Составители: Кузьмицкая Н.И., доцент,

Составители: Кузьмицкая Н.И., доцент,

Чайников Д.А., ассистент

 

Ответственный редактор: Пчелинцева И.Г., д.п.н.

 

 

Учебное пособие предназначено для студентов специальностей Организация и безопасность движения (ОБД) и Организация перевозок и управление на транспорте (Автомобильный транспорт) (ЭАТ ) очной и заочной форм обучения, изучающих спецдисциплины на английском языке. Пособие содержит аутентичные материалы по темам, связанным с началом эксплуатации автомобиля: выбор, покупка, страховка автомобиля, нарантии, система обучения вождению, оформление документов и др. В приложении представлен глоссарий часто используемых автомобильных терминов.

 

Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования

© «ТЮМЕНСКИЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ НЕФТЕГАЗОВЫЙ УНИВЕРСИТЕТ»

 

Тюмень 2010

Содержание

Урок 1. Категории автомобилей, факторы и свойства…………………
Урок 2. Описание технических функций и приложений……………….
Урок 3. Какой автомобиль? ……………………………………………...
Урок 4. Общие рекомендации по покупке………………………………
Урок 5. Гарантии………………………………………………………….
Урок 6. Покупка нового………………………………….…………….....
Урок 7. Покупка подержанного………………………………………….
Урок 8. Продажа автомобиля…………………………………………….
Урок 9. Обучение вождению……………………………………………..
Урок 10. Оформление документов………………………………………
Урок 11. Страховка……………………………………………………….
Урок 12. Экстренные службы…………………………………………….
Приложение 1. Словарь терминов……………………………………….

Contents

Unit 1. Vehicle categories, factors and characteristics………………..…..
Unit 2. Describing technical functions and applications……………………
Unit 3. Which car?.........................................................................................
Unit 4. General buying advice……………………………………………..
Unit 5. Warranties………………………………………………………….
Unit 6. Buying new…………………………………………………………
Unit 7. Buying used………………………………………………………...
Unit 8. Selling a car………………………………………………………...
Unit 9. Learning to drive……………………………………………………
Unit 10. Paperwork…………………………………………………………
Unit 11. Insurance………………………………………………………….
Unit 12. Breakdown organizations…………………………………………
APPENDIX 1. GLOSSARY

UNIT 1

VEHICLE CATEGORIES, FACTORS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Task 1. Read the text

 

Task 3. Compare the existed in Russia vehicle categories with this very definition.

 

Task 4. Name all transport means categories you can remember existing in Russia

 

Task 5. Read and translate

 

Factors and characteristics

VEHICLE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS	OPERATION CONDITIONS FACTORS
1 ­– Engine capacity	1 – Road capacity
2 – Load-carrying capacity 3 – Vehicle carrying capacity 4 – Load freight capacity (dry bulk capacity) 5 – Duration of loading / unloading 6 – Maneuvrability 7 – Maximum speed of vehicle 8 – Minimum stable vehicle speed 9 – Control fuel distance 10 – Fuel reserve 11 – Fuel economy 12 – Maintainability 13 – Braking power 14 – Motor vehicle emissions 15 – Exhaust gases composition 16 – Engine emission toxicity 17 – Vehicle safety 18 – Heat value of fuel	2 –Road visibility 3 –Humidity of air 4 – Total load of vehicle 5 –Road smoothness 6 –Ambient temperature 7 –Rolling resistance coefficient 8 –Wind capacity 9 –Adhesion coefficient of wheels 10 –Air pressure 11 – Road longitudinal profile 12 –Dust concentration 13 –Vehicle speed 14 –Fog (dense fog or mist fog) 15 – Traffic regime 16 –Traffic density 17 – Fuel quality 18 – Driver skill 19 – Gearshift frequency 20 – Technical service quality 21 – Traffic composition

Task 6 Read the definitions

1) Factor – (making, producing) – the reason, moving force of some process, phenomenon, determining its character or its main separate features.

2) Method – (a way of investigation, a theory, science) – a way of reaching a goal, solving the concrete problem.

3) Methodology – studies of structure, logical organization, methods and means of activity.

4) Property – objective peculiarity of the product showing itself at production, and operation.

5) Definition – setting the meaning of the unknown term (word) with the help of known words.

6) Function – dependable changeable value.

7) Model – (measure, sample) – device manufacturing original or any image, analogue of the object.

8) Conception – (understanding, system) – definite way of understanding, explanation of any phenomena, main point of view, leading thought.

9) Parameter – value, characterizing any property of a process or phenomenon.

10) System – (the whole, consisting of parts) – collection of elements being in relations and links with each other.

11) Differentiation – division of the whole to parts.

