Kawasaki's 2010 Bayou 250 all-terrain vehicle is "tough and economical," according to the ATV Source website, which further describes the Bayou 250 as "a compact, fuel-efficient workhorse." According to ATV Magazine, Kawasaki didn't make many changes in the Bayou 250 ATV for 2010, except for the 12-volt connector to power electronic devices. Despite this, they still claim it's a great buy.
Engine & Transmission
The 2010 Kawasaki Bayou 250 comes with a 228cc air-cooled four-stroke engine. It has an electric starter and a recoil backup. The Bayou 250 has a five-speed manual transmission. The ATV's shaft drive does not require maintenance and is quiet and reliable. The Bayou 250's fuel capacity is 2.6 gallons.
Exterior Features
The Kawasaki Bayou has a steel double-cradle frame. Kawasaki's 2010 Bayou 250 has a standard steel cargo rack that can carry up to 110 pounds. Towing capacity is 450 pounds. Total payload capacity is 286.6 pounds. The Bayou 250 ATV comes with triple drum brakes. The bodywork is molded, making it tough and easy to clean. The Bayou comes in Dark Royal Red or Smoky Blue. The Kawasaki Bayou is 40.2 inches wide and 68.7 inches long. The ground clearance is 6.1 inches and the wheelbase is 43.9 inches.
Additional Features
Additional features for the 2010 Kawasaki Bayou include a large, easy-to-read fuel gauge and a 12-volt accessory connector to charge electrical accessories. This ATV comes with a quiet muffler paired with a catalytic converter. It has environmentally friendly emissions, complying with both CARB and EPA regulations.
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Kawasaki's 2010 Bayou has an independent A-arm front suspension, making for a smooth ride. The Bayou has semi-independent rear suspension, unlike any other ATV in its class. The Bayou 250 comes with steel wheels and Dunlop tires. The rear wheel travel is 4.9 inches and the front wheel travel is 4.5 inches.
Warranty & Protection Plans
The 2010 Kawasaki Bayou comes with a 12-month warranty. Kawasaki offers the Good Times Protection Plan; you can choose between 12-, 24-, 36- or 48-month plans. Owners who complete ATV Safety Institute's ATV rider safety course can receive $100 from Kawasaki. Kawasaki asks that ATV riders ride safely and protect their environment.
Chevrolet lists it in the car category, but "U.S. News & World Report" magazine refers to the Chevy HHR as a compact wagon. However you classify it, the Chevy HHR is a five-seat vehicle with four doors and a four-cylinder engine. What you will not find in the Chevrolet HHR lineup for 2011 is the SS trim level. Since the automaker has discontinued this turbocharged model, you will have to search used vehicle listings to locate one from the 2008, 2009 or 2010 model year.
Instructions
Certified Used Cars
1
Log onto the GM Certified Used Vehicles home page, and locate the "Quick Search" box on the left side of the screen. Click the "Advanced Search" link at the bottom of the box.
2
Enter your ZIP code at the top of the next page that loads, and input the number of miles around that area you wish to search.
3
Click "Select Makes" button in the "Search By Make" section, then check the box beneath the Chevrolet logo.
4
Click the "Select Models" button in the "Search by Model" section. When a series of models loads, use the right arrow to advance to the drawing of the Chevrolet HHR. Check the box below this drawing.
5
Click the "Select Trim Levels" button in the "Search By Trim" section. Check off the two HHR SS boxes in the list of trim levels that appears.
6
Press the "Search" button to see HHR SS models in your area. If no results appear, use the slider to expand your search radius using the "Filter Your Results" box that appears on the results page.
Other Used HHRs
7
Go to the Motor Trend website, and look for the "Used Cars for Sale" section near the middle of the page.
8
Select Chevrolet as the make and HHR as the model, then enter your ZIP code.
9
Press "Go" to produce a list of used HHRs in your area. As you examine the results, look for "SS" in the vehicle title.
From 2003 onward, Polaris switched from its longtime engine supplier Fujitsu, and began stocking its snowmobiles with the Polaris-developed Liberty motor. The 2003 Polaris 500 XC SP has a 500 cc version of the Liberty. Below are some of the specs of the Polaris 500 XC SP.
Engine
The 500 XC SP is powered by a two-cylinder, 500 cc Liberty engine, producing 105 horsepower. The Liberty engine is liquid-cooled, and features an electronic ignition system. The 500 XC SP's fuel capacity is 11.8 gallons.
Suspension and Brakes
The 500 XC SP features Polaris' EDGE suspension system on the front and rear. The front suspension allows 10 inches of travel, while the rear allows 13.9 inches. The 500 XC SP is equipped with Polaris' Phantom hydraulic disc brake system.
Dimensions
The 500 XC SP is 113 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 46 inches high. Weighing 481 pounds, it's lighter than the larger Polaris models, allowing for better fuel economy and nimbler handling.
Shopping for a Sport Utility Vehicle, or SUV means looking for specific features you can't find with a minivan or truck. There are a number of considerations especially for those wanting to be able to transport more than five passengers plus the driver. For some people, the make is highly important, for others it's the price, features or consumer ratings. Some value purchasing American-made vehicles, while others prefer imported automobiles. All prices in the article are as of November of 2010.
Domestic Models
Some people in the United States feel it to be very important to purchase American-made vehicles. With the advent of import car companies now making Import-branded vehicles in Tennessee and Illinois, it becomes more difficult to take a clear stand on this basis alone.
There are three companies that are still considered domestic auto makers and these include Chevrolet, Ford and General Motors. From Chevrolet, the Suburban 4WD, is one of the more expensive models available, with room for seven. The list price for a 2011 Suburban is $56,170. The Suburban comes standard with an 8-cylinder engine, 6 cylinders is not an option.
General Motor's Buick Enclave AWD is a seven-seat SUV that retails at $44,095. The Enclave comes standard with a 6-cylinder engine with no option for an 8 cylinder.
The Ford Expedition seats eight and is priced at $46,060. For that little extra, the driver's captains chairs made with leather may help ease the bite of the higher cost. If more power is your motivation, the Expedition is a V-8 Four Wheel Drive.
Imported Models
The 2011 Honda Pilot eight-seat SUV is list priced at $29,645. The standard engine is a V-6 cylinder and does not come with a manual transmission. One of the standard features with the Pilot that is optional for most other models is the trailer hitch and wiring.
The 2011 Toyota Highlander is seats seven with a price of $29,995. Despite having the same sized V-6 engine as the Pilot, it has about 20 more horse power torque with 270 hp at 6200 rpm.
The 2011 Nissan Armada is an eight-seat SUV with a list price of $43,110 and like many of the luxury SUVs comes with an automatic transmission standard. Unlike the Pilot and Highlander, the Armada's engine is a V8 with more horsepower than either of them.
Other Considerations
If you use the Edmunds website to compare these vehicles side by side, you will see the term "True Cost to Own." This term incorporates other considerations and costs to the ownership of the compared vehicles. These include depreciation, taxes and fees, fuel, maintenance, repairs, tax credits (in case you choose a hybrid vehicle that qualifies for a tax credit) financing and insurance.
While each of these categories can be used for any vehicle, give careful consideration to maintenance costs and repairs over a five-year period. Fuel cost is another factor that should play an important part in your decision to choose or not to choose a particular vehicle. For example, the Nissan Armada annual fuel costs given 15,000 miles equal close to $3,000. That's another $270 monthly in gas.
Ford manufactured four different Taurus models as of November 2010: Taurus, SE, Taurus SEL, Taurus Limited and Taurus Sho. The four-door vehicle accommodates five people and comes standard with a SecuriCode keyless entry, an audio system with MP3 playback and solar-tinted glass. Ford manufactures the Taurus models with different torque specifications.
Taurus SE
The Ford Taurus SE comes with a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC Duratec V6 engine that produces 263 horsepower at 6,250 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 249 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The vehicle has an electronic six-speed automatic overdrive transmission.
Taurus SEL and Taurus Limited
The Ford Taurus SEL and Taurus Limited has a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The engine generates at 4,500 rpm 249 ft.-lb. of torque and a 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm.
Taurus SEL and Limited
The Ford Taurus Sho features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that outputs 365 horsepower at 5,550 rpm and 350 ft.-lb. of torques at a range of 1,500 to 5,250 rpm. The all-wheel drive vehicle comes with a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission.
The 1996 Chrysler Concorde LXi was a full-sized, four-door, front-wheel drive sedan with room for five passengers. With a spacious interior and relatively efficient fuel consumption, the Concorde LXi had several options such as traction control, a power moonroof and a CD player. The 1996 model was slightly revised and retained many of the features of earlier editions.
Model and Production
The Chrysler Concorde was produced from 1993 to 2004. The Concorde LXi received slight revisions for the 1996 model year. The exterior got a slight facelift and extra interior noise insulation was added. Improved nighttime visibility headlights were also added.
