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Archives for December 2012

Last Minute Year-End Car Buying Tips

December 30, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

The calendar is winding down and come late tomorrow night we will be singing “Auld Lang Syne” as 2012 gives way to 2013. If you are shopping for a new car, however, you have through next Wednesday to buy a car and have that car counted toward 2012 sales. So, what is the big deal about that? Well, first you have more time on your hands to look for a better deal. Second, you can take advantage of industry competition and play these companies off of each other — that is if you are not brand loyal.

Basics

The auto industry’s selling periods do not follow the calendar precisely. That is because dealers want to even out the number of selling days each month although this year those days ranged from 24 days in April to 28 days in March.

Dealers are typically closed on Sundays and those days are not counted in the monthly mix, even if a dealer is open on this weekend day. National holidays are not counted as selling days either. Expect that some dealers that normally are closed on Sunday will be open today and those sales will be counted on Monday.

December Sales

2013December’s selling period always extends into January. That’s because the number of national holidays late in the year to early the following year is three and some balance must be struck to gauge sales. December sales began to be counted on the Dec. 1, but with five Sundays in the month plus Christmas followed by New Year’s Day, Jan. 2 is the last day that 2012 sales will be counted.

Just as some dealers will be open today, some will also be open on New Year’s Day — maybe not at 9 a.m. to allow late-night party-goers to regroup, but by 12 noon and perhaps well into the evening. On Wednesday, some dealers will open early and close late, in a bid to get in that final sale before the books are closed on the year.

Year-End Deals

Earlier this year in “Black Friday and New Car Deals,” we examined how consumers could save money on a new car purchase on the day after Thanksgiving. Although we stick with our guns to say that this day still offers some very good bargains, we did notice that some dealers were holding “Black Friday Sales,” making us wonder just how good those sales really were. New car dealer managers are not dumb, just annoying — wink, wink — and can just as easily read as you can, knowing that consumers are looking for bargains.

As the sales year comes to an end, there is a tussle going on between manufacturers for bragging rights. Last year, we saw BMW and Mercedes-Benz battling for the top as tsunami-battered Lexus lost ground. That battle between two premier German brands also became a source of irritation for industry analyst as both companies held back final sales data for a full day to see who won. BMW ended up winning top luxury brand honors as Lexus’ 11-year reign came to an end. For shoppers of both German brands, incentives helped close many sales.

The big battle this year will once again be on the luxury front although you can look at some vehicle segments and guess that the deals will be flowing. Toyota’s Camry looks as if it will retain its position as the best-selling midsize model, indeed, the best-selling passenger vehicle model in the U.S. for another year. Ford has a lock on standard pickup trucks, so look for some movement in other categories including compact SUVs, minivans and perhaps among mini cars.

Ready. Set. Shop.

Are you in the market for a car? Well, contact several local dealers and find out what there hours are from today through Wednesday. If you have some time on your hand, you may find it beneficial to eat your supper on Wed., head to the dealership and prepare to negotiate. You may have the sales staff on pins and needles as they wonder whether you will agree to a deal and how much that deal will cost them.

It will cost them plenty if you deal wisely.

See Also — How to Lease a Demo Car

Photo courtesy of Billy Alexander.

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: 2012, 2013, BMW, CAR DEALS, CAR SALES, DEALERSHIPS, Lexus, LUXURY BRANDS, Mercedes-Benz, NEW YEAR

New Top, New Year: Jeep Soft Top Installation

December 21, 2012 by Rob Reaser 1 Comment

Jeep Wrangler
Step-by-step Jeep soft touch installation instructions!

Jeep soft tops have come a long way since granddad’s CJ-3A. Gone are the days of old snaps and metal zippers used on earlier Jeep models. These are the days of high tech Smittybilt winches and massive off-roading tires with menacing tread patterns.

Now back to the soft tops: improvements in soft top technology and materials have helped to reduce noise and now provide sealing attributes comparable to hard tops. Soft-top Jeep Wranglers have been and continue to be Jeep’s best-selling short wheelbase model for a very good reason: there’s nothing quite like roaming the open trail with the wind in your face.  The canvas and vinyl of a soft top, however, will eventually begin to show wear after years of exposure to the elements. Fear not: you can replace your stock factory top fairly easily and inexpensively, with more aftermarket options.

