Auto Magazine

5 Cars That Give You The Feel of A Sports Car Without Breaking The Bank

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/29 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Everyone wants to own a sports car. It doesn’t matter if you’re 15 or 50 because sports cars appeal to people of all ages. They’re fast, fun, and generally quite eye-catching, so what’s not to like about them? The price tag. Most sports cars make buyers consider taking out a second mortgage, but there are some gems out there that can be had without making you blue in the face for depleting all of your green.

1. 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

When it comes to performance vehicles, German engineering reigns supreme. The 2014 Jetta GLI is the perfect example of a modest-looking car that packs a surprising punch underneath the hood. The GLI’s got a 2.0-liter turbocharged V4 that produces 210 horsepower. The car just about lifts off when the accelerator is pushed, but most people would never suspect that just by looking at it. For a little more than $24,000, you can have a Jetta of your own.

2. 2014 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a sporty little devil that usually slips under the radars of most sports cars enthusiasts because it technically isn’t one. However, the compact sedan has many features that they look for including aggressive exterior and interior styling, excellent handling, and quick acceleration. The 2014 model is equipped with a 2.0-liter V4 that puts out 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. With front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the agile and fuel-efficient Mazda 3 can be had for a base price of under $18,000. The hatchback version will probably be more appealing to fans of sports cars.

3. 2014 Mazda 6

The big brother of the Mazda 3 doesn’t sacrifice performance for an increase in size. The 2014 Mazda 6 drives smoothly, accelerates with authority, and feels very athletic overall. This spacious sports sedan was also redesigned for 2014 like the more compact 3, and both models look similar in a great way. A sleek and seductive body with curves in all the right places describes the Mazda 6 perfectly. Under the hood, the car sports a 2.5-liter V4 capable of 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm. Cabin design and materials are both top notch for a car of this price. Expect to pay a very reasonable $22,000 to $29,000 for this excellent vehicle.

4. 2014 Ford Focus ST

The hatchback style is synonymous with sportiness, and the Ford Focus ST is just that. Small, extremely maneuverable, and very satisfying to drive, the ST is everything a sports car lover would want in something that isn’t. A 2.0-liter V4 is standard for the ST, and this 252 horsepower engine can get you and this little hatchback around town with very little effort. It’s hard to spend $24,000 in a better way when you’re shopping for a sporty ride.

5. 2014 Hyundai Veloster

Many sports cars look like they came from the future. The Hyundai Veloster definitely fits that description. Aside from killer looks, inside and out, the Veloster drives like a much more expensive car. With impeccable handling and more than adequate speed, the Veloster and its 201 horsepower, 1.6-liter V4 engine feel like they belong on the race track. At just below $22,000, it will surely give you the feel of a true sports car without breaking your bank.

Dedicated sports cars are nice, but they’re often too spendy. You can get a very similar experience with something less costly if you know where to look. The choices above should satisfy anyone with the occasional need for an adrenaline rush.

Chaleigh is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She enjoys writing and lifestyle photography. She writes about anything from driving a mazda 6 in Kansas City to, to to how to properly how to fix your slice in golf. In her spare time she likes to take pictures, snowboard, golf, and play ice hockey.

5 Safety Tips You Need While Working on Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/28 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

There’s no arguing that if you have the know-how to fix your own car, you can save literally hundreds, or even thousands, in repairs over the course of time. Although working on your own car can be a rewarding and money-saving venture, it can be dangerous. These are five safety tips for working on your car.

Never Smoke While Repairing Your Vehicle

It’s a good idea to extinguish your cigarette, if you smoke, before attempting to repair your vehicle. Parts under the hood that present an immediate danger when a lit cigarette is in close proximity include the fuel pump, carburetor, fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel injectors, and more. If you are working with the gas tank or even if you are just changing your oil, keep in mind these contain flammable liquids as well. To stay on the safe side, keep a fire extinguisher nearby for possibly trouble.

Use Support Stands

You want to make sure that you are as safe as possible while working underneath your vehicle. You should never trust a jack alone to keep a vehicle suspended above you while you work underneath a car. Purchase proper support stands or automobile lifts for repairing vehicles. Don’t rely on bricks, wood, boxes, or any other hard objects to support the vehicle while you work underneath because if your vehicle falls off the jack or whatever support system you are using result in very serious injury for someone who is working on the vehicle

Prepare the Battery for Electrical Work

If you plan on doing any electrical work with your car, you should always disconnect at least one of the cables from the battery before beginning. Electrical work includes installing new electrical components (ie. a radio), repairing or replacing the starter, etc. Failing to disconnect one or both of the battery cables could cause damage to the wiring in the car, or worse, could start a fire or serious injury to the person who is working on the vehicle.

