Monthly Archives2017 April

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The Hummer’s conceptualization began in 1979. It was basically being designed for the US army and was to be built as a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). At that time many companies were asked to put forth their best designs for the same. Out of the many that presented their ideas, the three that were chosen were those of General Dynamics, Teledyne and AM (American Motors) General. But this was just the beginning for the companies to prove their worth. The army was very demanding in wanting a vehicle not only of high quality but also that could withstand any kind of pressures, glide through any kind of terrain, and that would be light and easy to maintain! And voila AM General was able to give the most supreme prototype and in the least possible time!

Their model called the Hummvee, proved to be just what the army had commanded. It came out with flying colors in the various tests to gauge its superiority. Then the first Hummvees, that was around 55,000 of them, were given for production over a period of 5 years in 1983 to AM General. AM General won this race too and within just 6 months the Hummvee was ready for use. With time the general public too could not resist the desire to drive these Humvees. Thus AM General decided to come out with a civilian version of the Humvee called the Hummer. In December 1999 the Hummer brand and the authority to market and distribute it were sold off to General Motors by AM General. AM General however still manufactures the Hummer.

The Hummer is an SUV-a sports utility vehicle and is the rage with those who are fond of sturdy, long and rough and tough cars. The Hummer seems to have no competitor in this area. The first and original Hummer is now called the H1. It is said that the Hummer was made as a result of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s persuasion as he had seen the Humvees and was very impressed. The popularity of the Hummer is such that the US boasts of several groups and clubs of Hummer owners who come together and drive them either for recreation or for some good causes. Well why good causes, read on to find out. As the Hummer is well known for its great strength and durability, it is often employed in disaster hit areas. Such Hummer owners provide their vehicle for these purposes and thus put them to use for a noble cause. In fact a group has been formed of Hummer owners who have been trained in first aid and CPR. Thus the Hummer has spread its wings to touch all of humanity.

The most recent and a very well known Hummer model is the H3. The H1 and H2 Hummer models are known to be quite large. Unlike them, the five seater H3 has been made to cater to the sensibilities of the common who wishes to own an SUV but still wants it to not look too bulky. The H3 also has good fuel economy and is quite luxurious for the small cost it demands! It has good soundproof materials used in its windows and enough sealing to allow you to hear and speak comfortably enough. This is significant considering that the H3, like its predecessors, is prone to making noise. The H3 also has side curtain airbags as well as the normal driver and passenger ones, which provide added protection. Some of its other features include large knobs for HVAC, sunvisors that have pull out extensions, and large and very readable gauges.

The other common features include a tilt-adjustable steering column, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, an audio system with a CD player, cruise control, air conditioning, an electronic rearview mirror with temperature and compass readings, antilock brakes (ABS), traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and stylish leather seats. It has an OnStar system with one-year Safe and Sound service plan. This system informs the concerned people in case of an emergency and helps them to locate you and get you immediate help and relief. It even helps to keep thieves at bay, because the system can track your Hummer in case of theft.

With so much to offer, you must drive the Hummer!

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Source by Lance Dixon

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If you own and operate a dental practice and are looking for a few good ways to add more new patients, then read this short article which gives you a few slick ways to piggyback off St. Patrick’s Day. In, fact here’s a little story to explain these dentist marketing tips: I must come clean and confess. I like drinking green beer! Truth is my “green beer habit” started back in college, when me and a few buddies would chug-a-lug Green Beer on St Patrick’s Day until… somebody GOT SICK!

Now days, I stick to drinking only one green beer as a way to celebrate the Irish. In fact, if you want to grow your dental practice fast — then you should find as many ways as possible to DRINK GREEN BEER! What do I mean by this? Well, I’m not suggesting you actually drink Green Beer. I am suggesting you find ways to be different. That doesn’t mean you have to grab a mega-phone and market your dental practice like some loud and obnoxious character from a used car commercial.

BUT… marketing your services like all the other dentists in your neighborhood ain’t gonna’ cut the mustard in 2011. There’s too much competition! Your prospect’s have the attention span of a gnat! And plus, being like all the other dentists in your neighborhood is plain BORING. Wouldn’t you agree? In fact, one time I heard the late, great Earl Nightingale say, “Oftentimes your answer is to do the exact opposite of what everyone else is doing.”