12) Theory – (considering, investigating) – the system of main ideas in one or another field of knowledge, the form of scientific knowledge, giving the whole view on regularities of reality.

13) Practice – (active) – purposeful activity of people.

14) Regularity – objectively existing link between the phenomena and processes.

UNIT 2

UNIT 3

WHICH CAR?

You are going to buy a car. Have you made a decision?

Task 1. Before reading, please, mind the expressions:

 

· to set out;

· to choose from;

· to narrow the choice down;

· to fit the needs;

· to suit the needs;

· to come down.

Explain the expressions in English, make up your own sentences with them.

Task 2. Words to remember:

 

1) to bewilder [bi'wildə] (v.) – ставить в тупик; сбивать с толку; приводить в замешательство;

2) budget ['bʌʤɪt] (n.) – бюджет;

3) to narrow ['nærəu] (v.) – сузить, ограничить;

4) counterparts ['kauntəpa:t] (n.) – аналог, двойник;

5) harmful ['h a:mful] (adj.) – вредный, губительный;

6) baffling ['bæflɪŋ] (adj.) – трудный, тяжёлый;

7) plunge [plʌnʤ] (n.) – решительный шаг;

8) all-rounder [ɔ:l'raundə] (adj.) – многогранный;

9) one-piece ['wʌnpi:s] (adj.) – цельный, единый, моноблочный;

10) tailgate ['teɪlgeɪt] – задний откидной борт, дверь в задней стенке кузова;

11) awkward ['ɔ:kwəd] ­(adj.) – громоздкий, неудобный;

12) full-blown [ful'bləun] ­(adj.) – полнофункциональный, полноценный;

13) opt (for) [ɔpt] – выбирать, предпочитать;

14) affordable [ə'fɔ:dəbl] (adj.) – доступный по цене, по средствам.

 

Task 3. You’ve made a decision to buy a car. What do you pay attention to? Do you think much of:

 

1. the colour?

2. the type of the engine?

3. the cost of the car?

4. the model?

5. the mark or brand?

6. the insurance?

7. the mileage if the car is not new?

8. the age of the car?

 

Task 4. Make your own list of preferences adding something or excluding the suggested ones.

 

Task 5. What’s your attitude towards insurance?

Do you consider it to be very important to insure your car?

What cost of the insurance do you think is the most reasonable?

 

Task 6. Read the text and say which kind of engine you prefer and why.

Task 11. Imagine you have enough money to buy a car. You are very fond of sport, mainly car racing; and you have a holiday home not far from your city. Read the two texts about sports cars and estate cars.

 

Say, which you would prefer to buy.

Tell your group-mates about advantages and disadvantages of the both types.

Try to use the expressions:

I like it, because…; I dislike it, because…; I hate that…; I enjoy that…; I prefer;

What I like most is

 

Sports cars

These are most fun cars to own, but the least practical and the most expensive to insure – the ultimate 'heart over head purchase'! Sports cars are relatively expensive to run, as the maintenance costs tend to be higher than mainstream models, Vauxhall's stunning VX220 sports car will

as does the fuel consumption. provide plenty of smiles per mile!

As well as speed, most sports cars offer higher than average levels of grip, and are designed to make driving fun.

Although there's a reasonable range of models to choose from, you'll pay more for a sports car than for other types because there are fewer available and they're more desirable.

You'll normally find better deals on used sports cars in the autumn or winter, when they're harder to sell because demand is lower.

 

Estate cars

Estate cars are ideal if load carrying is an important consideration. There are fewer estate car models to choose from, but on the used market you'll often find that they cost little more than their hatchback equivalents

Ford's Mondeo Estate is one of the most popular estate cars on UK the market

because there's generally less demand for estate models. The current trend for MPVs has reduced the demand for estate cars, so the choice of estate models available has also narrowed. Estate cars are ideal if you carry a lot of luggage, or perhaps a dog, on a regular basis.

Although it may be stating the obvious, bear in mind that some estate models are significantly longer than their hatchback equivalents, which means that they may take up more space when parking – worth thinking about if you intend to park the car on your drive or in a garage.

Task 12. Remember the words:

 

1. a carrier (n) ['kærɪə]

2. to be suited to (v) ['sutɪd]

3. to seat (v) [sit]

4. an occupant (n) ['ɔkjupənt]

5. to tend (v) [tend]

6. mainstream (adj.) ['meɪnstrim]

7. a visibility (n) [vɪzə'bɪlətɪ]

8. a versatility (n) [vɜsə'tɪlətɪ]

9. a boot (n) [but]

10. a roofbox (n) [ruf bɔks]

 

Task 13. Read the text and pay attention to the new words. Translate the text. Find the synonyms in the text:

 

an aim; famous; kind; different; place; passenger; convenience; to fit; to require; old; to search; space; choice; usual; disadvantage.

