Thursday, March 25, 2010 — THE MEDICINE HAT NEWS GAS CITY PRE-OWNED

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Is buying a used vehicle worth it?

7 Green Interior Car Care Tips

Making green changes to the way you care for your vehicle extends beyond the type of fuel you use or keeping your tires properly inflated. Modifications to the way you care for the interior can mean the difference between eco-friendly and not.

Many times detailing the interior of a vehicle requires a lot of strong chemicals. But it doesn't have to.

1. Keep up with mess. If you clean as items become soiled, you won't have to rely on harsh chemicals to remove set-in stains.

2. Replace carpeted mats for rubberized ones. Choose recycled rubber mats, which will require a hose-down instead of shampooing with strong carpet cleaners.

3. Invest in a quality shop vacuum or high-powered vacuum. Routinely vacuum the interior of the vehicle to prevent ground-in dirt.

4. Buy seat covers. Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean upholstery, removable seat covers may be able to be washed in a washing machine and cleaned with eco-friendly detergents.

5. Stock up on dusting cloths. Static-charged dusting cloths can be used to collect dust and debris from the dashboard and instrument panel. This reduces the need for spray dusting products.

6. Replace interior air filters. Most newer vehicles have an air filtration system for the interior of the vehicle. Clogged filters can proliferate contaminants inside the cabin of the car. Frequently change the filters to ensure cleaner interior air quality.

7. Leather interior fixer. You don't need expensive or harsh products to condition leather interior. To clean leather seats, for example, use a small drop of eco-friendly dish liquid worked into a damp rag. Clean the stain or seats. Use a damp, clean rag to collect any remaining moisture and soap residue. Buff with a dry cloth. Apply a miniscule amount of olive oil to a cloth and work it into the leather to condition it. Don't use too much or you'll be left with oily seats and a mess. (MS)

The warm weather is finally here and many people will suddenly be overcome with a strong desire to buy a new vehicle. But not everyone has a bagful of cash at his or her disposal. So while some people will be shopping for the latest luxury sedan, others will be looking to buy a solid used vehicle to replace the old clunker that probably won't survive another winter.

But how risky is it to buy a used car or truck? That depends on the age of the vehicle and how careful you are. The more recent the vehicle and the more cautious you are when it comes to looking at used vehicles, the more likely you will end up with a vehicle that will run well for many years. In fact, vehicles that are only two or three years old have probably been well maintained by the dealer, and chances are it still has the balance of the manufacturer's warranty.

To minimize the risk of buying a used vehicle, go to a reputable used car dealer. While some older models may have a few mechanical glitches, the majority of these repairs are quite reasonable. However, the older the car, the greater the risk. You might be dying to buy a Trans Am from the 1970s, but you should think twice. The cost of keeping this vehicle running could far surpass what you would spend on taxis! On the other hand, if you are on good terms with an excellent mechanic or have a friend who is an expert when it comes to vehicles, you might be willing to run the risk. It would also help if you enjoy doing your own car repairs, because there could be a lot of them in store for you. (MS)

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