| The Admirable Passage Of Time: The 2006 Chrysler 300 |
18 Jul |
In 1955, when the Chrysler 300 was first introduced to the American public, the nations population was 151,684,000, the average annual salary was $2,992, and the cost for a loaf of bread was $0.14. Times sure have changed. DaimlerChrysler has built the 2006 Chrysler 300 to meet the challenge of a modern America. The new car, which was launched in 2005 has a bold new look, sumptuous leather interior, refined handling, four choices for engines, and shares many components including the chassis with the Mercedes-Benz E Class. But the MSRP of $23,525 to $39,920 suggests the company has kept pace with the vision of the Company founder Walter P. Chrysler to build mid-size cars that were technologically advanced and priced adequately to meet the needs of the American people.
On May 8, 1998 when Daimler-Benz merged with Chrysler, resulted in the co-development of the companys new car, the Chrysler 300. The car features engineering from both companies. Its large headlights, full front grill, and a boxy cut complements its bodacious exterior making the car resemble the more expensive Bentley Continental coupe. Step inside the cabin and youll be surprised with the amount of space. The full size cabin is comfortable, as legibly put together. Look around, and youll see large, clear dials that have a retro appeal, yet are easy to read. Turn on the engine and listen to the Hemi growl, engage the gear, and the 2006 Chrysler 300 is ready to rock.
At the heart of the 2006 Chrysler 300 is the re-engineered Hemi engine that gained infamy by winning Le Mans in the original 1955 Chrysler 300. For 2006, the Chrysler 300 gives you choice of the 2.7 -liter V6 engine tweaked with 200 horsepower, the 3.5-liter 250 horsepower; the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi with 340 horsepower, and the top of the range SRT-8 with 6.1-liter Hemi with 425 horsepower (torque of 420 feet/pound at 6,000 rpm) that can go from 0 60 mph in the low 5 seconds. Fuel efficiency ranges from 21 mpg city, to 28 mpg in the highway but also depends on how you drive.
The handling of the 2006 Chrysler 300 mimics that of the Mercedes Benz E-Class. The rear wheel drive car shares the same suspension with the Mercedes E-Class, and the 50:50 weight distribution helps deliver a smooth, supple ride with enhanced cornering capabilities. The 120-inch wheelbase provides greater stability. Moreover, there are subtle differences depending on which trim you choose. For example, the ride in the Touring trim is supple and controlled, while the 300C with the more powerful Hemi is stiff. But the more you drive it, the more familiar youll get with its agile feel and responsive handling.
Safety is also a vital component of the design in all DaimlerChrysler automobiles. The 2006 Chrysler 300 has attained the five star front-impact crash test rating (the highest government safety standard for evaluating vehicle management of crash energy). All 300 models use steel Unibody safety cage construction and standard multi-stage airbags with Occupant Classification System that evaluates forces to determine which bags should be inflated, when and how fully. Front and rear side-curtain airbags are available as options, and we strongly urge you to get these to complement the vehicles otherwise exceptional safety reputation.
On January 5, 1924, the same year Lee Iacocca was born, the first Chrysler car model was launched. It was called the Chrysler Six; it was a statement that enshrined Walter P. Chryslers philosophy of beating Henry Ford at the automotive game by building technologically advanced cars. For its time, the Chrysler Six was way ahead of the curve offering the industrys first high-compression engine with aluminum pistons, detachable cylinder heads, vacuum fuel feed and uniquely expressive design. The Chrysler Six served as inspiration for the original 1955 Chrysler 300, which in-turn inspired the current Chrysler 300. What would make these cars better would be the availability of a Hybrid engine, and word has it DaimlerChrysler, BMW, and Ford and jointly developing one which should be ready for the market in 2009. The passage of time is glorious indeed.
