Auto363

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Fleet Manager John Millett said that more than 50 fire service staff has switched from being user-choosers to driving a range of Toyota Avensis diesel cars and the switching has been a smooth one.

Manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Burnaston (Derbyshire), the Avensis 2.2-liter D-4D diesels, all equipped with top of the line Toyota auto parts, are used by fire officers as well as by senior and middle managers for operational purposes. They are being ordered in saloon, hatchback and Tourer form and in T3-x, T4, T-Spirit and T180 grades.

One Avensis is designated to be used in teaching new fire officers road craft skills when driving under blue-light conditions. Meanwhile, three Yaris 1.3-liter T3-x diesels have been assigned to the brigade’s “Red Fleet” to be used on general and community liaison duties. Officers and managers also have the choice of specifying Yaris for their own use if they prefer to drive a smaller one.

Over the past year, the Toyotas have been introduced into the rush on a rolling programme. Mr. Millet said that the feedback has been very good because everyone seems very happy. He added that some comments were expected when the staff has to move from a user-chooser scheme to another, but nobody has had any complaints and most have reacted that the Avensis is a good car. Furthermore, he said that from his point of view, the cars are working out well.

The decision of the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service to shift to a single-badged fleet was influenced by the occurring again of the problem of meeting the needs of new staff who might find their predecessor’s choice of ride not suitable.

John Millet continued that they decided to have one car for all so they looked around for a 2.2-litre diesel with a good specification, one that would be large and durable enough to stand up to attending incidents, and with all the necessary safety features. They made naturally cost-effectiveness as a prime consideration in choosing.

Based at Littleover, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service gets its cars on contract hire through Lloyds TSB, Appleyards and Automotive Leasing. The Avensis cars average 15,000 miles a year and the driving-school vehicle 25,000 miles, with drivers paying a contribution for personal use. At three years, replacement cycles take place.

For more than a quarter of a century, Toyota has relied on the talents of American designers and engineers to help ensure that their vehicles meet local preferences and standards.

Shopping for a new car is hectic affair as it involves a lot of research and travelling. It also involves several hundred hours spent with salespeople, trying to get the correct price and spec details f the intended vehicle. Many successful salesman, in their respective jurisdiction, who can sell cars you never wanted. All this can be prevented from a little help from internet.

There are several internet sites dedicated to Indian car industry in particular and the global auto industry in general. Here are some tips that can help improve the experience of shopping for a car.

The first stop is internet

If a person walks directly to a dealership and ask for the best selling price of a car, they will never get straight answers. Instead the person will be made to spend hours in sales persons cabin and negotiate prices and freebies. The end result of which is that the buyer will be confused and not sure to get the same price again. Imagine the same with several other dealers, it is a scary proposition. Thank god that older generations had fewer options of cars and which helped them arrive at a decision sooner.

But nowadays there is the option to get good car deals through the internet. It is considered the back door of salesmanship, but it is sure shot way to car deals at prices lower than those prevailing in markets. Even internet site has a contact address or you can fill up the contact form that asks you to give in details so that their sales person could get in touch with you. You can also go the dealer websites and go to build section, fill in required colours, accessories and ask for a quote. For this exercise you can request quotes form various dealers, who are close to your residence.

Cheaper option

The internet approach is cheaper, requires fewer hours and is easy to shop. As every dealership is in competition with the other car dealers (either selling the same brand or rivals), they will help you get the best quotes. They may also shed their margins to finalize a car deal. An internet salesperson will help you get the best price for a new car without any hassles of negotiations.

When internet salesmen contact you over phone, they may request you to come to dealership, because this gives them a perfect opportunity to convince you to buy. Try to avoid going to the dealership and keep researching about dealerships around the area. After you have collected a bunch of quotes compare them. You will notices a difference of several thousands of rupees. When the salesman contact you don’t forget to tell them that there is a better deal available to you. Some may agree and some may not, but it is worth the shot. Using this technique you can get the target price of you preferred car within a day.

Use one against the other

Many dealerships have targets and policies to beat other dealership prices. Usually they will cut down their prices if the quote by rival dealership differs by a small margin. Also they are in a hurry to close the deal and hence will ask you repeatedly to come to their facility and close the deal. Do not do so until you are sure that you have got the best price in the area. However, Indian car buyers are impulsive buyers and are easily taken in by smooth talk. Inputs from friends and relatives play an important role in deciding to buy a car at a dealership. But, first time buyers should exercise caution and should collect as much information as possible over the internet. Initial negotiations should include exact figures and best prices, usually conducted over the phone. It should include on road price of a car, involving all the taxes, insurance and other payments before you settle on a dealership. Otherwise unscrupulous dealer would include additional charges at the last minute.

Take home a car

Sometimes, after you have settled to buy a car from a particular dealer, rival car dealers may offer extended warranties and other freebies. Ensure that you buy a car and not fall attractive propositions. Making a bad decision will cost you a lot of bad sleep.

Some dealers may coax you to shed a few more thousand rupees by offering you attractive additions to the car. Remember they are trying to make money. A few extra thousands may not seem big in comparison with the total value of the car, but it is a significant amount. Avoid falling into such traps.

Getting the best price on a new car is not very stressful, when you use the internet to make most of your research, like compare cars, compare value and difference between the services offered by dealerships. In the end a car gets only as much as its market value and hence focus to getting a good car deal.