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ArcaMax.com - Four Wheels and Two: Best of Both Worlds, on Four Wheels
2007-09-07 08:06:00 ArcaMax.com - Four Wheels and Two: Best of Both Worlds, on Four Wheels: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter: http://www.arcamax.com/news/aut-omotive/s-230786-163803 Four Wheels and Two: Best of Both Worlds, on Four Wheels Eric Peters Old cars, like older homes, have unique charms. They've got history - and personality. They stand out from the crowd. You won't see one just like yours at every traffic light. And they're fun to take to weekend cruises and get-togethers with fellow hobbyists. But old cars also have their downsides - the automotive equivalent of bad plumbing and obsolete wiring. Out of date technology - and the wear and tear of 20 or 30 years - can make even a $400 per month new car payment seem appealing. The good news is that just like fixing up an older house with discretely added modern amenities, you can transform an older car into a reliable, fun-to-live-with daily driver by updating it with modern car technology. The result is the best of both...
ArcaMax.com - Four Wheels and Two: Make In-Car Breathalyzers Mandatory?
2007-09-03 10:02:00 ArcaMax.com - Four Wheels and Two: Make In-Car Breathalyzers Mandatory?: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter: http://www.arcamax.com/news/aut-omotive/s-227591-141384 Four Wheels and Two: Make In-Car Breathalyzers Mandatory? Eric Peters 'Pre-emptive war' got us into a real mess in Iraq. So maybe we ought to think twice before adopting similar measures when it comes to traffic law. Specifically, when it comes to an idea floated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to require that all new cars be fitted with an ignition interlock that can detect alcohol in the driver's system - and shut the car down if it does. Several large automakers (including GM, Ford, Toyota and Honda) also support the idea - and are working on ways to get these things into new cars - maybe within the next two or three years. Could be sooner. Sounds ok in principle - sort of like the idea of liberating Iraq. The devil's in the details, though. The technology itself is pretty straightforwar...
ArcaMax.com - Consumer Reports Lists Best First Car for Teens
2007-06-08 01:44:00 ArcaMax.com - Consumer Reports Lists Best First Car for Teens: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-197383-621-507Consumer Reports Lists Best First Car for TeensRyan ThomasAs summer approaches, parents are once again thinking about buying their teenagers their first cars for that summer job or for those who will be going to college. In choosing the best first car for teens, it is typical that parents should opt for easy to drive vehicles as well as units that come having a good fuel economy. Consumer Reports, one of the leading consumer watchdogs, lists some of the wisest choice for teens. What the cars in the list have in common is reliability, driver friendliness, fuel economy, safety and the price, of course. Parents are warned against buying high performance cars for their teens since they are commonly harder to drive and consume more fuel. Since the car will be for teens, it is of utmost importance that parents should take ...
ArcaMax.com - Why Toyota's Number One
2007-05-23 10:50:00 ArcaMax.com - Why Toyota's Number One: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-191826-471-966Why Toyota's Number OneEric PetersHere's something to chew on: Circa 1977, General Motors was selling around 250,000 Camaros and Firebirds alone per year. And the two-door Camaro/Firebird sport coupes were 'specialty' cars with cramped back seats and tiny trunks - not mass market family-type cars.The best selling car in the United States was an Oldsmobile - the mid-sized Cutlass. GM sold even more of those. It owned close to 60 percent of the entire U.S. automobile market. In 1977, Toyota was, at best, a bit player - purveyor of funny-looking econo-boxes with strange names like Corona.Today, Oldsmobile doesn't exist at all. The Camaro's in hiatus. Firebird's dead and buried. The best-selling car in the country in 2007 is ... a Toyota (the Camry sedan). And Toyota is now the world's largest automaker, in terms of total annual sales....
ArcaMax.com - Can I Drive My Car 300,000 miles? Yes, With Excellent Basic M
2007-05-22 08:34:00 ArcaMax.com - Can I Drive My Car 300,000 miles? Yes, With Excellent Basic Maintenance: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-191828-690-586Can I Drive My Car 300,000 miles? Yes, With Excellent Basic MaintenanceCharles EvansMost late model automobiles (those manufactured in the last 10 years) will run well for 200,000 plus miles if correctly maintained. This does NOT mean that repairs will not be required. Minimum Basic Maintenance * Change oil and filter every 3000 miles. This means every 3000 miles even if the manufacturer recommends 6000 miles or more between oil changes. Oil is cheap compared to replacing the car or funding major repairs.* I recommend a tune up every 20,000 miles. Many times this require nothing more than changing the spark plugs. Check with your technician and repair shop on this. If you have an honest mechanic he or she will tell you what you need. This is the major reason for finding an honest shop and mech...