Tags: 1 Liter, 2006 Chrysler 300, Annual Salary, Bentley Continental, Chrysler 300, Company Founder, Daimler Benz, Efficiency Ranges, Fuel Efficiency, Headlights, Horsepower, Infamy, Loaf Of Bread, Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Benz E Class, Mid Size Cars, Mpg City, Passage Of Time, Tweaked, V8 HemiRelated posts
read comments (0)| Record Gas Prices Spark Interest in Electric Cars |
15 Jun |
Prices at the pump are driving more car buyers to look into electricity as an alternative fuel source.
This summer, oil and gas prices surged to new highs. Oil reached $70 per barrel for the first time in history in August, boosting prices at the gas pump to $3 per gallon in many parts of the country.
The rising prices have sparked a high interest in electric cars, scooters, bicycles and all-terrain vehicles, said Alex Campbell, spokesman for Zap, a company that makes battery-powered vehicles.
“We have had thousands of people calling and e-mailing us in the past few months,” Campbell said. “The economics of oil are becoming an issue for average consumers. And when you look at the cost of plugging in versus pumping gas, it makes a lot of sense.”
Gas cars use about 12 cents’ worth of fuel for every mile, whereas electric cars use only 3 cents’ worth. That means an electric car can travel four times as far as a gasoline car for the same money. Other vehicles, like electric bicycles, use about a penny’s worth of energy for every five miles and achieve an average fuel efficiency of more than 1,000 miles per gallon.
Driving an electric car is not only good for your pocketbook, it’s good for the environment. Electric cars emit 98 percent less pollution than gas cars, even after accounting for power plant emissions. This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which scientists say contribute to global warming and climate change.
“Driving an electric car is a new experience that you have to try to understand,” Campbell said. “Once people add an electric car to their family, most people prefer to use the electric car over the gas car.”
A Green Car Institute study of electric car use in California shows that when given the choice between an electric car and a conventional one, owners chose the electric 90 percent of the time. The cars can be plugged into a regular 110-volt outlet to be recharged.
Tags: Alex Campbell, Battery Powered Vehicles, Car Institute, Cars Prices, Electric Bicycles, Electric Car, Electric Cars, Fuel Efficiency, Fuel Source, Gas Car, Gas Cars, Gasoline Car, Global Warming And Climate Change, Green Car, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Miles Per Gallon, Oil And Gas Prices, Other Vehicles, Power Plant Emissions, Pumping GasRelated posts
| No Ifs, No Buts: The 2006 Corolla |
1 Jun |
They are an everyday occurrence on our streets, but the latest Toyota Corolla is aiming to be far from common. Since its introduction in 1968, the Corolla has gone through eight re-incarnations. This, the ninth, is certainly the most likable. Based on its reputation for excellent quality, reliability, and resale demand the 2006 Corolla offers good value at its price point of $13,780 to $17,555. However, the marketplace is now filled with excellent competitors including the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and the Nissan Sentra. As a result Toyota has been hard at work improving quality, design, and drivers appeal in both its core breadwinner such at the 2006 Corolla and the new Camry models. Bold new designs are laudable, but not if they fails to persuade mainstream buyers to reach for their wallets. The 2006 Corolla sedan is good enough to convince buyers to purchase the car out of desire rather than necessity.
Back in the early 90s, I test drove a Corolla. So it was great opportunity to drive the newest car. Gone are the bad styling cues, the sci-fi exhaust, and two-tone body works, but retained are the cars great ride and handling, the everyday usability which is the tangible Toyota factor. It all adds up to a practical, fun drive. Walk around the car, you cant help but notice the harmonious stylistic hints of the more expensive Lexus IS 300 sedan. The 2006 Corollas integrated front bumpers feature the dignified dual-bulb headlights giving it a sporty character, and the dapper side rockers give the car a sneaker-like feel. The tail of the car is consistent with the clean, crisp shape found in the front. This is certainly a more youthful car than its predecessor, but one that says functional adult, with its very own subtly refined elegance. Additionally, the 2006 Corolla boasts excellent aerodynamics and fuel efficiency for a non-hybrid, 32 mpg city; 40 mpg highway.