People carriers (MPVs)

People carriers, also known as Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), are now one of the most popular types of car on the road.

 

 

The Renault Espace is a good example of an MPV that can seat seven people in comfort

They're ideally suited to large families, and families with children. MPVs come in various shapes and sizes, from high- roofed variants of hatchback models to full-blown van-based people carriers able to seat seven occupants in comfort, and there are models to suit most requirements and tastes. As demand for MPVs is high, prices, both new and used, tend to be higher than for mainstream hatchback and saloon models, and MPVs are also more expensive to insure. If you're looking for the advantages of a slightly higher driving position, and therefore better visibility than a hatchback or saloon model, coupled with versatility for load and people carrying, then an MPV is a good option. One downside is that many MPVs have less than generous boot space – particularly if you have a full load of passengers. You may find that you need to use a roofbox with some models to increase the available luggage space.

 

 

Task 14. Use the words in brackets in the correct form:

 

1. People carriers, also known as Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), are now one of (popular) types of car on the road.

2. As demand for MPVs is high, prices, both new and used, tend to be (high) than for mainstream hatchback and saloon models, and MPVs are also (expensive) to insure.

3. If you're looking for the advantages of a slightly (high) driving position, and therefore (good) visibility than a hatchback or saloon model, coupled with versatility for load and people carrying, then an MPV is a good option.

4. One downside is that many MPVs have (little) than generous boot.

 

Task 15. C-test.

 

SUVs

Sports Utility Vehicles c___ in all sh___ and sizes, and often h___ four-wh___ drive. They're marketed as 'l___style' vehi___, aimed mainly at owners w__ need space to c__rry leisure equipment as w___ as passengers. Some SUVs have soft-tops to allow Suzuki's compact Jimny has proved a big hit as an affordable, fun SUV

wind-in-the-hair __toring.

If you need sp___ to carry cycles, fishing gear, etc, then an SUV may be the c__ for you. Some buyers opt for an SUV rather than a sp___ car.

As de___ for SUVs is high, particularly during the su___ months, prices, both new and used, tend to be higher than for mainstream hatchback and saloon ___els, and SUVs are also more ex____ to insure.

Task 16. Find the answers to the following questions in the text 4x4s.

1. Do 4x4s come in only one size and shape?

2. What can they be ideal for?

3. Are 4x4s used off-road very often?

4. What can you say about their wheels and tyres?

5. Are they more comfortable to be used for carrying children to school or for traveling to the countryside?

6. Are they expensive or cheap to buy?

7. Is it cheap to run them?

8. What should you do before making a decision to buy this kind of car?

9. Is it possible to insure these cars in the UK now?

10. Can you buy spare parts for the cars of foreign models?

 

X4s

4x4s come in many shapes and sizes, and can be ideal for recreational use and for towing, although a pretty low percentage of 4x4s are ever used off-road. In fact some 4x4s are actually quite poor for off-road driving, and many are fitted with wheels and tyres aimed at road use.

Toyota's Landcruiser is equally at home off-road,

towing, or on the school run

If you're looking for a vehicle to tow a caravan or trailer regularly, or if you're likely to need to drive off-road occasionally, or regularly, then a 4x4 may fit your bill, although 4x4s are increasingly popular with families looking for a durable and stylish means of covering the school run.

4x4s are expensive to buy, expensive to run, and expensive to insure, so make sure that you do plenty of research into costs before taking the plunge. Also be aware that there are a lot of 'grey-import' 4x4s for sale, and although these can be affordable to buy, they won't be any cheaper to run, they're likely to be more expensive to insure than models 'officially' sold in the UK, and it can be difficult to obtain spare parts for some imported models.

Task 17. Explain the words in English:

 

to look for; occasionally; to be aware; to obtain; expensive; to insure; spare parts

 

Task 18. Write a composition about your ideal car.

 

Speak about its advantages and disadvantages.

Does it exist in reality?

UNIT 4

GENERAL BUYING ADVICE

Before buying a car, do as much research as you can into the models that you're keen to look at. There are plenty of car magazines that will provide road-test information, often comparing similar models, and there are also a number of websites offering information and advice. Don't be afraid to test-drive several cars to help you to decide on the model to go for, and if you're buying a used car it's a good idea to test-drive a few examples of the particular models you're interested in so that you can compare them and get an idea of whether a particular car is a good or poor example. Make sure that you're comparing like with like, for example a car with power steering will generally be easier to park than one without. Don't rush into buying the first car that you see.

