Used cars versus new cars – the benefits of buying a pre-owned car

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Barton's Mitsubishi

Finding the perfect vehicle for you and your needs is a long and complex process and your budget is one of the most important requirements. However, choosing between a new or used vehicle isn’t just about budget. Read on to find out the difference between the two to help you decide if you should buy a new or used car in Brisbane.

New cars

There are a number of advantages to buying a new car. The most obvious one is its lack of use. Unlike used cars, it hasn’t been driven, sat in, involved in any accidents or dangerous situations and has very few kilometres on it. They have all the new technology and that new car smell everyone loves. However, there are a few downsides to new cars as well. The biggest one is price. A new car is an expensive purchase and once you buy it, it will start depreciating immediately. While it doesn’t come with much use, it has been test driven and will have a certain amount of kilometres on the clock.

Used vehicles

Buying a used car is a great way to save money and still get a newer, better car than you previously owned. If you head into a dealership, the car will be in the best condition possible for its age and use. This means the dealership would have made it roadworthy and fixed any problems it may have had, as well as probably giving it a good clean and wax. Although it may be older than a new car and have more kilometres, as long as you stick to something within the past five to ten years, you should have no worries. Perhaps the only downside to a used car is any accidents it may have been involved in previously and the kilometres it may have added up.

So, why not get something just as good as a new car but for a cheaper price? If you are looking for used cars in Brisbane, consider Bartons Group’s company, Used Deals. The Brisbane used car dealer has a wide range of car brands including Subaru, Mercedes Benz, Suzuki, Mazda, Toyota and Holden used cars. Visit them online to see what is on offer right now.

Selling your vehicle – what is a car valuation?

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Barton's Mitsubishi

Car valuations help predict the price of a car you want to sell or buy. This is usually determined by a car dealer, so you know what your used car is worth and how much money you may receive from the dealer if you sold it to them. It helps find out all the details of a vehicle and includes an inspection of the features and problems it may have and how much it may cost to have them fixed or how much it may reduce the selling price. A car valuation takes into account things like the model, brand, make, transmission, year and the present market condition. They are often used to help you figure out an appropriate price for your vehicle to sell privately or to a dealer.

Car valuations come in two types. One is an online valuation while the other is a physical valuation. A physical valuation involves you taking the used car to a dealer and talking in person about what the car is worth, allowing the dealer or a mechanic to look at the car straight away. You may also have to bring the appropriate documents for the vehicle so they can give you an accurate estimate of its value. This has the advantage of the dealer seeing your car in person so they can give you a more accurate price. However, it is more time consuming and can be hard to fit into a busy schedule.

An online car valuation involves no physical interaction and is therefore a lot simpler than a physical valuation. All it requires is filling out an online form with all the details of your used car, like make, model, year and its Vehicle Identification Number (or VIN). It is a simple system with control on your side. The only downside is that the dealer valuating your car may offer a lower, average price of that car in relation to similar vehicles, as they cannot see the car in person. You may also have to take the car in at a later date if you plan to sell the car to the dealer.

If you are looking for a dealership who can value your car, consider Used Deals. They can valuate a number of cars, from Subaru and Nissan to Mazda and Mercedes, taking on your car and selling it to a new home. For more information visit them online or call 1300 048 225 now.

Cleaning your car to keep it looking brand new

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Barton's Mitsubishi

Buying a new car is an incredible experience which you just can’t help but show to everyone. Everyone will comment on the gleaming colour and how it stands out in your driveway. When you offer them a ride, they will tell you about that fresh smell of leather.

It is a different story when your car ages and it loses everything that makes it appealing. Cleaning your car correctly will keep your car looking newer for longer.

Washing your car

This is the most important way to keep your car and everything else looking new. Cleaning your car will remove dirt, foreign materials and bird droppings, which can damage the paint when left for a long period of time. This also includes your interior. Crumbs from left-over food might attract insects that might damage the insides of your car.

When cleaning your car, choose the right soap. Using any commercial soaps that are not formulated for your car may damage the finish through an increase in the oxidation process. After applying soap, make sure to rinse your car carefully. Do not use a high pressured hose as it may damage the paint.

Drying your car

Once you are finished cleaning, make sure that you thoroughly dry your car with a clean cloth. Leaving your car to dry by leaving it on its own can create water spots which are caused by water beads. These beads will leave behind any dirt molecules which can imprint itself onto the pain once the moisture evaporates.

Make sure that you do not leave your car to dry under the sun. Apart from turning the inside of your car into an oven, the paint on your car will slowly dull and loses its colour.

Apply Wax on your car

After washing and drying your car, apply some car wax onto your car. Car wax protects the paint of your car to keep the colours from dulling. When applying the wax, use a damp sponge or a specialised material for applying car wax. Spread the wax thinly and thoroughly around your car. An excess of wax on the paint may leave an undesirable mark and will be hard to remove. Using a soft cloth, wipe off any excess wax from your car.

