December 18th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Hyundai has introduced many new car models lately, but the Genesis Coupe might be the most exciting.
The Coupe is styled aggressively, and was actually emulated after an animal that was predatory. This is obvious when looking at the headlights, which are angled, and the twisting lines that fall below the waistline.
This vehicle doesn’t just look impressive; it will be available with a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine that puts out 306 hp. You will also be able to get this in a 4-cylinder 212 hp 2.0-liter engine.
Staying true to the high performance appearance, the interior doesn’t disappoint. The seats have side bolsters and are very supportive and comfortable. Also impressive is the large speedometer and push button starter.
With any car, it is important to remember to protect yourself with an auto warranty.
December 18th, 2009 by Hal Moses
It isn’t surprising that Ford’s aiming the new 2010 Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids straight at the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but what is attention getting is Ford claiming that its sedan hybrids will outdo the city mileage of the Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg. That would make the Milan and Fusion hybrids’ rating at 38 mpg. Although there wasn’t a number provided for highway mileage, Ford claims that it beats the Camry Hybrid in this area as well. The Camry Hybrid currently gets 34 mpg/highway.
The Milan and Fusion hybrids will be the first hybrid technology use, besides the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner hybrids. Battery technology has undergone a big improvement since the launch of Ford’s compact SUV hybrids.
Consumers are anxious for new hybrid technology and want to save money on such things as gas, new car warranties, and auto loans. In this poor economy, people are looking for all of the financial relief they can get, including hybrid technology.
December 18th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Recently, J.D. Power and Associates conducted a study, finding that now that the EPA has changed how it tests cars, motorists are finding that they get better mileage out of their cars than what was advertised.
Before the EPA decided to update its methods to reflect a more accurate view of modern driving conditions, motorists were consistently reporting that their combined average for fuel economy was less than the EPA rating advertised.
For example, before the update, back in 2007, motorists claimed that they got around 97% of the fuel economy that was advertised. This was 3% worse than what was advertised. And after the new standards for testing were implemented in 2008, motorists claimed they got around 105% of the fuel economy posted.
For drivers who are money conscious and calculate driving costs, such as insurance, used car warranties, and gas costs, they will have a pleasant surprise with their gas mileage.
December 18th, 2009 by Hal Moses
If you ask a woman if she would like to buy a Dodge Viper, chances are she will say “noâ€. This car is a V-10 two seater that starts at approximately $80,000. Although this may not be a woman’s cup of tea, studies show that many men would like to have this car. Like many other aspects of life, men and women seem to have very different tastes, and cars are no exception.
Men and women buy the Viper, but 91% of customers are men. The Porsche 911 and BMW M5 are also cars being bought primarily by males. These models costs above $60,000. Studies show that men often equate their car with their image. In other words, they choose cars that will portray a certain status.
What cars do women like? The #1 choice is the Toyota RAV4. Women like to purchase small, affordable cars that are easy to buy. For example, the Saturn SC, SL, and ION are popular choices for women. These cars start at around $10,000 and have a reputation of being “no hassle†when it comes to buying.
It is obvious that women and men think very differently in lots of areas, cars included. Men like to buy the fast, impressive cars, whereas women purchase the inexpensive, small cars. The only common ground that these cars have is that they are backed by an auto warranty.
December 18th, 2009 by Hal Moses
SUVs are available in a wide array of prices and sizes. They are more versatile than any other vehicle. They have varying cargo carrying options, carry up to eight people, and allow drivers to be higher than cars. In addition, they can tackle off-road terrain. There are car based and truck based SUVs. Which is the best for you?
Gaining popularity are car-based SUVs. These vehicles are on car like unibody platforms. In addition, they use a suspension that is completely independent, and have all-wheel drive. They usually perform better in fuel-efficiency, handling and ride comfort than truck based SUVs. Also, in CR testing they generally rate higher overall. They can be driven off-road in mild situations.
Truck-based SUVs are built on a body on frame platform. They allow for a larger towing capacity than car-based SUVs. Also, the ones that have four-wheel drive can tackle off-road terrain that is serious. The handling on these vehicles, however, can be more cumbersome. Also, their ride can be a little jolting.
SUVs are a great option if you are looking for cargo space versatility, a large passenger capacity, and off road options. Do your homework on such things as an auto warranty, maintenance costs, and fuel-efficiency before deciding on an SUV. Also, have in mind what your needs will be before showing up at the dealership.
December 16th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Anti-lock braking systems, or ABS, were made available for cars in America in 1978. Mercedes-Benz was the first carmaker to install them on their vehicles. Then, Cadillac began installing ABS on their luxury vehicles in 1986.
