Archive for September, 2008
365 used quality Japanese auto clearance sale in africa
In Africa - 365 Cars on sale now
Take the opportunity for a clearance used auto sale in Africa
Search the annual Stock Clearance Sale
we have 365 used quality Japanese vehicles must go.
Where: AutoTerminal.com Africa, 151 South Coast Road, Bayhead, Durban
When: October 1st to October 8th
* Open to Non-SA Residents only
* Customer will be invited to “Make an Offer”
* No “Reserve” will be set, and all offers are subject to “confirmation”
* Full payment to be made and Delivery to be taken within 7 days of confirmation
* Our Online Auction will run simultaneously for the full period
To download a list of all units included in the sale, click the button below.
5 comments September 30, 2008
How to apply for Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) Test?
SVA Procedure
Before registering any imported, amateur built cars and light goods vehicles in the UK, they need to go through a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) Test. SVA is required in order for these vehicles to comply with British and European safety and environmental standards.
Below are the classifications of vehicles that require SVA:
N = Left Hand Drive.
P = Personal Import. A vehicle imported by a person who has lived in the country of export for 12 months and has owned and used the vehicle for six months.
T = Armored Vehicle. A vehicle which meets the armor plating anti bullet requirements.
M = Hearse, motor ambulance or motor caravan.
A = Amateur Built. A vehicle built by an individual, or which has been built by someone on behalf of that individual who is not in the business of building motor vehicles, and which is for personal use.
C = Vehicle built by a person in the business of building vehicles using parts of a vehicle registered in Great Britain. The engine and at least one other major part must come from the same donor vehicle.
S = Rebuilt Vehicle. A vehicle which a) the local DVLA office has given a vehicle chassis or identification number to, b) does not meet class “A” or “C”, and has been rebuilt using a replacement chassis or combined chassis-body of the same design as the original. The chassis or combined chassis-body is new or from a vehicle that has already been registered in the United Kingdom (UK).
L = Vehicle manufactured in very low numbers. A type of vehicle of which a manufacturer can build (worldwide) up to 200 vehicles of that “family of types” (or up to 20 of that “type variant”) within any 12-month period within the 36 months before the month the vehicle was made. Note: Refer to the Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2001 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2001/uksi_20010025_en.pdf) for a definition of “family of type” or “type variant”,
D = Disabled person’s vehicle. A vehicle which is adapted or built so that a disabled person can travel in it, whether as the driver or as a passenger, in safety and reasonable comfort. For more information, see the SVA booklet or the technical standards in the SVA inspection manual.
R(ESVA) = A vehicle that is not in any of the classes shown above. Vehicles in this class must meet the enhanced SVA (ESVA) test standards. For more information, see the SVA booklet or the technical standards in the SVA inspection manual.
Complete definitions of the above can be found in the Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2001 as point of reference: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2001/uksi_20010025_en.pdf
· The first thing you need to do is fill out the SVA test form and get the SVA booklet and SVA inspection manual from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) near your area.
The SVA test form is available here: http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosacorp/forms/vehicletestforms/vehicletestforms.htm. To obtain the list of VOSA test stations, click on the same link above.
· You may also get SVA testing at these independent authorized test facilities:
AutoTerminal.com UK – Unit 2 North Road , Marchwood Industrial Estate, Southampton – 023 8066 7619
Dunton Emission Laboratory – Dunton Technical Centre, Laindon, Basildon, Essex, SS15 6EE - 01268 403271
Landrover – Block 105, Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 8NW – 0121 700 3184
LTC Ltd - Aston Way, Leyland, Preston, PR5 3TZ – 01772 422911
Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd – Millbrook, Bedford, MK45 2JQ – 01525 408253/408362
Status - Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD – 0161 247 6240
The Motor Industry Research Association(MIRA) – Watling Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 0TU – 024 7635 5029
Torotrak Plc – 1 Ashton Way, Leyland, Preston, PR26 7UX – 01772 900900
· Make sure to accurately list the vehicle information when filling the test form. After submitting the form, it will take just about 2 weeks for SVA testing to be done on your vehicle.
Add comment September 23, 2008
How to choose the best tires for your vehicle?
The “right” set of tires greatly affects your vehicle’s performance and handling, road worthiness and safety, and fuel economy. Here is the spin on how to choose the right tires for your vehicle.