The harmonious interior of the 2006 Corolla communicates the notion that it is possible to live large on a small budget. The perfectly engineered and ergonomically designed interior is anything but cheap. The large three-spoke steering wheel is sporty and elegant to grip. The speedometer and rpm dials feature large font that is easy to read. The clean lines of the center console are well configured to house the radio and climate control buttons. The cabin also features formfitting, supportive seats both front and rear, with plenty of head room. You will not feel claustrophobic in this car seated in either the back or front seats. The driving position may be a bit awkward at first, but the crispness of the cabin easily makes up for it.
Money may not buy happiness, but the 2006 Corolla sedan will surely keep you smiling with your choice of four inside trims, and two efficient engines. The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder, 126 horsepower is standard in CE, LE, and S trims. Featuring the VVT-I race technology, the engine peaks at 6000 rpm generating a torque of 122 pound-feet at 4200 rpm, and the 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve antes up 170 horsepower at 7600 rpm, with 125 pound-feet of torque available at 4400 rpm. Put the car in gear youll find the handling responsive, the acceleration refined, and a supple ride. The 2006 Corolla is a high quality automobile with an uncompromising faith not uncommon to a more expensive automobile.
The 2006 Corolla is one of the safest cars on the road. Even in the 40 mph frontal offset collision test by the IIHS, the car received a good rating (the highest possible) and was named the best pick among smaller cars. It has also earned the full five-stars in NHTSAs crash test ratings, and comes equipped with multi-stage front airbags that deploy depending on severity of impact. However, side curtain airbags are still an option, and we recommend you add them to complement the cars high safety record. Stability control is also optional and may be good to have in wet or snowy areas. Combining safety with elegance, the 2006 Toyota Corolla gives you inner beauty as well as external refinements you can be proud of.
The 2006 Toyota Corolla is a subtly refined modern sedan you can happily fall in love with. Since its introduction in 1968, the Corolla has gone through eight re-incarnations. This, the ninth, is certainly the most likable. Based on its reputation for excellent quality, reliability and desirable resale demand, the 2006 Corolla offers a good value in its class. Now isnt that something to write home about?
As soon as a machine becomes more complicated than, say a mousetrap, it acquires character. The more components a system contains, the greater the scope for variable behavior. The result of uncompromised dedication to design and engineering has made the 2006 Toyota Corolla more intelligent to suit a modern lifestyle. The car contains many new components that enhance the joy of living.
Tags: Aerodynamics, Body Works, Corolla, Corollas, Everyday Occurrence, Ford Focus, Fuel Efficiency, Honda Civic, Improving Quality, Lexus Is 300, Mazda 3, Mpg Highway, New Camry, Nissan Sentra, Quality Design, Quality Reliability, Refined Elegance, Sci Fi, Tone Body, Toyota CorollaRelated posts
| Make Way for the Ford Edge |
11 May |
Another addition to Fords lineup for class leading vehicles is the 2007 Ford Edge. It is a new midsize crossover vehicle. At its introduction, Ford targets that this vehicle should be able to compete head to head with vehicle imports like the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Murano. Built on the Ford CD3 platform, the 2007 Ford Edge will certainly be something to look forward to. Just imagine, this platform has also been used for other highly known and respected vehicles like the Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan, and the upcoming Lincoln Zephyr.
People who have been able to look at the 2007 Ford Edge has come to state that this vehicle certainly could pass for another Ford Fusion. This is because the Ford Edge has the same front end styling that the other vehicle has. Rumors also have it that this new vehicle would be coming equipped with the very same power source behind the Ford Fusion machine. So that would very much mean that the 2007 Ford Edge will have a 3.0 liter V6 engine with four cylinders as its power source. Although some rumors proclaim that the engine could be upgraded to a 3.5 liter engine with six cylinders. This vehicle certainly looks slightly heavier than the Ford Fusion. Come the time that this vehicle will make its way to the streets and the rest of the American market, it would be able to fill the niche between the Ford Escape and the Ford Explorer.