Engine
The 1996 Chrysler Concorde LXi has a 3.5 liter V-6 engine with 214 horsepower at 5,800 revolutions per minute (rpm). A single overhead cam engine with four valves per cylinder, it also has a 91.9 millimeter bore, 81 millimeter stroke and 9.5 to 1 compression ratio.
Dimensions
Chrysler's 1996 Concorde LXi is 201.5 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 55.9 inches high. The curb weight is 3,557 pounds on a 113-inch wheelbase.
Wheels and Brakes
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on the 1996 Chrysler Concorde LXi. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control are also standard safety features of the Concorde LXi. The car is equipped with web-patterned alloy wheels.
Other Specs
A four-speed automatic overdrive transmission is standard on the 1996 Concorde LXi. Average fuel economy is 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The fuel tank holds 18 gallons of mid-grade unleaded fuel.
Picking a nationwide auto shipping company can be stressful, but it is often necessary. Whether you are moving across the country and cannot drive the car yourself or you have purchased a new vehicle from across the country and need to get it delivered to you, there are a variety of companies you can choose fo the delivery. There are some factors to consider when choosing one.
Instructions
1
Search for car shipping companies that deliver in your area. Look in your local phone books or go to a search engine and type in "nationwide auto shipping," along with your ZIP code.
2
Ask local car dealerships for recommendations of car shipping companies that they may use or have used in the past.
3
Narrow down your list to around three choices and then check them out with the Better Business Bureau.
4
Contact the companies that have checked out with the Better Business Bureau and ask them for an estimate of the cost to transport your car.
5
Inquire with each company what kind of insurance coverage they have, payment options and other policies they may have.
6
Schedule a pickup time of your car and find out when and where it will be delivered.
7
Pay the necessary fees when you are required to. Each company may have different policies, but some ask for a deposit before the car is picked up and the remainder after delivery. Others may require full payment made up front. Read the contract carefully.
Lemon laws exist in most states and through the federal government's Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975. Informally named after the American jargon for a purchase that is faulty "out the door," these laws aim to protect consumers against unscrupulous sellers, particularly in the automotive industry.
Significance
Lemon laws assume purchases occur on good faith. In other words, consumers believe the car they're about to buy has been inspected by the seller and certified as worthy. In the event of certain failures that render the car undrivable or simply too costly to maintain, the purchase can be declared a lemon, entitling the buyer to certain remedies.
Types
As far as cars go, these laws usually exceed the protection provided by a manufacturer's warranty. However, they vary greatly from state to state, but all seek to prevent a situation where sellers withhold critical information that would likely prevent a sale. Manufacturers may consider certain problems minor, but under lemon laws, these can void the transaction.
Features
Lemon laws typically only cover new cars and equipment. Most states do not extend them to used cars, modified cars or out-of-state vehicles. Federal law doesn't even specify a lemon law for cars, but rather for all manufactured and warranted goods, so long as they're new. As-is declarations carry little weight in the eyes of lemon laws, as you can't sign away your right to a working product.
Considerations
Two factors play a key role in declaring your car purchase a lemon. First, faults that make it either undrivable, unsafe or simply untenable--if it's in the shop more than on the road, you may have a lemon. Secondly, these faults need to be especially hard to rectify. Most states put the limit at four attempts.
Time Frame
Generally, filing complaints under lemon laws has a one-year limit, but the closer to the purchase date, the better. You may find that your state also adds a mileage cap--usually 12,000 miles.
Warning
Do not take up a lemon dispute with the dealer or seller. Instead, go directly to your state's attorney general. Dealers are licensed and subject to a state motor vehicle dispute board. Should you win, the dealer may have to buy the car back or give you a working replacement.
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat and the 2012 Nissan Maxima are full-size family cars. Although similar in size, the two vehicles offer significantly different features. The base Passat is considerably less expensive than the base Maxima and is equipped with a smaller, albeit more economical, engine. The Passat is a midrange car positioned between the Jetta and Passat CC. The Maxima is Nissans top-end car, placed above the midrange Altima and economical Sentra.
Background
The Nissan Maxima has a higher price tag than the Volkswagen Passat.
The Volkswagen Passat debuted in 1973 and has gone through six generations of design. It was once placed between the Golf and Jetta, but in its most recent incarnation the Passat sedan comes under the more luxurious CC four-door coupe. The Maxima arrived for the 1977 model year. Nissan marketed it as an upscale version of the automakers Bluebird model that was popular in the Japanese domestic market. Both vehicles received facelifts for the 2012 model year.
Size, Trim and Prices
The 2012 Passat is a bigger car than its VW predecessors, with its wheelbase stretching from 106.4 inches to 110.4 inches. It measures 191.6 inches long, 72.2 inches wide and 58.5 inches tall. As a cost-cutting move to drop the sticker price and to boost sales, VW dropped some of the creature comforts and skimped on some appointments to position the car as a gateway luxury car. The 2012 model sells for about $20,000, a good $12,000 less than the base 2012 Nissan Maxima S. Still, the Passat has some bang for the buck. It has the base S, midlevel SE and top-end SEL trim level. The SEL offers leather seats and interior wood trim that puts the Passat close to the Maxima. The Maxima shares some proportional characteristics with the Passat. It sits on a 109.3-inch wheelbase and is 190.6 inches long, and is wider and lower than the Passat at 73.2 inches wide and 57.2 inches tall. The Maxima has two trim levels: The base S and the SV.
Output
Under the hood, the Passat and Maxim are radically different. The base 2012 VW Passat is equipped with a 2.5-liter 170-horsepower, five-cylinder engine generating 177 foot-pound of torque. A direct-shift gearbox, or DSG, manual or automatic matches the engine. Output improves considerably with the SEL, which features a healthy 3.6-liter V-6, also known as a VR6, to develop 280 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. A 2-liter four-cylinder diesel is also available. The 2012 Maxima has a single engine offering for both trim levels -- a 3.5-liter V-6 generating 290 horsepower and 261 foot-pounds of torque.
Fuel Efficiency
The Passat earns respectable gas mileage. The five-cylinder engine earns 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, while the VR6 garners 20 mpg on urban streets and 29 on the open road. The diesel version earns 31 on the street and 35 on the highway. The 2012 Maximas V-6 matched with a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, gets 16 and 26 miles per gallon.
Purchasing a used car can be a big investment. If you do not do adequate research, you could end up paying much more than you bargained for. A lien is basically debt attached to the title of property. If you purchase a vehicle with a lien, you get both the car and the debt. The easiest way to check to see if the vehicle has a lien is to obtain a car history report. Another way to check is through your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Sometimes the vehicle's title or registration will list a lien holder.
Instructions
Checking Title
1
Ask the seller if the vehicle has any liens. It's important to ask the seller up front while you are negotiating a sale price. If the seller is honest and the vehicle has a lien, he will tell you. Notwithstanding the sellers candor (or lack thereof), you should still conduct your own independent research.
2
Ask to examine both the vehicles title and registration. Either document could note that the vehicle is subject to a lien on the face of the document. However, a registration or title may not always list lien holders, and further research is necessary.
3
Copy the Vehicle Identification Number ("VIN"). The VIN is usually located between the dashboard and steering wheel. It is a 17-character code.
4
Take the title, VIN and registration to the Department of Motor Vehicles. That agency should be able to tell you if the cars title is free and clear.
5
Order a vehicle history report to verify whether the title is free and clear. These services will require the VIN you recorded. Many commercial services exist to provide vehicle history reports, including CARFAX, Is It a Lemon? and Car Detective.
When you purchase a used car, you have to get the unit properly registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your area. You need to take the required information to the DMV and get everything put in your name before the car can be driven. Failure to properly register a car, even a used one, could result in tickets or fines from the local law enforcement.
Instructions
1
Visit your local DMV office (or DMV.gov website) for car registration forms.
2
If you visit the DMV.gov website, select the name of the state you live in from the "Choose your State" drop-down menu. A page will appear containing specific instructions for registering a vehicle in your state.
3
Click the "Prepare the Paperwork" link. The information that loads will tell you exactly what forms are required to register a car in your state. Print this page out or write down the information, as you will need it when you make your trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
4
Click "Calculate the Fees" to view a list of the fees you will have to pay to register a car in your state.
5
To find a Department of Motor Vehicles location in your area, the DMV.org site has a location tool you can use by entering your zip code. You can also use the local phone book to find an address. Take two forms of identification (typically a drivers license and a social security card will work, though some states require additional information) to the DMV location and fill out the paperwork you learned about in "Step 3." Pay your fee to obtain your used car registration.
Florida's Lemon Law--designed to protect vehicle buyers from vehicles with hidden, major flaws--does not cover used vehicles. It means it's up to the buyer to be extremely careful when purchasing a used vehicle, and to set the terms at the time of sale, which could include allowing you to return the vehicle and cancel the sale within 24 hours.
