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Ford, current ‘merican automotive media darling, saw sales drop 11% in August. At least they did better than Toyota! More »

When I was in college I had a newish Vaio desktop (with a 1-gig AMD! OMG!) and a Sony monitor and was fairly happy with myself. It was kind of purplish, but awesome. When my The University of Texas at Austin dormmate Eddie installed Counter Strike on it I suddenly had less time to study or try to get dates. Between the two of us, I had the vastly superior computer setup and therefore I’d sometimes find him playing at my desk. No biggie. If he’d share his ill-gotten beer I could certainly share my computer. He even asked if he could borrow it for a LAN party on Friday night. I said sure, not knowing exactly what he was talking about. I nearly ruined my date when I came home, not alone, on Saturday night with a ladyfriend only to discover the computer was gone. Had I been robbed? No. The computer was just in the lobby, as confirmed by a phone call, leaving me with a dorm room all to myself for a different kind of party — one that involved girls. So when we said the Austin F1 track looked like a bong and Chairman Kaga disagreed we can, at least, confirm his tale of Austin’s long relationships with gaming. More »

This just-released new video from Top Gear USA shows us a different side of the hosts from what was seen in the first trailer. Here the threesome displays a little less hugging and a little more profanity. More »

Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, USA

EPA Fuel Economy Sample Grades - Click above to view entire list

Twenty years ago, the federal government made it mandatory for most food products to carry nutrition information based on a 2,000 calorie diet in the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Information Act. In doing so, the feds simultaneously ensured that graphic designers the world over would run into the headache of squeezing the now-familiar Nutrition Facts chart onto food packages and that the public at large would have at least some clue as to what they were shoving down their pie-hole. Now the EPA and the DOT are in the process of pulling a similar maneuver for vehicle fuel economy.

Needless to say, this has made us a little curious as to how the current fleet of vehicles being sold here in the states would fare in the new rating system. Fortunately, the EPA has answered that very question. Buried deep in the 242-page explanation of the label is a table that breaks down a handful of vehicles by grade. At the very top of the list, earning an A+ are EVs, followed quickly by plug-in hybrids. A little bit lower on the list in the A- category are cars like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

As you might expect, larger vehicles and those with gargantuan engines fall lower down the grading scale. The lowest example on the list? That would be the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti at a lowly D.

[Source: EPA]

How EPA’s new fuel economy label would grade current cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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And yes, we have another design proposal for a future Saab model. This one is a compact sports coupe named Bóreas after the god of the north wind and bringer of winter in Greek mythology, and it’s the work of Spanish designer, Jorge Martí Vidal. There’s no info from the designer’s behalf, but we could easily picture it as a modern day replacement…

We all know Hyundai has pulled a 180-degree turn in brand image over the past few years, but alas, no one (including Ferrari) is immune to the threat of recalls. The NHTSA has recently begun a preliminary investigation of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata for an issue with the steering system. Approximately 16,300 of the Alabama-built units could be…

Here are some amusing TV ads from Honda’s creative Australian division. The spots were made to show off how practical, roomy and versatile the Honda Jazz is (known as the Fit in North America and Japan). So if you want to learn the answer to questions such as “How much Massive can you pack in a Honda Jazz?” and “How much Rap can you pack in a…

After Ferrari announced in June that they would be organizing special presentations for people to view a topless 599, is it surprising that the Italian Stallion previewed a 599 roadster (or “Barchetta”, perhaps?) at Pebble Beach? Not particularly. What’s surprising is that it took this long for A) the car to come out, and B) someone to spill the…

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Green Daily

Despite a slight delay, Nissan is now accepting orders for the Leaf, a breakthrough electric vehicle that promises to bring battery-powered cars to the masses. On August 31st, Nissan opened the floodgates, allowing up to 200 lucky individuals to place their orders for the Leaf. The ordering process, as we’ve outlined before, is rather simple and as Nissan told the folks over at the Nissan-Leaf site, the company is “doing everything it can to insure a fantastic ordering experience.”

Right now, Nissan will only accept Leaf purchases from those who have a confirmed August order date. In a few weeks time, Nissan will reach out to the thousands of additional buyers who hold September order dates. Reservation holders will receive an email from Nissan indicating a specific ordering date. Once the order is placed, Nissan will issue Leaf buyers an estimated delivery date.

Nissan has now tallied more than 18,600 pre-orders for the Leaf and is drawing ever so close to its targeted 25,000 reservations by December. As ordering gets underway, we’ll turn our focus to the buying and delivery process of the nation’s first mass-produced battery-powered vehicle.

[Source: Nissan-Leaf, Green Car Advisor]

Nissan now accepting orders for Leaf; thousands expected in coming weeks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Larry Love the owner of “Better Days Auto Sales”. This car lot has the worst cars ever seen. But don’t tell that to Larry Love.

Over past year’s popularity of RV’s have shown considerable increase and now newwayrv.com is ready to provide recreational vehicles to the people residing in Texas. Being in Texas now you can find RV which provides maximum driving convenience, latest safety features, slides outs, high technology, and so on. Demand of RV is increasing in every state including Texas and this has resulted in selling RV everywhere across the country. Here you can find various options of purchasing RV either in gas or diesel form.

The motor homes which you can find here are quiet luxurious and are loaded with functions which can be used efficiently during vacations. You can take benefit of plenty of choices and can select the one with appropriate configuration as well as size. You can find name of some famous manufacturers providing quality RV’s such as Neoplan, Vacationaire, Travel master, Lance camper, Firan and many more. Have a look at various types of class A, B and C models which have quality features. Also you can find various other types of RV like folding camper, fifth wheel, park model, travel trailer, truck camper and so on.

The manufacturers you can find here even cater to meet need of people looking for inexpensive recreational vehicles. In small RV’s you might not enjoy all amenities but can definitely utilize some of the basic amenities like having, bed, table, etc. Select the vehicle depending on your life style, budget, and requirement as this can help you to search in a better way. One should not compromise with quality as newwayrv.com is there to give complete assistance and provide you with desired RV.

It has also been suggested to use RV with trailers as it posses’ good resale value and this can also make your investment worthwhile.

