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Car Shopping Guide: Best Models to Buy New

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/02 in GMC, Honda, Nissan, Subaru with Comments Off on Car Shopping Guide: Best Models to Buy New

Purchasing a new car is a major financial investment for most people. Ideally, you should seek to buy a vehicle that offers long-term value and driving satisfaction. Unfortunately, all vehicles are not engineered with the same level of quality. Here are a few of the best models that are best to buy new.

2014 Honda Civic Si

The Honda Civic Si is arguably the most reliable performance car on the market. The car’s sporty driving dynamics make it a good choice for the drivers who crave excitement on their daily commute. Prospective buyers can expect the Civic Si to deliver great fuel economy, and to maintain an excellent resell value. The 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine is known to last for at least 300,000 miles without needing an overhaul. The best part is that the Civic Si still delivers over 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

2014 GMC Sierra 1500

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The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the best pickups trucks for the money. Although there is a V-8 engine offered, the six-cylinder engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy. Unlike some of the other high-tech engines on the market, the Sierra’s 4.3-liter engine has a very simple design. This means that most backyard mechanics will find the engine to be very easy to maintain. Although the towing capacity is rated at a hefty 7,200 pounds, the truck still has a frugal fuel economy rating of 24 mpg on the highway.

Nissan Altima

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Engineered with a well-built chassis and a reliable engine, the Altima will last for many years to come. Owner surveys reveal that the Altima has very few problem areas even after 100,000 miles. While the V6 version delivers a beefy 270 horsepower, most people will find the 182-horsepower base engine to be just as entertaining. With 45 inches of legroom in the front, even drivers who are well over six-feet tall will fit comfortably.

2014 Subaru Crosstrek

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Very few all-wheel drive SUVs can match the Crosstrek’s 33 mpg highway fuel economy rating. While the Crosstrek may appear small on the outside, there is an abundance of interior room for the family. While the Crosstrek is not capable of towing heavy loads, it is still rugged enough to take on an off-road trail from time to time.

All four of these vehicles are excellent choices for the driver who is seeking a long-term commitment. Every owner can expect great fuel efficiency, excellent resell value, and a satisfying driving experience.

“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and recent college graduate. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She used www.aircompressorla.com/services/ as a resource for this article. Contact her via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”

Volkswagen, Jeep Mull Pickup Truck Options

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/25 in Volkswagen with Comments Off on Volkswagen, Jeep Mull Pickup Truck Options

After falling to historically low numbers during the last recession, the pickup truck market has rebounded. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan and Honda each participate in this segment, serving up a variety of vehicles to meet consumer demand.

While Chrysler serves up Ram trucks, its Jeep division hasn’t had a model in decades. Volkswagen is a one-time player too, but it also lacks a model. Both manufacturers are weighing their options, considering what choices they have to get back in the market.

The following are among the ideas that may make this possible.

Jeep Pickup Truck

Jeep built the J10 pickup truck from 1971 to 1988. When it came to the end of its product cycle, Jeep was no longer part of American Motors, but firmly in Chrysler’s camp. And with Chrysler heavily vested in developing a new truck for Dodge, Jeep was left without a model of its own.

The Jeep Gladiator concept was developed in 2005 in a bid to gauge customer interest. The interest was there, but the DaimlerChrysler marriage was in trouble and headed for divorce. A healthier company probably would have developed this vehicle, but the timing just wasn’t right for Chrysler.

Jeep appears likely to get a pickup truck and a model based on the current Wrangler. At a special automotive event in Utah in 2012, Jeep showcased the J-12, itself based on a modified Wrangler body. It has a traditional look, a midsize truck concept that find niche customers if it is ever built. A 3.2-liter V-6 gasoline engine would be a natural fit as would the Italian-supplied 3.0-liter turbo diesel found in other Chrysler products.

Volkswagen Pickup Truck

Have you ever heard of the Volkswagen Amarok? Only if you are diehard VW fan. That pickup truck is of unibody construction and has been sold in dozens of markets beginning in 2010, but it isn’t available in North America. Volkswagen would love to regain the toehold it once enjoyed with its 1980s-era pickup truck based on the Golf/Rabbit platform, but it hasn’t made a commitment yet.

The Volkswagen Amarok would complete against other midsize trucks including the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and the Honda Ridgeline. Unfortunately, the Amarok may be too small to make much of a difference. It is powered by gas and diesel engines displacing at just 2.0 liters, which are quite small for today’s trucks.