ArcaMax.com - Rather Than Banning Cell Phones, Let's Ban Bad Drivers
2007-05-21 11:13:00 ArcaMax.com - Rather Than Banning Cell Phones, Let's Ban Bad Drivers: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-185350-790-165Rather Than Banning Cell Phones, Let's Ban Bad DriversEric PetersA ban on using cell phones in cars is a lot like putting a Band-Aid on a sucking chest wound. Neither does much about the underlying problem.In the case of cell phones, the underlying problem is bad driving -- not the phones as such. Write a law forbidding their use and bad drivers will still be bad drivers -- applying makeup, changing pants or reading the paper while driving instead of yapping on their phones. And even if all those other things were also made illegal, the basic problem -- scores of marginally skilled, inattentive or outright inept/reckless drivers -- remains.Do something about that -- by closely scrutinizing any driver involved in an 'at-fault' accident, for instance -- and the 'problem' attributed to cell phones will quic...
ArcaMax.com - HID (High Intensity Discharge) Headlights - More Efficient Th
2007-05-21 11:12:00 ArcaMax.com - HID (High Intensity Discharge) Headlights - More Efficient Than Halogen?: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-182191-957-412HID (High Intensity Discharge) Headlights - More Efficient Than Halogen?Dale AnthonyMost cars (except your Porshes' and BMW's) use a Halogen gas base or Advanced Incandesent headlighting system (much like the common light bulb) which has been around for years. For the last fifteen years or so, we've all seen those cars with the 'Intense' Blue Headlights driving around leaving us to think to ourselves 'Wow, those look pretty cool.....wish I had a set of those on my car'.Well, those lights you're talking about are 'High Intensity Discharge' Lights. A lighting system that's only been around for about two decades or so. It's really quite interesting. HID lights are the most efficient lighting sources available today. They create up to one-third less heat and last up to 24 times longer...
ArcaMax.com - New Truck Review: 2007 Toyota Tundra
2007-05-21 11:11:00 ArcaMax.com - New Truck Review: 2007 Toyota Tundra: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-188131-681-614New Truck Review: 2007 Toyota TundraEric PetersNo one thought much of the first Lexus LS sedan. Remember? 'Japanese' and 'luxury car' could not even be uttered in the same sentence -- at least, not without a smirk. Today, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have learned the hard way to think otherwise. Tomorrow, Ford, GM and Chrysler might have to, also -- when it comes to full-size trucks.Up until now, Detroit has not been challenged much on this front -- even though they've lost ground in just about every other market segment. The Ford-F-series is (and has long been) the best-selling large pick-up; behind it is the Chevy Silverado 1500. The only other import truck that could even qualify as 'full-size' is Nissan's Titan -- and it has been handicapped by limited body/bed/trim configurations -- rendering it no real threat to De...
ArcaMax.com - Satellite Radio's Mixed Bag
2007-05-21 11:10:00 ArcaMax.com - Satellite Radio's Mixed Bag: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-189473-969-217Satellite Radio's Mixed BagEric PetersSatellite radio's a lot like the typical teenage kid. It's still a little immature - and while there's lots of potential (and even much to like) there's also a whole lot of stuff that's still 'work-in-progress.'Consider a few points:* You pay to hear commercials - One of the early appeals of satellite radio was the prospect of escaping the endless barrage of annoying commercials on FM and AM radio. You paid XM or Sirius a monthly fee, which (ostensibly) took the place of commercial ad revenue on 'free' radio, allowing the satellite station to provide content only - and no (or very little) commercial garbage. At first, when satellite radio was still pretty new, this was generally true. There were commercial-free (and 'limited commercial') channels. But anyone who listened to satellite in...
