The VIN is usually found at the upper left side of your vehicles dashboard. If you found it, you would see all 17 characters on it. The first character represents the nation of origin of your vehicle, although it could also stand for the final point of assembly. For example, J is for Japan, W is for Germany, 1 is for the US, and 2 is for Canada.

The next character is actually the code of the manufacturer. A is for Audi, B is for BMW, L is for Lincoln, and N is for Nissan. These are just a few. Of course, there are various characters for each one. The characters number four to eight are actually information or codes about the vehicles series, body type, restraint system, and engine code. As per the ninth character, it is the so-called check digit. It could be a number from 0 to 9 or it could also be the letter X. This is called such for officers and experts in this field could actually know if you have tampered with your vehicle through this character.

The 10th characters position actually indicates the model year. A is for 1980, B is for 1981, C is for 1982, D is for 1983, E is for 1984, F is for 1985, G is for 1986, H is for 1987, J is for 1988, K is for 1989, L is for 1990, M is for 1991, N is for 1992, P is for 1993, R is for 1994, S is for 1995, T is for 1996, V is for 1997, W is for 1998, X is for 1999, Y is for 2000, 1 is for 2001, 2 is for 2002, 3 is for 2003, 4 is for 2004, 5 is for 2005, 6 is for 2006, 7 is for 2007, 8 is for 2008, and 9 is for 2009.

The 11th character shows the place where the vehicle is assembled. If you see the number 9 in that position, it would mean that the vehicle has been assembled in Detroit, Michigan. The characters from the 12th to the 17th positions are the production sequence numbers.

It is important for you to be able to understand the VIN. After all, it contains various pieces of information about your vehicle. It is also your vehicles unique identifier. Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts are also unique when it comes to producing and dealing their Jaguar 420 parts and other Jaguar parts. In their comprehensive line up, they do also have brakes, service tools, and climate control parts.

What Does The VIN Mean? is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com

• The theory test is a computer-based test at various tests centres around the country.
• This section is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind driving.
• Before the test starts you’ll be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
• You have 57 minutes to complete the test. There is a 15-minute practice session you can work through before starting the tests.
• The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you’re hoping to obtain a licence for, i.e. a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don’t appear in any other test.
• A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer.
• You can navigate between questions and ‘flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.
• For cars and motorcycles you’ll be asked randomly selected 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes and you need to get at least 43 right to pass.
• For lorries and buses you’ll be asked 60 questions in 70 minutes and the pass mark is 51 out of 60.
• The cost of the theory test is 28.50

B. Hazard Perception Test
After the break you’ll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.

• This forms a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time.
• This section is designed to tests your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving.
• The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse.
• You’ll be presented with a series of 14 video clips each about a minute long, which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there’ll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
• The videos feature various types of hazard, such as road conditions, vehicles and pedestrians.
• The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score.
• There are 15 scoreable hazards in the tests and candidates can score up to 5 points on each hazard.
• Unlike multiple choice questions, for the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles e.g. car, bike, heavy vehicle etc, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.
• You won’t be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you’ll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.
• The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75. For lorries and buses the pass mark is 50 out of 75.

At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you’ll be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.

You don’t have to answer the questions if you don’t want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don’t affect the result of the test.

When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you’ll not be allowed to enter it again. You’ll then be given your result by the test centre staff.

theory test – rules is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com

The National Tire Safety Week was launched so as to assist drivers in understanding the basic tire care. Aside from this, the fact remains that there is still that need for proper tire maintenance. From researches done, the statistics have shown that around 85 percent of drivers do not actually check their vehicles tire pressure properly.

Engineer Steve Mazor who is the Auto Clubs principal automotive engineer states, Not knowing the condition of your vehicles tires is equal to pouring money down the drain. Proper tire inflation is necessary to for safe driving and to reduce gas costs. He continues, Under inflated tires can cut fuel economy by up to two percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level. During every fill up, motorists should walk around their vehicles and check tires for uneven or excessive tread wear and proper inflation. Drivers can refer to their vehicles doorjamb or glove box for original specifications or the manufacturer of the replacement tire for tire pressure inflation.

As per statistics that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has, nearly one out of every three vehicles on the roads and highways has a significant under inflated tire. Aside from this fact is that there are some 600 fatalities and around 33,000 injuries that happen every year. These are results of low tire pressure related crashes.

On the other hand, Auto Parts Discounts collection of discount Buick parts and other vehicles parts are simply accessed at its site. These assist in keeping your vehicle in tiptop shape. Their Buick parts are one of the lowest priced and are produced with great durability.

Your Tire Counts is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com

One of the most interesting aspects of collecting auto brochures is that they provide a unique social history of the time they were produced.