Task 1. Words to remember:

 

1) depreciation [dɪ:pri:ʃɪ'eɪʃ(ə)n] (n.) – амортизация, снижение стоимости, обесценивание;

2) loan [ləun] (n.) – заём, ссуда;

3) to bear [bɛə] (v.) – нести, иметь;

4) unscrupulous [ʌn'skru:pjələs] (adj.) – недобросовестный, беспринципный;

5) to borrow ['bɔrəu] (v.) – заимствовать, занимать;

6) hire (purchase) ['haɪə] (n.) – наём, прокат (покупка в рассрочку);

7) lease [li:s] (n.) – аренда, сдача внаём;

8) whereby [(h)wɛə'baɪ] (adv.) – посредством, при помощи, в соответствии с;

9) to owe [əu] (v.) – быть должным;

10) lender ['lendə] (n.) – кредитор;

11) instalment [ɪn'stɔ:lmənt] (n.) – часть долга, очередной взнос;

12) to stipulate ['stɪpjəleɪt] (v.) – ставить условием, обусловливать;

13) excessive [ɪk'sesɪv] (adv.) – непомерный, чрезмерный, неумеренный;

14) comprehensive [:kɔmprɪ'hensɪv] (adv.) – всесторонний, полный, всеобъемлющий;

 

 

Task 2. Please insert the correct letter.

Depreciation

For many people, the bi______est ¹⁾ cost involved in car ownership is depreciation. It’s not until you decide to sell your car, or trade it in for a newer model, that you find out just how much money you’ve lost throu___h ²⁾ depreciation since you bou___ht ³⁾ it! The ___reatest ⁴⁾ depreciation usually ta___es ⁵⁾ place in the first year of a car’s life, so bear this in mind if you’re thin___in___ ⁶⁾ of buyin___ ⁷⁾ a new car. If you buy a year-old car from a reputable dealer it will have a similar ___uarantee ⁸⁾ to a brand-new model, but someone else will have paid for that first-year’s depreciation.

Obviously, milea___e ⁹⁾ has a bi___ ¹⁰⁾ effect on depreciation, but there may not be much you can do to reduce the milea___e ¹¹⁾ you cover. Apart from milea___e ¹²⁾, the two main 1 factors are the car’s condition and service history, so to minimise depreciation loo___ ¹³⁾ after your car, ma___e ¹⁴⁾ sure that you have it serviced re___ularly ¹⁵⁾, and ___eep ¹⁶⁾ the service record up to date.

 

Task 3. Please insert the 14 words correctly.

 

additional • be • buying • choose • decide • depending • having • insurance • insurance • money • one • to • with • you

Finance

Once you’ve decided how much you can afford to spend _________ 1) a car, you then have to decide how to finance your purchase. ______________ 2) on the car you have in mind, and your bank balance, _____ 3) may be able to buy it outright from your savings without _________ 4) to worry about finance, but if you do need to borrow ________ 5) there are several options. The following advice will help you to _________ 6) which option best suits your situation and needs.

Whatever option you _________ 7), always be sure to read the small print – there can be _______________ 8) charges and conditions to a credit agreement that are not always obvious.

______ 9) loans and hire purchase agreements you will often be offered optional ______________ 10) to protect your payments if you become ill or unemployed.

This ______________ 11) policy may provide you with peace of mind, but it can _____ 12) expensive – you may do better to pay the insurance premium in _____ 13) go at the start of the agreement, rather than adding it _____ 14) your monthly payments.

 

Task 4. Read the two texts about credit cards and personal loans

Credit cards

If you're buying a car from a dealer, you will probably be able to pay for

the car using a credit card, provided your credit limit will stand it. This is a relatively easy option, but make sure that the seller doesn't charge you a fee for paying by credit card, and if you're not intending to pay off the whole balance outstanding on your card in one go bear in mind that using a credit card could prove expensive, as you're likely to be paying a high interest rate. A personal loan may prove to be a better option.

 

Personal loans

A personal loan can be an affordable way to buy a car, as you'll effectively be able to spread the cost over a time period that suits you, and by shopping around you should be able to secure a loan at a competitive rate. Always try to deal with reputable banks or finance companies, and compare interest rates to make sure that you get a competitive deal. Be wary of small companies, or companies recommended by a dealer that you may not have heard of – some unscrupulous companies charge very high interest rates.

Once you know how much you can afford to borrow, and how much you can afford to pay, you just need to arrange for the loan to be paid into your bank account and you can then pay for the car.

 

Task 5. Read and translate the text. Discuss the main advantages of hire purchase.

Hire purchase

Hire purchase is also known as lease purchase, and is a method of paying for a car whereby you pay monthly payments to a finance company for an agreed period, and at the end of the agreed period the car becomes your property. During the hire purchase period – whilst you are making payments – the car belongs to the finance company, but you will normally be liable for any damage caused to the car during the agreed period.

