Need a Valentine’s gift for your sweetheart? Start by selling your car.

Posted on January 30, 2013 by admin
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Looking for a way to get your loved one a Valentine’s Day gift?  One great way is to sell your car for cash. Cars are expensive to keep in greater New York, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut,, and getting rid of your car can free up a lot of money fast. Unlike most places that are looking to sell to you on Valentine’s Day – car-buying services actually want to buy your car.  Big Bucks Auto car-buying service in New York for example pays cash for cars without the hassle of paperwork, offering immediate payment in only 20 minutes.

Say "I love you" by selling your car in NY

Want to surprise your sweetheart... or just do something nice for yourself? Start by selling your car in NY.

Whether online or at traditional retail outlets, based on the recent holiday season it’s clear that people are willing to spend – and wanting to give.  However, with the recession still receding slowly from people’s memories and pocketbooks… people are may also be wary of going into additional debt buying gifts…

Wisely cautious, credit card debt is the biggest financial concern of Americans, according to a survey by the credit agency myFICO. As we recently reported on this blog, only a fifth of those surveyed were planning to open new credit card accounts, and 65 percent planned to charge less than $500 on the credit cards they already have. Add to that ongoing concerns about identity theft and fraud that come along with credit card applications and transactions, and suddenly cash seems better than ever.

If you want to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day, and yet also avoid more credit card debt… the question for some may be: “What’s the easiest way to sell my car?”

I'm ready for Valentine's Day... how about you?

I'm ready for Valentine's Day... how about you?

…if that sums up the situation for you – then vehicle-buying services such as New York’s Big Bucks Auto may have the answer, giving you the freedom to shed all responsibilities regarding your vehicle when you walk out the door.

At our service location, we put cash in your pocket - for older models as well as those high-priced newer cars, trucks and motorcycles that you’re looking to part ways with in a hurry – any make, any year, any model.  Our 3-step process is really just that simple: get a quote, get a free on-site appraisal, we buy your car and you get paid on the spot.

There are many ways to provide for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day and give the gifts you want to give – or to save up for something later, like a home renovation, a college degree, or a special trip, or something needed by a loved one or friend.

…or, if you live near mass transportation as many do in the Tri-State area, perhaps you just want to give yourself the gift of health by selling your car and exercising more…

…or to give everybody else on your street (or on your planet) the gift of a little bit less air pollution by selling your car in this new year.  It’s easy at Big Bucks Auto.  If “I need to sell my car” is a thought that has crossed your mind, then maybe this Valentine’s Day 2013 is the perfect time to get cash for it now.

Surprise your sweetheart - or yourself - and sell your car in Tri-State NY this Valentine's!

If you’re wanting to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day, but avoid more debt, the simplest answer for some may be: “What’s the easiest way to sell my car?”

About Big Bucks Auto
Big Bucks Auto is Metro New York Tri-State’s Largest ” cash for cars ” Car Buying Service. Visit http://www.bigbucksauto.com/ or call 888 442-8257. Quick quotes at http://www.bigbucksauto.com/quote-now/ Big Bucks Auto is located at 139-03 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435. The Easiest Way to sell your car in NYC! We want to buy your car, not sell you one! For over three generations, Big Bucks Auto has purchased thousands of vehicles like yours. Sell your car in NYC at the highest prices paid, without any pressure! We’ve built our reputation on being friendly, giving you the most money possible for your car, and providing payment right then and there. Big Bucks Auto – where greater New York goes when it’s thinking ” sell my car “!

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Did your car survive Hurricane Sandy undamaged? Think about trading it in for cash today!

Posted on December 28, 2012 by admin
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New Yorkers are resilient. They are survivors. No matter what type of adversity has been thrown at them in recent years, the people of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have shown again and again that they will not back down. They don’t give up.

Hurricane Sandy was the latest of many difficult challenges to knock the New York area to its knees. The superstorm’s destruction – from Breezy Point to Staten Island, from Seaside Heights to Hoboken, from Red Hook to Rockaway Beach – will never be forgotten by those who survived it.

One of the most devastating storms to ever make landfall in the United States, Sandy killed at least 121 people in the Northeast, 80 of the victims in New York and New Jersey. It knocked out power to more than 8 million homes and businesses.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo requested $42 billion in federal aid to clean up damage in the state and prepare for future emergencies of this nature, and Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey similarly requested $36.8 billion for damage sustained on the Jersey side.

Though dwarfed in many respects by tragic losses of life, homes, businesses and other property, one casualty of the record-breaking storm was the number of cars destroyed by Sandy. A minimum of 16,000 brand new vehicles had to be scrapped because they were stored in flooded areas, many in the port of Newark. Somewhere between 100,000 and 250,000 vehicles were totaled and will have to be taken off the road if they have not been already.

The numbers are staggering, and they may get you wondering. Given the risks, if you don’t truly need your car, is it really worth keeping it? With so much of the NYC area on or near the water, and many neighborhoods so vulnerable to flooding, it’s a factor any car owner here would be wise to consider.