What Volkswagen may do is develop a pickup truck exclusive to the North American market. That would require a significant investment in resources, at least $1 billion, with no guarantee of a sure return. One way to accomplish this goal without busting the bank is to share product development with another manufacturer. And with Hyundai and Kia both desiring to enter the market, a joint-development could be in the works with its Korean competitors.

Looking Ahead

Both Jeep and Volkswagen might jump back in the market if the newly reintroduced Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon succeed. Some manufacturers have given up on the small truck segment, but Toyota and Nissan haven’t. With GM now the third manufacturer battling it out, if sales rise across the board, then additional players may commit.

Erin is a professional blogger that provides tips and information on franchise opportunities and investments. He writes for Franchise Expo, the place to find the best franchise opportunities available.

Image source: wikipedia

Beauty in the Details: What Makes the Tesla Model S so Appealing

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/13 in Tesla with Comments Off on Beauty in the Details: What Makes the Tesla Model S so Appealing

The Tesla Model S is a unique car that offers more than unusual technology. It is the only electric car that can really move. For those who want to drive a zero emissions vehicle but hate the usual compromise on horsepower, the Tesla Model S can go 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds. The engine has a capability of 134 miles per hours, indicating that this car is well above the competitions 90 or 100 mpg limit. This car has 302 horsepower, outshining the Prius Plug-in, Chevy Volt and many regular engine cars and SUVs. This power makes the Tesla Model S very appealing to those who really like to drive.

Tesla Model S Exterior

The streamlined body is considered a beautiful choice even among luxury models. The electric connector is hidden from sight. The tailpipes are missing since they are unneeded. The roof is an all glass panoramic that provides a convertible-like ride with the swipe of touchscreen. Fresh air lovers truly get the best of both worlds in the Tesla Model S.

Unusual Features

When the driver approaches the Tesla, something unusual happens. The key signals the door handles to slide into place. With a simple touch, the driver or passengers can open the door. Otherwise, the door handles are tucked into the door, adding to the car’s aerodynamics. This feature also adds a measure of security against theft. When the driver opens the door, the touchscreen turns on, returning to the last image that was in use. When the driver secures the seat belt, the car turns on. These are some of the unique touches that give the Tesla Model S that futuristic feel. The makers have thought through the process if driving and made it an experience rather then a task.

Best-of-the-best Technology

With its 17-inch touchscreen, Tesla outshines every other car on the market. For easy access, a line of commonly used controls appear at the bottom of the screen. From this one access point, drivers can control their stereo, high definition rear view camera, phone, and navigation. The car’s naturally quiet due to its electric power train and that is enhanced by Tesla’s meticulous noise abatement engineering.

Safe Family Car

As a family sedan, the Tesla S seats five and offers eight airbags. It has a five star safety rating from the government’s safety testers. The rear cargo hold offers 34 cubic feet of space, more generous than any competitor. That same space hosts two jump seats, allowing parents the flexibility of extra seat belt-equipped seating for their children’s friends, teammates or carpool.

Attention to Detail

The new model has been earning some much deserved attention. With the fine attention to detail in every aspect, the experts from Vaughan Metal Polishing Ltd say that even the metal on the trim have been primed to keep its shine and continually add to the design and feel of the car. They have covered all the seemingly little details to constantly showcase the look and design of the car.

Although it’s expensive, the zero-emissions Tesla Model S offers better features and power than any hybrid or electric car to date. So whether this car has caught your eye for its lack of environmental footprint or just the stunning detail and feel, the car is a real beauty and because of the design and science behind it, it is a real contender as well.

The Most Exciting New Cars Coming This Year

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/03/06 in Auto Manufacturers with Comments Off on The Most Exciting New Cars Coming This Year

Automobile enthusiasts will have much to talk about in 2014 as a raft of new vehicles are set to arrive in showrooms. The latest cars will push the envelope with outrageous styling, pulse-quickening performance and technology that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

Chevy

General Motors plans to follow up their success with the Chevrolet Volt by introducing a luxury hybrid that will bear a Cadillac badge. The ELR shares most of its mechanical underpinnings with its bowtie sibling, but the bodywork is pure Cadillac. The swooping lines of the ELR will fit right in with a range that already includes the CTS coupe and ATS sedan. While working on the high-tech electric propulsion system may be better left to experts, the four-cylinder Ecotec engine will not present too many problems for mechanically savvy owners who prefer to perform their own maintenance.

