If you're looking to make your money work for you when buying a used car then buying an ex-police car could be the route for you to grab a great car at a bargain price.
In general police cars tend to be in good condition, certainly mechanically as they have to be roadworthy and run without any problems. You should find that the paperwork, log book etc will be in order. The bodywork and interior may have holes etc from equipment but most of these can be repaired easily and for little cost. If possible look for ex-police cars that come from country areas and not cities as these will have had an easier life in general.
If you're going to view an ex-police car try and take a mechanic or a friend who has some auto knowledge with you to help give your potential next car the once over. Don't let your heart rule your head by picking an ex-police car for its color or wheels etc, a mechanically sound car should be the first priority.
If you're buying online make contact with the seller and be prepared with several questions about the cars history remembering to ask about any accident damage, service history, damage left by equipment etc. Also as stated before question the cars police service history - what area did the ex-police car operate in?
Where possible try and stretch your budget to buy the best possible ex-police car that is available and be prepared to haggle on the price with the seller.
Possibly one of the most popular ex-police cars bought is the Ford Crown Victoria, a versatile and tough car they have the engine calibrated for a higher engine idle and have uprated suspension fitted also amongst other modifications dependent on model year.
The video shows a good example of a clean ex-police Ford Crown Victoria.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKiZSYXv_F4
For a fantastic range of Ex -Police Ford Crown Victoria's for sale and other models online please visit http://www.americanautobid.com/Ford/Crown-Victoria
Sunday 15 February 2009
Saturday 7 February 2009
Motorsport News
Formula 1 News
This week in motorsport has seen the Formula 1 drivers show their disgust at the increase in the amount they pay for the licence that allows them to race. It would appear the multi millionaire drivers are not happy about the £8700 ($12,100) licence fee that allows them to earn huge sums on the track.
Given the current economic climate I don’t think they will find too many shoulders to cry on over their reluctance to pay a small proportion of their huge earnings to the FIA. Given the current economic climate I don’t think they will find too many shoulders to cry on over their reluctance to pay a small proportion of their huge earnings to the FIA.
Credit Crunch Impact on Motorsport
Following the withdrawal from F1 of the Honda team the news this week of another car manufacturer pulling out of world motorsport has hit the headlines. Mitsubishi have decided to no longer compete in the Dakar rally due to the financial pressures on the manufacturer in the current economic climate.
Indy Car
Indy Car fans can bid for a slot on the starting grid of the 33rd Annual Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race. The event forms part of the 35th Anniversary Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach held April 16-19.
Bidding starts at $25,000 and ends on February 11 at 5 p.m. (PT). All proceeds will go to the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, a charity that has raised over $2 million to several charitable organizations in the Long Beach Area. The winning bidder will receive a custom made drivers suit and join the rest of the celebrity field for four days of professional driver training. Also Toyota will make a $5000 donation in the winning bidders name to Racing for Kids.
This week in motorsport has seen the Formula 1 drivers show their disgust at the increase in the amount they pay for the licence that allows them to race. It would appear the multi millionaire drivers are not happy about the £8700 ($12,100) licence fee that allows them to earn huge sums on the track.
Given the current economic climate I don’t think they will find too many shoulders to cry on over their reluctance to pay a small proportion of their huge earnings to the FIA. Given the current economic climate I don’t think they will find too many shoulders to cry on over their reluctance to pay a small proportion of their huge earnings to the FIA.
Credit Crunch Impact on Motorsport
Following the withdrawal from F1 of the Honda team the news this week of another car manufacturer pulling out of world motorsport has hit the headlines. Mitsubishi have decided to no longer compete in the Dakar rally due to the financial pressures on the manufacturer in the current economic climate.
Indy Car
Indy Car fans can bid for a slot on the starting grid of the 33rd Annual Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race. The event forms part of the 35th Anniversary Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach held April 16-19.
Bidding starts at $25,000 and ends on February 11 at 5 p.m. (PT). All proceeds will go to the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, a charity that has raised over $2 million to several charitable organizations in the Long Beach Area. The winning bidder will receive a custom made drivers suit and join the rest of the celebrity field for four days of professional driver training. Also Toyota will make a $5000 donation in the winning bidders name to Racing for Kids.
