Why Japanese Used Cars Are Popular in Africa

They are popular just about everywhere, but it’s interesting to find out why Japanese used cars are popular, especially in Africa. Thousands of pre-owned vehicles from Japan are bought, inspected, and shipped to their excited new owners around the world on a daily basis. These autos are in demand in Africa, especially in countries where right-hand drive vehicles are the norm. As you know, Japan is a right-hand-drive country, though they also export left-hand drive vehicles.

Used Cars in Africa
Source

Japanese-made autos have a reputation for being high quality, reliable, and fuel efficient—factors that are important when you are driving along Africa’s roads. In most African countries, the roads are not well-engineered so it is common to go through bumps and mud. Vehicles from Japan, especially SUVs, can easily go through these tough road conditions because of their build and performance off the road. Even sedans with all-wheel drive features are popular, such as the elegant Toyota Premio.

Another reason why Japanese used cars are popular in Africa is that these are very well-maintained, thanks to the care given to them by their owners and the strict motor vehicle inspection the cars have to go through. Road rules and regulations are also strict, and owners will have to pay high fines if these are not followed. Another factor contributing to the cars’ impeccable condition is that Japan’s roads are smooth, so the cars don’t go through bumps and potholes that usually damage the chassis and suspension systems.

Japan has also put in place a regulation than all vehicles about to be exported to other countries are inspected for roadworthiness first. Once a car passes inspection, importers can secure an appraisal certificate from the Japan Automobile Appraisal Institute, or JAAI, as proof that the car they are importing is roadworthy, and meets the standards set by the destination country. The JAAI also provides details about the vehicle’s physical condition, year of manufacture, grade, weight, and odometer reading at the time of inspection, so the buyer or importer can verify it as soon as the vehicle arrives at port.

Now that you know why Japanese used cars are popular, what are you still waiting for? Get yours now from reliable exporters!

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The Most Popular Used Wedding Cars

First of all congratulations on your engagement and best wishes on your upcoming wedding! Part of the wedding preparations you will surely be doing is choosing the perfect “Just Married” ride from a bevy of used wedding cars. Would you prefer a sleek, impressive limousine, a shiny vintage Rolls Royce, or has it always been your dream to ride in a horse-drawn carriage? Whichever you may prefer, remember that it should be something you and your spouse would both like to be in! After all, it’s your special day.

To give you an idea of what you can ride in when you say your “I Do’s”, here are some of the most popular modes of transportation used in weddings.

Happy Couple with Rolls-Royce Phantom

Rolls-Royce Phantom – Sweet, the Phantom is, with that iconic elegant design. Nothing can announce the presence of the bride better than the Phantom.

1963 Cadillac Sedan – There’s something charmingly nostalgic about riding in a Cadillac, and it’s perfect for the stylish couple who have an appreciation for all things vintage.

Aston Martin – If you and your spouse-to-be’s first date was a James Bond movie, or if you spend your Saturday nights going on a 007 marathon, this is definitely the car for you. We don’t have to tell you why, right?

Mercedes S Class – Nothing says luxury more than a Mercedes; this is where you can surely sit back and relax after a nerve-wracking ceremony. Also, its contemporary, down-to-business style may give the new husband the confidence he needs!

Bentley Arnage – If you think the Mercedes is a too commonly-used wedding car, go for this Bentley and its bulkier good looks. And of course, a Bentley beats any Mercedes hands-down in the prestige department.

Maserati Quattroporte – Say hello to the Maserati! Nothing can make heads turn like the Maserati. Sporty and powerful, the only downside to using the Quattro is: it might steal the show from you.

1930 Beauford Open Tourer – Oh, Clark Gable. If you find yourself donning a Thirties-style dress seven days a week, you must be a retro bug. This old Beauford will make your photos look like your wedding happened during that bygone era, unless someone spoils it by posing with a cellphone!

Horse and Carriage – Okay, this isn’t actually part of our used wedding cars suggestions, but if you’re all romantic and traditional, this is totally the way to go. Have a lovely wedding!