So what can you do to be different?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Throw A St Patrick’s Day Party!

How many dentists are doing this?

Probably none, which is exactly why it’s a great idea if you want to stand out and become the number one dentist in your neighborhood.

2. Dress In A Green Lab Coat!

Sure, plenty of people wear green to the office on St. Patrick’s Day, but have you ever seen a dentist in a green lab coat?

Once again, you have to overcome your sense to conform and “be professional”, and let your desire to have fun win-out.

Your patients will love this, especially if you send a picture to your local newspaper.

3. Give Away Green Floss and Toothbrushes.

It’s easy enough to buy some green floss and toothbrushes.

And give them away as “free prizes” to anyone who takes a tour of your dental office.

How does this add new patients to your practice?

You simply ask for their contact information, and the you put these prospects on your mailing list.

Look, if you want a bustling dental practice then you’ve got to be willing to promote your services using outrageous dental marketing campaigns.

And St. Patrick’s Day is a golden opportunity.

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Source by Wesley Murph

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The Nissan GTR has always been a vehicle that stands for extreme performance. What most people don’t realize when they think about this machine is that it has always been a well rounded type of performance car. The new R35 GTR has been injected with the same DNA as the previous R32, R33, and R34 models. This means that the car will have extreme performance and also practicality to meet the demands of anyone’s lifestyle. Nissan describes the new R35 GTR as a multi-performance sports car meaning that it’s not just another fast car with all the right numbers that look great in magazines.

The main question about the R35 GTR would be, “Is it a super car?” The fact that this question has been brought up makes me happy to see that people realize there is more to a super car than just the numbers generated from performance tests. When I think of a super car or at least what a super car has been up until now would be something that is fast, stimulating, violent, loud, and visually attractive on an extreme level. The GTR without a doubt is fast, and not just in a straight line. This vehicle took out top level Porsche models and also gave the lightened Gallardo a run for its money on Tsukuba circuit in Japan. It also clocks one of the best times on Germany’s Nurburgring for a production car which is a better reference than a tight circuit like Tsukuba. With these accomplishments it can be said that the GTR has great power, braking, and cornering abilities that either match or rival cars that are considered super cars.

It’s as fast as a super car, but that’s not enough. My opinion is that it doesn’t fall short of being called one, it just falls somewhere else. A super car is just a category, it doesn’t necessarily mean better. The R35 is better than a super car, but the things that make it better would be the only reasons why someone would rather not buy it. It’s a useful machine, meaning that it can get you to work in any condition and can be driven all year round through any rain or snowstorm. It has space for passengers and luggage. It’s quiet enough to drive down the street at 2am without the neighbors hating you. It rounded and can visually fit in with the rest of the cars on the road, especially 350zs and G35s. These are all great qualities, but not the types of traits that the type of person that will buy such an item is looking for. Most people that are in the market for a vehicle like this are looking for one thing and one thing only, extravagance, both in the looks, and the driving characteristics of the car.

The fact that most of this machine’s testing was done on the Nurburgring says a lot about it. Nurburgring is a demanding circuit that requires a car to be setup to be both fast and safe simultaneously. The ideal car at this circuit would be something that makes the driver feel safe while clocking amazing times. One lap around this course in a real super car would make most people have a heart attack before they got halfway through, but in this car anyone can do a few laps in a row without shaking too much while traveling at the same speeds. The R35 is a perfect ultra high performance street car designed for the average driver. Certain pro racing drivers like Keiichi Tsuchiya drove this car and did not like that fact that it had so many computers that take away control from the driver, saying that the car felt “unnatural” at its limits. What a pro doesn’t realize is that the average driver that doesn’t practice on the track daily is happy to return some driver control responsibilities back to the car so he or she doesn’t have to worry while they rush to work or have some fun of winding roads during their weekend off.

