Новости и финансы

If you are looking for a new car, then it is likely that you will have done a little bit of research to decide what type of car you want. I don’t mean out on the street questionnaires or focus groups – I just mean going around some local dealerships, taking a few cars out for a test drive, and seeing what sort of vehicles really suits you needs. For some it will all be about nippy little sports saloons, whilst for others they will realise that practicality needs to win out.

Similarly, many people will realised that a small engine just isn’t strong enough for their daily driving needs – whilst the other half of the population will decide that small is where it is at.

If you have decided on the brand of car, then you are already halfway to finding a car that you can actually buy and drive away. Instead of trying to search all car makes all around the country, instead do you best to decide which specific brand and consequently which particular style of car you personally want. One brand that often gets overlooked is the much maligned Dodge range, even though they actually have some great cars for modern families and even executives.

If you hadn’t thought about owning a used Dodge, here is a brief overview of the types of cars they produce. Generally, as you might expect, Dodges are big cars. They focus more on space that sleek lines, and instead pay homage to the muscle cars history that is such an integral part of all American car brands. Big, chunky and with a massive front grilles, they are often the car of choice for people who need a functional car that doesn’t look like one of those generic shoebox shaped family machines.

If this powerful brand sounds like your cup of tea, then here are some of your options.

For executive types who want a smart work car that is a bit of a break from the norm, then the aggressively named Dodge Avenger is the car to trawl the used car dealerships for. Available in both petrol and diesel models, with a sizeable and more than suitable 2 – 2.4 litre engine, these luxurious cars look great but are at the bottom of the executive car price list. This is the car for those who don’t want to spend too much to look good.

Alternatively, you may be looking for a car that suits your family as much as it suits you, then look towards the Dodge Calibre. Spacious yet not over the top, this is packed with clever little space saving features and convenient design additions, such as a whole row of drinks holders. If you have a larger than average family, however, and need a 7 seated, then the Dodge Journey will show you just how practical and enjoyable a big car can actually be. Gone are the ugly fabrics and tight spaces, replaced instead with rotatable reclining seats that let everyone travel in an impressive level of comfort.

You have diligently inspected the outside of this used car you are considering, and everything appears to be in working, acceptable condition. But this is the decisive moment; will this car perform as well as it should?

•    The interior and instrument panel (dash board).

Does everything work?

->    Adjust the mirror, start the engine, turn everything on, and off, are there any things that don’t work at all?
->    Are there any strange noises or smells coming from anywhere inside the car while the engine is on?
->    A used car that has been sitting, un-started for a while, might have trouble starting, but that should take care of its self when you restart it.

Are you comfortable?

->    Do you think that you could be comfortable in this used car?
->    Is the driver’s seat adjustable to your size, can you reach the pedals easily, can the mirrors give you 100% visibility?
->    Do the seat belts work, all of them?

•    Start your engine, ready, set, and drive!

Are there any potential engine issues?

->    Listen carefully to the sounds. Make note of any rattling, knocking, grinding, or high-pitched whining noises, or any kind of noise that just doesn’t sound good. Engine or other problems that have reached the point where they can be heard, are probably past the point of easy repair.
->    If the car wants to pull to one side or the other, either when you are driving on a straight road way, climbing, or coming down a hill, or if the used car tries to pull against you when you are making a turn, that means that there is a problem. It could be minor, or severe, and it could be in any part of the car, the tires, the engine, the brakes, or the frame.
->    Does the used car accelerate smoothly, from a stop, or when climbing a hill? Engine or transmission damage will cause the car to lose acceleration power.
->    Is there any difficulty when shifting gears? If there is, then it could either be a problem in the transmission, or the engine.
->    Are all the lights in working condition? Head, tail, and turn signal lights?
->    There should be no major amount of or colored smoke coming from the muffler or tail pipe, or from under the hood for that matter.
->    Does the car ride smoothly, no bumps or thumps? If you are bouncing in your seat, chances are that there are suspension concerns.
->    When making a turn, do all four tires turn as they should? Axle damage could be the culprit if they do not.
->    Does the car come to a complete stop, without jerking or rolling, when you apply the brakes?
->    When you park the car back at the used car sellers house, or car lot, does the engine turn off without any sputtering, or coughing, or smoke? If it doesn’t, then just leave it there, and don’t drive home in it. There are plenty of other used cars for sale; you can find one that does not need major repairs.

http://www.juble.com/articles/a290-definite-details-to-consider-during-a-test-drive-of-a-used-car.-.html

Image taken on 2008-07-25 14:20:53 by colorblindPICASO.