Do you think  Indian market has matured to a level that people would like to buy cars throuh web , till now for car buying  web is used to gather information about cars and compare prices, but today indian consumer has eveolved . Time is money and with busy and hectic life it is difficult for consumers  to visit dealerships and go thrugh long process of buying a car.  with exposure to sprawling malls and plush lounges the expectation of indian consumer is very high , what you think an online car selling portal should have to become a hit with young indians .i believe  how they would like to see it and what they will expect ….  please share your views on the same

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder returns to the Mitsubishi lineup after a one-year hiatus as a 2009 model, with a full-power, convertible top that folds completely into a fully covered, self-closing bin. All with the driver doing nothing more than releasing a couple of latches and pushing a button.

The Spyder comes with a choice of four-cylinder or V6 engines, each available with manual or automatic.

The Spyder offers all the pleasures of open-air motoring with few of the displeasures. The top, especially, is a quality structure. It’s finished inside, with all the struts, pivots and bows hidden behind sound-deadening fabric. With it up, the interior feels and sounds much like the coupe, although perhaps a little claustrophobic. With it down, the steeply raked windshield pushes most of the air up and over the open cockpit, allowing almost-normal conversation; hats are just as essential for avoiding sunburn as for controlling wind-blown tresses.

Despite weighing about 200 pounds more than the coupe, due to bracing added in the conversion to a convertible, the Spyder gives up only one mile per gallon to the coupe in fuel economy in all but the top-level V6 with automatic, and that drops only two mpg and only in the highway estimate.

In pricing, the ‘07 Spyder actually costs less than its predecessor. The base GS model lists at $355 below the ‘05, the GT more than $2000 below the top ‘05 model, and both with more content.

Measured fun per dollar, the Eclipse Spyder is well worth a look for anyone shopping for a sporty convertible.

Model Lineup

The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a two-door, four-seat roadster based on the latest Eclipse coupe.

The GS ($25,389) comes with a 162-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission ($900). Standard features include cloth upholstery; air conditioning; cruise control; the usual power accessories and fitments; tilt steering column; a premium, Rockford Fosgate, 650-watt stereo with AM/FM/MP3 capability connected to nine speakers and subwoofer; and 17-inch, flat-flanged, five-spoke, alloy wheels wearing all-season tires. The Leather Package ($980) adds leather-surfaced, heated front seats; heated outside mirrors; and a center-top dash display with ambient temperature and compass.

The GT ($28,269) comes with a 260-hp V6 with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic ($900). Standard upgrades on the GT are confined to the center-top dash display, an oversized exhaust tip and a red rocker cover on the engine. A Premium Package ($1730) adds leather-trimmed, heated front seats, automatic climate control, heated mirrors, six-way power driver’s seat, rubber-nibbed, aluminum pedals, and flat-flanged, 18-inch, seven-spoke, alloy wheels with all-season tires. A wind deflector is also available.

Also offered on both GS and GT are two premium paint colors, Satin Mesei (visualize metallic green) and Sunset Pearlescent ($130), over and above the more traditional red, white, silver and black (blue is slated for late availability). Mitsubishi has signed off on three dealer-installed equipment packages (i.e., installation not included), as well. These are an aero kit, with front corner airdams, sport side sills and rear wake modifier ($1820); an accessory package, with alloy fuel door, wheel locks and floor mats ($179); and an appearance package comprising the aero kit and appearance package ($1999).

Safety features standard on both models include dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, child safety seat anchors (LATCH) and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

Originally Reported By: Tom Lankard

(888) 498-0660 – 1133 Motor City Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80905 Contact Us Click Here for Videos

Overview

Endeavour was the ship commanded by Captain James Cook, hero of the Seven Years War, when he set off from England in 1768 to scientifically survey New Zealand and Australia.

Mitsubishi’s Endeavor has easier objectives, but far greater competition from others. The Endeavor is a midsize sport utility that seats five, with generous space in the front and rear seats. The rear seatbacks flip down to reveal a big cargo area with a perfectly flat floor.

In spite of its rugged appearance, Endeavor is built more like a car than a truck. Underway, the Endeavor handles well and offers a nice, smooth ride. Its drive-by-wire throttle provides responsive control, and its 3.8-liter V6 delivers adequate power, though the Endeavor won’t win many drag races. It’s available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, but we much prefer the AWD model.

Barely six years old, the Mitsubishi Endeavor has been moderately facelifted for 2009. ABS with traction control is now standard. The standard towing capacity has been increased to 3500 pounds. And all Endeavor sound systems now include MP3 capability.

Model Lineup

Mitsubishi has simplified the Endeavor lineup for 2009, leaving only two trim levels: LS and Limited. Each is available with front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). All are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 making 225 horsepower mounted transversely (sideways) and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic manual shifting capability.

The LS 2WD ($26,599) and AWD ($27,999) come with the usual power accessories, plus a 140-watt sound system with single-disc CD player and MP3 playback, new brush-finish 17-inch alloy wheels with mud-and-snow-rated tires, intermittent rear window washer, roof rails, steering wheel controls, remote entry, full-size spare tire, and a remote tailgate release.

A new Road Trip Package for the LS ($2,000) adds a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote, six-disc CD changer, an enhanced color dot-matrix information display (including compass, outside temperature, fuel computer, and maintenance recorder), sport-touch steering wheel, cargo cover, cargo net, and an alarm.

Limited 2WD ($30,799) and AWD ($32,299) add automatic climate control, premium cloth seats with power for the driver’s seat, 315-watt MP3-capable sound system with six-disc CD changer, power sunroof, the color dot-matrix information display, fog lights, crossbars for the roof rails, the cargo cover and alarm.

Leather upholstery is available with the Leather Plus Package ($1,400) that includes seat heaters and heated outside mirrors. The Family Entertainment Package ($1,200) for the Limited includes the DVD system, wireless headphones and remote control. Mitsubishi Active Skid and Traction Control ($995), an electronic stability control system, is available only on Limited AWD.

Safety features on all 2009 Endeavors include dual-stage frontal airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control, and a tire-pressure monitor. Curtain airbags are not available. Wear your seat belts as they are your first line of defense in an accident.

(888) 498-0660 – 1133 Motor City Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80905 Contact Us Click Here for Videos

We could name a number of midsize, import-badge sedans that ride comfortably and quietly, handle responsively, and offer an optional V6 that provides ample power for passing. All feature roomy, nicely appointed cabin space, and all represent good value in the family-car market. Mitsubishi Galant does all that, but offers sharp styling, the kind that turns heads in traffic. Not everyone will like what they see, but none of them will accuse the Galant of being a wallflower. The current-generation Galant was launched as an all-new model for 2004, and Mitsubishi has improved and refined it every year since then. New for 2009: The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant brings a freshened look outside, improved materials inside, and revised suspension settings designed to provide greater comfort and a more engaging driving experience. The 2009 Galant GTS gets a new five-speed automatic transmission. Also new for 2009 is a high-performance model called the Ralliart, with more horsepower, tighter handling, and sporty styling. Ralliart is Mitsubishi’s motorsports arm and has been a dominant force in the World Rally Championship, which includes the Monte Carlo and other famous events, and cross country endurance raids, such as the Paris-Dakar Rally. Mitsubishi hopes the Galant Ralliart will challenge the Acura TSX and TL, as well as the MazdaSpeed6. The Galant Ralliart seems a long way from the Galant VR4 rally cars so successful in the early 1990s, but so what? The more we drove the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart, the more we liked it. It struck us as a comfortable, big midsize sedan with some sports appeal. It isn’t as agile as a MazdaSpeed6, but it’s roomier and more comfortable. It certainly isn’t as upscale or refined as an Acura, but it costs less. It’s an easy car to live with that does not give up comfort or convenience for its added performance. At times, it reminded us of a Chevy Monte Carlo (yes, we know it’s a two-door) and it seems nicer than a Pontiac G6. In any case, the Galant Ralliart was an enjoyable car that never annoyed us. And we’re easily annoyed. Galant has achieved across-the-board five-star ratings in the federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offset-frontal and side-impact crash tests. The insurance industry’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded Galant its highest ranking (“Good overall”) in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests. Model Lineup The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant comes in four trim levels, but they are not the same four as last year. The upper-middle LS has been discontinued, the GTS slightly demoted, and the new Ralliart added at the top of the range. Galant DE ($19,899) and ES ($20,999) are powered by a 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and come standard with a four-speed automatic transmission. Mitsubishi’s Sportronic system, which allows a semi-manual shifting when desired, is now standard on all Galants. The DE comes with air conditioning; height-adjustable driver’s seat; height-adjustable steering wheel; power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry; 140-watt, four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; rear-seat heater ducts; carpeted floor mats; and an engine immobilizer. Standard tires are P215/60R16 all-season radials on steel wheels. ES adds ABS with EBD, six-speaker stereo with MP3 playback, cruise control, and a more deluxe cloth interior with a driver’s seatback pocket and sun visor extenders. Appearance upgrades include color-keyed exterior door handles, titanium interior accents, and ice-blue LED illumination for climate and stereo controls. ES options include the Sport Package ($1,000) with 16-inch alloy wheels, dark-bezel halogen headlamps, crystal ellipsoid rear lamps, a color-keyed rear spoiler, and the Ralliart’s Rockford Acoustic Design audio with Sirius satellite radio. The ES Premium Package ($2,000) adds leather seating surfaces, faux leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, power glass sunroof, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink, and additional minor goodies. GTS ($24,999) features a 230-hp, 3.8-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission with a Sportronic feature. GTS adds leather seating, faux leather and audio controls on the steering wheel, heated front seats with eight-way power for the driver, dark-bezel headlamps, fog lamps, and a tire-pressure monitor. The instrument panel features white-faced gauges and woodgrain accents. Front brakes are larger, while wheels and tires upgrade to 215/55R17s on 17-inch rims. GTS options include the Sun and Sound package ($1,000), which combines the power glass sunroof and Rockford Acoustic Design audio with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink transmitter, a security alarm, and more. Ralliart ($26,999) is powered by a 258-hp, 3.8-liter V6, with a sports suspension, upgraded brakes, and larger wheels and tires. It comes with the five-speed Sportronic automatic. Ralliart has a unique look inside and out. Upholstery is perforated leather, and the pedals are aluminum. All of the GTS luxuries are standard, plus automatic climate control, a power glass sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, and a unique Rockford Acoustic Design audio system that includes the hardware for Sirius satellite radio plus a six-month subscription. Optional on Ralliart is a DVD navigation system with a seven-inch touch screen ($1,850). Safety features include dual-stage front airbags, side curtain air bags, and front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and four-wheel disc brakes. All-wheel drive is not available. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution start with the ES model. A tire-pressure monitor comes on GTS and Ralliart models.

