Web Watch @ Your Library #12 - September 2004 - Other back Issues

Car Costs and Car Care

A car or a vehicle is a major expense for most households … and these costs are rising.  Some web sites which may help you save money in this area, with tips and information on buying and selling a vehicle, vehicle recalls, caring for your car or vehicle, and auto insurance, are listed below.

The Canadian Black Book - www.canadianbla ckbook.com
This web site offers information about current vehicle values … very useful for those who are buying/selling a used vehicle, or who are negotiating a price for a trade-in.

Canadian Driver Magazine- www.canadiandriver.com/
“Canadian Driver” covers new vehicle test drives, previews, a price guide, used car reviews, product reviews, advice on various issues eg. winter driving, and directories of car manufacturers, clubs, organizations, events and more.

Car Cost Canada - www.carcostcanada.com
Information about car dealers’ invoice costs are provided, as a benchmark for negotiating a fair price.  The pros and cons of leasing and buying a vehicle are also discussed. 

Lemon Aid Cars- www.lemonaid cars.com
The author of the “Lemon Aid” new and used car guides, Phil Edmonston, provides updates on vehicle safety, maintenance, “best and worst buys” and legal issues.

Transport Canada - www.tc.gc.ca/
Click on “Road” to find tips on buying, driving and maintaining your vehicle, as well as information on road safety and road conditions.  Click on “Information for Drivers” for information on vehicle recalls and defects.

The United States Department of Transportation- www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
A variety of useful information may be found here – for example, vehicle recalls, vehicle information such as air bags and tires, traffic safety, child passenger safety, average fuel economy, and more.     

The CBC Marketplace: Vehicles - www.cbc.ca/consumers/mark et/files/cars/
Fact sheets from CBC’s Marketplace Files discuss vehicle safety, vehicle costs and auto insurance, as well as news and issues relating to vehicles (eg. biodiesel fuel, airbags).

The Canadian Automotive Association - www.caa.ca
Look here for automotive tips, news and issues, as well as travel information (eg. current highway conditions).  Be sure to check “Autopinion”, an annual survey of more than 20,000 members on the reliability of different models.

Canada Online About.com - www.canadaonline.about.com/od/con sumerprotection
Click on “Cars” for a variety of helpful articles and reports about buying and selling cars, auto insurance, car maintenance, and car safety.

Motor Trend Magazine - www.motortrend.com/
Motor Trend Magazine’s web site includes road test results for cars, vans, pickup trucks, sport & utility vehicles, as well as top stories in the car world.