Instructions
1
Attempt to do as thorough examination of the vehicle as possible before purchase. If you are not very familiar with the signs of damage or problems then attempt to bring along someone who is such as a mechanic. The Florida Highway and Safety department provides a free checklist if needed (See References). If the dealer or seller seems hesitant to allow an inspection, then be cautious of making the purchase from them.
2
Observe signs posted at the dealership and read the contract thoroughly. Most used vehicles are considered "as is" upon purchase. If the dealer does not imply a return policy or any warranty coverage on the vehicle then there is none.
3
Ensure with the dealer that there is the opportunity to cancel the sale and return the vehicle in the case of certain conditions. Mechanical defects, financial obligations, or buyer's remorse may be reasons that both parties can agree on that would allow the car to be returned within 24 hours of purchase. Do not assume that the car can be returned without confirming it with the seller.
4
Keep a copy of all receipts and contracts to ensure proof of everything agreed upon with the seller. Ensure that the conditions or option to return the car are written into the contract or separately and signed by both parties. Also ensure there is an agreed upon time line of when the vehicle can be returned.
5
Contact the dealer or seller immediately if there are any issues with the vehicle and that you intend to return it immediately. When returning the vehicle, ensure the vehicle is in the same condition as purchased with all items that were provided at sale still in the vehicle. Speak with the same person you dealt with when buying the vehicle and present signed documentation as proof of agreement. Ensure cancellation documentation has been signed, and if you financed it, ensure that loan has been canceled.
When you buy a trailer from someone else in Ontario, you will be required to transfer ownership of the vehicle and register it with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. You will need to provide the appropriate documentation as well as pay the required fees for licensing and new plates if required. Transferring ownership of a trailer is similar to the process for a used car, but there is less documentation required and the fees are generally lower.
Instructions
1
Obtain a bill of sale from the previous owner of the trailer stating the date of sale and the amount of the purchase price. It should also list the year, make and model of the trailer as well as the vehicle identification number. Ensure that the previous owner signs this document. You can write up a simple bill of sale yourself, or use a free online template like the one you can find at the Business Form Template website.
2
Complete the application for transfer portion of the vehicle registration permit and ensure it is dated and signed. If you are transferring plates you already own to the trailer, you should also make sure to bring the plate portion of the permit with you to transfer the vehicle.
3
Bring the bill of sale, vehicle permit with all necessary parts completed, your identification and your payment to the Driver and Vehicle License Issuing Office.
4
Present all of the documentation to the staff at the licensing office. Pay all of the appropriate licensing fees as well as the retail tax. Retail tax on a used trailer is determined from the purchase price of the trailer or the wholesale value of the trailer, whichever is greater. Fees for a trailer plate and permit are $35, or $10 if you are using plates you already own.
5
Attach the new or used plates to the vehicle along with the validation sticker obtained from the licensing office. You should keep the vehicle registration permit with you whenever you are towing the trailer.
Ford Motor Co. introduced the Ranger compact pickup truck in 1983. The Ranger has kept the same basic body type since then, though the styling was updated in 1993.
1997 Ford Ranger Trims
In 1997, the Ranger came in several two- and four-wheel-drive trims, such as the STX, the XL, the XLT and the Splash, and each trim was available in multiple cab and bed options, such as short bed, regular bed and long bed and regular cab and SuperCab. The towing capacity varied significantly from one trim to another.
Maximum Towing Capacity for 2WD Trims
The Splash Supercab 2WD and the Splash Regular Cab 2WD had maximum towing capacities of 2,000 lbs. The XL SuperCab 2WD had a maximum towing capacity of 3,900 lbs. The XL Regular Cab Short Bed 2WD and the XL Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD came with maximum towing capacities of 4,000 lbs. The XLT SuperCab 2WD boasted 5,800 lbs. of towing capacity, and the XLT Regular Cab Short Bed 2WD and the XLT Regular Cab Long Bed 2WD each maxed out at 6,000 lbs. of towing power.
Maximum Towing Capacity for 4WD trims
The XL SuperCab 4WD came with a 4,200-lb. towing capacity. Both the XL Regular Cab Short Bed 4WD and the XL Regular Cab Long Bed had a maximum towing capacity of 4,400 lbs. The Splash SuperCab 4WD maxed out at 5,500 lbs. of towing capacity. The STX SuperCab 4WD and the XLT SuperCab 4WD shared a 5,600-lb. maximum towing capacity. The XLT Regular Cab Short Bed 4WD, the STX Regular Cab Short Bed 4WD, the XLT Regular Cab Long Bed 4WD, the STX Regular Cab Long Bed 4WD and the Splash Regular Cab 4WD all had maximum towing capacities of 5,800 lbs.
General Motors produces the Cadillac CTS and STS luxury sedans. Manufactured in the United States, these sedans have 3.6-liter, V-6 engines with a gas mileage rating of 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg in highway driving.
The CTS
The CTS is a mid-sized luxury sedan, equipped with leather seating, Bose stereo system and the OnStar navigation system. It can be purchased with an optional sport suspension and is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Its manufacturer's suggested retail price starts at $35,000.
The STS
The STS is a larger, full-sized luxury touring sedan. With an MSRP starting at $47,000, it is equipped with Bluetooth capability, heated leather seats and rain-sensing wipers, as well as upgraded sound and navigation systems.
Reviews
The CTS and STS receive high performance and style marks when compared with other sedans of their size and class. Both models are believed to be built and priced to compete with foreign luxury models.
When it comes time to buying a new or used car, prices vary depending on whether you're buying it from a private seller or a car dealership. Edmunds, a much respected in the car industry, offers car buyers a way take the guess work out of car pricing. By using their true market value feature you can confidently negotiate the price of any car.
The good thing about the feature is that it only takes a couple of minutes and it's free. You should not purchase a car without first finding out the car's true market value.
Instructions
1
Visit the Edmonds website and click on the link for the true market value.
2
Insert the year the car was manufactured, the make and the model of the car.
3
Choose the correct vehicle's style. Each car model comes in various styles. Some have five or six styles to choose from some car models only have one or two. Edmonds lists the styles for each model car. To find the true market value all you have to do is choose the style and scroll over to the right to find the corresponding true market value. Keep in mind, however, that the true market value listed at this stage in the process represents the true market value country wide. You need to get the local value for the car.
4
Click on the vehicle style to get Edmunds local true market value. Depending on outstanding inventory, weather conditions and locale, some car models sell better in certain areas than others. For example, a four wheel drive vehicle will probably cost more in the snowy north east than it would in sunny California (supply and demand). Using Edmunds local true market value will give you a better feel for how much you could expect to pay.
5
Add vehicle options for a customized appraisal. Edmunds true market value is based on standard issued car features. If the car you're ready to buy has special features, you should customize the appraisal accordingly. Edmunds true market value report will automatically adjust to incorporate the value for each feature.
The 360 inch V8 engine was used by Chrysler-Dodge between the years 1971 and 2003. Its relatively efficient design and excellent durability are the primary reasons why it was so widely used. It has been modified into different versions throughout its long life and was used in the 5.9 version of the Grand Cherokee in 1999 to create the fastest SUV of its time.
First Release
When the Dodge 360 engine was first released in 1971 it came with a two-barrel carburetor. It had a 3.58 inch bore and stroke and a 8.7 to 1 compression ratio. The engine developed 255 horsepower firing at 4,400 revolutions per minute (rpm). The Dodge 360 engine sacrificed power for efficiency in future models.
1999 Grand Cherokee
The Dodge 360 is part of the LA series of engine designs. The "L" stands for lightweight and the "A" stands for automotive. The 1999 version of the engine used in the Grand Cherokee was designed to have 245 horsepower and 330 pounds of torque. It uses a liquid cooled, forced circulation coolant system and is lubricated with a full flow filtration system. The pistons are elliptically turned to allow for expansion during normal operating conditions. The cylinder block and cylinder head are both cast iron and the pistons are made of a cast aluminum alloy.
1975 Dodge Charger
When the Dodge 360 was used in the Charger in 1975 it wasn't as powerful as later versions. It was still a V-8 engine, but came with only 180 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and was intended for use in cars smaller than an SUV. It used a two- and four-barrel carburetor and had a compression ratio of 8.4 to 1. The standard rear axle ratio was 2.45.
1976 Dodge Charger
The 360 engine in the 1976 version of the Charger was an only slightly modified version of the previous model. It came with a three-speed automatic transmission and slightly less powerful engine. It was capable of 170 horsepower at 4,000 rpm, and possessed 280 pounds of torque. The standard rear axle ratio was increased to 2.71. The two barrel carburetor and 8.4 to 1 compression ratio remained the same.