Under a hire purchase agreement, you pay an initial deposit, followed by monthly payments (normally made up of a proportion of the money you owe plus interest) over an agreed period. At the end of the agreed period you will have the option of owning the car outright, although some lenders may charge a final fee, which can be high, so always check on the exact terms of the deal. With some types of hire purchase plan you will own the car once all the outstanding instalments have been paid and there will be no extra fee to pay.

Always check the small print with hire purchase agreements – unfortunately there are unscrupulous companies operating who stipulate unreasonable conditions in their contracts, such as excessive charges if you break the terms of the agreement.

 

Task 6. There are at least 29 hidden words. Find them!

 

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Task 7. Read the text and answer the questions.

 

Contract hire

A contract hire agreement essentially enables you to have a new car, which you lease under a contract that will normally include all servicing and any unexpected repair bills. The car will always remain the property of the contract hire company.

Under a contract hire agreement, you'll make fixed monthly payments for the duration of the contract, and you won't have to pay any extra payments for servicing, repairs, or new components such as tyres. You'll obviously have to pay for fuel, and normally the cost of insurance will be your responsibility too – so always make sure that you have fully comprehensive cover, as you'll be liable if the car is damaged. At the end of the agreement, the car is returned to the contract hire company.

The advantage of a contract hire agreement is that you're making a fixed monthly payment for use of the car and all servicing, and you won't bear the cost of depreciation. The downsides of the agreement are that you won't own a car when the agreement comes to an end, and it can be a relatively expensive way for a private individual to run a car.

Many car manufacturers offer contract hire deals direct, so if this option appeals to you shop around for the best deal. The monthly payments can vary

dramatically depending on the model of car concerned.

Questions:

1.What is depreciation?

2. Contract hire – what does it mean?

UNIT 5

WARRANTIES

 

 

Task 1. Words to remember:

Similarly ['sɪmɪləlɪ] (adv.) – также, подобным образом;

to carry out – выполнять;

to be covered by – покрывать;

membership ['membəʃɪp] (n.) – членство, участие;

breakdown ['breɪkdaun] (n.) – поломка;

commonplace ['kɔmənpleɪs] (n.) – обычное дело, распространено;

to extend [ek'stend] (v.) – продлевать;

to weigh up [weɪ] (v.) – взвешивать;

a claim [kleɪm] (n.) – требование;

expensive [ek'spen(t)sɪv] (adj.) – дорогостоящий;

authorized ['ɔːθ(ə)raɪzd] (adj.) – квалифицированный;

extra ['ekstrə] (adj.) – дополнительный,

 

 

Task 2. Find the synonyms in the text:

Guarantee, to make, not new, participation, to be paid by, usual, a request, to judge, not cheap, skilled, additional.

Task 3. Find the antonyms in the text:

New, unusual, cheap, to repair, to narrow, non-professional, to include, worry, often, to keep silence.

 

Task 4. Questions for discussion:

 

1. Have you ever bought anything with a warranty?

2. Do you consider a warranty to be very useful?

3. How much money can you save using a warranty?

4. Do you think a warranty in Russia is just the same as a warranty abroad?

5. If you have a chance, would you offer anything special to a warranty when buying a car?

6. A three-year warranty is considered to be enough for the car, isn’t it?

7. What should a warranty include to satisfy you personally?

 

Task 5. Read the text. Try to pay attention to the new words.

 

Whenever you buy a new or second-hand car, a warranty should be included. Similarly, when you have any work carried out that work should be covered by a warranty.

The warranties provided with new cars are normally very comprehensive, and often include membership of one of the breakdown organisations. Three-year warranties are now commonplace, but you may be offered the chance to take out an 'extended warranty' on a new car. Always check carefully what's covered by an extended warranty and weigh this up against the cost – is there a claim limit, and is anything excluded? An extended warranty can be a very expensive way of buying peace of mind, especially if it ties you to having the car serviced by an authorised dealer.

When buying a second-hand car, always check what sort of warranty you're getting. Some warranties are very comprehensive, but you'll sometimes find that there's a maximum claim limit, which can be so low that it effectively limits claims to very minor problems. If you have to pay extra for a warranty, read the small print very carefully – you may find that the warranty isn't worth the extra cost, and if it's been included in the price of the car you may be able to negotiate a better deal if you say that you don't want the warranty.

UNIT 6

BUYING NEW

 

Buying a new car is probably the most expensive option, but it is also the most secure – effectively you're protected against anything going wrong with the car. Most car manufacturers now provide a minimum of three years warranty with a new car, sometimes with unlimited mileage, and many manufacturers also provide a free membership of one of the breakdown organisations for the first year of ownership.