Texas is the place which is quiet near to some attractive locations and so here for traveling RV can be of great use. As the demand of RV in Texas is quiet good and so you can find here RV with features like slide out floors, comfortable couches, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, TV, audio system, fridge, and many more.

Statistic show that in USA around 8 million houses where people owe minimum single RV due to increase in outdoor activities. This figure has gone up and is expected to rise in near future. Not all types of RV’s possess same kind of feature, as with difference in size feature also differs.

Gauges and leveling system need to be scrutinized aptly before making any purchases of used recreational vehicles. See to it that gate valves as well as mirrors are in good working condition and are smoother. Also you can look for headlights which can make it easy for you to drive even during day time during bad climatic conditions.

Cabinets of RV must be spacious so that you can dump many things while going for camping. Increasing popularity of RV’s in Texas has made it possible to get used RV’s with great functions. However have some great quality time with your family by owing a RV.

According to a study conducted by the U. S Department of Labour’s Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) released last March, the U.S workforce has seen a drop in work illnesses and non-fatal work accidents from 2006 to 2007.

As a direct result, the amount of days off also decreased significantly. The BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses showed that in 2007, there was a 4% decrease per 10,000 full-time workers from 2006.

There were 1.2 million cases requiring days away from work in private sectors out of 4 million total recordable cases.

Compared to 2006 rates, the number of days-away-from-work claims in 2007 fell by 2% or 24,630 cases.

Common work injuries
The research found that strains and sprains were the most common personal injury sustained in a workplace environment.

However, 2007 saw a 5% decline in the number of cases.

The bodily part which was most often affected by a work injury was the trunk, including the shoulder and back, which accounted for 33% of all injuries and illnesses. Cases involving the trunk dropped by 4% from 2006.

Ground surfaces, floors and walkways tended to be the most frequent culprits when in causing a work accident. These types of places contributed to 20% of all leave and actually increased by 7% from 2006 rates.

Occupation Trends
The study showed that in 2007, musculosketal disorders (MSDs) with days from work decreased by 21,770 cases from 2006. The MSDs rate of 35 cases per 10,000 full time workers declined by 8%. In 2006, there were 39 claims.

Material and stock movers, labourers and freight workers experienced the highest number of days off work, with 79,000 in 2007, but still saw a 7% drop from 85,120 in 2006.

Following these occupations were heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (57,050), nursing aides, orderlies and attendants (44,930), construction labourers (34,180), and light or delivery service truck drivers (32,930).

It was noted that 10 professions had more than 20,000 work injuries to account for in 2007. These occupations, including labourers, truck drivers and nurses made up 33% of all injuries and illnesses. In addition to this, these sectors have had more than 20,000 injuries and illnesses every year since 2003.

Gender, age and ethnic background
The study was also broken up into gender, age and racial background. Men accounted for 64% of injuries and illnesses and had an incidence rate of 134 per 10,000 workers. This was 22% higher than female workers.

The number of injuries and illnesses to hispanic and white workers in construction and extraction occupations declined significantly in 2007 (23%and 10%). However, injuries and illness amongst black workers increased by 7%.

Workers 65 years old and older had the lowest rate of work injuries at 96 per 10,000 workers, a 9% fall from 2006. Workers who were 20 to 24 years of age had the highest incidence rate at 134 cases per 10,000 full-time workers, a 6% decline from 2006.

Image courtesy Classic and Performance Car

A bully pulpit is by definition an medium abused by its possessor to espouse some sort of self-interested drivel, often to the detriment of the listener or discourse in general. Luckily for you, Hooniverse is a collection of bully pulpits that are built out of DKW fenders and Corvair transaxles, and their occupants are manic street preachers waxing philosophical about Morris Marina door handles and the like. My sermon today covers the most devilish of all Australian muscle cars, the storied Valiant Charger E49 Six-Pack. Sprinkle some holy high-test on your computer, don your special nomex undershirt, and follow along.

Turning to the Gospel of Allpar, Chrysler Australia created the VH Valiant by taking a rib from the American B-body and breathing upon it. And from the forehead of the VH came sprung, fully formed, the sinister shape of the Valiant Charger.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A slinky notchback coupe with deep buttresses stretching aft, it would have been a more familiar shape to an American onlooker as a muscle car than the locally favored four-door body style. The recessed square headlights peering out angrily from the grill were certainly more menacing than the standard round headlights required by the DOT on the other side of the world. More to the point, it weighed nearly 300 lbs less than the standard Valiant body, being slightly shorter.

Image courtesy Classic and Performance Car

Where things get really interesting is under the hood. You see, the boffins at Chrysler Australia’s Highland Park headquarters decided that, keeping in line with local tastes, a higher-performance motor than the venerable slant-six was required. Instead of simply slapping the 318 and its numerous variants into their products, their engineers determined to craft a straight-six more powerful and lighter than even the most powerful slant-six. The result was a family of Hemi inline sixes in 215, 245, and 265 inch flavors. They were powerful and light, and they revved higher than a V8 would or could:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The ultimate Hemi six variant could only be found under the hood of the VH Charger. Starting with the 265, which made a healthy 202 HP and 262 ft-lbs of torque in stock single-barrel form, Highland Park slightly modified the engine to handle higher stresses and revs. Then they bolted on a brace of Weber side-draught carbs for a whopping 100 horsepower increase. 302 HP and 320 ft-lbs of torque made the E49 Six Pack the most powerful six cylinder motor until the 911 Turbo dropped three years later – and that with forced induction. An E49-equipped Charger could bolt to 60 in just over six seconds, and turn the quarter in 14.1 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating production car in Australia for many years.

Crikey! Who needs crossflow anyhow!

Six Pack cars are rare and trade for big bucks, usually upwards of $200,000 AUS for authentic examples. Reproductions abound. And really, who can blame them? The big Hemi six wasn’t quite as exotic as the Pontiac Cammer, but it was a good fit for the culture down under and was popular enough to be developed into a fire-breathing monster. Plus, just listen to the sounds it makes in the video above again!

We may all be sinners, but for those who now covet thy neighbor’s Valiant Charger, the confessional booth is located below.

Allpar, Classic and Performance Car

Related posts:

1. For Sale – What a Valiant Little Barracuda!
2. Jag E-Type With a 426 Hemi? YES.
3. FOUND: One medium-sized cruise ship.

