Legendary 1971 Plymouth Barracuda – 58,000% Increase

March 22, 2017 by

Been looking for that hot investment opportunity? Classic muscle cars might be worth looking at.  A unique combination of valuation factors can come into play…paying out leveraged dividends like you never thought possible…into the Thousands (1000’s) of percent increase over their original purchase price.  This 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, for example, has enjoyed a 58,000% increase in value.  But unrestored “mint condition” is a top quality that’s hard to come by.

Sfoskett~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=220464

Another classic car example is the 1967 Shelby Cobra…increasing 17,000% to $1.3 million. Other models are also yanking in big bucks at auctions around the US (shown below) includes the Cadillac Eldorado, Chevy Corvette, Pontiac Bonneville, Ford Thunderbird, and Ford Mustang GT.

chart showing 12 top performing value increases of classic cars

The percentage increase in value is influenced by a unique algorithm with intangibles…the three Ps: popularity, pop culture and production volume.

“Many people think today’s uber-expensive vehicles always came with a hefty price tag, but these vehicles show that’s clearly not the case,” Eric Lawrence ~ Black Book

Every year since 2013 has brought record prices for classic cars—but the market is stabilizing. The prices paid for cars increased 25% in 2014 and rose by nearly 18% in both 2015 and 2016, according to the HAGI Top Index, a measure of prices paid for cars that cost more than £100,000 ($122,670). Most of the cars were sold in auctions around the world.

 

Read More – MarketWatch

 

Filed Under: Tips

Tires – The Replacement Dilemma

June 20, 2016 by

The honeymoon’s over with your “new” car when it’s original tires start showing serious wear and you need to worry about replacing them.  Where the rubber meets the road is a famous expression for a reason…so you know that getting new tires is a serious task.  But where should you get them?  There’s really just 5 basic choices:

  1. Car Dealer – where you actually bought the car from in the first place
  2. National Chain Tire Store
  3. Online Tire Retailer
  4. Big Box Chain Retailer like Costco or Walmart
  5. Independent Local Tire Dealer or your Local Mechanic

Getting some unbiased, objective advice…even professionally done research is always a good idea.  Consumer Reports is a famous place for getting exactly that.  Here are some tips to help you weed through the 5 types of tire sellers…and about 10 of the most well known manufacturers to guide you through the process of making a good choice.

 

Some may feel safe with the idea that sticking with the exact same tire that came with the new car as purchased from the dealer.  But often, switching to a different tire brand can be a wise choice.  It’s a whole subject worth discussing separately, so stay tuned!

Read More

 

 

Filed Under: Tips

Coping With Heavy Traffic – 5 Defensive Driving Tips

January 15, 2016 by

Lower gas prices means more cars on the road…especially during commute hours. Unfortunately, that also means bigger chances of fatal crashes…according to a University of Alabama study.  The National Safety Council has created handy list of tips to help you stay alert and spot in advance…daily hazards that are avoidable.

  • Check your mirrors every three to five seconds while always scanning ahead for possible dangers.
  • Always give the right of way to fellow motorists, but be prepared to react to unexpected lane changes and turns.
  • Keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles…especially during heavy traffic…by reducing speed to give yourself sufficient response time
  • Be vigilant for signs of impaired, distracted and yes…aggressive driving.  Keeping calm under pressure is a valuable skill to develop…use techniques like deep breathing to keep focused.

Everyone wants to avoid accidents…and “Watch out for the other guy” is old expression that has merit.  Yet, we are all “the other guy” for other drivers.  Recognizing the top unsafe driving behaviors that lead to collisions is a valuable skill you can develop to recognize in others and yourself. Learning how to avoid each dangerous behavior naturally develops safer driving habits and collision avoidance techniques.

  1. Following too closely – California freeway drivers encounter this daily. Three seconds of distance between your own vehicle and the one ahead can make all the difference.  If you’re being tailgated…just maintain your speed and move over to let him or her pass if they wish. Never speed up to accommodate the tailgater!
  2. Driving too fast – Watch closely for both the posted speed limit and weather conditions. Remember, treacherous weather conditions override the posted speed limit. Slow down if rain, snow or icy conditions dictate.
  3. Violating right of way – Make sure you’re yielding properly and following all traffic signals and stop signs by driving at an appropriate speed to give yourself time to react and take a moment to scan intersections before entering them.

