Pay special attention to “Degrees of Comparison”, name the degree and explain the usage of it.

When you set out to buy a car, there's now an almost bewildering variety of types and models to choose from, but by doing a little research, and setting yourself a budget, you'll be able to narrow the choice down to a few models, or maybe even a single model that fits your needs.

 

Diesel or petrol?

Before you start to think about which model of car is going to suit your needs best, you need first to choose between petrol and diesel engines. Diesel engines are generally more economical than petrol engines, and modern diesel engines are every bit as powerful as their petrol counterparts, if not more powerful in some cases. Diesel engines are also considered to be less harmful to the environment because they produce less harmful exhaust emissions. Overall fuel costs will be lower for a diesel-engined car, but the initial purchase price is likely to be higher, although this isn't always the case. In the end the choice of engine type comes down to personal preference.

 

Task 7. Read the following text and say if you agree with the author’s view.

 

“First” cars

If you've just learnt to drive, or you're just starting to learn and you're looking for your first car, the choice can be baffling. For most people choosing a first car, the most important considerations are the cost of the car itself and the cost of the insurance, as

insurance can be very expensive for newly qualified drivers. Often, an insurance policy for a young or inexperienced driver can cost as much as the car itself – sometimes even more!

Generally, the smaller the car's engine, the cheaper the car will be to insure, so probably the best bet for a first car is a small hatchback or saloon with a reasonably small engine. This doesn't mean that you have to have a boring car, but it really does pay to get a few quotes for insurance on the type of car you're thinking of buying before you take the plunge. Unless you have very deep pockets, it's probably best not to rush out and buy an exotic powerful sports car!

 

Task 8. Look through the text “First cars” once again and find the synonyms to the words:

 

To study; to move; to begin; normally; little; dull; a motor; to hurry up; skilled; to search.

 

Task 9. Find the antonyms:

 

To stop; big; qualified; seldom; unimportant; cheap; less; old; to sell; often.

 

Task 10. Read the text. C-test.

 

Hatchbacks and saloons

These are prob___ the m___ practical all-rounder c___ for everyday u___, and there's a huge range of c__ to ch___ from in this class, of all si___, sh___, specifications and pr___. Hatchbacks offer the practicality of a one-piece 'tailgate' for easy loading and the trans___ of large or awkward loads, whereas saloons ___ally have a lower

The Vauxhall Astra – a good example of rear-end profile at the expense of

a typical modern Hatchback load-carrying space. Both are suitable

for l___er-distance dri___ and spacious enough to allow four adults to ___el in comfort, with a reasonable amount of luggage. There are more hatchback models avail___ than saloons – some manufacturers don't produce sa___ versions of their mainstream models.

Hatchbacks and saloons are generally amongst the cheapest cars to insure. They're also generally the ch___est to buy, as they are plentiful and there are more models to choose from than any other class of car on the m___et. Engine capacities vary widely, but most mo___ are designed with overall cost of ownership in mind.

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