Archive for the ‘Cars’ Category

Driving And Renting A Car In Costa Rica

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Driving in Costa Rica is not for everyone. So make sure you know what you’re getting into before getting behind the wheel of a car in Costa Rica. The following are the 7 most frequently asked questions about driving in Costa Rica. These questions come in from my popular podcast about Costa Rica from folks from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

1. What type of cars are available for rent?

Renting a car in Costa Rica is more expensive than in the U.S. so most people rent the smaller more compact cars that are a little cheaper.

Prices vary and during the high season you will pay more. Around $20 or more per day. Renting during Christmas/New Years will add another $50 or more per week. I looked at five car rental company cars in Costa Rica and the average for renting a small car like a Toyota Yaris will cost around $205 per week. Please note this doesn’t include the required by law insurance which will add at least $10-20 per day. So you’re looking at $250-300 to rent a small car per week.

You will find all the major car rental Costa Rica agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Budget, and others.

2. Is driving a good idea?

It depends. Driving in Costa Rica compared to other countries can be a very scary proposition for most. Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident rates in the world. Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored. Crazy and illegal turns across lanes of traffic are common. Turn signals are rarely used and dangerous passing is common. So you might driving on your lane when all of a sudden here comes a car in your lane going the wrong way because they’re passing on a blind spot. The roads are in poor condition, and large potholes which could cause serious damage to your car is common.

Although the road conditions in the beach areas are worse the actual driving isn’t as scary since there is less traffic and since the roads aren’t the best people tend to drive a little slower.

I like to have my own transportation so renting a car is something I like to do but it all depends on your comfort level. I’ve had friends and family who had never driven outside of the U.S. they found driving to be scary but a fun adventure. So just take it easy and slow and you will be fine. Don’t worry about the other drivers, just do your thing.

3. Do I need car rental insurance?

By law you will need the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) liability insurance regardless of your own car insurance coverage or credit card coverage. The insurance required by law is known as TPL, SLI, SLC or API. The cost ranges from $10-20 USD per day depending on the vehicle. This insurance only covers damages to other people, cars, or property. You will need to buy supplemental coverage to cover damages to the rental car or yourself. However your own car insurance policy or credit card might cover that so call your insurance agent at home before leaving for Costa Rica and ask him or her if your insurance policy covers you for damages in Costa Rica. You might also want to call your credit card issuer and ask them the same question. If your own policy covers you in Costa Rica you’re set and you don’t need the supplemental coverage. If they do not cover you, then I suggest taking out a supplemental policy offered by Costa Rica car rental agencies.

Optional-CDW or LDW – collision damage waiver which covers the cost of the car’s deductible amount which varies depending on the type of car and agency. The cost will range between $10-20 USD per day.

Optional-Zero Liability – This will reduce your liability to zero against theft and vandalism, for example, the cost for this insurance is between $5-20 USD per day depending on the agency and car.

As you can see the supplemental insurance cost can add up fast so it’s important that you check with your insurance agent and your credit card company since you might not even need the optional/supplemental coverage.

If your insurance agent gives you the thumbs up do me a favor and get it in writing! You don’t want any surprises.

4. What are car rental requirements in Costa Rica?

Requirements may vary depending on the car agency you use so check with them. Most require a valid driver’s license (one from your home state or country is fine), a valid passport with your entry stamp, the Costa Rica mandated liability insurance, and you must be at least 21 years of age.

5. Is it safe to drive at night?

The problem driving at night is not crime, it’s just the unsafe driving and poor road conditions which are compounded even worse when you have poor visibility. The roads are not lit up well and it gets pitch dark after 6:00 PM making it unsafe to drive for an inexperienced driver.

6. What are road conditions like?

The road conditions are very poor compared to the super highways of the United States or the Autobahn in Germany. Drivers have to contend with unsafe driving habits of motorists, huge potholes, and even the highway is a two-lane road. The roads get worse during the rainy season since road washouts from the mudslides from the mountains are common.

7. What side of the road do they drive on in Costa Rica?

On the right hand side, like in the U.S. and Canada.