Read More

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , ,

Surviving the 3 Scariest Car Scenarios

November 23, 2015 by

Sometimes drivers don’t take precautionary advice as seriously as they should…until something unfortunate actually happens to them or someone they know.  The potential danger just doesn’t seem as real until drivers have some first hand experience that scares them and makes  think a little.   Since driving a car is a necessary daily event for many of us that has become commonplace, it’s perhaps easy to become desensitized to the variety and intensity of dangerous outcomes that can befall us whenever we get behind the wheel.

For some who do experience dangerous and horrific traumas, yet manage to survive them, it becomes a fervent mission to tell their story so others can avoid the same experience…and most importantly, avoid a life threatening outcome.  Kids and Cars founder Janette Fennell is an incredible example.   In 1995, she and her husband were carjacked, robbed and left in their trunk in an remote location.  Fortunately, they escaped, but didn’t discover that their infant son was unharmed until they arrived back home to find him sitting in his baby seat in the driveway.  Janette later founded the advocacy group Kids and Cars and successfully lobbied to get trunk releases required in all new vehicles.

Could something similar happen to you? Approximately 45,000 carjackings occur each year.

Carjacker In/Near Your Vehicle
The key to keeping yourself safe is to vigilantly scan your surroundings. People in parking lots tend to be arriving or leaving without much delay.  So someone just standing around for any period of time…uninvolved with getting in or out of a car…might be looking for a potential victim.  So don’t dally…quickly get in your vehicle and lock the doors.  But if someone is already in your car or about to confront you? Immediately comply and move away. Give them what they want and create as much distance between you and the intruder as possible.  If the car is stationery…get out…even if it’s in drive. If it’s moving, stop quickly and get out.

Car Trouble or Flat Tire at Night
Stay in your car and call for help!  Many people make the biggest mistake of getting out of their vehicle in the midst of or near traffic.  Traffic behind you will invariably begin to slow and stop. If an apparent good Samaritan or helpful stranger comes close… don’t open the door. Just talk to them through the window and ask them to call the police if you are unable to do so.

Car in Flashflood, Mudslide or Sinking in Water
Probably the most valuable things to have for this situation is a Life Hammer device.  It’s a small tool that makes it easier to break out windows and cut seat belts if needed…to help you escape a crashed or submerged vehicle.

One of the biggest challenges to overcome is that water will cause the power to go out and most modern cars have power locks and windows.  Trying to open the door while the car is filling up with water is almost impossible.  After it’s full, it may be too late.  The minute or so after a car lands in water, but is not yet submerged is when it’s easiest to escape and survive…according to researchers from the University of Manitoba. They recommend exiting through the side windows while the vehicle is still floating.  The key is to think and move quickly.

384 occupants die in motor vehicle crashes involving water submersion each year…according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

Read More

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , , , , ,

Stranded Roadside Motorists – 7 Traps to Avoid

February 28, 2015 by

30 million times each year, AAA receives trouble calls from stranded motorists that need roadside assistance.  The specific reasons that generate the calls are wide and varied, but aside from physical vehicle accidents, seven (7) categories of car trouble account for the majority of the calls.  Is there a common thread that is key to minimizing or avoiding most of the car problems on the list: Timely Maintenance.  David Bennett, manager of automotive programs at the national office of AAA says that “The best thing anyone can do for a vehicle is regular maintenance”.

1. Flat Tires
Bald or badly worn tires are plain dangerous because they can’t reliably bring your vehicle to a safe stop.  Inspect your tires regularly.  You can try the old coin test on your tires, but the wear bars or indicators built into the tire tread are the safest bet for an accurate reading.

Proper inflation is the second most important tire safety concern.  Get the correct pressure for your specific car from the placard visible on the door jamb when the driver’s door is open. You can boost your gas mileage by 3% or more and make the car safer as well by timely tire checks. Check the tire pressure when they’re cold for best accuracy.

