Used Car Buying Tips - Identifying The Origin Of The Plate Of The Car

This article is dedicated to those used car buyers who are paranoid. Especially if the one is a "hot car", which meant stolen or the owner relocated. So, let's start the article without much ado.

Arranged alphabetically:
"A" - Ilocos provinces, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Apayao, Kalinga.
"B" - Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Batanes.
"C" - Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Aurora. 2002 and below year models.
"D" - Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan. 1998 and below year models.
"E" - Camarines provinces, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate.
"F" - Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras.
"G" - Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Siquijor. 2003 and below year models
"H" - Leyte, provinces, Samar provinces, Biliran.
"I" - Not assigned.
"J" - Zamboanga provinces, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao.
"K" - Misamis provinces, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Augusan provinces, Surigao provinces, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands.
"L" - Davao provinces, Compostela Valley.
"M" - North and South Cotabato, Saranggani, Sultan Kudarat.
"N" - Metro Manila. 1981-1982 and 2009-2010 year models.
"O" - Not assigned.
"P" - Metro Manila. 1982-1991 and 2010-2011 year models.
"Q" - Not assigned.
"R" - Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Aurora. 2003 and above year models.
"S" - Government vehicles.
"T" - Metro Manila. 1991-1995 and 2011-2012 year models.
"U" - Metro Manila. 1995-1997 and 2012-2013 year models (estimated).
"V" - Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan. 1999 and above year models.
"W" - Metro Manila. 1998-2001 year models.
"X" - Metro Manila. 2001-2005 year models.
"Y" - Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Siquijor. 2004 and above year models.
"Z" - Metro Manila. 2005-2009 year models.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/License_plates_of_the_Philippines

Car Buying Tips - Buying A Car For A Senior Citizen

There is a point in our lives that all of us grow old. And since our requirements change, let's devote an article for them. Especially if a senior member of our family is getting a car or if you are planning to have one, and grandpa or grandma is part of the daily entourage, read this article and remember these tips when buying.

IF GRANDPA/GRANDMA WILL BE DRIVING

• Try the ingress/egress if he or she can go in and out without complaints.
• Let him/her feel the controls for the air-conditioning, radio, and some handles for opening the trunk, gas lid, doors, and hood. Thick ones are ideal and must be tactile feeling.
• Room and space is a must. Head and leg room is much appreciated by them especially in the driver's cockpit. 
• Adjustable driver seats is an excellent option, and also a must for them. Remember at least 10 inches from the wheel.
• Make sure that the steering wheel can tilt or adjust.
• Gadgets such as a blue tooth system, back up camera, reverse sensors, and large screens are much appreciated.
• It must be easy to maneuver and rear visibility is excellent. If reverse sensors and camera come standard (or as an option), this is an advantage. 
• And lastly, maintaining one (including gasoline, insurance, registration, and parts) must be friendly to the pocket.

IF GRANDPA/GRANDMA WOULD BE DRIVEN

• A soft but comfortable ride would be appreciated. Which means truck based vehicles are out of the picture.
• Low egress/ingress is a plus. High clearance vehicles can be a trouble for them.
• Sliding doors are a good addition, hinged doors is a bad idea.
• Easy to touch window switches, reachable door handles and locks must come standard.
• Additional niceties including a cold air-conditioning system, TV screens, and other convenience features would make the grandpa/grandma happy.
• If that member is riding in a wheelchair, getting a van (i.e Urvan Estate, Hiace Super Grandia, Grand Starex, Kia Carnival, Toyota Alphard, and others) would be a better option and fitting it with a lifter that goes in the rear would be the best option.
• If sedans are in the order, make sure the rear legroom is excellent and their wheelchair (if they have one) would fit in the trunk.

LAST SAY:

To sum this up, make sure that comfort, and ease of use are top priorities for buying a car with a/or for a senior citizen. A test drive done by themselves or make sure you tag them along in the test drive. Besides, let's show how we love them.

Sources:

http://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying/the-4-best-cars-for-elderly-drivers-autos-for-senior-citizens

http://tsikot.com/forums/car-comparisons-72/comfortable-ride-lola-88510/

Used Car Buying Tips - How To Avoid Flooded Cars

Floods are now a common occurrence in our 7,107 islands, no thanks to the effect of global warming and the clogged drainages around us (who causes it? Us). You are not sure if the unit you're checking is flooded since signs of flood cannot be seen by the naked eye itself. Have a mechanic with you and a second companion (a relative or a trusted friend) to help you check and have a second opinion.