Another key consideration is whether your auto insurance covers flood damage. If liability coverage is the only type you have, then your claim for flood or water damage will be rejected. Car owners should seriously consider comprehensive type coverage that includes reimbursement for these types of claims. Otherwise, you will likely be out of luck.

If your car was undamaged in the storm, think about selling it in the NY area

Is it time to sell your car in the greater NY area before the next storm?

If you do carry insurance that will cover catastrophic flooding, you’ll still likely need to deal with a long wait for an insurance adjuster to personally inspect your vehicle before your claim can be processed and you’ll be reimbursed. Of course, if you sell your car, truck or motorcycle now, you won’t have to worry about what’s covered or how long you’ll have to wait for an insurance adjuster – in fact you won’t have to worry about the burden and costs of insurance at all.

Another advantage of not relying on a car during and after a flood or long-term power outage is not needing to wait in maddeningly long lines at the pumps for gas. The recent gas panic underscored just how reliant so many of us are on our cars, despite the amazing network of public transportation available to us in this area.

If you’d rather not have to worry about the hassle and worry of having a vehicle the next time a catastrophic storm hits, you can sell your car for cash to Big Bucks Auto. With all the maintenance and upkeep a car requires, the dividends that selling your car will provide you will add up quickly. Big Bucks Auto pays cash for cars without the hassle of paperwork, offering immediate payment in only 20 minutes. We want to buy your car.

If you’re thinking, “What’s the easiest way to sell my car?” then Big Bucks Auto has the answer, giving you the freedom to shed all responsibilities regarding your vehicle when you walk out the door. We pay cash for older models as well as those high-priced newer cars, trucks and motorcycles that you want to get off your hands right away – any make, any year, any model.

If the recent storm had you thinking, “I need to sell my car,” you can get cash for it right now at BigBucks Auto.

About Big Bucks Auto
Big Bucks Auto is Metro New York Tri-State’s Largest ” cash for cars ” Car Buying Service. Visit http://www.bigbucksauto.com/ or call 888 442-8257. Quick quotes athttp://www.bigbucksauto.com/quote-now/ Big Bucks Auto is located at 139-03 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435. The Easiest Way to sell your car in NYC! We want to buy your car, not sell you one! For over three generations, Big Bucks Auto has purchased thousands of vehicles like yours. Sell your car in NYC at the highest prices paid, without any pressure! We’ve built our reputation on being friendly, giving you the most money possible for your car, and providing payment right then and there. Big Bucks Auto – where greater New York goes when it’s thinking ” sell my car “!

 

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Need cash for the holidays? Trade in your car, truck or motorcycle for cash now!

Posted on December 11, 2012 by admin
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Sell your car for cash in NY, NJ, CT, LI, and have extra on hand for holiday shopping.

Need cash for the holidays? Trade in your car, truck or motorcycle for cash now!

With a chill in the air, songs all around and spirit everywhere, the holiday season evokes cherished memories of special times. From brightly colored trees and mistletoe to ceremonial candles and holiday gelt, there are so many iconic images that symbolize the most wonderful time of the year.

In the modern age, of course, nothing has come to symbolize the holidays quite like presents. Let’s face it, everyone likes to give gifts – not to mention receive them too. It feels good to give to someone you care about. And there are few feelings in life better than receiving that thoughtfully chosen present from a loved one.

With expectations for gift-giving being what they are, and the economy still not fully recovered, though, it can be a challenge for many people to come up with enough money to pay for all the gifts they want to give at holiday time. Birthdays are spread out throughout the year, but the holidays come all at once, and there can be pressure not to leave out anyone of importance in one’s life.

The 2012 holiday shopping season has started strong, with 247 million shoppers visiting stores and websites over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, up 9.2 percent from 2011, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation. The average holiday shopper’s tally for the weekend came to $423, up from $398 the previous year. Total spending nationwide amounted to $59.1 billion, a 12.8 percent jump from the year before.

Early reports were that consumers spent about 20 percent more time on Amazon during Thanksgiving and Black Friday this year than in 2011. Walmart also reported that Black Friday 2012 was their best in history. Meanwhile, this year’s Cyber Monday was the biggest spending day in the history of the Internet, with $1.46 billion spent. Online spending is projected to hit $43.4 billion this year. Whether online or at traditional retail outlets, it’s clear that people are willing to spend and want to give. But why go in debt buying gifts when you don’t have to?

As much as consumers want to spend, they remain wary of accumulating more debt. Wisely cautious, credit card debt is the biggest financial concern of Americans, according to a survey by the credit agency myFICO. Only a fifth of those surveyed were planning to open new credit card accounts, and 65 percent planned to charge less than $500 on the credit cards they already have. Add to that ongoing concerns about identity theft and fraud that come along with credit card applications and transactions, and suddenly cash seems better than ever.

Sell your car for cash in NY, NJ, CT, LI, and have extra on hand for holiday shopping.