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The Hunt is on For the Fastest Import Cars from Japan

The car that currently holds the record for the fastest acceleration, Bugatti’s Veyron Super Sport, costs about 2.5 million dollars, a price that is terribly out of the reach of most consumers. It is definitely a rich man’s car, but motorsport enthusiasts are not disheartened one bit, because they have another source of fascination that satisfies their need for speed: import cars from Japan. Here’s a list of high-performing roadsters that can set your hearts thumping because of the thrill of the ride and not because of the cost!

Japanese Car Brands

Nissan GT-R R35 – All-wheel drive anyone? The GT-R’s twin-turbo six-cylinder engine makes it one of the fastest Japanese autos, allowing it to reach 60mph in just 3.2 seconds. Pushing it to its limit takes you to a speed of 193 mph.

Mazda RX7 – When the RX7 came out, enthusiasts loved it so much enough to put it in Car and Driver Magazine’s 10 Best Cars list from 1993 to 1995. Owners were impressed by the car’s front-mid-engine layout and timeless design, and it is one of the easiest sports cars to handle.

Subaru Impreza STi – The Impreza WRX is impressive, but if you need something to up the ante, the STi is the roadster for you. It is called the STi because it is developed by the Subaru Tehcnica international division. Equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the car can zoom to 60mph in just 4.7 seconds. This model is one of the most sought-after import cars from Japan.

Toyota Supra Mark IV – Based on the Celica platform, the Supra launched in 1997 makes use of a Sequential Twin Turbo that is able to boost its acceleration, reaching a speed of 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The 3-liter 2JZ-GTE inline 6 engine pushes the car to a top speed of 170mph.

Honda S2000 – Honda’s take on what it means to be a sports car is embodied in the S2000. Its engine, a 2.0-liter inline 4, is coveted by many a Honda VTEC fan. The engine alone is so remarkable it was recognized as the International Engine of the Year from 2001 to 2004.

With lots of patience and research work, you too can have one of these import cars from Japan—just look around pre-owned stocks of Japanese exporters!

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Financing Your Vehicle Purchase With Used Car Loans

When you find yourself in a bit of a financial fix just when you’re about to purchase a pre-owned car, one of your options would be to apply for a loan. Used car loans are usually flexible which means you can set the amount for monthly payment. Financing through an independent source such as an online lender, a bank, or a credit union gives you the most control over the transaction and some institutions also have low interest rates for pre-owned car loans.

Before contacting a seller, you can already visit your credit union or bank, or you can apply online for a loan. By doing this you will be confident that you have a lending company to back you up. Credit companies are flexible in the sense that they can give you a pre-qualified amount even before you have your eyes set on a car. This way, you’ll have an idea of the budget range so you can start looking for the car you want. Loans can also be fast-tracked, especially if you’re ready to purchase a car.

Financial services companies such as Wells Fargo offer auto loans and application can be done in four easy steps. The first is to accomplish a short online application—the process is free, takes only a few minutes, and there’s absolutely no obligation on the part of the customer. The customer will then receive a credit decision—the feedback or credit decision is usually immediate, so there’s no prolonged waiting time spent during loan processing. Once the application is approved, the customer can then head off to the local Wells Fargo establishment where he or she will get a check for the specified price of the vehicle chosen. After signing the paperwork, the customer can now purchase the car. Used car loans offer the convenience and confidence—the general feel—of buying with cash.

If you’re planning to take out a loan, always remember to figure out just how much you can pay per month and the length of the loan. As much as possible, don’t go over budget! Remember that you still have to set aside a budget for gas and maintenance. When applying for used car loans, it’s best to know your limits so you won’t find it difficult to make your monthly payments regularly.

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Deciding Factors in Buying Japanese Used Cars

Millions of people all over the world swear by their Japanese used cars, and for good reason: vehicles made in Japan, or models made by Japanese brands (as there are models not specifically made in Japan) are the best when it comes to affordability, availability, mileage, fuel efficiency, hassle-free maintenance, safety, and reliability. It may all sound too good to be true, but statistics show that Toyota, one of Japan’s most prominent auto companies, is considered the bestselling automobile brand for 2012.