One final tip

Make a copy of the profile page of your passport and your entry stamp and carry that with you along with your car rental papers. You might get stopped by police and you will need to show this to them. Do no carry your passport with you just make copies. The Costa Rican government now allows you to carry copies instead of your actual passport.

Use Dealer Chat Software to Generate Auto Sales Leads

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

The internet is an incredible source for people to find the things they want or need. In today’s fast paced world, the internet is usually the first place people begin their search. That’s why the internet is one of the best sources a business can use to capture more customers and increase sales considerably.

Automotive dealers benefit substantially by presenting their merchandise and services on the internet. Having an attractive and comprehensive website is a great start, but it takes more than a static website to engage visitors in an effort to increase auto sales leads. Dealers are realizing that adding Dealer chat software to their website helps increase auto sales leads.

Studies show that most dealers convert less than 2% of their website traffic to auto sales leads. Dealer chat can increase the dealer’s current lead conversion by up to 60%. Dealer chat is proven to generate more auto sales leads from unique website visitors and improve customer satisfaction. This increase of auto sales leads is over and above the leads already being generated by quote and ?contact us’ forms.

Many dealers depend solely on Third-Party auto sales leads to drive showroom traffic. The majority of the time, it takes a salesman 2-3 attempts to contact the customer. After contacting the customer, it takes another few attempts to script the customer into an appointment. There are some leads that you will never reach.

In other very common instances, customers from third-party lead sources realize that they were on a website that had nothing to do with automotive sales and their ?lead’ was obtained. By targeting a dealership’s own website traffic and engaging in conversation using Dealer chat software, the chance of an ?invalid? or ?dead? lead is nearly eliminated as the consumer has already made their way to the dealerships site. They’re already interested in what the dealership is selling.

Regular advertising and marketing techniques work to drive traffic to a website. Auto dealers invest large amounts of funds to attract visitors and to increase traffic. Driving traffic to the website is just not enough. Dealer chat software, on the other hand, engages visitors and generates more auto sales leads from already existing site traffic. Dealer chat software helps maximize the dealers return on investment. The cost of implementing dealer chat software applications on a dealer’s website is well outweighed by the benefits of increased sales.

Once a customer finds themselves on a dealer website, they’ll spend some time browsing the available vehicles and different specifics. A large amount of internet visitors find their way on websites late at night ? often after normal dealership business hours. Unless dealers have 24/7 salesmen on staff, they will lose countless opportunities to answer customer questions and address issues that may arise during their online shopping experience.

Numerous auto dealers from all over the US and Canada are experiencing the benefits that Dealer chat software has to offer. Adding Dealer chat software is the best way dealers can improve their lead conversion, sell more vehicles, and maximize their return on investment.

For more resources please review http://www.carchat24.ca

Beat car rental prices: a step by step guide

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

When renting a car several things are required. You need a credit card to make the deal, a reservation and confirmation. You can do this on the internet if you have the time. You might find that you get a really good deal and save some money this way. Besides, there is no risk in checking around for the best deal.

With a little bit of training and a little bit of vigilance, you can spot the good deals. The technique described here is easy and absolutely legal and abides by all the rules. Pay careful attention and learn how to save yourself a bundle when renting a car!

1. Planning a trip? Make a reservation ahead of time, and find the hottest deal you can without any penalties for cancellation. Most agencies don’t have these, unless it’s peak season or for a specialty car. If this is a last minute booking, skip this step.

2. Wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes, bring along your laptop and a good book to read while you wait!

3. Once you arrive at the car rental agency, access a discount website from your laptop. Prepare for last-minute delays as most of these sites prevent you from placing car rental reservations within two hours of pick-up time. Choose a reservation from the website, indicating the amount of time you decide upon. Then, select the class of car that is just below your preferred class.

4. Take your car rental Costa Rica reservation price, your discount site estimate, and shop around. Walk from agency to agency and negotiate. Smile, be polite, and be cunning, whatever it takes to get a price lower than what you have. You see, the more people who walk up to a car rental agency in the airport, the better location that agency gets. They have a reason to give you a good price as a walk up. They want your traffic. They want you to come back.

