All posts in Auto Design

Which Models Will Stand the Test of Time? 5 Cars that Are Known to Last The Longest

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/16 in Auto Design with Comments Off on Which Models Will Stand the Test of Time? 5 Cars that Are Known to Last The Longest

When it comes to choosing a car, most drivers want something reliable, durable, and something they can drive for the next 7 or 8 years. When you’re trying to find a car that will stand the test of time, consider factors like durability, design, and mileage. With that in mind, check out these five models that are proven to last and are top consumer picks.

Toyota Corolla Eco

The Toyota Corolla comes highly recommended  not only because it’s a great mid-size car but also due to the good mileage it offers. A new Corolla can get 42 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in city driving. Corollas are known to excel in the durability department and can go strong for 200,000-300,000 miles or more when properly cared for. The maintenance cost of a Corolla is not overly expensive, making it one of the top picks for those who want a car to stick with them through the years.

Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza station wagon is another great choice for a long-lasting car that has gotten high consumer ratings. It offers 36 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. This car can also go well over 200,000 miles and is known for its solid engine. Regular low-cost maintenance will keep it going, and the Impreza is a consumer favorite because it holds up well overall. When you don’t have to pay a ton in maintenance costs, its much easier to care for your car on a more regular basis.

Volkswagen Passat

If you watched the 2014 Superbowl, you might remember a fun little commercial done by Volkswagen boasting that VW has the most cars on the road over 100,000 miles—obviously a VW needs to make this list of most durable cars. Passat owners are happy with this zippy little model that sticks with them through thick and thin, lasts through their kids’ childhood, and accompanies them on countless family road trips. Volkswagen cars enjoy long lives for many reasons, the actual structure of the car being one major contributor. Engineers use laser seam welding to create a stronger frame for the car, and hot wax flooding is used to keep the car from corroding too fast.

Honda Accord

Another good option when you’re looking for longevity is the Honda Accord. It’s built well, and with routine maintenance will “go the distance” so to speak. Accords are notable for interiors that stay intact and keep a nice look as well. Their mileage isn’t too shabby either, with 34 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city. They frequently last up to 300,000 miles, making them a reliable and obvious choice for plenty of consumers.

Toyota Prius

This is one of the top picks today for longevity and economy. The Prius goes an incredible 51 mpg on the highway and 48 mpg in the city, making it extremely fuel efficient. It can last for 300,000 miles with the proper care and maintenance. However, the battery is guaranteed to last at least 8-10 years, or 100,000 to 150,000 miles before needing replacement. As you can see, one of the keys to a long-lasting vehicle is easy and inexpensive maintenance, both of which the Prius can offer you.
These are five of the top vehicles to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a ride that will give you the longest service with minimal upkeep and maintenance. Some people enjoy trading in for a new model every year or two, but many people want to find a car they like and stick with it for as long as possible. If you’re the type of driver that wants to use a vehicle for all it’s worth before purchasing a new one, make sure you make the right choice from the beginning. Choosing a car that has proven it’s ability to stand the test of time, but that has also won a place in the hearts of consumers will ensure that you have a better chance of keeping the car throughout the years and getting your moneys’ worth for it.

AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, women’s interests, and technology. Dixie lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. Information for this article was provided by the auto professionals of National Transmission, who specialize in red deer transmission repair.

GM Recalls: What the Recall of Over 1 Million Cars Means for GM’s Future

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/04 in Auto Design with Comments Off on GM Recalls: What the Recall of Over 1 Million Cars Means for GM’s Future

On Feb. 27, GM issued a recall of nearly 1.4 million vehicles made between 2003 and 2007 after faulty ignition switches were associated with their engines suddenly switching off while in operation. The switch failures disabled power systems in the vehicles, which included disabling airbags, and are associated with 13 reported deaths. While several companies have been forced to recall models over the years, any recall that involves fatalities has the potential to do serious damage to a company.

Read ahead for a look at what has happened since the recall and what the future holds for GM.

Affected Models and Years

At present, GM confirms that the 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, 2005-07 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-07 Chevrolet HHR, 2006-07 Pontiac Solstice, 2007 Saturn Sky and 2007 Pontiac G5 are the focus of the recall. Obviously, this effects a huge number of drivers, which does not help GM’s situation. The enormity of the situation has really taken a toll on GM’s reputation and image.