So, here are some tell-tale signs that a car was flooded:

• If there are traces of water marks or mud marks in the exterior.
• If oils look soggy and contaminated with water.
• If the engine bay looks dirty.
• If the interior has funny smells and looks dirty.
• If rust in the small hinges (most of them) are evident.
• If electronic gadgets are not working well, this is a sign (and do not attempt it since water and electronics do not mix).
• Wiring could corrode.
• And lastly, if the papers are wet. If it is, walk away.

If you encounter any of these signs, better walk away since it could be a liability in the end. 

Source: http://tsikot.com/forums/car-buying-talk-138/problems-buying-flooded-water-submerged-car-%5Bmerged%5D-63417/

Used Car Buying Tips - Buying Repossessed Cars

Updated: August 30, 2015. The original article was posted in August 8, 2012.

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the term repossess means "to regain possession of" or in the financial sense, to take possession of (something bought) from a buyer in default of the payment of installments due. This article deals with vehicles bought back by banks (or financial institutions) since their owners cannot pay their amortizations billed by banks every month. With the automotive industry selling more than 200,000 since 2013 and all in low down payments being the norm, it is no surprise that more and more repo cars come to your local banks. If you are willing to take the plunge or looking an alternative to buy a used car, read this first before gambling

Where Do I Buy Repossessed Units?
Usually, banks (the largest ones) do have them at their warehouses. These include PS Bank, Union Bank, RCBC Savings, Banco De Oro, BPI, EastWest Bank, Maybank, Chinabank, and Sterling Bank. Other banks do have listings so better check them out. Toyota Financial Services have their repo units along Pasong Tamo Makati. You may Google them out or browse the Sunday Classified Ads of Manila Bulletin.

PS Bank warehouse in Libis, Quezon City

Majority of the units are latest model year vehicles, since financial institutions cannot finance vehicles older than five to seven years old. Majority of them are in varying states of condition, from the untouched to the poor ones. And most of the vehicles are sold in a "as is, where is" basis, and some do have their warranties intact (but read it properly, since some might be forfeited because of some provisions).

Majority of repossessed cars are late model vehicles, with some have no license plates

What To Look At?
Don't do this alone, bring a trusted mechanic with you to check what's fishy with the car you are considering. Check the oil from the engine and the transmission, if they have been replenished and good as new. If possible, make kalikot or open the things that you can open (such as caps in the engine and the handles). As with buying a used car, make sure to drive it around and test every gears (some don't allow a brief test drive). Have a camera ready to take pictures of the car since some douche bag may steal some parts. Expect some inferior quality tires and dead battery, and even some interior stains. Some have been flooded or totally wrecked, so do have an eye for them and avoid. And lastly, check if the registration is named after the bank, with some incidents like a stolen vehicle record may occur.

Some repos are in tip top shape (above), while some have accidents and are in bad shape (below)

You may either participate in a bidding style or buy it one the lot (but remember, lot prices are slightly higher than auction prices). If you participate in the auction, make sure all documents are submitted to their main office and an initial deposit is paid. If you buy straight, make sure that the car is in good condition. If you have the car (or won), all legal documents are in your responsibility.

If Something Goes Wrong
In that case, better have someone in the bank to take care of you. If there are car problems, make sure it could be remedied ahead.

Buying a repossessed car could be a happy moment or a sad day for one. The good thing is they are recent year models but the bad they could be neglected. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to look at them since who knows, you might want that car, for less.

There are some luxury cars, like this Jaguar, that you may dream of

Source:
http://tsikot.com/forums/car-insurance-financing-auto-loans-talk-134/buying-bank-repossessed-cars-23875/

Used Car Buying Tips - How to identify an "ex-taxi"

I stumbled upon an article from everyone's favorite online selling site which used car buyers must know. And today, I'll be sharing this write-up about ex-taxis that are floating in the used car market. Want to know if you're getting a good or sour deal? Read this one and you can outsmart the seller.

