Environmentally Friendly Cars - Hybrid Cars the Road Warriors of
Tomorrow
By: Joey Lee
You are an environmentally friendly person and have all the
correct reasons to want to buy a Hybrid car. But buying hybrid
cars can be a little more complicated than that. The
complication is not whether to buy Hybrid cars but more on which
to choose from, given the maze of hybrid cars currently in the
market.
But just like in any purchasing process, there are certain
considerations to be made before you could narrow down with your
choices.
The Hybrid Car - A More Intelligent Vehicle. The nature
of hybrid cars, or hybrid electric vehicle, HEV has two energy
sources for its engines, namely electric and combustion. In an
ordinary scenario, like cruising along the highway, the Hybrid
car generally runs on one or the other of the sources, until the
driver needs more power such as greater acceleration. When this
happened, the two engines will operate in unison. Hybrid HEV
cars are low emission, fuel efficient, and this is one of the
key considerations when buying hybrid cars.
Another beauty of hybrid cars are is that they recharge their
batteries while being driven. This literally removes the
necessity of plugging the car for electricity. Unlike pure
electric cars, which need to be plugged into wall sockets to be
recharged.
Speak The Lingo. Prospective buyers should attempt to
achieve some level of understanding with terms related in buying
hybrid cars. For instance, according to the California Air
Resources Board, Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle is a car with 50
percent cleaner emission and a Super Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle
emits 90 % cleaner. There are zero-emission cars however, are
purely electric vehicles, not hybrid cars. But pure electric
cars are currently still rather cost ineffective and impractical
for full scale production.
Your Lifestyle and Travel Needs. When buying hybrid
cars, you should consider your work and home locations. Most
Hybrid cars are made for urban or suburban travel. Short trips
are most suitable for fuel savings, when hybrid cars are using
electric engines at low RPMs. Conversely, driving on a highway
or interstate travel wonâ?Tt see much of the expected fuel
reduction.
When is the Price Right. The other consideration for
consumer before finally buying hybrid cars is the cost. Hybrid
cars, are priced higher than gas-powered counterparts due to the
fact that production of hybrid cars are still in low numbers and
has more mechanically complex to build. But bear in mind that
the upfront higher cost of your hybrid will be eventually offset
over the long term by fuel saving due to higher fuel efficiency.
Tax Incentives Helps. Buying hybrid cars at present is
encouraged by the Federal State, due to the long term benefits
of limiting fuel usage. There several tax deduction for new
buyers of hybrid cars. Several cities are offering free parking
as an additional incentive for low-emissions vehicles.
This list of considerations above is by no mean exhaustive. We
have examined the factors from broad perspectives. There is
however, one key criterion you need to seriously consider when
making your buying decision, namely how a Hybrid car fit into
your lifestyle and travelling habits, whether you as an urbanite
or a trans-state person is critical in buying that hybrid car..
While it is a fact that Environmentally friendly hybrid cars
will be the new future vehicles of today's roads, the greater
question is, are you game for it yet?
Monday, October 06, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
5 Steps To Buying A New Vehicle
By: Hunter Taylor
People come up to me all the time as ask me if there really is a
secret to buying a new vehicle and getting the best price. My
answer is always a resounding "YES"! You must first do a few
things that will help you in this quest for a new vehicle. 1. Do
your homework. There are several websites now that will give you
what the dealer's invoice is on that vehicle. Remember that
these costs sometimes do not include freight and other options.
2. Test drive, test drive, test drive. Once you have found the
vehicle that you may be interested in, take it for a test drive.
A test drive should be more than 5 minutes long. One can not
possibly know how the vehicle will effect their backs, legs, and
shoulders on a five minute test drive. Let the salesperson know
that you would like to take it on a extended test drive. Some
dealerships will even let you take the car overnight. 3. Once
you have decided on the vehicle that you want, be prepared with
what you want to pay and what you can afford. Most people get
themselves in trouble by getting a payment far more than they
can afford because they are keeping up with the neighbors.
Decide on a payment and stick to it. Maybe you really do not
need that sunroof. 4. If you have a trade in, make sure you know
what that car is worth. There are also several websites that
will give you an estimate to what your vehicle is worth. Be
honest with your evaluation. Do not expect to pay wholesale for
the dealer's vehicle and get retail for yours. 5. Profit is not
a bad word. The dealers have on average a $20,000 investment
that they are paying interest on. Would you want to make $400 on
a $20,000 investment that you have had for an average of 45
days? And then pay a commission on top of that? Probably not. If
dealers let you walk out the door in today's economy, you know
that they are not making any money.
