Sunday August 31st Selecting a New Vehicle

Are you looking for a new vehicle? It's a bit overwhelming with so much to choose from. I had trouble just choosing a colour, let alone deciding on which vehicle I liked. Do you want to feel safe in something like an SUV or do you want a sporty car? I've always wanted a corvette, but at my age I think that idea has gone the same route as my desire for a pony. Are you concerned with fuel economy? With so much to consider, here are a few sources you might want to check.

Lemon-aid SUVs, Vans, And Trucks by Phil Edmonston

For over 30 years now Phil has been helping us buy that new or used vehicle. If you're looking for vehicle ratings, advice on cheap but reliable buys, or information on secret warranties, check it out. He gives you the strong and weak points of each vehicle plus details about reliability, safety complaints and road performance. We also carry his guides to buying used vehicles. His website can be seen at http://www.lemonaidcars.com/


Consumer Reports

As well as at the return of the crows, March means the return of the April edition of Consumer Reports. The April issue covers the best and worst new and used vehicles. It covers reliability, extended warranties and extensive vehicle profiles as well as top picks. The technical information covers subjects such as seating, engine size, acceleration and fuel economy. This magazine is also indexed in the General OneFile database, in our Virtual Collection.

Carguide

The Reference Departments at both Brodie and Waverley carry Carguide magazine. The February issue contains the annual buyers' guide. One of the nice things is that it's Canadian, so the prices and specifications are geared to us.




General OneFile

If you're looking for articles on a vehicle try the General OneFile database in our Virtual Collection. It's on our Web site and all you need to access it is your library card and telephone number. You can search under the name of a vehicle, and then narrow your results by adding a Document Type, such as Evaluation. If you want to be able to read an entire article, select the Limit to full-text box.

Prices

If you're wondering about the cost of a new vehicle or what you might be able to sell your current vehicle for, check out the Canadian Red Book. It can be found in the Reference Departments at Brodie and Waverley.

Epinions

For consumer reviews visit the Epinions website. One of the tabs on the main screen is for Cars. After clicking on it you will see you can narrow your search down by topic, such as class, brand and year of vehicle. It's interesting to read what other owners have to say about a certain vehicle. This may help you decide if the new vehicle you're looking at really is the one for you. We also have this site in our Internet Links, which you can find by clicking on the Virtual Collection tab on our webpage. The Internet Links are on the left side of the screen. You'll find this site and others in the Consumer Information section.
Source: http://www.epinions.com/

Auto Repair Reference Center

If you're in the market for a used vehicle and are wondering if it has had many Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls, have a look at the Auto Repair Reference Center database in our Virtual Collection. This may give you an indication as to whether or not a vehicle seems to be having a lot of problems, which may also help you decide on a
purchase. Two vehicles I was interested in each had 17 bulletins/recalls, while another one had 174. That one was quickly voted off the island.

I hope I've put you on the fast track to finding the perfect set of wheels. Before you start searching, be sure to make a pit stop at your local library.

Karen Craib, Library Technician