Archive for January, 2010
Each year, out of all the vehicles bought in the U.S., 41 million are used cars compared to only 16 million new car purchases.
Since purchasing a car is the next financial investment made by US citizen other than housing, it is important to determine if buying a used car is worth your money.
1) CONS – Here is a list of the disadvantages of used-car buying:
* The options of cars are limited, so the search for the right vehicle could be lengthy.
* The buyers have no idea if the car was treated. Used cars usually have worn consumables such as hoses, tires, shocks, filters, fans and clutch.
* Although used car dealers provide a warranty, it is only limited to a couple of months unlike purchasing a new car with full warranty. Certain maintenance on your purchased second-hand car could be more expensive.
* Purchasing a second-hand vehicle would offer you a lower trade-in value.
* The main disadvantage of purchasing old cars is that it has an unknown quantity. Whether the dealer has worked the vehicle to make it attractive for the test drive, the buyers are still unaware of the repair bills, economical issues, and its reliable transportation.
* It is difficult to negotiate fair financing terms on an older vehicle.
2) PROS – On the other side, buying a used car could benefit the buyer in several ways:
* The original owner of the car received the depreciation hit. The market value of the new car decreases from year to year. An average 30% of its value within three years from the time it was bought, so buying their car would save you a lot of money.
* Unlike purchasing a new vehicle with high insurance fees, you will receive a lower cost of insurance if you choose to buy second-hand cars.
* Although buying new and used cars both provide loans, lease, or money-saving the majority of dealers who sell used cars often have shorter loan terms.
* If your investment is decided based on appearance and gas mileage, choosing a used car would guarantee the value and reliability it has provided over the years.
* A used car would provide your dollar more flexibility. Compared from buying a new car that would eat all your finances, buying a second-hand car would allow you to purchase other accessories such as air conditioning that would cost approximately US$200 to $900 extra.
Buying your used car could waste your money if you fail to do your research, compare dealerships, and be aware of the cars market value. Be a wise used-car buyer.
Tags: Buying A Used Car, Buying Used Cars, Car Purchases, Depreciation, Economical Issues, Financial Investment, Gas Mileage, Hoses, Insurance Fees, Loan Terms, Old Cars, Pros And Cons, Purchasing A Car, Purchasing A New Car, Repair Bills, Second Hand Car, Second Hand Cars, Several Ways, Unknown Quantity, Worth Your MoneyRelated posts
Would you buy a used car–with cash–from someone you just met in the bar, and who walked you down a dark alley to show you the car? Not likely. How about from a well-dressed, friendly, middle-aged man or woman, who placed a classified ad in your local newspaper, and who meets you midday at a restaurant of your choice?
Oops! You may be more likely to be cheated by seller number two. That’s the story of Jennifer Warwa, who bought a minivan and had her mechanic examine it. The mechanic later said how shocked he was that Jennifer had been scammed:
“Because I met the gentleman who was selling the vehicle. Very clean cut. In his fifties. Very soft spoken…. And he went with her to get it inspected. There was just no sign that was the kind of person he was” the mechanic told CBC’s Marketplace.
A few months later, Jennifer got a phone call from the police. They said she had purchased a stolen minivan, and they were coming to seize it. She was so upset, she tried to hide the van from the police. Eventually they caught up with her and she ended up paying for a year and a half for a $5,000 bank loan on a van she could not drive. Ouch!
Jennifer was just one victim in the chain that included the original owner, the insurance company, other consumers whose insurance rates keep rising, and the police, who spend thousands of hours tracking thefts. According to the FBI, a vehicle is stolen about every 25 seconds in the USA, amounting to an $8 billion yearly problem.
Here’s how these scams often work. Thieves target particular cars: for their value, their ease of resale as a whole or in parts, or because they are easier to steal. Years ago, most cars were stripped for parts, including unusual parts such as airbags. But today some thieves are so brash they sell cars through newspapers.
This newer scam is called “VIN cloning”, because the Vehicle Identification Number is stolen from another car. Criminals obtain VINs by copying them from the dash of cars in parking lots–even at dealerships. Some even physically remove the VIN plate from vehicles in auto salvage yards that allow customers to “pick your own parts.” (They do not mean that literally!) The number is used to falsely obtain new ownership documents, or documents are forged. Either way, a cloned VIN allows them to transform stolen cars into pseudo-legal vehicles that can be officially titled and sold. Many thieves work across state lines: cars may be stolen in the East, registered in the Mid-West, then sold in California. Scary!