Let’s take a closer look at the vehicle qualities mentioned above and see what makes Japanese brands stand out enough to make buyers go for Japanese used cars.

Price – Japanese companies do their best to make sure the work flow at their auto plants and factories is efficient and ergonomic, wasting no time and resources. As a result, the production of their cars costs less. New models are therefore very affordable; this of course means that pre-owned units would cost a lot less.

Availability – Japanese vehicle exporters have a wide selection of models in stock and you may most likely find the model you are looking for there. Sellers are so helpful that sometimes you only need to tell them some specifications of the car you’re looking for—say, a sedan with a moonroof—and they would be the ones to look for the car for you.

Low mileage – The Japanese are notorious for trading in their cars for new ones as soon as the new models come along or when their regular strict Shaken inspection is coming. Vehicles being sold in the secondhand market are sometimes as young as eight months old and have run just a few thousand kilometers.

Well-maintained – The inspection also makes Japanese car owners take lots of care of their vehicles—a broken part may mean a big fine and a trip to the repair shop, which of course won’t sit well with their busy schedule. Japanese roads are also well-engineered to the vehicles don’t have the dings and loose parts that come with driving on rough roads.

Safety and Reliability – Japanese vehicle models have long had the reputation for being the safest and reliable—they are equipped with the best safety features and they rarely break down. These qualities, along with the others above, truly make Japanese used cars the hottest items to buy in the automobile market.

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Interesting and Fun Facts About Used Cars

Vehicle specifications can be overwhelming to read sometimes, especially when the engine and torque combos are too many to ingest. You can take a break from researching about engine displacements by reading fun facts about used cars or cars in general, like the ones listed here.

Facts about the Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling car. In fact, more than 32.5 million units have been sold since it was launched in 1966. Eighty percent of those cars are still plying the world’s roads today, either as new vehicles or pre-owned units exported from Japan to other countries such as Tanzania. How is Toyota able to keep up with the world’s demands year after year? Statistically, a new Corolla is manufactured every 23 seconds, so you do the math.

Fun facts about used cars from Japan
Japan is the world’s leading auto manufacturer, where new models are launched left and right in quick succession. The Japanese tend to want the latest models every time (and it also gets expensive to keep cars more than two years old), so they trade in their cars for new ones. These low-mileage, good-as-new cars are what you can find in lists of Japanese cars for sale.

The regular motor vehicle inspection in Japan is called Shaken. This thorough car checkup makes sure that all cars in Japan are roadworthy. This is also part of the reason why the Japanese take extra care of their vehicles—which is why used cars from Japan are neat, well-maintained, and without dents or scratches.

Miscellaneous used car tidbits
In its lifetime, the average car will likely go through three different owners.
The most common color of used cars is silver. Next in the list is black, followed by white, red, blue, and gray. The rarest color is pink, though you’ll find plenty of pink and Hello Kitty-themed cars in Japan.
In the United States, six out of eight car purchases are used vehicles.
There are more automatic than manual-transmission cars in the secondhand-car market.
One of the greatest cars you can find in the used-car market is the Nissan GT-R, a sportscar that has garnered many awards including the 2009 International Car of the Year. In 2011 it made the Guiness World Record for having the fastest acceleration by a four-seater production car.

I hope you enjoyed these interesting and fun facts about used cars. How about you, do you know a fun fact about cars? Do share!

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A Quick Look at the Mitsubishi GTO

The first Mitsubishi to use “GTO,” which stands for Gran Turismo Omoloato, was the Colt Galant GTO, introduced at the 1969 Tokyo Motor Show as the Galant GTX-1. After its production ceased in 1977, “GTO” wasn’t used again until the arrival of the Mitsubishi GTO sports car in 1990. This model was sold as the 3000GT in countries outside Japan, so as not to confuse the vehicle with the Ferrari 250 GTO and Pontiac GTO. It also avoided the ire of motoring enthusiasts who no doubt have objected to the similarity.

In North America, it was sold as the Dodge Stealth by Chrysler, with minor differences in details and appearance. Mitsubishi and Chrysler teamed up to collaborate on the Stealth’s design. The GTO sports coupe was developed to compete with sports cars from other Japanese manufacturers: the Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, Honda NSX, Nissa 300ZX, Mazda RX-7, and the Subaru SVX.