The term “forward control” means that the driver sits over the front wheels, rather than behind them. It’s fairly common for trucks and commercial vehicles, especially in Europe, as represented by the Thames van pictured above. But for today’s Hoonatic entry, in the interest of creative thinking, we’re going to define it as any vehicle in which the driver has any portion of his body in front of the front axle. This allows me to include, yes, the Porsche 917 as a “forward control” vehicle. How many can you name, and and how creative can you get while still being technically accurate?

Read before you post, no dupes, and images are a plus, if you know how to embed them properly.

DIFFICULTY: If you can’t do this, you’re out of the club. Turn in your Carspotters Handbook to your Hoon Leader.

Related posts:

1. Encyclopedia Hoonatica: FWD Pickups
2. Encyclopedia Hoonatica: Carb’d Turbos
3. Encyclopedia Hoonatica: Cycle Fenders

The stance is perfect. Just low enough to look sexy.

We received these photos from Tony, who snapped them while he was visiting Jakarta, in Indonesia. Now, the notchback is always a beautiful car, but this particular example managed to set the hearts of the Hooniverse editors aflame.

The rear quarter window has me a bit perplexed; perhaps someone can enlighten us?

The modifications done to it are subtle, just a few touches here and there; nevertheless they work together, and look fantastic. Our own goingincirclez said it reminded him of a miniaturized ‘49 Ford.

Looks completely stock. Well done to the creator!

Of course, this minor modification is what makes the car so interesting, and causes it to induce a smile. The logo is brilliantly done, and strange enough to cause one to wonder if it was, in fact, a real name for a Volkswagen. The only quibble I could bring up would be that the notchback is not actually a “Variant” model. That title belongs to the Shooting Brake version of the Type 3. Nevertheless, we’ll forgive that little detail.

Blatantly stolen from the LongRoofFan's website. If you ask nicely, maybe he'll share the address.

As a bonus, here’s a photo our longrooffan snapped a few years ago of an American-issue Notchback, should anyone need it for a comparison.

Related posts:

1. Reader Submissions: An Eldorado Shooting Brake with Bonus!
2. Operation Falcon is Go
3. Infiniti G35-Powered Datsun 510 For Sale on eBay

Image taken on 1940-01-01 00:00:00.

When Fiat bought Chrysler, Jeep’s future was murky. Would we see a Panda-based Wrangler? This terrible web video shows off a compact Jeep probably on Fiat’s C-Evo platform. Better change the tagline to “The things the Italians make, make us.” More »

Welcome to the next-generation Ford Explorer Pursuit, aka the Police Interceptor Utility. This, for lack of a better term, is the “wagon” version of the Taurus Interceptor. Got a 0.50-cal or a K-9? You’re gonna be in this thing.

Designed to “complement the sedan”, the Explorer Pursuit will be available for order next to the sedan when the Crown…

In May, GM filed a trademark application for the word “STINGRAY” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for use on “Motor land vehicles, namely, automobiles.” Is Chevy transforming the Corvette into a real split-window Stingray for the seventh generation? More »

Vehicle tracking through the use of GPS tracking systems is a relatively new technology being utilised in all manner of industries. Some have had major concerns with the implementation of systems as yet another encroachment of the ‘Big Brother’ culture. These common misconceptions while reasonable can be debunked with knowledge of the industry and better understanding of the way in which vehicle tracking systems work.

The first misconception often made by businesses when considering a tracking system is that they trust their staff and so do not need to employ the technology. It must be understood however that these GPS tracking systems are not put in place to keep tags on employees but instead to make businesses more efficient and cost effective. They can do this by maximising fuel usage and providing safety and security for drivers whilst also creating faster response times for call outs.

Another myth that needs to be debunked is that employees will strike or walkout if a vehicle tracking system is implemented. This is a common misconception and while employees may be originally suspicious of these technologies, once they have used the system they will grow accustomed to it. Research has shown that vehicle tracking systems actually make driver’s jobs easier by eliminating endless paperwork and decreasing the time spent on the road.

Another myth that many businesses believe is that the installation of a vehicle tracking system will be difficult to install and use. New technologies tend to create apprehensiveness with customers but this need not be the case. The installation of a GPS box in every vehicle and software back at the headquarters can be installed quickly and easily and with a little training almost anyone can learn to use the software efficiently and effectively.

Some have surmised that GPS vehicle tracking is an unnecessary technology; many believe that the job can be carried out just as effectively with the use of mobile phones. The benefit of having real time vehicle location is invaluable and when combined with mileage assessments and other applications can actively reduce running costs. It is worth remembering that a mobile phone can be easily turned off or left in the vehicle, they are in no way an all encompassing solution.

Some think that the current vehicle tracking systems on the market today are all the same. This is a misnomer as basic packages will simply track vehicles and not work towards increasing efficiency. With so many added applications that can work towards changing the way business is done, the benefits can be huge if you are willing to utilise a system that will do more than simply track your fleet.

With a lack of understanding of vehicle tracking technology some still think that the system is a product. This however is not the case; most systems are in fact services carried out by an external operator. The service contract will usually last a number of years so it is advisable to get a good idea of what the service includes before signing any agreements.

Some may think these systems are an unnecessary and expensive outlay. While a vehicle tracking system is a considerable investment, it is just that; an investment. The rewards that will be reaped as your business becomes more efficient and cost effective will recoup the initial outlay in matter of months.

GPS tracking systems are a new technology and hence many feel they have yet to prove their worth. While this may be the case for logistics businesses, GPS systems and satellite navigation systems have been used for decades and have proven their worth countless times. It is only now that the commercial uses for the technology are finally being realised.

Hopefully this article has gone some of the way to revealing the truth about vehicle tracking systems. In the logistics industry it rapidly becoming the case that businesses shouldn’t consider whether they can afford a tracking system but instead whether their business can afford not to have one.

Australia’s Ford Performance Vehicles has chucked the Ford Falcon GS Ute’s 5.4-liter V8 for the Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 plus a 1.9-liter supercharger to create the Ford GS Boss 5.0 315 Ute. 428-hp, 402 lb-ft of torque, all forbidden fruit. [Pickuptrucks] More »

I’ll keep this post short and sweet, as the picture should speak for itself.  The real reason I love my Chevelle is not because it’s fast, loud, and way cool (which it is), but because of what this little guy thinks of it.  This is my son, and at 21 months old he wants into [...]

