Public Auto Auctions

Wanting to buy a car but just can't afford one right now? There is a way and it is easier than you might think. Public auto auctions are full of used cars, trucks and SUVS that can be bought for thousands less than you would pay anywhere else. These are reliable, cheap vehicles and they can be bid on and bought by the public.
Many people think that auto auctions are just for dealers, but that's not so. There are some auctions that allow only dealers, but there are also car auctions going on in every state that are available to the public. These vehicles have been repossessed because of defaults on the loans. In many cases these cars and trucks have very low mileage and there is nothing wrong with them, but the previous owners just could not make the payments.
Other autos you might find at public auctions are government pre-owned or surplus vehicles. These can also be bought dirt cheap and are only a few years old. Government agencies can't be seen driving clunkers around so they buy replacements quite often.
These public auctions are really simple to navigate and aren't really as intimidating as you might think. Arrive early enough to check out the inventory and see what you might want to bid on and then place your bid when the auction starts. There are many live auto auctions going on in numerous cities in every state, so you are sure to find one close to where you live

Smart Car Wheels - Let Them Roll

The smart car wheels are not what most Americans are used to with a small car. The factory standard wheels fit a tire on the front of 155/60R15 on a 4.5Jx15. The rear wheel is a 5.5Jx15 that fits a tire of 175/55R15. This was in the design of the engineers from the start. A larger wheel is capable of getting better fuel mileage. This is basic physics that most small car manufacturers forgot about in the past.
From the factory these cars are made to fit a 15 inch rim, but that has not stopped the aftermarket companies from giving owners more choices. With the recent development of low profile tires, the 16 inch and 17 inch rims can be but on a smartfortwo car without any body modifications. This does require a very low profile tire like the Pirelli P Nero Zero at 195/40/17. Some owners have complained about periodical rubbing, but that is what is to be expected when a wheel 2 inches larger than stock is placed on a car.
The aftermarket 16 inch wheels are made with the same bolt pattern to fit on the smartfortwo car just like the standard 15 inch rims. The biggest complaint is that the ride is not as smooth. What most owners are not aware of is that a low profile tire eliminates some of the shock cushion a regular tire absorbs. The ride is stiffer with these low profile tires but the cornering abilities are increased with a stabler surface from the tire. There is a give and take. Deciding on what you prefer is a personal choice when it comes to your smart car wheels.