be had. Vacationing on a budget is easy to do with the right information and the patience to hunt down the best prices. The internet is a valuable resource when planning a low cost family vacation. Going on a memory filled vacation doesn’t have to break the budget.
With planning and flexibility, there are cost savings to be had. Vacationing on a budget is easy to do with the right information and the patience to hunt down the best prices. The internet is a valuable resource when planning a low cost family vacation. Going on a memory filled vacation doesn’t have to break the budget.
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