5. Make sure you check out all available deals before deciding on one. Also remember to ask for discounts from one company if another has offered the same. The companies are in competition for your business and many will want to match or top the other deals.

6. The few minutes it will take to do this are worth the time and energy involved, even if you find that your original reservation is the best deal. There is always the chance that you will find a better Costa Rica car rental deal, in which case you can simply call to cancel the original reservation in preparation of accepting the better one.

7. As a final attempt to sweeten your deal, tell the agent that you’ll only accept the deal if they upgrade you to the next class of rental car for the same price. This is actually the easiest thing for the car rental agent to do. It’s usually the agent’s decision. Obviously, however, this won’t work if they are sold out.

You can get a great deal on a rental car if you make time to use this method. It is important to not give up and take the first deal you find. Make sure and not be intimidated by the car rental agency.

Cost-effective auto insurance for you personally

Monday, March 1st, 2010

There are various amounts of people who are desperate to come across an car insurance policies that should be of wonderful use for their purpose. There are numerous types of auto insurance coverage which can be out there and therefore it truly is important to choose the insurance variety that will be of good use for the vehicle.

The auto insurance are getting furnished by diverse insurance providers and hence it is important to pick out the program which will be providing you with utmost level of gains. You can find also some folks that will be greatly thinking about acquiring an vehicle insurance policy that could be furnished at small high quality prices but in the very same time are going to be delivering very good insurance. The car insurance calculator will probably be of great use fro calculating the premium prices for that insurance level which you’re desiring to obtain. There are some insurance policy which will be customized according to your choice.

The high risk auto insurance will be a fabulous method for all individuals people who are suing an aged fancy car and for drivers who will be subjected in direction of rash driving.

Simple steps to help you draw car

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

There are many people that are looking and exploring for some fascinating ways to complete their dream of drawing a car. If you are 1 from the people who find themselves greatly annoyed by looking at the numerous best versions of cars that are on display during the auto shows and eager to replicate them in a beautiful method then the software program that is becoming offered the following will be of fantastic use to fulfill your wish in a quite easy method.

The Draw A Car device might help you to incorporate different types of patterns such that you just will be in a position to attract the auto of one’s hope inside a precise process. Also you’ll find spectacular functions that will automatically support that you gain proportions which will make your vehicle to glimpse a lot more appealing and feasible. The a href=”http://drawacarsecrets.com/”>How To Draw A Car device will also be delivering you with some stunning aid functions to help you you to definitely discover this application in a very rapid method.

You will discover previously many individuals who have been completely really satisfied by this program. The How To Draw A Car Step By Step will unquestionably be one particular in the greatest resources which will inspire you in a ideal probable method to assist you attract the cars.

Low-cost auto components for successful replacement

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Despite the fact that there are frequent and repeated news that the scientists have designed special alloys that have the capabilities of protecting themselves from numerous wears and tars by rejuvenation there has for no reason been even a single vehicle which has been with that ability.

It really is incredibly widespread that a number of the automobile parts get repaired commonly and there arises a ought to replace it. The auto accessories the low cost auto elements can be availed in two means, it can either be element in some shops or even a 2nd hand auto be purchased as well as the spare stages is usually utilized on your intent. Here within this on the internet shop you may be ready to discover variety of spare components that could be of excellent high quality and also the expense of these auto stages shall be of very low array. Undoubtedly there is not going to be any complications for replacement choice due on the great nature of this auto components plus the precise pattern with which they’re becoming built.

There shall be list of various automobile components which can be available within this on the internet internet site that will just serve as being a virtual catalogue. You are able to go to this web site to purchase range of products and solutions and the products and solutions shall be shipped in rapid period of time.

Gain income through car and motorbike written content

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

With this digital globe there is usually a fantastic level of passion among people inside the field of internet site. There are many folks that write about numerous topics in web site. A single on the most well-known locations becoming emerging from a quick method is car contents.