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Rare Classic Bugatti Find
Early January saw the discovery of an extremely rare classic car found in the UK. The family of Dr Harold Carr (apt name really!) inherited a lock up from their Uncle and prior to opening its doors they had no idea what was waiting for them.
The lock up contained a collection of classic cars including a Jaguar E-Type and an Aston Martin. However the car that could prove to be a life changing inheritance was a Bugatti Type 57s Atalante built in 1937. The car was one of only 17 built and could make millions at auction next month at the Retro-mobile show in Paris next month.
This particular car was delivered to Earl Howe on May 5, 1937. Earl Howe was the first president of the British racing Drivers’ Club and a winner of the 34 hour Le Mans. He held onto the car for eight years when it then changed hands a couple of times before Dr Carr purchased the car in 1955.
The car is in exceptional original condition with only 26,284 miles on the clock over 72 years! The Bugatti 57s is one of the classic cars for collectors with four of the seventeen models in the Musee National de l’Automobile with the rest in private collections.
If bidding reaches estimates, it is in the running to become the most expensive car sold at auction, matching the $8.7 million for a 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe sold in 1987.
If you’re looking for a classic car at a more reasonable price then why not visit http://www.americanautobid.com/Store/Cars-and-Trucks, where you will find one of the largest online market places for classic and used cars.
The lock up contained a collection of classic cars including a Jaguar E-Type and an Aston Martin. However the car that could prove to be a life changing inheritance was a Bugatti Type 57s Atalante built in 1937. The car was one of only 17 built and could make millions at auction next month at the Retro-mobile show in Paris next month.
This particular car was delivered to Earl Howe on May 5, 1937. Earl Howe was the first president of the British racing Drivers’ Club and a winner of the 34 hour Le Mans. He held onto the car for eight years when it then changed hands a couple of times before Dr Carr purchased the car in 1955.
The car is in exceptional original condition with only 26,284 miles on the clock over 72 years! The Bugatti 57s is one of the classic cars for collectors with four of the seventeen models in the Musee National de l’Automobile with the rest in private collections.
If bidding reaches estimates, it is in the running to become the most expensive car sold at auction, matching the $8.7 million for a 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe sold in 1987.
If you’re looking for a classic car at a more reasonable price then why not visit http://www.americanautobid.com/Store/Cars-and-Trucks, where you will find one of the largest online market places for classic and used cars.
Monday 12 January 2009
Buying a Used Grand Cherokee
In 1993, Jeep launched the fine-looking Grand Cherokee in response to the success of rivals Ford and their Explorer model. The Grand Cherokee saw Jeep produce a vehicle with their legendary off-road capability but with an improved highway ride and larger interior than the Cherokee.
Initially three models were offered: base model, Laredo and Limited. Jeep stole a march on competitors in the market place with the inclusion of driver's side airbag and all round anti-lock brakes. Notable standard features included full instrument set, cloth interior and 5 speed manual transmission. In addition to this the Laredo came with body cladding, powered mirrors and cruise control. The Limited came with leather seats, Air Con, upgraded stereo system, 4 speed auto transmission and a host of powered parts.
The construction and design of the Grand Cherokee led to a 105.9 inch wheelbase, 4.5 inches longer than the Cherokee leading to more legroom for rear passengers, also the Grand Cherokee was only available as a four door model.
The engine for the Grand Cherokee was the Jeep 190 BHP, six cylinders 4.0 liter and towards the end of 1993 a 5.2 liter V8 with 220 BHP was launched. This larger engine gave a great advantage over the Grand Cherokee competitors and also allowed for a towing capability of some 6,500 pounds.
In 1994 the Grand Cherokee saw refinements made including all round disc brakes on the Limited, rear seats gained headrests, power sunroof and upgraded stereo system. The base model was renamed "SE" and side impact beams were fitted in the doors improving crash protection.
For 1995 Jeep introduced the "Orvis" edition Grand Cherokee in response to Ford's Eddie Bauer (both Orvis and Bauer are outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturers). The color scheme for this was green paint, red and gold accents and two tone green & champagne interior. Other improvements were increased torque output from 285 - 300 pounds for the V8 engine and deeper tints to side and rear windows. Two new optional extras were available with a flip up tailgate window and integrated child safety seat. Also a two wheel drive version of the limited with six cylinder engine only was launched.
