Houston Used Car Dealers

USA has probably the largest used car market and it is everyday flourishing at a rapid pace. One reason behind it is that the large market of Information Technology is based in USA. It is the hub of IT sector as well global higher education. IT professionals and students from across the globe come to USA for a definite tenure and for that small span they opt for an used car. So, there are lots of used car dealers of Nissan, Toyota or Chevrolet, who are competent as well as successful. When talking about used car dealers, Houston is a most opted for choice for people who live in and around the area. Just visit any website and you will know about the numbers of used car dealers in Houston. It proves how flourishing the market is.

The best place to look for Houston used car dealers is in the internet. There are abundant of websites providing all the information to satiate your quest. They recommend the car insurance and the best bank to go for auto loan. But when you are buying a used car, be very particular about your requirements. Carefully choose the type of car, make and the dealer. Often used cars become a recurrent expense so before making the purchase do enough ground check.

For example, before buying a car you must know about the dealer. Their reliability should be the basis of purchase. When going for an old car, you should be mentally prepared for the frequent problems arising with them and hence, even frequent visits to the dealer. So, make sure your dealer has goodwill in market for the service they provide. It is easy to choose such dealers. Reliability and goodwill comes with experience, just look for the experienced car dealers. Much of the Houston Texas used car dealers are in market for more than half a century and they have earned goodwill in this span. When dealing with them you can be sure about the service.

After ensuring your satisfaction comes insuring your car. Generally, Houston used car dealers offer useful car insurance plans extending the original warranty along with the Rental Allowance and Towing Assistance as complementary facility.

Maintenance is another important aspect of car purchase. You should always go for those dealers who have a good inventory of certified auto parts of the brand you are going to own. This is a pertinent problem with pre owned cars that their parts are tough to get. So it is advisable to be prepared to deal with the problem beforehand.

So, now you know that if you want to know about one, you will get innumerable Houston used car dealers and their contact information. And all within your easy reach. All you need is to focus your search with correct keywords, then just few clicks here and there and you are sorted.

Read More: http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/58019/used_cars/houston_used_car_dealers.html

Houston Auto Appraisal

Houston Auto Appraiser

1954 Hot Rod Corvette Gets a New Lease on Life

To paraphrase country singer George Jones, this is one old Corvette that's not ready for a rockin' chair.

John Muller of Arizona always liked the way first generation Corvettes looked, but motoring down the highway in the 1955 he once owned wasn't the ultimate driving experience.

Then he found a 1954 Corvette on eBay that he called "nearly a basket case."

By the time he got through with a two-year project at Hot Rod Express in Blue Springs, however, it was a different story. Hidden under that classic body now are a 5.7-liter, Corvette LS1 engine and a six-speed transmission, along with new brakes and suspension.

Unfortunately, one of his friends drove the car into an old oak tree a few years later, and it was time for another restoration, this time at Carriage and Motor Works in Kansas City, Kan.

Workers there completely took the car apart and repaired or replaced just about every body panel. In all, the work took about 1,700 hours and included a period-correct metallic blue paint on top of a fawn colored leather interior.

From the outside, clues are few that this is a super resto-mod, other than magnesium wheels and a lowered body. Under the hood, the original six-cylinder has given way to a late-model V-8.

http://autos.aol.com/article/carfax-nearly-three-million-vehicles-with-open-recalls-for-sale/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000058?test=latestnews

A great appraiser will spot shotty vehicles and cars that are not ready for sale. Take the time to invest in your future profits and investments. Whether you are a large corporation with need of fleet appraisals, or a single mom looking to buy her first car...Pinnacle Auto Appraisals will have an appraiser on the phone, explaining the entire process, and ensuring your appraisal needs.

Pinnacle - Senior Auto Appraiser

P.S. We love just answering questions and helping customers over the phone. It's never a problem to steer someone the right way or offer advice. One of my best calls was helping an 86 year old man understand the recent appraisal he had received from his bank on a car he bought in the 70's...that was a hoot! And apparently I myself am a young man!

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1075249_scuderi-files-patent-for-split-cycle-engine

What an awesome step forward. I'm really curious to see where this leads with our auto appraising...it's nice to see the industry start working toward hybrids, and gas mileage. I would love to see this paired with an electric hybrid. Technology has really come a long way...but in a way we've become stagnant this last century...really no changes to basic structure of an engine...this is a novel approach. 

I'd love to see a fleet of these! UPS or USPS would really save! or rental cars...