Auto Content Cash gives you a good opportunity to gain significant total of cash from a very short time frame. This consists of many articles about a variety of attributes of automobiles this kind of as engines, clutches, brakes and other crucial and minor characteristics of automobiles. The Auto Content Cash Review may help you to definitely make great quantity of money. You just need to say anything which can be closely related to the field of automobile. The supply of earning is by way of advertisers who is going to be drastically interested in this regard. There are also quite a few individuals who have observed this site for being of good use in understanding about numerous points.

There is also Auto Content Cash Bonus which provides you with very good total of benefits for wide variety of duties which you carry out within this web page. It also guides you in different difficulties which you encounter by offering appropriate remedies. This web page will certainly provide you with best possibility that lets one to generate huge number of dollars in an exceptionally short time.

Tips on How to Rent a Car

Friday, February 12th, 2010

If you are planning to do any traveling, either business or personal, you’ll likely want to rent a car upon arrival at your destination. Most airports have car rental agencies onsite for your convenience. These tips on how to rent a car will help you get the best deal.

The major international car rental agencies have offices all around the world. There is no such thing as Costa Rica Car Rental the best company in this industry. It really does pay to look around for the best offer. Rates will depend on the type of vehicle, the time period, and things like agency specials. You can easily compare prices online and you can reserve your car online too.

Almost all rental cars have automatic transmission, radio, and air conditioning. Even if you request a manual transmission, chances are it won’t be available upon arrival. If you are traveling with children that will require car restraint seats, make sure to request them when you book your car.

If you are renting a car in Costa Rica, an international license can be helpful in proving to the agency that you have a valid license especially if they aren’t familiar with the licenses from your country.

Rental companies have different rules about who they will rent a car to. Some will not rent to anyone under the age of 25 while others won’t rent to anyone over the age of 70. Other rent to drivers under 25 but charge a premium. Check with the agencies for restrictions before you book.

The Car Rental Costa Rica business is extremely competitive so prices change frequently. That’s way is best to try to see all the options before you make a choice. Some companies offer regular advertised deals; others have a lot of special promotions that might be vrey interesting. If business is slow you are likely to be able to get a better rate than if you are trying to rent during peak seasons. No one agency has the monopoly on best prices. It just depends, so do your homework and don’t be afraid to try to barter a better price! You can always get some great deals!

Sometimes if you booked through a travel agent, you might get a better price on your rental car. Some packages even include the rental fees. Compare these offers to see which is best.

The car rental insurance is where many agencies really soak you. The collision damage waiver and theft insurance they attempt to sell you is priced ridiculously high. But you also cannot risk driving without it. Some auto insurance companies have a rider that covers you and some credit cards also provide you with free coverage. See what you can do to avoid purchasing the rental agency’s insurance because it almost double the price of your rental.

Now that you know how to rent a car and get the best deal, you’ll have a few extra dollars in your pocket to start planning that next vacation.

How O2 Sensors Fight Pollution?

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

As the name suggests, oxygen sensors are used to monitor the level of oxygen in the engine of the car. An oxygen sensor is fitted on the exhaust pipes of almost every car that was made after 1980. It is mounted between the catalytic converter and exhaust manifold. This sensor monitors the presence of oxygen in the emissions from the car and sends signals to the car’s management computer about it.

This sensor is one of the least known, yet most important parts of the car. Most O2 sensors use a zirconium ceramic bulb as the sensing element. The bulb is coated with platinum on both sides. The internal part of this bulb is vented through the body of the sensor and the external part bears the hot gases coming out of the exhaust pipe.

After sensing the amount of oxygen in the emissions, the sensor generates a voltage which is used by the car’s computer to detect the imbalance in the fuel/oil ratio in the engine. As we all know, gasoline engines run on a mixture of oxygen and fuel. In order to work efficiently, the ration between oxygen and fuel should be 14:7. Any imbalance in this ratio can not only damage the car, but also create a lot of air pollution.

