How to Save Money on Car Insurance

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/08/15 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off on How to Save Money on Car Insurance

Auto insurance rates can vary from insurer to insurer with premiums largely dependent on the vehicle you drive, your driving history and other factors including your age, where you live and how often you drive. You can save hundreds of dollars on car insurance by carefully comparing like coverage among insurers. Read on and we’ll discuss some of today’s hottest insurance saving tips.

1. Your credit. Your credit score is used by auto insurers as one means for assessing risk. If your score is low, you may still be able to get car insurance. However, your rate will reflect your weak credit score. If possible, resolve your credit problems first before applying for new insurance.

2. Your coverage. Always compare like coverage with like coverage to make an adequate comparison between two insurers. If you have a new car, then you’ll need collision coverage as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, property damage, bodily injury, personal injury and medical payments coverages, and comprehensive insurance.

3. Consider extras. If you drive a lot, there are additional types of coverage you may want. These include roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. Please note that many new cars come with manufacturer supplied roadside assistance, thus this option is a cost you can forget if so covered.

4. Inquire about top-tier rates. You may have the good fortune of not being in an accident within the past five years and live in a neighborhood where auto thefts are low. Don’t expect to automatically receive a discount that can be upwards of 15 percent from your auto insurer — ask and it shall be given to you.

5. Bundle your policies. The more business you do with one insurance company, the better for you. If you have multiple cars, place each one under the same insurer. Homeowners coverage can be included too, resulting in a bundled discount that will save you money.

6. Encourage good grades. Teen drivers are expensive to insure, but you can get a discount if your children get good grades. For college-aged students, you’ll receive a discount if they commute less than 100 miles or don’t use the car while on campus.

7. Consider group discounts. You may be able to enjoy significant discounts through your employer, school or professional organization. Insurers typically award generous discounts to consumers who are affiliated with a certain group and give affinity discounts that reward both the group and the consumer. You won’t qualify for a discount, however, if you have a bad driving record. If so, consider taking a driving school class to wipe out some of the points on your record.

Insurance Considerations

Auto insurers compete for your business and may offer a novel way for you to enjoy further discounts. Some discounts are predicated on paying your bills online. Others offer discounts if you allow them to track your driving behavior electronically. Whatever discounts are available, see if you qualify and always shop around to find the best coverage at the lowest cost to you.

The Updated 2013 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/07/30 in Nissan with Comments Off on The Updated 2013 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

Nissan’s Titan pickup truck is coming to the end of its lifecycle. A new truck is due out in 2014, one that is expected to bring in new engine and transmission choices, perhaps even additional body styles. The 2013 edition brings in several changes, but before we discuss what those are, let’s take a look at what this truck has to offer the large truck buyer.

Body Styles

The 2013 Nissan Titan is available in crew- and extended-cab styles, with short- and long-bed lengths available. Choose the King cab and your model comes with either 6.5-foot or 8-foot beds. Choose the crew cab and your truck offers either 5.5-foot or 7-foot beds.

Choose the crew cab if four traditional doors suit you or the extended cab with rear hinged doors. The Titan seats up to five or six when a front bench seat is chosen. Four trim levels are offered including the standard S, the upgraded SV, the luxuriant SL or the performance PRO-4X. Every model is available in rear- or four-wheel-drive.

Engine and Transmission

The current Nissan Titan is outfitted with just one engine and transmission choice. This model is equipped with a 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. You get a tow/haul mode with the transmission. Standard towing capacity is 7,400 pounds with maximum towing of 9,500 pounds in select King Cabs and 9,400 pounds in some Crew Cab editions.

The EPA rates the four-wheel-drive Nissan Titan at 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway. This truck takes regular grade gasoline and has a 28.0 gallon fuel tank. Maximum cruising range comes in at 476 miles or enough to take you from Kansas City to Wichita and back on one tank of fuel.

New for 2013

Changes to the Nissan Titan for 2013 are understated, but still of note. This is the final year of a 10-year product life cycle.

Nissan has been making waves across the world as just recently in some countries is has surpassed popular brands. In Australia Nissan recently bumped off the popular brand Holden to capture one of the top three positions as most popular auto. It’s safe to say that whether you are looking for a new car or just passing by a local car wash Melbourne, Nissan cars will be more visible in practically any country.