Wow,

What a week! Had an opportunity to view a Tesla: http://www.teslamotors.com

Something to be said for a great idea and the innovation to make a difference (especially in the pocket book with gas prices). The wife and I have decided after crunching the numbers that we may be purchasing a model S...just can't get over the savings, and after the rebate from taxes, we would break even in under a year with the amount we drive.

Thank goodness we are well versed in appraising innovative vehicles. I'm very confident in not just the purchase, but the idea of resale down the road. It was really amazing to see the materials that were used: thought went into everything this company is producing.

If you're looking at something new and novel for your company, fleet, or personal use: we're here!

Have a great week!

Free Wallpaper - Tesla Motors - Model S

Classic car insurance is a nonstandard type of auto coverage that is designed to meet the insurance needs of specialty or vintage car collectors. Since this type of insurance is highly specialized, there are certain considerations and criteria that you need to be aware of before you can get one to cover your car. Here are some of the essential facts you need to know about this kind of car insurance coverage.

1. Types of Vehicles
In order for your vehicle to be qualified for classic car insurance, it needs to fall under any of three categories, namely: Veterans (cars created on or before December 1904), Edwardian (vehicles manufactured between January 1905 and December 1918), and Limited (rare, special interest or limited editions). Since there was a significant rise in the number of vehicles produced in the 1970s, not all cars built before 1974 can be considered classic cars. Only convertibles, foreign sports cars, 2-door sports cars, vehicles with big block V8 engines or unique body shapes, and certain 4-door sedans can be considered collectibles.

2. Age Limitations

In most states, a car should be at least 15 years of age before it can be considered a classic car and, hence, eligible to get classic auto insurance coverage. In other states, which include Massachusetts, the minimum age required for a vehicle to qualify as classic or vintage is 25 years. However, there are some car insurance providers that are willing to offer classic auto coverage to cars that are under 15 years of age, provided that such cars are considered as cherished vehicles or are extremely rare or exotic.

3. Driver Background

If you want your car to be eligible for classic car collector insurance, you should know that, aside from the age of the car, there is also an age restriction when it comes to the driver. Only people who have reached the age of majority can get this type of auto coverage. Furthermore, insurance companies are very strict when it comes to the driving history and experience of the declared drivers who use the classic vehicle.

4. Storage Requirements

Classic car insurance providers also have strict storage requirements for vintage or classic vehicles. If you want your car to be covered by classic auto insurance, you have to make sure that your car is not parked outside your home and that it has a designated and highly secure garage. In fact, insurance companies even encourage vintage car owners to park their classic cars in car storage facilities specifically designed for storing and securing car collections.

5. Usage

In order for your classic vehicle to qualify for classic collector coverage, it should not be used as your primary vehicle. Even if your car can be considered a rare vehicle, it will not be eligible for classic auto insurance coverage if you use it every day. Only classic cars that are used on a limited basis can be eligible to get nonstandard classic auto coverage. Moreover, classic car insurance policies usually have mileage restrictions of just around 5,000 miles annually.

Source: http://www.autoinsuranceblog.org/misc/5-classic-car-insurance-facts-you-need-to-know/

• You've probably heard the term "blue book" before, but you might not know what it means. Is it like a little black book? Sort of, where cars are concerned.

  What's a "Blue Book," and Why Should I Care?

  A "blue book" refers to Kelley Blue Book . First published in 1926 by company founder Les Kelley, the book is named after The Social Registry, a book that listed the names of local movers and shakers commonly referred to as the "blue book."

  Through the years, the book has become a trusted source of information for the automotive industry, sort of like an industry bible. It's kept up with the times, turning into a viable online resource. Use this "book" as a reference for obtaining important information on new and used cars as well as motorcycles and recreational vehicles. It's especially useful to determine a fair price on a vehicle.

  Kelley publishes several versions of its books for different types of users. We'll take a closer look at two versions widely used by consumers.

  Kelley Blue Book New Car Price Manual

  Not surprisingly, this book offers information on new cars. Like what?

  Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP): This is the price suggested by the manufacturer, and it is (gasp) usually inflated. Included in the MSRP are the destination charge for the vehicle and the minimum required equipment cost. Kelley Blue Book also lists this information separately.

  Dealer invoice: This is the price the manufacturer charges the dealer for the car. It doesn't include dealer expenses such as advertising, sales commission, and preparing the vehicle for display. Know this price before you begin looking at price stickers on the dealer's lot.