Here’s what you can do to avoid buying a stolen car:
** Check the VIN on the dash against the VIN in the driver’s door jamb, under the hood, and on the paperwork
** Use the VIN to get the car’s history at carfax.com for about $20
** Ensure title and registration documents match the name and address of the seller
** Is the car from out of state?
** Be suspicious if you must meet a private seller in a parking lot. Better to see that they live at the address where the car is registered
** Has the vehicle recently been transferred?
** Does the seller use a home or work phone number, or just a cell?
** Is the selling price oddly low?
** Be warned that some used car dealers are getting scammed, too
** Pay by certified cheque or money order, not cash.
Keep in mind that most private sellers are not thieves, but rather honest, regular folks like you. And prices do tend to be lower with private sales. So if you follow my advice, you can greatly improve your chances of driving away with a “genuine” used car.
Tags: Airbags, Bank Loan, Cbc Marketplace, Cloning, Dark Alley, Fbi, Fifties, Insurance Company, Insurance Rates, Mechanic, Midday, Middle Aged Man, Minivan, Ouch, Parking Lots, Pssst, Scams, Thieves, Vehicle Identification Number, WarwaRelated posts
Besides the obvious reason, transportation, are there any other pressing reasons for buying a car? Perhaps it is a necessity like requiring inexpensive transportation to and from work. Or, maybe you are a stay at home Mom or Dad and need a vehicle to haul children around to school and various other activities. Regardless of your reason, make certain that purchasing the car is for a valid purpose and not just because you want to outdo The Joneses.
In this guide we will show you some of the pitfalls to avoid as well as information to make your selection much easier. The following are basic reasons you should consider when making that all important car purchase.
Is it a good buy?
The best time period to buy that car you have always dreamed of having is later in the month. Usually, there are numerous rebate programs and bonus offered by months end based on a dealers monthly sales quotas. The idea is that, sometimes dealers fall short of meeting their sales objectives. If their performance is assessed by the end of the month this can prove to be good news to most car buyers since dealers now have no choice but to sell vehicles at a price that is lower than their norm. They are pressed to make more sales that will count for their monthly sales and that puts you at an advantage as a buyer.
Peace of mind
Sometimes dealers do a song and dance routine just to make that sale. The result is that often car buyers end up with car features they realize later on they do not really need and a price they actually could not afford. You can avoid this potential stress by always remembering to trust your instincts. If ever you feel in doubt, the answer — dont — do not let yourself be pressured to making that purchase now.
This is a common strategy of car dealers wherein they compel the customer to buy that car, now, this moment, today!
Do not forget that you should always sleep on it and then decide. This is a lot better than making your mind up now and forever holding your peace.
First Impression
To quote a common clich, first impressions usually last. Though not always true, when buying cars, you could get many ideas just by observing how car sales people deal with you. Usually, these non-verbal signals are fairly correct enough enabling you to know what to expect from your car purchase.
If at any time you feel that the person selling you the car is not trustworthy or simply do not like him or her, always remember that you have the option to leave. It is advisable that you do not sell yourself too much. Time is precious, especially yours. So do not waste it. You are always free to politely walk away, anytime, anywhere, and in any way you like it. But if there are not many car dealers in your area, you may want to linger for a few moments more and wait until the negotiations you have with your dealer breaks down and you simply have no option but to run off.
The Invoice Price
Another thing to consider when buying a car is the invoice price. Make sure to ask that you see the invoice. If dealers are working their tails off against it, you have enough reason to believe that the car being offered is an unpleasant deal.
Usually, the price on the invoice is the cost the dealer paid the manufacturer for buying the car. This is before any rebates or incentives were included. Once this is known, only then will you have an idea as to how much the dealer could profit from each vehicle sold. Knowing this information could enable one to be more confident then in negotiating the price.
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
In laymans term, this is commonly called the sticker price. This is the price one usually sees in the window of the car that is being sold.
Never ever consider paying the amount stated on the sticker price. This amount is just the starting point to your negotiations with the dealer.