This truck brings in a new tailgate design and offers an aerodynamic rear spoiler with an integrated rear view camera. That camera is standard with the SL and PRO-4 editions and is available as part of an upgrade package in the Titan SV.

Exterior changes with the PRO-4 include a satin chrome grille, update graphics, wheel embellishments and skid plate color changes. On the inside, the PRO-4 offers a new logo design, refined embroidery and stitching accents.

Seven new colors are added, with nine now offered. New colors include Cayenne Red and Pearl White, and various black, blue and metallic finishes.

Standard with the Titan S is a 120-volt out that is located in the truck bed, quite useful for powering your tools. Nissan makes this feature available with its PRO-4X and SV editions as well.

Wheel changes to the S and mud guards on the SL are among the exterior enhancements. A set of sliding extended sun visors is now standard across the model line. The steering wheel now features a four-spoke design and various navigation and audio options are now available.

Truck Dimensions

Nissan’s Titan King Cab sits on a 139.8-inch wheelbase and is 224.6 inches long, 79.5 inches wide and 76.6 inches tall. This vehicle weighs from 4,847 pounds and has a payload capacity from 1,900 pounds. King Cab passenger volume measures 112.8 cubic feet.

Titan Crew Cab models weigh from 5,047 pounds and offer from 1,773 pounds of payload. Interior passenger volume measures 125.6 cubic feet.

Popular Amenities

Nissan equips the Titan with various comfort and convenience items. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, a tilt steering column, a pair of dash-mounted 12-volt outlets, retained accessory power, a digital clock, eight drink holders, an overhead console, an AM/FM/CD system and six speakers.

Upgrades and package options are many, allowing you to configure your Titan in numerous ways. Such options include Bluetooth connectivity, power accessories, front captain’s chairs, upgraded trim, metallic accents, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, XM satellite radio and an input jack.

Titan Miscellany

Nissan outfits the Titan with 18- or 20-inch wheels. A switch-operated 2-speed transfer case is standard with four-wheel-drive models. Rear-wheel-drive models offer a 2-wheel active brake limited slip differential; a 4-wheel active brake limited slip comes with four-wheel-drive models. This truck offers front and rear vented brakes. An electronic locking rear differential is standard with the PRO-4X edition.

Upgrade packages are available with select trim levels. Such packages bring interior upgrades such as leather trimmed seats and adjustable pedals or exterior changes that include a factory installed spray bed liner, lockable bedside storage and fog lights.

Author Information

Photo courtesy of Nissan North America, Inc.

Honda Fit Gets Outfitted With an Electric Battery System

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/07/18 in Honda with Comments Off on Honda Fit Gets Outfitted With an Electric Battery System

Honda’s popular subcompact Fit now offers full vehicle electrification. For 2013, an electric vehicle model enters the Fit fleet, joining the standard gas-powered four-door hatchback. The all-new Fit EV uses no gas and has zero tailpipe emissions output, and is rated as the most efficient passenger car by the EPA.

Unlike some EVs, Honda used its proven Fit platform for this model. The differences between the two include the vehicle’s dashboard and overall weight, the latter accounting for a 20 kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack, a synchronous electric motors and related components.

Modern Interior

The dashboard is as striking as it is modernistic, featuring displays that are brightly lit and intuitive. Behind the steering wheel is a colorful three-gauge display, one that includes a three-mode drive system to give you the performance level that you desire. Choose Sport mode for optimum power, Econ mode for maximum efficiency or Normal mode to balance the two.

To the right of the instrument and positioned in the center stack is Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition and a rear view camera. This system is standard and employs concentric range circles to help you determine how far you can travel on a single charge. This system is also designed to help you find the nearest 240-volt charging station via a talk button located on the steering wheel.

Honda’s green credentials are further enhanced in the Fit as this model makes use of bio fabric seats. These seats are made from a sugarcane-based material, providing a comfortable and breathable seating surface front and back. The driver and front passenger are treated to heated bucket seats; the second row offers a 60/40 split bench for three people.

Electric Power

The front-wheel-drive Honda Fit EV is powered by a 123-horsepower electric motor with 189 foot-pounds of torque. This vehicle can drive up to 82 miles on a single charge and offers the equivalent of 118 mpg, the highest rating ever for a production car.