Significant changes were made to the Grand Cherokee for 1996. Changes were made to the four wheel drive systems, power steering on the Limited models included variable assist (helping with parking and steering at low speed) and service points were highlighted under the engine hood. Changes to the exterior included larger grille, new bumpers, restyled body cladding and new wheels on the Laredo and Limited models. The interior saw dual airbags in the instrument panel and steering wheel, adjustable shoulder belts and optional heated front seats on the Limited models. The limited models also saw steering mounted stereo controls, driver memory system for two drivers, auto dim for side and rear view mirrors, new style seat fabric and CD decks for the stereo system.
1997 saw little in the way of modifications with the availability of the V8 for the two wheel drive model and the six cylinders qualifying for the Californian transitional low emissions vehicle certificate. The anti-lock brake system was improved, the stereo was upgraded, the quality of the carpets improved and new colors were launched including Bright Platinum. Towards the end of the year the sporty Tsi model was launched with 16 inch alloy wheels, leather interior and a top quality stereo.
The final year of production for the first generation of Grand Cherokee saw the new 5.9 liter engine Limited launched with a huge 245 BHP and 345 foot - pounds of torque giving 0-60 seconds of 7.3 seconds. Improvements for the rest of the range included improved steering, an under hood light and improved ignition key lock security. The Orvis model ceased production in this year.
If you're looking to buy a Grand Cherokee then for the largest selection of used vehicles available for sale today please visit http://www.americanautobid.com/Jeep/Grand-Cherokee
Initially three models were offered: base model, Laredo and Limited. Jeep stole a march on competitors in the market place with the inclusion of driver's side airbag and all round anti-lock brakes. Notable standard features included full instrument set, cloth interior and 5 speed manual transmission. In addition to this the Laredo came with body cladding, powered mirrors and cruise control. The Limited came with leather seats, Air Con, upgraded stereo system, 4 speed auto transmission and a host of powered parts.
The construction and design of the Grand Cherokee led to a 105.9 inch wheelbase, 4.5 inches longer than the Cherokee leading to more legroom for rear passengers, also the Grand Cherokee was only available as a four door model.
The engine for the Grand Cherokee was the Jeep 190 BHP, six cylinders 4.0 liter and towards the end of 1993 a 5.2 liter V8 with 220 BHP was launched. This larger engine gave a great advantage over the Grand Cherokee competitors and also allowed for a towing capability of some 6,500 pounds.
In 1994 the Grand Cherokee saw refinements made including all round disc brakes on the Limited, rear seats gained headrests, power sunroof and upgraded stereo system. The base model was renamed "SE" and side impact beams were fitted in the doors improving crash protection.
For 1995 Jeep introduced the "Orvis" edition Grand Cherokee in response to Ford's Eddie Bauer (both Orvis and Bauer are outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturers). The color scheme for this was green paint, red and gold accents and two tone green & champagne interior. Other improvements were increased torque output from 285 - 300 pounds for the V8 engine and deeper tints to side and rear windows. Two new optional extras were available with a flip up tailgate window and integrated child safety seat. Also a two wheel drive version of the limited with six cylinder engine only was launched.
Significant changes were made to the Grand Cherokee for 1996. Changes were made to the four wheel drive systems, power steering on the Limited models included variable assist (helping with parking and steering at low speed) and service points were highlighted under the engine hood. Changes to the exterior included larger grille, new bumpers, restyled body cladding and new wheels on the Laredo and Limited models. The interior saw dual airbags in the instrument panel and steering wheel, adjustable shoulder belts and optional heated front seats on the Limited models. The limited models also saw steering mounted stereo controls, driver memory system for two drivers, auto dim for side and rear view mirrors, new style seat fabric and CD decks for the stereo system.
1997 saw little in the way of modifications with the availability of the V8 for the two wheel drive model and the six cylinders qualifying for the Californian transitional low emissions vehicle certificate. The anti-lock brake system was improved, the stereo was upgraded, the quality of the carpets improved and new colors were launched including Bright Platinum. Towards the end of the year the sporty Tsi model was launched with 16 inch alloy wheels, leather interior and a top quality stereo.