Without further ado, our 20-step instructions follow – good luck!


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 1

Out with the old and in with the new. The first thing to do is to remove all of the original top hardware from the body as your new Supertop comes with its own hardware. Be sure to remove the old bow assembly, windshield retainer, tailgate bar and, on YJ models, all belt rails.

Measure both sides of the vehicle between the top lip of the windshield to the top outer edge of the body to 75 1/8 inches on both sides as shown.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 2

Next, uninstall the two Torx bolts (#40) securing the sport bar to the windshield frame and slide the supplied windshield bracket into place as shown.

Reinstall the Torx bolts and torque to 17 foot-pounds, then repeat this step on the other side of the Jeep.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 3

Place the two windshield retainer halves on top of the windshield frame. The retainer holes match up with the OE holes, so drilling should not be necessary.

If yours do not match, or if you are installing a new windshield frame, then mark, punch, and drill with a 1/8-inch bit using the retainers as a template.

Be certain to drill one hole between the two retainer halves for a total of 11 holes, then install the retaining screws.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 4

Position the side belt rail and line it up with any existing holes. Once aligned, use it as a template to mark any necessary new holes. Center punch and drill the required holes with a 3/8-inch bit.

When you are done drilling, insert 5/16-inch Phillips head bolts into the rearward two holes only and loosely secure same with washers and tapping plates. Do the same thing on the other side of your Jeep.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 5

Position the corner rail onto frame. If your Jeep already has two top holes, attach the corner rail with the supplied 5/16 Phillips head bolts, washers and the tapping plate.

If the inboard OE screw hole does not match up with new corner rail hole, then mark, center punch and drill a new one (1/8-inch bit), install the #8 x 1/2-inch panhead screw (that is what’s being done in picture here).

Repeat this step on the other side.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 6

Next, install the vertical retainer mount, then loosely install two sets of bolts, washers and tapping plates.

Repeat this step on the other side.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 7

Though instructions say to keep the white packaging tape in place, lay the bow assembly halves on the body, place the bow mounts over the third and fourth holes in the side belt rails, then loosely secure the front bolt/washer/retaining nut assembly only.

We found it easier to prop the bow halves upright, then secure. Repeat this step on the other side.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 8

Lift the top bow halves and insert the male end into the female end. Push, pull, twist and/or do whatever it takes to fully seat these two halves together.

Tolerances on ours were tight and it took a lot of heaving & grunting to get them together. In retrospect, we should have done this with the bow halves lying down, not upright (chalk that one up to a late night install job).

Once mated, slide the foam pieces together and tighten all bolts in the belt rails.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 9

Raise the bow up, then slide the two bottom bow halves together (again, avoid doing it like we did).

Try doing this with the bow halves resting in a lying down position.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 10

Lift the bottom bow to access rear bow mount bolt hole and install the bolt, washer and the tapping plate.

Repeat this step on the other side.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 11

Insert the vertical rod into the vertical rod retainer with the bows in an upright position.

Repeat this step on the other side.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 12

Secure the horizontal rod to the windshield bracket by inserting the bailhead stud into the bracket hole and then turn the pin clockwise, ensuring that they are securely locked together.

Do the same thing on other the side.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 13

Position the top fabric onto the frame of the vehicle. Insert the plastic strip on the leading edge of the top underneath the windshield retainer.

For a proper fit, the top must be centered on the retainer. Also, the space between the top and the windshield flange need to be equal on both sides.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 14

Connect the two rear flaps (three snaps each) to the snap studs on the rear bow from the inside of the vehicle.

Move the bow forward to put enough slack in the top to secure the connections.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 15

Tuck the rear corners of the top under the corner belt rails.

Next, raise the rear bow up on to the front bow, inserting the bent tab on to the rear bow and into one of the four holes in the front bow.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 16

Install side curtain by starting at top and rear zippers, then inserting lower plastic strip under side retainer. Close the top and side zippers.

Wrap the forward vertical flap around vertical rod (not front bow), securing it with hook and loop fastener. Wrap top flap over door opening around horizontal rod. Same on other side.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 17

Install the rear curtain retainer onto the tube located on the bottom of the rear curtain as shown in the supplied instructions.

