A Definitive Guide to Modern Compact Cars

by Mark Lorenzana

The popularity of compact cars is on the rise. Skyrocketing oil prices and constantly-improving features of these cars are just a couple of the main reasons why buyers are grabbing compacts off the shelves. And nowadays compact cars are not only the choice because of their fuel efficiency and practicality, but also because of their affordable price and excellent value for money.

The compact car is defined as a car that is a tad smaller than medium-sized cars or sedans. The term compact car is mainly North American in origin, and in Europe, compacts are known as "small family cars".

Let’s go back a few years and see how today’s modern compacts came to be.

A brief history of compacts: European and US Market
After World War II, European manufacturers mainly featured two vehicle types: small cars or superminis and large sedans or super saloons. Some of these manufacturers discovered that a lot of middle class buyers wanted a larger version of the superminis, and this led to the creation of small family cars – the forerunner of today’s compact cars. The first successful line of makes and models that came out during this time are: Volkswagen Golf, Renault 5, Fiat Ritmo, Citroen GSA, and the Opel Kadett.

Although compact cars have been manufactured in the United States even before World War II, some consider the first modern compacts to have come out from the years 1958 to 1960, namely: the Studebaker Lark, Chevrolet Corvair, Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant.

Today, modern compact cars have generally smaller dimensions and they are more fuel efficient than their predecessors and even compared to today’s mid-sized cars—averaging anywhere from 20 to 50+miles per gallon.

Here are just a few things that you can expect from a modern compact car:

Back to basics
For the consumer who wants an affordable, no-frills compact, manufacturers (ranging from European to US to Japanese and Korean) offer basic models that cost around $10,000. Read: no power windows, no CD player, and no cruise control. For something that cheap, what can you expect? But these cars are efficient, reliable, and cheaper to operate.

Roomier options and Additional Performance
Customers who are looking for something with more options and features in addition to a roomier interior must be willing to shell out as much as $15,000 to $21,000. For those who might think that this is too steep a price for a compact, features like intelligent keyless entry, keyless ignition, Bluetooth, in-dash 6-CD changer with MP3 capability and satellite radio might change their minds.

And if it's flat-out performance you are looking for, there are compacts that bring as much as 263 horsepower in a package that boasts a snowboard-friendly cabin featuring fold down seats, which boosts interior room.

The Bottom Line
Compact cars should definitely be on the top of your list when shopping for that brand new or pre-owned car. Simply put, for those who are looking for a practical, fuel-efficient, and stylish vehicle, modern compact cars will certainly fit the bill.

We all know that good things come in small packages. But who would have known that in these hard times, compact cars could give you more bang for your dwindling buck?

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Trading In Your Old Cars

by Bianca Villares

The deal behind trading in used cars may seem simple enough. Head out to the car lot, show your used car to the dealer and ask for the trade-in price— the amount which the dealer will pay you for your vehicle. But if you want to get a fair deal out of your used car, you can’t afford to overlook some basic details.

Start by knowing what to expect from trading in your used car. The trade-in price is lower than the private-party price, which is what you hope to be able to sell your used car for to individual buyers. Understand that dealers must account for certain costs such as inspections and reconditioning, which makes the trade-in price cheaper. But then again, trading in your used car is faster and less stressful than selling it on your own.

Know what your used car is worth. Most people depend on used car values found on the internet or books which are accurate most of time—given that your vehicle is in good condition. The amount that the trade-in will bring actually depends on a number of things, such as vehicle history, mileage, running condition, paintwork, and interior. Any dealer would surely check these things to evaluate your vehicle’s trade-in price. Consider having a few minor repairs on your car if you wish to increase its value; cheap repairs can go a long way every so often. The curb appeal and general condition of your vehicle determines its actual worth, despite the values posted on the internet.

Find a dealer who’s looking for a vehicle model the same as your used car. This requires added research on your part, but it’s all worth the effort. Find out if your vehicle has a place in the product and inventory mix on the dealer’s lot. They won’t give much for your car if they have a number of vehicles the same model as yours parked in their lot. But if you happen to offer a model to a dealer when they’re running low, they might step up the bargain.

If you are in a hurry to replace your current car, then trading it in is one of your best options. But like any investment, you should look out for your interests by getting a good deal. Prepare your vehicle and arm yourself with as much information as possible before trading in your used car.

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CIF Fees Now Covering PSC and Customs Clearance

IBC Japan has recently expanded their CIF Fees to cover PSC and customs clearance! Now you get full coverage on the following:

FOB Fee (Japan)

MAF Cleaning (Japan)

MAF & LTSA Fees (Japan)

Odometer Inspection (Japan)

Ocean Freight (Japan)

Maritime Insurance (Japan)

Customs Clearance (NZ)

Port Service Charge - PSC (NZ)

Transport to yard or compliance center (NZ)

To learn more about IBC Japan’s expanded CIF Fee coverage, email them at csc@ibcjapan.co.jp or visit their official website http://www.ibcjapan.co.jp.

With IBC Japan, you get the best value for your money!

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