The GTO was based on the concept of Whole Wheel Control, or full-time four-wheel drive. This improves performance, which Mitsubishi tags as “Running, Curving and Stopping.” In addition to the four-wheel drive, the GTO also has four-wheel control over its suspension, break, and steering parts. These technologies resulted in a high overall performance.

Another interesting feature of the Mitsubishi GTO is its Active Aerodynamics. This features exhaust modes (sport/tour), electronically-controlled suspension, and automatically-adjusting front and rear spoilers. The sporty look is capped off by pop-up headlights. The second-generation release of the GTO is identifiable by its revised front bumper, round projector fog lights, and projector beam headlights. The sporty look was upgraded; rear bumpers were modified along with the car’s side air vents.

The 1990 release had a 3.0-liter V-6-cylinder DOHC 24-valve engine that can generate 280ps. The second-generation twin-turbo VR-4 models were equipped with a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. Beginning in 1995, the GTO’s base and SL model sported 16-inch chrome or silver wheels; the VR-4 variant had bigger, 18-inch chrome wheels.

However, the features of the GTO slowly became absent in later model years: the electronically-controlled suspension was gone after the 1995 model year, and after 1996, the active aerodynamics also disappeared. Chrysler stopped selling the Dodge Stealth. The production of the GTO eventually ceased in the year 2000. The Mitsubishi GTO may have only been in the market for a decade, but it undoubtedly created an impact among motoring enthusiasts around the world.

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It’s Sporty, Smart, and Small—It’s the Suzuki Swift!

Before the Suzuki Swift came into being, the Cultus was Suzuki’s prime subcompact that has been manufactured and sold throughout the world. The Cultus was marketed with four body types: as a three-door hatchback, a two-door convertible, a four-door sedan, and a five-door hatchback. The Swift soon came as the rebadged Cultus in 2000, but before we say “And the rest is history,” let’s take a look at what makes this little car such a big gem in the industry.

Suzuki Swift
Image Credit: Net Car Show

•    Keyless Entry and Start – Using keys to unlock cars is so last generation. With the Swift, you can unlock the Swift and start its engine without even fumbling for your key. This is extremely helpful if you’ve got an armful of shopping bags and need to open your car right away.

•    Under the Hood – Buyers can choose between a 1.2-liter gasoline engine or a 1.3-liter diesel engine, and between a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic (available with the 1.2-L gas engine only).

•    Modern media and Bluetooth. – Nowadays, we can bring our favorite tunes with us wherever we go. Through our phones and portable media players, our music keeps us company. The Swift knows this and so it has a USB port for all our mobile media needs. Also, when you’re driving, you should focus on your driving and not on your phone. The Suzuki Swift has been equipped with Bluetooth technology for hands-free operation for phones and other electronic gadgets.

•    Safety counts. – The Swift has been given a 5-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme, which means that the car did exceedingly well in safety and crash tests. The car is equipped with seven safety airbags for the protection of passengers and Mazda’s especially-developed ESP, or Electronic Stability Program that can be considered as the car’s ‘sixth sense’ when it comes to making sure the car has a stable grip on the road. The other safety features include ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, 3-point ELR seatbelts, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

The Suzuki Swift has more notable features in terms of security, storage, entertainment, styling, comfort, and performance. There’s nothing like driving one yourself to know the rest!

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Carview Corporation’s Role in the Automotive Industry

As early as 1996, Carview Corporation has been providing the world with information about automobiles and the automotive industry. It is the company behind the website tradecarview, which is considered as Japan’s largest online used car marketplace. Harnessing the power of information interchange through the Internet, the company has given consumers and companies with an effective medium that has made the Japanese automotive industry the economic giant that it is today.