Secure your baseball cap firmly on your head, because soon (in just four more steps) you will be on your way down the road in your new soft top. This is a true story.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 18

Our 1987 Wrangler came with button snaps for the upper door half instead of the belt rails found on preceding models.

Our conversion involved replacing OE button snaps with a set of 1988 to 1995 model year rails.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 19

Wrapping up the upper door halves is a cinch. Insert three pins into the adjoining door sockets. Minor adjustments can be made by raising or lowering the supplied adjustment collars.

Finish by slipping the plastic strip under the door retainer.


Jeep Soft Touch

Step No. 20

Close the door and test for proper fitment. There should be a good seal all around.

If necessary, the doorframe can be bent inward or otherwise adjusted to eliminate any gaps.


That’s it! You are now done and ready to hit the road in your Jeep with its new soft top roof.

Filed Under: Product Reviews Tagged With: : 4WD, INSTALLATION, INSTRUCTIONS, JEEP WRANGLER, OFFROAD, SOFT TOP JEEP

Cadillac ELR to Make Detroit Debut

December 18, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

Voltec technology comes to Cadillac.

The Cadillac ELR, a four-passenger electrified coupe, will make its formal debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January. This vehicle, based on a modified version of the platform that powers the Chevrolet Volt, will be built at Detroit-Hamtramck with production expected to begin in late 2013. GM made its announcement today and sent out a shadowy teaser photo for public consumption.

 

2014 Cadillac ELR

Teased: 2014 Cadillac ELR

 

Converj Concept

The ELR is an extended-range electric vehicle with a backup gasoline engine. Its body, however, may be its most notable feature as it is based on the concept Converj, a model first showcased at the 2009 NAIAS. The vehicle was green-lighted, canceled and resurrected as GM worked through bankruptcy and its reorganization, with GM giving this car its go ahead in 2011. In October, the automaker announced that it would invest $35 million in the plant to ready it for ELR production.

Bringing the ELR to the market comes as GM ramps up Cadillac visibility in North America and abroad. In 2012, Cadillac was given two new models the larger XTS sedan and its all-new ATS compact sedan. The Cadillac ATS has been welcomed with critical acclaim, evoking comparisons with the segment-leading and benchmark-setting BMW 3 Series.


See Also — Not Again! Cadillac’s Naming Convention Adds a New Designation


New Models

New Cadillac products in the pipeline besides the ELR are the next generation Escalade, an updated CTS sedan and possibly several new body styles based on the ATS. Cadillac may also bring to the market a smaller SUV to slot below the Escalade.

Bringing the ELR to the market presents a significant risk to GM, but it does allow the company to spread out its EV engineering costs across more model lines. The Chevrolet Volt built alongside the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera for European markets and the Holden Volt for Australia. Sales of the Chevrolet Volt this year are running at a pace that is more than double what GM sold in 2011.

Unlike the Volt and Ampera, the ELR will target a different buyer as its price point will likely begin north of $60,000. That’s about $20,000 more than the Volt for a vehicle that seeks to establish a footing in the luxury segment. Then again, in this segment price is rarely a chief factor for car shoppers.

More Information

Auto Trends will have more information about the 2014 Cadillac ELR following its Jan. 15 press debut as well as other General Motors news.


Further Reading

Cadillac ELR: 2+2 Luxury PHEV Coupe

Electric Avenue: BMW 740e

Source: General Motors Company

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: CADILLAC ELR, Chevrolet Volt, DETROIT-HAMTRAMCK, EV, EXTENDED-RANGE VEHICLE, PHEV

7 Practical Ways to Save Money

December 18, 2012 by Jenny Willis 2 Comments

Save money on gasoline, insurance, entertainment…and life!

We all want to save money, but finding practical ways to do so can be a bit of a challenge. The money we save today can cover tomorrows expenses, perhaps paying for a new car down the road or funding your child’s education. Saving money does not have to be a painful proposition you can employ a multi-prong approach that will not leave you feeling squeezed, but can help you feel at least a little bit richer.

seven1. Gasoline  — You have been fueling your car with premium gasoline for years, but does it really need the higher grade to run efficiently? Chances are it does not. Check your owners manual and find the recommended grade of gasoline for your vehicle. If regular grade is recommended then use that use a higher grade only if such fuel is required.