Need cash for the holidays? Trade in your car, truck or motorcycle for cash now!

A great way to get money for Christmas, Hanukkah or any other holiday gifts quickly is to sell your car for cash to Big Bucks Auto. Cars are expensive to keep, and getting rid of your car can free up a lot of money fast. Unlike most places that are looking to sell to you for the holidays, we don’t want to sell you anything – we want to buy your car. Big Bucks Auto pays cash for cars without the hassle of paperwork, offering immediate payment in only 20 minutes.

If you’re thinking, “What’s the easiest way to sell my car?” then Big Bucks Auto has the answer, giving you the freedom to shed all responsibilities regarding your vehicle when you walk out the door. We pay cash for older models as well as those high-priced newer cars, trucks and motorcycles that you’re looking to unload in a hurry – any make, any year, any model.

There are many ways to provide for the holidays and give the gifts you want to give. If “I need to sell my car” is a thought that has crossed your mind, maybe the holidays would be a perfect time to get cash for it now. It’s easy at Big Bucks Auto.

About Big Bucks Auto
Big Bucks Auto is Metro New York Tri-State’s Largest ” cash for cars ” Car Buying Service. Visit http://www.bigbucksauto.com/ or call 888 442-8257. Quick quotes athttp://www.bigbucksauto.com/quote-now/ Big Bucks Auto is located at 139-03 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435. The Easiest Way to sell your car in NYC! We want to buy your car, not sell you one! For over three generations, Big Bucks Auto has purchased thousands of vehicles like yours. Sell your car in NYC at the highest prices paid, without any pressure! We’ve built our reputation on being friendly, giving you the most money possible for your car, and providing payment right then and there. Big Bucks Auto – where greater New York goes when it’s thinking ” sell my car “!

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Did Hurricane Sandy damage your car? Experts offer helpful tips.

Posted on November 13, 2012 by admin
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How to Assess Water Damaged Cars

Hurricane Sandy has come and gone, but as we see reported in the news daily, it has left lasting damage and destruction throughout the greater New York, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut area in its wake. In that connection, as people assess the damage, many are asking what to check for to see how your car has been affected by flooding. This article compiles a list from a variety of helpful sources for those affected by the storm.

Most Common Issues for Water Damaged Cars

The most common damage encountered during flooding includes electrical damage, engine damage and fuel supply damage. There may obviously also be cosmetic damages to consider including but not limited to mud in foot wells and moldy seats, however, electrical or other damage may vary depending on how long the vehicle was submerged and how deep the water was. Engine damage is the most expensive but usually is not incurred unless the car’s air intake or carburetor was submerged while the engine was still running. Fuel supply damage isn’t usually detected for years. The usual cause is when water seeps in through the overflow valve of the gas tank.

Watch the video above on flood damaged cars sold after Katrina.

 

Where to Look for Car Water Damage

As the greater NY/NJ/CT tri-state region underwent extensive flooding due to Hurricane Sandy, it’s also important to know what to look for if you are looking to buy a car privately. CARFAX , Autos.com, and Forbes articles help to explain specifically where you should investigate if your car – or a car you are interested in buying – has been exposed to flooding and what to do, including:

  • Check under the car, above the gas tank for silt, and debris, which if present would indicate the car has been flooded.
  • Rust in the trunk or glove compartment would also be a sign of water damage.
  • Take a deep breath and smell for musty odors from mildew. If the car smells musty or moldy, or it looks like the original upholstery has been replaced, it more than likely has been water damaged.
  • Check interior carpets, upholstery and door and trim panels for dampness. Simply drying these out will not be a solution to the problem as mold could still occur. Discolored, faded or stained materials could indicate water damage.
  • Do an inspection of the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary.
  • Inspect the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs showing signs of water intrusion.
  • Inspect the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris, etc.. To avoid rust you must wash and clean these areas as soon as possible.
  • Check the air filter for signs of water intrusion. Replace the air filter and change the oil, if necessary.
  • Car water damage can impact engine oil and transmission fluids and electrical plugs and wires. First check the fluids. If they appear milky, diluted, no longer their original color then they are probably contaminated.
  • Abnormal noises while the engine is running may be a sign of car water damage. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.
  • Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges come on and work properly. Make sure the airbag and ABS lights come on.
  • Test lights (interior and exterior), windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work.
  • Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle upon drying and may crack.

Have Your Mechanic Look at the Flood Damaged Vehicle

If the extensive to-do list above may understandably be too much for you to attempt on your own, or simply too time consuming, an alternative is to have a professional take a look at your vehicle and assess the damage. Note that it is also important to know what type of water the car was submerged in. Salt water is corrosive and can do heavy damage not only to the body of the car but also to the electronics. If the car has been submerged in fresh water, rebuilding may be a possibility, but not the least expensive option.