Filed under: Etc., MPG, Green Daily

Come this fall, Volvo’s range of engines will be bolstered with the addition of two new mills that feature a wide variety of the currently available mileage-enhancing tricks and power-boosting techniques. The engines, dubbed the T3 and T4, border on tiny with each mill displacing just 1.6 liters. Nonetheless, they boast power numbers that range from 150 horsepower (in T3 trim) to 180 hp for the T4 unit. Both the T3 and T4 make due with just four-cylinders, but the addition of a turbocharger and Volvo’s direct injection system helps turn up the torque. The T3’s torque peaks at 177 pound-feet, while the T4 variant puts out 199 lb-ft. Magnus Jonsson, senior vice president of product development at Volvo Cars, believes that the pair of new engines will help prove that small mills can create big power.

Benefiting from direct injection technology, Volvo claims that both the T3 and T4, featuring the company’s GTDi system, consume 20-percent less fuel than larger displacement engines while still generating similar performance numbers. The GTDi engines feature die-cast aluminum construction and plastic intake manifolds to help keep overall weight in check.

According to Volvo, The 1.6 GTDi T4 will be available with the company’s automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. The T3 variant will be limited to applications utilizing the six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.6 GTDi T3 and T4 will launch in autumn 2010 together with the new Volvo S60 and V60. At a later date, the GTDi engines will receive modifications allowing them to run on E85. Hit the jump for detailed specs on Volvo’s pair of all-new 1.6-liter mills.

[Source: Volvo Car Corporation]

Continue reading Volvo expands engine lineup with two fuel-efficient, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder GTDI mills

Volvo expands engine lineup with two fuel-efficient, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder GTDI mills originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing

Tanner Foust took the top spot in the first-ever Rallycross competition in the United States this past weekend, piloting an all-wheel-drive Rockstar Engergy/Etnies Ford Fiesta.

Rallycross has existed around the world for years, but the sport officially debuted in America at the 2010 X Games, where it was called Super Rally. Foust just happened to win gold in the inaugural X Games competition, too. Rallycross mixes circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition on a short course, featuring jumps, hills, unbanked turns and quick transitions between different road surfaces. Two more Rallycross events are scheduled to take place this year, all of which will be held at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Foust has been participating in European Rallycross events for quite some time, and he’s also gained exposure by competing in Formula Drift and previous X Games competitions. What’s more, Foust is one of the hosts for the U.S. version of Top Gear. Somebody get this guy a vacation.

Look for the next U.S. Rallycross event to take place on October 2-3 and follow the jump for the full release about Foust’s win along with a brief video of Tanner ripping down the front straight with his rear bumper flapping in the wind.

[Source: Tanner Foust]

Continue reading Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video]

Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Jaguar, Rumormill, Luxury

With the Paris Motor Show a mere month away, automakers from around the globe are unleashing a barrage of teasers and rumors that hint to what will be on display. According to Auto Express, Jaguar is the latest company to let slip what it has planned. The murky report says the Leaping Cat will pull the covers off of an XK-sized sports car inspired by the Porsche 918. While that likely means the concept will boast a fantastical hybrid drivetrain with more torque than sense, it doesn’t mean that Tata is going to fast-track this car for production. Auto Express says the car is more to flex the company’s styling muscles than anything else.

While that means we likely won’t be seeing another sultry two-door in the Jaguar stable any time soon, the new concept will give us some insight into what’s coming down the pike in terms of Jaguar design. That may include some new, oblong grille language to replace the slinky oval of the E-Types of old. Supposedly the company’s designers are having a hard time maintaining the oval grille’s proportions on the company’s new widebody platforms.

[Source: Auto Express | Image: Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL]

Report: Jaguar sports car concept bound for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Singing Sam Song With Old Pictures From The way a was back in the old days gypsy michael lee robert adams singing sam johnny ugly bones boys music song Gypsy Wendy’s Commercial funny crack up movie video roma gipsy girls rap pictures Romanegila Romane gila Danny Petermans Lupe Momie Homer Loves honey sexiest sexy gwnn sponge bob lol marks lamb las vegas la ny party church dancing girl goon classic cars dance top lucky amy pinky sprite erica sufka steve johnson denis the dancer off joe ford body work scam news Jesus only upc cd wando gwnw miami ca fl dc

rally bloopers awesone

Those who travel frequently know that good car rental deals can be hard to find, especially if you don’t know anyone who is thoroughly aware of the market rates. An avid shopper likes to do some intensive comparison online as well as offline to find out some of the biggest and sensible savings available out there. As the competition amongst the car rental companies is rising, they are offering better quality services than ever before.

However, to help you in choosing the best car rental usa deals here are some basic tips and tricks.

Decide the type of car/class
To begin with, you should settle on the class of car that suits you personally and the budget. You may go for a small hatchback if there are just you and your partner or a large family car if you have kids and friends too.

Estimate the mileage
How far do you want to drive the car? Many car rental companies provide unlimited mileage in most of the locations.

Collision damage waiver
Always check that your car rental quote is inclusive of collision damage waiver, also known as CDW. All sound car rental agencies include this amount in the advance payment. Not having the CDW will make you liable for the entire cost of repair to the rented car if there is a crash.

Book early
Many car rental companies only take a deposit if you book early, contact their reservations team and arrange to pay a deposit in this way the car hire you desire is reserved for you.

Understanding the terms and conditions
Whether you book online or call an agent, read all the terms and conditions vigilantly before confirming your reservation. Find out about any restrictions that the car company might have, for example – penalty for no-show, how long will the car be held if you get late to the pickup station, would there be any fee if somebody else than you wants to drive, are there any one way charges? Such restrictions are important to know for the liability reasons.  Many agents offer cancellation protection at the time of booking to safeguard against any such cancellation charges.

AmericaCarRental offers economy car rental packages, uncomplicated reservations, short and long term car rental and seasonal deals.

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Volvo, Celebrities

While Irv Gordon is already retired, he’s taken to accruing miles on his already impressively well-traveled Volvo 1800 like it’s his job. It took a while to rack up the first million miles, but the second million came more quickly, rolling the odometer over in Times Square back in 2002. Now Gordon is headed for 3 million a mere eight years later. Only big rigs put on a million miles more quickly, and even that might be debatable.