Charging time is in as little as three hours when utilizing a 240-volt charger. Simply pull up to the charging station, connect your Fit EV with the supplied cord and you’re ready to replenish your car. For quick, emergency charges the Fit EV comes equipped with an onboard 32-amp charger that gives you 17 percent recharger capacity in just 30 minutes. This is ideal in the event you go outside of your range and run low on electrical power. Fortunately, your car will warn you when it needs to be recharged with that information displayed on the instrument panel.

You can also check your Fit’s electric consumption remotely by way of your smartphone’s app. That app also allows you to activate the climate control system before you get into your car.

Model Dimensions

The Honda Fit EV sits on a 98.4-inch wheelbase and is 162.0 inches long by 62.2 inches wide and by 67.7 inches tall. This model weighs 3,252 pounds and offers 89.3 cubic feet of passenger volume. Standard cargo storage is 12.0 cubic feet, expandable to 49.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Not all electric vehicles allow for the rear seat to be completely folded down as the battery pack obstructs seat utility. Honda provides an electric car with the greatest versatility possible.

Front head room measures 40.4 inches; there is 37.3 inches in the rear. Front leg room comes in at 41.3 inches up front and 35.2 inches in the rear. Front shoulder room is 52.7 inches; rear shoulder room measures 51.1 inches. Hip room for the front seat comes in at 51.5 inches and measures 45.0 inches in the back.

Comfort and Convenience

The Honda Fit EV is loaded with your favorite comfort and convenience features. This model comes equipped with automatic climate control, Honda’s telematics system, a voice-recognition navigation system, a rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity and power accessories. Also, you get cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt and telescopic steering column, 10 beverage holders, storage compartments and pockets, map lights, a 12-volt power outlet, floor mats and a rear window defroster.

Its standard audio system features 6 speakers, 160 watts of power, an MP3 player, a radio data system, volume control, as USB audio interface and an auxiliary input jack.

Lease One

Introduced in summer 2012, the Honda Fit EV is available for lease only. Well-qualified consumers can get a Fit EV for $389 per month, putting $389 down and paying taxes and tags. This cost includes collision coverage, roadside assistance service and your maintenance costs, providing a transparent cost structure as you evaluate this capable electric vehicle.

Author Information
George Zeed lives in Grants Pass, Oregon and works for www.impactbattery.com. An avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, he writes about topics related to all kinds of recreational vehicles and accessories including the best battery chargers.

Ford Adds Explorer Sport to its Crossover Line

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/03/30 in Ford with Comments Off on Ford Adds Explorer Sport to its Crossover Line

Newest Explorer edition is introduced for the 2013 model year.

Ford’s Explorer has been a popular model for the Ford Motor Company, reaching peak sales above 400,000 units annually in the 1990s as the sport utility vehicle craze took hold. Sales eventually dropped as consumers switched to more fuel efficient models, but the Ford Explorer has always been a good seller for this manufacturer.

In 2011, Ford updated its popular SUV, switching from a body on frame design to a unibody construction, a move that improved agility and gas mileage, but at the expense of off-road utility. For 2013, Ford resolves the off-road limitations of this model by introducing the Explorer Sport, a model equipped with full-time four-wheel-drive and a more powerful engine.

Powerful Engine

A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine powers the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, a top of the line model that goes on sale later this year. This engine employs twin turbocharger technology and brings in direct fuel injection to deliver more power in a smaller footprint. Ford estimates that this model will make at least 350 horsepower and deliver a near equivalent foot-pounds of torque.

A six-speed shiftable automatic transmission is standard, with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters enabling Explorer fans to enjoy a more engaged drive as they head down the highway. Ford estimates that the Explorer Sport will achieve 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, numbers that are better than the competing Dodge Durango R/T, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport.

The Ford Explorer Sport seats up to seven adults and sits on a 112.6-inch wheelbase. This model is 197.1 inches long, 90.2 inches wide and is 71.0 inches tall. The Explorer Sport offers 151.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Besides the EcoBoost engine offered in the Explorer Sport, a standard 3.5-liter V-6 is found elsewhere and a smaller 2.0-liter EcoBoost four is available with some models.

Improved Handling

Among the significant differences found in the Explorer Sport are its chassis as it has been specially reinforced, making this model stiffer and improving its handling. Also, a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering rack is included, providing an improved feel and more responsiveness to drivers both around town and off-road. Larger brakes ensure that this vehicle comes to a certain stop and a new terrain management system helps drivers work their way through snow, mud, sand and up hills.

