Rolls Royce Collector

Why You Never Stand A Chance When Buying A Vehicle

If you are in the market for a vehicle and think you can do a little research on the internet and then go and make a great deal you will get ripped off…

The reason that the average car buyer will never get a good deal on a vehicle is most vehicle purchases are made using emotional triggers that the auto dealers use to manipulate the ususpecting public.

They include:

Fear Of Loss – once the car dealers have figured out your hot buttons and which model you are interested in they will make you think that there is only a few models left. If you are looking at a used vehicle this is even more evident.

Prestige – auto sales people will make you feel like a million bucks when driving the vehicle. They’ll even ask questions like “Will this fit into your garage?” which assumes mental ownership because now you can picture the vehicle in your garage.

Value – every auto dealer will tell you how great the resale value of their vehicle is. While almost every vehicle loses an average of 25% the first year there is no such thing as a vehicle that has value.

While there are a few good auto delers out there most of them will try and squeeze every penny out of you so they can line thier wallets. Think about this. Do you know a poor car dealer? I sure don’t.

There are a few steps that you can take to gain a competitive advantage:

1. Do your research online and do not go into any dealership until you have a good idea on what make and model you are interested in
2. Call the dealership before going to test drive. Most dealerships have an Internet Department and will sell their vehicles for less than by just walking in. Contact this department first.
3. Don’t negotiate payments, just total amount of purchase. Most buyers fall into the trap of monthly payments and do not look at the total overall cost of their purchase.

With a few minutes of work you could save yourself thousands of dollars… if you would like additional money saving tips visit: http://www.BeforeYouBuyACar.com

Classic car parts are not easy to come by. But if you have finally been able to purchase the classic car youve always dreamed of, finding the classic car parts to restore and accessorize it may be a high on your priority list.

Whether you have a muscle car, an antique or a vintage model, you will inevitably find the need to replace and restore some of your car parts. Classic car parts are not as readily available as for the cars that are still in production. You cant just walk into a dealership and place your order because the parts are no longer being made. But with a little digging, they can be found.

Some places to start your search include:

Online Auctions

Online auction sites, such as Ebay, are probably the easiest place to begin your search for classic car parts. If youve seen the ads that Ebay has It, you know this is true. Ebay Motors has many listings for hard to find vehicles and classic car parts. Youll have to cover the shipping charges, so that is something to consider when purchasing larger items.

Swap Meets

Finding a local swap meet may be just the thing you need to locate the classic car parts you need. They are great places to find older model accessories and other outdated items.

Classic Car Part Dealer Publications

Often times you can find the parts you are looking for in car part dealer magazines. The only drawback here is that you will probably have to spend top pound. This option could be used as a last resort though if you are unable to find a specific part anywhere else. Exhaust all other possibilities first if money is tight.

Clubs and Organizations

Clubs and organizations exist for as many hobbies that people can think up. Certainly, there are a fair number of clubs and organizations geared toward car enthusiasts. Locating and joining one such club may prove beneficial in your hunt for classic car parts. You will be able to make connections with other people who share your interest.

In the Internet age, it is also possible to find a club or organization centered on classic car parts by doing an online search. Try searching Yahoo groups and you are likely to find a list of clubs you could join. Again, making connections with people who share your interest in classic car parts may lead you to a dealer or another source from which you can purchase classic car parts.

Junkyards

Maybe you dont picture yourself hanging around a junkyard to find used classic car parts, but you may be able to find a diamond in the rough. If you have never used this type of service before, it could be worthwhile to check it out. Everything is computerized and usually a visit or a phone call is all you need to check and see if they have the part or accessory that you need for your precious investment.

Of course you will want to take good care of your classic car to limit the number of parts that you will need to search for. The less time you spend tracking down parts, the more time you can spend enjoying the car of your dreams.

One of the major problems that classic car owners have is that they have a hard time locating the right kind of auto parts or replacement parts for their vehicle. This is mainly because most auto parts stores at present offer only auto parts for the most popular vehicle makes and models as well as the auto parts for the newest cars in the market. They do not take into consideration that there are still old cars still alive and working that also need some auto parts replacements.

So how do you find that elusive auto part for your car?

Join Auto Clubs
You can try joining auto clubs and ask around with other members who own the same vehicle as you. That way, you can ask them where they get their replacement parts. You can search for such auto clubs using car magazines or you can search through the Internet for them.