ArcaMax.com - How To Reduce The Noise In Your Vehicle
2007-05-21 11:09:00 ArcaMax.com - How To Reduce The Noise In Your Vehicle: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-188134-989-192How To Reduce The Noise In Your VehicleTodd SpearyThere are several reasons why the noise level in a vehicle might be high. In some automobiles, the manufacturer just didn't add enough noise control material, leading to higher noise levels in the vehicle. In older cars, your exhaust system or muffler might be at fault causing extra noise inside the automobile. In some cases, people will modify their engine or exhaust system, and they will cause the noise themselves. And finally, the tires that you have installed on your vehicle may be adding to the noise inside your vehicle. All of these problems can be addressed to reduce the noise level inside the vehicle. Once you have determined that the noise is a problem inside your automobile, you can start to identify what should be done to reduce the noise. First of all, if there a...
ArcaMax.com - Nostalgia For the Basic Car
2007-05-21 11:08:00 ArcaMax.com - Nostalgia For the Basic Car: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-188132-526-051Nostalgia For the Basic CarEric PetersIf you could, would you buy a 'back to basics' new car? In other words, would you consider a car without the comfort and safety features we take for granted today -- things like, for instance, air conditioning and power steering, power brakes and safety equipment like air bags, traction control and ABS?Back in the 1970s (and even into the 1980s) those amenities were often optional -- still considered 'big ticket' (especially AC) on even medium-priced cars. Of course, things like GPS navigation, ABS brakes, multiple air bags and factory-installed stereos with CD players were unheard of. ABS brakes were rarely found on ordinary, family-type cars -- let alone economy cars -- until rather recently (mid-1990s).We now take many of these features for granted -- or at least, we expect them. I doubt many...
ArcaMax.com - Should Federal Gas Mileage Standards be Raised?
2007-05-21 11:06:00 ArcaMax.com - Should Federal Gas Mileage Standards be Raised?: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-182190-577-213Should Federal Gas Mileage Standards be Raised?Eric PetersRep. Ed Markey thinks your next new car should get 35 mpg, which is a very nice idea -- provided you aren't concerned about the functional compromises and costs that might involve.Along with Republican co-sponsor Todd Platts, Markey has authored legislation that would push federal fuel economy standards for both passenger cars and pick-ups and SUVs to 35 mpg. Up to now, trucks and SUVs have always been considered separately -- and subject to a less onerous 21.5 mpg 'fleet average' (vs. the current 27.5 for passenger cars) on the entirely reasonable notion that it's unreasonable to demand close to 30 mpg from a vehicle that needs to be powerful enough to pull a 9,000-lb. trailer, etc.Sometimes, a Camry just won't cut it.Now, however, the screws are to be a...
ArcaMax.com - Repair Or Replace Your Automotive Headliner
2007-05-21 11:04:00 ArcaMax.com - Repair Or Replace Your Automotive Headliner: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-188135-518-022Repair Or Replace Your Automotive HeadlinerTodd SpearyThere have been some temporary headliner solutions offered in the past, such as those 'twist in pins', but they are at best a temporary solution to repair the problem and will actually damage the headliner board, and cause more problems when it comes time for a more permanent repair. The best solution to repairing your headliner is to completely replace the fabric of your headliner. You could have that done professionally, although that would be a rather expensive solution. A much more affordable solution would be a 'do-it-yourself headliner repair kit' that make this project something that anyone can do. At stockinteriors.com we also offer a complete replacement for the entire headliner board, which comes pre-covered with the fabric color of your choice. This opt...
ArcaMax.com - US Air Quality Improves - Survey Says Americans Are In Gas Pu
2007-05-21 11:03:00 ArcaMax.com - US Air Quality Improves - Survey Says Americans Are In Gas Purchasing Difficulty: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-189477-432-643US Air Quality Improves - Survey Says Americans Are In Gas Purchasing DifficultyBenjamin HudsonEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports air quality and emissions data for 2006 shows continued improvement in the nation's air quality over the long term. Emissions of six key pollutants, namely: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO) and lead (Pb) have dropped by more than half since 1970 and the national average concentration for each criteria pollutant is below the level of its air quality standard. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson was so proud in saying that the trends are good and the nation's air continues to improve because of the Bush Administration's innovative clean air policies. He further stated that b...
ArcaMax.com - Why Don't Today's Economy Cars Get 50 mpg?
2007-05-21 11:01:00 ArcaMax.com - Why Don't Today's Economy Cars Get 50 mpg?: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-188133-338-574Why Don't Today's Economy Cars Get 50 mpg?Eric PetersThere were cars capable of reaching 30 MPG in the '70s -- and a few that tickled 40 mpg in the '80s. So how come today's cars aren't doing much better than that? Excepting hybrids (and a handful of diesel-powered cars), the 40 mpg barrier remains largely intact. Why is that?It's a reasonable question. But consider a couple of things first:* Economy cars -- The average four-cylinder economy car today has almost as much power (about 110-150 horsepower) as the typical mid-sized, V-6 powered car did in the '80s. It's also heavier -- in part because of the need to comply with various government safety requirements (such as bumper impact/crashworthiness tests), in part because they simply have more amenities -- air conditioning, power windows and so on. By the stan...