The Ford Edge made its way to public knowledge when it was presented by the Ford Motor Company during the Detroit Motor Show this year. It actually combines both the space and room of traditional sport utility vehicles with the maneuverability, flexibility, and fuel efficiency of most modern vehicles. This is what cars have to have so as to be able to compete in the fast growing crossover utility vehicle segment in the automobile market. This segment actually has been predicted to surpass and upstage the sport utility vehicles come the end of this year. And it is very much likely that with the Ford Edge, the Ford Motor Company is on its way to accomplishing greater heights and wider ranges.
Mark Fields, Ford Motor Companys president in the United States and the rest of North America, states, Edge underscores the bold, American design direction for all Ford vehicles going forward. Edge also is packed with Ford innovation from its panoramic glass roof and laptop friendly center console to fuel saving engine and advanced safety features. We expect Edge to make waves in the hot crossover market this year just like the Fusion did for midsize cars last year.
Tags: Automobile Market, Cd3, Crossover Vehicle, Detroit Motor, Ford Edge, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Ford Fusion, Ford Motor, Ford Motor Company, Fuel Efficiency, Fusion Machine, Lincoln Zephyr, Maneuverability, Mercury Milan, Nissan Murano, Sport Utility Vehicles, Toyota Highlander, Traditional Sport, Vehicle ImportsRelated posts
| Keeping Your Car in Tune |
30 Apr |
Nobody looses from keeping a car taken cared of well. If you do follow maintenance schedules and do repairs well, you would not only be helping your pocket but you also would be helping the environment be greener than ever. You see, if a vehicle is well-maintained, chances are that it would be running better, safer, and more efficiently.
The engine is a very important and essential part of the whole cars system. By keeping it tuned rightly, your vehicle would be running much smoother. In fact, if your engine has a misfiring spark plug, your vehicles fuel efficiency actually is cut down to around thirty percent. Thirty percent is a great amount. If there is a need to replace filters and fluids, do not hesitate to do so. In fact, it would be best to follow service schedules.
Improperly inflated tires may not be a big deal for most people, however, the sad truth behind this is that improperly inflated tires bring down your vehicles fuel efficiency. This could also be the start of expensive damages on your vehicle. For sure, these are some matters that you would like to avoid as much as possible. Keep your tires properly maintained and properly inflated so as not to waste those precious drops of fuel.
It is also important to keep your vehicles air conditioner working properly. If it needs any kind of servicing, have the work done by only a technician who is certified to do such types of duties. Make sure that you choose a qualified technician.
On the other hand, you can also do things yourself like dispose of used motor oil, change anti-freeze and coolant, check tires, and replace old batteries properly. However, do not simply dump these anywhere. There are recycling sites that handle such wastes so much so that it does not harm other people and harm the environment as well.
Tags: Air Conditioner, Batteries, Check Tires, Coolant, Damages, Fuel Efficiency, Helping The Environment, Maintenance Schedules, Motor Oil, Oil Change, Recycling, Running, Sad Truth, Service Schedules, Spark Plug, Tires, Whole CarsRelated posts
| Is Acura Missing the Alternate Fuels Boat? |
19 Apr |
While parent company Honda continues to bestow all of its hybrid technology on its Honda division vehicles, Acura is doing without any alternate engine sources to power their cars and SUVs. Instead, the division is relying on newer gasoline engines to promote fuel efficiency as well as to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Is Acura doing enough or is Hondas luxury division missing the boat? Big changes are headed Acuras way, changes that could enormously overhaul the brand and bring to the market vehicles powered by a variety of alternate fuel sources. Lets examine exactly what might be Acuras alternate powerplant offerings at the beginning of the next decade.