Be An Online Hunter
Take full advantage of what the Internet has to offer. You can exhaust all search engines for auction sites or online bulletin boards. Many stores or sources of auto parts replacements for classic or old cars advertise their products online. Put these sites in your archives so you can visit them regularly and check for updates. Or, you can also contact these sources yourself and ask them if they can get the auto part that you want for you.

Be A Scarp Yard Scavenger
On one of your spare and free days, you can take a dive to a local scrap yard. Many owners of classic cars share that they are able to look for good replacement parts for their classic vehicles from scrap yards. They do maintain though that you should be patient enough to go through the stack of cars at these scrap yards.

If there is one vehicle that is considered the very pinnacle of wealth, taste and luxury in Great Britain, it simply has to be the Rolls Royce Phantom. Ever since its initial incarnation in 1925, the Rolls Royce Phantom has embarked upon a ceaseless evolution bringing it right up to date with a modern coupe version. Despite all this changing and developing, the Phantom has never lost what made it stick out from the other prestige cars; the unmistakable air of superiority.

Having been lucky enough to drive the latest 2008 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe, I can testify that there really has never been a car that feels so luxurious and assured. It is also probably the chunkiest car I have ever had the privilege of sitting inside.

The six speed automatic gearbox is probably the only facet of this car that lets the side down. Despite the 6.75 Litre V12 Engine having the necessary power to pull this behemoth along very quickly, the automatic gearbox always feels slightly out of sync and never quite changes up or down when you want it to, especially at speeds. This is quite a petty complaint however, as I don’t think i have ever seen a Rolls Royce Phantom accelerate above a canter, it is a car that is meant to be driven slowly and leisurely.

With all this opulent exuberance comes a steep price which few of us mere mortals will ever be able to afford. That is unless you check the Used Rolls Royce market, which due to the depreciation in value of prestige cars, can hold some very good quality nearly new bargains.

Pete J Ridgard

If you like cars and haven’t heard of Rolls-Royce, then you may as well have been living under a bush for the majority of the last century! Not only are Rolls-Royce a properly old and well established company, but they are well-known for producing some of the most luxurious and expensive executive cars that you can find around the world. Every little thing about the cars is meticulous and intentional, a feat of engineering that has bought them a great deal of respect and which has kept them going through all the trials and tribulations the last 100 years or so has thrown at them.

Rolls-Royce cars are so popular that there is even a mass market out there for used Rolls-Royces, with lots of dealerships scattered all around the country. Considering their huge starting price it is also worth mentioning that they barely seem to depreciate, instead staying as a largely unachievable status symbol for as long as they are looked after carefully and are professionally maintained.

With such a long and distinguished heritage, it only seems right that this most respected and established British brand has an equally respected and prestigious abode. Enter Goodwood, the Rolls-Royce headquarters situated appropriately in the heart of the British countryside. Considering the regal fronting and amazing quality of this esteemed mansion, it is often hard to understand the modern and technical nature of the engineering work and design that goes on within.

If the historic estate is a regal and antiquated setting, then don’t let that make you assume that the building itself will be fuddy-duddy and old-fashioned. After all, Rolls-Royce entered the 21st century a way ahead of the crowd, and they built a headquarters to represent this. This explains the fact that the Goodwood location, a venue for all sorts of racing events and festivals, has a mile long glass section that allows eager visitors to get a glimpse of the famous Rolls assembly lines, which is of course where the magic happens – and where those beautiful car designs are magically made into a luxurious reality!

The Goodwood location really is the perfect representation of the Rolls-Royce brand. If you could sum the style and the attitude to car creation up in an architectural representation, then it is fair to say that this is exactly what a Used Rolls-Royce will look like in most people’s heads. It is mainly to do with the fact that if you look at an actual Rolls car, you don’t just see for wheels and a chassis. Instead, you see a beautiful creation, with a strong bold design and a certain style that suggests a true to god pedigree. Then you drive it, and you realise the incredibly workmanship and modern design is in the engine too, as it drive like nothing else on earth. This is why the Goodwood location is so apt – because you get that same vintage feel with lots of heritage, but effortlessly combined with a set of modern looking, liking and materials.

Pete J Ridgard

Used Rolls Royce – How Has Different Ownership Changed It?