“Who would have thought such a decision, to buy a Volvo, would have created so many opportunities?” Gordon tells Autoblog. Some of his favorite miles out of the 2.8 million currently showing on the odometer (he was at 2.6 million the last time we checked) were his first trip across the United States and a trip to Europe where the 1800 and its intrepid driver drove from the United Kingdom into Sweden to see the car’s original birthplace before rolling on to other continental hamlets and accruing 5,000 miles in a month.

Irv’s 70 years old now, and he wouldn’t mind selling his beloved red Volvo coupe. Asking price? “A dollar per mile,” says Gordon. Despite what Irv calls “some very interesting offers,” nobody has offered him his asking price. That’s okay with Gordon, who acknowledges that his Volvo is the star. “Once I sell the car, no one will invite me anywhere any longer,” he quips.

Should the right buyer for the trusty red 1800 come along, Gordon knows what he’ll do. “It’d be nice to have a car with all the new creature comforts to travel in, and who knows, should I live another 10-15 years, I could put a million miles on my next vehicle and start the cycle all over again.”

While unlikely, putting three million dollars in his bank account would make those long treks more comfortable, affording fine hotels and gourmet dining versus at times sleeping in the 1800 to save some bucks. Gordon’s not complaining, “I have indeed been a very fortunate fellow,” he says. You have to respect his commitment to the little Volvo coupe that was originally purchased as a refuge from a pair of demonically unreliable Chevrolets, too. A retirement lifestyle that would allow one to travel in style and worry less about finances is a nearly universal goal, too. Gordon’s got a leg up on all of us, having put in the seat time to earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records and turn a stolid, stylish Swede into a wheeled pension plan.

[Source: AOL Autos | Photos: Josh Max - Irv Gordon]

Irv Gordon’s Volvo P1800 closing in on 3 million miles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Green Daily, China

China’s previous experiences with the Chevrolet Volt has been limited to peeking at concepts and prodding non-drivable versions, but that’s all about to come to an end. General Motors has just delivered two drivable Chevy Volts to the Shanghai Expo Bureau in China. The extended range plug-in vehicles arrived just in time for the World Expo 2010 and will shuttle VIP guests to and from Shanghai’s Expo Park.

General Motors firmly believes that China will be one of the hottest markets outside the U.S. for its upcoming Volt. Chasing sales, GM has selected China as one of the initial markets outside of the U.S. that will receive the Volt prior to its widespread release. The Volt should hit select Chinese dealerships next year and will be available with GM’s advanced OnStar in-vehicle safety, security and communication service there. Hit the jump for more info from GM on the Volt’s first real trip to China.

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM delivers first drivable Chevrolet Volts to China

GM delivers first drivable Chevrolet Volts to China originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Ferrari

After a recent spate of engine fires, Ferrari has officially issued a recall of the 458 Italia.

According to the automaker, an adhesive used to attach a heat shield under the rear fender can ignite under high temperatures, leading to a larger fire in the engine bay. We’ve seen at least four cases on the internet of flaming 458s like this one, and while we can’t say for certain, it would seem this adhesive is the likely cause.

Ferrari has designed a new heat shield that attaches with rivets, negating the need for the adhesive. Naturally, 458 owners are urged to call a dealer to schedule an appointment for the free fix.

Ferrari 458 Italia recalled over fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Capitol Concours d’Elegance Opening Dinner Gala will be held on the 25th floor of the US Bank building Saturday, September 18 from 6:00PM-10:00PM. Car owners and the general public are invited to attend this grand event which supports Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Northern California. Participants at the Le Gala d’Ouverture un Samedi Soir or “Opening Gala on Saturday Night” will be treated to delectables from Ambrosia, 4th Street Grille, House Kitchen and Bar, Il Fornaio, Morton’s and Hoppy Brewing Company while enjoying music and great company. The strolling dinner will allow guests to experience a beautiful panoramic view of the Sacramento Metropolitan area from 25 floors above the Concours venue.

“By hosting 200 guests at this event, we raise $20,000.00 for the kids and I can’t think of a better way to do this than with good food, great people and a love of cars”, said Alan Anderson, Director of Development for Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Northern California. Visitors and those who routinely frequent the downtown Sacramento area along Capitol Mall will begin to see collector cars purposely positioned in select lobbies and plazas beginning Friday, September 17, 2010 as the Capitol Mall District gives people a glimpse of what’s to come during Sunday’s 17th Annual Capitol Concours d’Elegance where more than 100 beautiful cars plus motorbikes will be displayed on the grass median for judging and public admiration.

Primary Concours weekend sponsors include; Mercedes-Benz of Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, Rocklin – members of the Von Housen Automotive Group, Snyder Leasing, Elk Grove Toyota, Roseville Auto Mall, CC Myers, Kniesel’s Collision and SureWest Foundation. The event is supported by SCCA-Sports Car Club of America, Lamborghini Club America, Ferrari Club of America Pacific Region-Sacramento, EuroSunday, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and their Capitol Mall property owner membership.

Dinner Gala Saturday, September 18, 2010 6:00PM-10:00PM
Purchase $100.00 tickets online through Friday evening, September 17

On September 18, the Capitol Concours Tour d’Elegance kicks off a full weekend of festivities aimed to raise money for Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Northern California. Concours sponsor Mercedes-Benz | Sacramento El Dorado Hills Rocklin will be the launch site for this spectacular event which will gather owners of all sorts of classic, vintage and exotic cars to rally along a designated route that meanders through many captivating areas of the Sacramento region. “Owners of all cars are invited to participate in this fun event, not just cars participating in the Sunday Concours”, shares Alan Anderson, Director of Development for Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Northern California.

The Tour d’Elegance launches at 10:00AM where drivers will enjoy breakfast and concludes at 1:00PM with lunch at Mercedes-Benz Rocklin. A $25.00 car entry fee will go directly to the Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Northern California charity. “Expect to see an incredible selection of vehicles including numerous classic Thunderbirds-our American feature and beautiful Ferrari and Alfa Romeo representing our Cars of Italy feature”, said Anderson. All enthusiasts are encouraged enter a car and join the tour on Saturday, September 18 to help raise money for children in need of hospitalization and medical treatment.