ArcaMax.com - Tips on Finding The Right Repair Shop
2007-05-21 10:59:00 ArcaMax.com - Tips on Finding The Right Repair Shop: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-191827-990-495Tips on Finding The Right Repair ShopDwayne ThomasFor car owners, auto repair shops are necessary. Finding the right one will surely help in incurring less repair expenses. To avoid rush and immediately repair the damaged auto part, look for the right repair shop before your car experience any inconveniences. It is up to you how to look for one. You may ask some recommendations or you can just look for one by yourself. To assure you will get your money back or restore your formerly not yet severely damaged car, make sure the repair shop is licensed by the state or by the local law. Of course, make sure the repair shop has the capacity to do the needed repair for your car. It is also practical to look for one that honors your cars warranty. Now the next thing to think about is the right technician to do the job. If your car hap...
ArcaMax.com - New Car Review - 2007 Lexus LS460
2007-05-21 10:58:00 ArcaMax.com - New Car Review - 2007 Lexus LS460: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-191824-494-778New Car Review - 2007 Lexus LS460Eric PetersThe Lexus LS has always been the 'value alternative' to pricey mid-sized (and even full-sized) German luxury sedans. For thousands - sometimes, tens of thousands - less than BMW and Mercedes were charging for minimally equipped, sometimes six-cylinder versions of their E-Class and 5-Series sedans, you'd get things like a standard V-8 engine - along with equivalent amenities, better reliability - and Blue Chip re-sale value. A two or three-year-old Lexus LS400 or LS430 would still be worth 80 percent of what you paid for it new - while Benzes and Beemers had (and still have have) an unfortunate tendency to depreciate faster than an overpriced McMansion in a flat-lined real estate market.But as good a value - and a car - as the original LS has always been, it couldn't compete on equal ...
ArcaMax.com - The Un-American Way to Save Money on Your Next New Car
2007-05-21 10:56:00 ArcaMax.com - The Un-American Way to Save Money on Your Next New Car: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-191825-176-134The Un-American Way to Save Money on Your Next New CarEric PetersPeople are spending unprecedented sums on cars these days - close to $30k, on average, for a mid-sized SUV, mid-priced minivan or 'entry-luxury' sedan. That's fine - if you don't mind (and can afford) a $500 or more per month liability in order to drive around a depreciating asset that won't be worth half its original sticker price by the time you've paid it off. (If real estate worked like that, we'd all be in the poorhouse.) No slam on new cars - just a reality check.Our economy is built on credit and its ugly cousin, debt. We are conditioned to associate our status and self-image with the things we have - even if those things are only 'ours' by dint of zero-down financing and 17 percent interest. We value the image of affluence over t...
ArcaMax.com - New Car Review - 2007 Saturn Sky Redline
2007-04-27 06:36:00 ArcaMax.com - New Car Review - 2007 Saturn Sky Redline: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-185349-382-260New Car Review - 2007 Saturn Sky RedlineEric PetersThere is so much to love about the Saturn Sky Redline it makes it even harder to accept the things that detract from the overall package. It's absolutely beautiful, first of all.Not merely a good-looking, proportionate car -- but a stunner. A Baywatch bikini model, curvy and tight in all the right places. Long, wide clamshell hood that swoops up over the front wheels, ever so provocatively. Artfully cut side scallops. A great tail. The chopped-looking, low-profile roofline that seems to cant forward where it meets the steeply raked front glass. Those twin 'speed cones' that taper behind each headrest to the rear deck. Nice. No, more than that.It is perhaps the best work to come out of a GM styling studio since the early '60s and the Sting Ray Corvette. And it has the sa...