Incentives
There are instances when manufacturers provide the dealers with a little something extra, like money, rebates or a bonus because they are able to sell cars that are either overstocked or undersold. Make sure that before actually purchasing a car, you were able to know if that car you are buying has some dealer incentives attached to it. If so, take off that amount from the cars purchase price and have yourself a very good deal and hopefully, a very good car as well.
Tags: Best Time, Car Buyers, Car Features, Car Purchase, Dance Routine, Fir, Inexpensive Transportation, Instincts, Joneses, Norm, Peace Of Mind, Pitfalls, Rebate Programs, Sales Objectives, Sales Quotas, Song And Dance, Stay At Home, Stay At Home Mom, Time Period, Valid PurposeRelated posts
Compare Your Auto Insurance Quote Between Multiple Carriers In Your State
Compare your free auto insurance quote between multiple carriers in your state. An easy way to obtain these cheap auto insurance quotes is by going to a broker-style website and requesting a quote. I got an auto insurance quote really fast and secure. Follow this link to a site for a free auto insurance quote. Or click here for an auto insurance quote today. Click here to get a free auto insurance quote. *Complete each field below to receive a free auto insurance quote. We are your best source for auto insurance quote comparison. Quick and easy way to get you auto insurance quote FREE. After you receive your auto insurance quote, get a free no-obligation quote for homeowners or renters insurance. click to apply for an affordable auto insurance quote today! Get an auto insurance quote and save today. Fill out a request and get an auto insurance, health Insurance, or life insurance quote today. Requesting a higher deductible will help you get a cheap auto insurance quote.
We will also tell you what differences exist between one auto insurance company and another. You agree to pay the premium and the auto insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your auto insurance policy. It is a contract between you and the auto insurance company. Go to the NYS Insurance Department web site to read more information about auto insurance and see a list of insurance company codes. Learn what AIG affiliated auto insurance company is in your state. Responsiveness & AvailabilityIt’s critical that your auto insurance company responds when you really need assistance.
Auto insurance deductiblesOn my way to a company authorized seminar, a deer hit my car, causing considerable damage. SR-22A form which must be filed by the insurance company stating that auto liability insurance is in effect for a particular individual. Each auto insurance company weighs the factors differently to come up with a cost so it’s critical to compare auto insurance companies. Tell your old company in writing that you are canceling your auto policy and have obtained new insurance. You might think that your auto insurance rate would be pretty much the same no matter which company you choose. You should check to see if the damage is covered by your auto insurance company. But while we’re all pretty much stuck with auto insurance, you needn’t be stuck with a lame auto insurance company.
Visit Answer Financial for car insurance, home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, vehicle insurance, boat insurance, renters insurance and more. Get car insurance rate comparisons, and buy your auto insurance policy instantly. Car Search – used cars, new cars, car insurance, used cars, new cars, new trucks, automotive classifieds new car prices and new car reviews. If you drive a car, you probably already have auto insurance, but may not be paying for it yourself. Collision insurance covers damages to your car from an automobile accident, regardless of who is at fault. If you lease a car, you still need auto insurance. If you already own a car and are paying auto insurance for it, then some things might be covered by your own insurance policy. If you already own a car and are paying auto insurance, then check with your policy to see what is transferrable.
The purpose of the articles in this section is to prepare drivers with the right auto insurance policy before it is too late. Public policy In many countries it is compulsory to purchase auto insurance before driving on public roads. Today, auto insurance is the most widely purchased of all property-casualty insurance, yet few drivers are familiar with the details of their particular policy. For changes to your AIG auto insurance policy or to ask customer service a question, call 1-800-241-1188. By taking one of these courses, you may be eligible for discounts on your auto insurance policy. After you have bought an auto insurance policy, you can service your policy online or through a customer service representative. The College’s auto insurance policy may not respond to cover unauthorized drivers. A major reason why drivers overpay on their auto insurance policy is because they are not educated and don’t look for auto insurance advice.
Whatever your need – travel plans, automobile purchasing, obtaining insurance or financial help, AAA is at your service! Thanks very much e have had USAA auto insurance in the past (for ~4 years) and were quite pleased with their service and prices. Insweb is the largest auto insurance quoting service on the Internet. Unitrin Direct is dedicated to simplifying auto insurance with the right balance of competitive rates, proven stability, friendly and reliable service, and innovative processes. Amica’s low prices and award-winning service give you a better deal for auto insurance. Today, we’re still providing America’s educators with quality auto insurance and professional, personal service.