Diesel, Biodiesel Honda got into the diesel market late, but the companys first offerings are considered to be exceptionally good. Four cylinder powered diesel engines are being developed that will initially appear in select Honda model cars within the next two years. These new engines meet current EPA guidelines and raise the typical fuel mileage of each car by about 30%. Importantly, each engine will be able to run on biodiesel a renewable resource made of ingredients such as soybeans. Acura may get its own diesel aspirated engine soon after the launch of the first diesel powered Honda hits the market.
Ethanol Unlike American based automakers, Honda has no plans to offer vehicles that can run on E85 technology. E85, consisting of 85% ethanol [usually corn] and 15% straight gasoline has been getting a lot of press attention lately. However, the extreme lack of service stations offering the fuel has kept demand low. Honda has decided to concentrate on next generation hybrid technology instead of branching out to E85.
Hydrogen Claiming that the first hydrogen powered car will be ready for production within the next 3 or 4 years, some are doubting that Honda will be prepared to make such a move until well after then. Look for Acura to only get a hydrogen powered car several years after the first Honda hydrogen vehicle has been successfully tested in Japan.
Pluggable Hybrid To extend hybrid fuel economy even further, pluggable hybrid powered vehicles are currently being developed. Acuras first hybrid may include this technology once Honda readies it for the market. Toyota is readying a similar model and Ford is doing likewise. 100 mpg may be a realistic figure once these vehicles are rolled out.
Natural Gas A natural gas powered Acura isnt likely to be produced, simply because Honda is investing in hybrid, diesel, and hydrogen technology above all else. Still, natural gas could be used in future fuel cell vehicles to make hydrogen. Thus, in an indirect way natural gas could power an Acura vehicle of the not-too-distant future.
So, although it would appear that Acura isnt getting the same alternate fuel technology as the Honda division is at the moment, it would appear that all of that will change in the very near future. This is good news for people who enjoy the Acura brand, but want to see it expand to include options that are environmentally friendly and promote fuel efficiency.
Tags: Alternate Fuel Sources, Alternate Fuels, Diesel Engines, Diesel Market, Engine Sources, Epa Guidelines, Extreme Lack, Fuel Efficiency, Fuel Mileage, Gasoline Engines, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Honda Acura, Honda Model, Hybrid Technology, Hydrogen Powered Car, Luxury Division, Market Vehicles, Missing The Boat, Model Cars, New EnginesRelated posts
| Hybrids And Werewolves Share A Common Trait: Efficiency |
12 Apr |
What is a Werewolf but a part wolf, and a part human? Werewolves had the guile of a man and the bite of a wolf. Likewise, Frankensteins monster was a hotchpotch of old body parts put together with some electricity. Even the Greeks had their idea of a hybrid; it was Chimaera, had a head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a serpent. The modern equivalent of these flights of fancy is the modern gas-electric automobile called the Hybrid. Today such vehicles exist from manufacturers as diverse as Ford, Honda, and Toyota. Even BMW and Daimler-Benz are busy jointly developing Hybrids thatll be ready for the market by 2009. And Porsche, the hallmark of racing success, is hurrying the development of a Hybrid engine for the upcoming 2007 Porsche Cayenne. With the continuous rise in gas prices, Hybrid vehicles offer the newest of the fuel-efficient technology. Soon every car maker from Mazda to Maserati will be jumping on this particular gravy train, and for good reason.
Purchasing a Hybrid today is the modern day equivalent of taking control of higher gas prices while living the Jetsons lifestyle. There are nine Hybrids on the market today. Toyota leads the way with the second generation Prius posting the highest fuel efficiency at the lowest cost. For MSRP of $21,725 you get efficacy of 60 mpg city/51mpg hwy. This practical, yet sophisticatedly designed four-door, five-passenger automobile makes a statement. It says green-mobile anywhere you go. The endless surge of energy provided by its notably silent, but frugal engine will make you feel elated as you drive mile-after-mile with the fuel gauge stuck on full, seemingly its permanent position. Additionally, its spaciously interior, exceptionally comfortable seats, outstanding build quality, and original styling makes the Toyota Prius an excellent buy in any category. The 2006 Prius is the complete Jetsons vehicle available today. Rejoice, as the sci-fi future we once yearned for is finally here.