ArcaMax.com - Car Dealerships - The Last To Try eCommerce
2007-04-26 06:57:00 ArcaMax.com - Car Dealerships - The Last To Try eCommerce: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-182192-858-157Car Dealerships - The Last To Try eCommerceJ.D. RuckerIn the automotive industry's glory days of 1975-1997 (before the internet came and ruined everything for them), two major things were developed and maintained. 1) Customers were kept one or two steps behind, and 2) Dealerships made lots of money. These two developments were aided mostly by the salesperson and their managers' abilities to control their customers. This, more than anything else, is why the automotive industry is the last to jump on the 'Buy it Online' bandwagon. From your home or office, the dealership has no control over you. For this reason, 99% of new and used car dealers with websites use their web presence for one reason: to get you to their lot. From the safety of a computer, consumers are able to keep a separation that most car dealers do not ...
ArcaMax.com - Are Oil Change Intervals Changing?
2007-04-25 09:18:00 ArcaMax.com - Are Oil Change Intervals Changing?: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-185348-232-100Are Oil Change Intervals Changing?Eric PetersIt may not be necessary to change your vehicle's oil and filter as often as you once did. Recommended service intervals have been increasing over the past few years from as often as once every 3-4 months and 3,000 miles to as infrequently as once every 5,000 (or even 10,000 miles), depending on the car -- and its manufacturer.The reasons for the longer change-out intervals have to do with both improved engine designs (more efficient engines don't produce as many combustion byproducts, such as unburned gasoline, that can contaminate the oil) and improved oil formulations and additive packages -- which extend the useful life of the oil itself.But there are several important caveats to be aware of.* First, remember that service recommendations vary from manufacturer to manufacture -- Do...
ArcaMax.com - Lane Departure Warning System Reduce Accidents for Prime Inc.
2007-04-24 06:53:00 ArcaMax.com - Lane Departure Warning System Reduce Accidents for Prime Inc.: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-178672-957-734Lane Departure Warning System Reduce Accidents for Prime Inc.Ryan ThomasSafety features abound in the auto industry to provide consumers with the most possible weapons to avoid accidents or reduce risk of severe injury when accidents are not avoided. Car manufacturers like Volvo have taken a lot of effort in the development of such features. These safety features are proven to be of good use to consumers when they need it. Another company which has developed a safety feature for vehicles is Iteris Inc. The said company is a leading producer of vision-based technologies dedicated to developing technologies that will keep drivers safe. One of their innovative products is the Lane Departure Warning system. Recently, the company reported that their technology has significantly reduced the number of accident...
ArcaMax.com - Things You Can Expect to See More of Soon
2007-04-23 07:20:00 ArcaMax.com - Things You Can Expect to See More of Soon: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-182189-357-619Things You Can Expect to See More of SoonEric PetersIf you want to see progress in fast-forward, compare the typical new car of today with the typical new car of 2000 -- and then compare both with what the typical new car of 2012 is likely to be like (as far as we can imagine that).In 2000, for instance, in-dash GPS units were still fairly rare -- and found almost exclusively on high-dollar luxury cars. In 2007, GPS is commonplace -- and available on modestly priced ($20k or so) new cars like the Honda Civic and Mazda3.Within five years, GPS will become a 'given' on most every new car, irrespective of price -- just like air conditioning and power steering are today.In 2000, things like 'intelligent' radar-guided cruise control that can automatically adjust the speed of your vehicle to match the ebb and flow of traffic ...
ArcaMax.com - New Car Review - 2007 Saturn Aura
2007-04-20 07:41:00 ArcaMax.com - New Car Review - 2007 Saturn Aura: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-182188-577-051New Car Review - 2007 Saturn AuraEric PetersIf General Motors had been building cars like the Saturn Aura ten years ago, Toyota might not be poised to replace GM as the world's largest, most successful automaker.As it is, Toyota (and Honda, too) may be able to hold onto customers -- and their dominance of the mid-size/family car market -- on the strength of their established reputations -- even if their current offerings are no longer clearly superior in the 'well-built' and 'more reliable' categories. And even if competitors like the Aura have more to offer in the curb appeal department (and elsewhere).That's the ugly legacy of 20-something years of not-so-great cars.Still, smart shoppers shouldn't automatically dismiss everything coming out of General Motors today based on what was coming out of General Motors yesterday.T...
