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It is the very first thing you need to know when you are thinking about replacing a car - whether you will be searching for a new or used vehicle. The protection that a long warranty offers, as well as the almost guaranteed hassle free operation of the first few years of owning your new vehicle, are lures that don’t only belong to the new luxury vehicle market in Hong Kong any more.

Since the introduction of many certified pre-owned vehicle programs in the late 90s and early 2000s, second hand is no longer seen as second best.
Intellichoice.com says that according to their consumer surveys, the peace of mind is the most important factor for consumers that decide to buy a luxury automobile in Hong Kong and elsewhere in the world.

Certified pre-owned cars go back to the manufacturer to be refurbished and checked over, and as long as it is a low mileage and only slightly used vehicle, it can go back onto the market. Often there is more than ten thousand dollars shaved off the price of these luxury cars in HK, yet they come with a mnaufacturer’s warranty, as well as other benefits.

Mercedes has always been the top name in luxury cars, and they are now one of the top names in luxury autos in Hong Kong that are pre-owned, also. One of the most highly recommended Mercedes vehicles according to consumer surveys is the A200. Great for city drivers, the small car packs a lot of luxury punch.

The sleek nose and otherwise chic styling turn heads, while the leather interior, classy fascia and premium surround sound system pampers the driver and passengers. There is no need to think about electric cars in Hong Kong, or even diesel vehicles - the fuel efficiency of this mini-monster of a Mercedes vehicle is unbelievable.

Mercedes also came in consumers list of favorites with their CLK200, one of the best selling midsize luxury cars in Hong Kong. The responsive 1.8 liter engine delivers 120kw - plenty of grunt for its size. It takes 9L per 100 km - only a couple of liters above some diesel models, which are renowned for their fuel efficiency.

If safety is a concern for you when buying a CPO, the CLK200 comes with anti-lock brakes, six airbags in its none-too-large frame, tire pressure sensors, and plenty of controls at thumbs-length on the multi-function steering wheel.

Volvo is said to have one of the best CPO (certified pre-owned) programs for luxury vehicles in Hong Kong. There are no roadside assistance costs for CPO Volvos for the duration of the standard 72 month / 100,000kn warranty.

However, one of the most importantthings for consumers is that if a certified pre-owned vehicle is found to be significantly different than described by Volvo (for example, if it had been in an accident that wasn’t noted, or there were other major problems that weren’t disclosed or discovered), Volvo will buy the vehicle back. This extends past the warranty term, and gives consumers so much extra assurance.

Saab was also assessed as being one of the best CPO vehicles to purchase. Their CPO luxury cars in Hong Kong have a standard 3 year / 100,000 km warranty, and when they go back to the factory for a check over there are over 100 points of inspection checked and balanced.

Saabs must score 99% in these inspections to be considered as CPO luxury autos in Hong Kong, and they also have roadside assist throughout the warranty. However there is also no deductible for CPO covered warranty visits, which makes the difference for some.

Tips and Guides: As one of the world’s most exciting and prestigious brand, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong offers luxury passenger cars and commercial vehicles extensive choice of Vito, Sprinter, Viano, Actros, Axor and Atego to the customers in Hong Kong and Macau.

Think back to the last time you had a moped under you; was it summer fun or a day’s rental in Spain or Greece? Remember dodging the potholes, the sea, the sun, the pedal starter to get the hair drier going? The last time I was even on a bike, it was a Kawasaki 125 - an old heavy donkey of a bike, not a proper motorbike as any aficionado will tell you, but not quite a moped either. I’d been to a birthday party, I was wearing nothing but my jeans, and it was a beautiful starry night.

Anyway, back to reality. What about mopeds as the ultimate get-around utility vehicle? The little gadget that saves you a lot of money - you know, insurance, tax, petrol, parking, time - just about everything, really.

As we know, the vast majority of mopeds today come in the shape of scooters (the original Vespa design barely changed since the good old ’60’s) but that doesn’t make any of the new bikes ‘retro’; if anything, they get more and more beefier and powerful as time goes by. So, let’s start at the ‘toy’ end, like the electric scooters made by ‘razor’.