For example if you have a brochure for a Volkswagen Beetle from the 1960s you will find information about the time in which it was produced like hairstyles, clothing and popular decor of the time.

Add to this, the fact that most brochures can be bought inexpensively and take up little space to store (unless you get obsessed!) you have the basis for a popular and rewarding hobby.

However, as with all collecting there are many ways (especially as a beginner) that you can come unstuck and end up spending your hard earned money on inferior, fake or incomplete brochures.

Over the coming weeks, amongst other things I will cover the purchase, safe-keeping and suggested themes for brochure collections and provide an analysis of a number of my favourite brochures both expensive and in one case commonly available for less than 4 or $8!

Hopefully you will find my articles both a valuable resource and one that improves your knowledge of this area of collecting.

An introduction to collecting car brochures. is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com

The world of automobile marketing has changed drastically in the last generation. Gone are brands that are purely set behind national borders and localized brands. Instead, vehicles are being sold that wear one label but are actually built by another manufacturer. Globalism is here and automakers have openly embraced these changes.

Volkswagens Polo is a likely entry into the U.S. market as a model that would fit nicely below VWs Golf in its American line up. Many manufacturers are changing their car lines to allow for smaller cars to become the new entry level vehicles in their fleets. Here are some examples of cars that recently were introduced or soon will find their way into car lines:

Chevrolet: Korean automaker Daewoo, a GM subsidiary, supplies the Aveo for Chevrolet. This bottom rung car is positioned directly below the Cobalt.

Honda: After 35 years, the Civic will no longer be the entry level model for Honda. An even smaller car, the Jazz, will be imported in about one years time.

Mercedes: Yes, even a luxury automaker such as Mercedes is contemplating bringing in one or two lines of cars smaller than its current baby Mercedes line, the C Class cars.

BMW: Ditto for the another German luxury make.

Dodge: With the Neon replacement Caliber soon to appear, Dodge is still looking at offering a car smaller than the Caliber for their fleet. With DCXs Mitsubishi relationship scuttled, the Japanese automaker can no longer be relied upon to supply a steady stream of entry level cars for The Chrysler Group.

Enter Volkswagen.

Yes, an unlikely supplier for DCX is Volkswagen, a strong competitor for DCXs Mercedes division in Europe. However, VW has its own needs a minivan and The Chrysler Group will allow VW to market a rebadged version of its minivan in the US. In exchange for the minivan, Dodge gets to market the Polo a tiny 1.2L powered four passenger car that should see city gas mileage of around 35 mpg and highway mileage of just over 50 mpg.

The current Polo is marketed in Europe as three or five door hatchbacks which is not a popular body style in the U.S. VW may ship a specially reconfigured four door sedan instead to ensure interest in the this model within the U.S. market.

Although VW appears committed to this special arrangement with DCX, the Polo could still be sold here as a Volkswagen too. By keeping the hatchback style for VW branded cars only, the Polo might still be available through VW dealers. Include the optional 1.9L turbo diesel and fuel mileage will soar well past sixty miles per gallon. No wonder VW dealers are aching to see the car imported!

2007 Volkswagen Polo: U.S. Debut Stalled? is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com

New Styling Cues Nobody has ever said that the Camry is a knock out when it comes to style. Despite its pedestrian look, the Camry has managed to capitalize on Toyota quality, price, and engineering to present a car that is clearly a best seller. Still, critics have routinely yawned at the Camrys looks, but that will soon all change and dramtically at that. Borrowing some styling cues from Toyotas Lexus line up of luxury cars, the 2007 Camry is expected to delight motorists and critics alike. Witness the recently made over Toyota Avalon: what was once a bland, full sized car has now been transformed into a sleek, luxurious sedan.

Time For A Hybrid Toyota is riding the hybrid crest and it will, therefore, introduce hybrid technology into the Camry line up. Like all other Camry models, the hybrid version will also be built in the US, making it the first Toyota hybrid to be built outside of Japan. However, the battery and inverter will be imported from Japan while the engine will be Kentucky built. The Camry will join the Prius and the Highlander as the third Toyota model to offer hybrid technology.

More Power Expected to be in the same size range as the current model, the Camry will keep its current four and six cylinder engines, but both will be reworked enough to crank out additional horsepower without compromising on fuel economy.

The Camrys chief competitor over the past decade has been the Honda Accord. With a hybrid offering available and an improved appearance in place, the Camry is likely to strengthen its hold on the top seller category when the new model is released.