If you are considering of finding a professional to help wash, dry and wax your car, Bartons Mitsubishi offers their vehicle maintenance service to keep your car looking brand new.

Comparing Mitsubishis – off road 4WDs

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Barton's Mitsubishi

Comparing Mitsubishis – off road 4 WD

There’s nothing more exciting than an off road adventure. You pack your family and friends into the back of the car along with a few beers and the fishing rods. The world is your oyster and no off road challenge is too great. But when it comes to buying the perfect 4WD car – how do the Pajero and Triton compare?

Mitsubishi Pajero

This capable four wheel drive wagon has been a favorite for many years. It has a number of luxury features for added off road comfort. The cloth-and-leather seating, powered front seats and 12 speaker audio system means you don’t have to rough it when you’re off road. And to satisfy the practical side of you, this luxury off road also comes with fold-away third-row seats, and roof rails for extra space when needed. It also boasts an impressive 2.5L engine and independent suspension that will deliver a powerful yet smooth off road driving experience.

Safety features include a reversing camera, six airbags, stability control and rear parking sensors. The economy rating is 9.0L per 100 kilometers so you can manage plenty of urban and country driving on one tank. But compared with smaller, agile cars the Pajero is too cumbersome for urban transport. The Mitsubishi Pajero is perfect for the larger family, who like to travel off road in comfort.

Triton 4×4

This 4 cyclinder, 2.5L engine 4WD is one of the best four wheel drive utes money can buy. With stability control and side curtain airbags, it’s also one of the safest utes on the market. The dual cabin fits five so it’s suitable for a small family going off road. With 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, cruise control, fog lights and power windows the Triton 4×4 is not as luxurious as the Pajero for on road driving. But what it lacks in comfort it more than makes up for in durability. It has a superior 3000kg towing capacity which makes the ideal machine for towing large boats and off-road caravans.

But the real feature of this two ton tradie is its huge tray space. With 938kg capacity the tray comes fitted with an attractive black plastic tub liner for added protection. With its flexible utility, the Mitsubishi Triton is perfect for the adventurous handy man or small family looking for a weekend camping vehicle.

Barton’s Mitsubishi is a reputable car dealer in Brisbane that stocks a wide range of Mitsubishi 4WD models . Whatever you’re looking for, Barton’s Mitsubishi has models to suit every budget and lifestyle. If you’re in the market to buy a new, used or demonstrator Mitsubishi, contact Barton’s Mitsubishi today or visit their display room in Wynnum.

Tips To Buy a Used Pajero Car in Brisbane

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Barton's Mitsubishi

When you are buying any used car like a Pajero in Brisbane, there are certain unwritten rules you should follow to make sure that you are buying a car that you will ultimately be happy with for many years to come. Here, we will look at tips for buying a used car Pajero in Brisbane.

Chassis

Buying a car with a poor chassis is not a good idea. First, you should be looking for any noticeable corrosion on the chassis. Then you need to check to see if there is any rust. If there are any chassis issues, it is probably best to avoid the car. Work on the chassis is usually expensive and will take a long time to complete.

Motor

When checking the motor, check to see the condition of the ‘engine room.’ A lot of the time, if the engine room has been kept well the motor will be fine. Open the bonnet and start the engine up to listen out for any strange sounds.

Furthermore, look at the engine when it is being revved, does it look like it is running correctly? At the same time, check to see if you can see any signs of leaking oil, or previous signs of oil leaking.

You should also check to see if the timing belt has been replaced recently, if it has not, you may be able to use this to negotiate the price.

Gearbox

If you are checking a manual car, push down on the clutch and check all the five gears and reverse. You should be checking to see there are no issues with sticking, or that it is not hard to use these gears. You should also check the 4WD setting on unfavourable surfaces to see that there are no problems with the 4WD settings. Make sure you always keep an eye on how the gears change on any test drives. Some of the older Pajero’s, like the 89 and before models have been known to have minor gearbox issues.

Others

If your car passes the above three tests, you should avoid major issues. However, make sure you also keep an eye out for any external or internal damage to the car. Then check over the joints and bearings to make sure that they are all in good condition.

You should also check to see that all the exterior lights are working, and that the breaks are sharp and have a quick reaction time. Finally, you should check to see that all the added extras of the car are working; radio, windows and sunroof if applicable. Then you should check any other points you are worried about as well.

Remember, you should check all of these points when buying your used Pajero in Brisbane or anywhere else in Australia. You are the one who is buying a car and spending your own money, so make sure you are as rigorous as possible, as there is nothing worse than buying a dud car.