Latest Used cars and aftermarket News 
Gleaming paintwork and a sparkling interior may be covering a multitude of sins
HPI is urging used car buyers to be vigilant and take advantage of the tools available to guard against buying a dud. For the fourth year in a row, independent traders have topped the Consumer Direct list as the most common customer gripe. Franchise dealers were also named and shamed within the top ten listing. However says HPI, it is a minority within the trade that is casting a shadow over the industry as a whole, and that buying has its ris... [more]
4x4s and compact executive-style vehicles are most at threat from being stolen
Recent analysis from HPI reveals that 4x4s and compact executive-style vehicles are most at threat from being stolen. HPI is warning car buyers not to fall foul of criminals looking to sell on these vehicles and stresses that they only need to take a few simple but effective steps to beat the car crooks. HPI’s Stolen Hit Rates by Vehicle Type 4x4s 14% Compact Executives 11% Roadsters/Cabriolets 8% Small Family Cars 8% Executive Cars 5% M... [more]
Any colour for your car as long as it is not pink
In a poll of over a thousand motorists by Carsite.co.uk, pink topped the list of unusual shades with over 29 percent of the vote – almost one in three respondents. Second place in the unpopularity stakes was brown with 16 percent closely followed by gold with 13.7 percent. Even though retro white is enjoying a recent surge in popularity, accounting for around 1 in 12 cars on the road today, it has just as many detractors according to Carsite.c... [more]
Used Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Golf can be more expensive than new version
Used car buyers might be better off buying new, especially if they have a car that’s eligible for the government’s scrappage scheme. Popular models such as the Fiat 500, Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Golf can all be bought new under the scrappage scheme for less than a used version that’s up to a year old. A used VW Golf 1.6 TDI S 5dr (59 plate, 200 miles) costs £16,200, yet the same car new is £12,430 under the scrappage scheme (including the av... [more]
Superminis and city cars dominate the used car market
The tightening of purse strings across the nation has seen city cars and superminis dominate the used car market. HPI reports that the desirability for both sectors has been enhanced by people downsizing and the scrappage scheme, just two methods being utilised by car buyers as ways of trying to save cash. “There is an almost endless demand for clean, low mileage models in the used market,” says Martin Keighley, HPI’s Valuations expert. “The ... [more]
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Used cars and aftermarket in the news
Former Saturn franchise in Fishers enters new orbit (Indianapolis Business Journal)
An All Things Automotive franchise is replacing Saturn of Fishers. The concept, aimed particularly at displaced Saturn dealers, involves used-car sales and service bays stocked by Carquest.
I Only Have a Corona - $3,400 Deposit! [Nice Price Or Crack Pipe] (Jalopnik)
# nicepriceorcrackpipe Someday people will look back upon the Camry with fondness and desire, and when that day arrives, I hope to be long-dead. Until then, Nice Price or Crack Pipe has its predecessor for you to get all nostalgic about. More »
Fallbrook Technologies Inc. and Hodyon Sign Joint Development Agreement (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Fallbrook Technologies Inc. , a technology company dedicated to improving the performance and flexibility of transmissions for engine- and human-powered devices, announced today that it has signed a joint development agreement with Hodyon, a manufacturer and distributor of climate control systems, to develop an air conditioner compressor for mobile applications.
Make your tractor a tough target for thieves (Farmers Weekly Interactive)
Thefts of farm machinery, especially tractors and telehandlers, are rising fast. David Cousins and Nick Fone look at how the industry is fighting back
Big wheels no deal in this case (The Monterey County Herald)
Dear Tom and Ray: I live in Albany, N.Y., and I own a 2009 Dodge Journey, all-wheel drive, with 19-inch wheels and tires. I didn't realize it at the time, but getting these optional huge wheels has made it impossible to find winter tires.
Midas Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results (The Auto Channel)
ITASCA, Ill.--Midas, Inc. : “We started with a decline of 7.2 percent in the first quarter of 2009 and saw the declines lessen every quarter. Brake sales were down by only 3.5 percent in the fourth quarter.”
2001 GMC Sonoma SLS from North America - Comments (Carsurvey.org)
I bought my 03 sonoma 2.2 extended cab just about a month ago. I must say, already I am a little disappointed in the mileage. I drive mostly on the freeway and can't seem to do any better than 22mpg or so.
Reportlinker Adds Automotive: Europe Industry Guide (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:
Hey Bulldog for $5,500! [Nice Price Or Crack Pipe] (Jalopnik)
# nicepriceorcrackpipe Before Honda discovered Jazz, or got Fit, they had a pet Bulldog. Right now, Nice Price or Crack Pipe wants to know if $5,500 for this Kei Cur will get your tail wagging. More »