Aside from the online used car marketplace, the company also has two other sites catering to automotive enthusiasts: carview.co.jp is a portal that provides news about newly-released vehicle models, articles on test drives and vehicle specifications, and other information about vehicles of all makes and models; and minkara.carview.jp is a social networking service that allows users to connect, communicate, and exchange information on their favorite models, car-buying, and the general automotive industry in Japan. 

tradecarview

It is interesting to note that Carview Corporation’s main website has been rated as the best automobile information service company in Japan by Alexa, a web information company that computes traffic rankings of various websites. Millions of Internet users access the website each month, and tradecarview receives thousands of for-sale applications per month as well. The company also has active Facebook pages to make information dissemination and connecting with customers faster and easier. Through the Internet the company is able to help manufacturers, dealers, and buyers from around the world, creating a strong, efficient, and flourishing global automotive market.

tradecarview Kenya

The expanding market is both a challenge and a motivating factor in the automotive industry, and the company is ready to exert their efforts to reach out to and serve as many customers as possible. Company President Hiroshi Hyodo recognizes that the use of the Internet has extended from location-locked desktop machines to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. People can now use the Internet everywhere, from cafes to train stations. For this reason, the company has developed versions of their websites that are optimized for use in mobile devices.

The use of technology is an effective means of reaching out to consumers around the world. Carview Corporation has done a good job so far in linking automobile buyers from all parts of the world and sellers based in Japan. The information system is well-established, and it’s good to see that the automotive industry is growing because of it.

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The Most Popular Iconic Japanese Import Cars

The Japanese have come up with some of the most iconic cars of all time, and these cars have become such a major part of people’s lives that most people can already identify these models from afar. Japanese import cars have a wide fanbase, from motoring enthusiasts, to families, to everyday drivers. Here are just some of the most popular of all.

Japanese Car Brand

   
•    Honda Civic – The launch of the Civic into the global market was very timely, because by the time the oil crisis of the Seventies hit, the low-cost, fuel-efficient Civics have become the world’s go-to cars.

•    Lexus LS400 – Toyota’s luxury line could beat European and American brands in terms of price, reliability, and design, and the LS400 did just that.

•    Toyota Prius – The Prius became synonymous with hybrid—it’s the first mass-produced one that has been making the environment happy since 1997. Its ability to use electricity in lieu of gasoline made it a most-wanted car, especially in the midst of rising fuel prices.

•    Mazda RX-7 – Motorsport enthusiasts swear by this car’s performance and the awesomeness of its powerful rotary engine. The rear-wheel drive makes it a favorite among roadsters; the design of the car itself makes heads turn very, very quickly.

•    Toyota Corolla – From a simple family sedan to a range of vehicles with various body types catering to different needs, the Corolla line is known as the best-selling car, finding new owners very forty seconds. It’s been observed that almost eighty percent of all Corollas ever produced are still running today, making it one of the most reliable Japanese import cars ever.

•    Nissan Fairlady Z – Also known as the Datsun 240Z in the global automotive market, the Fairlady was every motorsport fan’s dream car. It was inexpensive, fun to drive, and was really swift. Tuners had a lot of fun playing with it.

•    Toyota Land Cruiser – If you want to see something amazing, simply watch a Land Cruiser effortlessly make its way across any terrain in the worst weather conditions. It will surely stand its ground.

•    Mitsubishi Pajero – A contender in the full-seized SUV segment, the Pajero is an off-road monster that can take on the world’s toughest roads.

Japanese import cars are a good investment—they are very affordable, are fuel-thrifty, and are highly reliable. Every family and practical driver should have one!

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How to Buy a Used Lexus in Japan

When it comes to having quality car, you don’t always have to buy new; a used Lexus in Japan is just as good, reliable, and elegant as new units but with a more affordable price. The brand is inexpensive to start with (compared to most European brands), so you will definitely land a good deal when you buy secondhand.