Water Damage Statistics

Carfax also offered a few interesting statistics about flood damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane Floyd damaged 75,000 vehicles in 1999. In 2001 Tropical Storm Allison damaged more than 95,000 vehicles. Hurricane Ivan damaged more than 100,000 cars in 2004. Although we do not have specific numbers from Sandy yet, clearly the number of damaged or ruined vehicles will be very extensive – reported as up to as many as 250,000 cars.

 

About Big Bucks Auto
Big Bucks Auto is Metro New York Tri-State’s Largest ” cash for cars ” Car Buying Service. Visit http://www.bigbucksauto.com/ or call 888 442-8257. Quick quotes athttp://www.bigbucksauto.com/quote-now/ Big Bucks Auto is located at 139-03 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435. The Easiest Way to sell your car in NYC! We want to buy your car, not sell you one! For over three generations, Big Bucks Auto has purchased thousands of vehicles like yours. Sell your car in NYC at the highest prices paid, without any pressure! We’ve built our reputation on being friendly, giving you the most money possible for your car, and providing payment right then and there. Big Bucks Auto – where greater New York goes when it’s thinking ” sell my car “!

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Kelley Blue Book: inaccurate values for those thinking “sell my car”

Posted on October 29, 2012 by admin
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Cash for Cars Experts at New York’s Big Bucks Auto uncover pitfalls of “suggested retail value” services.

 

When selling used cars for cash, people often look first to services such as Kelley’s Blue Book, Edmonds, or other similar sites to estimate the value of their car. Buddy Evans, Vice President of Big Bucks Auto and veteran automotive industry expert, explained recently that in reality, Kelley Blue Book and similar services’ suggested retail values can be misleading and often skew far higher than what a person can realistically expect to sell their used car for.

According to Evans, “these suggested values are often very inaccurate. Their numbers have little basis in real world vehicle sales and sellers need to understand that. Kelley Blue Book values do not take into account key factors that change frequently, even on a daily basis, such as the economy or the number of that same vehicle on the market. There are any number of issues that can alter the true value of a car and Kelley Blue Book and its competing sites completely ignore many of them.”

He also notes an industry concern that Kelley Blue Book presents a potential, inherent conflict of interest in that it derives revenue from advertising placed by auto manufacturers on its website and in its book. He further explained that this could potentially factor in to higher suggested retail values for newer model cars from the manufacturers who advertise in the book, comparative to what those cars are likely to sell for in the real world. “Kelley’s or any other pricing guide for that matter, has never actually written a check to anyone based on these prices” says Evans.

To illustrate the process for how accurate ‘industry standard’ auto valuations are calculated, Evans noted that auto-buying companies such as his use two main sources in addition to an on-site expert appraisal. “At Big Bucks Auto for example, we first research national online auctions, which show us the actual prices people are paying for any given car. We then reference the standard east coast-specific pricing guide, which provides us with another real world number we can associate with a vehicles value. In other words, at a company like Big Bucks Auto, we would not base vehicle values on ‘suggested retail values’ but rather on the actual value a vehicle has to an actual person on the actual market.”

Buddy Evans further emphasises that car sellers should do diligent research of their own. Check classified ads to locate the price of a similar car to yours on the market, and how long it takes to sell. Even suggesting that you call sellers in the classified ads to ask how much they may have sold their vehicle for, how long it took to sell, and how much their selling price may have changed since first listing their original asking price. “There’s a big difference between the asking price and the selling price of any car, and the only way to be informed on either is to do the appropriate research. It is a lot of work, but worth it when seeking maximum cash for cars. And then car buying services like ours at Big Bucks Auto and similar companies are there to provide fast, free appraisals and accurate valuations when you don’t want to take the time or trouble to attempt the process entirely on your own.”

Other helpful tips noted by Evans when selling your car in NY, NJ, Long Island, or elsewhere on the East Coast or nationwide, include being aware of the two biggest factors that affect a car’s value: the condition the vehicle is in and its mileage. Obviously, accidents greatly alter a car’s worth because people are less likely to purchase cars with known issues. If a vehicle has very few problems and low mileage, the best ways to positively increase car value are to have popular colors and more factory options. However, Evans underlined that the biggest key to selling a car is knowledge of the market. Also, that due to inaccuracies in Kelley’s Blue Book and other comparable pricing guides it is inadvisable to use them as sole source for vehicle pricing, and even to avoid their suggested values when possible.

Car for sale? Know someone selling a used car? Download the new e-book at “Tips On Selling Your Car” in addition to more information at BigBucksAuto.com

 

About Big Bucks Auto
Big Bucks Auto is Metro New York Tri-State’s Largest ” cash for cars ” Car Buying Service. Visit http://www.bigbucksauto.com/ or call 888 442-8257. Quick quotes at http://www.bigbucksauto.com/quote-now/ Big Bucks Auto is located at 139-03 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435. The Easiest Way to sell your car in NYC! We want to buy your car, not sell you one! For over three generations, Big Bucks Auto has purchased thousands of vehicles like yours. Sell your car in NYC at the highest prices paid, without any pressure! We’ve built our reputation on being friendly, giving you the most money possible for your car, and providing payment right then and there. Big Bucks Auto – where greater New York goes when it’s thinking ” sell my car “!