Originally Reported By: New Car Test Drive

(888) 498-0660 – 1133 Motor City Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Contact Us

Click Here for Videos

If you’re planning on buying a car before the end of the year, you may want to stay out of the malls on Black Friday and head to the car dealerships instead. According to car pricing researchers from Truecar.com, the day after Thanksgiving is the best day to buy a car. These researchers analyzed day-by-day car prices over several years and found that Black Friday is the day that yields the largest discounts for consumers.

So, what should you expect to pay this year? Truecar.com expects the average new car discount on Nov. 27 to be 7.5% compared to 4.7% which is what buyers tend to receive on a typical day. If you are buying a Suzuki SX4 compact car, you can expect even higher discounts, up to 28% off sticker price! Truecar.com also predicts that Nissan Titan buyers can get 26% off and Ford F-150 truck buyers should receive a 20% discount.

Another factor that may sweeten the deal (or the discount) this year is the fact that Black Friday falls very close to the end of the month. It’s a crucial time for car dealers as they are trying to meet their quotas to receive manufacturer incentives and clear out 2009 models.

If you’re in the market for a new car, don’t wait for Christmas to buy it this year. Take advantage of the discounts and end of the month timing to get the best deal now.

The tip to successful shopping is  combination of extensive research and perfect decision making approach.You need to compare almost every pros and cons of the commodity you are palnniong to buy, before jumping to a conclusion.

For most people, a car is a necessity. We often depend on our vehicles to get us to and from work every day, transport children to events, and even for pleasure. Because they are such an important aspect of your life, you want a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable, and maybe even a bit stylish. The vehicle choices are almost endless, so finding the right combination of wants and needs with an affordable price tag can be challenging.

Read what are the most common mistakes while buying a car.

There may be many mistakes while having car financing, depending on the situation, but most commonly there’s one big mistake. Well, it’s when buyers buy a new car without checking online auto loan rates. And, if you know that your credit history can support getting an auto loan, and still you do not look into it, you’re making a mistake.

Well, as a buyer you can get the cheap auto loan rates, if your credit history has been up to the requirements. Randomly applying for new car financing and not knowing your credit score is not just a mistake, but silliest mistake. The free annual report that you get is not useful until credit score is included in it. So, be wise and do proper research before applying for auto loans by searching online as well as being updated with your credit score.

If you’re looking for some used cars online, or want to buy used cars or sell used cars, do visit www.motors.pk.

There may be many mistakes while having car financing, depending on the situation, but most commonly there’s one big mistake. Well, it’s when buyers buy a new car without checking online auto loan rates. And, if you know that your credit history can support getting an auto loan, and still you do not look into it, you’re making a mistake.

Well, as a buyer you can get the cheap auto loan rates, if your credit history has been up to the requirements. Randomly applying for new car financing and not knowing your credit score is not just a mistake, but silliest mistake. The free annual report that you get is not useful until credit score is included in it. So, be wise and do proper research before applying for auto loans by searching online as well as being updated with your credit score.

If you’re looking for some used cars online, or want to buy used cars or sell used cars, do visit www.motors.pk.

With the constantly increasing gas prices and decreasing supply of fuel resources, one big challenge that is being faced by automotive industry is fuel efficiency. Buying a fuel-efficient car makes a lot of sense, especially when you’re going to buy a brand new car, and even it’ll be equally beneficial if you’re to buy used cars.

According to approximations, about 15% of new car buyers reject a model due to poor gas mileage, round 40% of those consumers who eliminate a full-size SUV due to gas mileage ultimately purchase a midsize SUV instead, while nearly 20% purchase another model altogether.

So, if you’ve been looking to buy a new or a used car, and still not started search, better is to include this standard in your search.

If you’re looking for some used cars online, or want to buy used cars or sell used cars, do visit www.motors.pk.

On a Longer School Year
President Obama and others want to lengthen the school year by 40 days. Although I favor such a move as part of educational reform, let me pose these questions.

• Should the Feds mandate something that is primarily controlled by state and local entities?
• How much the public and the travel industry will fight to retain the status quo?
• Why more time with the same outdated curriculum and industrial age standards?

On the Noble Peace Prize
I will admit that last week’s announcement struck me as surprising and confusing. Then again, after listening to the initial (especially the immediate) and continual criticism from the partisan opposition, I am more convinced than ever that they will mock anything and everything about President Obama – thus further alienating me and my moderate, independent vote. Meanwhile, and again I say – Congratulations Mr. President; plus, the Noble committee can do whatever – after all, it’s their award. This Thomas Friedman column is interesting on the matter.

On the Health Care Debate
Since the Congressional Budget Office seemingly declared the Bauchus proposal as deficit neutral, it’s been interesting to watch both parties and special interests apply their spin. I continue to be wary of the current Congress and their attraction to special interest needs and pork – therefore worries about the effectiveness and the efficiency of any bill – let alone one of this magnitude. In other words, will the final health care bill really and truly attack the problem? History says no. Here are three interesting columns: David Brooks and Nicholas Kristof’s first and second.

On Car Buys
I’m a long-time Cincinnati Reds fans, but the fact that Cincinnatians lead the nation in red car sales caught me by surprise. Although I don’t believe in a correlation between car color purchases and favorite sports teams, human behavior is a statistical goldmine. Here’s an article with lists.

On a Personal Note
I’ve taken on a major project in my work life that will decrease my writing and reading time. I’ll try to do what I can, but I know my blogging will suffer. Meanwhile, I’ll probably post in the evenings and try to keep going. Hope everyone has a good and safe weekend.

Before going, here’s a very short video demonstrating speed and agility.

I found this article interesting. Check it out: 10 things not to say when buying your next car

You’ve seen it frequently in Craigslist and eBay advertisements: “mechanic owned”. No matter what the make, model or age of the vehicle, those two little words are supposed to evoke confidence in the quality and completeness of the service history.

The only problem is that if you ask most mechanics, they’ll tell you that mechanic-owned cars are usually in more dire need of past-due maintenance than most urban public schools. As the saying goes, a cobbler’s kids wear no shoes…and when it comes to a mechanic’s car, its brake shoes are probably down to the rivets.

The crux of the issue is that anyone who spends all day doing something for someone else doesn’t want to continue doing the same monotonous task for himself. I can understand, because I once tried doing oil changes on just four of my cars in one day and by the end of the afternoon I was ready to set myself on fire.

Despite all I’ve just shared, it didn’t stop me from jumping at the opportunity to buy a 1979 Chevy K10 pickup from a friend who is a professional mechanic. As fate would have it, he had purchased the truck from another mutual friend who is one of the best professional mechanics I know.

When I bought the truck, it came with a set of plug wires on the car seat, a thermostat and gasket in the glove box, and a warning to check the power steering fluid due to a rather excessive leak. On the whole, though, the truck ran pretty well, although it was running a bit rich and slow to warm up.

There were some issues that would need to be addressed. The aforementioned power steering leak was less noticeable than a rather nasty oil pool that would form under the truck after a night or two. There were also a few drips of coolant from the seal of the water pump. Then there was that ticking sound indicating a probable exhaust leak from the V8.

In preparation for using the truck to tow my father’s 1929 Franklin to a show, I decided to address some basic maintenance. First came the oil change, at which time I figured I’d try to find out from what seal the oil was leaking. As it turned out, the oil sump drain plug was the culprit. It wasn’t stripped, nor was the washer crushed. No sir, it was loose – like four or five threads loose. With the jet-black oil drained, a new filter and a properly torqued bolt, none of the new lubricant escaped.

As long as I had a new set of plug wires, I figured that I’d install them along with plugs. When I removed the first plug, I was astonished at its appearance. It looked like it had been removed from the V8 in Chrysler Norseman while sitting in the Andrea Doria’s cargo hold at the bottom of the ocean. The picture doesn’t even do the situation justice, as a big chunk of crap crumbled off prior to creating my pictoral historical record. Luckily, the other plugs were not quite as bad, but no wonder it was running rich! It’s amazing this truck ran at all.

With no time left before needing to tow my father’s car to a show, the K10 was pushed into duty. On the way back on I5, however, the cooling system finally gave up. The small leak in the water pump turned into a gusher. The stress also ruptured one of the engine’s freeze expansion plugs, sending coolant splashing onto the exhaust manifold. And that extra thermostat – yeah, I probably should have installed it, because the one in the truck evidently got stuck.

As a tribute to the solid nature of the smallblock Chevy engine, no severe damage happened due to the overheating. A new thermostat, water pump, freeze plug, power steering pump, belts, and hoses are all now in.

But so much for mechanic owned. Next time I’m buying a vehicle that’s advertised as “neurotic type-A soccer mom who brings her vehicle to the shop religiously on schedule and pays for whatever maintenance the shop or owner’s manual suggests.”