Numerous sources offer reviews for the 2007 Toyota Sienna and 2007 Honda Odyssey minivans. Use respectable sources, such as Car and Driver, MSN Autos or Edmunds, which may be widely accessed by curious buyers (see the References and Resources sections). If you also check ratings, be sure to compare the Sienna LE model to the Honda EX-L, both levels are above the optional base model. Read several professional reviews to ensure accurate information and the consumer reviews that survey owner reports in addition to professional opinions.
Instructions
1
Compare the acceleration information found in the reviews. Note that both minivans have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Despite similarities in engine size, the Sienna has more horsepower and torque. Professional reviews describe each minivan's acceleration in detail and what each van's torque and momentum feel like to a driver.
2
Review what the professionals say about steering and braking. The Car and Driver website reports that the Odyssey offers better than average handling and braking in comparison to other competing models, including the Sienna.
3
Survey recent changes for the 2007 mode-year reviews. Doing so offers you an understanding of what the reviews for the van have been before. For example, MSN Autos states that the Odyssey received upgrades and an overhaul for third-generation models (2005-2007). Read the reviews thoroughly to find out if previous issues have been corrected, what changes were made and how they impact owners.
4
Review other trim levels listed for the Sienna or Odyssey in the Edmunds review. Read what each level offers. Interestingly, the Sienna offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for the mid-level model, while the Odyssey did not offer an AWD option at all.
5
Investigate the pros and cons for both minivans' interior features. Many reviews go into detail about the room offered in the vans and a description of fold down or storage options, along with a detailed description of seating comfort.
6
Continue comparisons by reading the consumer reviews found on the MSN Autos and Edmunds websites for an overall idea of what owners think about the minivans. Read the individual ratings and how each owner rates the experience with the Odyssey or Sienna. Consumer reviews are an effective way to determine common problems or issues that should be considered before a purchase.
Regulations governing importing a used car from the United States vary from country to country. Each nation has a different law of what is acceptable. You may also need to put your vehicle onto a ship. In Canada, the Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) has strict standards of what can be imported from the United States. Ensure that the used vehicle you are importing meets the standards. You may be required to make a few alterations.
Instructions
1
View the Transport Canada list containing the makes and models of importable vehicles. This will help you determine whether the used vehicle you want to import can be brought into Canada. It will also show you what modifications it may need.
2
Enter your vehicle's vehicle identification number (VIN) at a National Motor Vehicle Title Information System's-approved site to complete a history search. This search will show your vehicle's history, including accidents that are serious enough to "brand" the vehicle. Branded vehicles are allowed into Canada, but additional testing may be required. If the brand issued designated the vehicle as non-repairable, your vehicle can't be imported.
3
Insure your car with Canadian insurance even while the vehicle is still in the United States. Keep the insurance document with you.
4
Complete a mechanical inspection of your vehicle. This must be done by a government-authorized mechanic. Make any modifications to your vehicle that are necessary for its importation.
5
Find the contact information for the exit port at the website for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Fax the original title certificate to the Customs department located at the land border. Make sure you submit the certificate at least 72 hours before you cross into Canada. Bring a copy of the original title with you as you cross the border.
6
Contact the vehicle manufacturer for a copy of the recall clearance document to ensure there aren't outstanding recalls of the vehicle. You can do this with a letter from the manufacturer's Canadian or U.S. office. You can also request a printed document from your dealer, or obtain an online printout if available.
7
Drive to Canada through the U.S. Customs outpost that you mailed the certificate. Bring an original copy of the certificate for the customs office to stamp.
8
Present the stamped certificate to the Canadian Customs office. Pay the import fee and the additional tax for vehicles with air conditioning, if applicable, to the RIV. Present the Vehicle Import Form 1 to the provincial authorities. Vehicle Import Form 2 should arrive in the mail a couple weeks later.
9
Take Form 1 and 2, as well as the recall clearance to the federal vehicle inspection center. The center will put your car through a vehicle standards test. If you pass, the center will stamp Form 1.
10
Give Form 1, bill of sale, insurance certificate and the vehicle's title to the provincial license plate office. Pay the fees and purchase your license plate. Attach your license plate to your vehicle.
Many car buyers cringe at the thought of negotiating with a salesperson. Too often this means hours of back and forth as the salesperson says, "Let me ask my manager" yet again, then returns with, "No, we can't do that." An automotive purchasing agent keeps you out of the pressure cooker by making the deal for you. You must pay a fee for the service, so it's important to work with the agent effectively.
Instructions
1
Choose the car you wish to buy, including make, model, color and options. Do this by visiting dealerships for test-drives, if you can resist their sales efforts. Otherwise, rent the models in which you are most interested. A car rental lets you try out the vehicle under a variety of conditions with no pressure. You will then be able to tell a purchasing agent exactly what you want.
2
Locate several potential purchasing agents. Many advertise in the Yellow Pages, newspapers and car-buying publications, but a personal referral is best. Ask friends and coworkers, and check online forums at automotive sites like Edmunds.
3
Research the automotive purchasing agents on your list. Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau and make sure they have any licenses or business permits required in your state and local area, Edmunds news editor Mike Hudson recommends. Make a short list of legally qualified agents with good BBB ratings.
4
Call the automotive purchasing agents on your short list and ask how much they charge. Some charge a fixed amount, while others expect a percentage of the amount saved, based on the sticker price, according to the Better Business Bureau. Make sure they work with several dealerships and are not receiving any compensation from the seller. A good agent works exclusively for your interest.
5
Select an automotive purchasing agent and sign a contract that specifies all the important points of your agreement, including the fee. Make sure the formula is clearly spelled out if it's a percentage of the price or savings rather than a set amount. A legitimate agent will not object to a written contract because it protects both of you.
Are you looking for a cheap car? One place you can get cheap cars is to going to government auctions where you can buy seized cars for sale. Seized cars are cars that police or other government authorities have taken from private citizens. Since the government does not want to hold onto the seized cars, they auction them off instead. That way the government can reclaim some money.
Instructions
1
Before you can buy seized cars for sale, you need to know where the auction is going to happen. You can find out where and when an auction will be held by going down to the police station and taking a look at postings for auctions.
2
Check online postings for location and time of seized cars for sale. Some places to check online are your local newspaper's classified ads. There are also websites that can help you locate government auctions.
3
Buy seized cars for sale through online auctions. There are now websites set up by government agencies to sell seized cars. Do some research on the cars before you bid. Check the cars history to make sure it is not a lemon or has been salvaged.
Buying a junk car is an excellent way to secure spare parts for your working car, or give yourself the ultimate fixer-upper project. Though buying junk cars comes with far less stress than buying a new or used car, you should still be aware of several tactics for identifying a seller and finalizing a sale. Buying junk cars in Cincinnati requires further attention to the specific vehicle purchasing regulations that exist both in the state of Ohio and nearby Northern Kentucky.
Instructions
1
Locate one or more junkyards near your area in Cincinnati. You can use online and physical methods for locating junkyards. Online directories include Used Parts Central, Ohio Junkyards or Junk-yards Online. Physical directories include the Yellow Pages or Cincinnati Business Directory.
2
Contact the junkyards you've identified in your area of Cincinnati and determine if they have the type of car for which you are looking. For some online directories, such as Used Parts Central, you are able to search a junkyard's stock or even submit a request for a specific car, which will then be directed to all the junkyards that participate in that site. If you use this reverse search option, you will need to wait until you are contacted by the junkyard.
3
Establish a purchasing price for the vehicle and a method of payment.
4
Finalize the purchase by securing the vehicle title. If the vehicle is totaled, you will not need to establish a title, as the purchase will be regarded as a bulk parts purchase. If, however, you shop in a nearby Northern Kentucky junkyard, you will need to contact both the Ohio and Kentucky branches of the DMV to clear the out-of-state purchase.
Ferraris are many a car lover's dream, and a completely customized Ferrari is even better. Traditionally, you would have to pay exorbitant prices and go through a lot of hassle to customize and order a new Ferrari from the factory. Now thanks to modern technology, you can customize a Ferrari online quickly and easily from the convenience of your own home.
Instructions
1
Navigate to "Ferrari.com".
2
Click on "Choose a Model" and select the model of Ferrari that you would like to customize, such as "458 Italia."
3
Click on "Configure" and then select your market--such as "North America"--to load the customization options available in your region.
4
Select an exterior color from the offered color categories, such as "Metallic Colors" and "1950s-60s Colors."
5
Customize your wheels by selecting the type of rims you want, such as "Painted Standard Rims" or "Forged Sport Rims," and the color of your brake calipers.
6
Customize your interior by selecting interior colors, such as "Single Colors" and "Dual Leather Colors" as well as selecting styles of stitching, such as "Matching Stitching" or "Contrasting Stitching." Select your seats, carpet, interior trim, and other interior options as well.
7
Click on "Summary" to view your order summary, and then click on "Register" to register your order. You'll soon be contacted by a customer service representative via phone or email with more information about your order.