However, although a new car may seem like an attractive proposition, bear in mind that it you're a private buyer you'll lose money as soon as you buy it – the moment you drive the car away from the dealership it's worth less than you paid for it, unless you've managed to negotiate an exceptional deal. It's worthwhile considering buying a low-mileage demonstrator from a dealer as an alternative to a brand-new car. Demonstrators are usually only a few months old, are well equipped, have been properly serviced, and have had any problems ironed out. They also usually come with the balance of the manufacturer's warranty.

 

Task 1. Read the text

 

Doing your homework

Before you buy a new car, make sure that you know exactly what the 'on-road' price of the car should be, according to the manufacturer. The on-road price is:

■ The price of the car itself, with any optional extras that you've chosen.

■ The cost of registering the car for use on the road.

■ The cost of making up and fitting number plates.

■ Delivery charges.

■ The cost of a year's road tax.

Often, the on-road price also includes a full tank of petrol.

Check to see exactly what's included in the price of the car. Often, items such as floor mats will be extra, although depending on the deal you manage to negotiate you may be able to persuade the dealer to 'throw them in.'

Depending on the type of new car you're hoping to buy, you may get a better deal during 'difficult' trading months, such as December and January, when the dealer is less likely to have a queue of customers lined up. Often, if you're interested in buying a car that a dealer already has in stock you'll be able to negotiate a better deal towards the end of a month – a dealer's sales figures and commissions for the sales staff are calculated at the end of each month, so if they've had a poor month they'll be keen to do a deal to improve their figures!

Check the press for the latest deals. Many manufacturers run special deals on certain models and these can be very competitive, often including in the price items that are normally optional extras, and sometimes a free year's insurance.

 

Task 2. Supply the missing 26 word parts.

 

Doing the deal

When doing a deal to buy a new car, never instantly agree to pay the ‘list’ price – you should be able to negotiate a better deal. If you’re buying a mainstream model, you sho__ __ __ 1) be able to negotiate a discount, and it’__ 2) worth asking for prices from more than o__ __ 3) dealer, so that you can compare what’__ 4) on offer. If you’re buying a prestige c__ __ 5), or a particularly popular model, you’ll probably fi__ __ 6) it harder to negotiate a deal, as the dea__ __ __ 7) is likely to have a waiting list of cust__ __ __ __ __ 8) who’ve placed orders for specific models. I__ 9) ’s always going to be easier to nego__ __ __ __ __ 10) a good deal on a car that a dealer has i__ 11) stock than it is for a car that y__ __ 12) have to order and then wait several mon__ __ __ 13) for.

If you have a car to trade i__ 14) against a new car make sure that you kn__ __ 15) what it’s worth – it’s rare f__ __ 16) a dealer to give you a trade-in price equal t__ 17) the market value of the car. If y__ __ 18) don’t mind the extra work involved, i__ 19) may pay to sell your existing car priv__ __ __ __ __ 20), as you’ll probably get a better price f__ __ 21) it, and you can then use this ex__ __ __ 22) money towards your new car. When trading i__ 23), remember that the important price to consider i__ 24) the ’price to trade up’, not the pr__ __ __ 25) that the dealer offers you for your trad__ __ __ __ 26) car. For instance, if one dealer offers you, say,?3,000 for your existing car, but no discount off the list price of a new car, and another dealer offers you?2,500 for your existing car and a?1,000 discount on the list price of the same new car,

then the second deal is the best one, as you’re?500 better off even though the dealer actually offered you less for your car.

 

Task 3. Read the text and in pairs discuss the main features of new car buying process.

 

Servicing

With a new car, it's important to note that in order to meet the warranty requirements you'll have to have the car serviced by an authorised dealer for the full period of the warranty. This can be expensive, as you'll have to pay dealer prices for servicing. Note that most manufacturers recommend that a new car is serviced after the first few hundred miles, just to check that all is well. You'll then be able to follow the normal service schedule.

UNIT 7

BUYING USED

Buying a used car will obviously be cheaper than buying new and, for many people, is the only affordable way to own a car. Provided you do your homework, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to find a well-looked-after, reliable car and negotiate a good deal, but it's important to be aware of the pitfalls waiting for the unwary. Never be afraid to ask for advice.