How can you save thousands of dollars on your next new vehicle? Well, the answer lies within two words- Fleet Manager. You’re probably asking yourself, “What the heck is a fleet manager, and why haven’t I ever heard of this person?” The fleet manager is the individual who deals with the sales and distribution of mass quantities of vehicles to different states, counties, cities, municipalities, and corporations. The secret that dealerships don’t want you to know is that anyone can purchase from the fleet manager. Why most have not heard of this person is due to the low profit margins within this division. The fleet manager is not advertised because the large profits aren’t made through this individual. Fleet managers typically sell vehicles right around invoice prices making small profits, but salesmen at dealerships sell for far above invoice prices making large profits. For example: when you go to a dealership and buy a car, the salesman usually tacks a few thousand on the front end and one or two thousand on the back end making the the salesman and dealership a generous profit. You see, when you buy from the fleet manager, you avoid paying that extra money. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a pretty good deal to me. So, if you are in the market for a new car, visit http://www.relatednarrowsearch.com/carsite to watch a free video about buying from the fleet manager.

I hope you have found the information in the following article useful. I value your opinion, so please, feel free to comment on this article or any of the previous articles that are of interest.

Diesels Proving Good Bets for Family Transportation: BWM, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Audi.

By The Car Family

No question that the day of the large, gas hoggish, SUVs are over. With gas mileage that seldom ventured north of high teen marks and engines that polluted the atmosphere far in excess of other vehicles. That was then, this is now. Enter the refined diesel engine with their superior towing capacities, at least 20 percent better fuel mileage, less maintenance, and higher resale value.

Don’t confuse these new rigs with the smelly, smoky diesels of old. The new ones are clean burning and quiet. Add to that the fact that they are well proven, in Europe diesel powered vehicle sales make-up nearly half of all sales from such noted manufacturers as Mercedes and BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen. There are also government tax breaks up to $1300 on diesel vehicles. And there is something for every pocketbook in this category with pricing ranging from the low $20,000s to $60,000 and up.

So which diesel powered vehicle is best for the family? Well, it depends on your needs. To that end we evaluated a wide variety of them and each on was impressive and filled a need. We tested the BMW 335d, the Mercedes R, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, and the Audi Q7. All of them were frisky, eager to please, and none of them gave anything less than 25 mpg. Our favorite was the Volkswagen TDI if for nothing else its price tax in the low $20,000 range. Next was the comfortable and spacious Mercedes. The BMW was the best handling, but the 27 mpg fuel mileage wasn’t what we expected and the sedan lacked family sized room for long trips. It was great fun to drive, though, and the engine was very powerful. It should be noted that the government has indicated that this BMW should have delivered 36 mpg on the highway so perhaps are driving style was responsible for the low figure. Of note is that the BMW also had a price tag of nearly $50,000. The Audi Q7 was a vast, sophisticated SUV that is loaded with features, but the fuel mileage is what is most impressive for this nearly three ton vehicle with 24 mpg or more possible on the highway. That is more than five miles per gallon better than the base six cylinder version and seven miles per gallon better than the V8 and both gas versions require premium fuel.

Buying a diesel pays off even if there is a premium price involved if you drive more than 15,000 miles a year. Not only is there fuel savings, but the maintenance is less due to the fact that a diesel does not have an ignition system that needs to be tended to. A diesel also has superior pulling power and the new models start well even in the colder climates. The reason that these diesels burn so cleanly is that a urea mixture is squirted into the exhaust system to clean the pollutants. The urea container needs to be replaced, but other than that the diesels are nearly mechanic proof as they don’t have a need for any spark plugs or other ignition parts save a glow plug that helps ignite the fuel to start the engine.

BMW 3 Series

BMW’s three series sedan is powered by a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel inline-6 that makes 265 horsepower and an enormous 425 lb-ft of torque that works through a six-speed automatic transmission. The seats are comfortable in front, but the rear seat is best left to smaller folk. The interior is bland and the trunk, at 12 cubic feet, small for such an expensive vehicle. Overall, this BMW is a terrific sporty diesel that clearly proves that a diesel can be fun to drive. It is very fast for a diesel and a delight to drive.

Mercedes R-Class

Next we tested the Mercedes -Benz R-Class with a 3.0-liter BlueTec diesel V-6 producing 210 horsepower and a he-man 398 lb.-ft. of torque. This MB reacts immediately to throttle input, albeit only until the tachometer reaches around 3000 rpm when the seven speed transmission shifts and allows the acceleration to continue to well above 100 mph, we are told. It is loaded with safety equipment that includes everything from airbags nearly everywhere, to warning devises, to traction, stability, and braking controls and more. Very safe.

The R Class is very long station wagon, indeed in length it dwarfs the hulking Hummer H2, but is much safer than that living example of why General Motors went bankrupt. The R Class is very family friendly with an abundance of room, even behind the third row of seats. However, this Mercedes does not have the easily removable middle row of seats.

We got 25 mpg in the Mercedes and it grew on us the longer we drove it. At first the R Class felt cold and stiff. But once we were able to sample it fare this vehicle easily is the best family transport for those who have a need for a classy workhorse. A true pleasure to drive and the diesel engine was as un-diesel as we have ever experienced. If it were not for the price of this vehicle it would have been our first choice. For example the rear seat backs recline, there are air vents for everyone, a low loading height, and cupholders galore. You can order the optional entertainment center, too, with LED screens behind the front headrests and each seatback monitor can show a different image from movies to video games to MP3 music.

The ride is very stable and it handles well, but what we especially liked was how easy it was to park in tight spots. Visibility to the sides is a bit tarnished by the wide panels and the rear doors are quite heavy and require a great deal of room to fully open. Outside of those few tarnishes, the R is a pleasure to drive to the corner store or on a long vacation trip. The one concern we had were the optional 19-inch tires that were just too noisy. They were very wide and this added to its handling, but took away from the fuel mileage.

This is an under-rated family vehicle with the unique ability to fit into most garages, venture out into inclement weather, and provides safety and great fuel mileage with at least 20 percent more travel from each gallon of diesel. And, on average, diesel is normally20 percent less expensive than the high octane fuel other big rigs require.

The most futuristic of all diesel vehicles, the R Class is a true utility vehicle for the future. And with the back two rows of seats folded flat you have a huge 85 cubic feet of space to bargain hunt with.

Volkswagen Jetta SportsWagon.

This is an example of a people mover with room for four adults, a 2.0-liter common rail turbocharged diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and a 236 abaft of torque and surprisingly great handling. This is nearly as good of a handling vehicle as the twice as expensive BMW and gets well over 33 mpg in all types of driving. We recommend you don’t get the standard six-speed transmission as it simply does not pay either in better fuel mileage or drivability. Buy the automatic unit, which you can control with paddle shifters if you feel the need to exercise your decision making. Although the sedan Jetta is the better deal, the sedan is less expensive. We think the SportWagen is still worth the extra money and stick with the automatic transmission for smoother driving and better fuel mileage. The engine is certified to run on B5 biodiesel and is very responsive and goes well with its exceptional handling. Unlike the other vehicles tested, this one is front wheel drive.

The interior is rather bland with the seats having manual adjustments. The rear seats have a 60/40 split so you can haul longer items. Safety wise we highly recommend the optional rear air bags. The rear hatch is easy to open, but the rear doors are small and adults may have a problem getting in and out if they have large feet or long legs.

Overall, this is one very fun driver. The brakes are good, the suspension just right for a family wagon, and the engine supplies its torque at a low speed making cornering easy. While driving on a busy highway a tire exploded on the car ahead of me and I was quickly able to maneuver out of the way with the responsive steering. The government rates the Jetta at 41 highway and 30 in the city, but if you drive below the speed limit and do it smoothly, you can easily beat 50 mpg. All of this and the Jetta engine is rated as being the cleanest burning of the diesels. Of note, for those who want a more glamorous and expensive ride, the Audi A3 diesel is available with similar attributes.

Audi Q7

This all wheel giant is for those who desire a large SUV with the fuel mileage of a smaller SUV. Our recommendation is that unless you need the room; look at the smaller and more nimble Audi Q5. Audi’s stellar V6 TDI develops 221 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque from a low 1,750 rpm, and the acceleration continues to the redline of 4,500 rpm is reached. Acceleration is no problem for this 5000+ pounder. What is surprising is how quiet the big Audi is. Obviously, Audi has done a good job of soundproofing. The turbocharged engine can get you to 60 mpg in nine seconds and passing power is made simply thanks to a very cooperative six-speed automatic transmission.

Driving the Q7 you never forget you are driving a heavy vehicle as it feels ponderous at times. Add to that concern is the poor visibility to the sides and rear and you understand why you can order the Audi with its exceptional side warning lights and superior rear view monitor. Both are must haves. The tires are very large making getting in and out a bit of a trial, especially with the low ceiling height. This means you have to duck your head if you are over average height. We would go with smaller tires and sacrifice the added vehicle height for less road noise. The turning rate is good for mall parking, but it is way too large for making U turns and the like.

As all Audis, the interior is a study in quality. The seats, controls, gauges, and layout are all first class. The weakness is the multimedia interface that controls such features as heated seats and radio selections. It is easily mastered, but you need to take your eyes from the road for the most part.

Pricing is around the mid $50,000 range, but the rich options can drive that figure upwards of $60,000. As we stated, consider the smaller and less expensive Q5. The fuel tank holds over 25 gallons and with the 24 mpg we got in mixed non-stop trips over 500 miles are easily possible for those of you with cooperative kidneys.

Sharing its underpinnings with the less expensive Volkswagen Touareg and the trouble prone Porsche Cayenne reveals that the Audi has taken the middle passage with more luxury than the VW and the Porsche, but less sport than the competition. The VW should be considered an alternative if you don’t want Audi’s well proven all wheel drive system and the third row of seats.