Primary Concours weekend sponsors include; Mercedes-Benz of Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, Rocklin – members of the Von Housen Automotive Group, Snyder Leasing, Elk Grove Toyota, Roseville Auto Mall, CC Myers, Kniesel’s Collision and SureWest Foundation. The event is supported by SCCA-Sports Car Club of America, Lamborghini Club America, Ferrari Club of America Pacific Region-Sacramento, EuroSunday, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and their Capitol Mall property owner membership.

Tour d’Elegance Saturday September 18, 2010 10:00AM to 1:00PM
$25.00 car entry tickets may be purchased online through Friday, September 17, 2010

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Nissan has been actively creating some strange interpretation in defining the modern crossover vehicle. However, with every crossover, Nissan demonstrates strangeness is not exactly a bad thing.  

Started with the Nissan Murano arched look in 2003, the Japanese-based auto company followed this up in 2008 developing the equally as striking but smaller Rogue as an under $25,000 companion to the Murano. This year, Nissan brought the convenient compact Cube to the North American marketplace judged bold or bizarre depending on the eyes of a beholder. Nissan promises another radical creation for United States roadways when the Nissan JUKE makes its 2011 model year arrival.

So, what exactly is a JUKE? Prior to Nissan’s adaptation of the name, the word has been deeply connected through musical origins. Referred to in blues as well as electronic music circles, Juke was known for blending styles and trends into an unique arrangement. Advertised by Nissan as a sport cross vehicle, the 2011 JUKE’s styling is said to combine aspects of crossover and hatchbacks. A shapely but tall overall design, there is no mistaking the Nissan JUKE stands out from the crowd. Prevalent fender flares profoundly add dimension to the 162.4-inch long structure of the JUKE which perception of size is greater manipulated by the standard 17-inch wheels. Chevron-shaped taillights surround the rear lift gate echoes the aesthetics of the high-performance Nissan 370Z. The front end headlights flowing up the top of the hood line actually appears reminiscent to the lighting on the Pontiac Aztec (It’s interesting to note how many design cues from the widely-criticized crossover pioneer is integrating into lauded new vehicles). Nonetheless, the 2011 Nissan JUKE pulls off an original composition of outer styling.

Much like the Nissan Cube and Versa, space inside the JUKE is optimized efficiently for five-passenger seating. A considerable cargo space can also be obtained thanks to the 60/40 split rear seats which conveniently folds flat into the floor. On front-wheel drive JUKE vehicles, cargo storage space will be present in a rear floor compartment. In a list of standard features, items like Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod-ready stereo stereo system and a 4 interior cup holders are present. Interior controls inside the Nissan JUKE are based from the auto maker’s Integrated Control system or I-CON. Climate control can be carefully monitored with air flow adjustable throughout the vehicle.

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Playing within a small space, this did not stop the Nissan and Renault engineers from building a solid performer even fitting an optional all-wheel drivetrain into the 2011 JUKE. Using the forced-air induction of a turbocharger along with direct injection, the modest 1.6 liter engine pumps out a not-so mild-mannered 180 horsepower and 170 pounds-feet of torque. Priced higher than the Suzuki SX4 (currently the lowest priced all-wheel drive vehicle on the market), the all-wheel drive Nissan JUKE models will be seated within a smaller vehicle footprint than the Japanese rival. With all Nissan JUKEs equipped with a Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT), front wheel drive version will add an optional 6-speed manual transmission for the SV and SL models of the JUKE. For all 2011 Nissan JUKE models, the I-CON system features a D-Mode where the drivers can select their ideal driving situation.

When accounting for fuel mileage, the JUKE reigns above the 25 mile per gallon plateau. In fact, the CVT-fitted JUKE FWD delivers an average 29.5 miles per gallon. The sports-catered 6-speed as well as the all-wheel drive Nissan JUKEs still coasts with 27.5 miles for every gallon of gasoline.

While the Nissan JUKE is an individualized piece of motoring design, the sport cross enters showrooms at an approachable price starting at $18,960 for the front-wheel drive S model. At the highest end, the JUKE SL AWD is priced at $24,550. Alarmingly within the window of the Nissan Rogue, the JUKE is being targeted for a younger more free-minded customer compared to the Rogue’s appeal to young families.

Information and Photo Source: Nissan

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RcDriftRevolution.com D-Style RC Lights is design for any RC cars. Comes with Ultra bright Leds. Plugs straight to the receiver, it has multiple sequence and you can get them in 4led kit, 6led kit, 8led kit…etc Get them @ ebay

Image taken on 2010-07-10 10:52:01.

Buying a new car is a long term investment. It is usually the second only to a home as the most expensive thing ever bought. The person has to shell out a vast sum of money later on not only for gas but its proper maintenance as well.

To some who can’t afford to buy a new car, these people have to do the next best thing and settle for a second hand car.

According to consumer reports, a new car depreciates in value once it leaves the lot. This goes as high as 20% annually which makes it easy for someone to buy a fairly new car at almost half the price of a new one.

In addition, it can enable you to even buy a higher end model that has better performance, safety and other features than a new model. This saves you money which can be used for other things.

Before buying a car, it is best to think about the kind of car you is willing to spend for and the options that come with it. By doing some research and checking out various dealers, you will be able to pick the right car and get the best deal.

You can buy a used car either from a dealer or from a private person. Before spending money on a used car, these are a few tips you must be aware of.

• You should check if the dealer or the individual who wants to sell the car has a good reputation.

• Just looking at the car will not give information if the car is in good condition. It should be test driven in various road conditions such as the highway or in traffic.

• Most cars have a maintenance record. The buyer must ask if it from the dealer or the individual and if it not available, then you should contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done.

• Since most people are not that knowledgeable about cars, it is advisable to bring the car to a reliable mechanic for proper inspection.

• There are many dealers available. You should also visit other dealers and check if the dealer or the individual who sells the used car has a good reputation. If the car of choice is not available, then you should inform the dealer about it and inform how much you are willing to pay. The dealer may either find that car or offer another model that is very similar to the vehicle you desire.

Imagine rolling into JCCS with your nostalgic on the bed of this Mitsubishi Canter dekotora. It could be yours for ¥4,390,000 (or $52,000 American), shipping not included. More photos below the fold. Hat tip to city hunter.