How does one go about finding and buying a pre-owned Lexus anyway? Here are the steps:

1.    Go to an online marketplace of used cars such as tradecarview  used car website. These sites have listings of pre-owned vehicles for sale as listed by Japanese exporters, and they will have plenty of Lexus choices for you to check out.
2.    You can type in the Lexus model you are looking for in the search box.
3.    The search results will show all of the cars that fit with the description you have specified. If there are too many, you can narrow down your search by providing a specific model year, engine displacement, left or right-hand drive, and even your price range.
4.    Look through the results and do more searches until you find a used Lexus in Japan you are interested in. Browsing around the site is free but you will need to register with the website if you want to contact the seller and negotiate. Registration is free!

tradecarview website
Image Credit: Endo Trading

5.    Contact the seller for your questions, especially about the details about the vehicle that are not listed in the posting, such as maintenance history and entertainment features installed. Through this process you can also negotiate for a car’s final price including cost of freight and insurance.
6.    Once you have agreed upon a price, do the next necessary steps in the ordering and payment process as instructed by the website.
7.    Pay for your car using a secure payment system such as PayTrade (tradecarview’s used car website uses this).
8.    Follow the post-payment instructions carefully and make sure that all documents needed are complete.
9.    Wait for your used Lexus in Japan to arrive at your home port. Have your vehicle cleared and pay for customs taxes, and now you have your own luxury car!

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It’s a Man’s World: The Best Used Cars for Guys

Guys like their big toys, but even manly men need to save for the future. Going for used cars is a smart move and it doesn’t make the male of the species any less of a man. Ladies swoon when they learn how practical their men are! Here are some of the cars that are perfect for the male sporty and stylish lifestyle.

Mazdaspeed3
This is a sport compact hatchback launched in 2007. It has a powerful 2.3-liter engine, amazing handling, and there’s not many of them on the road—so having one will surely make heads turn. The 2008-2009 model can cost from twelve to eighteen thousand dollars—not bad for something that can go from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds. Something quite similar and just as rare is the Volkswagen R32.

Subaru Legacy Outback
Something that can run for 300,000 miles must be good, and that’s the Outback for you. The 2008 model release comes with enhanced safety features and supreme driver comfort, and you won’t have to pay for more than twenty thousand dollars for a reliable and versatile vehicle.

Used Cars
Image Credit: Palo Verde Used Cars

BMW M3
First off, it’s a BMW. This means that it already has awesome power and handling, with a pretty sweet image to boot. Expect to pay a little more than twenty grand for models released from 2003-2006, but you’ll be sure that the car retains its value better than other used cars.

Mercedes-Benz S Class
Here comes another contender in the sleek n’ classy segment—go for the ones released after 2005 for more curves. Engine sizes range from 3.5L to 6.3L, depending on how much power you want. The S-Class S500 costs about $40,000—pretty cheap for such a classy car.

Toyota Prius
Who says that the Prius is only for the eco-conscious people of Hollywood? Men can show their soft spot for nature with the Prius. The second generation release has the best value, and costs only $15,000.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The ultimate show of manly prowess comes in the form of driving the Range Rover Sport. This premium SUV is tough on the outside, luxurious on the inside. 2005 models sell for almost $35,000 in the used cars market, and that’s a good bargain, considering the car has a powerful supercharged 4.2L engine and a tuned suspension.

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How to Save on Fuel with your Used Toyota Premio

The first step to saving is already done, thanks to your decision to buy a used Toyota Premio. Your money-saving habit has just begun, and you can keep up the good work by saving on fuel costs. The already-efficient engine can help you along!

•    To reduce fuel consumption and improve handling, decrease the weight of the car by taking out unnecessary items. Driving 100km after having unloaded 10kg can save up to 30ml of gasoline. Remove excess weight such as unused roof racks. The amount of work the car engine does is related to the car’s weight and its aerodynamics.

•    Driving around in the hopes you’ll find you way back consumes 350ml of fuel every ten minutes. Avoid getting lost by planning your trip in advance. What is the fastest, most efficient driving route? Planning can also help you avoid traffic jams, closed-off streets, and road works. You might even realize you won’t need to use the car after all!

•    Accelerate and decelerate smoothly by stepping softly on the gas pedal. Shift your gears at the appropriate time and make the most out of coasting—slow the car down by stepping off the gas pedal instead of just braking. A smooth and proper driving style helps to conserve fuel and reduce wear and tear on brakes as well.

•    Idling your used Toyota Premio for 5 minutes wastes up to 65ml of gas and emits 151g of harmful carbon dioxide too, so be smart and stop that engine.

