The E85 movement, which is based on an alternate fuel consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is getting an additional boost thanks to a recent decision by General Motors to expand its existing line up from 9 models to 14. This increase will mean that General Motors, which already has nearly 2 million E85 vehicles on the road, will be able to produce as many as 400,000 E85 vehicles per year. For proponents of alternate fuel sources, the decision by General Motors is certainly a welcome one. Let?s take a look at GM?s expanding E85 fleet and what this could mean for you, the fuel conscious motorist.
E85 has been around for well over a decade now, but has only recently has it been the focus of such widespread attention. Credit gas prices exceeding $3 per gallon for interest in E85 and you can see why General Motors is continuing to expand its line up to meet the demand for alternate fuel sources.
The Current Line Up
GM?s current fleet of E85 vehicles now numbers nine. GM?s Silverado, Tahoe, Impala, Monte Carlo, Avalanche, Sierra, Suburban, Yukon, and Yukon XL currently make up the entire fleet of E85 capable vehicles produced by the automaker. The bulk of GM?s E85 sales have come since 2000, however the automaker had been building E85 capable vehicles for many years prior to the turn of the millennium. DaimlerChrysler and Ford also build tens of thousands of E85 vehicles per year.
Expanding on the Theme
General Motors is planning to add five new models for 2007 including the Chevrolet Uplander, its crossover van offering. Other models have yet to be named, but they will likely include similar sized vehicles.
Shortages Persist/Limited Availability
While E85?s appeal remains strong, limited pump availability and fuel shortages have put a strain on the market. Most of the ethanol currently used is derived from corn a readily available food and fuel source in the U.S. However, refineries and pump availability is limited outside of the Midwest, making E85 totally unavailable in some areas. With GM?s help, new stations and increased capacity are coming online. Fortunately, if E85 is not available in a particular area, each vehicle can still run on straight gasoline.
Fuel Economy and Performance
Another area that must be acknowledged is overall fuel economy. While ethanol does produce a nice boost in overall performance, it does impact fuel mileage reducing it by 25-30% on some models. When E85 prices are 50 or 60 cents lower than gasoline, this is not a problem. However, with E85 demand being high, prices are only 5 or 10 cents lower in most areas. Certainly, consumers could find themselves paying even more overall for fuel by electing to go with E85 at various times.
A Cleaner Environment
Beyond price and fuel economy, there is one huge benefit to using E85: harmful pollutants are greatly reduced. With only a small percentage of gasoline consumed compared to straight gasoline or diesel fuel, greenhouse gas emissions drop significantly which is clearly better for the environment.
A Temporary Fix or a Wave to be Ridden?
Finally, E85 may be considered only a temporary fix especially if other forms of fuel efficient vehicles catch on. Hybrids remain an attractive alternative for some, biodiesel is growing in strength, and hydrogen powered cars are only a few years away. Still, E85 is more then a fad, but it does need some government intervention in order to succeed. Whether the federal government does intervene remains to be seen, but if consumer sentiment continues to rise, that may all become a moot point.…
A government car auction is a huge garage of cars. It will be a challenge to find a good auction. Just do a search and you will find many of car auction sites. Occasionally, you may even find cars which are a few years old priced at less than 90% off market value. It really is easier than you may think.
Online auction websites are a great way of finding a dream car. The internet has made it much easier to find a government car auction in your city. These auctions are take place almost every day in every cities of the United States.
You can find many types of cars at a government car auction. These cars have been seized by the government. A lot of cars at the auction sites have been stolen and wrecked. Then it is a good concept to run a title check on any car that you are interested. If you can’t find a neighbor that knows about vehicles to come along with you, try to get a mechanic to come along.
The most reason why people purchase cars at auctions is that they can get to purchase a dream car at much lower prices than the market value. A government car auction can be a good place of investment. Investors buy at a low price and sell at a market price. There are a lot of dealers and buyers at the auction sites. Learn about the rules before you make your bid. The rules look pretty if you want to buy a cheap car. Set a budget for yourself and try to find your dream car within your budget.…
Automotive troubleshooting is one of the easiest ways to figure out what the heck is wrong with your car. It could simply be that a wire needs to be replaced or plugged back in. Things do vibrate loose under the hood of your car on occasion. It’s always best to make sure that it’s not something simple before you run off to the mechanic’s and start dumping hundreds of dollars into your car. Finding and replacing the problem could be very simple for you to do yourself instead of paying a mechanic to replace expensive parts that were never needed in the first place.