Thus, we can say that having a good and perfectly working O2 sensor in our car can help us fight pollution and global warming. Let’s see the ways in which oxygen sensors help curb pollution:

Besides environment, air fuel ratio sensor also helps you save money. More mileage and efficient usage of fuel naturally results in more savings. You save hundreds of dollars on your monthly bills because of the oxygen sensors in your car. Don’t believe us? Then, ask any expert mechanic to give you an estimate on how much will your car’s mileage will be if you remove the oxygen sensor. The answer will shock.

It is a fact that cars cause pollution. But there are some parts which help decrease this pollution to certain extent. It is your moral and social duty to maintain those parts in perfect condition.

What’s the easiest way to sell a car?

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Selling a car is a real headache for most people. Tyre kickers, advertising costs, day trippers, test-pilots, dealers and dreamers are all issues for anyone selling a car.

Let’s assume you are buying another car – new or slightly used.? If it’s a private sale then the seller is not likely to want to take your old car in part-exchange.? If you are buying from a dealer a part-ex may appeal, but it can leave you out of pocket.

A private sale is usually a testing and time consuming experience.? Firstly you have to advertise the car – maybe in Autotrader, on Ebay, in another online directory, or maybe advertise it in your local paper.? Secondly you have to photograph the car, and make sure it’s attractive in the pictures.? Usually that means when it’s not raining (or snowing!) – and when it’s light. Finding an hour to take pics of the car in Britain isn’t always as easy as it sounds……

You have to wash it first.? Take your car to the nearest car wash and give it a through cleaning, both interior and exterior. Remove every thing from the boot, back seats, and floor.

Don’t spend money fixing the car if it has any mechanical and electrical faults, unless it’s very minor like replacing the fuse or a bulb. If it has any more major faults you need to be honest to the buyer if they come to view.

You have to pay to advertise.? Advertising doesn’t come with money-back guarantees, but you’ve paid the money, uploaded the pictures and you’re sat waiting by the phone.?? Sadly the most frequent callers for advertised cars are other advertisers trying to get you to advertise with them instead.? When you do get an interested caller you have to make sure it’s clean (again), and arrange a time for them to view the car. ? Maybe they will turn up, maybe they won’t.

The next problem – do you really want strangers coming to your home? ? It’s OK for bright, young confident men to show their car to prospective buyers, but what if you are a single lady, or perhaps not confident with strangers?

And what are you going to do if the potential purchaser wants a test drive?? What about the insurance?? What if they want the car inspected and you have to take more time off work?? If the sale does go through, how are they going to pay for the car?? Is the cash real money or have they printed it at home?? Will the Banker’s Draft turn out to be a forgery?

So what about a part-ex with the dealership? Unless you really know the market you’ll be like Geoff Boycott on Day 5 of a test match – always on the back foot.? It’s the dealer’s job to beat you down on price.

Most car dealerships specialise.? They are called dealer franchises.? Let’s say you have got a Focus and want a Mondeo.? The Ford dealer might give you a decent part-ex offer because they know what your Focus is worth.? They might even resell it on their forecourt.? If you’ve got a Ford though and want an Audi or a Fiat you won’t get the best price for your Ford because the dealer will have to resell it within the trade.? Why is that a problem?? It’s a problem because the Audi dealer doesn’t really know what your Focus is worth, so they will build in a margin for error.? That means they will offer you less than it’s worth just in case they make a mistake.

Even if your dealer is a main franchised dealer and you are buying the same make again, you get either a good part-ex price or a discount off the price of your new car – not both.

And what if you aren’t changing your car?? What if you are emigrating, going travelling for a year or getting a company car?? Then you are back to a private sale….and we know the problems that involves!

There is now another option.??That Car Buyer offer a quick, no fuss alternative.

Our aim is to make the selling process simple and free, all you need to do is go to?That Car Buyer and enter the registration number and current mileage of your car along with some basic information and you get an instant no obligation offer for your vehicle.

This solves the problems of selling your car without trying to sell it yourself, and puts you in pole position with the dealer if you are buying a new car.? You can take the money and negotiate a discount off your new car, or if you don’t need another car just leave the money in the bank.

When you accept the website offer, we will arrange to pick up your car when it’s convenient, free of charge. We pay the money direct into your account before we take it away. Selling online with?That Car Buyer is really easy!