Safety wise the Audi Q7 offers anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist, Hill Descent Control, traction control, electronic stability, rollover sensing, dual front air bags, front side seat-mounted torso air bags, and side-curtain air bags for all rows. The best

that spans all three rows of seats. A tire-pressure monitor is also standard. Rear-seat side torso air bags are optional, as is the Audi Side Assist blind spot warning system

Family conference: Except for some chatter at low speeds these diesel powered vehicles were much better than their gas powered siblings in every way. Mom liked the long and futuristic looking Mercedes Benz R Class best due to its many safety features and extremely roomy interior. The fact it fit in the garage and performed flawlessly were nice, but the most compelling feature is the exterior. Dad loved the Volkswagen Jetta SportsWagen due to its handling and gas mileage. It is heavy on the sport and it is easy to maneuver and park. The young working woman went with the BMW because, well, it is a BMW. The young working male didn’t like any of them. Too big or too little. He did find the interior of the Audi the best and he was the only one able to quickly learn how to use the controls for te audio, no doubt due to his work at http://www.eracks.com making computers. Overall, the Jetta was our favorite for the smaller family and the Mercedes for the larger one. These vehicles are all worthy of consideration and certainly are proof that the diesel is not just for trucks.

For links to all major manufacturers go http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

]]> http://qtmedia.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/used-vauxhall-vectra-is-a-popular-used-vauxhall-model/ Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:24:31 +0000 Priyanka Dalvi http://qtmedia.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/used-vauxhall-vectra-is-a-popular-used-vauxhall-model/

used vauxhall vectra

Vauxhall is most renowned in the car market because of its quality and affordability. The used Vauxhall cars are mainly bought as the buyer knows that the car will last. Here is quick summary of the used Vauxhall car models and why the used Vectra tops the list.

The used Vauxhall Vectra cars are popular cars bought in UK owing to the refined ride level which competes with best cars in its class. Vauxhall has done a great job of tailoring the Vectra’s ride and handling to its customers needs. It is easy to drive, making you feel at home, and immediately impressing with its hushed ride.

The practicality considerations for used Vectra make it an ideal buy. The boot is a massive 500-litres and the right shape for suitcases and large bags. The seats are very comfortable and the armrest is in just the right place for relaxed motorway driving. It also has a very high safety rating which is priority for majority buyers. The standard Vauxhall Vectra is a superb long-distance cruiser, managing to eat motorway miles with ease. But show it a corner and it becomes flustered, hampered by vague steering.

The used Vauxhall Vectra are cheap to run cost-wise. It comes with good fuel economy from 26mpg to 49.5mpg from the worst petrol to the best diesel. The Vectra parts are easily available due the model being so popular in UK market.
The other Vauxhall models which includes the Astra that combines the compact nature of a hatchback with the power of a saloon. A used Vauxhall Astra makes a great family car.

The used Corsa on the other hand is trendy small car and attracts first time drivers. The Vauxhall Zafira is more like a family car with enough space and good practicality accommodating large families.

Search for used Vauxhall cars on Auto Trader’s Vauxhall hub. Its quite convenient to compare prices of various models and check their reviews.

Search for Used Vauxhall Cars of Auto Trader

Audi Q7: The Posh Diesel

By The Car Family

If you need a large SUV that carries seven passengers your best bet is going to be one with a diesel engine. There are three reasons for this. First, it gets much better fuel mileage. Secondly, it can tow more. And finally, the resale is higher.

That being said, the Audi Q7 TDI is one of your few choices in this regard. Indeed it is a study in abundance. Everything you look from the huge snowplow bow to the numerous controls for the radio, heating, air conditioning, even the fan speed selection are in excess. It appears that Audi wanted this flagship to carry everything possible into the battles for sales. What they created was an extremely luxurious SUV that weighs nearly three tons and yet sips diesel fuel and provides potent acceleration thanks to a V6 diesel that creates 225 horsepower and an enormous 406 pound-feet of torque. When the turbocharged engine comes online, around 2000 rpm, the big Audi is breathtakingly fast for what it is, especially considering its bulk. You are also going to find yourself going well over the speed limit during highway merging and passing. This Audi hauls. Period, and it gets over 22 mpg to boot. It does need low sulfur fuel but we didn’t have any trouble finding it. Add to this the Audi’s 26 gallon fuel tank and you have an easy 500 mile plus cruising range.

We have tested both the gas version and the diesel option and there simply is no question that the extra dollars for the latter is superior is every way. It is quiet, swift, and starts automatically. Audi labels its diesel the cleanest SUV in the world and it is more efficient than the other German competition from Mercedes and Volkswagen as the Q7 has a ULEV-II or ultra-low emission rating.

Driving the large Audi is a pleasant experience, but there is no question this is a very heavy vehicle. Despite this parking was very easy. When making a U turn you are never going to need to worry about having to stop and put this vehicle in reverse. It is a pleasure to park even in tight mall spots and the rearview camera, a must for such a high vehicle with restricted rearward vision, is second only to Nissan’s in clarity. Exceptional.

The exterior look is massive and intimating. The rear lift over is extremely high making loading heavy objects a chore. The rear hatch has an available motorized open and closing motor and you need to have this if you are of average height or shorter. It is quite difficult to close otherwise.

The interior is very posh in keeping with its plus $50,000 price tag, but the government offers a tax incentive to diesel buyers of $1150. Check http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxLeanBurn.shtml for the latest data on this. The seats have leather surfaces and the dash and headliner are rich looking and feeling as it should be for such an expensive vehicle. The rear seats folds reasonably flat once the second seat headrests have been removed. The front seats are heated with 12-way adjustments, however, they are quite high and the roofline is low so be prepared to duck down if you don’t adjust the seats to a lower position.

Mom’s view: I found the step up difficult when wearing a dress as it is very high. I also found the big Audi felt nearly cumbersome at low speeds. It never feels nimble except, ironically, when parking it. The pure size of it commands a certain amount of respect, especially in white. Driving around town the diesel feels a little choppy, but on the highway it is pure elegance. Once those 5000 pound plus get motivated the V6 delivers enough torque to keep you smiling. Very potent. The main competition is the Mercedes R Bluetec and Volkswagen Touareg 2. Interestingly, the Mercedes interior is austere and stiff, but is roomier more and easier to use. If you live where you need the extra ground clearance go for the Audi. The bottom line for me is that the Q7 never won me over despite its many attributes. I found the fuel mileage exemplary and admired the beautiful interior, but it was too over the top for my daily commute and too difficult to feel comfortable in for long hauls.

Dad’s view: Great engine, no doubt, but the transmission needs to be kept in sports mode to get the most out of the Audi. The steering is excellent, almost too direct at times, and the handling unexpectedly obedient. The brakes are adequate, but this rig is really one for the highway. I didn’t care for the 20-inch wheels as they were noisy and not all that off-road oriented.

The interior has a great many quirks that can be easily overcome, but why weren’t they thought through better. The cruise control is difficult to find and complicated and the console mounted controls require you to take your eyes off of the road to operate. Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) isn’t as difficult as the Mercedes and BMW units, but it still takes time to master its logic.

Because of the small window area of the Q7 those sitting in the backseat feel don’t have the feeling of spaciousness that you get in the competition. The rear seat is very small, and when you use it you must find a place to put the cargo cover. Again, not major problems, but a concern anyway.

Audi has years of experience in racing diesel engines and its shows. It the 3.0 liter engine is eager to please. Interestingly, I believe this is the same engine as in the Volkswagen Touareg 2, which costs thousands less, but isn’t nearly as luxurious. The Q7 also does not offer the convenience of the more station wagon like Mercedes R in terms of loading and unloading.

Young working male’s view: This Audi diesel does not smoke, is almost perfectly quiet, and runs clean enough to qualify as a environmentally friendly people mover. Mercedes uses a the water-based urea injection to remove clean air damaging elements. Audi has decided to make the “burn” more efficient and thus better fuel injectors were designed. The Audi’s computers also monitor the quality of the diesel fuel being burned. We have owned a diesel for 30 years and know important this is having fueled up with bad diesel numerous times. Those who live in the colder climates should note that the glowplugs that light off the Audi fire almost instantly even in cold weather. For me the result was a very user friendly diesel engine that provides that famous diesel torque and fuel mileage as well as unexpected frisky acceleration.

Our test car had the optional panoramic sunroof, but it has an opaque covering that lets in some heat. On the other hand, without it the interior would be rather dark. We didn’t get a chance to test Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system, but there is no doubt that it should handle anything people spending $50,000 or more would take their vehicle. The test vehicle had the 3.0 TDI and it felt very potent at all speeds, but especially in the mid-range. The night lighting is fantastic. When you hit the remote key fob you get puddle lights, a great interior light, and even red flowing dash lights. As I work for http://www.eracks.com making open software servers and computers I can expertly say that the Multi Media Interface took even my some time to master.

When on the highway you get excellent visibility to the front, but the high rear tailgate and large C pillars create some blindspots. The Audi does offer a system that flashes a orange light it you signal for a turn and there is a vehicle in that position. I loved that option. For me the Audi was too much vehicle for my needs. However, it has a great feel and the interior is first class.

Young working woman’s view: The Audi is impressive and comes with a pleasant cabin, albeit very uncomfortable controls even with the auxiliary steering wheel mounted ones available. The exterior is a love it or hate it visual, but no one is going to argue that it does make its presence known. The Audi was too large for me to feel comfortable in daily driving. I much prefer the Audi A5 anyway, and with the possibility of a smaller Audi SUV having the diesel engine option I think waiting would be my choice. But I dearly love that diesel.

Family conference: An expensive luxury SUV with an abundance of features, the decision to buy the Q7 comes down to wanting to enjoy the numerous benefits of its diesel powerplant. You get a lot for the money, but it costs a lot of money and so we would look for three things before deciding. First, do you travel or tow enough to make the diesel viable? Secondly, do you need the all wheel drive system? Finally, do you like its bold look? If you answer yes to these there is really one the Audi. Add to this the excellent crash scores and you have a proper SUV. Make sure you order the Side Assist which indicates when a vehicle is in your blind spot, and also the rearview camera. Big car, big personality.

For vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

Diesel comparison

Audi R Class Mercedes Volkswagen Touareg 2

Price $50,900 $49,150 $42,800

Horsepower 225 hp 210 hp 225 hp

Torque 406 ft-lbs. 398 ft-lbs. 407 ft-lbs.

Cargo 73 cu. ft. 85 cu. ft. 71 cu. ft.

Towing 6600 lbs. 3500 lbs. 7716 lbs.

Mileage 17/25mpg. 18/24 mpg. 17/25 mpg.

]]> http://carfamily.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/the-best-2010-vehicles/ Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:19:48 +0000 carfamily http://carfamily.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/the-best-2010-vehicles/

The Best 2010 Vehicles

By The Car Family

For vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

After a long look at the 2010 vehicles it becomes clear that this is not a stellar one. The Audi Q5 is the best of the SUV/Trucks and the Kia Forte sedan is the best of the vehicles, although we found the Toyota Prius terrific. As for our best family vehicle, we would go with the Ford Fusion hybrid. And for the rich family vehicle, the Lexus RX 450h/RX 350 are useful, frugal, and hold their value.

Mom’s view: The Toyota Prius is great, but I just like to slide into a vehicle and so the Lexus RX is my favorite. I also enjoyed the Kia Soul more than I would like to admit. Comfortable and handy.

Dad’s view: The new Jaguar sedan with the supercharged engine is fun and dominating. You can run with the best sports cars and still enjoy the comforts of a large sedan. I also liked the Lexus RX and the Kia Soul.

Working woman’s view: The Nissan Cube is cute.  But what stole my heart was the Mercedes GLK with a diesel engine.  Awesome, and I probably am going to buy one in the future. That says something.

Young working male’s view:  I’m still making open source hardware for http://www.eracks.com and they are the most quiet units on the market. As such a treasure my comfort and so the Mercedes E Class and the Subaru Legacy and Outback are my choices

Alfa Romeo

This model year tends to reflect the down nature of the economy with a few bright spots for those with dough and risk takes. For example, Alfa Romeo is back with three Italian beauties. The Alfa Romeo 159 Sedan is a BMW 3 Series fighter with a 260 horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine stunning looks and standard all-wheel drive all for about $35,000. Adding to that Italian Flair is the Alfa Romeo Brera 2 plus 2 Coupe that is really attractive and carries the same drive train as the 150 sedan. As usually, you have to pay more for something beautiful so the sleek two door should run a couple of grand more. Of course, going topless is the sole purpose of the Alfa Romeo Spider which should cost over $40,000 probably with the same V6 engine. We suggest wait and see.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin has more expensive eye candy for anyone to own who has a couple of hundred thousand dollars to spend. The Rapide has four door, a first, a first for this newly purchased company, and a 470 horsepower. For a hundred thousand dollars more you can own a smaller vehicle, the DBS Volante 2+2 and sit on 510-horsepower. That is the same horsepower you can feast upon in a Jaguar sedan that costs $80,000. There is also the One-77 for two million, a V12 with 700 horsepower and it is built to the owner’s specifications, more or less. Oh, the name? They are only going to build 77 of them. Hurry. You can get a lot more for a lot less.

Audi

Whether Audi’s winning streak lasts is in the hands of four new Audi vehicles. The A5 Cabriolet does away with the A4 in appearance only as most of the drivetrain is the same. Look for some more technology and a price a little over forty grand. You can also order supercharged version for a few thousand dollars more. Finally, the Audi S4, at around $50,000, is going to have a 3.0-liter  supercharged six-cylinder engine making about 335 horsepower and all wheel drive.  A BMW with a softer image.

BMW

BMW continues its quest to build some pretty strange looking vehicles, but they continue to succeed. The  Z4 well have a retractable hardtop and its excellent  twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine as well as a base model sans the induction help starting in the mid-$40,000 range. For $80,000 you can harvest a large BMW 7-Series with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 400 horsepower. Again, less horsepower than the Jaguar sedan, but it has more backseat room. Back to strange looking BMWs and the X6 M. For nearly ninety thousand dollars you can drive a very fast SUV that can rival the Porsche Cayenne in everything, including depreciation. Look for 550 plus horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V8. The base 3 Series is still the best BMW.

Buick Lacrosse

We don’t recommend General Motors products at this time. The Lacrosse is priced at about $28,000 and for that you can get a slightly used Lexus RX still under warranty for that price. Remember that General Motors only allows select people to test drive their vehicles so watch for bias in reviews.

Cadillac

We don’t recommend General Motors products at this time. Cadillac has a new sports wagon and more powerful engines in most of its products. The SRX and sports wagon cost nearly the same, about $34,000 and they both do essentially the same, with the wagon being more sprightly. We don’t get the pricing strategy, but we also don’t understand why GM hired back a leader who helped create the bankruptcy in the first place. Stick to the base CTS.

Ferrari

Ferrari California is offered at about $195,000. For that you get a retractable hardtop convertible, a 4.3-liter V8 that produces 460 horsepower, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and a Ferrari that makes the overpriced and poor riding Bentley look like yesterday. No wonder Bentley sales and resale are suffering.

Fiat 500

When it comes buy it. Pricing is fairly high for such a small machine, just below $20,000, but it is cute, rides well, and you can order it with a fuel sipping 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 100. We recommend you delay your gratification until the more powerful engine becomes available.

Ford Mustang

It isn’t getting old and it is getting better, The Mustang looks much sharper this year and the handling has been smoothed. A myriad of engine choices. For about $20,000 you can have a car that makes the weird looking Chevrolet Camaro and bulking Chrysler Challenger like bad styling exercises.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Expensive, high riding, and expensive, the F-150 Raptor is meant to destroy off-road obstacles and pass most everything except a gas station. $39,000.

Ford Taurus

We highly recommend the Ford Fusion. However,  if you need more leg and cargo space, the new Taurus is a darn good vehicle to consider, especially with a $26,000 asking price. Good fuel mileage, a six-speed automatic transmission and a 3.5 engine are standard. If you need more power and want to spend nearly $39,000 you can stuff your Taurus with the SHO turbocharged, 365 horsepower engine.

Ford Fusion

A bargain and fun to drive, the Fusion is now available as a hybrid that can easily get mid-30 mpg. Well priced at just over $20,000, the Fusion is just as good as the competition from Asia and the hybrid is one of the best family vehicles you can possess that offers exception fuel mileage.

Honda Insight

Priced below $20,000, the Insight is less expensive than the Toyota Insight, but you get a lot less. Fuel mileage in the low 40 mpg arena. Look for Toyota to offer a stripped Prius to offset the Honda’s price advantage. However, it won’t have the Honda handling.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Wow, for those who like a slick looking coupe that goes fairly well, the $23,000 Genesis coupe is a must drive. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and the 3.8-liter V6 produce 210 and 306 horsepower respectively. Why pay more?

Jaguar XJ Series

This stunning sedan is available with an extended-wheelbase and potent powertrains from the base 5.0-liter V8 and its 385 horsepower, to the .XJL Supercharged 470 horsepower version, to the Supersport’s 510 horsepower engine. Safety wise the Jaguar offers ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Add to that Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics adjustable air suspension and you have a sweet riding sedan. You can also add a dual-screen DVD entertainment system. The Supersport is a bargain for those who like their sedan to truly leap. One of our favorites. Priced just under $70,000.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

As the much anticipated Chevrolet Volt is said to be the most important vehicle to General Motors, the Grand Cherokee is even more vital to Chrysler. To this end they are offering extended warranties on the drivetrain and a less ancient styling. Pricing is expected to be just over $30,000, but more importantly, you are going to own a vehicle with a nicer interior and better handling than any previous model.  Well worth the late for those that need the Grand Cherokee’s legendary off-road ability.

Kia Soul

A real surprise, the Kia Soul can be bought for under $15,000 and you get a very useful and fun car to drive. It has a high seating position and both the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and 142 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder get good gas mileage. The large tires give a sturdy ride, but that is the sole concern with the Soul. Another one of our favorites.

Kia Forte

Yet another bargain from Kia, the Forte is a sedan that has an available 173 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and room for five all for under $15,000. Kia is on a roll, pun intended.

Kia Forte Koup

A two door version of the Forte for under $20,000.

Kia Sorrento

The Sorrento is leaner, but still not nearly competitive with the other crossovers at this time. However, Kia dealers are willing to deal and the new engine choices might make this a thrifty hauler. Well under $25,000 and look for good deals.

Lexus IS C

This convertible relies on the Lexus name and stunning interior to gather new customers. The base engine is barely adequate, and the larger engined IS 350C and its 3.5-liter, 306 horsepower V6 drives up the price thousands. Look to pay over $40,000 and for that you get a retractable hardtop and Lexus service.  Watch for those bulging side panels in parking lots, though.

Lexus RX 450h

Another giant leap forward for the best crossover in the land, the Lexus RX. This time Lexus has improved the performance and offers a plethora of new technology treats for those who want the $42,000 smoothmobile. You can easily get over 30 mpg and there is plenty of pep, but the reality is that the base RX offers nearly the same mileage for much less. Drive them both.

Lexus HS 250h

Not the best Lexus when it comes to styling, the HS 250h is a larger Prius with the Camry hybrid’s 2.4-liter engine. Rides well and is pretty perky, but it is priced in the mid-$30,000 range and the fuel mileage isn’t that much better than the terrific Toyota Corolla.

Lincoln MKT

We like Lincoln, but we don’t always understand their attraction. They seldom are different than the base Ford they are based on, but that may all be in the past as the MKT comes online. A stunning interior, an attention getting exterior and ample power. Priced in the mid-$40,000 range. Our advise, buy the turbocharged engine with its 355 horsepower.