Crossover vehicles have filled a niche, providing customers with a car choice that combines features of standard compact cars and SUVs. They typically seat about six to eight passengers, but they are designed to appear more compact and provide the type of handling you would expect from a smaller vehicle. Suited to larger families or people who need extra space, there are a number of crossover vehicle options to choose from.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is the only crossover vehicle manufactured by the automaker. The vehicle is large, fitting seven passengers including the driver. The base model comes equipped with 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 270 lb.-feet of torque. The engine is capable of 288 horsepower and is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. All Enclaves include air conditioning, a CD player, power windows, cruise control and power steering. For safety, all Enclaves have driver and passenger airbags, a theft-deterrent system and rear-door child safety locks.
Chevrolet Acadia
The Chevrolet Acadia is a crossover vehicle that has a large interior capable of fitting seven to eight passengers including the driver. Under the hood, the Acadia includes a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 288 horsepower and 270 lb.-feet of torque. The base-model Acadia has a six-speed automatic transmission. The entertainment and interior components of the vehicle include air conditioning, six-speaker sound systems that plays MP3s, CDs and XM radio, power locks and windows. Safety features for the vehicle include driver and passenger air bags, four-wheel anti-lock breaks, rear-door child safety locks and an anti-theft deterrent system.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse is the second crossover vehicle in the Chevrolet line-up of vehicles that seats seven. With a standard V-6 3.6-liter engine, 281 horsepower and 266 lb.-feet of torque, the Traverse also comes with all-wheel drive. The transmission is a six-speed automatic and the interior amenities include air conditioning, CD radio, cruise control, power windows and locks. The vehicle is equipped with safety features such as driver and passenger airbags, four-wheel ABS brakes, rear-door child locks and a traction-control system.
Car buyers interested in protecting the environment may put hybrid vehicles at the top of their shopping list. These vehicles run on a combination of traditional fuel and power from an electric motor, providing better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than standard cars. While hybrids often cost more than traditional vehicles, buyers can recoup money over time with fuel savings. Kelley Blue Book notes that because hybrids have a lot more powertrain components than regular vehicles, they often offer less space for passengers and cargo.
Instructions
Specifications
1
Check fuel efficiency. Since fuel economy is a main hybrid benefit, comparing the mileage offered by different models can help you determine your best potential purchase. The 2011 Toyota Prius sits at the top of the government's fuel economy list for hybrids, offering 51 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 48 mpg on the highway. At the bottom of the list, you'll find the BMW ActiveHybrid X6, with 17 city and 19 highway mpg.
2
Determine dimensions. The amount of passenger and cargo space offered by hybrid vehicles gives you another criteria for comparison. A 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid with no sunroof has 40.6 inches of head room and 44.1 inches of legroom for those riding up front, while the 2011 Honda Insight provides 38.4 inches of head room and 42.3 inches of legroom in the front seats. The Altima Hybrid has 10.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Insight has 15.9 cubic feet with the seats in an upright position.
3
Compare prices. Hybrid vehicles start below $20,000 and exceed $50,000. For example, the manufacturer suggested a starting price of $50,735 for a new 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. The 2011 Honda Insight has a base price of $18,200.
Analysis
4
Find rankings. "U.S. News and World Report" conducts an in-depth analysis of vehicle rankings and reviews from dozens of sources to compile its lists of best vehicles. Vehicles at the top of its hybrid car list include the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, as well as the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. SUVs receiving strong marks include the 2011 Lexus RX 450h, the 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Models on the "Consumer Reports" list of best vehicles priced below $25,000 include the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius II. The publication calls the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid one of the worst values on the market and the Toyota Camry Hybrid one of the best.
5
Read reviews. Peruse the websites of "Motor Trend" and "Car and Driver" to see the comments professional test drivers have about their experience behind the wheel of hybrid models. Subscribers to the "Consumer Reports" website and magazine can access its analysis of hybrid vehicles.
6
See safety ratings. The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety uses crash tests and an assessment of safety features to assign safety ratings to vehicles. Review its data on hybrid models, as well as the ratings available from the government's five-star safety program.
Used cars can provide substantial savings over new vehicles. However, it is important to make sure that a used car is in sound mechanical condition, and specifically, has not been wrecked.
Instructions
1
Contact the previous owner. Since they no longer own the car, they will most likely be forthcoming about any fender benders or serious accidents the car was in.
2
Obtain a CarFax report. This report will give you information concerning any reported accidents that your prospective automobile purchase has been involved in. The keyword here is "reported." While this can be a helpful tool, it is also easily thwarted.
3
Contact your local state Department of Motor Vehicles. Using the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) or other information, they may be able to provide you with information concerning whether the car has ever been salvage titled.
4
Be wary of cars that look "out of place." If your local budget/deep discount auto seller has a shiny, nearly new Mercedes for sale, that might give you room for pause. Often these cars are purchased wrecked, then repaired and sold at a discount.
5
Have the car inspected by a mechanic. A mechanic or body shop will know the tell tale signs of repaired body, frame and paint damage. No matter how good the repair job, it is very difficult to completely replicate the original factory assembly. A trained repairman will be able to spot any deviation from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) condition quickly and easily.
Table centerpieces provide dining room and kitchen tables with accents to the decorative environment. Making your own tabletop centerpieces allows you the creativity to mix and match a variety of coordinating pieces for a variety of occasions. From festive and seasonal to creative and floral, table centerpieces add a personal touch to the spreads of your meals whether they're casual with your family, or special occasions with all of your friends.
Instructions
Romantic Dinner Centerpiece
1
Place an aluminum bucket in the center of a table set for two people. Make sure it's a clean aluminum bucket, and not the kind taken from your garden shed. Make it about two gallons in size.
2
Fill the bucket about 3/4 full with round ice cubes. Place a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider into the center of the bucket.
3
Surround the outer part of the bucket with a single vine of ivy, or use a grapevine. A grapevine with the grapes intact makes an even more beautiful embellishment. Artificial or real work both work for this centerpiece.
4
Make a fist around a bundle of about 10 flowers. Any type of flower will do, depending on your tastes, such as roses, lilies, carnations, daisies and irises.
5
Insert the bundle of flowers, stems down, into the bucket of ice. Let the flowers fall naturally around the bottle of cider or champagne.
Kid Friendly
6
Place a wicker basket in the center of the table.
7
Empty a 100-pack of crayons into the basket. Scatter them around a bit so the colors are evenly distributed around the basket.
8
Arrange a variety of children's toys throughout the basket. Toys such as small rubber balls, playing cards, wind-up toys and other novelties add more color and texture to the centerpiece.
9
Wrap a single rubber band around a rolled-up coloring book, keeping it rolled. Do this with a few more coloring books, or a coloring book for every child who will be present at the table.
10
Anchor the rolled-up coloring books into the very center of the basket, standing them upright. The toys and crayons should keep them stable. Another idea is to lay them all down in a pyramid stack so that they protrude from the center of the basket.
Some car buyers prefer everything to be automatic. Others would rather have manual components on their car, believing there is less chance of them breaking and that it is less expense to repair if they do. If you're buying a 2010 or 2011 Honda Civic, you can choose to have power seats or not.
Civic DX
According to the Beaverton Honda sales department in Beaverton, Oregon, the 2010 or 2011 Honda Civic DX is the base model car. It does come with power windows, but no power locks or power seats.
Civic LX, EX and GX
The 2010 and 2011 Civic LX, EX and GX models all have power seats.
Civic Hybrid
The 2010 and 2011 Civic Hybrid also have power seats.
The 2005 Nissan Altima has an auxillary jack on the lower part of the dash that's easy to find. It's possible that your vehicle did not come equipped with this feature. You can install an auxillary jack yourself, but it requires running extra electrical wiring, wiring experience and an afternoon to complete the task.
Instructions
1
Get into the driver's seat of your 2005 Nissan Altima.
2
Look to your right, next to the 12-volt power receptacle on the lower central part of the dash, opposite the hazard switch.
3
Locate the small, round 3.5 mm auxiliary jack next to the 12-volt power receptacle.
Television and classifieds are filled with advertisements offering "$500 Government Cars" and other gimmicks. Most of these services are just that--gimmicks. However, the federal government does auction seized and repossessed vehicles, as well as other merchandise; fortunately, finding them doesn't cost you a penny. There's no need to pay a company for listings you can obtain for free.
Instructions
1
Visit the official federal government website for seized and surplus property, "www.govsales.gov." There are hundreds of government auctions across the United States; the website is a portal for listings.
2
Click on "Vehicles and Parts." Choose "Cars and SUVs" or "Trucks" to begin your search. You can also search for seized motorcycles, trailers and mobile homes.
3
Choose the vehicle brand. Next to each manufacturer, you'll find the number of currently available vehicles. You can also choose "See all Categories" to display all the listings.
4
Browse through the listings to find a vehicle you are interested in. The mileage, bid amount, condition and location are visible to the right. Click on the vehicle you want to know more about.