Even though the R35 is not a super car, it is still something different that sends a positive message to people about the advancement in automobiles. Sure it’s not raw enough to be a pure sports car like the NSX R or Porsche GT3 that are designed for driving enthusiasts that want to be stimulated, but I believe that Nissan wanted to show the world what they are capable of doing in terms of drivability technology with this car. Pure sports cars are generally fast because they are stiff, lightweight, and responsive, much like racing cars driven by professionals off the streets. The GTR weighs almost 2 tons meaning that the secrets to its speed are not so simple. The R35 can be considered to be a beast with manners that was built to appeal to everyone. It may be a little too cheap for the status driven upper class and a little too pricey for the current 350z, Evo, and STI owners. A car’s price says a lot about it and for only $80K, I would say that it should be higher to match the lower numbers that it generated during its performance tests.

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Source by Nick Zema

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If you’ve just driven your new car off the lot, it’s probably looking pretty great. That fancy new paint job shines in the sun, looks glossy, and makes a statement about the kind of person you are; the kind of person that buys new cars. Overtime, though, small rocks, road debris and bugs will eat away at your paint job. There’s nothing much you can do except apply some touch ups and hope no one notices. However, there is a different way.

A protective car film will keep all of this from happening. If applied before the road debris ruins your day by chipping your paint, a clear car cover, like a bra, will prevent those chips from happening in the first place. The best protective films have to ability to provide defense from things as heavy as rocks.

In terms of your paint job, bugs can also be a problem. They’re absolutely unavoidable and if you drive your car at all, you’re bound to hit a few. The acid in most bugs will erode your paint and if you ignore it, you’re bound to see some damage. Obviously there are products that will remove dead bugs from your car but wouldn’t it be easier to buy a protective film that keeps them off your paint to begin with?

Not only do you want your car to look as new as possible for as long as possible, but keeping your paint job pristine will up the resale value. Most people keep their cars for roughly five years before trading up. If you want to get the most for your money, keep your car looking great. One of the best ways to do this is by being preventative and keeping the paint as clean as possible. Protective films do that.

Car covers are readily available and generally inexpensive. Indeed, they’re much less expensive than a new paint job. The good ones come with a guarantee and are pre-cut to fit your specific car or truck. No one likes getting a full sheet of laminate they have to cut themselves. The benefits of a product like this are huge. They provide a clear, protective barrier that can not only deflect small rocks and road debris but will also keep things like bugs from ruining your paint job. If you ever want to resale your car, it’s definitely a smart idea to consider a protective film.

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Source by Chris Wadle

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Commercial combined insurance protects your business assets from a number of unforeseen losses including damage, theft, fire, natural disasters (such as floods and storms), and vandalism. This insurance provides cover for your buildings, machinery, business stock and equipment, and all other contents within the building premises.

No matter what size your business maybe you need to protect your business from various risks and any other claims that might arise during the course of business. The purpose of commercial combined insurance is to integrate different types of business insurance into one policy that covers all the important areas of a business.

Commercial combined insurance generally includes buildings insurance, stock insurance, employers’ liability insurance, public liability insurance and building contents insurance. Sometimes it can include professional indemnity insurance and product liability insurance as well. The exact cover will vary depending on the nature and size of your business.

It is always advisable to consult a professional prior to opting for commercial combined insurance. Different businesses require different elements of insurance cover, therefore, a professional will be able to make sure that the combined policy provides you with the maximum cover and does not limit other important areas of cover.

Some commercial combined insurance policies allow any adjustments to the amount of cover such as in the case of public liability insurance where you can raise the cover from £1million to £2million by increasing the cost of the policy by a fixed percentage. Making adjustments can bring about a lot of savings in premiums. This type of policy is more suited to large companies that require many different areas of cover. Prior to choosing a commercial combined insurance companies need to determine the element of risk their business is likely to face. This risk assessment may require a visit to the premises by an insurance professional.

Among the biggest risks are liability to third parties and the costs and damages arising from claims made against a company. Employers’ liability insurance is mandatory according to law, therefore an essential element of any commercial combined insurance package. This insurance protects employees from all potential risks or accidents that may occur at the workplace. Public liability insurance is also essential as it protects a company against any claims made by any visiting public while on its business premises. Other areas of cover include Product Liability insurance which protects companies from any claims made due to any manufacturing defects in the company’s products. Directors and Officers insurance (D&O) is also available in a commercial combined insurance policy where a company’s directors can protect themselves against any liabilities arising during the course of the business.

