It is said that the best road trip vehicles are SUVs. It cleverly combines the passenger-carrying space with the towing capacity of a pickup truck. But how do you choose the best from the cream-of-the-crop?
After the traumatic 2006 sales fall, automakers are all aimed at putting their best foot forward to get the larger slice of the auto market. The Cadillac Escalade is now being challenged by the first full-size SUV of Mercedes. The latter is a seven-seat SUV with upscale auto features that include air suspension and adjustable ride height. The vehicle can be lowered automatically at speed for a more capable ride.
According to critics in the industry, the overhauled Cadillac Escalade, which was introduced just last year, has the nicest interior among the vehicles in the United States. The Cadillac Escalade uses all-aluminum 6.2 L Vortec V8 mated to Cadillac cold air intake. The vehicle also featured the new six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission and conventional five-link suspension to improve its performance and ride.
Mercedes Benz was quick to follow Cadillac with the plush, full-size GL-Class SUV which is priced at $53,000. Mercedes recorded 19,000 sales of the vehicle in 2006. The new Mercedes pride radiates improved performance than that of the R-Class. The GL and the Escalade are among the best SUVs of 2007. However, in the fourth season of this year, mighty rivals are expected to take the limelight.
One of the forthcoming catchy SUVs is the Spyker D12 dubbed as the world?s only exotic sport utility vehicle. The Dutch-built SUV is capable of generation 500-horsepower maximum output. Enthusiasts are now excited about the arrival of the one-of-a-kind vehicle.
The Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler experience a three percent decrease in passenger-car sales while trucks and SUVs declined by eight percent. At General Motors, car sales declined seven percent, while truck and SUV sales declined by around nine or ten percent.
Among Detroit automakers, the Ford Motor Co. reported the most debilitating decrease in sales in the previous year. Ford?s car sales rose five percent while truck and SUVs decreased by fourteen percent. Ford has this to say: “higher gasoline prices and long-term demographic trends drove SUV sales lower, and a soft housing industry weighed on full-size truck sales.”
However, after just a couple of months, Ford?s sales are making a swift turnaround. The arrival of the new crossover SUVs like the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX gradually changes the company?s picture.
General Motors Corporation?s GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook are helping the company a bit. The automaker reported that the Acadia and Outlook “drove a 97 percent retail increase in the mid-crossover segment” in February, compared with that time the year before.
Chrysler Group?s new SUVs like the redesigned Jeep Wrangler have also yielded warm welcome. Experts say these new, car-like SUVs, plus steadier gas prices, could serve 2007 a better year for SUV manufacturers.
In Ford?s January statement, the automaker blamed the declining truck and SUV sales on gas prices, demographic trends and the housing industry. The company said: “Ford believes these factors will continue to weigh on these segments in 2007.”…
Nowadays, there are people who seems to prefer repossessed automobiles for sale rather than brand new ones. The reason is pretty obvious. It is obviously due to the price. This is especially true with the current economic condition. With jobs getting more and more insecure these days, people are not willing to spend too much money on their vehicles.
Repossessed automobiles for sale can be bought for a fraction of the price of a similar brand new car. Obviously, you will need to know where to find these bargains and how to go about the transaction so that you will not get scammed.
First, it is always a good idea to know where these vehicles came from. Well, they are usually from police impounds or cars confiscated by financial institutions as the previous owners couldn’t afford their car payments.
Usually, a third party will take over the tasks of auctioning off the vehicles. This can be a very lucrative business. This is the reason why not many people know about car auctioning as it is not publicize.
Car traders will usually buy those cars at a very low price and resell those vehicles after some touching up. Of course, you may not be interested to be a car trader. However, there is good news for you if you just want to get a cheap car.
Do you know that there are database available online that tell you where to find repossessed automobiles for sale? These database will tell you where you can locate these auctions and get your car for cheap.…
Summer’s fast approaching, and for many that means making plans for the traditional family getaway at the beach, mountains or with distant relatives. For most it means packing the kids, luggage, coolers and equipment into the family vehicle and hitting the highways.
Smart families know they should get their vehicles checked out beforehand to help ensure worry-free summer travel. But today’s busy schedules leave little time for backyard, do-it-yourself tinkering.
Here is some advice on locating a good repair establishment from the pros at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the group that tests and certifies automotive professionals:
* Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
* Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations; consult local consumer groups.
* Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
* Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
* Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer questions.
* Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.
* Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community or customer service awards.
* Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced courses and ASE certification. Also look for the ASE sign.
ASE was founded in1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of auto service professionals.
Approximately 400,000 professionals hold current ASE credentials. They can be found at every type of repair business, such as independent garages, dealerships, franchised outlets and collision shops. Certified technicians wear blue and white ASE insignia or pins, while their employers often display their technicians’ ASE credentials in the customer service area and post the ASE sign on the premises.…
The process of finding the appropriate online auto auction deal can be both challenging and interesting. It is challenging and tasking in the sense that we have several companies on the internet today that are very far away from what they claim when it involves probity and accountability in online cars auction business, and that you have to cope with headaches that are associated with fishing out the company with the best package. It is definitely interesting and spine-tingling because of the ease with which you surf the internet at your leisure for the best deal and also the reduced cost involved, which can be very promising to your business.
Nevertheless, I think it is better to give the online auto auction a trial today as you may not find any better option elsewhere. In this type of auction system, the ball is completely left in your court at the mercy of your skills and discretion. One reason I will suggest an internet based auction deal for you is because of its direct, down to earth mode of transaction that you can always access at a mouse click. You also have freedom to make your choice as you can never be under any compulsion to bid for a product.
Another point to consider as you make up your mind for online auto auction is its liberal form. The buyers will have access to several auto products that are available and will be able to make the right choice without any distractions as you will take your time to ponder well on the available options in order to make it a reality. A cursory look into online auto auction predicts a better environment for prospective buyers unlike the offline, street auction that can be very monotonous if not properly moderated. Take it or not, internet auction can make an interesting adventure basically because of the dynamism of the internet technology in its unprecedented possibilities.
If you are a business person that is interested in auto auction business, I think you should start from online auto auction not only because of its other fringe benefits that may hidden from most people in the public as stated above; but because of the fact that you will spend less to achieve more. It is the mentality of the penny-wise, pound foolish that is always advised for business success. One vital issue that must not be discarded without giving it a second taught is the fact that you need to get hooked with the best online auto auction package before thinking about results. The advantages of the internet auction would not have been feasible without a friendly auction package offered by a legal company.
This implies that the most crucial step that must be rightly taken is finding the best online auto auction placement because it is your springboard to pocket friendly auction deals. I think you should take steps towards this. I challenge you to give auction business a trial that grows right away.…
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.…
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.…