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Selling Your Car? Our New E-Book Offers Helpful Tips

Posted on October 13, 2012 by admin
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If you’ve ever wondered when the right time is to sell your car, the easy answer is replacement: you’ve purchased a new car and the old one has got to move on. For many though, particularly those in and around major metropolitan areas, you might find that the cost of car ownership – gas, repairs, parking, etc. – is just too high and want to sell your car for cash for basic economic reasons. And, in the current economy, if you’ve recently been laid off or your spouse’s hours have been cut back, you may decide that the loan amount and monthly car payments are now too high and it’s time to sell. For still others, maybe you’ve relocated to an area where you don’t actually require a car as public transportation is plentiful. You may just look forward to joining the ever-growing movement of people choosing to live without a car (p.s. – this ‘Best Cities in the US – Living without a Car‘ article can help you find a great place).

The good news is: selling your car doesn’t have to be a daunting process, according to Big Bucks Auto’s new e-book “Tips On Selling Your Car.” The e-book notes the three main ways to sell your car… and the advantages or disadvantages are for each. Other helpful information in the Free e-book includes:

  • The pros and cons of every way to sell your car and how to find the best option for you.
  • How to know when to sell your car… and then doing it quickly.
  • How to get out of a leased car.
  • Insuring your safety when selling your car yourself.
  • Why Kelley Blue Book values can be misleading.
  • How to do your homework when selling a car… and evaluating your car before selling it.
  • How to prepare your car for sale to get the highest value for it… and our checklist to help you.

…in addition to much more helpful information to help you sell your car. If you’re thinking I want to: sell my car in NY, sell my car in NJ, sell my car in Staten Island, sell my car in Long Island, or just plain sell my car anywhere in the USA, this e-book is an invaluable resource for any car owner.

“Granted you can sell your car privately through the local classifieds or Craig’s List, but with the economy as it is right now, most people are not buying much of anything, let alone cars,” notes Big Bucks Auto’s co-owner Buddy Evans. “Sellers also have to ask themselves: ‘What is my time worth?’ Paying for an ad, taking all the phone calls, waiting around for strangers, hoping to sell your car and that the transfer will happen is a long arduous process that can be stress inducing under the best of circumstances. There’s also the matter today of safety, and strangers coming to your home to see your vehicle. When it’s time to sell, finding someone who can make it easy many, it’s a lot easier to sell your car to a specialty used car dealer. Services like ours know how to do it efficiently because it is what we do, everyday. We are professional about buying cars, and we treat our customers respectfully without haggling and debating the price of a car because we always offer a fair price right from the get go. Not to mention the convenience and time savings when you bring your car to us to sell, which only takes about 15 – 20 minutes.“

Tips On Selling Your Car, new free e-book from Big Bucks Auto

Big Bucks Auto's free new e-book offers helpful information on how to sell your car for cash.

The free e-book can be downloaded at “Tips On Selling Your Car” in addition to more information at BigBucksAuto.com … or jump right to a quick quote on your car’s selling value.

About Big Bucks Auto:
Big Bucks Auto is Metro New York Tri-State’s Largest “cash for cars” Car Buying Service. Visit Big Bucks Auto online or call 888 442-8257. The Big Bucks Auto location is: 139-03 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435. The Easiest Way to sell your car in NYC! We want to buy your car, not sell you one! For over three generations, Big Bucks Auto has purchased thousands of vehicles like yours. Sell your car in NYC at the highest prices paid, without any pressure! We’ve built our reputation on being friendly, giving you the most money possible for your car, and providing payment right then and there.

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Remembering September 11th

Posted on September 11, 2012 by admin
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To our fellow New Yorkers, and Americans: we had written this blog post a year ago on this occasion, and on this eleventh anniversary, we wanted to honor the date by reposting here our thoughts and remembrances of 9/11, of all those we lost that day, and their families and loved ones…

One New Yorker, Two Buildings, Ten Years

Sometimes, there are things more important than buying used cars.
I know that sound funny coming from me; when the purchase of cars is not just my business, but my family’s business for three generations, and more than just how we make our living, but our life. But it’s true. Normally, when you say 911, it means the Porsche 911 and I would be happy that I had been able to buy one! But not this week. This week, 911 means something incomparable to a mere automobile, even a Porsche. This week, as New York, as this nation, as the world prepares for the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks on the World Trade Center and Washington DC, cars are just not as important in the grand scheme of things.

