Archive for March, 2011
March 31st, 2011
admin
With gas prices seemingly out of control its more important than ever to learn how to improve gas mileage in your vehicles.
There are many simple steps you can take that are free or low cost that at first glance seem silly or even obvious but you would be surprised how many people fail to do them or ignore the warning signs their car is giving them.
Here are some quick tips that you may have missed or forgotten about. Not any single tip will make that big of a difference in increasing your gas mileage but I am a firm believer that every little thing you can do really does add up to getting better gas mileage and helping the environment in the process.
Simple Mileage Improvement Tips:
Use a sunshade to keep your car cool and avoid the use of your air conditioner as much as possible.
Park your car in the shade when it’s sunny and warm to keep your cars interior cooler.
Make sure that your parking brake is fully released before you start driving.
Avoid drive-thru lines at restaurants. Park your car and go inside and order your food as many times its a lot quicker anyway. I always laugh to myself as Im eating while I watch people sitting in their cars still waiting for their food. Just think of how much gas is wasted in those lines!
Use a block heater in winter to pre-warm your car engine.
Don’t ride the brake. Not only will this save gas but will greatly extend the life of your brake pads.
Drive with a smooth, constant speed and avoid flooring it when the stoplight turns green.
Maintain the transmission fluid in your car at the proper level for efficient gear shifting.
If there is smoke is coming from your tailpipe make sure that you make an appointment with your mechanic.
Make sure that your cooling system thermostat in your car is working properly.
Avoid air conditioning leaks by constant checkups with your mechanic. FYI – Pre-1994 vehicles use CFCs for cooling.
Immediately fix a slipping transmission.
When you rev up your vehicle’s engine it wastes gas. Avoid revving your engine before your turn it off as it really serves no purpose.
If you cant find a place to buy cheap gas on one day wait if you can until a few days later since the price of gas is constantly changing. Where I live you can almost predict which days prices will rise or fall. Start watching prices in your area to see if you can pick up on any patterns.
Buy your gas at the wholesale clubs, like Costco. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon or more. If you don’t like the wholesale clubs get a gas credit card from a major oil company. You’ll get a 1% to 5% discount when you buy your gas at their stations.
Posted in BMW Series
Tags: Air Conditioner, Air Conditioning Leaks, Brake Pads, Car Engine, Cfcs, Checkups, Cooling System, Drive Thru, First Glance, Gas Prices, Helping The Environment, How To Improve Gas Mileage, Improvement Tips, Park Your Car, Slipping Transmission, Stoplight, Sunshade, Tailpipe, Transmission Fluid, Warning Signs
March 24th, 2011
admin
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.
Posted in BMW Cars
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 Hemi
March 23rd, 2011
admin
When we see something new, bigger and better, we start mentally thinking of how to sell or dispose what we have on hand. Same applies to cars as well, once the decision to buy a new car has been made, the process of selling the existing one begins. But its not as easy as picking a buyer and handing over the keys. In times when you are not going in for an exchange offer, the need to seek out good buyers who will pay the asking price and are authentic becomes important. There are various other aspects to keep in mind before delving into the search for that buyer. The first step is to decide if you are going to directly put the word out and wait for people to approach you or employ the services of an agent who will be the interface between you and the buyer. Irrespective of whether your car is new or old, in good shape or not, it will fetch a decent market value.
Most sellers will service the car to ensure it is in running condition and will also do a clean up job, and any minor repairs to be carried out. This makes it easy when the prospective buyers come to inspect the car and creates a good first impression. Then comes deciding on the appropriate price after which one needs to go about either advertising in the local paper, or getting in touch with agents and waiting for the sale to happen. If placing an advertisement, it can be accompanied with a picture of the car, the model and other specifications. And if opting for an agent, this information will have to be passed on to him. Be ready to set aside plenty of time for inspection and test drives by these interested parties.