2. Engine Trouble
Many things can cause engine troble. But usually they start with issues like a broken hose that’s leaking coolant…which in turn causes the engine to overheat.  So, proactively inspect belts and hoses, looking for cracks and peeling on the belts, or softening on the hoses.  Fluid levels is another vital sign of the engine to check regularly…i.e. oil, transmission fluid, coolant or antifreeze.


3. Battery Trouble
3 to 5 years is a general rule for expected battery life. But if you live and drive in extreme heat or cold…it could be less.  Best precaution for avoiding getting stranded by a dead battery is to make sure to have your battery checked during any safety inspection or other visit to a dealer or mechanic’s shop.  Warning signs include dim headlights or interior lights and power windows that move unusually slow.

4. Lockouts
The obvious, but simple solution: Get extra sets of keys and store them outside the car in your home and office.

5. Brake Trouble
Nothing is more critical to your safety than your brakes. Brake pads and rotors need to be checked at least twice a year.  Brake fluid does need to be changed every two to three years…RTFM…or check recommended time frame in your owner’s manual. Trouble signs: pulling to one side when you hit the brakes, squeaking or grinding noises and a brake pedal that feels too soft.

6. Running Out of Gas
If you like to live on the edge, you’re bound to go over a cliff every once in a while.  But when it comes to taking chances on making it to the next gas station when you’re driving at night or in a strange place…it’s not worth the risk to yourself and your passengers.

 

Read More

 

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Free (almost) Car Repair Secrets

January 31, 2015 by

Saving significant dollars, yes even hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair bills by having automakers take financial responsibility for them is not only feasible, but it happens every day.  You can cash in on unadvertised automaker programs that provide free or discounted service work…much like a secret warranty that’s seldom publicly announced.  Carmakers usually call these programs  customer-satisfaction campaigns or service actions, but bottom line…they can save you real money.


For example:

  1. Honda Civics (2006 to 2009) – may qualify for a free engine block, or even a whole new engine, if their car has been leaking coolant from a crack in the block.
  2. Chrysler minivans (2008 to 2010) – front wheel bearings on models from  are subject to premature wear, so dealers will replace them for free during a vehicle’s first five years or 90,000 miles.

Technical Service Bulletins, or TSBs, are recommended procedures for repairing vehicles. Not to be confused with recalls, a TSB is issued by a vehicle manufacturer when there are several occurrences of an unanticipated problem. TSBs can range from vehicle-specific to covering entire product lines and break down the specified repair into a step-by-step process.  [Wikipedia]

These little known “warranty extensions” usually evolve  when automakers discover that some component or system in a given model fails or breaks at a faster than normal rate.  Evidence on new problems orginate from many sources…including complaints from dealer customer-service departments, an unusually high number of warranty claims for a specific problem…and/or spare-parts inventories experience a sudden rapid decline.

“Warranty extensions” usually only last for a specified time and mileage. Sometimes they’re created in the name of good customer service…sometimes as part of the settlement process resulting from a class-action lawsuit brought by consumers.

Exactly how obscure are these “Warranty Extensions”?  When an carmaker creates a service campaign, it usually notifies all known owners via letter.  Second and third owners of the vehicle in question may not find out.  Other times however, car owners only find out only if a dealer tells them or they learn about it on their own.

All warranty extensions found by ConsumerReports were detailed in the technical service bulletins sent by automakers to their dealers’ service departments. TSBs usually describe a common problem the automaker has learned about and provide detailed instructions on how the service technician should fix it. However, a small number of TSBs also contain information about special warranties related to the problem or other remedies the carmaker is offering to owners.

If your car develops a distinct problem that’s not a result of wear and tear or collision damage, it’s often worth checking whether there’s a TSB related to it (get more details below). Even if no warranty extension is offered, a TSB tells you that the problem is well known to the automaker, which could give you more leverage in negotiating a discount on the repair.

Where to Learn More about TSBs

Info about TSBs can be hard to find. Here are five (5) possible sources:

  1. You can search for free summaries of them at SaferCar.gov, the government’s auto-safety website. Enter your car’s make/model/year in the “Owners” section, and click on the “Service Bulletins” tab. But be warned, the summaries are often vague. You can order the full TSB text (free up to 100 pages) by mail, though that may take four to six weeks.
  2. However, a dealer or repair shop may share them if you ask.
  3. You can also purchase current TSBs for your car from AllDataDIY.com ($26.95/year) or…
  4. Mitchell 1 DIY at eAutoRepair.net ($25.99/year).
  5. ConsumerReports – check technical service bulletins (TSBs) for common problems on the new and used car model pages, under the Reliability tab.