Property damage cover is important since fire and floods can cause extensive damage to commercial property. Companies that carry large stock will benefit when this type of insurance is combined so that it minimises losses due to deterioration or damage of stock. There are other commercial risks such as loss of trade licence, goods in transit cover, commercial vehicle insurance and more. Purchasing the right commercial combined insurance may be a daunting task, especially when the risks are not straightforward. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the services of an insurance professional so that you procure the appropriate policy at the right price.

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Source by Richard C Clark

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On many lakes across the U.S. and Canada there are docks that are installed in the Spring and removed in the Fall. Stationary docks that are supported on the bottom of the lake on poles generally come apart in sections that are fairly light and can be carried out by hand. Sometimes large plastic wheels are permanently attached to the bottom of the dock poles. Often the fixed dock is light enough and rigid enough that a 30′ long section can be rolled right out of the lake and stored on the beach for the winter.

Floating docks typically use polyethylene plastic floats and are either made entirely of polyethylene, or have a wood, aluminum, or composite deck that sits on top of the plastic floats. Floating docks weigh significantly more per foot than fixed docks. This extra weight makes it more difficult to create a long rigid structure that is light enough to be carried out by hand. Often the longest floating dock sections are limited to about 10 feet. For long docks, the 10 foot sections are connected with flexible connectors. These docks are typically removed by taking the sections apart and hand carrying them out of the water, one 10 foot section at a time. If you have a smooth beach, you might be able to drag the fully assembled dock up the beach with an ATV or SUV. Sometimes people will use PVC pipe as rollers under the dock so the dock does not have to drag on the sand.

There are manufactures now making floating docks that can have a single rigid section that is up to 32 feet long. These docks are made from structural aluminum bolted together to form a 24″ tall truss running both the length and width of the dock. Polyethylene floats are caged inside the truss system and most common dock materials can be used as the deck. These truss type structures are light enough and strong enough to allow wheels to be mounted under the dock. If the dock is intended to be rolled up the beach, polyethylene wheels can be mounted similarly to those used on stationary docks. If the shoreline is too steep or it is not convenient to store the dock along the shore, a highway rated axle, wheels, and tires can be installed. The axle is galvanized and the bearings are usually protected with a military technology that is designed to maintain positive air pressure in the bearing cavity for one year of continuous submersion. A square or rectangular aluminum tube can be mounted under one end of the dock. This tube acts as a receiver for a 6′ long trailer tongue that will insert about 2′ and then pin into place. There is a trailer coupler on the extended end of the tongue that is designed to connect to a trailer hitch with a standard 2″ ball.

The dock can be towed along the water to a standard boat launch ramp where the tongue is inserted into the receiver turning the dock into a floating trailer. A light duty truck or SUV backs down the launch ramp until the coupler can be floated over the trailer ball. The coupler is locked on and the truck pulls the dock out of the launch ramp just like it was a boat on a trailer. The dock can be towed down the highway two miles or 200 miles. Temporary trailer lights may need to be installed depending on the distance and terrain traveled.

This new “Rolling Floating Dock” technology has dramatically reduced the hassle of installing and removing floating docks. Especially benefited are those waterfront sites that are very steep and have little or no beach. Floating Docks are available that are up to 17′ wide but can be folded up in the launch ramp parking lot to only 8.5′ wide so no special highway permits are needed. Some docks can also include a large second deck. Big docks that are easy to install and remove can make up for the beach that many lake front owners wish they had.

Some manufacturers can even license the dock as a boat allowing it to be motored around the lake with an outboard and tiller handle. These docks become a safe, fun, and mobile platform for swimming and fishing. While technology is racing around us, it is nice to see that some of that technology is giving us safe places to relax on our favorite lake with our minds at ease knowing that the task of closing up for the winter will be quick and simple.

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Source by Jack Jenson

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Are you finding reversing a car very difficult? I mean annoyingly, frustratingly difficult? Try not to be too disheartened because believe me you are not alone. In my experience, the majority of learner drivers struggle with reversing at first. The main reason, I think, is that although they have reverse gear engaged, their mind is still in forward gear! Let me explain what I mean by that.