When people do come to take a look be ready with all relevant information to do with the car, major plus points and if any problems or issues, those as well. The papers related to the car must be kept handy, such as insurance documents, registration deed so that when the final sale does happen, you can easily transfer it to the new owner. Also make sure to get some in depth information from the buyer as to the purpose behind the buy, what is his background, to give you the comfort of going ahead with sale.
Posted in BMW Series
Tags: Advertisement, Asking Price, Buy Car, Car Model, Car New, Cars, Fetch, Good First Impression, Good Shape, Helpful Tips, Insurance, Insurance Documents, Interested Parties, Interface, Job, New Car, Prospective Buyers, Selling Car, Selling Your Car, Test Drives
March 23rd, 2011
admin
Buying a car is one of the largest investments many people make in their lives-and more and more, people are bypassing new cars for used models. In fact, used cars have become big business in the U.S. and today, consumers have choices that stretch beyond the big lots and dealerships.
Just remember that when you’re buying a car-new or used-it’s important to get the facts first. Doing so can help you be more certain you’re actually getting the car you want at the price that’s right.
“Buyers should be sure to consider all the angles-from mileage, model and vehicle history, to warranties and financing,” says Brad Eggleston of AutoVantage. Here’s how to protect yourself:
• Check out the model’s repair record, maintenance costs, and safety and mileage ratings in consumer magazines or online. Check the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Web site (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) to see if the car you are considering has any recalls associated with it.
• Get a vehicle history report from Experian Automotive (www.autocheck.com). It’s a cheap way to ensure you’re not the victim of odometer fraud and that the car wasn’t in a fire, flood or accident.
• Dealers are required by the Federal Trade Commission to post a Buyer’s Guide in every used vehicle offered for sale. Read it. This guide provides important information about the car and always overrules your sales contract.
• Consult the Kelley Blue Book to learn what a car is worth before going to the negotiating table. Be prepared to bargain for the best deal on your car. Also, visit a qualified mechanic for an automotive diagnostic and inspection before buying. Check the Car Care Council’s Web site (www.carcarecouncil.org) to find certified mechanics.
• Take a serious test drive. Test the acceleration and give the brakes a workout. Make sure the steering wheel doesn’t wander from left to right or shake. Drive up and down hills, down highways and through stop-and-go traffic.
• When financing, beware of advertisements offering tempting deals to folks with bad credit or first-time buyers. Find out the exact price you’re paying for the vehicle, the amount you’re financing, the finance charge, the APR and how many payments you’re up against.
Posted in Buy BMW
Tags: Autovantage, Big Lots, Buying A Used Car, Car Care Council, Consumer Magazines, Dot Gov, Drive Test, Eggleston, Federal Trade Commission, Fire Flood, Highway Transportation, Kelley Blue Book, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, Nhtsa, Record Maintenance, Sales Contract, Steering Wheel, Tips For Buying A Used Car, Transportation Safety Administration, Vehicle History Report
March 16th, 2011
admin
The Telematics Research Group (TRG), through its Automotive Technology Index, had recently announced to the whole automotive public that it is the BMW brand that is still topping lists on having the best high technology features in all of their vehicles. This is according to a study that the group has conducted for all vehicle brands that are offered in the United States and the rest of North America.
The Automotive Technology Index, that was created and done by the Telematics Research Group, has been done through actions like measuring the availability of key telematics. It also included other criteria like driver assistance as well as infotainment technologies. They did check all there criteria on various brands line up of vehicles that are offered to the market. And the conclusion came out that BMW took the top score, hence claiming the spot as the leader in the aspect of high technology features in vehicles.
Phil Magney is the principal analyst for the group who conducted the study. He comments, BMW has been a technology leader for many years, as it is part of the brands positioning. And this has been proven by the brand through the various that it has been sending to the automobile market.
A whole package of features. This is what BMW has been offering the market for each of their vehicles. The list of high technology features includes the integrated navigations systems with iDrive and Voice Command, the BMW Night Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control, Head Up Display, as well as Park Distance Control. For entertainment, high technology is certainly reflected in the Sirius Satellite Radio, HD Radio, rear seat entertainment, and iPod integration. There also is the BMW Assist system and services. You can also call without using your hands through the Bluetooth hands free calling with speed recognition which is part of the BMW Assist system.
