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Buying Your First Car? Here’s What You Need To Know

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There are bound to be some pressing questions on your mind and for this very reason, we’ve compiled a comprehensive buyer’s guide focusing on the safety, affordability, maintenance and practicality when choosing the ideal car.

Let’s first take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new or used car.

Advantages of buying a new car

  • You’ll generally get a comprehensive warranty package.

  • No previous wear and tear, mechanical or body damage.

  • The dealer may offer financing at a lower interest rate.

  • You could be offered additional options and features.

Disadvantages of buying a new car

  • The purchase price is usually much higher.

  • Value greatly depreciates the moment you drive it off the floor.

  • New upgrades or features could take effect soon after purchase.

  • Insurance, taxes and registration fees are higher.

Advantages of buying a used car

  • The purchase price is lower overall and could be even lower if you buy privately.

  • Used cars continue to depreciate, but typically the most during the first two to three years.

  • You can sell it for almost the same price you bought it for if it’s well-maintained.

  • Insurance rates tend to be lower.

Disadvantages of buying a used car

  • May not be as reliable as a new car unless you buy a certified pre-owned vehicle.

  • Interest rates could be higher when financing.

  • Limited or no warranty.

  • Higher maintenance costs.

  • You can’t pre-order the car with the features of your choice.

Here’s what you should know when buying your first car

1. Applying for Finance

Once you’ve done all your homework on the car you want and you know you can afford it, applying for finance is simple. Visit the dealership where a Finance and Insurance (F&I) representative will be able to give you advice, explain everything about the loan application and help get the wheels rolling.

2. There is no such thing as a silly question

Dealerships have their own F&I representatives who are registered with the National Credit Regulator who will guide you through the entire purchasing process. When you go to the dealership to close the deal on your first car, don’t be shy to ask questions if you don’t understand anything. This is your last chance to do so before signing on the dotted line.

As exciting as it may be to drive away in your new car, be patient and don’t rush the process. Here is another interesting article with a few more tips on buying your first car.

3. Know your budget

There’s no denying that car payments go beyond just the monthly repayments. You need to be honest with yourself as to what you can really afford. Remember to include insurance, fuel and running costs to your budget. If you can’t really afford the fuel or maintenance cost for a big 4×4, consider something more fuel-efficient and affordable. Great options currently in the market are snazzy Datsun GO and the gutsy Renault Kwid.

4. Forget the debt

Life is too short to worry about unnecessary debt. If you can’t afford an expensive car, be patient and avoid balloon payments where possible. If you can afford to, rather choose the shortest possible term for the loan even if it means your repayments are slightly higher. The sooner you pay off your car, the sooner you will be debt-free.

5. Insurance is non-negotiable

Before taking to the road in your new car, you need to produce proof of insurance. If you have pre-existing cover, simply provide them with your document and if the dealership arranged insurance for you, they will already have it on file.

You are required to maintain comprehensive insurance on the car for the duration of the financial agreement. This not only protects you and your finances, it also gives you peace of mind knowing you are covered. Your insurance will pay out the insured value of the car should anything happen which means you don’t have to continue the repayments on a car you no longer have.

Consider this when car-hunting in South Africa:

1. Is it affordable?

Budgeting is important for many South Africans as not everyone can afford to pay the current price for new cars, not even the ‘entry level’ or ‘budget’ ones. The used car market provides many good options but you have to do thorough research before buying anything.

2. How well has it been maintained?

Maintenance is as important as affordability if not more as you can always plan and manage your monthly repayments but not so much the unforeseen maintenance issues.

More often than not, a used car will no longer have a service plan which means the car owner needs to pay for all repairs and services out of pocket. Where possible, choose a car with a full service history (FSH) and a strong national dealer network. Make sure you can afford out-of-warranty repairs or services from new tyres and shocks to engine or transmission issues.

3. What is the level of safety?

Looking back in history, for a long time, only the most expensive cars had additional safety features. Nowadays airbags, ABS, EBD, impact bars and crumple zones are more common. Considering the rising death toll on South African roads over the last few years, these safety features have become more a necessity than a luxury.

Remember to check the following when buying your first car:

  • Condition of all safety belts – strength, intensity and resistance.

  • Ensure that there is a legal amount of tread on all the tyres and don’t forget the spare wheel. In some cases, you can ask the dealer or seller to fit new tyres if necessary.

  • Test the hooter and all the lights outside and inside the car.

  • Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is complete and check that the car jack is in working order.

  • Ask for the car’s accident history report. Some dealers may not tell you this unless you ask.

  • Research the vehicle’s NCAP safety rating.

4. Is it practical?

Find an affordable car that is suitable and practical for you or your child. Check that the boot is big enough to hold a few suitcases and bags for a weekend away. A two-door car might seem like a good idea but it is impractical. Loading and unloading passengers is not easy, the boot is small and not much leg- and headroom.

Consider what the car will mainly be used for and choose accordingly. Will it only be used to and from college or university or what about cross-country road trips? Perhaps your child is studying engineering, construction or a subject where they are likely to need something more durable and able to carry a heavy load at some point.

It’s important not to just buy the first good looking car you see as you might be stuck with it for years. Be smart, be patient and enjoy the ride!