With the economy in it’s current state, it is imperative that families are able to diagnose and repair their automobiles themselves without the need to hire a mechanic.
Families are trying to cut their cost any way they can and automobile repairs is one area that can be costly and often an unexpected expense that places a burden on an already tight budget.
There are many websites available for you to look at information that will assist you with your automotive troubleshooting needs. Often just by reading problems that are common with your type of automobile will help you to figure out what is wrong with it.
It’s always nice to be able to talk with an experienced mechanic if you have one available to you. They will often be able to tell you what the problem with your automobile is in just a few minutes. They can even give you some great advice on how to go about fixing it.…
Government car auctions are held in various locations and at different times of the year. In most cases though, it is regularly held at various intervals – such as annual or quarterly basis. It is often a go-to event for those interested to purchase second-hand vehicles in good running condition for a bargain price. In fact, those who manage to look around the showcased vehicles at the auction well enough get to enjoy some major steal.
But what is it about government car auctions that auto consumers flock them? It is an auction that showcases nearly all types of vehicles imaginable, whether you want to get an SUV, sedan, minivan, pickup truck, or convertibles. These vehicles are repossessed by the government due to various reasons such as tax evasion, failure to pay installments, or vehicles involved in serious crimes. Although these automobiles that are featured in government auctions are pre-owned, you can also find ones that have been used for a short period of time and are there as good as new.
There are two types of government car auctions that consumers can check out: live and online auctions. In a live auction, you must attend a specific venue where the auction is held and you can physically examine the vehicles you want. Online auctions have only been introduced by the government recently to enable more people to access the vehicles they want. However, if the auction is held close to where you live, then it is recommended that you join the live auction so you can see the actual vehicle you are about to purchase.
Anyone aged 18 years and above with a valid driver’s license are qualified to buy vehicles at the auction. One benefit to attending government car auctions is that consumers are not charged with registration or buyers’ fee. The only cost involved here is the payment for the vehicle you have purchased at the auction.
Another common dilemma for those who are interested to partake in these auctions is the lack of knowledge when it comes to locating them. You can perform manual search by contacting each of the individual offices for the local government to get the information you need. You can also perform research online via auction directory services to see if any auctions are listed in your area. There are certain charges that apply when conducting search for these directories but if you want to save time and money in the long term it should be worth it.
Make sure you have scanned through your options well at government car auctions before agreeing to buy or bid. If possible, determine a budget before you even arrive at the venue since you can get overwhelmed with the number of vehicles on display.…
When you see houses that have a look like they belong in magazines, do you wish that your home can look like that, too? There is no need to wish your house could be decorated nicely. You can transform Remodeling your home to look like those in the magazines. What is important is that you get good information. This article will show you some ways you can turn your house into a magazine photographic home.
When designing an office, make sure the space is functional. Lighting is a very important part of an office, and so is the chair and desk. Add visual interest to your work space, to make it more interesting.
Before starting any interior decoration, de-clutter your home. Virtually every house needs a thorough cleanup from time to time. Empty your closets and get rid of anything you no longer need. You can donate your items to charities, recycle them or have a garage sale to make some extra cash.
Any interior design project should result in an uncluttered look for the room. Sometimes less really is more. Cramming your room full of furniture and accessories can make the room feel small. Instead, select a few key pieces of furniture, and create as much open space as possible.
Do not rush when you are painting. If you do, you may wind up with a color that you grow to hate. Allow a few days between getting your paint samples and actually purchasing the paint. See how everything comes together under different lighting conditions. This way, you’ll know if a color you thought you loved turned into a bad choice due to mid-day light.
It’s unnecessary to just wish; you can make your dreams a reality. By utilizing the advice provided in this article, you can transform your home into a beautiful piece of art you will love. There is no reason that you should feel that you can not have that, as you have been given the right tools to do so.…
Most insurance companies tread carefully when it comes to providing cheap car insurance for young drivers. The rates are usually higher considering the risks associated with a 17 or 18 year old driving for the first time and the safety of many individuals have to be considered. Also it is widely known that young drivers are highly risk prone and susceptible to accidents.
In order to avoid high premiums associated with these policies, be wise and go through a number of quotes before purchasing any insurance. There are options such as flexible coverage which contain provisions for modifications in premium later on. Policy holders can go in for a lower coverage and further build up on it when they can afford more.