Other ideas: Try to buy as close to the end of the month as
possible. Dealers are more likely to take a smaller deal to get
another vehicle sold. They may have objectives they need to
reach.
Rebates do go away and they are not always better.
Do not go into a dealership with a chip on your shoulder. You
will ALWAYS get a better deal if you do not treat the
salesperson has if they have no idea what is going on.
I hope this helps you in your quest to buying a new vehicle. It
really is an easy process once you have determined the vehicle
you want, the fair price you will pay, and the fair value of
your trade.
About the author:
Mr. Taylor has been in the retail car business for over 20
years. He is currently the General Manager of a major new
vehicle franchise.
People come up to me all the time as ask me if there really is a
secret to buying a new vehicle and getting the best price. My
answer is always a resounding "YES"! You must first do a few
things that will help you in this quest for a new vehicle. 1. Do
your homework. There are several websites now that will give you
what the dealer's invoice is on that vehicle. Remember that
these costs sometimes do not include freight and other options.
2. Test drive, test drive, test drive. Once you have found the
vehicle that you may be interested in, take it for a test drive.
A test drive should be more than 5 minutes long. One can not
possibly know how the vehicle will effect their backs, legs, and
shoulders on a five minute test drive. Let the salesperson know
that you would like to take it on a extended test drive. Some
dealerships will even let you take the car overnight. 3. Once
you have decided on the vehicle that you want, be prepared with
what you want to pay and what you can afford. Most people get
themselves in trouble by getting a payment far more than they
can afford because they are keeping up with the neighbors.
Decide on a payment and stick to it. Maybe you really do not
need that sunroof. 4. If you have a trade in, make sure you know
what that car is worth. There are also several websites that
will give you an estimate to what your vehicle is worth. Be
honest with your evaluation. Do not expect to pay wholesale for
the dealer's vehicle and get retail for yours. 5. Profit is not
a bad word. The dealers have on average a $20,000 investment
that they are paying interest on. Would you want to make $400 on
a $20,000 investment that you have had for an average of 45
days? And then pay a commission on top of that? Probably not. If
dealers let you walk out the door in today's economy, you know
that they are not making any money.
Other ideas: Try to buy as close to the end of the month as
possible. Dealers are more likely to take a smaller deal to get
another vehicle sold. They may have objectives they need to
reach.
Rebates do go away and they are not always better.
Do not go into a dealership with a chip on your shoulder. You
will ALWAYS get a better deal if you do not treat the
salesperson has if they have no idea what is going on.
I hope this helps you in your quest to buying a new vehicle. It
really is an easy process once you have determined the vehicle
you want, the fair price you will pay, and the fair value of
your trade.
About the author:
Mr. Taylor has been in the retail car business for over 20
years. He is currently the General Manager of a major new
vehicle franchise.
Eight Gas-Saving Tips
By:Tom Simmons
It is no secret that gas prices have been shooting higher and
higher with no visible end in sight. Here are a few pointers on
how to save the amount of gas you use daily without resorting to
taking a bicycle onto the expressway.
1. Engine Warm-Up : 30-45 Seconds, Max You don't need incredibly
extensive amounts of time to warm up your engine when 45 seconds
will do. Any longer, and you are doing nothing more than wasting
gas.
2. Buy Gasoline When It Is Coldest Outside By purchasing
gasoline at the coolest point of the day, you are getting the
most gas for your buck. Cold air causes fuel to become denser
than it is at warmer points of the day. Gas pumps only measure
the volume of liquid gasoline you put into your car. They don't
measure the concentration.
3. Drive the Speed Limit Not only does the speed limit help
ensure your safety, but by exceeding it you waste more gas. And,
if you are worried about getting somewhere on time, traffic
lights are programmed based on the amount of time it would take
to reach one if you were driving the speed limit. That means you
are more likely to hit all greens if you keep your pace
consistent and at the limit.
4. Avoid Rough Roads Driving on gravel or dirt can slow down
your vehicle and therefore require more gas to get over. Keep on
paved roads whenever possible.
5. The Shortest Distance If you have to travel far every day,
find the best route to get you there using the least gas. Turns
and corners all require more gas, so the straightest route you
can find is probably the best one.
6. Drive Steadily Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Keep
your speed consistent.
7. Use Your Environment to Your Advantage Don't use gas if you
can get a little help from Mother Nature. When approaching a
hill, accelerate before you reach it, that way you can let the
slope glide you down without having to put your foot on the
pedal.
8. Keep Your Car Light Extra weight causes your car to do more
work and use up more gasoline. Keep your car empty of any
superfluous objects to ensure the best mileage. In the winter,
clear out any icicles that form at the bottom of your car, since
they can create up to 100 pounds of extra weight.