No one knows for sure if the hybrid phase is simply a fad or something that will ultimately catch on. With government credits still available and high gas prices at the pump, Americans continue to look at hybrids as a viable alternative to thirsty internal combustion engines. Toyota, for its part, continues to capitalize on this trend and the Camry is the latest vehicle in Toyotas expanding arsenal to successfully incorporate hybrid technology.

2007 Toyota Camry: A Hybrid For A Leader is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com

Since Saturns first cars became available in 1990, the brand has attracted a loyal following of owners who liked the companys simplicity and consumer friendly dealer network. Indeed, Saturns no haggle pricing revolutionized the relationship between dealer and customer changing the typical adversarial business transaction into a partnership benefiting buyer and seller alike.

Originally, Saturn was established as a separate company, but wholly owned by General Motors. The idea behind Saturn was that the company would build import fighting small cars to compete against the likes of Toyota and Honda. The S-Series, made with ding proof polymer side panels was an immediate hit and Saturn relied exclusively on this line of compact coupes, sedans, and wagons for nearly a decade before a second, larger model was introduced.

The dream of keeping Saturn separate from GM eventually died and the brand was brought into the GM fold to be managed much like Chevrolet, Buick, etc. are today. Indeed, the Spring Hill, Tennessee factory, which was exclusively designed to build Saturn vehicles remains in business, but many of the divisions cars are now being built elsewhere including the SKY.

So, the SKY has caught your attention, has it? Who could blame you? Pictures of the SKY have been circulating heavily online for months and it is certainly an attractive vehicle. Based on GMs new Kappa platform, the SKY shares some components with the earlier released Pontiac Solstice, another two seat roadster. The SKY, however, has its own look with a very pronounced fender peak and sleek body style. Here are some of the attributes of the SKY:

- Front engine, rear drive, two seat roadster

- 50/50 front/rear weight distribution

- Manually operated cloth covered top folds down into the trunk

- Front pivoting hood

- 2.4L I4 engine producing 177 h.p. paired with a 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic transmission

- 18 inch wheels; 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS

- Power galore: air conditioning, locks, windows, doors, AM/FM/CD, etc.

The SKY was priced and designed to compete against two other roadsters, the Honda S2000 and Mazdas Miata. Although the SKY is technically a sister car to the Solstice, it appears that it is better suited to compete against the Japanese brands as the Saturn roadster comes fully equipped and incorporates a sleeker body design. Taking nothing away from the Pontiac, the SKY is definitely the more competitive of the two.

For Saturn, the SKY improves the brands image immeasurably. Much in the way that the Corvette is a halo car for Chevrolet the SKY will be the same for Saturn. Production will be limited to just 10-12,000 vehicles annually and purchasing a SKY will likely mean buyers paying well over sticker price for their car. Indeed, some reports are indicating dealer mark ups as high as $5000 in the face of stiff demand.

Beyond the SKY, Saturn will also be introducing a second new vehicle this year, the Aura. Replacing the L-Series, the Aura midsize sedan borrows heavily from GMs European division, Opel, and incorporates the bold design of SKY in its front end.

Yes, the days of being known as a builder of compact plastic cars in Tennessee is over; a new Saturn is rising and if all the hoopla related to the SKY is any indication, Saturns future is certainly very promising.

2007 Saturn SKY: The Wait Is Over is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com

The L Series wasnt a bad car, it just got lost in a sea of competition dominated by popular Camrys, versatile Accords, and dependable Tauruss. Bland styling didnt help matters either as the car never approached General Motors expectations, therefore the automaker decided to drop the model from Saturns then spartan line up.

Unfortunately for Saturn dealers, a void in an already small line up was left wide open. True, the all-new RELAY crossover was brought in as the L Series made its exit, but it certainly wasnt a sedan and it wasnt meant to replace the L Series. Thankfully, GM did not fill the hole in Saturns line with yet another me too rebadged Chevy or Pontiac. Instead, the automaker promised to develop a fresh model based on a new GM platform and by incorporating Opel styling and technology. Thus, the seeds of the all new AURA were planted and the harvest has now hit a showroom near you.

So, exactly what do you get with the all new AURA? Well, one thing you wont get is a four cylinder engine. Unlike the Toyota Camry, the AURA is only offering a pair of six cylinder engines. Likely, this wont be a problem for most buyers as the two AURA engines are different enough to give customers a real choice: the 3.5L V6 comes equipped with a four speed automatic transmission while the optional 3.6L DOHC V6 is mated to a six speed automatic transmission. Some buyers may be disappointed by the lack of a manual transmission, so GM will have to watch this closely to see if additional sales could be realized by introducing a potent six speed manny tranny.