Posted in BMW Cars
Tags: Adaptive Cruise Control, Automobile Market, Automotive Technology, Bmw Assist, Driver Assistance, Hd Radio, High Technology, Park Distance Control, Principal Analyst, Rear Seat, Seat Entertainment, Sirius Satellite Radio, Speed Recognition, Technology Features, Technology Index, Technology Leader, Telematics Research Group, Trg, Vehicle Brands, Voice Command
March 12th, 2011
admin
Buying a new car is a major purchase with major amounts of money leaving your pocket. Ask an honest car salesman and he will tell you that he is trying to get his potential customers to buy something they dont really need. Ask a dishonest salesman and he wont tell you why. That about sums it up plus it opens the door for all kinds of scam artists to try to use tricks to get you to buy a new car. Arm yourself with all the information you can when buying a new car. Here are some tips:
There are some classic scams that car salespeople use to get you to sign the dotted line on a sales contract. Get on the internet and see what these scams are. Car salespeople are probably the most persuasive type of salesmen/women (most tend to be men) that you will come across. It is very tempting to give into their hype.
Dont be afraid to say No.
If there is ONE thing you dont like about a car dont buy it. That one thing will bug you down the road as you make those expensive car payments and the honeymoon has worn off. Often, people find the need to purchase another car than keep mending the current one, because of their poor decision making when purchasing the existing one.
Dont give the salesperson a feel for what you like and dont like. Dont get too personal with the salesperson. Scam and con artists are skilled at getting into you head and detecting something you have an emotional or preference stake in. Keep focused on buying a car and try to avoid the small talk with the salesperson.
How much is that car really going to cost you in terms of maintenance, insurance, and fuel? There are web sites where you can get this information. Another bit of knowledge to arm yourself with is knowing how much that car loan is going to cost you in terms of interest.
Check your credit report and correct any errors that may be there. It will help to get your loan approved faster.
Read reviews on various cars and educate yourself before going to the car lot. The internet has a wealth of information resources for buying new cars.
Today, there are many places where you can purchase a car. There are classifieds in your local newspapers, local car dealerships, car magazines, the internet, with a huge array of sites, also offers many great deals. Ebay is also an increasingly popular destination to find cars and not necessarily just to from it. Ebay can also be used for researching the car you are looking to buy. You can use it to gain an idea of how much cars in general go for based on your specifications and conditions. There are many, many new listings every hour that you can browse through to help find your new car.
Posted in Buy BMW
Tags: Buying A New Car, Car Loan, Car Lot, Car Payments, Car Salesman, Car Salespeople, Con Artists, Decision Making, Dotted Line, Expensive Car, Honeymoon, Hype, Maintenance Insurance, Poor Decision, Sales Contract, Salesmen, Salesperson, Scam Artists, Scams, Stake
March 11th, 2011
admin
For many people, car shopping can be a frustrating, time-consuming and inconvenient experience. The good news is that with a little know-how you can use the Internet to turn what might otherwise be overwhelming into a manageable, even enjoyable experience. The Web is an excellent resource to help reduce the stress of car shopping and increase the likelihood of finding exactly the vehicle you are looking for.
The online shopping search starts with thinking about the basic things you want in a new car. Ask yourself, “Do I want a new, used or certified preowned vehicle?” and “Would I prefer a car, SUV or truck?” It’s also important to ask “Do I have a favorite vehicle manufacturer?” and “If I buy a used vehicle, how important is the vehicle’s current mileage to me?” Narrowing your preferences on at least a few of these items will minimize frustration and help lead you in the right direction.
Next, you need to know where to go. Visit consumer-friendly Web sites such as Edmunds.com, Auto Trader.com and AOL for news, reviews and comprehensive vehicle overviews. The Internet allows you to shop for cars in your area on your own schedule, when you have time, without regard for the dealerships’ hours of operation. Automotive Web sites that allow you to save car listings and searches will help you save even more time, since you can go back to where you left off instead of starting fresh each time you visit.