The Ten Year Anniversary of 911

Like many, I find it hard to believe that it has been ten years since that beautiful September morning when the unspeakable horror fell from the sky. Sometimes, it does seem like only yesterday and the world was a better place, a simpler place; without terror warnings, without full body scans at airports, without wars and with the Twin Towers still standing over lower Manhattan. It doesn’t seem possible that a whole new generation has been born, and will never know, the Manhattan skyline as it should be with the WTC standing guard. And no matter how much time has passed, what happened on September 11th will never, ever, be right. It still feels like something is missing whenever I Iook towards the Mahattan skyline.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

On September 11th…

My day started like every other New Yorker; just a regular old Tuesday. It’s no exaggeration that September 11th, was an amazingly perfect and incredibly beautiful day. I happened to be in Manhattan that morning rather than over at the Big Bucks location and not all the way downtown on lower Broadway, but over on 23rd and 5th; close enough to see, but far enough away to be safe. Like a high budget Hollywood action adventure, I saw it all play out just like a movie; a horrible, tragic movie that we were all unwilling cast for.

photo: Wikimedia Commons

Early morning in NYC, everyone is running around, trying to get to places on time, fighting traffic, searching for a cup of coffee. NY is known for being super busy and fast paced. NY is known for its packed subways and massive crowds. NY is known for our a certain rudeness, whether real or perceived,. I tend to think we aren’t trying to be rude, we just have so much to do and are in a hurry. In any case, there is a reason that NY is called the city that never sleeps.

AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler

After the first plane hit, you could feel the energy in Manhattan immediately change. It didn’t matter where you were, or who you were, or what you should be doing or even if you saw it, all eyes moved to view the Twin Towers. I joined the fray, staring downtown with disbelief.

Looking back, it’s clear to see how innocent we all were when the first plane hit at 8:46. For 16 minutes, shocked, horrified, and scared for those involved, it seemed like it was just a terrible – really terrible, really bad – accident. So brief were those moments, when it was almost a “normal” fear, a “normal” reaction to what was easily going to be a tragic day, I long for that feeling still. It was the last of our naiveté.

Now with all eyes on the WTC towers, the second plane came in at 9:02 AM and reality hit us all with a collective ton of bricks. This was no accident. It was on purpose. It was a full on attack. It was terrorists. And I clearly remember taking a mental note; “Self,” I said, “the world will never be the same.”

Of course, I, along with every single person that was either standing and staring the at the NY skyline, or glued to the news channels, or rushing to in to the World Trade Centers to help the victims, had no idea that it would only get worse.

AP Photo/Richard Drew

Away from Ground Zero

The part that I played in this national horror was minimal. I was just an average New Yorker cast as a witness. I was in a safe area, though there were hours when we expected more planes to hit more buildings. I wasn’t in danger, and I didn’t race downtown. I am not a first responder and I can’t say I saved anyone. In fact, I actually didn’t even know anyone directly who died in the September 11th attacks on New York, though in the months that followed I found that I knew a great many people who were directly affected by the death of a loved one whether they worked in the WTC itself, or whether they were a first responders who was lost trying to save others. Aside from the emotional aspect of watching this play out, I was only immediately affected as I couldn’t get back home off Manhattan on 9-11. So rather than fight my way back to Jamaica with half of the island and little public transportation, I walked back uptown and ended up staying on the Upper East Side. Not such a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I know I am fortunate in that way.

Remembering 911

In the ten years since the WTC attacks, I dread the coming of September 11th. The flurry of media coverage, of new specials on TV, of the collective conscious, forces us all to remember a day that we would much rather forget. But we cannot forget it. And we never should.

I know it’s a national tragedy and one that affect us all as a whole nation and continues to do so to this day, but 911 also belongs intrinsically to New York. For the ten year 911 Anniversary, all of New York is about remembering the date this coming Sunday. I’m not sure exactly how I will spend the day this time, but I am pleased to see so many amazing tributes happening all over NY, not just at the WTC site. A sampling of the scheduled 911 events in NY can be found here. For those not physically in NY, there is a whole collection of the special 911 TV coverage on pretty much every cable and broadcast channel as well. I normally mock media frenzies, but as much as I do emotionally dread these, there is an odd comfort knowing that we will all be thinking of what was lost on that day. There is something to be said about coming together again and remembering.

The New World Trade Center and 911 Memorial

Image adapted from Village Voice cover photograph by Andre Souroujon, 2001

For ten years, every time I have looked to the place where the Twin Towers once stood, so proud, so tall; the anger and horror has risen up all over again. Like so many New Yorkers, we look to the skyline to know that we are home. It’s we orient ourselves. It is the welcoming beacon. Every time I look up, I see what has been taken away, and I want the Twin Towers back with a fierce need that just has not diminished by time. After ten years of the empty, haunting skyline; I find hope rising with the rebuilding at the WTC site.

I didn’t pay much attention to the debate surrounding the future of the site. I hadn’t really bothered looking at any of the final designs. And the times I had been down to the Ground Zero construction zone, it wasn’t anything that I could recognize. To my eyes, still, I just saw the death and destruction. In preparation for the Anniversary, I watched the Discovery Channel series Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero and I am really proud to see what is being rebuilt. Just as I applaud every single human being that came together on that day to help another human being out and just as we honor and pay our respects to all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2011, my hat goes off to the people who have put so much care and respect into bringing the World Trade Center back. I have watched 6 hours of Rising, and every time I look at what they are doing, now that I can see it, all I can say is “YES! You build that! Bring it back!” with surprising emotion that rises just as strongly as the iron used to make the new #1 WTC.

