Automobile – Christopher King

Where Do Auto Auction Lots Get the Cars They Sell?

Christopher King joined the auto sales industry shortly after earning his bachelor’s degree in 1999 from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. In 2007, he took early retirement from auto sales and service, moved to Zaire, and ran a big game hunting ranch. Christopher King returned to Springfield, Missouri, in 2014, when he opened car dealerships, Queen City Motors and Queen City Motors Service Center.

Car dealerships often get the bulk of their inventory from auctions of used cars conducted by professional automobile auctioneers. These events are held in every major city and many smaller cities weekly. Some are held solely for automobile dealers licensed by the state, while others are open to the general public. Automobile auctioneers don’t own the cars they sell but act as middlemen between them and buyers.

There are several types of sellers at auto auctions, including military and government organizations, like police and fire departments. Demand among buyers for such cars is high because their maintenance and record-keeping are usually very good, making it fairly easy to discern their condition. Another source of auction cars is banks selling off repossessed cars, which have generally been well-cared for and have good documentation of all service; competition for them is usually fierce. Auto dealers themselves also sell cars at an auction. There are sometimes good deals to be found in this group, but these are cars the dealers haven’t been able to sell, so they’re selling them at auction to limit their loss.

Buying a car at auction is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for the ill-informed. There are no provisions made for test-driving the cars. Buyers can inspect the cars and their engines but not drive them. Buyers also are given whatever documentation exists about cars’ repair history and any other issues that may be on the record.

Owning a Car vs. Owning a Truck

Queen City Motors and Queen City Motors Service Center were established by Christopher King to provide quality used vehicles and quality automotive services. Both companies are located in Springfield, Missouri. Through Queen City Motors, Christopher King offers buyers a choice of both cars and trucks.

For car owners who are contemplating buying a truck as well as truck owners who are thinking of buying a sedan, it is worthwhile to note some of the key differences between owning a truck and a car.

Looking at maneuverability, cars are more nimble than trucks, and feature a tighter turning radius. They are better for cramped urban environments.

Average fuel mileage for trucks is about 26 mpg, and for cars it is 34 mpg. This is because of the heavier build and larger engines of trucks.

Trucks have cargo beds and hauling capability. This kind of storage capability cannot be matched by a car. On the other hand, cars tend to have more space for people. This need to carry people can be alleviated by choosing a truck with an extended cab, but it will add to the vehicle’s cost.

Trucks can handle road conditions and off-road terrain that cars cannot, and are generally more ruggedly built. They are also typically better for harsh conditions like deep snow.

The Different Types of Brake Pads

For nearly two decades, Christopher King has been in the car business in Springfield, Missouri. Starting with Queen City Motors, Christopher King has sold quality used cars. He also owns an auto service shop. Queen City Motors Service operates out of Springfield, Missouri, and offers several automotive services, such as brake pad replacement.

Brake pads are car components that grip the rotors to slow or stop the car. There are different types of brake pads. Non-metallic or organic brake pads are used for daily driving situations that do not have heavy braking demands. They are the softest kinds of brake pads made of rubber, cellulose, glasses, and a bit of metal. Compared to other brake pads, they wear more easily and are typically replaced more often.

Semi-metallic brake pads are made of a combination of synthetics and metal. These are the most common pads for cars currently being produced. Compared to organic brake pads, they are more durable and resistant to heat, making them perfect for performance cars and large vehicles. These pads are designed for heavy braking situations.

The most expensive and highest quality pads are ceramic pads. These are typically used by supercars and made from a combination of clay and ceramics. The high cost of these pads is due to the expense of the manufacturing process. These pads have superior performance in high temperatures and can recover from continuous hard braking.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

Since 2000, Christopher King of Springfield, Missouri has been working in the automotive industry. He is the owner of both Queen City Motors and Queen City Motors Service in Springfield, Missouri. Through Queen City Motors, Christopher King sells a hand-selected inventory of used cars.

Some people are hesitant to buy a used car because of the fear of wasting their money on a lemon. When buying a used car, do not skip the test drive. Be sure to test the vehicles acceleration, braking and cornering. During the drive be aware of how the engine sounds. Beyond the mechanical condition of the car, the test drive is also an opportunity to decide on whether the vehicle can give adequate utility in terms of storage and space where the passengers can sit comfortably.

When speaking with a dealer, ask about the history of the car. Also, check the title of the car. In particular, check if the car has a branded title. Branded titles point to car history. For example, if the car is branded as salvage this means it was declared as a total loss by the insurance company. Make sure to ask if the car has been into any accidents, floods, or fire. A used car with a detailed maintenance history is a plus.

The last tip is to be able to walk away from a bad deal. Car buyers should be treated respectfully and their questions should be answered in a straightforward and honest manner. Do not be afraid to walk away from a bad deal, no apologies needed, just walk away.