Vans, Cars and Leasing

There are numerous factors that determine a vehicle’s resale value, such as the make and model of the vehicle as well as its age, mileage and overall condition. Although a large portion of the resale value is predetermined, car owners can increase the value by taking proper care of the vehicle to keep it in its optimum condition.

The service specialists at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge provide the following tips to help car owners prepare their vehicles for resale or trade-in:

* Have all ownership materials. The documentation that accompanied the vehicle when first purchased is a key component in resale value. Ownership materials include the warranty manual and owner’s manual. It also is important to have the spare key and, when applicable, the convertible top boot cover.

* Look under the hood and fill all fluids. These include brake fluid, power steering fluid and wiper fluid, along with oil, coolant and antifreeze.

* Do basic operational checks. First, check the dashboard to see if any warning lights are lit and address any indicated problems. Second, make sure all lights, locks, windows, wipers, turn signals, the trunk release, mirrors, seat belts, defrosters, the horn, air conditioning and heat systems and seat adjusters work. Accessories that were purchased with the vehicle, such as heated seats or a sunroof, should also be in working order.

* Conduct your own road test. Make sure the vehicle easily starts and the gear selector functions properly. Also, check steering performance and make sure that the cruise control, overdrive, gauges and sound system are in tip-top shape. Finally, check to see if the acceleration and brakes are operating effectively.

* Check for leaks. Inspect under the hood for any dramatic decreases in fluid levels.

* Evaluate overall appearance. Externally, check for dents and scratches, ensure all the wheels match and are filled, and remove any decals and stickers. Internally, clean the floors, mats and seats, along with the panels and dashboard. Remove all personal items from the glove compartment and trunk. Finally, have your vehicle professionally washed and detailed prior to having the resale value evaluation.

And lastly, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge specialists recommend regular service and maintenance checkups by certified automotive experts throughout your vehicle’s life. Although your dealership should keep a detailed history of your vehicle on file, keep your own record of all checkups and maintenance performed on your vehicle in a logbook to demonstrate that proper care was provided.

Most of us get by quite happily having nothing other than a car to get around in, but other people have needs and requirements that mean a car doesn’t quite fit the bill.

But looking for what you need can be a real headache. Buying a car isn’t too difficult – there are plenty of dealerships and garages that have forecourts filled with likely specimens. But vans of all types are a little harder to come by in your everyday travels.

But there is a solution. Whatever kind of van you need – from a small van for work, to a caravan for going on holiday – searching for one online is far easier than driving round all your local showrooms or looking in the papers.

The main advantage is in the speed at which you can find the kind of van you are looking for. The search facilities available on each site generally allow you to narrow down the number of vans which appear on your screen, so you are instantly limiting the results to those you are most likely to be interested in. Think about the keywords that will find the listings you are after - you might want to search for a specific colour or size or other criteria.

For example, you might be passionate about attending boot fairs each and every Sunday morning while the weather is good, and your car just isn’t big enough to hold the amount of items you now have. All you really need is a small van with rear and side access, so you simply search for those terms and see what comes up. Alternatively you might have a specific make and model of van in mind, in which case those will be your search terms.

If you’re looking for caravans for sale you’ll also find a large number of caravan classified ads online. As there are far more variables when searching for your ideal caravan, it’s a good idea to write down the main features you are looking for before you begin. You might want a certain size, or one which comes with a detachable awning, for example. Anything you can do to narrow down the number of classified ads you have to search through will save you time in the long run.

If you already have a van and you are looking to get rid of it in favour of a newer model, why not consider selling your current van online? Make sure all the relevant information is included in your advert, and think about those keywords – they could get you a sale far sooner than you think.

Online classified ads are getting excellent responses all across the internet. Whatever you are selling – from a toy car to a real van – a classified ad is the best way to get your item seen.