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The Citizen, 2010-10-21, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2010. HARRISTON 519-338-3441 LISTOWEL 519-291-1213 MOUNT FOREST 519-323-1350 WINGHAM 519-357-3830 We offer a complete line of automotive parts and accessories to keep your car running up to speed. With thousands of brand name parts in stock and ready to install, you’ll be back on the road in no time. And, our competitive prices won’t slow you down! Goderich 519-524-8389 Wingham 519-357-3830 “Specializing in on-the-farm-service” Good Selection of Snow Tires! Bruce Willits 456 Ross Street, Lucknow 519-528-2103 ALL MAKES OF PASSENGER TIRES, LIGHT TRUCKS, MEDIUM TRUCKS AND FARM Neil’s Repair Service 519-357-9508 183 Clyde Street, Bluevale Neil Warwick, Owner Hours: 8 am - 6 pm Monday to Friday Over 30 years experience General repairs to all makes of cars, trucks, farm equipment and ATVs • Tune-ups • Tires • Exhaust • Air Conditioning • Transmissions • Brakes • Licensed MTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Station MS - Depreciation is a major factor in buying and selling a vehicle. The average auto can lose 30 per cent of its value after the first year. After three years – the duration of most leases – the car’s value may have decreased by as much as 50 per cent. Those looking to sell or trade-in cars will need to emphasize maintenance to get the most for their vehicle. There are ways to reduce a vehicle’s depreciation and improve its resale value, whether selling to a private buyer or trading in the auto to a dealership. 1. Buy the “right” car in the first place. Some models and brands simply hold their value better than others. Dealerships will promote this fact when attempting to sell a car. Choosing these types of vehicles can mean a better resale value later on. 2. Keep geography in mind. A convertible won’t be as popular in Alaska as it will be in southern Florida. Don’t buy a vehicle that goes against the norm in a particular geographic area. Otherwise, sellers will be left with a car with little resale value. 3. Stick to standard colors. Fad colors, such as lime green or bright orange, may turn heads, but they’ll be harder to find buyers for later on. This could reduce the asking price for the vehicle when it comes time to sell. 4. Choose the right upgrades. A fancy stereo system or top-of-the- line navigation system won’t necessarily add value to the vehicle. However, leather seats, a sunroof and an automatic transmission are popular among buyers. 5. Maintain the vehicle. Keep records of maintenance that show the car was well cared for. Follow manufacturers’ maintenence schedules for oil changes and tire rotation, among other things. 6. Trade in like for like. A seller may get a better trade-in rate on a used car if he or she is buying the same make in the new vehicle. For example, a Chevrolet dealership may offer a better trade-in price for that old Malibu if the owner is looking at a new Traverse. Keep in mind that if a buyer is thinking about keeping a car until it has racked up tons of miles and is generally older than dust, depreciation values really won’t matter much. In those instances, he or she should simply purchase the car liked the best. Tips to keep a high resale value Animals, accidents occur more on rural roadsMS - Individuals who live in ruralareas become accustomed to the subtleties of driving rural roads. However, those who are visiting the countryside on vacations or road trips may be less tuned-in to keeping an eye for any animals with whom they might be sharing the road. According to research, there are twice as many accidents on rural roads as there are in urban areas. To be safe, keep these tips in mind: • Expect blind curves. In many cases, rural roads are built to be of minimal disturbance to the surrounding landscape. This could mean that roads bend and dip every which way. Pay attention to posted speed limits – they’re very accurate for the road conditions. • Be on animal watch. In suburban and urban areas, the focus of driving leans toward watching for other drivers and pedestrians. However, in rural areas, focus should be placedon watching out for animals. Certain times of the day, such as dawn and dusk, tend to be prime times for animals to be on the move, whether finding a new place to bed down or scout for food. A deer can total a car if hit, and even low-flying birds can cause damage. When passing farms, be on the lookout for livestock crossing the road and farmers driving equipment, such as tractors. Around lakes, one may come across geese or ducks. • The road may not be paved. Some drivers take paved roads for granted. In rural areas, the roads may be made of gravel or dirt. This calls for slower driving speeds to maintain traction and safety. • Expect minimal lighting. Driving at night in rural areas can be nerve- wracking for the inexperienced. Street lights are rare and may only appear at particularly dangerous curves or intersections. It will likelybe necessary to use high beams while driving to maintain proper visibility. Extra caution to avoid animals should be exercised at night. • Keep a map in the car. GPS systems have become the standard for most drivers – many of which rely on them solely for navigation. However, in rural areas, mountains or trees may obscure the satellite signal that powers these systems. It’s easy to become lost when the GPS fails. Having a paper map on hand can give drivers peace of mind. Also, that same impaired satellite service could affect mobile phone signals. This makes knowing where a driver is going even more i mportant. • Be careful of soft and unmarked shoulders. Rural roads may be built on the side of mountains or ravines. Dirt on the side of the roads could be unstable. These roads also tend to be more narrow. Use caution when pulling to the shoulder or passing other cars. Borrmann’s Garage since 1983 Quality Vehicle Service - Auto, Truck & RV Complete Maintenance, Diagnostic & Repair Centre AC Delco Service-Trained Technicians 86924 Brussels Line, Bluevale 519-335-3857 BUSINESS HOURS: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5:30 pm; Saturday 8 am - 12 noon After hour appointments available APPLE CUSTOM DETAILING • Exterior & Interior Detailing (519)291-1300 190 Mitchell Ave.S., Listowel,Ontario Call for more info Packages available starting at $49.95 • Carpet/Floor Mats Shampooing • Aquapel Glass Protection Treatment • Buffing & Waxing