Before you laugh, think about it - zero emissions, so no restrictions in your travel on ‘zero car days’ some cities are having now, and less road tax. Secondly, no hair dryer (it’s electric) and no trips to the petrol station. This equals more time for what you want - and more money in your pocket to do it. And yes, if you splash out, you’ll see some change from 190 pounds.

It all sounds too good to be true, but then these vehicles are literally only for city streets and short runs; thirty miles being the distance and thirty miles per hour the speed limit, so examine all the lifestyle applications before you buy.

The next step is a 49/50 cc . Take a Katana AY50, for instance. I’m not brand pushing, it’s just that these have been around since 1997 so there’s a good chance you’ve seen one. Hair dryer? Well maybe. There is a liquid cooled version as well, so that’s up to you.

Will you be lugging around a helmet when you reach your destination? Again that’s up to you. There is a storage area beneath the seat. Cheap to run? Well, you’re talking about a six litre tank, approx. 1.5 gallons , so a nice range of 120 miles or so. What I would call a gallon-a-week ride.

Nearly all the information I have put here is fairly standard (irrespective of the brand name you buy) so choice, as with many things, boils down to price and reliability - and what you are happy to be seen driving.

You will save money. Even a chimpanzee recognises this, but as a homosapien wanting wheels, you might as well be cheap. You’re more likely to be able to afford those sun kissed moped rides as a result, and you’re doing something positive for the environment also.

Tips and Guides: Bikesure are a leading specialist Moped Insurance broker, specialising in Motorcycle Insurance of all types.

Riding motorbikes can be a great means of travel, especially if you commute a lot.It is practical, cheap (as well as efficient) and it is enjoyable, all at the same time. With more and more big cities getting crowded, driving cars around can be a tough job.

This is where motorbikes come in - they are mobile, and you will not have to worry about traffic jams and parking spaces. Motorbikes are cheap, both to purchase and operate, and most of them are very affordable. This is probably why in most Asian cities motorbikes are more popular than cars. Plus, riding motorbikes all day long can be quite fun, especially if you commute a lot.

There are several kinds of motorbikes available. Those of you who love big bikes could opt for sport bikes or roadsters. Almost all popular brands, from the Japanese Yamaha and Honda to Harley Davidson and Daytona, have big sport bikes and roadsters. Imagine riding a Yamaha R6; a definite head turner. It would not be hard for you men to get dates when riding one of the available sport bikes or roadsters.

If you are looking for a more compact motorbike, average 125cc bikes from various models can be selected. They provide a nice mix of performance and efficiency, and you will enjoy travelling on them all day.

This group of bikes is lighter than sport bikes, so you will not get fatigued even if you use them for hours on end. Not compact enough, you say? A Scooter or CVT bike (also known as matic bikes) might be the one for you. They are usually fashionable, suitable for both male and female riders, and very compact. You can cruise through London traffic with ease when riding one of these.

Safety might be the main issue when riding motorbikes. Most cities (or countries) obligate riders to wear specific kind of safety equipment, from helmets to riding glasses, so make sure you comply with these safety regulations. Other than that, riding motorbikes is safe enough to do every day. There is no doubt that enjoying the wind blowing through your hair while you cruise through streets is addictive, and once you experience the true enjoyment of riding motorbikes, it will be hard for you to switch to other means of transport.

Let us take London for example. Riding motorbikes, it would not be hard for you to travel from one point to another. Whether it is work or pleasure, cruising through London on a motorbike will most definitely be exciting. You will be able to enjoy London’s classic scenery even more.

Parking space? No problem, since your motorbike will be compact enough to park comfortably just about anywhere. Traffic in London can be a pain, but riding motorbikes will solve this problem as well. Before you know it, you will be enjoying sundown on the Thames right after work. Let us not forget how economical riding motorbikes are, as well.

Believe me when I say that riding motorbikes is the way to go these days. You can’t get enough of that riding sensation, once you started.

Tips and Guides: Bikesure are a leading UK Bike Insurance Broker offering Motorcycle Insurance Quotes for a range of different types of Bike.