Because it feels normal and reassuring to steer the front of the car, a lot of beginners are still trying to do that whilst going backwards! Not surprising then that they have such problems! Can you imagine driving forwards whilst looking out of the rear windscreen? Impossible, right? Even the most experienced driver would struggle to do that.

So, you have to put your mind into reverse mode as well as the car. In other words, accept that the back of your vehicle becomes in effect the front when you are reversing. That does not mean that you are not aware of things happening in front of you, but you must steer the rear of the car, which is now leading the way.

The other important thing to mention is speed, or rather lack of it. Most beginners, without really wanting to, attempt going backwards around a corner faster than they would forwards! Remember that when reversing, there is a delay in the turning of the steering wheel altering the direction of the rear of the car, because it is only the front wheels that are turning. You have to adjust to that time lag and if you are going too fast, you will not be able to judge it correctly, and will probably turn too early or too much.

Another common mistake made by learner drivers is to look too close behind the car or even at the car itself as they are reversing. Try to look up at the horizon much as you do(I hope) when you are driving forwards. Sometimes I ask a person I suspect of making this error if they know how to play pool or snooker. Most people have at least had a go. So then I ask them if they look at the cue ball or the object ball when making a shot. They usually reply “The object ball, of course!” So, do you get the point I am making here? Your car is the cue ball and the horizon, or at least some distance behind you, where you intend your car to go, is the object ball.

So, to sum up, it is vital that you think about the following points when learning to reverse a car:-

1. Keep control of the speed, using clutch control in a manual car, or the foot brake in an automatic vehicle so that you can accurately steer and allow for the time lag between you turning the steering wheel and the back of the car changing direction.

2. Always steer the rear of the car however tempting it may be to look around at the front to steer.

3. Remember to look a long way behind you and not at where your rear wheels are!

If you keep in mind these important points and keep on practising I hope and believe that you will soon start to see improvements in your reversing abilities.Once you get comfortable reversing and steering the rear, then you will find that you can start to go a little bit faster and even look around at the front of your vehicle.The difference is that you will not be looking in front to steer but only to check that your car is not causing problems for any other road user as you start to turn.

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Source by Anthony Farby

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Do you ever just look at cars and wonder how they got to the point of beauty they are at now? They have come a long way since the very beginning and it’s good thing for future generations.

It’s surprising to think that the first car or automobile designed only had one cylinder. Can you imagine how slow that is compared to the cars we have now? Not to mention how much fuel consumption it might have taken due to the heavy materials.

Most of the cars designed before the WWII era were steam powered and incredibly huge. That was the time when they discovered internal combustion. It’s odd to think that the cars available to us now have the engine neatly packed into a small area of the car.

Although, they improved the earlier cars to be lightweight, they still had a few problems that would not work in the present. The wheels used to be very thin and seemed to struggle under the strain on the car. They were also top heavy so it wouldn’t won’t work well with all weather conditions. This is probably the reason why so many cars had become convertibles or had roofless mechanical systems.

Before the war they also started manufacturing cars with larger engines. This is understandable since tanks had also started becoming the major projects for automobile companies.

Another interesting aspect about the older models is that they didn’t have indicators on the sides of the car. In those days, not many people owned a car so indicating which direction you were going wasn’t a big concern on the roads.

It’s easy to find a car now that is light in weight and doesn’t consume too much power or fuel. As we have evolved so has science thus allowing us to find easier ways to live life to the maximum.

Although, not all inventions and models of cars have been smart in terms of economy.

Cars with more cylinders are likely to consumer more fuel. You often see a model with a 2.6 litre V-8 with a turbo engine. This is how much fuel your car consumes once its gone through the ignition and compression cycle of the pistons. It starts again once the gases go through the outlet. It may be uneconomical but it sure is exhilarating to drive a car that has power. However, for economical purposes the hybrid car was created. The forces and movement that power this type of car charge the electrical component in case you run out of gas.

Another type of vehicle that causes havoc to our roads but is essential for logistics are trucks. This simply due to their weight and excessive carbon emissions. But there are advancements in this area that could change the future of trucking.