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Tags: 22a, Affordable Auto Insurance, Aig Insurance, Assistance Auto, Auto Insurance Company, Auto Insurance Policy, Auto Insurance Quote, Auto Insurance Quote Comparison, Auto Insurance Quotes, Auto Liability Insurance, Cheap Auto Insurance, Cheap Auto Insurance Quote, Department Web, Free Auto Insurance, Free Auto Insurance Quote, Insurance Department, Insurance Health, Insurance Quote Comparison, Renters Insurance, Style WebsiteRelated posts
According to studies, fast cars are more often involved in road accidents compared to other types of cars. People who drive their fast cars almost to the limits sometimes lose control of their cars that they end up either skidding off the road, get into collision with other vehicles and other forms road accidents. However, the good news is that although fast cars are often involved in road accidents, these incidents are not really much related to the technical defects or the overall set-up of the vehicle itself.
Experts believe that fast cars are actually built to perform well on the road but the driving skills of the people behind the wheels may not be at par with the power of the fast car. In most cases, the drivers of fast cars overestimate their driving skills and end up losing control of their cars. Since accidents do happen, it is therefore very important to drive carefully and never abuse the power of your fast car. Furthermore, before you do buy cars, you should check out the safety features of the car thoroughly.
Safety Features That You Should Look For In Fast Cars
The first thing that you need to check when buying fast cars is the safety features. Your car should have antilock braking systems (ABS). The ABS will allow you to stop your car fast. Good ABS will help you deal with certain tight situations on the road. During panic stops, the ABS will allow you to steer you car and prevent any untoward incidents. To learn more about the ABS of fast cars, ask your car dealer to explain to you in details how this feature works. You may also ask the car dealer to demonstrate how the ABS works so that you will have a concrete idea of how your car will perform in tight situations.
Aside from the ABS, you should take a closer look into the traction control of the fast car. This feature will help prevent traction loss while your car is speeding. This feature can be very helpful especially during extreme weathers and when you are driving at top speed in some winding road. Combined with the ABS, the traction control will help you keep your car stable on the road even during bad weathers.
However, since this feature do have its own limitations, driving slowly and carefully during extreme weather conditions is still very much advisable. Never for one moment think that because your car have good safety features, you can still drive fast even during extreme weather conditions.
On the other hand, since accidents do happen, it always pays to check the airbag features of the fast car before you buy it. Look for airbags at the front and side of the car. Knee airbags are also very important.
Tags: Braking Systems, Buy Cars, Buying Cars, Car Dealer, Closer Look, Concrete Idea, Fast Abs, Fast Cars, Losing Control, Other Vehicles, People, Road Accidents, Safety Considerations, Safety Features, Spee, Tight Situations, Traction Control, Types Of Cars, Weathers, WheelsRelated posts
Driving around town in a brand new sports car may be one of the best experiences for a driver. Sports cars don’t only give superior driving performance and comfort; they also give confidence to the owner of the car. Sports cars can be seen as the ultimate eye candy in the automobile world.
Buying a brand new sports car can also be a scary thing because of the money involved. How do you one shop for a brand new sports car? Here are some helpful tips in doing so:
1) Think about it a hundred times
There is a big difference in buying a sports car and a sedan. There is also a big difference in between a brand new model and an older one. A buyer must carefully assess his needs several times before deciding to buy a brand new model. This is particularly true if the budget is quite tight. But even if one can generously afford a brand new model, he must remember that money that is put in the wrong car is wasted money.
A buyer should also consider waiting for a little while if he is looking at a particular model which is new but is on the verge of being taken off the “brand new” list. This move could save him a lot of money while getting the same value that he would have gotten a few months back. This is an effective strategy if he intends to keep the car for a long time.
2) List and Check
A buyer should make a checklist of what he wants in a sports car. He should then compare the top scorers in his list. Factors such as size, comfort, engine performance and other details may be the deciding factor for the purchase.
3) Mind the Sticker Price
Always bear in mind that the sticker price is the highest price that the market can put on a particular model. Negotiations can bring the price down if done correctly.