Mazda3

More versions of this poor man’s BMW, the Mazda3 in the form of a four and five door and a souped-up sizzler, this fun and frugal winner has seen its interior expanded, but not its powertrain.  Prices start around $17,000. The Speed version threatens the pavement with a 2.3-liter engine creating 263 horsepower. Can you say torque steer?

Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

For nearly $90,000 you can own the luxurious S Class Mercedes that combines the power of the base engine with that of electric motors to give a big push to a big car without sacrificing too much fuel. Personally, we think the Bluetec diesel is the best offering, but it does not come in the S model.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

A very large coupe at a good price, the $54,000 E-Class is available with an optional 382-horsepower V8 to provide a lot of go in this attractive two door.

Mercedes-Benz GLK

An optical illusion, this SUV is actually small on the outside, but large on the inside. Available with the diesel, which would make it perfect, it also comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a potent 268 horses. Priced below $35,000. The best MB SUV.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Hybrid

Priced around $50,000, this SUV combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a continuously variable transmission and two electric motors to make it seriously fast and still get fuel mileage above 20 mpg. In reality, this is better than the General Motors products in the form of the Cadillac Escalade hybrids, but lacks the polish of the Lexus RX 450h. Stick with the M-Class.

MINI Crossman

A MINI on steroids, the all wheel drive Crossman is a tall, stubby, attention getting version of the MINI that uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 172 horsepower to push it through the considerable turbulence its design creates. For about $30,000 you can drive something different.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Sporty in appearance and handling, this Lancer can be ordered with all wheel drive and the station wagon styling makes it very family friendly. The hot rod Ralliart version is also planned. Priced under $30,000, the Sportback is the most utilitarian of the Lancers, but look for dealers to offer some good pricing.

Nissan

The 370 Z convertible is here and this two-seater is a hoot to drive, especially considering its base pricing of just over $40,000 well equipped. For a lot less you can have the hard top version with the same engine, transmission, and suspension. With prices starting around $30,000, the 370Z comes with a 332 horsepower V6,  six-speed manual transmission and the must have SynchroRev Match system that automatically matches engine speed to your selected gear on downshifts. A real bargain, but there is a lot of competition in the sporty car field now with the upgraded Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Chrysler Challenger, and Hyundai Genesis coupe.

Nissan’s Cube is a box with a little style and a lot of utility. The poster car for funky, the Cube has an asymmetrical rear glass and a side opening rear hatch. For about $14,000 this eye catcher can do your daily chores without much fuss thanks to the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower. There is a lot of competition in this niche once dominated by the Scion B and D. Now the pressure comes from the Kia Soul.

Porsche Panamera

This is a four door Porsche that comes in two forms, fast and faster. The 4400 pound sedan comes in either two or four wheel drive, but with engines pushing from 400 horsepower to 500 horsepower version. Certainly usable for a family, but at $125,000 plus it is best left to those who enjoy the status of owning this unusual vehicle.

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Why bother. Another Rolls gas hog that serves no purpose that a vehicle half its cost does not provide. A good way to spit in the face of environmentalists while getting the best parking spot at upscale restaurants.

Saab 9-5

Probably due much later in the model year, the new Saab 9-5 is a knockout. Nothing else much new from Saab due to its sale, but used Saabs are a bargain and the 2006 anniversary edition convertible remains one of the great undervalued and automobile collector bargains with only 400 produced. (see photo)

Smart fortwo ED

We love the Smart cars, except for the jerky transmissions. They are a hoot to drive and with this version you even get good gas mileage thanks to its electric motors. Another of our favorites.

Subaru Legacy

Bigger and sort of better, the $20,000 Legacy is larger and better looking, but the weak base engine still is challenged in mountain driving even with the new 6-speed manual transmission. We highly recommend the more expensive 3.6-liter flat-six engine option. Another one of our favorites.

Subaru Outback

Essentially the same as the Legacy, but with fancier exterior parts, the one to own is the
2.5 GT.  Priced under $25,000

Suzuki Kizashi
The Kizashi is a totally new direction for Suzuki to grow with a appealing exterior, a 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT, all wheel drive option, and the promise of more power to come. Lots of promises from Suzuki such as upscale audio systems, lots of safety equipment, and a price not much over $20,000. If you are interested in smaller vehicle this is a must drive.

Toyota Prius

Another winner from Toyota. The new Prius is much superior to the previous generation in every way from better fuel mileage to improved cargo room. Prices start about $23,000.  Awesome, but the tires are noisy and the handling is for the slow goers. Easily one of the best cars of 2010. Another one of our favorites.

Volkswagen GTI

It looks the same, but the GTI I much improved, although the powertrain remains virtually the same with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 6-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox. Not inexpensive at $26,000, the handling and versatility of this VW might just spark new interest.

Volkswagen Golf

A well priced Volkswagen; the Golf is essentially the old Rabbit with a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine or the highly desirable 2.0-liter diesel pushing the wind aside. Excellent fuel mileage and a $17,000 price tag make this a good vehicle for those who like to drive, but still enjoy passing a gas station.

Volvo XC60

The Volvo wagon remains one of the best you can buy for safety and room, especially the XC 70. However, the pricing on these big wagons is steep and so Volvo is offering the XC60. This smaller, Volvo wagon has an abundance of safety features and the  3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with its 285 horsepower has just enough power to move this crossover. The all-wheel-drive unit and better handling make this a better choice than its longer brother. Look for prices around $38,000. This is the best Volvo.

For vehicle reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/home/most-reliable-vehicles/

Motor Trade Insider is a site that is, according to its “about” page “Bridging the gap between the customer and the Motor Trade.”

The site provides advice, information, trends, reports on current events and news, gives its own views and opinions and stimulates debate. It also claims to be an informative Car Buying Guide

According to the mission statement its aims are to
“Build a bridge between consumers and the trade create interesting and informative content, break down barriers and create better understanding, expose bad practices and rip-offs, promote outstanding products and service.” Bold claims indeed and if it can pull all those off then it will be doing very well.

Motor Trade Insider is written by people working actively in the motor trade for people on the inside and people on the outside

One final point is that Motor Trade Insider claims to be “Your Friend in the Trade” which as a tag line is pretty good as there are a lot of people who feel scared getting involved in any aspect of the motor trade. Who knows a site like this may just give them confidence.

Toyota Venza: Pretty Practical

by The Car Family

for more reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/home/most-reliable-vehicles/

for a list of vehicle websites go to

http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

This new and very different Toyota has a place in the driveway for those who find the Highlander too tall, the Lexus RX too expensive, and the Sienna too vanny. For a starting price of $26,000 you can order a vehicle that is not only difficult to categorize, but one that is difficult to evaluate. The reason is simple, this is a very large crossover with a Lexus like feel and yet it is noisy and ponderous. Indeed, this was not our favorite Toyota. The huge tires created a steady hum, the very expensive luxury option package was overly complicated and the rear seats did not fold flat and you even had to remove the headrests to get them to fold at all.

The Venza feels big even though it is the same size as a Camry, abeit lower, and is the same width and about the same price as a Highlander. In other words, it is high, wide, and and weights nearly as much as the Highlander. Interestingly, it also has a larger turning radius with the Venza needing a vast 39 ft. to turn, which makes it difficult in tight parking garages. You really need that optional rear view screen when you buy the Venza due to the poor visibility to the back and sides.

There are two engine choices, the best being the 2.7-liter four-cylinder that provides an ample 182 horsepower with real world gas mileage about 23 mpg. The 3.5-liter V6 makes 268 hp and you can expect about 21 mpg, but if you order the all wheel drive model go with the larger engine. With the 17 plus gallon tank you can easily go over 400 miles on the highway with either engine.

Cargo space is 70 cubic feet while the Highlander gives you 95. What we are tying to say is that the Highlander is more car for the money, and you have the optional third row of seating. However, the Venza is sleeker, lower, and has a much better interior. We think it should appeal to those who find the Camry to common and the Highlander boring. We don’t think it is going to be a big seller, but its looks appealed to a lot of people and they may be enough to justify its success.

Mom’s view: I did not like the poor visibility and the large turning radius. This is not a car for city dwellers who don’t have their own parking spaces. You sit high, but you can’t see the Venza’s front end. The GPS is not the best and we found it difficult to use, and the stereo and the dual-zone HVAC controls require patience to master. The screen is easy to read, but the map symbols are too small and the whole thing is overly complicated.

Driving the Venza, even with the V6, is dull. The brakes are soft, the handling soft, and the acceleration is soft. The road noise from the 20 inch tires is tiring. Essentially, this is a Camry station wagon and yet the Camry is much more responsive. But the Venza interior, ah, the interior. It is lovely. There is a center console that provides for all types of storage and the shifter is high and easy to reach. However, there isn’t much feel to. You can easily carry five adults in comfort and the Venza is loaded with standard equipment. The base model includes 19-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power driver seat, 60/40 rear seat, auto-dimming rear view mirror, universal garage-door opener, cruise control, trip computer and a stereo with CD changer and auxiliary audio input.

Nevertheless, there is an abundance on options on the Venza that are mostly grouped into packages. I highly recommend the power tailgate and rear view camera. The HID headlamps are above average and the sound system may appeal to some with its 13-speakers and Bluetooth and satellite radio. Those who want to stupefy their children by having them stare at a movie while traveling can order the rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Safety wise the Venza comes standard with four-wheel anti lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and front-seat active head restraints.

The new Venza looks great, but it wasn’t my cup of tea due to its ponderous driving feel and lack of crispness. If you are coming from a SUV you will probably feel right at home.