ArcaMax.com - New Bosch Technology Saves Fuel
2007-04-19 08:12:00 ArcaMax.com - New Bosch Technology Saves Fuel: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-178671-697-730New Bosch Technology Saves FuelRyan ThomasThe auto industry is currently geared towards the reduction of fuel consumption as the global community becomes increasingly aware of the threat of global warming. Aside from car makers, other consumer industries have also taken steps to develop devices which will help vehicles save on fuel. One of the leading makers of automotive components, Bosch, has recently developed yet another innovative technology which will improve fuel economy of vehicles. The Stuttgart, a Germany based company, recently announced the development of their Climate Control Sensor. This sensor essentially checks constantly the level of carbon dioxide inside a vehicle's cabin. By monitoring the amount of carbon dioxide inside a vehicle, the device allows the air conditioning unit to optimize its performance. When the ...
ArcaMax.com - Be Careful at the Car Wash
2007-04-18 08:15:00 ArcaMax.com - Be Careful at the Car Wash: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-181103-444-799Be Careful at the Car WashEric PetersAutomatic/drive-through car washes are more popular than ever because they save time -- and in winter, save you from the ordeal of trying to keep your car clean in freezing weather. They can also be safer for your car's finish than washing your car yourself. Some do-it-yourselfers don't use enough water to safely remove dirt; or they wash the car in direct sunlight -- which can burn spots in the paint. Or they use the use the wrong type of soap -- such as dishwash detergent, which removes protective wax and leaves a chalky residue. Or any one of several common mistakes than can end up doing more harm than good.Bottom line, regular car washes can help you maintain the cosmetic appearance of your vehicle. And that is very important not just for your ego, but for the car's resale value. All else being...
ArcaMax.com - Car Loan Information
2007-04-17 07:42:00 ArcaMax.com - Car Loan Information: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-178673-827-614Car Loan InformationDennis J JamesDealing with a car loan can be quite the headache, but here are some things that everyone needs to know. First, a car loan is a long-term commitment. Many dealerships are now offering car loans that are 72 months, 78 months or even 84 months long. That's between seven and eight years, a lot longer than the average person intends to keep a new car when they purchase it. Since even the best warranties in the business are generally 60 months (five years) bumper-to-bumper and 10 years for the power train only, chances are that this car is going to need major maintenance and repairs long before the car loan is paid off. This is important in planning your budget around your car payment, so that even if the car has a great warranty, you are saving for those upcoming expenses. Second, your credit rating will affect y...
ArcaMax.com - Fuel Economy Uber Alles?
2007-04-16 07:10:00 ArcaMax.com - Fuel Economy Uber Alles?: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-181104-554-072Fuel Economy Uber Alles?Eric PetersRep. Ed Markey thinks your next new car should get 35 mpg, which is a very nice idea -- provided you aren't concerned about the functional compromises and costs that might involve.Along with Republican co-sponsor Todd Platts, Markey has authored legislation that would push federal fuel economy standards for both passenger cars and pick-ups and SUVs to 35 mpg. Up to now, trucks and SUVs have always been considered separately -- and subject to a less onerous 21.5 mpg 'fleet average' (vs. the current 27.5 for passenger cars) on the entirely reasonable notion that it's unreasonable to demand close to 30 mpg from a vehicle that needs to be powerful enough to pull a 9,000-lb. trailer, etc. Sometimes, a Camry just won't cut it.Now, however, the screws are to be applied to trucks and SUVs, too. This makes no...
ArcaMax.com - Why Do Gas Prices Go Up in the Summer?
2007-04-15 19:40:00 ArcaMax.com - Why Do Gas Prices Go Up in the Summer?: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-178668-228-995Why Do Gas Prices Go Up in the Summer?Dan PattersonSummer gas prices are already well on their way. If you doubt this, just notice how prices are going up every week at the gas pumps. Every summer gas prices tend to increase for many reasons, but as regular consumers we don't worry so much about why the prices are going up. We worry more about what it's going to do to our budgets! So why do gas prices go up in the summer? Many of you may not be aware of this, but fuel companies actually use a different blend in the winter than they do in the summer. In other words, the gas you pump into your car is different depending on the season that you are buying the gas. One cause of the increase in prices is because the different oil refineries actually have to shut down temporarily to switch the whole refinery over to the new blend....
ArcaMax.com - The Eight Mistakes Car Buyers Make
2007-04-13 19:03:00 ArcaMax.com - The Eight Mistakes Car Buyers Make: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-178669-162-647The Eight Mistakes Car Buyers MakeTimothy A. SmithShopping for a new auto can be a very trying experience at best. It is usually a dreaded experience for most of us do to the time required and trying to sort out fact from fiction in talking to sales people. Here are eight mistakes most people make according to some surveys taken. Consumer Reports outline the following eight mistakes most car buyers make when shopping for a car. 1. Being pressured to act. It's alright to take your time in selecting a car. Don't be pressured into purchasing before you are really ready. When you place a down payment, use a credit card in place of writing a check. This will provide you more protection if something fishy occurs. 2. Taking dealers at their word. Are you being offered any 'freebies'? Lifetime oil changes, etc. Get it in writing. 3. ...