The best way to assess your insurance needs is to contact an insurance agent, especially one who deals with young drivers insurance and follow his advice to lessen the premium and overall cost of car insurance.
Fact is that there are some insurance companies out there who are ready to provide cheap car insurance for drivers considering all the risks present. You need to take time and find them.
Two teenage drivers maybe offered different rates by the same insurance company for simple reasons of their cars being different or one of them has a driving experience of less than 3 years.
Drivers can take advantage of discounts in premiums available for short distance commute to school or work, good grades in school etc. Some teenagers may have undergone a safe or defensive driving course which also entitles them to a discount.
Rule out unnecessary ‘collision’ coverage in case your vehicle is an old and battered type. Monthly withdrawal of premium amounts from your account ensures less billing expenses. You could also consider paying premiums in advance like for a year or six months, again to reduce billing fees.
Some teenage drivers get their cars insured along with their parent’s car insurance to take advantage of multi car discounts. But the feasibility of doing so should be checked out with the parent’s agent and a comparison should be made with the option of the young driver going in for a ‘solo’ policy.…
Got $74,385? No. Not to buy a new set of XJS Jaguar parts. $74,385 would be so you surely can own one of the latest 2007 Jaguar XK series coupe models. It now comes equipped with a 4.2 liter V8 engine that could produce 300 units of horsepower, and it has also been built with an accompanying chassis made out of aluminum. For city driving, you can get 18 miles per gallon out of it and some 26 mpg for cruising down highways. Just by the name that it holds, the Jaguar XK is a superb vehicle and surely exudes class and power. Is it not something you would want to own?
What is new about this new 2007 Jaguar XK is that it is very fast, even much faster than the models before it. And to add to that note, its speed is a product of its getting lighter. In fact, according to the Jaguar brand, it is now five per cent lighter. The previous models were already topnotch vehicles and with changes like this, it not would be very surprising to find that this vehicle has maintained its reign as the best selling sports car for all time for the Jaguar brand.
This sports car has a huge amount of standard equipment made available for all interested parties. You can count in the usual like traction control, stability control and antilock brakes. You can also find whiplash reducing front seats included in the list. For added safety, Jaguar has added in a tire pressure monitoring system as a standard feature. Oh, and do not forget fun features like the DVD navigation system, plus a keyless start. Jaguar also boasts that the Jaguar XK has an adaptive suspension system, power adjustable front seats that are also heated and has a memory function, and parking sensors are also included.…
Are Cheap Cars Really Cheap To Own?
I know that the sticker price is very important to most auto shoppers. This is true if people are looking for a new or used vehicle. However, the actual price of the vehicle should just be one factor to consider. It may not really illustrate the cost of owning a vehicle very well at all!
Consider an obvious example. A lot of people are trying to sell their gas guzzlers for very cheap prices today. You may not pay much for the used vehicle, but with rising gas prices, keeping it fueled can be a larger expense than paying for the car. In addition, if you have not done your homework, you may take home a used car with some mechanical problems. Repair costs can eat into your budget too. All of a sudden, the bargain you picked up at the used car lot is not looking like a very good choice any longer.
Sometimes, paying more for the vehicle, and getting a car that is easy on fuel and does not need major repairs, ends up being a much more frugal choice. Before you purchase a vehicle it is a good idea to have it checked out, and to do some research on fuel economy.
I gave a used car as my first example. However, you can have the same problem if you are shopping for a brand new car from the dealer’s lot. The low end economy car may seem like a great deal. It may even have great gas mileage and a warranty that will save you from a lot of extra costs.
However, you also need to consider the cost of insuring your new car. If you look at a list of the least expensive cars to cover, you will find a lot of minivans, sturdy SUVs, and even some pickups on the list. The lowest priced, economy models may actually cost more to cover. If you have purchased an inexpensive car to control car payments, but then end up with an expensive insurance bill, you may not have really gotten such a good deal after all.
You might have paid $50 a month less for your compact car than you would have for the slightly larger SUV. But you may end up sinking that extra cash into insurance. You could have paid the same total amount of money, and ended up with a more expensive car.
Are Used Cars Always Cheaper?
If you want to buy a reliable used vehicle to save money, be sure it will really save you money in the long run. Some financing companies charge higher interest rates for used car purchases. The difference in interest rates can mean higher car payments in the end. You also have to check into how much money you might save by getting a new car with a good warranty.