Young working woman’s view: An interesting vehicle and one with appeal in its appearance and utility, the Venza, nevertheless there is a lot that needs more thought. For example, the optional 10.2 inch screen for the flip-down DVD player blocks the rear view mirror. The electric power steering feels disconnected and the Venza requires a very large turning radius. If you use the wireless DVD player the signal can interfere with the stereo radio volume. The middle rear seat needs more padding and the air conditioning/heating ducts are placed so that the steering wheel intercepts the flow. The center console has the transmission shifter mounted near the dash and this leaves lots of room for cupholders, iPods. There is even a special compartment for MP3 players and the like. Despite all the room for storage, there is no handy space for your purse as there was in the early model RX. Indeed, that model remains the best use of interior space of any vehicle we have ever tested.

The noise from the large side mirrors and large tires creates a din at highway speed and the seats aren’t that comfortable for me. I think larger people would enjoy them more. The Venza does not isolate you from the feel of the road although large bumps are clearly felt.

Finally, the Venza, despite its size, does not have a third row of seating. For that you need to go to the Highlander. The good news is that space can be put to good use for hauling practically anything this side of a sofa/chesterfield,couch,davenport and it even enables backseat passengers to recline their seats. There are 70 cubic feet of storage in back and the floor is level when the rear seats are folded down.

I would not buy the Venza for three reasons. First, it has large blind spots and is not easy to park. Secondly, the brakes and steering feel are too soft. Finally, it is attractive inside and out, but the pricing with the options I like push the cost way past that of a RAV 4, which holds more and gets similar fuel mileage.I also think that the speedometer font is too small.

Young working male’s view: I just didn’t find the stereo system up to snuff. The controls for the air conditioning and heating could easily be simplified, and you really need to remove the rear headrests and make sure the optional rear seat monitor is up or your limited rear mirror vision is even more limited. The wireless system works well, since I work making some of the lowest priced American open source computers and servers for http://eracks.com/ I wonder why no computer input port?

The large tires look good, but they are going to cost a bundle to replace and they are not quiet riding. Here is my thumbnail about the Venza; stick with the basic model, engine, front wheel drive, skip the options except the automatic rear door closer and rear view camera and drive carefully. It is good looking, handy, and won’t cause you to lose any points off of your driver’s license.

Dad’s view: The Venza and the Saab are two of the few cars that cater to pets. You can order a rear hatch pet ramp for easy loading and unloading, a leash tether for securing pets in the vehicle, a pet booster seat with harness, a first/second row or cargo area pet barrier, pet seatbelt buckles and rear seat zip line-style harnesses as well as waterproof and removable hammock-style seat covers for this Toyota. That says it all about the Venza. A fine suburban commuter for family and man’s best friend. It won’t challenge or offend you. Sort of pretty, but certainly practical.

There are two engine choices, a new 2.7-liter, 182-horsepower inline-four and a 3.5-liter, 268 horsepower V-6. The base engine is adequate, except for those Venza’s with all wheel drive. For that model step-up to the V-6. Towing limits are 2500 pounds for the four-cylinder and 1000 more for the larger powerplant. In either case the six-speed automatic transmission is excellent.

The major drawback to driving the Venza is its handling. It is very vague and the use of large tires does little to improve it cornering, but harshens the ride. The brake feel is adequate, but I would like more action early on when depressing the pedal.

No doubt this is a great grocery getter and the high sitting position, wide doors, and easy entry and exit height make it a natural for both families with young children and older folks. In other words, for those usually not needing to push the speed limit. Other than that this is a great car/wagon/crossover/SUV.

Family conference: The Venza draws a fair amount of attention and is price well. Thus it has the earmarks of another success for Toyota. It does have shortcomings, the worst of which is the lack of visibility and the noise from the engine, tires, and side mirrors. By the way, we all loved the large size of those mirrors and were very willing to turn up the stereo a bit to cancel out the wind noise. The Venza may not be easy to classify, but for many it is going to offer the best combination of fuel mileage, cargo capacity, and reliability. You might also consider the Subaru Forester, the Nissan Murano, and the Ford Edge. Or, Toyota’s own RAV4.

George Frey/Bloomberg News

The Cash for Clunkers government rebate program started in July with an initial budget of one billion dollars designed to stimulate the auto industry. Given the initial success of the program, an additional two billion was approved by congress in early August. This guide will help you determine if you currently have an eligible clunker, what your new car options are and insider tips for getting the best deal.

Tip 1: Edmunds.com offers a simple 3-step process to determine your vehicle’s eligibility, confirm the program is right for you and look up eligible replacements. Be sure to click the ‘Update’ button after completing each step.

Step 1: See if your vehicle qualifies as a clunker. For your car to qualify as a ‘Clunker’, it must get a “Combined” 18 miles per gallon or lower. You can also look up EPA mileage ratings at on their website.

Step 2: Verify cash for clunkers will offer a financial incentive greater than what you could trade it in for.  If you are willing to sell the car privately, also look up its ‘Private Party’ value at www.kbb.com.

Step 3: Determine your options for a replacement car that meets your needs and the government’s mileage requirement.

Tip 2: Research reliability ratings, insurance rates, maintenance costs, ect.

• Review reliability ratings at MSN or Yahoo Autos
• Review the official safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• Compare vehicle’s overall ownership cost in cents per mile at Edmunds.com

Tip 3: Lookup to see if the manufacturers of your target cars are offering any additional rebates. Be sure to look at the ‘Manufacturer to Dealer’ rebates since those are not always advertised by dealers and should drop your asking price.  It will also tell you if the manufacturer is offering any financing specials.

Tip 4: Fill out your pricing spreadsheet to compare apples to apples

• Pricing Comparison Worksheet

Tip 5: Request quotes from multiple dealerships. Use http://www.dealerrater.com/ to locate dealers in your area and see reviews from other buyers. The site provides an accurate comparison between dealerships that sell the same make of car. Other sites like http://www.yelp.com will also have reviews for certain dealerships. Negative reviews often call out the person by name so you know who to avoid.

• Each dealership has a designated internet salesperson who you can contact from the dealer’s website.
• Save time by drafting a generic message in Word and then change the name of the car you are inquiring for a quote.
• Make sure you tell them you have a qualifying clunker and plan to purchase in the next week to get their best offer.
• Try to get quotes from all dealerships that sell your target car in your region, it should take less than a few minutes to request the quote through their websites.

Tip 7: If you haven’t already, go test drive the cars you are interested in at a dealership that has a good rating.

• http://www.dealerrater.com/
• http://www.yelp.com/

Tip 8: Consolidate offers into your spreadsheet and see who is offering the best value

Tip 9: Remove any valuable parts from the car that could be sold before trading in the car.

• The law states that a dealer must “disable” the car within 48 hours of taking it in on trade. They do this by pouring a special liquid into the engine oil and running the car for 5-10 minutes until the motor seizes. Think of it as lethal injection for cars.
• You can remove parts so long as the car remains in drivable condition. To determine if the part is sellable, check http://craigslist.org,  http://www.ebay.com or a local junkyard.
• Examples of valuable parts that could be removed include:  Aftermarket stereo, speakers, interior pieces, headlights, tail lights, battery, roof racks, tow hitch, spare tire

2010 Jaguar XF R: Best Jaguar Sedan ever

by The Car Family

for more reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/home/most-reliable-vehicles/

Why anyone would spend over twice as much for a Bentley is beyond us. The Jaguar XFR is better in every dynamic way, expect top speed, and after 150 mph only your medical insurance carrier would care. The Jaguar XFR only falls short in two areas and that is its information center and lack of rear seat legroom. Someone at Jaguar needs to be punished for making the emergency brake control and the transmission selection knob of metal. Maybe it doesn’t get to be 100 degrees in England, but in the US you can burn yourself as we learned the hard way.

This Jaguar is so fast that for its $80,000 list price you are actually stealing the car. The Audi RS6, BMW M5, and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG are in the same category, but none of them combine the interior arrangements and exterior elegance of the Jaguar not to mention that it is quite capable of getting over 20 mph on the highway. Of course, the traction control is a bit of a nag, but all in all this is a Jaguar that truly bounds down the road in style and in a hurry. As much as we like the Mercedes E63’s grunt and go, the Jaguar is just more handsome and sporty. Sadly, very few people even knew it was a Jaguar and fewer yet that it was the supercharged version. Apparently, Jaguar needs a more aggressive advertising campaign.

The heart of this sleek sedan is a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 creating a very useable 510 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission can be controlled with steering wheel mounted shift paddles, but there is so much torque it is easier just to press the joy peddle and hang on. Getting to 60 mph takes under five seconds without trying, although there is hesitation from the transmission when you floor the accelerator. Jaguar also offers an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. To give you some idea of how fast this Jaguar is you can keep abreast of most Porsche, Corvette, or Ferrari variants even with the family on-board and groceries in the trunk. The highly regarded BMW M5 must be driven perfectly to match this easy to launch Jaguar and the BMW is a pain to drive in traffic. The Jaguar is breathtaking and worth every penny if you love to drive and can afford about 19 mpg in mixed driving. However, that number is almost impossible to achieve as you are simply not going to be able to resist the urge to unleash this cat at every opportunity. And why not with the quarter mile arriving in under 13 seconds at 112 mph, and you are driving a 4300 pound luxury car.

The main competitor, in terms of performance, is the Cadillac CTS-V, but we doubt many people would cross shop these two despite the Cadillac’s price advantage. The Jaguar is much more the elegant of the two and has the looks that make it a classic. The Cadillac has crisper handling and a more sporty demur.

Mom’s view: What a sweetheart. In the right color, and blue is not its color, this sedan calls attention to itself in a way Amy Winehouse could only dream. It is subtle, yet striking in its proportions. The ride, thanks to the new Adaptive Dynamics suspension system, is sporty, but not abrupt. The extremely wide tires riding on 20 inch rims do create noise over roughened surfaces, but this is a car meant for those who like to drive and are willing to tolerate such intrusions for the extra grip.