Once you have reduced your search to a few select vehicles, do a side-by-side comparison of the cars. With just a few clicks, you can quickly compare up-to-date vehicle information and reviews, features and benefits and costs of several vehicles. More information in less time is a bargain any consumer can appreciate.
Want your own customized shopping experience? Automotive Web sites such as AutoTrader.com allow you to personalize your car search. Registered users of the “My AutoTrader.com” function, listed on the company’s homepage, can save up to 10 searches and up to 25 cars in their personal space and refer back to the searches at a later date. In addition, the comparison tool allows you to compare your top three car choices.
Posted in BMW Series
Tags: Aol, Auto Trader, Automotive Web Sites, Autotrader, Bargain, Car Listings, Car Search, Car Shopping, Enjoyable Experience, Frustration, Likelihood, Mileage, New Car, Online Shopping, Regard, Right Direction, Shopping Experience, Side Comparison, Stress, Vehicle Manufacturer
March 7th, 2011
admin
Do you have a driver who is sixteen years old? Or seventeen years old? If you do, you better brace yourself for this piece of information. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) department Foundation for Traffic Safety study, July and August, the summer months, are the deadliest months of the year for such teenage drivers.
However, the study goes on to show that if the parents of teenage drivers make sure that driving restrictions are being maintained, the crash rate of this group of drivers can be lowered by around 20 per cent. Those teens who punctually observe and follow restriction rules have lesser chances of meeting accidents and crashes, compared to those who simply ignore these traffic and driving rules.
All of these were products of analysis of the said group. They collected data from various states which held nighttime and passenger restrictions for drivers who were 16 years old. They then compared such data to those states which did not have such restrictions.
Brad Roeber is the president for the AAA Chicago Region. He states, Summer vacation for teens often means unstructured schedules, less guidance from mom and dad, and more exposure to crashes. Enforcing safe driving rules that include passenger and nighttime limits is essential in keeping your teen and others safe on the road.
The study furthermore exposed that there were factors that worked their way to differentiate those teenagers who were already involved in crashes and those teenagers who were yet still to meet an accident. These factors included observance and conformity with state laws on driving, observance of traffic regulations and rules, as well as involvement of parents.
Roeber backed this finding out by saying, Teens whose parents take an active role, obey traffic rules and regulations, and follow graduated driver licensing (GDL) requirements are much less likely to crash. Just think how many lives we could save with the combination of the right laws and parental involvement.
Posted in BMW Cars
Tags: Aaa Department, American Automobile Association, American Automobile Association Aaa, Chances Of Meeting, Chicago Region, Crash Rate, Driving Restrictions, Gdl, Mom And Dad, Months Of The Year, Observance, Roeber, Safety Study, Seventeen Years, Sixteen Years, Teen Drivers, Teenage Drivers, Traffic Regulations, Traffic Rules And Regulations, Traffic Safety
March 4th, 2011
admin
Do you want to own your own car? Do you want to save money? Then why not try to buy a rental car?
Acquiring a rental can be a best deal to save thousands of dollars in your pocket. There are many things to consider.
In United States, many states have laws implemented in order to give the customer the safest way to obtain rental cars.
The main concern of the laws is to prohibit the possible dealer or private sellers to escape from the confinement if they sold a rip off car. If the dealer purchased a dreadful type of rental car, the law will give them proper consequences.
It is advisable for the buyer armed with knowledge when purchasing rental cars. When the buyer goes out to look for the available rental car, he must not buy on a single impulse alone.
Most of the car dealers have a sales strategy to convince their customer. The buyer should not let these strategies to pressure him or herself when making a major car rental purchase.
The buyer must look at the car. He should find out what is the value of its blue book system. The blue book is a kind of publication that records the fair price for most rental car available.