ABS utilizes onboard computers, which have links to the wheel sensors, that make the brakes automatically pump at a rapid rate. Anti-locking brakes apply pressure selectively by being able to determine which of the wheels might lock, and then lowering the pressure of the brakes on those wheels so they can rotate properly. ABS will only work in a panic situation, not in normal braking circumstances.
It is important to keep in mind that ABS won’t create a shorter stopping distance. Yet, its advantage is that drivers can maintain control and avoid skidding.
Drivers need to know how to use ABS correctly. The proper way to brake with this system is to stomp and steer. While many drivers are accustomed to pumping, this isn’t correct for this system. Instead, drivers should apply a strong pressure down on the brake without letting up.
Auto safety is becoming a big priority for motorists. New car technologies are allowing for advanced safety features that protect passengers and drivers. Drivers should also protect themselves by buying an auto warranty for their car. This allows motorists to have peace of mind.
December 16th, 2009 by Hal Moses
If you love old cars, you aren’t the only one. There are antique shows all over the country that have vintage cars on display. Crowds flock to admire these cars, and owners take great pride in displaying them.
Many vintage owners have restored their cars piece-by-piece. Owners haven’t just rebuilt these cars; they have restored them to their original state.
The difference between rebuilding and restoring is simple. Rebuilt cars have new parts in them, where, restored cars have authentic parts.
The restoration process includes the car body, as well as mechanical components. For a true restoration to take place the parts must be from the original make and year of the car.
The vehicle’s interior is also included in the restoration. If possible, upholstery should be repaired. It can be virtually impossible to find the authentic upholstery for a vehicle, but it is necessary to get as close as possible.
It’s a labor of love to restore a car, but worth it. There is nothing more satisfying than turning a clunker into a classic car. As with any car, make sure you have an auto warranty to protect yourself.
December 16th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Volvo Cars of North America came out with the C30 R-design, limited edition, which is priced at $25,700.
The C30 R-Design is a similar, yet more outstanding version of the latest C30 hatchback. This car has the power, to accompany its new updated look. The engine is 227-horsepower, and it puts out 236 ft per pound of torque.
This car comes in four colors- Titanium Grey, Black Sapphire, Passion red, and Orinoco Blue. The interior of the vehicle is very sporty. The seats are black flex-tech with a cream trim in leather. Also trimmed in this leather are the shifter and steering wheel. The stock pedals have also been replaced with sport ones.
Consumers are excited about this car model that provides the options for a Dynaudio sound system, and a navigation system based on DVD. In addition, to spending money on new car warranties and maintenance, consumers are willing to shell out money for these latest technologies.
December 12th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Sports car enthusiasts consider the supercar to be the ultimate vehicle. What is a supercar you may ask? A supercar is a very high-end sports car that has power and handling that is exceptional.
It can be challenging to find one of these cars, and even more of a challenge to find the funds for one.
Cutting edge supercars have to be ordered directly from the factory. As a result these cars have a big “ooh†factor.
But how can you distinguish a supercar from a regular sports car? Three features will set the two apart. First, supercars have an exotic appearance. Secondly, they are extremely fast. In addition, they have world class cornering and handling. Most supercars are imported and the most prominent ones are Italian made.
Supercar models include Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Masserati. They are considered supercars because they are rare, have impeccable engineering, and have top performance. They can cost over a million dollars.
Owners of supercars are very prideful of their vehicles. An auto warranty is a necessity to protect these gems.
December 12th, 2009 by Hal Moses
When some people think of pre-owned vehicles, they visualize dirty, old, junky cars. But there is another market, certified pre-owned cars, which are making savvy buyers take notice.
Certified pre-owned vehicles have had thorough inspections and refurbishing. This eliminates the concern about reliability that often goes along with purchasing a used car. Also, certified pre-owned cars are backed by an extended auto warranty. These benefits are hard to pass up. Automakers understand that they shouldn’t ignore the popularity of the certified car market.
A recent study revealed that since 2000, certified pre-owned sales have risen 46%. In fact, approximately 1.5 million of these cars are sold every year. That is the equivalent to around 10% of new car sales.
How do you know the best and worst certified pre-owned vehicles to buy? Forbes.com has a list that will assist motorists in making a good purchase.
The Honda Accord and Toyota 4Runner come in at the top of the list. Next, is the Acura TL, followed by the Subaru Impreza. The Lexus GS also comes in high on the list.
The worst cars on the list are the Saturn Relay, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Also making the worst list are the Pontiac G6, Volkswagen New Beetle, and Mercedes Benz E Class.
Certified pre-owned vehicles offer an updated car without the updated price. Also key is that they come with an auto warranty.