There are so many brands available in the market today and they all claim to be the best performance-boosting-safety-enhancing-fuel-efficient-super-tires. Well, maybe they really are but how would you choose the right one for your vehicle?
It all depends on the type of vehicle you drive, the climate and terrain of your locality and how you intend to use your vehicle. After considering these factors, your decision should be based on the tire’s performance and safety, price, brand and appearance.
To help you weigh your options, here are a few basic tire classifications to start with:
TIRE DIAMETER and WIDTH
Each vehicle model has a specific range of appropriate tire sizes. This is usually listed in the owner’s manual or on a label posted on the vehicle. Anyway, it’s easy to get this information online.
TIRE TYPE
There are three basic tire types: radial, bias-ply and bias belted. Most vehicles today come equipped with radial tires because they generally offer better performance and more durability.
Of course, you don’t need to know that some tires specify in their labels that they are for use as temporary spares, for passenger cars or for light trucks. But now you also know.
TREAD DESIGN
Tread, here, refers to the rubber on the circumference of the tire which is designed to make contact with the ground.
The most common are all-season tires which can be used for regular highway conditions, rain, snow, slush and mud. This type of tire usually has an “m + s” (mud + snow) label. Then there are also specialized treads for snow or for regular highway conditions only.
All tires made by manufacturers who distribute to the US (most likely those also available in your area) must meet federal safety standards. Grades are assigned by manufacturers after performing tests designed by the government.
Except for off road tires and temporary spares, each tire has a label printed on paper or molded on the side of the tire. The quality ratings are based on the tire’s tread wear, traction and temperature resistance.
Tread wear grade
This tells you how long the manufacturer expects the tire to last in comparison to other tires if all were subjected to the same usage conditions. For example, a tire rated 200 is expected to last twice as long as a tire rated 100.
Traction rating
This is scored A, B or C, tells you how well the tires can stop your vehicle on wet roads. Those tires rated “A” offer the best traction.
Temperature resistance
This rating, also scored A, B, or C, measures how well the tire will resist overheating during sustained high speed use. Yes, a tire graded “A” represents the best performance.
MAKING SENSE OF LABELS
Here’s how a typical tire label looks like: P205/60R-16 91V
In this tire label, “P” indicates that the tire is for passenger cars. Variations are “LT” for light truck or “T” for temporary or spare tire.
“205/60″ means that the tire is 205mm wide and its side walls are 60mm tall.
“R” in this case means that this is a Radial tire.
“16” refers to the diameter of the wheel rim which is 14 inches.
“91” is the tire’s load index.
And the last letter “V” refers to the speed rating, the maximum safe speed that the tire can still be performing under ideal conditions. Variations are: Q (99mph), S (112mph), T (118mph), U (124mph), H (130mph), V (up to 149mph), Z (more than 149mph), W (168mph), and Y (186mph).
1 comment September 23, 2008
Used car weekly sale
Please verify the price and stock availability after 2 weeks of announcement>
Favorites for Friday SalePrices are quoted Ex-Bond Durban; units are already in Durban. |
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3 comments September 15, 2008
Toyota Estima – ATA
Auto 73,261 Kms
SILVER METALLIC 2400 cc Petrol 5 Door RHD
CC Rating: 2400 , Power Steering:Yes, Grade:L, Engine Type: PetrolPower Windows : Yes, Color: SILVER METALLIC Transmission: AutoAir Conditioning: Yes, Kilometers: 73261, Interior Color: GREY , Doors: 5 Door, Wheel Style: Wheel Covers, Interior Type 
eluxe Cloth
Accesories:
P/S, A/C, P/W, ABS, Dual Air Bag, Wheel Cover, Rear Shoulder/Lap Seatbelt, Overdrive, Column Shift, 8 Seater, Digital Meter, TV, CD Player
US$ 8,000
Add comment September 12, 2008
2000 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER PRADO TX Ltd
2000 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER PRADO TX Ltd
Chassis No :KDJ95-0001*** 
CC Rating :3000
Power Steering :Yes
Grade :TX Ltd
Engine Type iesel
Power Windows :Yes
Color : SILVER
Transmission :Auto
Air Conditioning :Yes
Condition Grade :4
Kilometers : 110996
Interior Color :GRAY
Doors :5 Door
Wheel Style :Mags
Interior Type eluxe Cloth
19 comments September 11, 2008
NISSAN SKYLINE GTR 33
Used Nissan Sedan - Skyline GTR 33
Why is the Nissan Skyline GTR 33 is so popular? Perhaps because this monster of a sedan can hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds; and if you press the gas pedal a little bit more, you can reach 100 mph in just 12.3 seconds. No wonder the Skyline is also fondly called “Godzilla.” But is it all about speed?