2. Commuting  — Your costs for getting back and forth to work can add up. With gasoline prices flirting with $4 per gallon, alternatives should be employed. Buying a new car will cost you, instead share your commuting costs by carpooling. If carpooling is impractical, ask your boss about telecommuting, even if that is for only one day a week. Some businesses have gotten into the mix by allowing employees to work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days.

3. Credit Cards  — If you owe money on your credit cards, your interest rate alone can sink your budget. Before you begin a savings plan, you should tackle your debt, paying it off as soon as possible. Where your savings accounts may yield an interest rate of one or two percent, your credit card can quite easily charge your 12, 15, even 18 percent. Consolidate your credit card bills to a lower interest rate credit card too, if possible. Then pay down your consolidated debt as quickly as possible.

4. Food  — How much does your family spend on food each week? Probably a lot more than you think. According to the USDA, a family of four with pre-teen children in the home spend $236.30 per week on average. Thats more than $1,000 per month and over $12,000 per year! Clipping coupons is an obvious place to start, but your choice of grocer can make a big difference too. If you join a warehouse club such as Sam’s, Costco or BJs, you can easily shave off 10 percent to more than 30 percent from your food bill. You can also reduce your costs by avoiding prepared foods and by growing at least some of your fruits and vegetables in your own garden.

5. Entertainment  — You do not want to be a killjoy when it comes to entertainment. After all, it is our leisurely pursuits that add value to our lives and can bring us much pleasure. Your entertainment costs can, however, bust any budget. But, savings can be realized in small ways too as well as in large ones. Consider the following options when cutting your entertainment costs 1) Take in a matinee instead of a primetime feature.  Better yet, rent your movies instead. 2) Cut your cable costs by opting for a basic plan. Consider switching to a satellite dish if that option comes in cheaper. 3) Check out books from the library instead of buying them. When buying, choose iTunes or eBooks to pay for new releases. 4) Buy season passes if you attend the same venue frequently throughout the year. This would include a zoo, an amusement park or a golf course. 5) Use coupons when eating out and eat out less often. Home cooked meals take longer to prepare, but are better for you.

6. Utilities  — You have cable, your phone and Internet connection, but your costs are greatly inflated because you buy each of these services separately. Combine your utility services to one company and save. Better yet, if you do not need a landline, then lose it use your cell phone to connect with people instead. Choose a cell phone plan that is transparent too various add on costs can drive up the cost of your cell phone service too.

7. Insurance  — Life insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, auto insurance and homeowners insurance. Chances are you have more than one provider for these and other insurance plans. However, if you were to bundle your plans, then your insurance costs would be reduced by at least 10 percent. Raise your deductibles and drop insurance coverage that you no longer need such as collision coverage on that 15-year-old sedan in your family fleet.

Building Savings

With the money that you save, you can put into place a savings strategy that help you reach your goals. Do this by marking down your short-, mid- and long-range savings goals.

Your short-range goals may include saving enough money to pay cash for a new sweater or a video game. Your mid-range goals could possibly include setting aside money weekly to have enough funds to take a vacation next summer or a cruise the following winter. Your long-range goals might include saving money for retirement, paying for your grandchild’s education or paying cash for a new car.

Once you have set up your goals, begin to fund these accounts with the money that you save elsewhere. Be reasonable with your goals and you will reach them, perhaps attaining significant savings along the way. Adjust your savings plan on an annual basis as you get raises at work or make more money elsewhere.


See Also — Car Insurance Savings for the New Year

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: BUDGET, CARS, GASOLINE, MONEY, PERSONAL FINANCE, SAVINGS

Why Chevrolet Will Bring Back the El Camino

December 11, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Last week it was reported that General Motors had trademarked its El Camino and Nomad model names. El Camino was a car-truck or a car-based utility vehicle; Nomad originally was a two-door station wagon. Although there have been zero rumors that the Nomad name would be resurrected, ongoing speculation was that the Chevrolet El Camino would return. That thinking grew even stronger when GM closed down Pontiac and ended hopes that the Pontiac G8 ST, a sport truck based on the Holden Ute, would hit the market. Holden is GMs Australian subsidiary and the current producer of the Chevrolet Caprice.

