Quality Car Resources


Archives

Random Articles


Government’s new plan – Cash for Clunkers

August 19th, 2009 by Shenron

After an extensive process of negotiation and debate, the United States government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program has been officially launched as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).

With this system, you can trade in your older model cars with low fuel efficiencies to receive a rebate of up to $4500 from the federal government toward the purchase of a new, more efficient vehicle. The goal of this initiative is two-fold. Lawmakers hope that the rebates will jump start auto sales while also pulling old, inefficient gas guzzlers off the road. Both foreign and domestic auto dealers are allowed to participate in the program, offering consumers a wealth of options for their new car purchase. Rebates do not count toward your taxable income.

Cash for Clunkers

There are a few requirements that must be met to be eligible for a rebate on your trade in. For example, the car being turned in must be in drivable condition, not more than 25 years old, and must get less than 18 miles per gallon according to revise EPA standards. New vehicles purchased must be less than $45,000 before any options are added and get a combined 22 miles per gallon or better. The vehicle could be produced by any auto manufacturer while it meets the cost and fuel efficiency standards.

Critics are up in arms, claiming that the government should have limited the rebates to new American car purchases only. This would help revive the faltering domestic auto manufacturing industry and help the domestic automakers in their attempts to restore consumer confidence. General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford Motor Company owe several billion dollars to the American government and an increase in sales would help the companies begin to repay some of the taxpayer money in a more timely fashion. Both GM and Chrysler have recently emerged from government-backed Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and are now partially owned by the United States Treasury Department. The Treasury Department holds a 60.8% stake in the new General Motors.

Supporters of the program have said the forcing consumers to purchase domestic automobiles could disrupt the global auto market. Unfair bias shown by the federal government would have the potential to create backlash both domestically and internationally, where American automakers enjoy a hefty market share. Also, many of the vehicles sold by foreign automakers are manufactured and assembled in the United States. Foreign companies currently provide many of jobs with the potential for more in the future. Supporters of CARS claim that shouldn’t be jeopardized through selective rebate opportunities.

Tags:

Related Posts:

| 0 Comments

New Automotive Technology

August 19th, 2009 by Shenron

As the cost of new technology goes down, new cars are increasingly highlighting new technology as a major buying feature. This may be nothing new for the premium car segment, but this means that more of this new technology is becoming standard in mid-range and more affordable cars. Let’s take a look at some of the in demand in-car tech innovations.

Around View Monitor

Rear view monitors have become so standard and no longer have much panache among consumers. The latest camera systems are around view monitors, helping drivers see not just behind the car but around the car. This system was first introduced on the Infiniti EX, a crossover from Nissan’s luxury brand. The around view monitor helps drivers navigate tight spaces and avoid minor fender benders. St Louis Acura says the system also makes parallel parking extremely easy.

Ford MyKey

The Ford MyKey is basically a key specifically for teen drivers. The system allows drivers to control several functions inside the car, such as top speed, stereo volume, and it controls various warning chimes. Parents can program the Ford MyKey system to their specifications, which Pittsburgh Lincoln Financing says will help to add peace of mind when children are out on the road. MyKey will be standard on the 2010 Ford Focus and Ford Escape hybrid. By 2012, MyKey will become standard on all vehicles.

Automatic Braking Systems

Using sonar and radar, automatic braking technology is able to monitor the closing speed of your car and the car ahead. If it detects that an impact may be eminent, the system will apply the vehicle’s brakes automatically without any input from the driver according to one used car dealer Trenton. The system was first featured on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but can also be had on the 2010 E-Class. Other vehicles that have adopted similar technology include Lexus and Volvo. While it’s not a replacement for safe driving, the system can prevent changes that occur from distractions.

Lane Departure Warning Systems

Lane departure warning systems alert a driver whenever a vehicle begins to veer outside a lane. When the vehicle steps over a double yellow line, one used Mercedes Baltimore dealer points out that the system helps the drivers avoid a serious accident with an on-coming car, or even a motorcycle. While the system was first developed by Infiniti, it has since found its way into numerous brands including Cadillac, Lexus, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Some customers at Acura Service New Haven have thought the system is a bit too sensitive and annoying when it beeps unnecessarily. However, these systems can be shut off manually.