Get Rid of Bulky, Loose Accessories/Clothing

If you’re wearing anything that could possibly get caught in moving parts or other areas under the hood, be sure to leave it by the wayside for the repair. Bracelets, loose sleeves, neckties, and other types of accessories and clothing can easily become tangled in parts under the hood. This can lead to serious injury or death.

Give Your Vehicle Time to Cool Before Inspecting/Repairing Anything

Lastly, if you can wait to repair your vehicle after it has been running, do so. Parts such as the radiator, catalytic converter, engine, and muffler are likely to be extremely hot if the car has recently been running. Wait for these parts to cool before popping the hood and doing any work. This can save you from serious burns and other related injuries.

Even though these are five very handy safety tips for working on your car, each repair is different. Before attempting a repair, be sure to do a bit of research on the specifics. Find out what you’ll need and which safety precautions you should be taking for the specific repair.

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie found the information for this article from Airdraulics who specialize in automobile lifts.

Cars You Shouldn’t Buy That Have Bad Track Records

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/25 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Getting a new car is exciting. Most people go into it full of anticipation about owning a comfortable and reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, many people end up getting the opposite: A new car that runs into problem after problem In some cases, these cars are even dangerous. Research can be time-consuming, though, so to help you get started, here’s a list of problem cars that you can cross off your list.

Dodge Grand Caravan

Despite its popularity with the family market, the Dodge Grand Caravan is well-known for having a tendency to break down. The brakes, suspension, and transmission are all infamously unreliable, making this one a model to stay far away from.

Volkswagon New Beetle

Yes, it’s cute, but it’s also destined for problems. The older models made before 2007 are particularly bad, but even the newer ones have a reputation for problems with brakes and climate control systems. Look elsewhere for the cute car of your dreams.

Audi Q5

You’d think a car this expensive would be guaranteed to be great, but that’s not the case. Introduced in 2009, the Audi Q5 is a crossover vehicle that looks fantastic but has become notorious with mechanics for having issues with both the cooling system and the power equipment.

Mini Cooper S

The turbocharged version of the Mini Cooper base model is popular with people looking for a small, stylish car with a lot of power. Unfortunately, the extra power comes at a price. Transmission and fuel systems are both fraught with problems, and that turbocharged engine itself is also an issue.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Despite its rugged reputation, the Grand Cherokee isn’t as tough as it looks. The power windows are particularly likely to break, but major systems like the brakes and drive components are unreliable as well.

BMW 330i

This is another luxury model that just isn’t up to par. Since 2007 they’ve had problems with the fuel system as well as the body hardware and some engine components. Other models in BMW’s 3-series are certainly worth buying, but stay away from this one.

What to Do if You Get a Lemon

Avoiding cars with a bad history is a great first step, but even car buyers who do all the research can sometimes end up with a bad car. You should know that you have options if a problem car is costing you money. Many makers will replace the vehicle, but if they won’t make it right, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. In the worst situations, problems with crucial systems like the brakes can even be deadly. In that case, a lawyer should be your first stop. Specialized law firms are a good bet, but even general law firms will be able to tell you your rights and options.

Getting the wrong car doesn’t have to be a personal or financial disaster. To avoid problems, do your research, avoid notoriously bad models, and most of all, know your rights if you run into problems.

Savannah Coulsen is a freelance writer. She lives in Raleigh. Savannah loves to read and write and she hopes to write a novel someday. Savannah also loves learning and is a self-proclaimed health guru. Savannah got information for this post from car accident attorneys Stewart, Humpherys, Molin, & Griffith.

Shop Talk – 5 Tips for When You are Fixing Your Vehicle

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/24 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Are you pretty handy in the garage? Fixing your own vehicle is the number one way to reduce the cost of automobile ownership. If you have the means to go about this project you should consider doing it right. Shop labor is expensive, while your own labor is as free as your time. If you have the ability and means to repair your own vehicle here are five suggestions to consider as you undertake this feat.