Delay in Recall

GM said that the first report of a possible ignition switch malfunction came in 2003 after one of its engineers experienced an engine shutdown during a test drive. At the time, the automaker did not regard the power failure as anything serious. Even though vehicles’ power brakes and power steering were disabled, it was possible to operate them manually. Engines restarted after shifting them into “park” or “neutral,” and the failure was not regarded as critical at the time.

GM admitted that its investigation into the malfunction and accidents was not as dedicated and thorough as it should have been. At the same time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is under fire for its slowness in investigating the crashes and pursuing appropriate action.

What GM is Doing

GM is offering free repairs to present owners of the affected model years. Owners are advised to use only a single key when starting their vehicles until repairs can be made. Additional items should be removed from keyrings. Heavy keyrings and jarring the key have been associated with the malfunctions, according to the automaker.

What Lies Ahead

What will happen to GM? No one is certain, but Toyota is embroiled in a similar suit after sticking accelerator pedals caused vehicles to accelerate out of control, resulting in fatal accidents. That company is involved in an ongoing criminal investigation in New York. At the least, GM is likely to pay a very hefty multi million-dollar fine, and it may very well find itself in the middle of a similar investigation. While this is not a good time for GM, we have seen other companies bounce back from embarrassing recalls. If they do bounce back, it could take years to rebuild their reputation and try to repair the company.

GM’s ten-year lack of attention in investigating the ignition switch failures is a black mark against the company’s reputation. It is not possible to look into the future, but comparing its situation with other automakers that have gone down the same road makes it likely that GM may have a short-term sales decline and lower financial performance for a several years while it pays the fines.

AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, women’s interests, and technology. Dixie lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. Information for this article was provided by the auto experts of salvageyardlosangeles.com who specialize in used auto parts.

Ways You Can Customize Your Truck Or Car To Better Fit Your Needs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/28 in Auto Design with Comments Off on Ways You Can Customize Your Truck Or Car To Better Fit Your Needs

No two vehicles should look alike because there are countless customization options. In most cases, you have to save up for this costly investment. There some simple changes you can make, however, that don’t break the bank but will help customize your vehicle. Whether you are looking for ways to make your vehicle safer, more efficient or just look better, there are many way you can customize your car or truck.

Add New Paint

Over the years, vehicle paint gets dulled to the point where you need reapplications. You can paint over the chipped parts or repaint the entire surface with a different color. The types of paints include acrylic, metallic and matte. Many paints have elements that increase the uniqueness of any vehicle.

Place a Bed Liner in Your Truck

Apply a bed liner to protect the truck bed so that the cargo does not slide off easily. A drop-in liner is the simplest one to apply while a spray-in liner is applied with a special coating. Choose the colors and finishes that you want the most. Every liner and coating wears out over time, so you must maintain this device regularly. You can find a variety of truck bed liners to outfit your truck for your lifestyle needs.

Use a Good Seating Material

You should have many fabric options when you design new car seats. Suede, wool and leather are common materials. Whichever fabric you use, make sure that it is strong, weather resistant and long-lasting. You can choose colors that compliment the rest of the vehicle for the exact look you want.

Install a Stereo System

The bass and sound system is important to many drivers. Some people want systems that sound louder and better than all the others. Look into the types of amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers that can be combined to produce the best sounds.

Install a Car Alarm System

A security system is a sound investment to have wherever you take the car. The alarm keeps away thieves, intruders and people who get too close. Just like paints and stereo systems, security systems come in different varieties for your needs.

Buy Larger Wheels or Custom Rims

Large wheels are good for bigger trucks that move on highways or off road terrains. Strong tires are made to grip the road for safe speeding and turning. The vehicle is less likely to flip over as a result. For people who want style, custom rims are available. Nowadays, make any design you want online. Decide if you want a matte or glossy finish as the final touch.

Customizing a car or truck starts from the ground up or the top down. Your choices are unlimited when it comes to deciding how you want the vehicle to look. Decide which features you want to improve on the most and make sure that your vehicle looks good and still runs efficiently.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver and often writes about home, auto, family and business. She enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing. Anita suggests finding truck bed liners in Cleveland to outfit your truck for your lifestyle needs.

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