4) Financing First
A buyer must make provisions for financing before making a purchase. Banks may be the best choice for car financing but the approval process can take some time. A buyer must also set extra money aside for peripheral expenses such as taxes and documents processing.
A brand new sports car is a dream for everyone. When someone has the capacity to realize the dream of buying a sports car, he must be wise and careful in doing so. A good purchase will make the sports car experience much more pleasant for the buyer.
Tags: Automobile Buying, Automobile World, Best Choice, Car Financing, Car Sports, Engine Performance, Extra Money, Eye Candy, Helpful Tips, Hundred Times, Negotiations, New Model, New Sports, Several Times, Sports Car, Sports Cars, Sticker Price, Time 2, Top Scorers, VergeRelated posts
Picture it… 2006 Your teenage son has just obtained his drivers license and you as a parent are now faced with the task of finding cheap auto insurance to cover him and protect you both.
Insurance premiums can vary dramatically. Keep reading to find how to you can find a good cheap auto insurance policy.
Let’s face it. At this age, your teenager hasn’t had the experience necessary for insurance companies to consider them anything but a high risk. But there are a few things you can do to find good cheap insurance and help keep your premiums down.
Knowledge is power. And it’s our responsibility as parents to pass on this knowledge to our children.
Driver Safety
The first and most important thing you as a parent need to stress to your newly licensed teenager is the importance of safety. Lack of safety is the cause of too many unnecessary deaths in the United States and other countries every year.
If you can’t impart this information to them, send them to a driving school where they can learn from professionals. Most highschools offer their students a drivers education class.
Clean Driving Record
Your teenagers driving record will have a direct impact on the cost of your insurance premiums. With no violations or accidents, the premiums will decrease over time.
Type of Vehicle
If your teenager wants a 2 door red sport about, be prepared to pay a hefty increase in premiums. Cars with 2 doors are considered sports cars and stastics show us that red cars are involved in more accidents than any other color. Cheap auto insurance may not be an option for you with this choices.
Safety Features
Choose a vehicle that is rich in safety features and well built to help reduce your costs.
Deductables
You can also reduce your rates by selecting a higher deductable. Generally the higher the deductable, the lower the monthly premium.
Discounts
When you’re searching for cheap auto insurance and getting quotes from various companies, find out what discounts are available for things like, multiple car policies, drivers education credits, defensive driving coarses completed and clean driving records. The competition in the automobile insurance industry is fierce. Some companies are willing to offer bigger discounts than others.
Finding Cheap Auto Insurance Online
The easiest way to zero in on a company who offers cheap auto insurance is to get quotes from more than one company and compare their offers. Esurance.com and Insurance.com are two great places to do this.
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Sometimes the best buys are made with pre-owned products. This is particularly true in the case of sports cars. Many people would like to have a sports car mainly for the performance but some may want to simply experience the sheer enjoyment that only a sports cars can give. Buying a brand new sports car may be too much expense for many people, that’s why a pre-owned or second hand sports car should be considered.
Here some good advice in the purchasing of pre-owned sports cars.
1. Set expectations
Many people go out to buy a pre-owned sports car with a brand new car in mind. Buying pre-owned sports cars is about getting the best value for your money. Knowing your needs and preferences is also a must in buying pre-owned sports cars.
2. Set a budget
Buying a sports car, even pre-owned ones can be expensive Researching through internet browsing or buying buy and sell car magazines can give a buyer a general feeling about the current prices of different sports car models.
3. Examine carefully
A buyer must be careful in inspecting the pre-owned car and take his time doing so. There are four essential elements of the car that should be thoroughly inspected: the interior, the body, the engine, and the papers. A well-maintained sports car is worth buying.
Open the hood and examine the car’s engine. Many people may not know too much about car electronics but inspection will give a buyer a general feel of how the car has been maintained by the previous owner.
Check the inside of the tailpipe. If it is greasy, that means that there is a problem with the engine compression.
Check for scratches or dents on the cars body. Of course, do not forget to check the cars title, etc. Missing papers will cost the buyer additional money or prevent the purchase.
4. Test Drive
Before a purchase, the buyer should take the car for a test drive. This is a must for all cars, not only for pre-owned ones. An assessment of the over-all handling and performance of the car should be made during the test drive.