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Source by Gemma Murray

SWOT Analysis of the New Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle

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Honda is changing the vehicle market as we know it, by making a vehicle that emits water vapor. Honda’s FCX Clarity fuel cell car is the new breed for green cars. This car has some similarities to hybrid, but nothing compares to its new fuel source hydrogen. Besides hydrogen it runs with an electric motor that generates electricity to the fuel stack and a lithium ion battery. The lithium ion battery serves as a supplemental power source. The lithium ion battery charges up while braking and decelerating. Some questions might arise when thinking about this new fuel cell vehicle, like what makes this car better than the other hybrid cars? What are the Honda FCX Clarity strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?

One of the biggest strengths about this new fuel cell vehicle is that it emits water vapor and is designated as a Zero emission vehicle (ZEV). The environmental protection agency (EPA) has given this vehicle the lowest possible emission rating. It also can be driven up to 280 miles before being refueled with hydrogen. FCX Clarity is achieves an energy efficiency of 55% which is twice the energy efficiency of the hybrid vehicles and three times the efficiency of regular gas vehicles. Since FCX Clarity is more energy efficient it has been one of the first fuel cell vehicles to receive certification from the EPA and the California Air Resources Board. Unlike the hybrids the FCX Clarity doesn’t need to be plugged in to be charged up and there is no need for regular gas.

Honda has many opportunities with this new fuel cell vehicle. First off Honda is designing a home refueling station. No more worrying about going out and getting refueled at the pump. Home refueling stations will elevate the stress at the pump. Also, Honda could make this fuel cell vehicle a household name and market this vehicle all over the globe. Honda just needs to get out there to show off their new vehicle. Honda is starting to market the new fuel cell a little bit. Honda has just released the FCX Clarity for Japan.

One of the few weaknesses for this fuel cell vehicle is its limited availability in the United States. Southern California and Japan are the only two areas where this new vehicle is available. Honda plans to release around 200 vehicles in 3 years in California and Japan. Honda believes that this new fuel cell vehicle will be able to be mass produced by 2018. I think this is one Hondas biggest downfall is the limited release and so few refueling stations.

This car is a little small it’s only able to carry four people. The cost of the FCX Clarity is about 600 a month on a 3 year lease. It seems a little steep for someone who is middle class to afford that payment. Not anyone is California will be able to lease this new vehicle. These people who are selected live near the refueling stations and they make a limited amount of commutes.

Basically Toyota and GM vehicles are Hondas biggest threat. With so many new hybrids and small gas efficient cars, this creates a problem for Honda. Another threat is Chevrolet. Chevrolet has developed a fuel cell SUV “the Equinox” and it has already arrived at New York City, Washington D.C. and Southern California. With this being said, it becomes a race between Honda and Chevrolet with the new fuel cell technology. How would the new fuel cell FCX Clarity size up in popularity? The lack of mass production and refueling stations, Honda won’t have a chance.

I think Honda has come up with a good concept car with its new fuel source. The new fuel source needs to be researched further before they should market this vehicle. This car is for people who are willing to go green and have the money to do it. The whole problem is making this car available to the public and easily accessible.

On the other hand Honda has a comparative advantage because of their home refueling station. There is no other vehicle out there that you can just plug in and refuel at home. Hybrid vehicles rely on battery and gas to run. You have to plug the hybrid in to recharge the battery.

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Source by Richelle McGinnis

Types of Boom Truck Crane

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The boom truck crane is a heavy-duty piece of machinery that is used on a wide range of projects to lift, lower or load heavy objects. The versatile nature of this truck means it is easily adapted or outfitted to match its specific role, such as different material, freight, or transport handling tasks. Plus, it has the ability to travel from site to site with complete ease and set-up is a simple and straightforward process.

The basic parts of this type of truck consist of a turntable, center post, or similar rotating platform, a telescopic or fixed boom, and a control cabin with operating machinery. Plus, for extra stability when lifting or lowering loads, the trucks come with stabilizers and outriggers.

What are the different boom truck crane models?

The main types of a boom truck crane include the swing cab and fixed cab. Each of these vehicles has its own characteristics to make it a practical choice to work on different heavy lifting tasks.

Fixed cab – the fix cab crane is built with a cabin for the operator that is restricted to facing one direction. This does have the benefit of permitting a greater load limit, but it is not so versatile when it comes to mobility. However, this crane still has a boom that can be moved in any direction.

Swing cab – the swing cab is a more versatile design for the truck and makes it possible for the operator’s cabin to move in line with the boom’s movement. A great benefit of this design is the improved vision and greater range of mobility. Plus, this truck can accept different types of booms that range from the telescopic to fixed units. The telescopic booms are preferred for the improved reach and more practical uses.

Other types of boom trucks

There are several other vehicles of this type, including the bucket or aerial trucks. This truck is a practical choice for utility, forestry, and telecom companies that need to perform a variety of jobs at height. The truck has a lifting arm that has a bucket attached to the end. This gives a safe and stable platform for a worker to stand in. For extra safety, the buckets can be made in fiberglass or other dielectric materials to give reliable insulation against electricity.

The attached buckets can also be fitted with a wide range of accessories to make the work environment safer and more convenient. Some of the popular accessories include a bucket step for easier access, a wire dispenser, an air compressor, and a boom strap to secure the operator to the boom to avoid falls.

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Source by Leo Eigenberg