Some new cars have advanced safety features which also make then less expensive to insure than used cars. If you want to estimate the cost an auto policy, you cannot always go by the vehicle sales price either!
What Is The Cost Of Car Ownership?
You have to consider the total cost of car ownership. This is not always possible to predict, but you can find out a lot about most makes and models. Look into estimated repair bills, warranty coverage, the cost of an auto policy, and available financing. These are important factors, and they can change the equation much more than the selling price of the car!…
Classic cars are loved by many, and people go to great lengths to form collections of these models. They invest a lot of time and money into their passion, and do everything they can to make sure the cars stay looking nice. As such, it’s a good idea for collectors to take out collectible car insurance, which takes their unique situation in mind and protect their investments.
As a collector, you’ll have to know you will need to spend a bit more on your insurance. The price is worth it for what you get. Still, you shouldn’t worry about paying based on the stated value of the car as, in most cases, the insurance will take the true value into account instead. This keeps you from having to spend too much more on your expensive hobby.
Insurance seems common sense enough that you’d expect everyone to have it. Yet less than half of people with classic car collections do. Usually, they don’t ever realize that they have a better option than the insurance options they’ve already taken out, which can have premiums as much as 500 percent of what they should be. Such costs rarely apply with the right kind of insurance.
If you’ve decided to get collector car insurance, you need to look at the types available, taking your value options into consideration. Cash value gives you the given value back while state value gives you the option to name the value yourself. Both this options depreciate with time. The only one that won’t is agreed value, where you get everything back if something causes the car to be lost completely.
You will need to consider one thing before you just run out and get the first insurance you can find – that is, figuring out if your car is indeed a classic. This might seem obvious, but it can actually be quite hard to determine. Thankfully, there are people who know a lot about that thing and will be able to help you find out the information you need to know.
After you’re sure your car fits the necessary requirements, you can look into the collectible car insurance, but must first figure out the true value in order to know just how much you’ll need. This process isn’t exactly fun and you might want to skip it, but you won’t know what you need to if you do. It’s something you’ll have to do before you can get insured.
With the help you get looking into the value, you will typically learn of the things that help determine it. These typically include the model, age, and condition of the car, and will set a rate based on the quality. Rareness contributes a good deal as well, as does any historical significance your car might have. Both of these will lead to higher values.
At last, you can pick an collector car insurance company. Compare quotes before coming to a final decision or you might get stuck with something you don’t want. Once you’ve avoided this, though, you should be happy with whatever decision you make.…
Taking a trip far from home can be an incredible experience. Driving in another country or continent is a fun filled adventure for most. But there are certain legal aspects that must always be dealt with before you attempt to drive anywhere foreign. Car insurance is a major issue. Having it in your home country does not always make it applicable elsewhere. Car insurance requirements can vary depending where it is you are traveling. So you will have to do some homework before you can head out. The last thing you need is to have some kind of insurance battle after an accident occurs and you are stuck having to pay for the damage.
Start doing your insurance research well in advance, as soon as you know that you plan to travel. If you wait too long you may have a hard time getting everything together in time for your departure. Driving without insurance is incredibly risky and should never be done. Don?t wait until the last minute to inquire about insurance. It is designed to make your trip go much more smoothly, not hinder it.
Insurance requirements may vary based on whether or not you plan to take your own personal vehicle or not. If you want to drive your own car, get in touch with your insurance company and ask if they offer foreign coverage. If they do not, they should be able to direct you to a resource that does. Likewise, if you plan to use a rental car then you will have to go over all of the insurance details with the rental company. Make sure that you get it all in writing so there is no confusion in the event of an accident.
In many cases you will actually have to purchase insurance in the country that you are planning to visit. This can be difficult if you do not know how to go about it. This is another way your own insurance agent should be able to help you. They should be able to refer you to a reputable insurance company in another place or at least assist you in finding one.
It?s absolutely necessary to get acquainted with all of the traffic rules and laws in the country you will be driving in. Do some research online if you have never been there before. Make notes of anything that you feel you may forget. Though driving is similar in most places, there are always things that differ. Pleading ignorance will get you nowhere if you cause an accident so learn the laws and always obey them.
It certainly doesn?t hurt to ask about what will happen in the event of a mishap. If you were to be involved in an incident, knowing how it could affect you financially and insurance wise could be beneficial. If anything, you will avoid nasty surprises later. Foreign car insurance is a must if you plan to drive outside your home country. Put everything in place so that you can drive without worry.…