The emblem that adorns the bonnet of all Rolls Royce models is called the ‘Spirit Of Ecstasy’ and I for one can really think of no better tribute to one of the all time greatest car manufacturers ever. As the Rolls Royce brand is over a century old (103 years to be exact) there can be no doubt that models such as the Phantom have truly become integral parts of automotive history, shaping and revolutionising what is possible in prestige vehicles. However, the Rolls Royce Company has changed hands a great many times. This is a trend mirrored by practically every automotive company that began life on British soil. From Bentley, to MINI, one by one they have all been bought up by larger companies such a BMW. The question is, how has new ownership changed the traditional visage and performance of the Rolls Royce.

The newer Phantom is as good a place as any to start. Visually, the similarities between the Phantom and an older model such as the Camargue are hard to spot, other than the ‘Spirit Of Ecstasy’ emblem on the bonnet. It would seem like the current owners (BMW) have focused more on the performance side of things, rather than necessarily the aesthetics.

The Phantom has a more powerful 6.75 Litre V12 engine than any other Rolls Royce model ever manufactured. It produces 453 BHP, which is absolutely incredible. It seems like the Phantom has been designed as a stately and impressive motorcade, but it is also able to speed off in a matter of seconds if required.

Whether the ownership has had any major effects on the direction of the brand is hard to tell. All I have been able to surmise is that although the Phantom is very powerful, it doesn’t have some of the elegance and class that older models like a Used Rolls Royce Camargue have.

Pete J Ridgard

I have owned and driven a used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph for five years now, the car that Rolls Royce eventually developed into the Phantom. I bought the Silver Seraph following a long search – I’d wanted one since seeing the car in a TV programme years ago. From then on I was hooked! Several years and much saving up later I finally achieved my long-awaited dream.

What a car the Silver Seraph is. It really is a piece of British heritage, and I’m so happy to own a British-built Rolls Royce. Knowing that my car was one of the last to be built at Crewe is just the icing on the cake. The Silver Seraph is a little bit like me – it’s old and quite slow to get going!

If you are looking for a car that takes you from 0-60mph before you can blink, the Silver Seraph is not for you. If, however, you love to take leisurely, luxurious drives around the countryside, this car is a dream. You will struggle to find a more luxurious car.

I prefer to drive than be driven, and my wife and I like nothing more than to pack a picnic and disappear off for a drive through some leafy lanes. We drive on to our favourite spot then take our time over lunch while we read the Sunday papers. The Used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph’s built-in picnic table is just perfect, and if rain stops play we can dine in comfort in the spacious rear of the car. The risk is then that we are so comfortable on the soft leather seats that we fall asleep!

I think Rolls Royce broke the mould when they designed the car. No other car I’ve driven has given me the same satisfaction. It’s not an everyday car, but it sure does put a smile on my face.

Pete J Ridgard

Used Rolls Royce – Buying a Car of Amazing Quality

Since 1904, the first year that the Rolls Royce was created, developed, and manufactured, it has become the standard of quality and wealth for car owners. It is well known globally as a signature car that is used by members of royal families, and only the most wealthy and established families. For that reason, only the elite are able to own them, since they are considerably more expensive than other luxury cars. But for someone who has the money to spend, but might not want to buy one brand new, something to consider might be to buy a Used Rolls Royce.

A Used Rolls Royce can still offer all of the amenities and the status of a brand new Rolls Royce, but at a fraction of the cost. A new car can be anywhere from $250,000 to $450,000. They are very expensive, but even new ones are well worth the cost because they will last a lifetime. It is very important to remember that when you are buying a used car, other used cars are deteriorating because they were not made well, but a Rolls is still in great condition.

There are many reasons that a Rolls Royce is a great option. One of the well known facts about the Rolls cars is that they are all hand made. Because they are hand made, there are not nearly as many problems with the parts and the way everything is put together. You are ensured that there was a person that was caring for each part of the car as it was being put together.

For anyone that wants to impress with the status symbol of having a Used Rolls Royce, it is a great idea to check out all the options, and all the prices for the perfect one for you. There are many reasons why it is one of the best ideas to get a car that is not only going to give you the impression that you want to make, but will last you for years and years to come. Any person wants to invest in something that is known for quality.

Pete J Ridgard

Ever since it was developed, the airbag has created a special role in the automotive industry in terms of features for car safety. According to some recent crash tests, airbags indeed can save a persons life during vehicle collisions. Let us discuss more about airbags, find out how it works, and discover the benefits it could offer.