5
View the pictures and description. View the sale's center contact information. Some government vehicles are sold through private auctions; don't be alarmed if you are redirected to a non-government site.
6
Contact the agent assigned to the particular vehicle. Contact information is displayed under each listing. You can contact the agent to arrange an inspection, if desired; you can also make your bid online.
7
Register, if you want to place your bid online. Click on "Register" on each vehicle's listing. If you're bidding on several vehicles, you'll need to register with each particular sales center.
A rear end, commonly known as a "rear differential" or "differential," is the part of a vehicle that transmits the torque produced by the engine into the wheels. Ford has installed several types of rear ends on its long line of vehicles. These rear ends are commonly installed on other vehicles because of their quality and ability to handle heavy loads of torque. Race car enthusiasts often equip and modify Ford rear ends in their performance cars.
9-Inch
The Ford 9-inch rear end differential is the most popular Ford rear end. It is often used by car racers and car technicians to power Mustangs and other race cars. It was produced from 1957 until 1985, and was equipped in several Ford cars, vans and half-ton pickup trucks. It can easily be identified by its bolt-less rear cover. Most car technicians find the 9-inch rear end ideal because of its removable carrier and because it was made without any carrier breaks. You can put a wide range of pinion and ring combinations that can range from 2.50-to-1 to 6.50-to-1. 9-inch rear ends were available in both 31-spline and 28-spline axle shafts.
8-Inch
The Ford 8-inch rear end is the 9-inch rear end's little brother. It was specifically designed for light-duty vehicles and offers stability and good control for mid-level speeds. It was also designed to be easily removable. There are two generations of the 8-inch rear end, one made from 1962 to 1966 and one that was made from 1967 onwards. The latter generation is considered to be stronger because its pinion pilot was made with better design and more iron. The 8-inch was only available with a 28-spline axle shaft.
8.8-Inch
The 8.8-inch type is usually used as an alternative to the 9-inch rear end. Car technicians compare this Ford rear end to the Chevrolet 12-bolt rear end. This variant is also one of the most available rear ends in junk yards and chop shops, allowing a budget-conscious technician to buy a cheaper alternative to the 9-inch rear end. It is durable and light, and most vehicles equipped with the 8.8-inch model came standard with an integrated, limited-slip differential known as the "Traction-Lok." Its gear set ranges from 3.08 to 5.14, and it utilizes a 30-spline axle shaft.
The first hybrid cars on the road were compacts like the Prius and Civic, which could boast extraordinary fuel economy. But to serve customers still in love with their SUVs yet concerned about high gas prices, some car makers offer SUV-style vehicles with a hybrid gasoline-electric engine to improve gas mileage. Once you narrow your choice, you'll need to visit the dealers to see how they drive and what kind of deal you can negotiate.
Instructions
1
Hybrid SUVs on sale in the United States come in three basic sizes: full-size, mid-size and compact, which is a good point of comparison. The compacts offer the best improvement in gas mileage over their nonhybrid counterparts, while the full-size models offer slightly better mileage than nonhybrids but still offer the size and towing capacity some SUV drivers still want. The mid-sized models offer some of the advantages of both the small and large SUVs.
2
Full-size hybrid SUVs offered by General Motors include the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe. All run on GM's "two-mode hybrid" system, which was jointly developed by GM, BMW and the former DaimlerChrysler. In the first mode, the car runs on electricity only, gas only, or a combination of both, for city driving. The second mode is for highway driving, in which the 6.0-liter, 332-horspeower V-8 engine does most of the work with an assist from the electric motor. The GM system also features cylinder deactivation, in which half the cylinders can be shut down if not needed, such as in stop-and-go city driving. The GM hybrids also feature a 300-volt nickel metal hydrite battery. Mileage is in the low 20s, which is pretty meager overall but a 50 percent improvement over a nonhybrid model, according to Cars.com. The base price for a Tahoe Hybrid in 2009 is $41,660; for a Yukon, $50,920; and for an Escalade $73,135.
3
As a footnote, Chrysler LLC made a short-lived foray into the full-size hybrid SUV market with the introduction of the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids in mid-2008. But before the year was out, the beleaguered car company closed the Delaware plant where the cars were assembled, essentially killing the models after fewer than a thousand were built.
4
Toyota and and Lexus serve the mid-sized hybrid SUV market. The Toyota Highlander mates its electric motor to a 209-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 gasoline engine. Prices for a 2009 model start at $34,700. Gas mileage is listed at 27 in the city and 25 on the highway. Toyota's luxury division, Lexus, offers the RX450h as its mid-sized hybrid model. The Lexus couples a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor that together deliver 295 horsepower and gas mileage of 30-32 m.p.g. in the city and 28 on the highway. The Lexus RX450h, available as a 2010 model, carries a base price of $41,660.
5
The first hybrid SUV introduced in the U.S. was the compact Ford Escape Hybrid, which came out in 2004. Ford sold 890,000 Escapes between 2001, when the gas-only model was introduced, and 2009; about 100,000 of them are the hybrid version, said a Ford spokesman. Those figures also include sales of the Escape's corporate sibling, the Mercury Mariner, but not the Mazda Tribute, another version of the Escape. (Ford Motor Co. owns part of Mazda, and they use a common platform for making different Ford and Mazda models.) The Escape/Mariner/Tribute hybrids couple an electric motor and a 4-cylinder engine to deliver 29 to 34 m.p.g. in city driving and 27 to 31 m.p.g. on the highway. The Escape 2009 model's base price is $29,645; the Mariner's $30,090; and the Tribute's $29,175. GM also serves the compact market with the Saturn Vue Hybrid, which comes in two versions. The first is the same two-mode hybrid used on the full-size SUVs. The second is what Saturn calls a "mild hybrid," which couples a smaller electric motor/generator with a 2.4-liter engine that together delivers 172 horsepower. The mild hybrid opens up cargo space taken up by the battery pack in the two-mode hybrid. Gas mileage is roughly the same--25 m.p.g. city/32 highway--but performance is diminished compared to the two-mode. Saturn Vue Hybrid's base price is $28,160.
6
In sum, choosing the right hybrid SUV involves deciding how much SUV you want and how much you can afford to pay. Hybrids are more expensive than their non-gas counterparts, and you may not reap the savings in gasoline to offset the higher price for the vehicle. The higher gas prices rise, however, the better the economics of driving a hybrid. Regardless, a hybrid also produces less air pollution than a non-hybrid, so getting a hybrid will always be better for the environment, even if you don't feel it in your wallet.
When Hyundai first started selling passenger cars in North America in 1986, the South Korean firm had no engine designs of its own. It actually had to pay Japanese automaker Mitsubishi to build their four cylinders for their subcompact Excel. Things are much different now as Hyundai passed Ford Motor Company in worldwide sales in 2009, and now they are even selling their engines to other car makers.
4.6 Liter V8
This 4.6 liter V8 engine, known internally at Hyundai as the Tau, is the first eight cylinder built by the South Korean automaker. Currently, it is only available in the flagship Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan. This engine has 375 horsepower and an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 city/25 highway.
3.8 Liter V6
This engine is found in Hyundai models such as the base Genesis sedan, Veracruz SUV, Genesis sports coupe and Azera Limited sedan. Horsepower figures vary from 263 to 290 depending on which model the engine is attached to, but EPA figures give the motor on average a rating of 17 city/26 highway for models equipped with an automatic transmission.
2.7 Liter V6
This V6 engine was the first six cylinder that Hyundai introduced in this country and is still used as the base powerplant for the Santa Fe and in the top-of-the-line Tucson SUV variant. This engine is rated at 175 horsepower, with 17 city/24 highway when attached to a four speed automatic, and 18 city/25 highway when attached to a five speed.
2.0 Liter 4 Cylinder
This long-serving Hyundai four cylinder has a well proven reliability record and is the only available powerplant for the Elantra sedan and Elantra Touring wagon. This engine features variable valve timing for increased responsiveness and puts out 138 horsepower. EPA figures for the Elantra with the 2.0 liter engine are 26 city/34 highway with a four speed automatic.
1.6 Liter 4 Cylinder
This is another engine that helped build Hyundai's reputation for reliable and fuel-efficient motors. The 1.6 liter four cylinder puts out 110 horsepower and has an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 27 city/36 highway, even when equipped with the automatic.
The Lexus IS 300, introduced to the world in 1999 as an entry-level compact luxury car, was brought to the United States market for the 2001 model year. The 2002 Lexus IS 300 is the second model-year entry of the country's first generation of production and has two trims that are defined by its manual and automatic choices of transmissions.
Engines, Transmission and Fuel Economy
The 2002 Lexus IS 300 has a 3.0-liter, 215 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine with 218 feet-pounds of torque. Cars come with a 5-speed manual or automatic gearboxes with the overdrive feature. The 2002 Lexus IS has a gas tank capacity of 17.5 gallons and fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 25 mpg for highway driving.