ArcaMax.com - New Car Review: 2007 BMW Mini Cooper S
2007-04-13 18:42:00 ArcaMax.com - New Car Review: 2007 BMW Mini Cooper S: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-181102-412-492New Car Review: 2007 BMW Mini Cooper SEric PetersMost redesigns are pretty obvious -- and sometimes, far from being an improvement. Hence the general rule: If it aint' broke, don't 'fix' it. With the updated '07 Mini Cooper, however, you'll have to look closely to tell it apart from the original -- even though there are many significant differences, inside and out. And these subtle changes are also improvements -- a rare trick these days.For openers, the new version's about 2.5 inches longer overall. The stretch job was done primarily to improve the car's crashworthiness by increasing the car's 'crumple zones' -- especially up front. More metal to bend and absorb impact forces in a wreck means less energy imparted to the passenger cabin -- and those riding inside. But what's really neat is that while the exterior ...
ArcaMax.com - AAA and 'Best Cars for Families' Add 9 New Vehicles for 2007
2007-04-06 20:03:00 ArcaMax.com - AAA and 'Best Cars for Families' Add 9 New Vehicles for 2007: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-175208-229-051AAA and 'Best Cars for Families' Add 9 New Vehicles for 2007Anthony FontanelleThe American Automobile Association (AAA) and the Parents magazine Best Cars for Families list have added nine new vehicles for 2007. The April issue of Parents magazine, which was already released, comes with detailed reviews of each model. The list was created by combining the auto-safety expertise of the 50-million-member AAA with Parents' understanding of what families want and need. The pool of experts penned a list of sedans economy cars, vans, SUVs, and crossovers ideal for everything that concerns family and driving - from weekend getaways, longer road trips and other road-related activities. 'Safety, convenience, and lasting value are especially important to parents shopping for a family vehicle,' said Gail Wein...
ArcaMax.com - Marital Counseling for GM and Ford?
2007-04-02 08:17:00 ArcaMax.com - Marital Counseling for GM and Ford?
ArcaMax.com - New SUV Review - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
2007-03-29 16:26:00 ArcaMax.com - New SUV Review - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-175202-838-459New SUV Review - 2008 Ford Escape HybridEric PetersHybrid pick-ups and SUVs are still pretty rare; 'full' hybrids that can actually be driven on pure battery power alone -- vs. 'mild' hybrids that just shut off the gas engine when the vehicle isn't moving -- rarer still.The Ford Escape hybrid is one of them.It's also substantially revised for the '08 model run.The front end has been completely redone; it's now very Expedition-like (and much less Freestyle-like) with a larger (and chrome-plated) grille/bumper section replacing the body-colored (and smaller-grilled) molded plastic treatment used previously. The bumper's center section extends down and underneath the front end -- giving the appearance of an integrated skid plate -- while just above the bumper, the hood's lip rises almost vertically for an inch or so,...
ArcaMax.com - New Car Review - 2007 Audi S4
2007-03-29 16:25:00 ArcaMax.com - New Car Review - 2007 Audi S4: "From the ArcaMax Publishing, Automotive Newsletter:http://www.arcamax.c-om/news/automotive/s-172874-871-822New Car Review - 2007 Audi S4Eric PetersIf you're a fan of those 'Transporter' movies, a sophisticated bruiser like the Audi S4 ultra-performance sedan has to be high on your lust list. Fitted leather driver's gloves. Custom-tailored Armani suit. Real-deal $500 shades -- not those cheap knock-off 'Ray Bans' you pick up at 7-11.Ok, those extras aren't included in the $47,500 base price of the '07 S4 sedan. But you do get other essential equipment for 'Transporter' style adventures.First, there's the 4.2 liter, 340 horsepower aluminum V-8 that's the centerpiece of the package -- cherry picked from the larger A6 and A8 sedans and tucked into the smaller, lighter (and therefore, faster) A4-series chassis.To squeeze that big car engine into a small car's engine bay -- a space originally designed to house, at most, a middling-s... |
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