The auto industry and their dealers are rife with scams and fraud and the potential buyer needs to be armed with the knowledge of how these scams work and how to avoid them. There are many dealers that run reputable businesses and can get buyers into a vehicle without using fraudulent means, but there are always those individuals or companies that are looking for ways to take consumers for a ride. The state of California, San Diego and Los Angeles in southern California in particular, is home to many of these scam artists. Even smaller states like Oklahoma have their share of fraud cases and attorneys there are as busy as lawyers in the larger California market. If you are fortunate, you won't be a victim of one of these disreputable dealers, but it is wise to be aware of potential scams before you head to the dealer. Here are some tips on dealing with auto fraud.

People with bad credit are often the victim of fraud at dealerships. They are easy prey, often due to the fact... [more]

In this day and age, who isn't concerned about car safety. Why, it seems that every day, you read about a new terrible and tragic car accident on the roadways, which is enough to practically make you want to become a hermit. No matter how much attention you put into car safety, it never seems like enough, as the safest drivers in the safest cars still sometimes get struck by a tragic fate. Although there is no perfect solution to this or any other problem, nonetheless, your car safety can be maximized and your chances for disaster minimized if you are willing to take some simple precautions.

One of the best things you can do to help increase your automotive safety is to learn defensive driving. A lot of defensive driving is really a matter of common sense and courtesy, nonetheless courses can be taken to improve your driving skills. Although a car with a good automotive safety rating is a great investment, it is a moot point if you can manage to avoid having a collision to... [more]

When needing a replacement part for you car, where do you shop? Like many motorists you may head down to the big box retailer for all of your needs. A good choice both for value and for selection. Still, mostly any retailer is limited as to what they can stock. This especially holds true if you drive a rare or uncommon vehicle. Try finding a window regulator for your '69 Torino at the parts store; they'll get it for you but it will have to be back ordered. So, where should you shop? That's up to you, but let's goes over the options that you have.

The Salvage Yard. Let's admit it: there isn't anything wrong with going to the junkyard to find the part you need. My '78 VW Rabbit's window handle broke and I snagged one off of a junker for just a few bucks. Still, if you are looking for a radiator, engine, exhaust stuff, or anything else that actually runs, you risk that the part will fail soon after you place it in your car. Naturally, the price you pay through the junkyard ... [more]