Advantages Of Buying A Used Car

With the frail economy, more and more people are looking for ways to stretch their money. Hence, buying a used car is now more popular than ever. Hubby and I were talking over dinner that since our SUV will turn 5 years old October next year, we will have to move one to a newer model and hopefully, one that we can use for off-road trips.

We are fully aware that 4x4 are quiet expensive but maybe it will not break our bank account if we consider buying a used car. We have been reading used car reviews lately and convinced that for a cheaper amount, we will be able to get the same car. Apart from the affordability pull and lower cost of insurance, we learned that there is a program called "Certified Pre-owned." Cars belonging to this category undergo rigorous inspection and repair (if needed). Also, they generally fall under the manufacturer's warranty. CPO cars maybe of slightly higher value but any buyer will have better peace of mind.

Perhaps we will miss the smell of a new car but hey we have experience that once. Now we are looking to enhance our expatriate life. We want to start with off-roading adventures on weekends and some outdoor camping trips. My son would really like that! Therefore, will be checking new car deals frequently in the coming months.

1969 Chevrolet SS Camaro

Vintage American muscle car on display at the 2011 Emirates Classic Car Show.

First generation Chevrolet Camaro

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Orange Tuesdays

SpyShot: Lamborghini

Spotted this on valet parking at The Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi

Automobili Lamborghini was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like Ferrari.

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Tickle Me Pink BMW!

Ain't this the preetiest X5 you will ever see? I spotted this beauty at Al Ghazal Complex. Scroll down for the interior =D

See a pink Hummer H3 here.

Car Repair Service

One of the most important thing I learned in owning a car is to have a reliable and trusted repair service.It will almost be four years since we bought our Fortuner. Mileage is now at 95,000 km and we have had not experienced any problem. Hubby regularly brings it to Toyota Service Center and although it costs a little more expensive, we decided to avail the regular maintenance rather than be confronted with a major car repair.

Today, I am glad to share with you another trustworthy company called Auto Repair Olympia. They do free estimates, free towing for major repairs, same day service, and most importantly they have been on the business for the last 26 years.  I recently referred them as well to my Uncle M who availed their standard repair services for his Durango. He was very pleased with the quick and efficient service thus he commended their  knowledgeable and experienced mechanics.

Tips For Auto Window Replacement

Howdy, howdy! How are you spending the long holiday so far? Among our activity was an overnight camping by the local beach of Ras Al Kaimah - about two hours drive from Dubai. Not too far from our campsite is terrain for off-road. The local Emiratis take pride of their 4X4 SUVs and watching them maneuver their Toyota Land Cruisers, going up and down the rough road, we can't help but admire such adventurous spirit.

An unfortunate thing happened though because one of the camper's saloon car was hit by a stone debris causing a chip on the window shield. The debris most likely came from the off-road terrain. They did warn everyone to stay further from the area but because we don't see such display of vehicle capability too often, many people insisted on driving closer to have a better look.

I wondered how we should handle a car window replacement so I did a little reading. I share with you today the basics of what every car-owner must know when sustained with a broken or chipped glass window.

1. If the glass window is shattered, opt for replacement. If it is cracked, you can contact an auto glass company to help you assess the damage and prevent the drack from spreading further. Usually, a crack on window shield worsens due to changing weather temperature.

2. Check your insurance coverage. 

3. If you decide to replace, contact several reputable auto glass companies such as Gresham Glass for Glass Replacement Portland. Compare quotes. Inquire as well about warranty information. There are some companies who offer an option for extended warranty.

New Tyres

Any frugal car-owner would wince on the post title. ((^_^))

After three years and 90,000 kilometres, our beloved SUV got an "overdue" Christmas present - four new Bridgestone Dueler HT. Oh I had been nagging Hubby about this and we should have done it last year but money is tight and Hubby says that UAE has good roads so there's not much to worry. Plus we do not bring the car for off-road activities and its maximum passenger capacity was never abused. Morover, it is regularly serviced in Toyota Center.

On Friday, after leisurely exploring Al Qasba in Sharjah, Hubby noticed three small cracks on the left front wheel. We took it as a sign that it's time to buy new ones. We reach Dubai at sundown and we dropped by our favorite Emarat petrol station in Trade Center Road.

Bridgestone Dueler HT with Outlined White Letters. Each tyre costs 850 AED. Tip: Always ask your tyre dealer if they are manufactured on the present year.

 Well, there is obviously nothing left for Christmas budget but what's important is I am less worried when Hubby is on the road.

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Auto Warranty

I mentioned in my recent "moving news" post about my Uncle M and his family in the United States.  I was waiting for his weekly call the other day. I am excited to hear how they are doing in their new home but he failed to do so.

Early this morning, his phone call arrived and he apologized for missing the regular phone chat. He shared that he took the family car to a service facility for some minor repair and to finally replace the air conditioning compressor (he had been complaining about it since late last year). He was quiet pleased that he bought an extended car warranty from USD so that the whole thing was not a major slice from their family budget.

He urged us as well to do the same for our vehicle. Hubby said that we will do so if we can find here in the UAE something as good as USDirect - which has a policy that you can take your vehicle in any repair facility of your choice.