Buying a pre-owned maybe the best choice in purchasing a sports car, especially when one is faced by budget constraints. Pre-owned sports cars have the potential to give the same excitement and fun that brand new ones can give. Choose and buy wisely and have fun while doing so.
Tags: Best Buys, Brand New Car, Car Electronics, Car Magazines, Car Models, Compression Check, Dents, Different Sports, Good Advice, New Sports, Pre Owned Car, Purchasing Cars, Scratches, Set Expectations, Sheer Enjoyment, Sports Car, Sports Cars, Sports Models, Tailpipe, Test DriveRelated posts
Very Cheap Car Insurance – It Exists But You Have To Know What To Ask For
When someone tells you that they have very cheap car insurance then you need to be cautious. What kind of insurance profile does that individual have that would give them the benefit of very cheap car insurance? People will often complain about their car insurance rates to a friend or neighbor and too often that neighbor or friend will claim that their insurance is much cheaper. That may be true for a number of reasons. We dont all drive the same cars. We dont have the same driving records. We have different ages of drivers. There are a whole lot of variables in the criteria that make up the car insurance rate.
Rating Criteria
Credit Reports Most of the insurance companies use credit as part of the equation when setting rates. Some people do not understand the relationship. Actuaries have come up with the statistics that prove credit to be a significant rating factor. There is a stability factor and relationship to accident frequency that coincides with the credit history.
Vehicle Types This can be kind of tricky. Some newer vehicles actually have better rates than the older vehicles because of all the safety features. Some vehicles have high theft rates. Make sure that you get the vehicle identification number of any new vehicle purchase and give it to your insurance company to obtain your new rate.
Rating Territory You are stuck with this one unless you move to another geographical area.
Driver Info The driving records and ages of your drivers will play a significant part in your rate.
Discounts There are several ways to discount your car insurance. Purchase the home policy with the auto policy to get a multi-policy discount. Good student and drivers training discounts are available to young drivers with some companies. Retirement discounts and discounts for taking a mature driving course are available for senior citizens.
The cheaper rate is really up to you. Do your home work and ask your insurance company a lot of questions.
Tags: Actuaries, Auto Policy, Car Insurance Rate, Car Insurance Rates, Cheap Car Insurance, Credit History, Credit Reports, Drivers Training, Geographical Area, Insurance Companies, Insurance Company, Insurance Purchase, Neighbor, Rate Discounts, Senior Citizens, Several Ways, Stability Factor, Vehicle Identification Number, Whole Lot, Young DriversRelated posts
Getting a sports car is an investment since it involves a lot of money. If the person has enough money to buy one, then there are other things that a person can think about before driving it off the dealers lot.
Sports cars usually have only two-seats. If you want to have more than one passenger then you must choose another style of car.
Cars come with different transmissions that can be from 5 to 6 speed or automatic. If you do not mind stepping the pedal then a stick shift will do just fine, however if you find this to be inconvenient especially in traffic, then choose a car with an automatic transmission.
Sports cars are built for speed and not comfort. If you decide to add a little comfort when driving the vehicle with friends, then the location of engine is another deciding factor before buying.
A sports car is an expensive one that is two or three times more expensive than a regular car. If there is the possibility that you might lose interest in a sports car, then it is best to purchase a different style of vehicle available in the market one that will retain its resale value so that you are not spending your money for just a new toy.
Since there are many brands of sports cars that are made locally and/or imported, it is best to test drive a vehicle to check how much horse power the car will have, or you desire, for the value before choosing that particular sports car…
Doing some research will help you get the best deal possible. You can do this by surfing the internet or going to a dealership for brochures. Auto magazines can also provide useful information to assess a vehicles performance, technical specifications and reliability.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has data on crash tests for certain vehicles. You can check with this office to ascertain the reliability of the car you are considering.
The sports car is truly one toy that is for the big boys. Finding one will take some time but it will all pay off when you are finally driving it.
Tags: Auto Magazines, Automatic Transmission, Big Boys, Brochures, Car Cars, Crash Tests, Dealers Lot, Different Style, Horse Power, Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, Need For Speed, New Toy, Resale Value, Sports Car, Sports Cars, Stick Shift, Technical Specifications, Three Times, Transmissions, Will Take Some Time