Read More

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Quarterly Vehicle Safety Checklist – 4 Keys

October 29, 2014 by

Most American residents experience some kind of change in seasons each year…even in California and Florida.  Seasons can be a helpful cue for reminding drivers to run through a quick safety checklist…to help avoid accidents and unnecessarily large future repair bills.  Use the old James Taylor song to help remind yourself (it works!…Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) that using this handy checklist can make you and your vehicle better, safer “friends”.  Car care tips can be tedious and boring, but this four point list will help keep your vehicle looking and running in tip-top shape.

  • Wiper Blades – Inspect & Replace them regularly.  Everything can wear out and break.  Wiper blade rubber usually becomes dry and brittle during the Summer…especially if they’ve already been through only one rainy season.  You can’t keep your eyes on the road of you can’t see through your windwhield.
  • Tires – Pressure & Tread Depth – Tires can easily lose one (1) pound of air pressure each month…even if your car just sits in the driveway.  Under-inflated tires translates into lower gas mileage and poor handling, and can suffer unnoticeable damage that compromises car performance and safety.  A monthly check on tires is highly warranted.  Don’t just check it randomly or yearly…it’s important to do it monthly.   A tread depth check is easily done by looking inside the grooves on the tire.  At every six to 10 inches, a raised wear bar will appear, and if the tread is worn to the same height as the bar, it’s time to replace the tire.  It’s important to several spots on each tire…because wear is often even.  Time for new tires?  RTFM (read the friendly [owner’s] manual)  to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for size and type of tires.
  • Brakes –  Nothing is more critical to vehicle safety than properly functioning brakes.  Disc brakes on newer vehicles are constantly assaulted by dirt, moisture and road salt.  Pay attention to how your brakes respond. Does your vehicle stop evenly …or kind of pull to one side?  Any noises?  Some noises can be harmless and not uncommon.  But loud or constant noises when you apply the brakes should be checked out professionally.
  • Battery – Verify its Strength…don’t assume all is well with the car battery just because your vehicle starts.  That next turn of the key may be your unexpected tipping point.  If you’re comfortable checking your own battery…great!  Usually it’s best have an auto care & repair professional do it for you.

Read More

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

5 Mistakes That Trash Your Car

September 28, 2014 by

Maybe you were lucky as a child, having parents who taught you that taking care of things will make them last longer…especially mechanical things, like your bike. If so, hopefully that carried over more expensive things later in life, like your car.  While being a bit lax on taking care of your car may seem superficial, in the long run…ongoing neglect and cavalier maintenance habits will undoubtedly cut your vehicle’s life by years.  If you’d like to squeeze more faithful years of service out of your car, don’t fall for these five (5) mistakes that will trash your vehicle’s lifespan.

5 Gotchas That Trash Your Car

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/people/31216636@N00

1) Neglecting Maintenance Schedules – This is rule #1…from oil & filters…to tires, transmission & brakes. Cheap? No. Compared to replacing an engine or transmission? Yes! Remember, RTFM…Read the Friendly Manual (Owner’s). It spells out the schedules.

2) Check Engine Lights –  Dashboard Warning Lights…aka… Idiot Lights are there for a reason. Ignoring them seems idiotic (kinda redundant, just like the act). If the light’s meaning is not immediately apparent, RTFM! A little reading now can save you tons of money later

3) Convulsive Driving – We’ve all been in the car with one…brake hard, jam the gas…slam brakes, floor it! It’s not like your vehicle will blow up immediately in response. But over time, major systems like the transmission, brakes…not to mention the engine will begin to have issues faster than it should. Cars with abusive drivers (sounds like a support group) will develop breaks, leaks and all sorts of mechanical problems…prematurely.

4) Shifting While Moving – No, that’s not a moving violation…nor a misdemeanor. But when changing forward/backward directions, fully brake and come to a complete stop before continuing in the opposite direction.  Tremendous torque and strain is placed on the transmission when that’s not the case.