An airbag is a flexible, inflatable object that contains air or some other gas. It is also called the Air Cushion Restraint System (ACRS). Airbags can actually absorb the impact taken from a car crash by creating a cushion thus reducing the injuries of the vehicles occupants. The airbag system consists of three substantial parts: the airbag module, the crash sensor, and the diagnostic unit. Each part plays a significant role during a car crash. The airbag module is the one that contains the lightweight fabric that inflates during collision. Basically, there are two airbag modules located in a conventional vehicle like the new Lincoln Town Car, the driver airbag module and the passenger airbag module. The driver airbag module is located at the center of the steering wheel while the passenger module is dramatically placed at the instrument panel.

Because vehicles can have one or more crash sensors, they are located in different areas either at the front of the vehicle near the bumper or in the passenger compartment area. The crash sensor works as a triggering device that measures the deceleration, which is the decreased velocity of a car or the rate in which the car slows down. The sensor is activated during the car crash which actually is the force that was generated in the front or rear of a car.

The last part of an airbag system, which is the diagnostic unit, acts as a condition sensor for the airbag. It measures the preparedness of the airbag in case of a car crash. The diagnostic unit activates when the cars engine is turned on. It checks the airbag if it is in good condition and ready to use. If certain problem occurs, a warning light is activated and signals the driver that the airbag is malfunctioning and needs to be fixed.

During its peak of development, airbags only focus on frontal impacts. It cannot absorb impacts generated from the rear and side of a vehicle thus making it an ineffective safety device for rollovers and side impacts. However, with the latest trend in the automotive industry along with the new technological safety features, vehicles are now equipped with rear, side, and even curtain airbags to protect its occupants from injuries during car collisions. Who knows what other benefits and updates will airbags offer in the future?

Chauffeur driven cars are the epitome of luxury automotive travel. Yes, owning a Lamborghini or Ferrari is special, but travelling in a chauffeur driven car is the pinnacle of wealth. Below are the top 5 chauffeur cars in the world. So if you are a chauffeur company who wants to know which car is the best for your fleet or you are an aspiring millionaire who just wants to make a mental note when you do have the money to splurge, the below list should help.

1. The most luxurious car in the world at the moment is the Maybach, it costs a staggering 260,000, which is more than most houses. It’s like a luxury cruise liner on wheels with a 5.5 litre, V12 engine and weighing in at almost 3 tonnes it can go from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Celebrities such as Simon Cowell and P Diddy both own a Maybach. As standard they come with massaging chairs, rear view camera, cooled cup holders and a full entertainment system. So if you run a Californian or London chauffeur service buying a Maybach for your fleet is the best you can get.
2. Next is the Rolls Royce Phantom it’s a British institution which used to scream aristocracy now everyone from footballers to Russian Oligarchs owns one. As a chauffeur car they are ideal for every occasion and are very popular as wedding cars in London. They cost around 250,000 with a 453 BH (break horsepower) V12 engine, which goes from 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds. Interesting luxury items include a 26 speaker sound system with full entertainment system, refrigerator and rear seat tables.
3. The Bentley Continental Flying Spur has always seemed to come in second fiddle to the Rolls Royce, but the Flying Spur is a very special car in its own right. They cost over 120,000 and come with lavish wood interior finish, air conditioning and a very comfortable ride. The engine is an earth shaking 6 litre V12 with a top speed of 200mph. This again is a very popular wedding and chauffeur car for CEOs who want their luxury cars to have a bit more power and acceleration.
4. The Mercedes S 600 is one of the most popular luxury chauffeur driven hire cars around today, they are the upper echelon of executive travel. At only 87,000 it might seem like toy car compared to the Maybach and Rolls Royce, but the S 600 is indeed a very nice sedan. It delivers a blistering 500 BH with 12 cylinders and a 0-60 time of a not to be sniffed at 6.8 seconds. They are a common feature of most London chauffeur service companies and sit in the garage of many high powered executives.
5. The fifth choice is a difficult one. You could go for a BMX 7 series or Lexus 430. However, in this case the Audi A8 has to take it. It has recently won The Chauffeur Car of Year award. Audi has really improved its game over the last 12 years and successfully penetrated the luxury saloon market. The Audi A8 is an ideal chauffeur car for formal occasions and business meetings. It’s not as flash as the other cars but is certainly an elegant and well presented car. They cost around 60,000 and deliver an impressive 320 BH.

A chauffeur driven car is about luxury, convenience and making a statement. The above cars certainly perform well in all of these categories.