Safety Features
Standard safety features of the 2002 Lexus IS 300 include power and child safety door locks, vehicle anti-theft system, anti-lock brakes and electronic braking assistance, traction control, first aid kit, trunk anti-trap device, keyless entry, and driver, passenger, front side and side head curtain airbags.
Interior Features
This Lexus' seating accommodates up to five people and has air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel with leather covering and mounted controls, trip computer and AM/FM stereo with a 6-CD changer. The luxury vehicle also has power windows and leather seats that either come in black or ivory.
Exterior Features
The 2002 Lexus IS 300 comes in only one body style: a four-door sedan. The wheels are 17-inch alloys, with a full-size spare tire included. Other exterior features include HID lights that automatically turn on when driving in the daytime, fog lights and heated power-adjustable side mirrors. Car colors are Absolutely Red, Black Onyx, Cibola Gold Metallic, Crystal White, Electric Green Mica, Graphite Gray Pearl, Intensa Blue Pearl, Millennium Silver Metallic and Solar Yellow.
Price
The 2002 Lexus IS 300 had an original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price or MSRP of $29,435 for those with manual transmissions, and $30,805 for those with automatic transmissions. A 2002 Lexus IS in good condition can be purchased within the $10,000 to $12,000 price range as of 2010.
When you've settled on a sport-utility vehicle as your next new ride, you'll find dozens to choose from, including crossovers, small SUVs and super-size models. Comparing the features available in SUVs can help narrow your shopping list.
Seating
SUVs offer a variety of seating configurations, with room for five to nine passengers and up to three rows of seats. The 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT can provide heated leather seats up front. The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ includes 12-way power adjustments for both front-seat passengers, with leather seats in the first and second rows. The Honda Pilot's folding second- and third-row seats allow you to make room for cargo.
Comfort
The 2011 Pilot offers independent climate control zones for the driver, front-seat passenger and rear-seat passengers. The 2011 Suburban LT comes with a remote vehicle starter system to warm your car before leaving work on a wintry afternoon.
Technology
If you and another driver share a 2011 Nissan Armada, the seat, pedals and mirrors will automatically adjust according to who is driving. The 2011 Pilot allows you to make hands-free cell phone calls. A navigational system with a 7-inch LCD touch screen in the 2010 Outlander can help you navigate unfamiliar territory. Suburban buyers can get a rear-seat DVD system with two sets of headphones.
Safety
The 2010 Outlander and 2011 Armada come with six standard airbags. Some 2011 Pilots are equipped with a rear-view camera built into the rear-view mirror. Chevrolet offers a tire pressure monitor as a standard feature on 2011 Suburbans.
Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds are two of the most popular resources online for looking up the value of cars, both new and old. However, each site will only allow you to search back as far as 1990. Fortunately, there are two other resources for finding the value of older used cars. AutoTrader will let you search the value of used cars going back to 1981, and VMR Auto Guides will let you go back as far as 1984. Both sites have classic pricing guides, as well.
Instructions
AutoTrader
1
Go to the AutoTrader website (see Resources).
2
Click on "Car Research."
3
Scroll down to the "Want a Specific Car?" menu. Select a make, model and year from the drop-down menus. Click "Get Prices & Reviews."
AutoTrader Classics
4
Go to the AutoTrader Classics website (See Resources).
5
Enter the year. Select a make and model from the drop-down menus.
6
Select a distance, then enter your city, state or ZIP code (optional).
7
Click "Go."
VMR Auto Guides
8
Go to the VMR website (see Resources).
9
Click on "Used Car & Truck Values" in the menu on the left.
10
Click on the vehicle make. If you want to search classic models, click on "1979-1946 Model Years." That link will direct you to a new site. When you are there, click on "Pricing," then select a make.
When in the market for a used car, the option of purchasing a vehicle from a private seller can be a good alternative to buying directly from a dealership. When researching automobiles, investigate the current value for the type of car you are interested in obtaining.
Instructions
1
Use the Kelley Blue Book website as a primary source in ascertaining value for a used car. The site features a "Used Cars" section. Select the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Enter your zip code when prompted. Choose "Private Party Value" from the list of choices. Under "Select A Trim," pick from the varying styles relevant to the make, model and year. Fill in all the details (if known), related to the car. This includes mileage, engine and transmission types, and equipment. Pick the condition of the used car. The choices are "Excellent," "Good," and "Fair." You will then be directed to the private party value dollar amounts that correspond to the car's condition.
2
Explore the online marketplace to determine the average prices of the used car you have in mind. For example, on the Craigslist homepage, navigate to the city of your choice. Then, select "Cars + Trucks" under the "For Sale" section. Use the box at the top of the page to narrow your search of used cars. Use the drop-down menu and select "Cars & Trucks -- By Owner." Type the keywords that relate to the car, and if desired, enter a price range in the corresponding entry fields. Hit "Search" and you will receive a list of private seller vehicles and the owners' asking prices. The list is displayed according to the dates each advertisement was posted. The results will give you an idea of the median value for private sales. Be sure to cross-reference the prices you find on Craigslist with the Kelley Blue Book results. This will assist you in gauging which ads are using illegitimate and inflated prices and which ones are not.
3
Extend your work online to other websites such as CarsDirect and AutoTrader. Each website provides listings of cars for sale from private sellers. The figures will give you an even greater sense of the standard asking prices for the car you seek.
Ford's Lincoln-Mercury division produced the Lincoln Mark VII from 1984 to 1992. It originally featured four trim levels, but by the time the 1989 Lincoln Mark VII appeared, only two were available: the Bill Blass and the LSC. The LSC was originally a performance Lincoln, but the 1989 models shared the same engine with the Bill Blass. The Bill Blass edition was named for the fashion designer who collaborated with Lincoln to produce luxury touches on the Mark VII.
Under the Hood
The 1989 Lincoln VII LSC two-door coupe had a the 5-liter V-8 that powered the Mustang GT. It featured a 4-inch bore and 3-inch stroke. The compression ratio was 9.2-to-1 and a high-output sequential electronic fuel injection system delivered gasoline to the engine. It developed 225 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque. Lincoln mated the engine to a four-speed Ford AOD automatic transmission. The cast-iron engine featured twin exhausts on the LSC model and single exhaust for the Bill Blass. The LSC also had a tuned intake manifold.
Size
Both trim levels of the 1989 Mark VII two-door coupe featured a 108.5-inch wheelbase and total body length of 202.8 inches. It was 70.9 inches wide and stood 54.2 inches tall. The front track width was 58.4 inches and the rear track measured 59 inches. The fuel tank held 21.9 gallons and the car's curb-to-curb turning radius was 40.1 feet. Interior legroom was 42 inches and the rear legroom was 36.9 inches. Front shoulder room measured 55.9 inches while the rear shoulder room was 57.8 inches. Front headroom was 37.8 inches and the rear was a tad lower at 37.1 inches. The frame cleared the ground by 5.25 inches. The curbside weight was not particularly heavy for a luxury car, at 3,743 lbs.
Chassis
The 1989 Mark VIII featured a front suspension system consisting of MacPherson struts and an anti-sway bar. The rear was cushioned with a rigid axle system with gas-pressurized shock absorbers and automatic leveling air springs. All-wheel disc brakes stopped the car. The Lincoln rode on 16-inch cast aluminum wheels.
Equipment
Standard features on both 1989 models included a compass, dual electric remote-controlled mirrors, AM/FM/Cassette audio system, fog lamps, keyless entry, leather seats, visor vanity mirrors, locking gas door, power windows and six-way power front seats. It also featured standard cruise control. Factory options included an anti-theft alarm, engine block heater and powered glass moon roof. The Lincoln sold for $27,210 ($47,240 in 2010 dollars). The LSC and Bill Blass trim levels shared essentially the same features, but the Bill Blass offered different colors than the LSC.
Millions of dollars in grant money is set aside each year to provide funding for police equipment, training and even K-9 units. These grants allow law enforcement the ability to purchase new vehicles, upgrade older models and install technology in the vehicles.
The Wal-Mart Community Grants Program
The Wal-Mart Community Grants Program will match any funds police officers raise with a grant. This means if your group raises $5,000 for new vehicles, Wal-Mart could award you a matching grant for $5,000. On average, Wal-Mart gives 70,000 to 80,000 matching grants a year. The application has open deadlines meaning a group can apply at any time during the year. In 2009, the program awarded $61 million in grants.
Wal-Mart Foundation
Walmartfoundation.org
Special Program Assistance for Needed Tactical Officer Assets (SPA-NTOA) Grants
This Special Program Assistance grant is specifically to equip SWAT teams with vehicles and equipment that they may not have the funding to obtain. To apply for SPA-NTOA grants there must be an NTOA team in place. This is an equipment donation program; no money is awarded. Equipment and vehicles are sent directly to the police headquarters.