If you’re a maintenance guru, you’ll want to make sure you pay close attention to the brakes, belts, and other parts of your car you can get to easily. Keeping your new car up and running is a must, so don’t overlook the simple repairs.

Alfa Romeo

Another eagerly anticipated car that is expected to make its North American debut this year is the Alfa Romeo 4C. The stunningly beautiful sports car gives those with more pedestrian budgets the opportunity to drive a vehicle inspired by the $250,000 8C Competizione. However, buyers interested in dropping an expected $86,000 on the new Alfa Romeo may want to act quickly. The Italian manufacturer only plans on sending 500 of the coupes stateside in 2014.

Subaru

Subaru was the first manufacturer to produce a rally car for the street with the 2001 WRX, and the Japanese company is set to introduce a completely new version of the four-wheel-drive screamer. The new WRX is based on the more mundane Impreza, but an array of fins, scoops and spoilers let other road users know that this Scooby packs a serious punch. The WRX uses state-of-the-art technology such as advanced stability control and a continuously variable transmission to get the most out of its turbocharged boxer engine.

Rolls Royce

Car buyers with $300,000 to spare who want to make a dramatic entrance may soon be considering a trip to their nearest Rolls-Royce dealer. The venerable British company has reinvented itself under the guidance of BMW, and the stylish two-door Wraith is their latest offering. Buyers with pockets this deep are unlikely to be performing any of their own maintenance, and with a 6.0 liter V12 under the hood, that may not be a bad thing.

Chevy SS

General Motors has been delighting enthusiasts with a string of V8 powered rear-drive coupes over the last few years, and the upcoming Chevrolet SS allows those who need the practicality of a four-door to get in on the action. The muscle car will boast the same 6.2 liter engine as the Camaro, and it will come with a host of standard features when it goes on sale in the fall. With a price tag of around $40,000, the new Chevy’s 415 horsepower will undoubtedly embarrass many drivers of far more expensive machines in a race between the lights.

Information from Auto Stoppe was used in this article. You can contact them for auto repair in Austin if you need advice on car repairs.

Super Cars: Which One is Best?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/20 in Auto Manufacturers with Comments Off on Super Cars: Which One is Best?

There is nothing more exhilarating than getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and feeling the power beneath the hood. With many makes and models of vehicles across the world, some are simply a notch above the rest. These are the "super cars," and are reserved for the rich and famous. There are plenty of super cars around the world, each having its own special features.

Bugatti Veyron Supersport

Considered the greatest sports car in the world, the Bugatti is sought after by those with money to burn and the desire to burn rubber. The Super Sport version of the Veyron is the fastest street-legal production car in the world.  Introduced in 2005, it goes 0-60 in two seconds, and reaches a top speed of just over 267 mph.

Aston Martin One 77

Known as the "Bond car," it’s only fitting this supercar was used by the world’s most renowned superspy. Priced at only 1.5 million dollars, it’s known as a car where today’s technology meets up with style and elegance to create a car any man would want to be seen with and has won several internationally renowned design awards including the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes, the GOOD DESIGN award by The Chicago Athenauem: Museum of Architecture and Design in North America and the "Best Design" award by the UK motoring magazine Auto Express. However, since only 77 of these were made last year, a potential owner may have to search far and wide to find this super car.

Lamborghini Aventador

When it comes to super cars, nothing says rich and famous quite like owning a Lamborghini. With a new V12 engine replacing the decade-old V10, there’s no question it’s got lots of power underneath the hood as it is also considered “the best Lamborghini ever” by Car and Driver. The most powerful Lamborghini ever to come off the production line, it’s a car that is known for pushing the boundaries and taking advantage of the latest technology.

SSC Ultimate Aero XT

Looking like a car that came from the future for a visit, this vehicle is a must-have among those who want a well-built car that can hold its own against all challengers. One of the fastest cars in the world, it can reach top speeds of 273 miles per hour, enough to satisfy any owner who has the need for speed. Of interesting note it took the Guiness World Record for fastest stock land vehicle from the Bugatti Veyron SS for only 1 week before Guiness decided to change its mind back and re-award the record to the Veyron.

Buying one of these cars is not only a sign one has arrived, but also that its owner is here to stay. With their owners including rock stars, pro athletes and actors it’s a sure thing that these vehicles are meant to be driven by those who want to see and be seen. With price tags in the millions, those of us who aren’t quite as famous can dare to dream.

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Photo image: http://hdwallpaper2013.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/New-Sports-Cars-Supercars-HD-Wallpaper.jpg

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