Holden Ute
Will this Holden Ute become the next El Camino?

R.I.P. Pontiac

Well, the Pontiac G8 ST did not make the transition to the Chevrolet El Camino as some had hoped that it would. The Holden Ute is still in production, but no model has been announced for U.S. export. We think that it is only a matter of time before the El Camino is announced and are offering the following reasons why we will see this Chevrolet by 2015:

1. Chevrolet needs it. Chevrolet must always strive to demonstrate to the world that this brand is cool. Honda is bland. Toyota is reliable. Nissan is efficient. Dodge is sporty. And Ford is Chevrolet’s arch nemesis. The Camaro is prime evidence that when Chevrolet builds a car that fans want it can be a winner. Chevys beefy sports coupe outsells the Ford Mustang and has raised Chevrolet credibility for this generation of car buyers like no other vehicle has. Chevrolets heritage is based largely on cars that made the brand great. Lesser models may not be forgotten, but they are not remembered. El Camino is remembered and desired.

2. Fans want it. Just as fans led the crusade to bring the Camaro back after an eight-year hiatus, Chevrolet knows that this car-truck should has a following of its own. Perhaps not as strong as the Camaro or as fervent as the Corvette, but it is out there. There are enough small truck owners too that want the utility and are not worried about its restricted payload capacity. An El Camino model that is true to Chevrolet’s heritage would get the buyers flocking out of the woodwork.

3. Holden can build it. The Holden Ute is already being built in Australia. No need to retool a North American assembly plant to build this vehicle. Holden currently builds the Caprice and a performance variant of that model, the Chevrolet SS, will debut next year. Just as the Pontiac G8 sedan or Holden Commodore will soon become the Chevrolet SS, the Pontiac G8 ST or Holden Ute can become the El Camino. Let the Aussies build it and send it our way.

4. The market will bear it. U.S. market sales are returning to levels not seen since 2007. That means that we will soon be selling at least 16 million vehicles annually, a healthy number of vehicles for this consumer market of 310 million people. When the El Camino hits the market it will be in a class unto itself. There is no Ford Ranchero to compete with the model and the nearest thing we have seen to such a truck is the now-defunct Subaru Baja. Sure, the replacement for the small Chevrolet Colorado will go into production in 2013, but those trucks will have a different purpose than the El Camino.

Nomad Possibilities

What about resurrecting the Nomad name? Is GM serious about that too? Well, GM Authority was the one to break the news that GM had applied for the Nomad and El Camino trademarks last August. If the Nomad is built, it might possibly be based on the same Zeta platform underpinning the Caprice and SS, but it might just as easily tap an Opel and Vauxhall platform instead.

Demand for a wagon, however, seems limited and we would not GM to get so stretched thin supporting too many models. If it came down to it, there likely would be much greater demand for the El Camino than there would be for the Nomad.


See Also — Cars and Coffee Raleigh Holds First Meet

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Filed Under: Fun News Tagged With: CAR TRUCK, CHEVROLET EL CAMINO, Chevrolet Nomad, Chevy, GM, HOLDEN UTE, PONTIAC G8 ST

Why Does My Gas Mileage Vary?

December 8, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Estimating gas mileage is something that the Environmental Protection Agency leaves in the hands of car manufacturers. The mileage that you see published on the window sticker represents an estimate for city and highway driving as well as a combined mileage estimate based on 55 percent local driving and 45 percent highway driving.

Gas Mileage

Although the EPA estimates offer a good guideline, your mileage will likely vary. And, lest you think manufacturers can submit any number and get away with it, that is not the case. In November 2012, Hyundai and Kia admitted that it had overestimated fuel economy on a number of its vehicles and has been fined by the EPA. Moreover, the two Korean companies will have to compensate affected vehicle owners and will likely face multiple lawsuits over erroneous MPG claims. An EPA audit of the two companies followed extensive consumer complaints about lousy gas mileage.

gas mileageAccording to the EPA, your gas mileage will still vary and for the following reasons:

1. How and where you drive — Clearly, if you put the pedal to the metal and are one to use your vehicle as a race car, then your gas mileage will come in lower than the EPA estimates. Also, if nearly all of your driving is around town, your gas mileage will fall. Then again, if you do extensive highway driving and use your cruise control, you can get better gas mileage.