•    As much as possible, keep a constant pace, using the highest possible gear. This is the most efficient setup, because at a constant speed of 50 km/h in the city, a vehicle online needs about 5% engine power to maintain momentum. Fuel consumption is improved by 10-30%.

•    Check tire air pressure regularly. Studies show that low pressure increases fuel consumption!

•    To conserve fuel, limit the use of air conditioning. Use it in moderation and if it’s cool enough outside, choose to let fresh air flow inside the car. You can also improve AC efficiency by setting the system to Recirculate.

You see, it’s not so difficult to save on fuel. Just drive your used Toyota Premio properly and you’ll be on your way to not only conserving gas, but saving the earth as well!

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Toyota’s Green Productivity

The scope of Toyota’s green initiatives extends from its hybrid cars to its advocacy for eco-driving to its green productivity in car manufacturing. Green Productivity is an approach to improve efficiency and environmental performance for total socio-economic development. Tools, techniques, and technologies are applied to reduce the harmful impacts on the environment made by an organization’s operations.

Cars running on fuel are big pollutants; emitting large amounts of carbon that stay in the earth’s atmosphere and trapping heat in. The effects of global warming and climate change have prompted car manufacturers to come up with more environmentally-friendly cars in the form of hybrids and electric cars that use up less to zero fuel in order to run. However, the process of making a new car creates pollution too, so there is a driving need to make car manufacturing sustainable and earth-friendly as well.

Toyota Prius
Image Credit: Auto Blog Green

Toyota, in particular its plants in North America, have reported achievements in line with its program on environmental stewardship in all aspects of its production process, which includes logistics and sales.

Design-wise, eight of the company’s vehicles have bio-based plastics in their systems. In addition, the vehicles are designed to make the most of its end-of-life recycling. This means that when the vehicles have reached the end of their lifetime, their parts may be easily recycled. Making these vehicles are done in such a way that plants, particularly in North America, are able to reduce their greenhouse has emissions by 7%. In addition, ten factories in the United States were able to step up their green production cycle, achieving zero landfill waste. Can you imagine yourself not producing trash in one day?

The green cars born in the green environment of the North American plants are then distributed around the continent in returnable shipping containers. The reusable containers have prevented trees from being chopped down for wood (129 million pounds saved) and cardboard (48 million pounds saved). The cars are then taken care of by dealerships that have been certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as green structures.

As the demand for more earth-friendly cars increases, we’re also hoping that car manufacturers build on Toyota’s model and take steps towards greening their productivity and developing their environmental management systems for a brighter, cleaner future ahead.

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Best for Beginners: Used Toyota Corollas

Along with teens’ excitement in getting their driver’s license is the thrill of having their First Car. While there are several cars to choose from, used Toyota Corollas are the best in terms of safety, stability, and affordability—conditions that parents put forward when their young ones start asking for their own set of wheels.

Concern number one is safety. First-time drivers may still be a bit shaky when taking on the world’s busy roads, so safety is a major concern (there are probably thousands of anxious parents waiting by the garage waiting for their teen to drive home right now). The new Corolla range comes with high levels of safety such as improved brake systems and Active Braking with intelligence as standard features. The body has a complete impact-absorbing structure for front, side, and rear collisions (which we hope would never happen, of course). The Corolla was given the highest rating by Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, making it a Top Safety Pick. Rest assured dear parents, the Corolla was built with safety in mind.

Toyota Corolla
Image Credit: Brent Brown Blog

 

Toyota is well-known for its reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain cars. Their Corollas are so reliable that 8 out of 10 units bought in a twenty-year period are still up and about! Used Toyota Corollas are also sturdy and easy to drive. Driving a Corolla is as easy as putting gas in and driving off. The car will only need to see the mechanic for the occasional oil change and inspection, and can go on rolling past a hundred thousand miles. The ever-reliable car would make any teen appreciate well-made things over simply flashy ones.

The Corolla is already very affordable brand new, and more so when pre-owned. The daunting issue young car owners would probably have is how they are going to pay for the car’s upkeep. Granted, mom and dad have already agreed to split the cost of the used Toyota Corolla’s purchase and insurance, but what about the rest of the car-related stuff like gas and repairs? Well, the car’s fuel economy would help the teen save some gas money. Repairs would be few and far between, so there’s no need to worry that the car will simply be left to rot.