Task 1. Words to remember:

1. affordable [ə'fɔdəbl] (adj.) – допустимый, по средствам;

2. pitfalls ['pɪtfɔl] (n.) – подвох, подводный камень;

3. unwary [ʌn'wɛərɪ] (adj.) – необдуманный, неосмотрительный, опрометчивый;

4. paintwork ['peɪntwɜk] (n.) – окраска; окрашенная поверхность;

5. genuine ['ʤenjuɪn] (adj.) – истинный, подлинный;

6. mismatch ['mɪsmæʧ] (n.) – плохое сочетание, несоответствие;

7. steal (stole, stolen) (v.) – воровать, красть;

8. repossess [ripə'zes] (v.) – снова вступать во владение, изымать за неплатёж;

9. disguise [dɪs'gaɪz] (n.) – маскировка, обман;

10. insist [ɪn'sɪst] (v.) – настаивать на, настойчиво требовать;

11. forecourt ['fɔkɔt] (n.) – передний двор, площадка перед зданием;

12. supersede [supə'sid] (v.) – заменять, вытеснять;

13. discrepancy [dɪs'krep(ə)n(t)sɪ] (n.) – разница, различие;

14. apparently [ə'pær(ə)ntlɪ] (adv.) – очевидно, несомненно;

15. guardedly ['gɑdɪdlɪ] (adv.) – осторожно; сдержанно;

16. precaution [prɪ'kɔʃ(ə)n] (n.) – предосторожность, мера предосторожности;

17. willing ['wɪlɪŋ] (adj.) – готовый, охотно делающий;

18. hefty ['heftɪ] (adj.) – большой, изрядный;

19. intimidate [ɪn'tɪmɪdeɪt] (v.) – пугать, запугивать, устрашать;

20. uninitiated [ʌnɪ'nɪʃɪeɪtɪd] (adj.) – непосвящённый, несведущий;

21. nasty ['nɑstɪ] (adj.) – отталкивающий, неприятный;

22. subtle ['sʌtl] (adj.) – искусный, утончённый, неуловимый;

23. forthcoming [fɔθ'kʌmɪŋ] (n.) – появление, приход, явление;

24. hammer ['hæmə] (n.) – молоток;

25. compound ['kɔmpaund] (n.) – строение, структура;

26. goer ['gəuə] (n.) – человек, часто посещающий какое-либо место.

Task 2. Find the answers to the following questions in the text:

 

1. What points do you consider the most important and least important when buying the used car?

2. Why a high mileage car that has been used mainly for motorway cruising may be in better shape than a low-mileage car which has been used for short journeys.

When buying a used car, the safest option is to buy from a recognised dealer. Riskier alternatives are to buy privately or at an auction. When buying any used car, bear in mind the following points.

■ Don't buy the first car to catch your attention. If you've never driven the model of car you're thinking of buying, it's a good idea to view and drive several examples so that you can compare them.

■ Don't be put off by high mileage. Most modern cars are capable of completing 100,000 miles or more without major problems, provided that they've been well maintained. A high mileage car that has been used mainly for motorway cruising may be in better shape than a low-mileage car which has been used for short journeys.

■ Check the service history. The service book supplied with the car when new should have been completed and stamped by an authorised garage after each service. Cars with a full service history ('fsh') usually command a higher price than those without. If the car is three years old or more, check that it has a new or very recent MoT certificate.

■ Don't view in the dark or wet. Water on the bodywork can give a misleading impression of the condition of the paintwork.

■ Check the indicated mileage, and ask yourself if it's genuine. If the car has covered a high mileage there will often be signs of wear on the driver's seat, in the driver's footwell around the pedals, and on the pedal rubbers.

■ Check for rust, and for signs of new or mismatched paint, which might show that the car has Peen involved in an accident. Check the tyres for signs of unusual wear or damage, and check that the car 'sits' evenly on its suspension, with all four corners at the same height.

■ Open the bonnet, and check for any obvious fluid leakage (oil, water, brake fluid), then start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. Also check for signs of excessive exhaust smoke. Blue smoke often indicates worn engine components, which may prove expensive to repair.

■ Check the locks. One key should operate all the locks and the ignition switch – if not, it's likely that the car has been broken into at some stage, and one or more of the locks has been replaced.

■ Drive the car, and test the brakes, steering, and gearbox. Make sure that the car doesn't pull to one side, and check that the steering feels positive and that the gears can be selected satisfactorily. Listen for any unusual noises or vibration, and keep an eye on the instruments and warning lights to make sure that they're working.

■ Don't be rushed into a deal. There will be plenty more cars to look at.

 

Task 3. Read the text

Paperwork

If you’re buying a used car, especially from a dealer, ma__ __ 1) sure that it’s been recently serviced. If it ha__ __ 2) ’t been, a dealer will normally service it for you bef__ __ __ 3) you take delivery – make sure that this is included i__ 4) the price you’ve agreed to pay. Ask whether t__ __ 5) car has a ’full service history’. A full service history should inc__ __ __ __ 6) a fully stamped service record book, to show that the c__ __ 7) has been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recomme__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 8), and you may find that the previous owner has al__ __ 9) kept receipts for any work carried out. A car with a fu__ __ 10) service history is always worth more than an equivalent

c__ __ 11) without.