This recession that the U.S. is currently in is kicking my ass. To make matters worse all signs are pointing towards a “double dip”. That’s right folks, prepare for round two. Due to an on-going pay cut at work and continuing increases in insurance, food, gas, etc, I’m selling everything that’s not bolted down, cars included. Sadly my ‘52 Olds, dubbed “The Super”, went on the chopping block. My newest ride, a ‘62 Mercury Monterey, is being spared that same fate for the time being. This is mostly because of my continued selling success on eBay, but also due to the fact that I purposely disabled it to keep myself from selling it easily. Before The Super drove off into the sunset, I did manage to polish it up pretty good. But don’t just take my word for it, check out the following pictures for yourself.

Your looking at about 2 days of wet sanding and another day of compound buffing.

After the buffing I washed The Super again and then let it dry overnight. The final day was spent machine waxing the entire car and then detailing it out.

bit.ly Click on the link above to enter the World’s number 1 online auto auction site. WHY PAY MORE? Cars are occasionally repossessed by banks or seized by the Govt. But storing such cars is an expensive affair, so they need to sell them asap ALL MAKES & MODELS There are hundreds of auctions going on every day – it’s a full time job just keeping up! All that information is available in a single database. CARS STARTING AT US$ 100 Once you are registred you will you will get immediate access to the database, and you can get started rightaway, buying &selling at Govt. auctions. FAQ WHERE DO THESE CARS COME FROM? Most of these cars have been repossessed by the government or various banking institutions. Neither the government nor banks want or need vast parking lots full of seized vehicles, so these cars need to be sold as quickly as possible, at any price. HOW MUCH WOULD A NEW CAR COST ME? Given that it’s an auction, how much you pay is determined by how much you’re willing to pay. It’s all too easy to lose your head and bid more than you want to pay, but if you practice proper discipline, you can get a car for a song! WHY DO I HAVE TO REGISTER AND WHAT AM I PAYING FOR? What you pay gets you a comprehensive database of auctions in virtually every county in the United States. You receive details on bank auctions, state auctions, police auctions, and more, saving you precious hours of work. And of course once you are registered you can start bidding buying or selling …

Motor Insurance Policies can broadly be classified into three distinct classes of car insurance, namely: Comprehensive insurance, third Party fire and theft insurance and third party insurance only.

Comprehensive Insurance
The name “comprehensive insurance” can be somewhat misleading as this type of car insurance, although the most comprehensive of the different car insurance options available, does not really mean what it says. A Comprehensive Motor Policy will indemnify the Insured against loss or damage to the insured vehicle, and also against the claims of third parties for loss of or damage to their vehicles, or loss of or damage to other people’s property as a result of a motor accident on condition that certain provisions as stipulated in the policy have been met.

It is these provisions that make the comprehensive policy less than 100% comprehensive and the importance of being aware and adhering to these conditions are the key to ensuring that claims under your car insurance will not be repudiated. Besides these provisions, most car policies also contain exclusions, and although most of these exclusions apply to all car-insurance contracts there are variations that are unique to specific Insurers and it equally important that you familiarize yourself with the exclusions contained in your particular car policy.

Be aware that items such as luggage, or contents of a car, may or may not be covered under the policy and if they are covered it is customary for Insurers to place a limit on their liability for these items and there is usually a clause which requires that all such items be safely stored away in a cubbyhole or a locked boot.

In our crime-ridden society it stands to reason that most Insurers insist on some sort of anti-theft protection and the minimum requirements in many instances would be that a vehicle be equipped with an immobilizer. With older vehicles the Insurer may agree to an alarm or a gear-lock and this needs to be negotiated and stipulated in your car insurance contract.

All Insurers will only provide cover for a vehicle if the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and complies with the legal requirements of roadworthiness. The Insurer has grounds to repudiate liability for damages to both the insured vehicle and damages to third party property if the insured vehicle is found not to have been in a roadworthy condition at the time of an accident.

Most car policies place restrictions and limitations on who can drive the vehicle without affecting the Insurance cover. It is important to determine what the position may be under your Comprehensive Policy, if there is an accident when somebody other than you is driving your car. If that person has been nominated by you as an authorised driver under the Policy, then there would be no problem as long as the driver has a valid non-endorsed driver’s license and is driving with your permission. Most car policies limit the number of authorised drivers to the insured and members of their family. Particulars of authorised drivers and any limitations placed thereon will appear on your policy document and should be studied carefully.

There is usually a restriction of use of the vehicle under a personal car policy and if the vehicle is to be used primarily for business purposes then the insurance company must be made aware of this and the premium will be adjusted accordingly.

Make sure that there are no limitations as to the place where the vehicle will be covered for theft or hi-jacking.
Make sure that you understand exactly what is expected of you to avoid repudiation of a claim and adhere to the provisions. If anything contained in your policy is unclear to you get clarity by contacting your Insurer and asking them to explain it to you.

It may be a good idea to request that these explanations be in writing so that there can be no disputes at a later stage and so that you will have access to these explanations for referral purposes.

Third Party, Fire and Theft
This is a cheaper Policy which indemnifies you only if your vehicle is damaged or destroyed by fire or theft but will not cover the damages to the insured vehicle that are caused by a motor accident. Third party damages will be covered in the event of a third party claim against you and you are held legally responsible for damage to third party property that occurred as a result of driving of the insured vehicle.

Although this is a less expensive type of insurance cover many of the limitations and restrictions imposed above will still be applicable. It is important that you are aware and adhere to all these provisions.

Third Party only
The Third Party only Policy which is the cheapest offers no protection of the insured vehicle and only covers you against claims which other people may make against you arising from the use of your motor vehicle.

Once again these policies are also subject to provisions, limitations and restrictions that must be adhered to and it is important that you familiarize yourself with these.

Remember that purchasing insurance and paying your monthly premium may not be all that is required to ensure that you have insurance cover. Make sure you know what else is required of you so that you can have peace of mind knowing that your insurance will pay out in the event of a claim.

‘Do not try this at home’ is the warning that should be stated after each stunt performed on the hit BBC show, Top Gear. This comes after a pensioner’s Reliant Robin was targeted twice in one day, where it is believed that yobs were “recreating a stunt from the motoring show”, according to the Daily Mail website.