There are some subtle differences between the supercharged XFR and its more placid non-supercharged brother such as hood louvers, twin-dual tailpipes, a rear spoiler and heavy mesh chromed grille. Inside the XFR has seats that are comfortable, but not accommodating for those looking at fat loss programs. The dark oak interior trim was nice, but the aluminum bits got very hot in the sun. I found plenty of safety features with the radar-based Blind Spot Monitor being especially valuable due to the blind spots created by the large C pillars on the sedan. The back-up camera was easy to use thanks to the lines that showed where the car was heading in much the same manner as the best one that Nissan has been offering for several years. The interior is an interesting arrangement of leather, aluminum and plastic that are much more modern looking than previous Jaguar sedans. It is modern and yet classic with the shades of charcoal gray cloth and leather providing an inviting place to spend time. Only Audi offers anything close to this elegant.

Safety wise the XKR offers anti lock brakes, depowered airbags, head and side airbags, and traction and stability control. The car crash test ratings have not been posted yet, but most Ford designed vehicles do well and that company is responsible for the engineering of this Jaguar.

Dad’s view: This is not a graceful car. It reminds me of a bodybuilder in an expensive suit. Nevertheless, it is a grand ride and the engine is inspirational. I miss the supercharger whine, but this is a luxury car not a boy racer. The twin vortex supercharger sits astride the V8’s aluminum heads and block and pushes the pressure through the DOHC motivated four valves per cylinder that enable the rather small 305 cubic inch mill to produce 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft. of torque. Two intercoolers densing the air and direct injection sweetening the deal. The engine’s redline is 6900 rpm, but what is stellar about this Jaguar is that the engine starts to produce thrust at only 2500 rpm.

When you are driving this rig you barely need to touch the accelerator pedal to keep pace with traffic. The slightest pressure and the engine responds immediately with a not so gentle forward thrust that can have you at immodest speeds in seconds. Self-control is mandatory when piloting the XFR. The transmission can be controlled by shift paddles or by just letting the six-speed automatic do the thinking for you. I never really bothered with using the sport mode to quicken the shifts. The electronic differential does it best to keep the car straight and those large tires help as well. You can stiffen the spring rates if you like to run the canyons, but the forte of this Jaguar is the way it effortless bounds down the highway listening to the 20-inch wheels sing their song and enough buttons to keep you occupied for hours with decisions about traction control, suspension, and even the treat of playing with the Dynamic Mode that holds the Jag in gears longer. The new ZF Six-Speed transmission also has a Winter Mode that softens the initial acceleration for better traction. The Adaptive Dynamics suspension monitors each wheel independently 100 times a second and all you have to do is make the payments.

Overall, this is a nice touring car, but it isn’t a sports car. It can easily keep up with any other vehicle in its realm on the road, but it isn’t the best cornering machine. Gas mileage was very good for so much power and I was able to get 21 mpg on one highway trip. That may have been my greatest driving exploit in years, though. Too much temptation only a toe tip away.

Young working woman’s view: Jaguar is now owned by Tata Motors of India and the first thing they have done is produced another version of the XF sedan called the Premium. This gives buyers three choices starting with the base, if you can call it that, model with a 4.2-liter V8 that produces 300 horsepower, the Premium with a larger 5.0-liter V8 with 385 horsepower, and our test vehicle, the XFR with 510 horsepower. I would estimate that you are going to get over 20 mpg with the base version and about 18 with the larger engined Jaguars. The night lighting the XFR was extraordinary. Only the big Infiniti comes anywhere near it. The interior lighting is too soft.

Getting into the sedan wearing a dress isn’t too much of a concern, but the bucket seats have fairly high bolsters, do getting out definitely requires an assist from the door arm rests. The monitor is small and it is best if you spend considerable time with this beast to learn its mannerism before partaking of its enthusiasm.

I would love to own the new Jaguar, but I would go with the non-supercharged version. The $20,000 or so additional cost of the technology showpiece isn’t really needed for around town travel and the speed camera adorned highways that mar the scenery. Very lovely, but I really don’t think having special rims that proclaim “supercharged” as well as an electronic assisted rear differential are necessary for my needs.

Young working male’s view: The speedometer font is way, way too small. And when you drive a vehicle with this much power you had better watch it as you are always challenging the posted limits. The sophisticated traction control makes wet weather traveling much easier considering the generous helping of torque the engine produces. The steering is quick and the huge vented disc brakes, nearly 15 inches in and 14.8 in back, are reassuring. The XFR never feels small or nimble, but it does feels boastful and understated at the same time. Oxymoronic perhaps, but with its sleek lines and brute force acceleration buyers might tend to overlook its areas of concern. First, the very wide, Dunlop SP Sport Maxx rubber, 255/35 in front and 285/30 in the rear are tiresome to hear groaning away on some grooved concrete roadways. Next, the rear seat does not have a lot of leg room if you are tall. Next, the

center touch display screen is just too irritating with all its menus and I just can’t comprehend why you need both a starting fob and a start button. The dial shifter takes a while to understand, but why not just a lever. The same goes for the rotating vents that move when the car is turned on and to what purpose. To me it is just something else that could go wrong. The info-entertainment system has a screen that is very small and you need to use it for such simply tasks as setting the radio stations all the way to the heat settings for the seats. The touch screen does have a useful back button, but it is still overly complicated. The Bowers and Wilkins audio system is above average with over 500 watts, but the radio reception is poor. It has a 17.7 cubic ft. of trunk space, but the opening is smallish and the lift over high.

On the plus side of the ledger is the XFR’s passing ability. It may not be the fastest sedan to 60 mph, but when it comes to passing a vehicle going that speed it sails by with plenty in reserve. The Jag weighs 4300 pounds, but feels heavier and you are going to be looking for a premium fuel station after about 320 miles.

The point here is two-fold. First, would I buy this car and secondly, is it worth 80 grand. Well, it is really too much car for me. I don’t have many opportunities to play with so much power. And, I can’t afford the insurance let alone the payments. Suffice to say that this car is not meant for my demographic group, but it might be. It certainly gets more eyes than the BMW and Audi and Cadillac and that counts for something.

Family conference: The entire family loved the XFR and clearly the breed is in good hands under its new ownership. This Jaguar is a great balance of good looks and performance while not forgetting that you should be able to take it grocery shopping with ease. The trunk opens perfectly, getting in and out isn’t a trial, and the quality makes this the best Jaguar ever and one with claws, even without it trademark Jaguar hood ornament.  As for waiting until Porsche brings out its Panamera, you probably are wasting your time. It is going to be more expensive, no doubt, but we would put my money on the XFR for full frontal power. As a negative, the “Jaguar Sense” glove box sensor isn’t worth it.

for a list of vehicle websites go to

http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

Today my mom purchased a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, and my girlfriend and I tagged along to help her through the process.  Buying a car can be stressful, especially dealing with the fear of getting ripped off.  This can be minimized in a couple of ways.  First, buy a new car.  That’s advice from a former student of mine who sold cars for over 10 years.  If you go used, the level of uncertainty on a reasonable “out the door” offer is, well, out the door.  And the warranty is compromised at best.  With a new car, there’s less wiggle room for negotiations.  You can’t expect to get it for much less than invoice minus rebates.  Of course, it all depends on the rebates as to what kind of deal you’re getting, but the invoice will always be a slight markdown from MSRP, which you can look up online.

Second, bring with you two PhD students—one in math, the other physics.  This should pose a sign of caution for the salesman and hopefully cut down on the all the back and forth haggling.  Every time the salesman poses a new offer, he will then have to sit through the process of watching the two crank through the revised numbers, consisting of addition and subtraction, which neither is particularly any better at than the average Joe but each insists on doing it anyways.  When it comes to discussing financing,  the salesman must then watch as the two loiter his brochure with sums and formulas spanning several pages.  He will be annoyed to hear the two bicker about the best approximation scheme or formulation for calculator input yet amused when each come up with different numbers, neither of which agree with those on his computer (which, chances are, are the correct ones).

Other gems of wisdom from my ex-student are the following:

1. Put your salesman to work in the heat of the day with a test drive or two, lots of walking around, annoying chatter, etc.  That is, if you already know exactly what you want, still make an effort to wear them out so that they will be hungry for a sale and less energetic to argue you up in price.

2. Visit the dealer on the last weekend of the month.  Presumably, there’s a quota of some sort.

3.  Watch for hidden fees in the financing, such as GAP insurance.

If you follow all of that, you can walk away fairly confident that you got a fair price.  Once you get home you should definitely verify the math of your finance option and see what you’re in for.  Just google ‘car loan’ and you get a typical page that features this:

B is the loan balance after n payments of P dollars at an interest rate i have been made toward an original loan amount A.

I’m just messing with you!  As if it were this complicated these days to investigate your loan.  I just needed to introduce the relevant variables so I can play with MATLAB in a minute.  Thanks to Wolfram|Alpha, there is no need to break out a calculator.  Just go here, type in “car loan” and enter A, n, and i and out pops P with a couple graphs.  My mom put some money down and financed 14 grand at 5.39% for 48 months giving P = $325.  I could then print her this:

so that she knows how much that loan cost her.

If you want to step it up a notch and make use of MATLAB, it might be prudent to see how P varies with i.  It should be nearly linear since that (1+i) factor occurs in both the numerator and denominator, leaving the i out front to do all the varying.  Let’s take a look:

That’s achieved with

apr = 2:.01:10;
i = apr/1200;
n = -48;
A = 14000*ones(size(i));
unos = ones(size(i));
ntimes = (unos+i).^n;
P = i.*A ./(unos-ntimes);
plot(apr,P);
title('Monthly Payment for various APRs')
xlabel('APR (%)')
ylabel('Monthly Payment')


Notice there are no for-loops, illustrating the usefulness of exploiting MATLAB’s vector-based data structures.