Depending on your personality, you now have the choice between a Hybrid that looks like a traditional car or not. Unlike the distinctive Toyota Prius, the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid do not shout environmentalist by design; rather they both blends in with the environment. If you prefer the stealth mode of a wolf in sheeps clothing, consider either the Honda Accord Hybrid, or the Toyota Camry Hybrid as your next automobile. The Accords luxuriously appointed cabin, with its host of luxury amenities such as retractable sunroof, navigation system and LED lights makes this Hybrid the perfect choice for those seeking a refined but economical sedan. Fuel efficiency of 29 mpg city/37 hwy and a MSRP of $30,500 make the Honda Accord Hybrid affordable as well. Similarly, the 2007 Camry Hybrid is fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, and has a brazen exterior styling. With a MSRP of $30,900 and fuel efficiency of 30 mpg city/40 hwy the 2007 Camry Hybrid is well positioned to be Accords Hybrid counterpart.
If you are looking for a compact Hybrid that conserves space as well as fuel, consider Hondas Insight or the Civic Hybrid. Both cars have cult-like followings among compact car drivers who love the lure of hybrid technology. The Insight, with a MSRP of $21,530 attains 57 mpg city/56 mpg hwy, and features a two-door/two-passenger cabin. Its sleek exterior design and the assortment of exterior colors enhance its desirability as a niche vehicle. The compact design, however, means limited storage capacity. Alternatively, the Honda Civic Hybrid at a MSRP of $21,850 is within the same price range as the Insight, and with its contemporary good looks attains a respectful 49 mpg city/51 mpg hwy. The Civic Hybrid is unique because it looks and drives like a sports car while posting outstanding fuel efficiency numbers.
For motoring enthusiasts who prefer greater towing capacity in your vehicles, there are four SUV Hybrids available in 2006. The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, leads the way with an unprecedented 36 mpg city/31 mpg hwy at a MSRP of $26,900. The Escape Hybrid features a 155 horsepower engine and a luxuriously updated interior making this vehicle a good buy in this hotly sought after segment. The Lexus RX 400h pushes the envelope of luxury with an even more spacious interior and a powerful 3.3 Liter V6 268 horsepower engine. The four-door, five-passenger, Lexus RX 400h gets 33 mpg city/28mpg hwy, but costs considerably more than the Ford Escape with a MSRP of $44,660. The sumptuous sport utility segment is further enhanced with the presence of Mercury Mariner Hybrid with its 2.3 Liter engine that churns out 133 horsepower with a fuel efficiency of 33 mpg city/29 mpg hwy. With a MSRP of $29,225, the Mercury Mariner is competitively priced. Topping off the list is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid that features a 3.3 liter V6, 268 horsepower engine with the highest towing capacity of all hybrid SUVs. The Highlanders attributes include a well-appointed cabin, bold exterior design, and fuel efficiency of 33 mpg city/28 mpg hwy. With a MSRP of $33,030 the Highlander is the right choice for travelers who value torque, towing capacity, and gas efficacy in their SUV Hybrid.
Hybrids no longer exist in the realm of myths or in fairy tales, but have become an integral part of our contemporary folklore. Hybrid cars and SUVs let you explore the wide open roads of our beautiful country, the cul-de-sacs of our suburbs, and the busy streets and alleys of our towns and cities. Unlike regular engines, Hybrids offer an incredible way to save on fuel without compromising your need for living. Go ahead howl like the wolf.