Purchase this photo at http://www.laughingravy21.com/

While we can’t undo the past, I am beginning to think, when it is done, the New World Trade Center and 911 Memorial and Museum will being to really heal. Not only will the skyline of New York be repaired, but what that broken skyline represents; what we all lost on September 11th.; the buildings, the people, the freedom, the security, the innocence. I know I can’t wait and see the tallest building in NY be where it should, and until then, and forever after I know, we’ll just have to remember what we learned on September 11th. On 911 and the days that followed, we gained knowledge about ourselves that no terrorist can take away; people are good and selfless and compassionate and will go out of their way, even lose their own lives, to help another human being in need.

Yes, that’s my New York and that’s what I will remember this September 11th.

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Best Places to Live Car Free!

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Buddy Evans
Buddy Evans

For Living Without a Car; The 2011 Most Walkable Cities in the USA

Back in 2008, we combed the web and made a list based on user experiences and available articles regarding the Best Cities in the US for Living without a Car. Recently, 24/7 Wall St. conducted a new study and came up with an updated list of the

Best Places to Live In Without a Car 2011.

We thought it would be interesting to compare the 2008 list with the recent one and see which US cities improved their walk scores and public transportation and which ones are less green then they were reported to be in 2008.

2011 BEST Place to Live Without a Car in the USA is…San Francisco, CA

Living Carfree in the USA? Move to San Fran!With the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority and the Bay Area Rapid Transit district covering nearly 92 percent of neighborhoods, San Fran rises from the #3 spot of 2008 bumping out New York, NY. San Francisco also has the second highest walk score and is excellent for bicyclists. Commuter rails within the city allow bicyclists to mount with their bicycles, and there is a bike shuttle across the Bay Bridge to help cyclists during rush hour.

Portland, OR was number 6 on the USA cities list in 2008, but has risen to a remarkable #2 this year due to both its public transit system and the ease of walking and biking around the city. With TriMet, and a Free Rail Zone where light rail and streetcar rides are always free in most of downtown Portland, the city openly encourages the use of public transportation. Designated bike-only areas at traffic signals and free bike lights helps bring Portland up to the second highest rate of commuters who ride bikes to work in the country.

Our own New York, NY has sadly fallen from #1 to #3; but we can proudly say that NYC still has the highest walk score on this list! New York is still tops with first in the nation for total number of passenger trips and government spending per capita on public transit. We also have the highest rate of service frequency so when you are ready, please remember, we buy used cars!

More US Cities Making it Easier to Live Carfree

Newcomer to the List is Honolulu, Hawaii with its bus system covering 97 percent of neighborhoods — the highest rate in the country. Honolulu also ranks highest for having almost 60 percent of jobs accessible within 90 minutes to those who live in neighborhoods covered by transit. With the city planning a $5.5 billion rail project called the Honolulu Rail Transit Project, it looks like Honolulu is here to stay!
Also rising up is Seattle, WA;Coming up from 2008’s #7 position to #5. According to Bicycling magazine, Seattle is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country and “has a 10-year, $240-million bike master plan that seeks to triple the number of journeys made by bike and add 450 miles of bike paths.” The city also has the sixth highest walk score in the country.
Congratulations go to newcomers San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif. Overseen by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, public transit covers 95.6 percent of neighborhoods, the third greatest in the country. Public vehicles also run under 7 minutes apart, the fifth smallest frequency.

Denver, Co was on our honorable mention list in 2008 and is now a strong contender at #7! Already considered “good” with their bus service, light rail lines, and an airport shuttle service, the city is currently undergoing a multibillion dollar expansion of its transit system, called the FasTracks Expansion. This plan is meant to increase light rail, commuter rail and bus rapid transit lines.

Coming completely out of left field is Salt Lake City, UT. With transit coverage at a 8th highest 89% and a walk score of 57, this newcomer to the carfree list is still not done! The Utah Transit Authority has plans to add four more lines to its light rail system, TRAX, up from its current three lines.

Living in LA without a Car?

Living in LA without a CarWe’re not 100% sure about the ninth entry on the USA city list. We reported Los Angeles, CA as being one of the WORST cities to live in without a car back in 2008. Our decision on that was based on reading people’s comments and opinions, as opposed to real statistics and percentages, but we call that users experiences.. The new study reports that LA’s metro area’s 19 transit systems have more than 500 bus routes. As a result, 96% of neighborhoods are within 0.75 miles to a transit stop — the second highest rate in the country. However, they still had some serious issues. Can we say “Carmageddon”?
The biggest loser, it seems is Bean City aka Boston MA, who we had reported as the second best city to live in without a car in the USA, but has now dropped to #10. Even with, Boston’s third-highest walk score in the country and public transit relatively high service frequency rate; other USA cities are finding it easier to be Green than the home of the Red Sox.