National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA)
P.O. Box 797
Doylestown, PA 18901
ntoa.org
Department of Transportation: Border Enforcement Grants Program
The Border Enforcement Grants Program is for state and local law enforcement in the following states; Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Washington. Normally the grant gives 10,000 to 12,000 grants a year that total $32 million. The grant is designed to assist police and law enforcement officers carry out their responsibilities in their jurisdictions. The grants are not limited to vehicles and can also be used for equipment and training.
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-3771
dot.gov
USDA ARRA Special Vehicle and Equipment Initiative
Public entities such as municipalities, counties, and others in rural areas with towns of 20,000 or less are eligible for vehicle loans and grants through USDA Rural Development. The amount of grant assistance for project costs depends upon the median household income of the service area and the population in the community where the vehicle is housed, as well as the availability of grant funds. In most instances, projects that receive grant assistance have a high priority and are highly leveraged with other loan and grant awards. Grant assistance may be available for up to 75 percent of eligible project costs. Grant funding limitations are based on population and income, economic feasibility, and availability of funds.
A demonstration car, sometimes called a program car, is a new vehicle that is driven by car dealership owners, managers or personnel to promote the brand or model before it is sold. These vehicles may be taken to events or operated in an area to attract the attention of potential buyers. Demo cars are typically sold by the dealership before they reach 10,000 miles. However, because they have been driven, demo cars are normally sold for several thousand dollars less than new cars that have not ever left the lot.
Instructions
1
Contact your local car dealerships and inquire as to whether they have any demo cars currently available for sale in your area.
2
Provide your contact information to car dealerships in your area and request that you be notified when a demo car becomes available, or a specific model of demo car becomes available.
3
Browse the Internet. Demo cars may be listed for sale on dealership websites, car classified websites and have even been known to appear for sale from time to time on Internet auction sites such as eBay.
The first Toyota Corolla was available in the United States in 1968. Corollas are produced by the Toyota Motor Corp., a Japanese automaker. The 1995 Toyota Corolla is a compact car available as a four-door sedan or station wagon. While this vehicle has undergone several changes over the years, it has retained many of its desirable features.
Model and Production
As the Toyota Corolla has been redesigned, it has become a larger vehicle. Model lineups and engines have changed, and there have been exterior and interior changes. The 1995 version of the Toyota Corolla received a drop in 10 horsepower to its 1.8-liter engine because of stricter emissions regulations.
Trim Levels
The 1995 Toyota Corolla is available as base sedan, DX wagon, DX sedan, or LE sedan. All models are four-door and have room for five passengers. All variations of the 1995 Corolla are front-wheel drive.
Engine
There are two engines available for the 1995 Toyota Corolla. The base Corolla sedan has a 1.6-liter I-4 engine with 105 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. This engine has an 81 mm bore, 76.9 mm stroke, and a 10.0-to-1 compression ratio. There are 16 valves or four per cylinder. The DX and LE models have a 1.8-liter I-4 engine with 105 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. This engine has an 81 mm bore and an 86.4 mm stroke. Both engines use multi-point fuel injection.
Dimensions
The 1995 Toyota Corolla is 172 inches long, 66.3 inches wide, and 53.5 inches high. Its wheelbase is 97 inches. The driver and front passenger have 38.8 inches of front headroom and 42.4 inches of front legroom. Back seat passengers have 37.1 inches of rear headroom and 33 inches of rear legroom.
Other Specs
A five-speed manual overdrive transmission is standard on the base and DX Corollas. A four-speed automatic overdrive transmission is standard on LE Corolla models. There is also a three-speed automatic overdrive transmission that is optional on base models. Average fuel economy is 26 to 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 to 34 mpg on the highway. The Corolla fuel tank holds 13.2 gallons of unleaded fuel.
Fleet cars are vehicles that were owned and operated by organizations instead of private operators. They include cars that served as taxis or police cars, or regular-model cars used by corporations and governments. Fleet cars can be an attractive deal, as they may have received regular maintenance and light use for their age, depending on who operated them. Cars made for police work also offer some features that may be unavailable on civilian models. Buying an ex-fleet car is very similar to buying any used car, but with a bit more research added on.
Instructions
1
Find a local dealer who sells ex-fleet vehicles. Many regular used-car dealerships have ex-fleet cars, and there are also some auto dealerships that specialize in them such as Key Fleet Resale and Western Fleet Resale. You could also contact the National Association of Fleet Resale Dealers (NAFRD), an umbrella group for the sector, to find a fleet resale dealership near you.
2
Make a very careful inspection of any vehicle you are consider buying. Not all fleet vehicles are well-maintained, since the owners know that they will have a limited life with the company. External damage is a sign that the vehicle was driven badly.
3
Check the vehicle's history. The dealer should be able to provide the vehicle's sales record. Check that it matches with what the dealer has told you about the car. If possible, check with the maintenance department of the organization that ran the car as part of the fleet. You may be able to access maintenance records that will give some insight into the car's real condition.
4
Get a third-party inspection from a mechanic you trust. This should be the final step before committing to buy.
5
Get a credit check. Most dealerships will run this to find out your credit history and determine what your payments will be if paying monthly.
Many of the newest cars are being labeled as a "hybrid" car. If you are not sure what a hybrid means or advantages that comes with then you just need to look at the facts to get a better understanding of what you are getting into. Most hybrids are worth the value, but some merely use the name for an advantage.
Definition
The term hybrid means the use of two engines within the car. The first engine is a gas-powered engine and the second is an electric engine.
Function
The gas-powered engine is used to charge the electric engine and battery packs stored in the trunk of the car. This means that the car never has to be plugged in.
Benefits
With the use of the electric engine, many hybrid cars save money on gasoline because they perform better. Some cars have over 50 miles per gallon on average.
Considerations
Some hybrid cars merely use the electric engine to increase speed and performance. This doesn't provide real benefit and you can get better mileage from standard gasoline vehicles.
Plug-In Hybrid
Newer hybrids are referred to as plug-in hybrids because along with the gas engine, they can be plugged in when not in use. This will cut down on gas and pollution in the environment.
The 2002 Chevrolet Camaro was the last of the original line of Camaros that debuted in 1967. The Camaro survived the 1970s fuel shortages and indifferent styling of the 1980s, but changing tastes and sagging sales ended the car in 2002. It took Chevrolet nearly eight years to revive the Camaro for the 2010 model year. Still, the 2002 Camaro offered power in the form of the Z-28 and Super Sport to recall its salad days of 1960s performance.
Models and Trims
The 2002 Camaro came as a coupe or convertible. The base model featured a V-6 engine and the performance Z-28 offered the V-8, which came from the venerable small-block 350 cubic-inch V-8. The Z-28 was a buyers' go-to model if the Super Sport performance package proved too expensive. The SS option provided boosted horsepower. Chevrolet planned for 2002 being the Camaro's final year and trimmed some options, such as its Rally Sport appearance package, as General Motors embarked on a downsizing program to shed its nonperforming vehicles.
Power
The base engine for the 2002 Camaro was a 3.8-liter V-6 that provided a reasonable 200 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque. For a Camaro, the V-6 provided good gas mileage. It achieved 17 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. The Z-28 was equipped with the 5.7-liter LS1 V-8 that generated 310 horsepower and 335 foot-pounds of torque. The SS package offered the same 5.7-liter V-8 tuned to deliver 320 horsepower and 345 foot-pounds of torque. The Z-28 was capable of reaching 60 mph from a dead stop in 5.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 14 seconds and 101.3 mph. The SS model with forced air induction hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.7 seconds at 105.6 mph. Chevy matched the engines with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Dimensions
Chevrolet placed the 2002 Camaro on a 101-inch wheelbase. It was 193.5 inches long, 51.2 inches tall and 74.1 inches wide. The ground clearance was a low 4.5 inches. The front track width was 60.7 inches and the rear track measured 60.6 inches. The cargo capacity with the rear seats in place was 12.9 cubic feet. The car tipped the scales at 3,306 lbs. Front headroom was adequate at 37.2 inches with front hip room at 53.5 inches, legroom at 43 inches and front shoulder room measuring 57.4 inches. The rear seats could barely contain two adults. The rear headroom was 35.2 inches. The rear hip room was 45.9 inches and rear legroom was only 26.8 inches. The rear shoulder room measured 55.8 inches.
Chassis
The Camaro featured a front short-long arm suspension system with gas-charged mono-tube shock absorbers and hollow anti-roll bar. The rear suspension consisted of a Salisbury rear axle, lightweight steel lower control arms and a solid anti-roll bar. Stopping power came from all-wheel power disc brakes.
Features
The 2002 model came with an optional exterior graphics 35th Anniversary package. Standard features on all Camaros were 16-inch alloy wheels, power exterior mirrors, front console, air-conditioning, six-speaker AM-FM-CD audio system and tachometer.