Driver Alertness Monitored

Also developed by Mercedes-Benz is the driver alertness monitor. The system monitors if a driver is falling asleep at the wheel. If the system senses a dozing driver, Mercedes Benz Washington DC says it will attempt to wake the driver up. Typically found on Mercedes S- and E-Class models, the system can also be found on Volvo models as well, including the S80 sedan. While the system could potentially startle a drowsy driver admits Indianapolis Mercedes and potentially could cause an accident, the system should be useful for those driving on long trips or who regularly drive late at night. That being said, anyone getting drowsy at the wheel should immediately pull off the road and call it a night.

Tags: ,

Related Posts:

| 0 Comments

Tuned Autos @ tunedautos.com

May 8th, 2009 by Shenron

It’s been over 3 years since Car Tuning Central was launched, and over this period we’ve learned quite a lot about cars, maintenance, styling and many other auto related subjects.

While cartuningcentral.com is covering everything that somehow relates to the auto industry, we thought that maybe we should start something a bit different, something that’d cover Tuning, Styling and Modifications only, therefore we recently acquired an aged domain that used to have a car site on it and fully revamped the place.

Tuned Autos @ tunedautos.com header

Tunedautos.com will be our brother site, where we’ll dedicate only to those 3 aspects referred before (tuning, styling and modifications).

While we think we still have a lot to learn and to improve there, we’ve already posted a few articles and kicked the place of.

Go ahead, visit tunedautos.com and remember to bookmark it and subscribe to its RSS feeds.

We’ll try to do our best with that site too, keeping it updated regularly and throw a lot new fetures we’re sure you’ll love.

Tags:

Related Posts:

| 0 Comments

Choosing Between a Coupe and Sedan

March 1st, 2009 by Justin

One of the vexing questions for many car buyers is what type of style vehicle should one buy.  Today, for many people looking to buy typical passenger vehicles, you usually have a choice between a coupe (2 door) and a sedan (4 door). While in years past, there were big differences between the two, today both car styles are popular and many manufacturers offer a choice of either coupe or sedan. There are obvious benefits and downsides to each.  Here are just a few tips on choosing the best type of vehicle for your needs.

Honda Accord - Coupe vs Sedan

The Benefits and Downsides of Both Coupes and Sedans
Owning either a coupe or a sedan has both its benefits and downsides.  For instance, a coupe is usually more sporty in styling.  A coupe is generally made for drivers that use their vehicles to commute or for pleasure.  Generally not made for the family, a coupe dedicates more space and functionality to the driver. Finally a coupe is usually more affordable new and retains more of its value when sold later on. Sedans on the other hand are specifically made to carry more than just the regular one or two individuals.  Having four doors does reduce sportiness in styling, however most newer sedans look great.  Sedans make it convenient for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle and many sedans offer specific amenities for passengers such as LCD screens on the back headrests, additional cup holders and separate climate control.

Which One to Choose
Choosing between a sedan and coupe is really a personal preference.  If you have a family, definitely opt for the coupe.  However if your single or don’t necessarily drive others around a coupe can be a great choice.  While the styling might be different generally speaking most manufacturers usually put the same engine and powertrain into either a coupe or sedan.

Tags: ,

Related Posts:

| 0 Comments

Car Auction Tips

February 28th, 2009 by Justin

If you are thinking about purchasing a used car and would like to save plenty of money, one of the best ways to do so is via auction.  Car auctions have always been popular, however today with many vehicles being repossessed, prices at auctions are as low as ever.

Here are some tips.

Government Auctions
Whether it’s federal, state or a local car auction, there are a few things you should know.  First off, there are plenty of rules to follow with these types of auctions.  Make sure you read up on them before you attend.  Usually, these auctions require you to have a bank certified check to put down a deposit or pay in full for the vehicle and there is a certain time to view the vehicle to be auctioned on.

Private Auctions on Ebay
Every once in a while, you will find a quality auction run on Ebay for an auto with no reserve.  This means that there is no floor in which a person must bid to in order for a sale to go through.  So whether it is $50 or $10K, the car sells.  These auctions can save you big, but again, it is up to you to check out the car before you make your bid.  Many auctions of this type sell the vehicle as is with no recourse afterwards, so do your homework.  In most cases you can get a great deal.

Commercial Auctions
Many times a used car dealership or private auctioneer will hold car auctions.  These auctions are similar to government auctions, however there is more leeway in which to see the vehicles and pay for them.  Since it a private business or individual selling the car, you can make an agreement directly with them based upon your payment preferences and whether or not you can view the vehicle and take it for a test drive before bidding.

Tags:

Related Posts:

| 0 Comments

« Previous Entries
Homepage


Subscribe to RSS feed

Recent Articles

Random Tags