  New car blue book value: This is the average selling price of the vehicle, taken from actual sales of the vehicle from dealers throughout the country. Often, there are regional price differences, due to variations in demand. A convertible in Seattle might be cheaper than one in San Diego.

  Optional-equipment price: Want to know how much that optional sunroof will cost? Kelley Blue Book lists the price of certain options.

  Kelley Blue Book Used Car Guide

  Here's where you'll find the nitty-gritty on used cars, such as:

  Retail value: This is the average listing price by dealers around the country. It's important to note that this is only the typical "asking" price on the vehicle, and that the actual selling price will usually be less. Sometimes a lot less. Because the retail value includes dealer costs such as advertising and sales commission, it will be higher than the private-party price.

  Private-party value: Here's where you'll find an estimate of the price of a car if you were buying it from your next-door neighbor. Because an individual doesn't bear the burden of a dealer's overhead, this price will be lower than the retail value. Be aware, though, that the price isn't set in stone, since Kelley doesn't track all private-party used car transactions throughout the country.

  Trade-in value: This is the typical price that a dealer would offer you for your used car. Again, this price is lower than what you'd receive from a private buyer.

   

  Read More : http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/appraisal.php

  Source: DMV.org

  Posted by: Pinnacle Auto Appraisers 2/07/2012

   

If some of you plan on attending the Houston Auto Show this year.  Here is some additional information in case you need to plan your day to go out.

What is Book Value?

Book value is a guide for someone to use when determining the value of their vehicle.  Whether it be for resale or an insurance claim, book value generally shows whole sale, trade-in and retail values for a particular vehicle.  Some guides will even offer options that will increase the value of your vehicle.

What sources are used in a Certified Auto Appraisal?

The most recognized source for Book Value is NADA.  NADA stands for National Automobile Dealers Association.  NADA will show you values from whole sale to retail.  Black Book USA is also a recognized book value.   Always speak with your representative to see which book value is used before performing your research on the value of your vehicle.

www.nada.com

www.blackbookusa.com

Did you know we offer certified auto appraisals on all types of vehicles including motorcycles, rv's and commercial vehicles?  All certified auto appraisers are trained to handle any vehicle available on the market today.  Types of appraisals and inspections we offer are total loss, diminished value, classic car, exotic car, stated value, pre-purchase inspections, dmv form, lease turn-in, bank loan, bankruptcy, donation, non-cash charitable contribution, motorcycle, heavy machinery, commercial, heavy truck and more! 

Did you know we service 44 states in the United States?  We strive to offer appraisal services to customers in Birmingham, Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, Phoenix, Arizona, Little Rock, Arkansas, Los Angeles, California, Denver, Colorado, Hartford, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Dover, Delaware, Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Miami, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, Boise, Idaho, Chicago, Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana, Des Moines, Iowa, Wichita, Kansas, Louisville, Kentucky, New Orleans, Louisiana, Portland, Maine, Baltimore, Maryland, Detroit, Michigan, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jackson, Mississippi, Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, Billings, Montana, Omaha, Nebraska, Manchester, New Hampshire, Newark, New Jersey, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Charlotte, North Carolina, Fargo, North Dakota, Las Vegas, Nevada, Cleveland, Ohio, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Portland, Oregon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Providence, Rhode Island, Charleston, South Carolina, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Memphis, Tennessee, Nashville, Tennessee, Austin, Texas, Dallas, Texas, Houston, Texas, San Antonio, Texas, Salt Lake City, Utah, Burlington, Vermont, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Seattle, Washington, Charleston, West Virginia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cheyenne, Wyoming.  We are constantly expanded out services areas so give us a call today, we'll do whatever it takes to get your certified auto appraisal taken care of.

Chevrolet knows damn well how to build a sports car. Evidence: the Corvette. Ever since the mid-1950s, it has defined the very idea of what an American sports car is. Attempts to create a second Chevrolet sports car, however, have been met with less success. Excepting the Chevelle SS and a handful of Camaros -- and maybe the Corvair Monza if we're being generous -- it's been rare to find a performance Chevy as inspired as the Corvette. The 2010 revival of the Camaro raised our hopes, until its sloppy handling and performance-numbing obesity torpedoed our expectations. The 2012 Camaro ZL1 changes all of that with huge power, sophisticated technology, and exceptional handling.