Because first glance at the Nissan Skyline GTR 33 wouldn’t make that argument compelling; it looks large. But the outside dimension may be deceiving because the Nissan Skyline is the size of VW Passat or Suburban Legacy although it packs far more power.
Except for the bucket seats, you’ll never notice that the car could go for high speed rides or comfortable city cruise. These seats give the driver the stability when negotiating tight maneuvers. The car’s suspension, break system, aerodynamic exterior design, and sleek but simple interiors complete the package.
A sports car that could sustain such power must have better suspension and the Nissan Skyline has them. Underneath, fixed suspension arms are fitted all around reinforced with stiffer bushings and wider geometrical spacing.
With a speedster like Nissan Skyline GTR 33, one may wonder if its brakes could handle such power. The car is fitted with a sophisticated braking system that makes use of ventilated discs. The ABS systems and large ducts (four in front and two at the back) to cool and prevent the discs from heating are very useful for breaking at high speeds.
A flatter windshield regulates the flow of air. Two diffusers – front and a carbon fiber rear diffuser – help pull the car to the ground as it accelerates. This ensures better handling in high speed, further improved with a dual-type rear wing adjustable to four different settings.
The Nissan Skyline is a mean car with amazingly good performance. Its only drawback seems to be its nose-heavy body. In the hands of an expert, the car could be extremely fast and furious.
| Engine: | In-line six cylinder, twin turbo, iron block, aluminum head, 2658 cc |
| Max torque: | 276 bph @6800 rpm |
| Dimension: | 4675 mm x 1950 mm x 1360 mm. |
| Weight: | 1601 kg |
| Drivetrain: | Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual, power assisted rack and pinion |
| Topspeed: | 155 mph |
| Performance: | Acceleration 0-30 mph : 1.6 sec., 0-60 mph : 4.9 sec., 30-50 mph : 2.1 sec. 50-70 mph : 2.3 sec., Quarter Mile : 13.2 sec. @103.6 mph |
| Suspension: | Front and rear stock V-spec springs and shocks |
| Brakes: | Front and rear four-piston calipers, endless pads |
| Handling: | Lateral grip (200ft skidpad) : 0.95g Slalom Speed (700 ft slalom) : 68.3 mph |
| Braking: | 60-0 stopping distance : 110 ft. |
| Mileage: | 19.6 mpg |
3 comments September 5, 2008
Buying used cars support clean environment
Used Honda Cars
Feel eco-guilty about buying a used car? Don’t. “Used cars” and “green cars” seem like diametrically opposing expressions but the truth is buying a used car may be a better way to help combat pollution and global warming than buying a new hybrid. At least, for the next couple of years until used hybrids become available.
If you really want to help the environment then you shouldn’t only be concerned with a car’s miles-per-gallon (mpg) fuel efficiency ratio. More importantly, you must consider the total energy consumed and pollution contributed by the entire process of building and operating the vehicle. Looking at the bigger picture, buying a used car may be more eco-friendly.
Take as an example a Toyota Prius, an extremely fuel efficient hybrid averaging 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. It takes about 113 million BTUs of energy to make a new Prius and a gallon of gasoline can produce about 113,000 BTUs of energy. This means the Prius has already consumed the equivalent of 1,000 gallons of gasoline before it even leaves the factory. Of course, the fuel efficiency of the Prius makes up for this “carbon deficit” in the long run, after clocking about 50,000 miles in its odometer.
As Matt Power wrote in this May’s issue of Wired, there is a better way to avoid this carbon deficit which comes with producing a new car – buying a used car – a fuel efficient used car. This way, the first owner has already paid for its carbon deficit, or at least started paying substantial installments. Power wrote that if you buy a 1998 Toyota Tercel which averages 35 mpg, a new Prius will have to go 100,000 miles to catch up with the carbon savings of the 10-year old Tercel.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go back a decade in style and settle for an outmoded Tercel. There are plenty of relatively newer models of used cars available today.
1 comment September 1, 2008