Read More

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wrong-Way Drivers: 3 Keys to Survival

August 28, 2014 by

It happens day and night, by drivers from a wide variety of situations.  Yes,  drunk drivers comprise the majority of wrong-way driving accidents (60% have blood alcohol content [BAC] above legal limits), but the reality is there are a variety of causes in addition to alcohol related issues. Your best defense is to take 60 seconds right now to consider the possibility it may happen to you…and visualize implementing a few simple suggestions (following shortly)…and maneuvering through the incident to survival.


And surviving a wrong-way accident is no small feat.  A National Transportation Safety Board’s  (NTSB) special report on wrong-way drivers stated that they cause a significantly higher injury and death rate, despite only accounting for only 3% of all crashes.  360 deaths occur every year as a result of wrong-way accidents.

While the NTSB has offered recommendations for marking freeway on and off ramps more clearly…and erecting barriers that create less confusion for drivers…the brutal truth is that wrong-way drivers are hard to prevent.

If you find yourself in the frightening freeway scenario of seeing headlights heading in the wrong direction…toward you…burn these few simple suggestions into your brain now….to help protect yourself and loved ones.

  1. Buckle Up – Always rule #1…before you even back out of the driveway.  Seat belts simply increase greatly your chance for surviving any type of crash.  AAA tells us that seat belts saved more than 12,000 lives last year.
  2. Slow Down – …IMMEDIATELY!  It can only add precious moments to your decision making.
  3. Scan Ahead –  Keeping an eye on the horizon…or at least far ahead of your own headlights…increases your chances of seeing the wrong-way driver in advance.
  4. Swerve To The Right – Wrong-way drivers often gravitate to their far right because they think it’s the slow lane, rather than the fast lane.  Swerving to your right is always recommended in a head-on collision situation because it will deflect much of the force of the impact.  Hitting a stationary object or rolling into a ditch instead of a moving vehicle (especially if you’ve slowed down) is much safer than a head on collision…so even if swerving seems equally dangerous, do it anyway.

Read More

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , , ,

Pushing the Empty Envelope: How Low Can You Go?

July 31, 2014 by

Ever run out of gas? How low do you let your gas gauge go before you pull into a service station?  It’s all about personality style, comfort level, convenience and the time pressures of a busy lifestyle.

gasoline delivery gilroy ca - roadside assistance - All Pro Towing
Some people like to push the envelope…test the limits…and otherwise, live life on the edge. Others are more conservative…fearing the hassles, embarrassment and other consequences of being late…so the one-quarter tank notch on the gas gauge becomes their self imposed “empty” level.

So the real question is…are there any hard & fast rules to be aware of when it comes to playing the “low fuel” game?  Here a few common questions and answers if you’re one of those that likes to flirt with disaster.

How Far Can You Really Go on “E”?

Bottom line: It depends on your vehicle & it’s manufacturer. There’s a technical expression in Silicon Valley: RTFM! But since we’re discussing cars…it can be translated: Read The Owners Manual.

Can You Damage Your Car by Running Out of Gas?
One reason why most American manufacturers build a buffer into the “empty indicator” is because that’s what most Americans want…and have come to expect.

Another reason: Fuel pumps can burn up or otherwise become damaged when you run out of gasoline.  In the absence of gasoline, a fuel pump can draw in air. Too much air and it can be damaged…kind of like an engine running without oil.  Also, debris often accumulates on the bottom of a fuel tank over time. When the gasoline level gets low, that debris is more likely to be drawn into the pump and/or plug the fuel filters, both of which can damage the pump. A partially plugged filter will cause the pump to have to work harder, therefore decreasing the life of the pump.

Hybrid vehicles are another special consideration for playing it safe.  Severe damage to the hybrid system can occur by running out of gas. Just don’t do it!

Bottom Line…How Long Can You Go…Really?
ROUGH RULE OF THUMB…30-40 miles is how far you can go.  But if you’re a gamer and want something more specific…check out this website: TankOnEmpty.com.  Created by a computer programmer…probably a gamer too…who solicits the data and real world experiences of drivers who like to push the “E” envelope.

Read More

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »
UA-38874304-1