On the outside, the changes most notable with the Explorer Sport can be seen in its black grille. What isn’t as readily noticeable, but is still quite functional, is the opening in the lower fascia designed to allow for additional cooling. This model is equipped with unique, painted 20-inch wheels and offers blacked-out treatments to roof rails, side mirrors and light housings.

Cabin Amenities

Inside, the cabin features a black charcoal theme as evidence across the seating surfaces with cloth or leather materials offered. Unique steering wheel stitching, special door appliques and Explorer Sport badging can also be found.

Notably, the changes inside also bring in the highest level of amenities found across the Explorer line. These include a dual zone climate control system, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar, 6-way power front passenger seat with recline and lumbar, heated front row seats, a rear view camera, SYNC with MyFord Touch driver connectivity and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD radio.

Popular Options

Available options for this model include active park assist, a blind spot information system, unique inflatable rear seat belts, power folding side mirrors, a 110-volt outlet, remote access with push button start, adjustable driver pedals with memory settings, a dual-panel moonroof, a power liftgate and a trailer towing package.

Ford has not announced pricing yet for this model built at its Chicago assembly plant. That information will be released shortly before the model arrives in Ford showrooms this year. Given that the Ford Explorer Limited retails from $37,855, a $40,000 price tag for the Explorer Sport seems likely.

Author Information

Matt Keegan writes for FordHood.com, a Ford enthusiast website. FordHood offers the latest product information including the Ford Explorer Sport and other upcoming models.

Photo: Courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.

3 Things to Remember When Selling Your Car on Craigslist

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/03/08 in Auto Selling with Comments Off on 3 Things to Remember When Selling Your Car on Craigslist

If you are planning to sell your car to a private party, that can be a wise decision. Likely, you will make more on the deal than on a trade-in, perhaps hundreds of dollars more. The pitfall here is that you will be vetting potential buyers and that means making sure that you deal only with serious customers.

Using Craigslist

One of the best websites for listing your car is Craigslist. This site is free, is used by millions and therefore can expose your vehicle to the most people. With any website, however, there are certain things you need to know before offering up a listing. With Craigslist, there are three things for you to keep in mind:

Write a detailed ad — With Craigslist, the more details you share about your car, the better. That means listing the make, model and the year of your car, its edition, and offering details any car buyer would want. Those details include the condition of the body, included equipment, current mileage, warranty information if applicable and more. Be specific — if your car comes equipped with zoned climate control, that reads better than simply writing “air conditioning.” Write brief paragraphs, make use of bullets and include your contact information. Do not share your address — you can give that information out over the phone.

Post pictures — Craigslist allows you to put up photos with your listing, so don’t spare anything here. Show detailed shots of the exterior, the interior, under the hood and inside the trunk or storage compartment. If you have special wheels, get a close up. If there is a dent or scratch, show that too — buyers need to know what they’re getting and your honesty will be appreciated. Add captions or notes with your photos to explain what you’re showing — a buyer might appreciate that you paid for new Michelin tires instead of settling for a no-name or discount brand.

Update frequently — You can run the best ad, but that ad can quickly fade away after a day or two. Yes, it will still be visible online, but it may soon get buried by newer ads. With Craigslist, you are better served if you are able to make regular updates, each of which will bump your ad to the top of the pile. This means making once-daily updates until your car has been sold.

Further Considerations

Besides listing your ad, there are some considerations to keep in mind when selling your vehicle. That means treating people with respect who contact you, setting up appointments and being ready to make a deal. Keep the following in mind as you make a deal:

Be ready to sell — Your initial callers will be the most motivated and interested in striking a deal. Plan on selling your car to the first serious buyer, giving a little on the price, but not much. If a person wants to test drive your vehicle, go along for a ride. Explain to the buyer that the car is being sold “as is” and no warranty is offered. However, if a manufacturer’s warranty is still active and can be transferred, you can help out with that paperwork.

Money is best — Accept only cash or go to the bank with the buyer to accept a cashier’s check. These checks can be forged, therefore you want to see it issued in front of your face.

Complete the deal — Once your deal has been completed, take off the license plates, remove the registration and notify your insurance company and the DMV of your sale. Cancel your Craigslist ad. You’re now done and you should come away from the deal the richer for it.

Author Information

Cedric Sheldon is a contributing writer for a Toyota accessories website. You can safely and easily buy parts online and have these items shipped directly to your address.

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