The final year of production for the first generation of Grand Cherokee saw the new 5.9 liter engine Limited launched with a huge 245 BHP and 345 foot - pounds of torque giving 0-60 seconds of 7.3 seconds. Improvements for the rest of the range included improved steering, an under hood light and improved ignition key lock security. The Orvis model ceased production in this year.
If you're looking to buy a Grand Cherokee then for the largest selection of used vehicles available for sale today please visit http://www.americanautobid.com/Jeep/Grand-Cherokee
Monday 5 January 2009
The Classic British Mini - A Brief History
The Classic British Mini was the first car in Great Britain that could be correctly termed as "mass produced" and its aim was to mobilise the working population. Growing demand for bubble cars such as the Messerschmitt, the rising cost of fuel and the British Government required a response. The Germans had the Beetle, the French had the 2CV, the Italians had the Topolino - the British were getting the Mini!
Produced and launched in 1959 in the UK the first minis were Austin and Morris badged and were eventually assembled across the globe in Europe, Canada, Africa, South America and Australia.
The legendary designer Alec Issignonis was the man behind the Classic British Mini and designed a great little four seat saloon with a front-drive engine with an integral gearbox in the sump. Featuring a monocoque steel body shell held together chiefly by spot-welds the car had separate mounted sub-frames with the front and rear drive-train components. For a small car the interior was fairly spacious as the engine and standard 3.5x10 steel wheels took up very little room.
A major factor in the Classic British Mini becoming the must have car for the stars of the 1960's was John Cooper. From 1961 John Cooper convinced BMC to produce fast Minis bearing his name and the lightweight car produced some giant-killing performances in racing and rallying. The Classic British Mini developed a popular 'scene' and its patrons included the royal family, film stars from around the world and many people who had never owned a new car previously.
The first Mini Clubs were based on motorsport and the oldest dates back to 1966. Many Mini clubs have started since the early days and they are mainly a social scene for their members and there are hundreds of clubs across the globe. The Classic British Mini saw the launch of a massive maintenance and tuning industry as a response to owners needs to keep their cars on the road for the cheapest price possible.
The largest Mini shows are found in the UK and most of them are organised by Mini clubs. Every year the major N American Mini events are Mini Meet East and Mini Meet West. The European International Mini Meeting happens in a different country every year and comes to England every fifth year.
The Classic British Mini still has an important motorsport scene including drag racing, auto-grass and rallying.
If you are looking to buy a Classic British Mini then please visit http://www.americanautobid.com/Mini/Classic-Mini
Produced and launched in 1959 in the UK the first minis were Austin and Morris badged and were eventually assembled across the globe in Europe, Canada, Africa, South America and Australia.
The legendary designer Alec Issignonis was the man behind the Classic British Mini and designed a great little four seat saloon with a front-drive engine with an integral gearbox in the sump. Featuring a monocoque steel body shell held together chiefly by spot-welds the car had separate mounted sub-frames with the front and rear drive-train components. For a small car the interior was fairly spacious as the engine and standard 3.5x10 steel wheels took up very little room.
A major factor in the Classic British Mini becoming the must have car for the stars of the 1960's was John Cooper. From 1961 John Cooper convinced BMC to produce fast Minis bearing his name and the lightweight car produced some giant-killing performances in racing and rallying. The Classic British Mini developed a popular 'scene' and its patrons included the royal family, film stars from around the world and many people who had never owned a new car previously.
The first Mini Clubs were based on motorsport and the oldest dates back to 1966. Many Mini clubs have started since the early days and they are mainly a social scene for their members and there are hundreds of clubs across the globe. The Classic British Mini saw the launch of a massive maintenance and tuning industry as a response to owners needs to keep their cars on the road for the cheapest price possible.
The largest Mini shows are found in the UK and most of them are organised by Mini clubs. Every year the major N American Mini events are Mini Meet East and Mini Meet West. The European International Mini Meeting happens in a different country every year and comes to England every fifth year.
The Classic British Mini still has an important motorsport scene including drag racing, auto-grass and rallying.
If you are looking to buy a Classic British Mini then please visit http://www.americanautobid.com/Mini/Classic-Mini
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