Not the Best Places to Live Carfree Anymore?

With their 2008 rankings, the following US cities have fallen off the new list of the best places to live without a car:

    • #4 ranking city Chicago, IL
    • # 5 Philadelphia, PA
    • #8 Washington DC

If you are wondering how you community ranks, or check out possible moving choices, BikesatWork.com has created a customizable Carfree Census Database.They have compiled top searches based on small towns, small cities, large cities, and all communities and then they break them down even further.

The Carfree Census Datatbase also looks at:

  • The Number of bicycle commuters
  • The pedestrian commuters
  • The amount of Public Transportation commuters
  • The “non-car” commuters
  • And the number of carfee households

Personally, we think you should all try living carfree! And when it is time to sell your car, give us a call or fill out a free car appraisal!

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Frankfurt Auto Show 2011: Concept Cars from Subaru, Audi & Volkswagen

Posted on November 22, 2011 by admin
admin

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been one year since I was talking about the Paris Auto Show. So much has changed, but one thing has remained the same: we buy used cars. This year’s auto show unveiled more concept cars.

Frankfurt Auto Show

The Frankfurt Auto Show alternates years between Frankfurt and Paris. This auto show is like Christmas for car buffs, with each little car guy (or girl) nestled in their bed with dreams of automotives in their heads.

At last year’s show in Paris, we picked our three favorite concept cars that included the Kia POP, The Next XK, and a green concept car from Ferrari. This year was equally as difficult to pick our favorites. Continue reading →

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What to do with Flood Damaged Vehicles

Posted on October 7, 2011 by admin
admin

How to Assess Water Damaged Cars

Hurricane Irene has come and gone, leaving damage and destruction in its wake. Hopefully your loved ones are safe and sound. I’ve heard a lot of questions lately since Irene left town. I know many of you are asking what to check for to see how your car has been affected by flooding. I’ve compiled a list here from many sources for you.

Most Common in Water Damaged Cars

The most common damages endured during a flood include electrical damage, engine damage and fuel supply damage. Of course there are cosmetic damages to consider including but not limited to mud in foot wells and moldy seats but electrical damage like any other damage may vary based on how long the vehicle was submerged and how deep the water was. Engine damage is the most expensive but usually is not incurred unless the car’s air intake or carburetor was submerged while the engine was still running. Fuel supply damage isn’t usually detected for years. The usual cause is when water seeps in through the overflow valve of the gas tank.

Where to Look for Car Water Damage

As the New York region just underwent massive amounts of flooding due to Hurricane Irene, especially in New jersey and Upstate New York regions such as the Catskills, it’s important to know what to look for if you are looking to buy a car privately. CarAccessoriesMagazine, CARFAX ,and Autos.com explain exactly where you should investigate if your car has been exposed to a lot of water and what to do:

  • Check under the car, above the gas tank for silt, and debris, which if present would indicate the car has been flooded.
  • Rust in the trunk or glove compartment would also be a sign of water damage.
  • Take a deep breath and smell for musty odors from mildew. If the car smells musty or moldy, or it looks like the original upholstery has been replaced, it more than likely has been water damaged.
  • Check interior carpets, upholstery and door and trim panels for dampness. Simply drying these out will not be a solution to the problem as mold could still occur. Discolored, faded or stained materials could indicate water damage.
  • Do an inspection of the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary.
  • Inspect the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs showing signs of water intrusion.
  • Inspect the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris, etc.. To avoid rust you must wash and clean these areas as soon as possible.
  • Check the air filter for signs of water intrusion. Replace the air filter and change the oil, if necessary.
  • Car water damage can impact engine oil and transmission fluids and electrical plugs and wires. First check the fluids. If they appear milky, diluted, no longer their original color then they are probably contaminated.
  • Abnormal noises while the engine is running may be a sign of car water damage. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.
  • Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges come on and work properly. Make sure the airbag and ABS lights come on.
  • Test lights (interior and exterior), windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work.
  • Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle upon drying and may crack.

Have Your Mechanic Look at the Flood Damaged Vehicle

If all of these seem like too much, the best idea is to have a professional take a look. It is also important to know what type of water the car was submerged in. Salt water is corrosive and can do heavy damage not only to the body of the car but also to the electronics. If the car has been submerged in fresh water, rebuilding may be a possibility, but not the least expensive option.

Water Damage Statistics

Carfax also offered a few interesting statistics about flood damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane Floyd damaged 75,000 vehicles in 1999. In 2001 Tropical Storm Allison damaged more than 95,000 vehicles. Hurricane Ivan damaged more than 100,000 cars in 2004. Although we do not have specific numbers from Irene, I’m sure that the damage is there.

If your car has been damaged beyond repair, Big Bucks Auto may be able to offer $0.29 to the dollar that your damaged car is worth when you sell your car.

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