Here are some tips before plucking down a deal that you might not know its an ex-taxi.
1. Inspect the plates if there's a small letter H located in the side of the first letter. Also, majority of ex-taxis sport the Rizal plates.
2. Looks may deceive you that some sellers paint the letter "H" to cover it and say you're not buying something that has seen taxi days.
3. Most ex-taxis must have their original plates (Rizal issued ones) and if they sell you with the original yellow plates but say "idrodrop namin yan", be careful with that term.
4. Odometer reading can be questionable. Some might be astonishing high (you can imagine where it was traveled) while some might be tampered
5. Interior is worn out, which must be checked thoroughly. Inspect if the seats are worn out, if the dashboard has holes on it (where the meter was placed); and door locks, handles, and window cranks are present.
6. Paint is low quality, and you might be surprised that the name of the taxicab can be seen even repainted!
7. If the unit had LPG fuel installation, this must be removed before selling.
8. Speedometer won't work (if the unit is uber old) due to a broken cable.

Here are most vehicles that you will (and definitely) encounter being as ex-taxis:
- Toyota Corolla XL/XE Big Body
- Toyota Corolla XL/XE/LE Love Life
- Nissan Sentra JX/LEC B13
- Nissan Sentra FE/EX Saloon B14
- Mitsubishi Lancer EL/GLI Itlog
- Kia Pride Hatchback and sedan
- Mazda 323/323 Familia
- Daewoo Racer ETi/GTi
- Hyundai Excel
- Toyota Vios (they're sprouting one by one)
- Toyota Tamaraw FX (good luck hunting for a private unit)
- Mitsubishi Adventure GL/GLX (not all base models of Adventure are ex-taxis)
- Isuzu Hilander
- Toyota Revo DLX/GL (same comment as the Adventure)

VERDICT
Purchasing an ex-taxi can be a risk and at the same time, a reward. But as with the saying goes for used car buyers, caveat emptor, or in Filipino, bahala ka sa buhay mo.

Source: http://sulit.com.ph/4327306

Car Maintenance Tips: All about vanity and special plates

We Filipinos love to customize our vehicles, and if you have that extra moolah, you can opt for a vanity or special plate for your ride. But, we often mix up these two and mistake for one another. So let me differentiate the two, just prepare the extra cash and time.

Vanity Plates:
You can have it with both of a minimum of three (3) or maximum of six (6) characters which are a mix of numbers and letters or one that consist of four (4) or a maximum of six (6) characters, strictly all numbers or all alphas. The choice is yours on what to place, so let's distinguish the two.

* The plate above can have a maximum of three or maximum of six (6) characters (mixed)
Example: GWAPO, GANDA, H3LL0, JUST4U, S3XAY
* Price for it is P10,000

* The plate above must consist of four (4) or maximum of six (6) characters, but it must be either all numeric or all alphas.
Example: 8888888, 2222, AAAA, ZZZZZZ
* Unlike the one mentioned above, you can acquire one, but through a public auction with a floor price of P50,000. So, good luck in bidding for one.

Special Plates:
This follows the format on our common vehicles but you can personalize it. You can have the numeric part with two or three digits. The alpha portion, is your's to name it but at a maximum of three letters (more on this will be explained in the part).

* These two plates have triple alpha or non-triple alpha plus two (2) numeric character combinations from 01-99.
* With description one in mind, you can use your initials (or your three lettered name) in the alpha part and any number (it could be your birthday, monthsary, favorite number or any number that is memorable to you), but it must be two digits.
Example: ARL 08, LRM 99, MYK 38, EEE 88
* It will set you back P25,000 which includes the handling charge by the authorized LTO courier.

* It has triple alpha and non-triple alpha plus numeric character 100.
* You can pick the letters but the number must be 100, so you have no choice about it. Chinese favorite 888 or the devil's number of 666 are not available if you fancy one.
Example: GMA 100, CKE 100, NOY 100, III 100
* The price? P15,000 inclusive of the handling charge by the authorized LTO courier.

There you have it. You can be vain (apart from flaunting it on Facebook) with your car, but come selling time, you can't take the plate out and transfer it. A good option if you plan to keep the car until it dies or wears out.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/License_plates_of_the_Philippines#Personalized_plates
http://tsikot.com/forums/traffic-laws-infrastructure-parking-135/vanity-plates-special-plates-52115/

Note: With the LTO website being down as of April 2012, I can only give links to other sites that provides similar information.