Wheels and tyres have always been dynamic when it comes to automobiles. Some things that have been improved are the type of rubber used, the treading and the depth. Technology has been a great friend to us when it comes to automobiles.

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Source by Morne Lourens

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While planning to buy a car, you must have come across the terms: ‘Cost of buying a car’ and ‘cost of ownership’. Let’s understand the difference between the two terms.

· Cost of Buying a Car: It involves the retail price of the car that you pay to the dealer in order to purchase it. It is also called the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).

· Cost of Ownership: It means the amount that you need to pay for the car during a year. The cost of owning a car includes the cost of fuel, depreciation, service, maintenance, etc.

Let’s understand the cost of ownership in detail. According to a comprehensive report, the cost of ownership is more than $8,500 per year. Do you believe it is too big a number to keep the car running? Well, here are different aspects that contribute to it:

· Service and Maintenance: The service and maintenance cost of the car depends on the manufacturer and the warranty policy. The rest depends on how you use it. On an average, the yearly service and maintenance cost sums up to $914 including the cost of tires.

· Fuel: Considering that the car travels an average distance of 12000 miles in a year, the fuel price may range up to $1682 for one year.

· Insurance: The insurance payments are constant and you can calculate the cost for the same easily. On an average, the insurance amount is $1115 per year.

· Depreciation: The depreciation rate of a car depends on the purchase price of the car, its current age and its life span. If you use a car to travel a distance of 15000 miles, with normal wear and tear, the depreciation amount will be $3655 per year.

· Other costs: Finance charges and fees related to license, registration and taxes cost around $1334 per year. Car buyers often ignore the registration fees and charges. But, in reality, the costs contribute heavily to the cost of ownership.

· Additional costs: Accessories that you install after the purchase of the car contribute to the expenditure. Also, parking tickets contribute to the overhead charges. The parking tickets may cost you a lot more than you can imagine. Plus, if you live in a metropolitan such as New York City, you will have to pay an additional charge for the parking space.

The cost of ownership shows you how much you need to save for a car. Buying a car is a big responsibility. Plan well and make judicious decisions so that the car doesn’t become a burden for you.

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Source by Kaitlin Miller

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With all the employee pricing being hyped and advertised

on the media I thoughtI would write a short article on the

subject. I have also gotten a lot of questions in emails about the subject.

Here’s the deal: Employee pricing is the lowest price you will

ever be able to purchase a vehicle for period.

Employee pricing is usually several hundred dollars below

invoice.

So how is the auto dealer making any money selling at employee

pricing?

It’s simple… They are reimbursed from the auto manufacture.

For example General Motors gives $1500 to the dealer for every

car sold at employee pricing.

When you combine employee pricing with the rebates your getting

the very best deal possible.

Obviously the dealer is still going to try and up his profit

margin in several other ways.

If you are trying to trade in a vehicle then the dealership is

going to try and offer you even less than he normally would.

Because of employee pricing everyone and their brother is

buying a new car right now and the dealerships are stuffed with

used car inventory. Therefore unless they can “steal” your

trade they are really not that interested in taking in another

used car in their inventory.

If you want to buy a car at employee pricing then this would be

the best time to try and sell your trade in vehicle yourself

and save yourself the headache of muddying the water with your

employee price purchase.

The other question I get asked a lot lately is, “How do I know

I am getting the actual employee pricing?”

They are doing national advertising for employee pricing and it

is coming from the auto manufacture. When the actual auto manufactures come out with an incentive program the dealers

must adhere to it! If they tried to be dishonest and sell you

the car you want above the employee pricing they would be

in extreme hot water with the manufacture, could lose their

franchise, and get sued.

Therefore you don’t have to worry about not getting the actual

employee price if it is advertised. The only time the numbers

can get skewed is when you throw in your trade vehicle which

you owe money on. Again, this is why I encourage you to sell

your vehicle yourself.

Last but not least, just because there are great deals at

employee pricing does not mean you should go out and buy a new

car. If you can’t afford the car or the payments then it does

not matter how good a deal you got.

You’re still putting yourself in financial hardship. Think

before you buy!

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Source by Peter Humleker