About the author:
Glass Star America : DIY Windshield Repair Kits
www.glass-staramerica.com Glass Star America offers the most
practical, professional series of Do-It-Yourself Windshield
Glass Repair products sold across America. They are a pioneer in
the industry, co-holding multiple patents in the overall field
of glass repair. The Glass Star Do-It-Yourself system was
designed for both ease of use and high-quality repairs.
It is no secret that gas prices have been shooting higher and
higher with no visible end in sight. Here are a few pointers on
how to save the amount of gas you use daily without resorting to
taking a bicycle onto the expressway.
1. Engine Warm-Up : 30-45 Seconds, Max You don't need incredibly
extensive amounts of time to warm up your engine when 45 seconds
will do. Any longer, and you are doing nothing more than wasting
gas.
2. Buy Gasoline When It Is Coldest Outside By purchasing
gasoline at the coolest point of the day, you are getting the
most gas for your buck. Cold air causes fuel to become denser
than it is at warmer points of the day. Gas pumps only measure
the volume of liquid gasoline you put into your car. They don't
measure the concentration.
3. Drive the Speed Limit Not only does the speed limit help
ensure your safety, but by exceeding it you waste more gas. And,
if you are worried about getting somewhere on time, traffic
lights are programmed based on the amount of time it would take
to reach one if you were driving the speed limit. That means you
are more likely to hit all greens if you keep your pace
consistent and at the limit.
4. Avoid Rough Roads Driving on gravel or dirt can slow down
your vehicle and therefore require more gas to get over. Keep on
paved roads whenever possible.
5. The Shortest Distance If you have to travel far every day,
find the best route to get you there using the least gas. Turns
and corners all require more gas, so the straightest route you
can find is probably the best one.
6. Drive Steadily Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Keep
your speed consistent.
7. Use Your Environment to Your Advantage Don't use gas if you
can get a little help from Mother Nature. When approaching a
hill, accelerate before you reach it, that way you can let the
slope glide you down without having to put your foot on the
pedal.
8. Keep Your Car Light Extra weight causes your car to do more
work and use up more gasoline. Keep your car empty of any
superfluous objects to ensure the best mileage. In the winter,
clear out any icicles that form at the bottom of your car, since
they can create up to 100 pounds of extra weight.
About the author:
Glass Star America : DIY Windshield Repair Kits
www.glass-staramerica.com Glass Star America offers the most
practical, professional series of Do-It-Yourself Windshield
Glass Repair products sold across America. They are a pioneer in
the industry, co-holding multiple patents in the overall field
of glass repair. The Glass Star Do-It-Yourself system was
designed for both ease of use and high-quality repairs.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Year Of The PT Cruiser
By: Jim Harris
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a typically American "retro"-styled
station wagon or hatchback built by Chrysler, launched in 2000
as the entry-level Chrysler. Still a hot seller in its second
season, the PT Cruiser got newly optional flame accent decals
for the hood and front fenders. Famous for its retro looks,
Chrysler's PT Cruiser combines this unmistakably classic look
with modern performance, efficiency, and features. PT Cruiser's
throwback design helps it stand out from the crowd while its
ambitious engine helps you get away from one. During it's
conception, PT stood for Personal Transportation, and the
four-door Cruiser provided precisely that--plus a lot of
enthusiastic responses from other motorists on the road. The PT
Cruiser was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2001 and won
the North American Car of the Year award that year.
The PT Cruiser was originally meant to be a Plymouth, before
Chrysler's merger with Daimler-Benz. The look was refined, and
in 1998, another Plymouth concept called the Chrysler Pronto
Cruizer directly previewed the styling of the PT Cruiser. The PT
Cruiser also bears a resemblance in size and shape to the 1997
Chrysler CCV prototype.
Indeed, Chrysler specifically designed the PT Cruiser to fit the
NHTSA criteria for a light truck in order to bring the average
fuel efficiency of the company's light truck fleet into
compliance with CAFE standards. Inside the PT Cruiser you'll
find a spacious and versatile cabin with a retro-themed dash.
While the body style remains remarkably consistent from year to
year, there are actually multiple models of the PT Cruiser,
designated by unique badges in the lower left hand corner of the
rear lift-gate. The Chrysler PT Cruiser has good handling, fits
in a small parking space, and holds full-sized adults and their
luggage in comfort. The automatic transmission in Chrysler's PT
Cruiser can only be used with Type 7176 transmission fluid.