The mechanical parts of the car must be check by a professional inspector before making a decision. The mechanical parts of the car should have a good standing. If the dealers do want to inspect the engine, do not buy that car.
Examine also the several parts of the car like tires, brakes, belts, rims, mirror and others in order to get the best car. If those parts are damaged, be sure to repair it as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Have a best transaction on a rental car
For instance, if a buyer is fined with a well-maintained car for at least one month of its life, do you think he will get it?
The car should have a regular oil changes, brakes and other parts inspected as often. A best rental car must enclose with warranty. For example, the warranty must be at least one-year wit a five moth/12,000 miles and a seven day purchased warranty policy. If the rental cars have that quality, most of the time buyers will be grateful to get their hands with those said cars.
Most of the rental cars are priced based upon its availability. Some car dealers give its customer the best price deal, like buy now a rental. This deal normally gives the buyer discounts and privileges to have enough time to negotiate with the dealer.
In the year 2005, about 1.9 million rental cars were sold out in United State. Many kinds of were conceded out directly to auction and bidding sale. There are also cars sold out straightly to the dealers floor.
On the other side of the story, several rental companies for their own marketing strategy selected almost ten thousands.
Here are some of the considerations how to purchase rental cars:
Is it a late type? A typical kind of rental car for sale is having an age of one or two years of age. This can create a wide selection of vehicles that has a new style and sought after.
The car must have only one owner to further trace it history. The papers and other requirements can be easily signed.
Most important the reasonable price. The buyer must get the car without the pressure of bargaining.
Rental cars can offer a wonderful value option. The buyer must be wise enough. Remember rental cars must give comfort not troubles.
Posted in Buy BMW
Tags: Accidents, Belts, Best Car, Blue Book, Car Brakes, Car Tires, Confinement, Many Things, Moth, Oil Changes, Own Car, Private Sellers, Professional Inspector, Rental Car, Rental Cars, Rims, Sales Strategy, Seven Day, Thousands Of Dollars, Wit
March 2nd, 2011
admin
Keeping your Mercedes Benz in tiptop shape assures you that when you are driving, the chances of encountering any kind of vehicle mishap or problem are lesser. This has proven to be true and it also assists in keeping and having a great fuel mileage for extra miles.
However, doing car maintenance yourself also means being subjected to risks. This is most certainly because a vehicle is a machine and if you are not knowledgeable about how its parts work, it could mean disaster or harm for you. That is why experts do not recommend vehicle owners to do their own tinkering and fixing if they are not aware of the processes and mechanisms of a vehicle. Aside from that, vehicles also contain various types of fluids and gasses that could also be harmful to the health of a person.
Knowledge is the best weapon when it comes to battling car maintenance. After all, once you know how each part works and what are the components of the vehicle, you could certainly be on your way to keeping not only your vehicle in tiptop shape but also keeping yourself in good condition. Also, being careful is a good tip that automobile experts have for owners. And while you are at it, try having a fire extinguisher nearby in case anything sparks up.
When handling car batteries, make sure that there are no ignition sources like lighters or cigarettes nearby. It could create an explosion for these car batteries have acid and they also emit hydrogen gas. Both of these elements are dangerous to your health. Gloves are mandatory. And yes, make sure that the cables are disconnected before you handle the battery.
Tinkering with a vehicles cables and electrical system could be dangerous if you do not know how to properly connect them. If you are unsure, do not touch these cables. Ask for advice or assistance from an expert.
Now, while you are doing car maintenance and you find damaged parts, these can be easily replaced. One of the leading Mercedes Benz suppliers is Auto Parts Go and they offer high quality Mercedes Benz parts and other auto parts at low prices.
Posted in BMW Series
Tags: Auto Parts, Automobile Experts, Best Weapon, Cables, Car Batteries, Car Maintenance, Cigarettes, Disaster, Electrical System, Explosion, Fuel Mileage, Gasses, Gloves, Hydrogen Gas, Lighters, Mechanisms, Mercedes Benz, Mileage, Mishap, Tiptop