2. Maintenance and condition — If you follow your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals, keep your tires properly inflated and change your air filters before they get clogged, then your gas mileage will not suffer. Neglect your maintenance and you will see your fuel economy fall accordingly.

3. Types of fuel — Winter blend fuel is less efficient than summer blend and E85 fuel will cause your gas mileage to drop by up to 30 percent. Use the grade of gasoline that is recommended for your car.

4. Vehicle differences — No two vehicles are alike and weight differences of several hundred pounds are possible. For instance, all-wheel-drive generally adds weight to a vehicle. Added equipment including roof rails, door steps, larger wheels, safety features and an extra row of seating can also impact gas mileage. By the way, the fuel economy estimates are for a vehicle with a single occupant; fill up your SUV with seven people, lots of luggage and pull a camper and your gas mileage will plunge.

5. A new car — New cars still have a break-in period ranging from approximately 500 to 1,000 miles. This means that the piston rings on the new engine still have to adjust and your gas mileage will come in lower, at least initially according to CarTalk.com.

(See Also — Fuel Types and Your Car)

Your Mileage

Yes, your fuel mileage will vary and will often come in under EPA estimates. However, you may be able to beat the averages too by babying your car, taking it easy on the accelerator and the brake, and using cruise control on the open road.


See Also — Top Tips for Getting Better Gas Mileage

Filed Under: Maintenance & Repairs Tagged With: car tips, CRUISE CONTROL, EPA, FUEL ECONOMY, GAS MILEAGE, SUV

5 Myths About Hybrid Cars

December 4, 2012 by Erin Warbrook Leave a Comment

As auto manufacturers put forth a number of hybrid, alternative fuel, and full-electric options, the average motorist can be understandably confused by exactly what each of those labels means when it comes to actually getting out and driving. The word “hybrid” only means that a car can run on both a traditional gasoline-using internal combustion engine and on electricity – nothing else is implied. But some myths about hybrid cars persist nonetheless.

1. All hybrids must be plugged in to charge.

Lexus CT HybridA standard gas-electric hybrid vehicle never needs to be plugged in under any circumstances. The battery is charged using two methods: first, some extra energy from the gas engine is routed to the battery. Second, a special system known as “regenerative braking” converts power normally wasted when a car is slowing down or braking directly to battery power. The car’s computer decides when to switch between gasoline and electric power, leading to improved miles per gallon with no change in activity on the driver’s part.
That said, some of the confusion comes from new plug-in hybrid vehicles or even all-electric vehicles, that manufacturers have recently released to the public. These cars feature larger batteries than a standard hybrid and do allow you to plug them into the grid to receive a charge that lets you perform in-town errands without using a drop of gasoline.

2. Hybrids are always more expensive than a normal car.

Hybrid technology has progressed to the point where models are available at a range of reasonable prices, with some costing less than $25,000 after rebates. While you may still consider this a high figure – one can certainly find all-gas cars for less cash – the sticker price is only one part of the equation.

Toyota Camry HybridMoney saved on gas can have a significant impact over the life of the car, so approximate your average gas usage before and after a hybrid purchase and apply those savings to the price of the car. Purchasers of especially gas-efficient vehicles are also almost always able to take advantage of special tax incentives put in place to encourage just such behavior, potentially knocking multiple thousands of dollars off the price when calculating your yearly tax burden.

A Toyota hybrid Camry is a perfect example of a new generation affordable hybrid car.

3. Hybrids have less power than traditional cars.

Historically this was true: the electric motor of a hybrid car could not put out the same horsepower as its gas-powered counterpart. Fortunately, we do not live in historical times. The modern hybrid motor is capable of being every bit as powerful as its counterpart in every way the average motorist cares about.

Admittedly, it might be a while before you see electric automobiles in NASCAR.