Safety First

Before you get to work, make sure you have the equipment for a safe repair. If you’re working under the car, you need to keep the car from rolling. You can buy blocks made for this, or use large pieces of wood. Next, if the car needs to be jacked up, use jack stands—don’t trust a hydraulic jack to hold a car while you’re under it. Finally, if you’ll be working with solvents or other chemicals, make sure your work area is well ventilated. Working on a car can be very dangerous and should be done with care.

Buy a Repair Manual

Although you may have done hundreds of car repairs, it’s always a good idea to buy either the service manual for your car or one of the reputable third-party manuals. With a manual, you can read through the repair process before starting and prepare for more complicated procedures. Many repairs are similar between vehicles, but they’re not exactly the same and so buying the manual can make a huge difference.

Stay Organized

Have a few plastic containers around to hold the bolts, nuts and other small parts you collect when repairing your vehicle. You can even buy magnetic trays to hold metal parts so you won’t lose them if a container is knocked over. Pull all the tools you’ll need out of your toolbox before you start, you might lose your concentration and make a mistake if you stop in the middle of a repair to locate a specific tool.

Don’t Take Shortcuts and Use the Correct Tools

Taking shortcuts can damage parts on your car, even you can even hurt yourself. If a repair procedure says you need to remove a part a certain way, follow it. If you try to force parts out you can damage them or other parts of the car. If you don’t have the specialized tool for a certain repair, check the local auto parts stores—they’ll often lend or rent you the right tool for the job.

Know When to Take the Repair to a Professional

If you have a well-stocked garage full of tools, a manual and mechanical aptitude you can repair many things on your car. But, if you’re not confident about a certain repair, take it to a professional. They have diagnostic equipment and can even purchase parts online from older vehicles like some Subaru SVX parts for a cheaper alternative to buying brand new parts.

With these tips in mind you can be sure to save some money and feel a sense of satisfaction after managing the repairs by yourself. If done correctly, this method can be a great hobby and passion as it is for many people.

Driving on the Dime: World’s Most Expensive Roadways

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/23 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

Every day, all over the world, drivers make extensive use of roadways and other transport infrastructures without considering the at time enormous costs that went into building these roads. Not all roads are built equal, however, and some have earned more consideration than others based on the sheer resources that went into their construction. In this article, we will be highlighting some of the most costly roadways in the world.

Oresund Bridge, Denmark-Sweden

At a cost of 30.1 billion krones (roughly 5.7 billion US dollars), many civil engineers count the Oresund Bridge and Road Complex the world’s most expensive roadway, even though most of its cost went into building the bridge itself. Completed in 2010, the Oresund Bridge effectively connects Denmark and Sweden across the Oresund Strait, and measures a total of 7845 meters, making it the longest road and rail bridge system in Europe. The Oresund Bridge received an International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering award for Outstanding Structure engineering in 2002.

Marina Coastal Expressway, Singapore

Singapore’s tenth and most expensive expressway, the Marina Coastal Expressway was completed on the 28th December, 2013, at the cost of 4.3 billion Singapore Dollars (US $3.4 billion). Although only 3 miles long, the roadway is particularly broad for a road in Singapore, at a breadth of five lanes, and stretches over a particularly difficult coastal area. Construction even involved undersea dredging to avoid conflicts with Singapore’s many canals, as contract engineers working on other highways experienced.

Tehran-Shomal Freeway, Iran

A freeway currently partially complete, the Tehran-Shomal (literally, "Tehran North") freeway is undergoing extensive renovations and extensions, costing 452 billion rial ($1.7 US) to complete. The roadway connects the city of Tehran to a number of locations in Western Mazandarin, enabling crucial economic opportunities for the rural populations there. Currently, roughly half of the 75 mile freeway is open for commuters, with construction of the other half being stalled due to complications with contractors.

As these roadways show, cost doesn’t always equate to size when it comes to roadways. Oftentimes, outside circumstances, as well as the difficulty of the terrain, have a far greater effect on the total cost of the roadways. So next time you’re driving along a highway, spend a moment considering just how difficult, expensive, and monumental an achievement developing such a structure is and how many people it took to get it all done.

“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. After graduating from the University of New Mexico she moved to Los Lunas where she now lives and works. She used the New Jersey Institute of Technology online civil engineering degrees for her research into this article. Contact her via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”