As the Camaro to redeem all other Camaros and a car that can run against Chevy's icon, the ZL1 sets the stage for the most dramatic sibling smackdown since my sister dropped a log on my four-year-old head. The Chevrolet marketing folks are adamant that no one will cross-shop a Corvette and a Camaro, and that may be true. Problem is, someone dropped a log on my head as a child, so I can't help but draw imaginary parallels between two bow-tie sports cars with mid-$50,000 prices and four-second 0-to-60-mph times. When Chevrolet invited us to drive the Camaro ZL1 for the first time, we showed up with a pair of driving shoes, our Vbox test equipment, and a Corvette Grand Sport.

Read more: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1203_2012_chevrolet_camaro_zl1_and_2012_chevrolet_corvette_grand_sport/viewall.html#ixzz1jvFjyU5A

Detroit, Michigan

http://www.detroitautoappraiser.com/

First Look: Acura NSX Concept

Acura used the Detroit show to reveal the NSX concept, a long-awaited return of the Japanese company’s legendary supercar. The wait isn’t quite over, as the real NSX won’t debut until at least 2015, but this aggressive concept gives serves to whet our appetite. The wide, low coupe wears Acura’s signature shield front grille, with wide rear haunches, and plenty of aggressive air intakes. Propulsion will come from a new hybrid drive system: a V-6 engine powers the rear wheels by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while a pair of electric motors turns the front wheels. Total system power is a solid 400 hp.

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/weekend-roundup-2012-detroit-auto-show-acura-nsx-concept-2013-dodge-dart-2013-ford-fusion-102399.html#ixzz1jTdFD5ou

~ Detroit Auto Appraiser ~

NADA economist predicts more than 13.9 million new car sales in 2012

McLEAN, Va., Jan. 5 – As the U.S. economy continues to improve this year, Paul Taylor, NADA's chief economist, predicts more than 13.9 million new cars and light trucks will be purchased or leased in 2012.

Taylor, who is forecasting sales of 13.945 million new cars and light trucks for 2012 in the United States, cites three key factors for the increase. (Read more)

Texas Auto Insurance Information

You must have enough liability insurance to pay up to $30,000 in medical expenses for each person injured in an accident, up to a combined total of $60,000 for everyone who was hurt in an accident. You also must have at least $25,000 in coverage to pay to repair or replace the other driver´s car. Because of these coverage amounts, basic minimum liability coverage is often called "30/60/25 coverage."

Medical care and vehicle repair or replacement costs can be expensive. Therefore, minimum coverage might not be enough to cover your financial obligations if you cause a serious accident. It´s a good idea to consider raising your coverage limits. Raising your coverage limits will raise your policy premium, however.

For more information please visit the Texas Department of Insurance at: 

http://www.tdi.texas.gov/auto/youngfaqauto.html#1

Houston, Tx; Dallas, TX; San Antonio, TX; Austin, TX

We receieved several calls today regarding classic car inspections and all brought up a good questions.  Should you trust the person selling the vehicle?  Several times in the past month we have found problems with the vehicle that the seller did not inform the potential buyer about.  In Houston, TX we had a guy tell our customer there was no rust not even surface rust on the frame rails.  When we arrived at the location of the vehicle, everything looked fine from the engine to the interior.  Than we had the owner lift the car up and sure enough there was surface rust.  So than the certified appraiser started looking more into the rust; so he started pulling up carpet and trunk liner and found rust holes in the passenger floor pan.  This customer that hired us to inspect this vehicle lived in michigan.  With michigan weather this would not be a smart purchase as the rust will get worse over time.  In Dallas, TX we inspected an antique roadrunner.  The seller told the customer the paint was flawless, no surface scratches or chips anywhere.  The appraiser arrived at the location for inspection and found rust bumples underneath the rear glass and rock chips on the front of the hood.  Our client was looking for a show quality classic car.  With todays competition any flaw in the paint would cause a car show judge to deduct points off your total score.  In Denver, Colorado we inspected a classic truck that was supposibly "show car quality."  During inspection of the truck we found bolts with surface rust and carpet stained from the leaking evaporator core.  In San Antonio, TX a customer hired us to do a second inspection for him as the classic car dealership said it was in perfect condition.  During inspection found trunk near quarter panel was starting to rust and rear main seal was leaking down the oil pan.

The purpose of this post is to inform you to always trust your instinct and hire a certified classic car appraiser to inspect the vehicle.  For the few hundre dollars you spend on the inspection can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.  Please contact us and one of our certified auto appraiser will assist you.