Tags: Car Maker, Continuous Rise, Daimler Benz, Electric Automobile, Flights Of Fancy, Fuel Efficiency, Fuel Gauge, Gas Prices, Gravy Train, Guile, Hotchpotch, Hybrid Engine, Hybrid Vehicles, Hybrids, Passenger Automobile, Porsche Cayenne, Prius, Sci Fi, Toyota Prius, WerewolfRelated posts
| How to Buy Your New Car- A Methodological Approach |
2 Apr |
Choosing a car is an important decision that merits careful planning. One should take number of things into consideration before buying a car. Following these steps can make the task easier and make you choose the right car for you: Decide what you intend to use the car for daily commuting; recreation; weekends and evenings out; carrying things; towing a trailer; carrying more than one passenger; driving in the city, suburbs or country. Consider factors that are important to you, such as looks, fuel efficiency, performance, reliability and safety features. Come up with a realistic budget, based on what you can afford (consider the monthly payment and cost of upkeep).
Locate a town or an area near your home with several car dealerships; check Sunday newspaper advertisements and the yellow pages. But the best option would be to locate an easy and good site for buying and selling cars online which will involve less effort and energy. Sites like http://www.indimoto.com are a great help.
Find a car that interests you and hop in it. Adjust the seat and mirrors, and check leg room in each part of the car. Ask to take a test drive. Start out on city streets and then head out to the highway. Pay attention to steering ease, turning radius, braking response and acceleration. Adjust the mirrors and radio while you’re driving to test convenience. Return to the dealership and thank the dealer. If you like the car, ask for a business card and say you will return later. Head to the next dealership and investigate other car models as described above. Ask dealers which car most closely resembles the one you previously test-drove, providing the make and model and explaining which features you liked. Test a number of models until you decide on a car, and compare these prices with those at other dealerships.
Some important tips:
Inquire about availability and delivery time, especially if you’re interested in a popular model or want special features
Factor the dealership and its sales staff into your choice. A dealership you can trust, especially one with a competent service centre on site, is worth more than money in your long future with the vehicle. You can, of course, have your car serviced at any dealer authorized by your new car’s warranty.
Start negotiations on polite and friendly terms. Comment on what you like about the car and ask questions. The intent is to make the seller comfortable.
Make your first offer. It should be lower than what you’re willing to pay, but not an insulting figure. Use the list price as a reference, remembering that dealer profit (often around 10 percent) is built into this figure.
Allow the seller to make a counteroffer. If the price is too high, say you’re not able to afford that and ask him to talk to his manager.
If the salesperson balks at your first offer, make a slightly higher one. Continue negotiating until you can agree on a price within your budget. If you can’t agree on a price, seek out another dealer. You may be able to go back and get the first dealer to underbid the second dealer
Avoid setting your heart on one particular model or make. There are hundreds of excellent vehicles on the market, and becoming attached to one of them may make you less hard-headed in your bargaining.
Related posts
| Getting to Know the 2007 Hybrid Car Line Up |
22 Mar |
More and more car manufacturers are developing “greener” versions of their well-known brands. The infusion of Hybrid technology has made a big splash in the motoring world and its popularity as well as the growing concern for the environment has added to the demand for this type of vehicles, urging more vehicle manufacturers to add more of their vehicles in the hybrid bandwagon to capture more potential consumers in the market.
One of the newest in the batch 2007 hybrid car line up is the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, the third in Toyota’s Hybrid vehicles. The Camry hybrid boasts of a performance of a top notch six-cylinder engine with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. Although it is not as fuel efficient as the first Toyota hybrid, the Prius, the Camry hybrid is a whole lot better than the regular Camry.
Never to be left behind, giant Japanese car manufacture Honda, has also the Hybrid Accord and the Hybrid Civic. These two sedans offer what Hybrids are known for, less emission and less fuel consumption.