4. Driving a hybrid makes a political statement.

There is no denying that a crowd of people exists who purchases a flashy, explicitly labeled hybrid car mostly to impress his or her neighbors and who expects a pat on the back for single-handedly protecting the environment. On the other hand, there is a crowd of people who will drive a Hummer even though gas prices are as high as they’ve ever been in an attempt to show that they just don’t care about what anyone thinks.
Honda Civic HybridThere are a number of practical reasons to go for a hybrid, not the least of which is reduced gas costs and less time spent finding a gas station to pull over at. If it ends up being a little bit better for the environment, well, that’s a nice bonus. If it ends up that the country does not have to import as much oil, well, someone somewhere might be fond of that.

With the vast number of options on the road today, it is exceedingly simple to purchase a hybrid vehicle for its benefits with or without loudly declaring to the rest of the world that you drive a hybrid. The Honda Civic Hybrid, for example, is barely distinguishable from its standard counterpart. Feel free to leave political statements – or lack thereof – to the bumper stickers.

5. Hybrid batteries don’t last long and are costly to replace.

This persistent myth has turned many a car buyer away from hybrids, fearing a replacement bill of thousands of dollars if and when the battery went dead.

Toyota PriusWhile many of the newer hybrid batteries have not yet been on the road quite long enough to determine their true effective ranges, what data exists is Toyota Prius very promising. For one, batteries are usually under warranty for the first eight years or 100,000 miles – a respectable distance, and not an unusually short one for any car part.

One popular anecdote comes from a cab driver in Vancouver whose Prius is running strong after a full 200,000 miles. New technologies for battery construction and for management of the charge have made the lifespan of the battery almost a nonissue.


See Also — Should You Consider a 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: ELECTRIC VEHICLE, Honda Civic hybrid, HYBRID VEHICLES, PHEV, plug-in hybrid, Toyota Prius

The Ideal Off-Roader’s Garage

December 1, 2012 by Sarah Bolt Leave a Comment

Off-Road Jeep Wranglers.
Handle off-road beat downs in your modified garage.

Any avid off-roader knows that their passion is going to bring them head to head with more mechanical difficulties than most. The great outdoors present challenges that can ravage the under carriage of a vehicle.

Running off to the mechanic every time a mechanical hitch shows up is simply not a viable option. The true off-roader needs to have a fully-equipped garage at their disposal 24 hours a day. Converting your normal, everyday garage into the dream space of any amateur mechanic will keep you on the trails all year-round.

The ultimate garage starts with efficient storage. This element is important to not only allow you to keep track of all your tools and parts, but also to keep your equipment in good working order. Tool bins need to be steel…and they need to be big. Storing wrenches and suspension parts sets a good cornerstone for the rest of your workspace. There is nothing that holds up a project like being unorganized and unable to locate needed tools.

The comfort of the garage is next on the list. This is a crucial element as well. You are sure to be spending a lot of time in this environment. Making it one that is conducive to work is important. The basics, such as heating and air conditioning, will make the space tolerable during extreme weather. Beyond this addition, you can extend the atmosphere into custom signs, decals, or novelty refrigerators to keep the beer cold. The level of customization is really only limited by the amount of space you are working with.

Residential vehicle lifts. Once the car is present, it can feel as if the space has virtually vanished. Residential vehicle lifts are the solution. Raising the car allows you to still walk around your garage freely. It also eliminates the need to break your back when you have to get to tight engine components under the body. Although it can be quite an investment, attaining your own lift is a life-saver. If you make it to this point of commitment, there is no turning back. Completely open up your access to professional equipment by getting a heavy-duty air compressor. With this equipment in hand, you can use virtually any pneumatic tool that a job may require.

Epoxy Coverings. The perfect garage does not imply perfect work, however. There are bound to be oil and grease spills. Protecting your floor will add to ease of clean-up, and it will help to ensure a safer work environment. Most floors are cement and gray with oil stains abounding. Epoxy coverings will seal the floor and provide a firm-gripping surface. These types of sealers come in practically any color and provide a comfortable surface that eases the tension on your feet and back as you put in long hours of hard work.


See Also — Road Machine: Custom Jeep Wrangler JK Rig for Heroes

Photo courtesy of Sarah Bolt.

Filed Under: Fun News Tagged With: 4x4, Construction and Maintenance, Doors and Windows, Garage door, Materials and Supplies, Off-road vehicle

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