Similarly, always insist that the car is supplied wi__ __ 12) a ’new’ MoT certificate, and if it isn’t, negotiate a redu__ __ __ __ __ 13) in the price to compensate. Bear in mind that i__ 14) the MoT certificate is due to expire shortly after y__ __ 15) buy the car, you’ll have to pay for t__ __ 16) repairs necessary to correct any problems found during the te__ __ 17). A new MoT certificate provides you with peace of mind.

Ch__ __ __ 18) whether the car will be supplied with road tax, a__ __ 19) if not, budget for taxing it. You must buy a t__ __ 20) disc before you can use a car on the road.

A__ __ 21) to see the car’s ’V5’ Registration Document, and ch__ __ __ 22) that the details given on the document correspond to t__ __ 23) vehicle you’re thinking of buying. Check that the V__ __ 24) number, the colour, and the description of the car corre__ __ __ __ __ 25) to the car you’re looking at, and also ch__ __ __ 26) the number of ’previous keepers’. If the car has h__ __ 27) a large number of owners, ask yourself why this might b__ 28) – it could be that the car has had a troubled li__ __ 29)!

 

Task 4. Read the text and make questions to the text.

 

Prices

When you've decided on the particular model, or models, of car you're interested in buying, check the local papers, garage forecourts, and perhaps the specialist car sales papers and magazines to get an idea of the typical price such cars are selling for. Although there are plenty of websites and price guides that will give you some idea, the prices quoted are only approximate and can vary considerably from region to region. It may even be worth travelling away from your local area to get a better deal.

When comparing prices, make sure that you're comparing similar cars – for instance, a particular model of car may have had a 'facelift' or a new model may have been launched, but it may have the same registration letter as an example of the model that it superseded, which may explain a discrepancy in the prices of two apparently similar cars.

Prices should reflect the age, condition, recorded mileage and service history of a car – a low-mileage car with a full service history will normally be worth more than a similar car with higher mileage and/or an incomplete service history.

When viewing a car, check its condition carefully, and establish whether or not it's been serviced recently. If you notice any scratches, dents, or areas that have obviously been repaired, outside or inside the car, or if the car hasn't been serviced recently, negotiate a discount on the advertised price to allow for any work or servicing that needs to be done. Alternatively, make sure that the dealer is prepared to have the work done for you, at no extra charge, before agreeing to

buy the car.

When it comes down to the final deal, provided a car's price isn't too far from the guide price that you've established, it's actually worth what you're prepared to pay for it. You're the customer, so if you're happy with the deal, that's all that really matters in the end.

Task 5. Read the text and complete the Task 6.

 

Buying privately

If you've seen a private car advertised for sale, be aware that unscrupulous or 'amateur' trade sellers sometimes advertise cars as private sales. A trade seller is required by law to include a “T” or the word 'Trade' in any advertisements for cars he or she is selling, no matter how small the ads may be. Not that there's anything wrong with buying a car from a small-time trader – it can actually be a good thing, as buying from a registered trader actually means that you have certain rights that you won't have if you buy from a private seller; for instance, a car sold by a dealer must be of 'satisfactory' quality, which means, amongst other things, that it must be free from defects – except ones that the dealer has pointed out to you and those which should have been found during a vehicle inspection (but only if an inspection has been carried out).

If you decide that you'd like to view a car, and you phone to make an appointment to see it, one way to catch out a trader who's posing as a private seller is to ask aPout 'the car you've advertised for sale', rather than asking about the specific model advertised. If the seller asks you which car, be wary, as it's unlikely that a private seller will have more than one car for sale. Ask how long the seller has owned the car, and if they reply guardedly or say that they've only owned the car for a few months, the alarm bells should ring again. Take the initiative and ask if the seller is a private seller or a trader. If the seller is a trader, they've already broken the law by posing as a private seller in their advert, so their honesty is already questionable. Under such circumstances it would be advisable to walk away and cross that particular car off your list of 'possibles'.

Always ask to view the car at the seller's private address, and when you go to view it ask to see the 'V5' Registration Document, and check that the address appearing corresponds to the address at which you're viewing the car – if not, ask the seller why.

Ask to see the service receipts and MoT test certificates. This will help to establish that the car has been properly looked after, that it hasn't been stolen, and that the recorded mileage is genuine.

There are some genuine bargains to be had by buying privately, so don't be put off. Provided you do your homework and take all the obvious precautions, you'll usually manage to negotiate a better deal privately than you will with a dealer.

Task 6. There are at least 27 hidden words. Find them.