February 12th, 2012

10 ways to make electric cars affordable

Electric cars are cars that will change the automotive industry in the coming years. Japanese car manufacturers have already built their electric cars but they are still too expensive for consumers. Since these cars are built with light material and an engine that only uses energy to operate, the prices of these cars remain high. The problem here is that if electric cars are too expensive, who will buy them? If only a little percentage of people can buy them, can it really make our environment better?

With the high prices of electric vehicles right now, there are ways you can make electric cars more affordable. For one, you can try making your own electric car. Do you know that most electric cars on the road today are just made by small entrepreneurs or hobbyists? The second way is to convert your old cars to electric cars. You remove the old engine and gasoline components and replace it with an electric drivetrain. The third way is to find a cheap electric drivetrain for your car if you choose to convert it. It will only cost you around $5000.

The fourth way is to log in to the internet and find reliable used electric cars for sale. The fifth way is to find a hybrid car that will fit your budget. This will surely make it affordable for you. The sixth way is to get the help of a mechanic to make sure that the hybrid car you are buying is really worth the price. The seventh way is to buy a secondhand electric car from someone you know. The eighth way is to ask a hobbyist to turn your car into an electric one. This method will prove to be cheaper than buying your own electric vehicle. The ninth way is to make sure that the electric car you are buying can be easily maintained. Lastly, wait for electric vehicle prices to go down.

Posted by admin in Cars

November 11th, 2011

Importing and Exporting Industry

Import refers to bringing into the country of certain goods, usually taxable. Export refers to goods sent out of the country for trade and business. In the auto industry, there are certain new car models that are made specifically for certain countries. These cars are named differently according to where it is exported to, although some car companies have kept some names universal like the Subaru, Corolla and Volkswagen Beetle, to name just a few.

There is another aspect in the import and export industry that has to do with used goods. The most commonly traded goods between companies from different countries are vehicles: cars, vans, trucks, and buses.  Major car companies like Toyota do not sell used cars thus anyone looking for a Japanese used car has to find an importer from their country or an exporter from Japan.

Some of the issues that have to be addressed from buying a second-hand unit from Japan are:

  • Shift to left-hand drive
  • Japanese signs or words translated into English, including the vehicle’s manual
  • Condition of the vehicle
  • Warranty
  • Tax payments

Aside from companies importing cars, you can also buy from auction houses or private individuals. All these choices can be found on the internet.

Other factors you should consider when making your pick of a used Japanese car are:

  • Mileage of the car
  • Age
  • Brand

To avoid getting duped by a mediocre importer, be sure to follow certain prerequisites. If the importer refuses to cooperate, then move on to the next importer on your list.

  • Have a trusted technician check the car. This shouldn’t take more than half an hour to one hour
  • Look at the glass, tires, mirrors, logo, tools, manual, and upholstery so you know what may need to be repaired. You can use these “defects” to negotiate a better price

Finally, buy from a brand you trust and has impressed you.

Posted by admin in Cars

November 9th, 2011

How do Japanese Take care of their cars

The second largest domestic automobile market in the world is in Japan with the five major manufacturers namely Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi and Mazda challenging furiously for sales through bulky and wide-ranging new and used car networks. If you are thinking to buy Japanese used cars, it’ s a very good option. All the companies in Japan provide a three-year “shaken” warrant of fitness which must be renewed after expiration by paying a certain amount of money. A renewed “shaken” then remains good for 2 years, but consistently must be renewed every two years for the life of the vehicle. So, when you buy a Japanese used car, you are very much in a good situation.

Japanese cars are famous for their superior engineering, good worth and consistency. Japanese drivers give personal attention to maintain their cars cosmetically and mechanically. Most of the visitors in Japan are surprised by the way the cars are maintained by the owners. The reason behind these well maintained cars is because of the Japanese people who take such pride in their work, have such dignity to drive cars that only look like new, etc.

Another expensive reason behind this is that the cars more than 3 years old need to have a mandatory maintenance check every other year, broken or not. The expenses involved in this process vary according to the size and area of the car. Japanese cars are usually equipped with many options like auto air conditioning, power steering, power windows, air bags, ABS, and more, come with the car, all which needs are proper maintenance. Japanese drivers generally keep their cars in immaculate condition and well serviced.

Japanese cars are admired in the world for less engine troubles. In the event of an accident; cars are always replaced with new parts in the exterior as well as the interior. The Japanese used cars shows good fuel efficiency. Automatic transmission is better in Japanese used cars than the others.

It is assumed that Japan is the best place to buy used cars mainly because of the kind the care that is taken by the car owners in maintaining their cars. Considering these facts, one can safely believe and appreciate the popularity of Japanese used cars as they are economical and an obvious value for money and high quality.The Japanese Government has a very strict car safety system which increases the cost of ownership over time. So drivers prefer to buy new cars and put the old one up for auction.

Posted by admin in Cars