The 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid alone combines luxury and fuel efficiency that is truly environment friendly. Even with a V6 engine that generates 253 horsepower, you can be sure that you will get more miles to the gallon. It is a nice change knowing that you get the luxury and power that you want and still get the fuel economy that we all deserve.
Then there is the 2007 Civic Hybrid which continuously provides the true essence of hybrid technology. Its ingenious engineering has rightly earned it its Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. What this means is that you dont only get from point A to point B in less gas usage, but also save the environment by not adding to the air pollutants already swarming over it.
Joining the Hybrid car race in 2007 is General Motors second Hybrid vehicle, the 2007 Aura Hybrid sedan. This will be competing with other high-end hybrid cars such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Honda Accord Hybrid. Sporting a V6 engine as well, the Aura Green Line is dedicated to providing utmost engine power with minimal gas consumption. Its engineers claim that it will be able to generate 20 percent savings in fuel economy over its conventional model.
Nissan has also announced that a 2007 Altima Hybrid will be offered and has offered test drives and a glimpse of its development vehicle. In a deal inked with Toyota, Nissan will be dedicating five years into the project with the Hybrid Technology developed by Toyota.
Rumoured to be unveiling its first hybrid model, Volkswagen is said to be preparing a full-hybrid car for 2007 but it hasnt disclosed yet which car model they will be infusing the technology. Latest rumours said that it would be on the Jetta for the upscale engine level or in the Passat for the four-cylinder class.
With more and more vehicle manufacturers realizing the potential of Hybrid vehicles, it wont be long before every car produced will be infused with the Hybrid technology. And as oil prices continue to soar and concerns for the environment are ever growing, we can all be sure that these vehicles will be welcomed with open arms.
Tags: 2007 Toyota Camry, Air Pollutants, Car Line, Civic Hybrid, Fuel Consumption, Fuel Economy, Fuel Efficiency, Honda Accord, Honda Accord Hybrid, Hybrid Car, Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Technology, Hybrid Vehicle, Top Notch, Toyota Camry, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Hybrid, Toyota Prius, What This Means, Zero Emission VehicleRelated posts
| Electric Cars ‘Zap’ Rising Gas Prices |
27 Feb |
Tired of paying more and more for gas? Fuel prices this year have been at the highest levels in 25 years, and with world demand for oil higher than ever, they most likely won’t decrease any time soon.
According to Zap, a publicly owned company based in California that manufactures an array of electric vehicles, one of the best ways to beat rising gas prices is to buy and drive an electric car.
Gas cars use about 10 cents’ worth of fuel for every mile, whereas electric cars use only 3 cents’ worth. That means an electric car can travel three times as far as a gasoline car for the same money. Other Zap vehicles, like its electric bicycles, use about a penny’s worth of gas for every five miles and achieve an average fuel efficiency of more than 1,000 miles per gallon.
Driving an electric car is not only good for your pocketbook, it is good for the environment. Electric cars emit 98 percent less pollution than gas cars, even after accounting for power-plant emissions. This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which scientists say contribute to global warming and climate change.
Electric vehicles start as low as $300 for an electric bike or scooter and $5,000 for an electric car.
Zap also is beginning to market “smart” cars, which are some of the smallest and most fuel-efficient gas cars available. While small cars seem to have become an endangered species in the U.S., Zap is aiming to bring them back into vogue, which can help reduce gas prices and air pollution.
Whether you get an electric vehicle or keep your gas car, one of the easiest things you can do is slow down. The faster you drive, the more fuel your car consumes per mile. If you drive at 70 mph instead of 55 mph, you’ll reduce your car’s fuel economy by 17 percent.
Tags: Air Pollution, Car Gas, Car One, Electric Bicycles, Electric Bike, Electric Car, Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles, Fuel Economy, Fuel Efficiency, Gas Car, Gas Cars, Gas Fuel, Gasoline Car, Global Warming And Climate Change, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Power Plant Emissions, Rising Gas Prices, Small Cars, Smart CarsRelated posts