For those who were shopping for a low-priced wagon or
convertible that offers extra style and can handle a steady
stream of passengers and cargo, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser was
definitely worth a look. The PT Cruiser convertible doesn't
offer quite the utility as the wagon, but there is a
pass-through from the trunk and the backseat is still plenty
roomy for a pair of adults. The convertible version of
Chrysler's 2008 PT Cruiser comes standard with a 5-speed manual
transmission but can be upgraded to a 4-speed automatic. The PT
Cruiser Convertible was later discontinued on December 21, 2007
as part of Chrysler's owner, Cerberus Capital Management' plan
to cut costs by discontinuing several Dodge and Chrysler models.
Early Cruisers were recalled to add child seat information to
the manuals.
Despite a post-redesign drop in sales, the PT Cruiser is the
Chrysler brand's third best selling model, with 99,585 sales in
2007 and 138,650 sales in 2006. The 2008 PT Cruiser Convertible
is a 2-door, 4-passenger convertible, available in one trim
only, the Base. For hauling cargo, the wagon version of the PT
Cruiser excels. Turbo-equipped Touring and Limited Cruisers come
standard with the automatic, while the GT can take either a
manual or automatic. The Chrysler PT Cruiser itself will be
dropped after the 2009 model year, meaning that production will
most likely stop in 2008.
About the author:
Jim Harris is president of Elite Search Engine Marketing specializing in
SEO/SEM. Let us show you we can efficiently and affordably
administer a quality search engine marketing campaign for you as
we have for Autoserv Tilton.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a typically American "retro"-styled
station wagon or hatchback built by Chrysler, launched in 2000
as the entry-level Chrysler. Still a hot seller in its second
season, the PT Cruiser got newly optional flame accent decals
for the hood and front fenders. Famous for its retro looks,
Chrysler's PT Cruiser combines this unmistakably classic look
with modern performance, efficiency, and features. PT Cruiser's
throwback design helps it stand out from the crowd while its
ambitious engine helps you get away from one. During it's
conception, PT stood for Personal Transportation, and the
four-door Cruiser provided precisely that--plus a lot of
enthusiastic responses from other motorists on the road. The PT
Cruiser was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2001 and won
the North American Car of the Year award that year.
The PT Cruiser was originally meant to be a Plymouth, before
Chrysler's merger with Daimler-Benz. The look was refined, and
in 1998, another Plymouth concept called the Chrysler Pronto
Cruizer directly previewed the styling of the PT Cruiser. The PT
Cruiser also bears a resemblance in size and shape to the 1997
Chrysler CCV prototype.
Indeed, Chrysler specifically designed the PT Cruiser to fit the
NHTSA criteria for a light truck in order to bring the average
fuel efficiency of the company's light truck fleet into
compliance with CAFE standards. Inside the PT Cruiser you'll
find a spacious and versatile cabin with a retro-themed dash.
While the body style remains remarkably consistent from year to
year, there are actually multiple models of the PT Cruiser,
designated by unique badges in the lower left hand corner of the
rear lift-gate. The Chrysler PT Cruiser has good handling, fits
in a small parking space, and holds full-sized adults and their
luggage in comfort. The automatic transmission in Chrysler's PT
Cruiser can only be used with Type 7176 transmission fluid.
For those who were shopping for a low-priced wagon or
convertible that offers extra style and can handle a steady
stream of passengers and cargo, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser was
definitely worth a look. The PT Cruiser convertible doesn't
offer quite the utility as the wagon, but there is a
pass-through from the trunk and the backseat is still plenty
roomy for a pair of adults. The convertible version of
Chrysler's 2008 PT Cruiser comes standard with a 5-speed manual
transmission but can be upgraded to a 4-speed automatic. The PT
Cruiser Convertible was later discontinued on December 21, 2007
as part of Chrysler's owner, Cerberus Capital Management' plan
to cut costs by discontinuing several Dodge and Chrysler models.
Early Cruisers were recalled to add child seat information to
the manuals.
Despite a post-redesign drop in sales, the PT Cruiser is the
Chrysler brand's third best selling model, with 99,585 sales in
2007 and 138,650 sales in 2006. The 2008 PT Cruiser Convertible
is a 2-door, 4-passenger convertible, available in one trim
only, the Base. For hauling cargo, the wagon version of the PT
Cruiser excels. Turbo-equipped Touring and Limited Cruisers come
standard with the automatic, while the GT can take either a
manual or automatic. The Chrysler PT Cruiser itself will be
dropped after the 2009 model year, meaning that production will
most likely stop in 2008.
About the author:
Jim Harris is president of Elite Search Engine Marketing specializing in
SEO/SEM. Let us show you we can efficiently and affordably
administer a quality search engine marketing campaign for you as
we have for Autoserv Tilton.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