Used Toyota Corollas are undoubtedly great for beginners, and can even be kept for a long, long while.

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Making Used Cars Smell Like New

One of the pains of buying used cars is that smell that gives you an idea of what the previous owner did—or didn’t do.

Picture this scenario: you just got a “new” used car, and you’re showing it off. A friend of yours gets in; you turn on the AC, polish the rearview mirror, and look sideways at your friend, who seems to be having a mild seizure. “What’s that smell?” he asks, and you begin to accept something you’ve been denying since getting your car: your car stinks.

Some people selling cars forget that the way a car smells is as important as the way it looks, and we all hope that aside from the carwash and polish given to previously-owned cars for sale, dealers and owners also find the time to freshen up a car’s interiors.

Used Cars
Image Credit: Best of L.I

 What’s that smell?
Sometimes, you’d rather not know, but if you want to get the stench off your ride, you have to first identify the source. Knowing what causes a used car’s smell can give you an idea about what to do to remedy the awful situation. Is it smoke? Spilled food? Mildew? Someone’s vomit and other unmentionables? Asking the previous owner may only earn you a sheepish look, which further reinforces the hunch that he is hiding something nasty (in the trunk, maybe?). Whatever it is, you know when you have to take things into your own hands.

What to do
After identifying the source, clean up the mess as soon as possible and as thoroughly as you can. This may mean having to strip off your carpeting to get to the innermost crannies where organic matter may have collected and festered. Deep-set stains can be removed using an enzyme-based cleaner which can break down and digest those naughty stink-makers.

Deodorizers and car fresheners can temporarily mask odors but don’t completely remove them. It is still best to do some deep-cleaning. For smoke, experts recommend using a fogger that mimics the way smoke spreads through a vehicle. Odor neutralizers such as Febreze also serve to keep the stink at bay. After cleaning, let your car air out in a dry environment. Keep things fresh by keeping an absorbent towel handy so you can quickly soak up new spills and prevent your car from stinking again. There’s no reason used cars shouldn’t smell like new.

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How Do Japanese Used Cars Feel?

Being used and then discarded after doing your best can make anyone feel bad, but not if you’re a car in Japan.

Japan has a bustling automotive industry, giving birth every few years to new and advanced car models that become the new darlings of the driving public. The country also has strict policies that make vehicles older than five years difficult to maintain, even if a car is still in perfect running condition. So, Japanese used cars are cast off in favor of newer, more tech-savvy ones.

Elsewhere in the world, discarded vehicles go directly to the scrap yard, because that is the only place where they are welcome. Not in Japan.

Japanese used cars
Image Credit: Jaguar Enterprises

Because the used cars are in exceedingly good condition, they are bundled off and sent to used-car dealers or sold directly by private sellers. In the company of used-car marketers, they become the stars, and given the VIP treatment: a thorough inspection much like an executive medical examination but a lot less embarrassing, a good scrubbing, a gentle polishing, and a photoshoot. Some new cars don’t even get that kind of attention.

Japanese cars are, in the first place, already well-maintained. The rigorous motor vehicle inspection program in Japan makes sure that all cars are fit to be on the road, and this requires checking a car’s sixty or so parts and functions and doing the necessary repairs, if any—Japanese cars are solidly built, after all. In addition, Japanese road rules not only make the roads safe for both passengers and pedestrians but for the cars as well—they are properly driven, are seldom pushed to their limit, and are rarely in accidents.

It is in this unspoiled condition that Japanese used cars are found online in sites such as tradecarview. While Japan is busy making more four-wheeled babies, citizens of the rest of the world are eagerly anticipating the older, more experienced autos to roll off cargo boats and cruise into their driveways. Used cars are a lot cheaper than their new counterparts, and if the previous owners are Japanese, they are sure to be good as new. It’s a win-win situation—used car buyers get more than their money’s worth and for the pre-owned car, feeling desired again is enough motivation to rev up its engine and explore the rest of the world.

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