Beyond the powerplant, the AURA comes nicely equipped. Since its chief competitors will be the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, Saturn could ill afford to produce a car short on anything. Thus, the base AURA will be priced right MSRP of $20,595 and include the following standard equipment:

Optional equipment for the standard model includes aluminum wheels, leather interior, sunroof, premium sound system and more. The base model is known as the XE with the up market XR featuring the larger engine and a very long list of standard equipment. Add about $4000 to the price of the base XE to get an XR.

Saturn hopes that the bold styling of the AURA will cause shoppers to take a closer look. Now that the Camry has finally shed its bland image, Saturn can ill afford to go up against the automotive leader with a nondescript model. With a sporty grille, comely lines, and an attractive B pillar, the AURA goes well beyond the L Series and is sure to attract buyers to the Saturn fold.

The AURA also is a departure from Saturns Spring Hill, Tennessee roots as it is built in GMs Kansas City facility alongside the Chevrolet Malibu. Based on GMs Epsilon platform, the AURA effectively combines GM and Opel technology and styling in an all new model. This is a bold move on GMs part one that the worlds number one automaker is pinning on reviving a brand that desperately needs this type of stylish model.

2007 Saturn AURA: The Wait Is Over! is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com

In 1982, this vehicle was introduced bearing the name Nissan Sentra, instead of its Japanese name Sunny, in the United States. Currently, other countries have also been having the name Sentra, instead of Sunny, and these countries include Mexico and Brazil. At present, this vehicle comes with either a 1.8 liter four-cylinder QG18DE engine that is capable of producing 126 horsepower, or the 175 horsepower 2.5 liter four-cylinder QR25DE engine that is also beign used by the Nissan Altima. One of the things that Nissan and the Nissan Sentra is proud of is that it was included for four years, from 1991 to 1994, on the Car and Driver magazines Ten Best list for those years.

The all-new 2007 Nissan Sentra is claimed to target the active lifestyle of the current generation. It makes it first world debut at the North American International Auto Show that will be held in Detroit. It offers all the expected features that the previous generations of the Nissan Sentra has which includes good fuel economy, high levels of durability, quality, reliability, safety, an affordable price, and low cost of ownership. However, it does not only bring these features for it could not be called all-new if there would not be any changes done to it. The 2007 Nissan Sentra adds a completely unexpected level of style, roominess, responsiveness, and versatility that is what the young, active, highly social targeted buyers live in and need. It is also nicely equipped with power door locks and windows, side-impact curtain air bags, and air conditioning. It has been crafted to be much larger than the previous models and is offering one of the largest interior volumes in the compact car class. It is built on the Nissans new C platform. It offers easier entrance as well as enhanced headroom.

As per the 2007 Nissan Sentras interior, it has a new roomy one that features an array of innovative comfort and convenience. The list includes a 60/40 split double-folding rear seat with a fold-flat seat back angle so as to guarantee better utilization of the wide trunk pass-through opening; a special trunk divider panel that creates a hidden truck storage compartment; and an integrated overhead compact disc holder.

Auto Parts Discount is where customers can get genuine Nissan Sentra parts and Nissan parts and accessories at wholesale prices.

2007 Nissan Sentra: For an Active Lifestyle is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com

Over the years, plenty of automakers have taken a popular selling model and elevated it one notch. Why? For a few reasons: to capitalize on demand for the model a more luxurious version typically carries more profits with it then the base model. Instead of losing customers to another model [or worse, another make] when they are ready to trade up, why not move up the model instead? Another reason: the introduction of a newer, but smaller model in the line up. For Nissan, the latter reason holds especially true as the subcompact Versa, a car built to compete against the likes of Scion enters the Nissan line up at about the same time.

The new Sentra is much more roomier than the previous model. In fact, it could be mistaken for a midsize car as it packs in an additional 10 cubic feet of interior space. Other surprises found with the 2007 Sentra include a center console/shifter and dual folding high back rear seats to maximize carrying potential. Importantly, front and side impact air bags are now standard and a whole host of options not previously available with the model can now be had. These options include: smart key accessibility, Bluetooth wireless, a sound system to die for.

Best of all, fuel mileage is exceptionally good. Mating a 2.0L I4 to a six speed manny tranny yields EPA estimated fuel results of 29 city/36 highway. These figures are likely to be at or near the top for any car in its category.

Yes, the Nissan Sentra is a pleasant surprise, one that the Nissan company hopes that you will notice. For people looking for a bargain basement model, the Sentra no longer qualifies. Instead, the tiny Versa takes over and it will deliver two things that Nissan knows you will love: exceptionally high gas mileage and an affordable price starting around $12,000. Look for well equipped Sentras to retail for around $18,000.

2007 Nissan Sentra: Big Surprises Inside! is a post from: Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Vehicles www.mercado5demayo.com