The classic Reliant Robin was found by the distressed owner on Sunday night – just two and a half hours after the Top Gear show was broadcast, reports the Telegraph website. The vintage motor suffered a smashed wing mirror, scratched paintwork and damaged one door beyond repair, with a an estimated repair bill of £1,000.

The retired owner of the classic car, who has owned Reliant Robins for 40 years, says he believes the vandals were inspired by the episode of Top Gear where Clarkson repeatedly flips a Reliant Robin on its side and speeds round corners.

“Ridiculous, irresponsible and dangerous”, are the words used to describe the antics of the hit TV show host, who is no stranger to controversy and who describes himself as an “equal opportunities loudmouth”.

The BBC show, which combines extensive fanatic car news with (at times) childish yet amusing stunts, seems to have lost one viewer, but due to the constant entertainment value and high profile guests, I doubt this unfortunate copycat behaviour will hamper the ratings for the Sunday night show.

For a chance to win FREE tickets to the Classic Motor Show at the NEC, from the 12th to the 14th November, simply click here and fill in our straightforward online form.

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily

While it’s been debated that the majority of electric vehicle (EV) owners will find little need for public chargers and will instead choose to juice their EVs up at home each night, a study from the clean technology market research firm Pike Research indicates that chargers are coming anyways. Tons of them. Even Pike’s own study reveals that at-home charging will be the norm, but that won’t stop vendors, municipalities and utility companies from installing all those public charging stations.

Funded mainly by government dollars, Pike is predicting the U.S. will have more than one million public chargers by 2015, the vast majority of which will offer low-fee or free charging. Pike Research also suggests that retailers will install charging stations in an effort to draw in consumers by alluring them with the offer of free charging while they shop. Coincidentally, the number of chargers predicted by Pike Research line up with many studies suggesting that the U.S. could have more than one million EVs scattered across our roadways by 2015. If you add in all of the million or so home charging units, it seems like we could end up with a charger overload. Follow the jump for more on the predicted expansion of our EV charging infrastructure.

[Source: Pike Research]

Continue reading Study: More than 1M EV chargers coming to U.S. by 2015

Study: More than 1M EV chargers coming to U.S. by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gran Turismo 5 – GamesCom 2010 Demo Cars Footage

[Updated with video from the presentation] While the debate rages on regarding the Mazda Shinari’s inspiration (Fisker Karma, Infiniti Essence, or something more sinister?), here are some real life photos of the car outside of the studio. Introducing Mazda’s new Japanese-Euro-American Kodo design language, the Shinari shows where Mazda will be…

This lot of vintage Jaguar E-types (and one XK140) are all salvaged flood, theft, and project vehicles being offered individually. Some are parked together but all are tagged with names of different states. We can’t quite figure out the story or even tell for sure if they are all still available. Find them here at AutoSource, who will charge you $15 to enter their site for details. Do any BaT’ers have experience with this seller? Special thanks to BaT reader Paul M. for this submission!

Leasing used cars is definitely an attractive contract for many consumers. This is because you are going to get and use a luxury car or even SUV for lower payments every month if you are going to compare it to the brand new car. However, getting a good deal when it comes to used car leasing is not that easy, you have to make research in order to really land one that is best for you.

Like in the case of new vehicle leasing, you also have to focus on the price as well as the initial market and estimated residual values of the second hand car. This is certainly a difficult task to estimate as there is no set price on used vehicles. In the case of residual percentages, it is pegged to the retail value that is current in the market.

What you have to do is utilize various sources in order to arrive at the approximate value of the used vehicle using different sources to get a rough idea of the value of the used car. Such source can be the local dealer, the online tools for car evaluation, just to name a few. You can also try getting an estimate by comparing the lease on your vehicle to that of a brand new one of the same model as yours.

This will certainly provide you with a good view of the difference between brand new auto and used car leasing. As with getting a lease on a new car, used vehicle lease is better when the residual value has little depreciation. You likewise have a good chance of getting a bargain on luxury cars that have higher values as used vehicles.

For more interesting articles on car lease with bad credit and auto leasing in general, do visit our Auto Lease Specials for You blog.

Announced earlier this year, Subaru tinkered with its engine design, and after some deliberation and help from Toyota manufacturer, came out with a turbo diesel engine. The engine will still maintain its claim to fame “boxer” engine design that keeps the pistons pumping horizontally rather than up and down.

With all the rage in Europe about clean burning diesels that produce less pollution and get stellar gas mileage, the car choice of Europeans in recent years have been predominantly of the diesel set. German car makers have created some serious draw from around the world, especially in Japan, where several of the big car manufacturers are releasing their diesels in Europe. One of them is the powerhouse Fuji Heavy Industries.

The car manufacturer Subaru, better known in the U.S., is actually a subsidiary of the much larger conglomerate based in Japan called Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd (FHI for short). The two models that Subaru released are the Outback wagon and Legacy sedan. FHI, the manufacturers of Subaru Legacy parts, had to revamp their design programs to adjust for a new engine based on different physical mechanics. The new designs that when into the engine made it so the engine’s center of gravity was lower in the car, upping the handling for what would be a less wieldy ride.

The two models have already landed in Spain and are going on sale soon. Later, Subaru will bring on more of their care model force with the rally legend Impreza and crossover SUV, the Forester.

The Boxer Design and Integrating Diesel Technology

The engine that was recently displayed at the Spain showrooms earlier this year is a 2.0 liter engine Boxer. This will come equipped with an aluminum-alloy cylinder block and of course the horizontal opposing piston set up. With the set up is also a turbo charger at the bottom of the block. It’s the first of its kind as both a horizontal boxer diesel in a passenger car form.

FHI is doing its usual updates on manufacturing new models and have already displayed their prototypes in the U.S. and will soon have more models for the car press to cluster around later this year.

Consumers of the sporty Impreza (in world rally) will not have problems finding replacement parts as FHI manufactures Legacy car parts that are often compatible.

It’s been circulating the auto world that the number one giant, Toyota may also be integrating their hybrid technology with new diesel technology.

Integrity in auto sales? YES! The most successful professional salespeople understand this and treats customers with respect and don’t have to mislead or lie to make sales.