Archive for the ‘Autos’ Category
Car reviews: 2005 Honda Odyssey
One of the biggest events in automotive history was when Honda finally created their own platform for SUV’s. For years Honda and Acura relied on Isuzu products for their SUV’s platforms: creating the now deceased Passport, and SLX (Acura), as a barter; Isuzu borrowed the Odyssey platform in order to built their own Oasis.
The Odyssey uses a tweaked version of the Accord’s platform (not uncommon in the automotive world; for many mini-vans use car platforms, and so do cross-over vehicles); although with some other modifications this Accord turns into an Odyssey. Due to Honda’s famous reputation for reliability; as well as its reputation for durability: all have contributed in making this mini-van one of the most popular around. Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsAuto glass: Window replacement tips
Now I’ve had a few windows broken out of my cars in my life. The first happened around 11 years ago when the guy I was seeing got ticked off and threw a brick through my passenger side window. It was a cold November Saturday, the weekend of the big rivalry game, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines. I had no idea what I was going to do. I started calling car dealers in our area. I finally found one that was open. I cleaned the backseat the best I could since my daughters had to ride back there. I threw a blanket on the seat, bundled the girls, loaded them in and took them to their grandparents Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsHow to buy a quality used car
There are a number of reasons why buying a used car makes more sense than buying a new car. I’d say just about everyone has heard the discussion about how much value a new car loses the second you drive it off the sales floor. Plus- there are many people who don’t want to take out a loan to buy a vehicle and would prefer to pay for it with cash and avoid having to make payments and interest.
Here are 6 tips for buying a used car:
1. You Have to Save First.
The only way to buy a car without taking out a loan or using other forms of credit is to save some money first. Basically, Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsThe best places to find used cars for sale
The purchase of a brand new car ,for most of, is just a dream. It is of course the best way of buying a car for the simple reason that you know it’s history . Unfortunately as soon as you take possession of your car the price you have to pay for being the first to own that car is called depreciation. Year after year the value of your car continues to slide until it becomes worth a fraction of what you paid for it.
I would say that the history of a car should be the most important factor in deciding to purchase a second hand car. The first place to search for a second hand car would be Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsA womans car buying guide
Car buying can be easy if you know what you want. It was easier when I was young because my brother-in-law sold me his car and my Mom paid half. This certainly didn’t prepare me for my first car dealership purchase. A bonus: my father used to be a car salesman. So geared with the knowledge of how dealers work, I did my homework, and set out.
By homework, I mean I checked out the car I wanted. How much it went for, and what year model I could afford and checked my trade in. I also went to the bank to see how much they thought I could afford. So with check Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsClassic cars: What to consider before you buy
You will read a lot about classic car buying, with eBay and other car selling sites on the web you are just a few clicks away from having that car of your dreams (or that car from your first date) parked in your driveway again. But car fans wait, there’s more.
The investment factor: I often like to spend a quiet afternoon while doing dishes or dusting watching the car auctions on TV and wishing that I had the 67 Camero my parents sold so long ago. Watching those cars go for several thousand dollars gives my heart a little flutter each time and a sudden need to drive through town and find that hidden Hemi diamond among the coal Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsHow to save on gas without buying a hybrid vehicle
How to Save Money On Gas Without Buying a Hybrid Vehicle
There are no signs of stability in sight for gas prices. So here are just a few free and easy ways to get more bang for your buck when it comes to saving money on gas, without buying a whole new car. Who could afford one anyway, with gas prices so high?
Drive Less
Sometimes the answer is as simple as doing nothing. When it is feasible, consider walking, biking, taking the bus or train, or carpooling. This isn’t always the most convenient option, but on the plus side you’re not just helping your wallet, you’re doing something good for the environment and your health.
Of course, at some point you’re probably Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsThe best way to buy new cars
Buying a new car is a scary experience, and lets face the fact that car salespeople have the worst reputations of any profession. I am a veteran of the car business, a woman, who doesn’t believe that people should be flying blind when purchasing a vehicle.
When you make the decision that you’re ready to find a new, or new to you vehicle, the first thing you need to do is: research, research, research. I always suggest that you start by giving yourself a budget, knowing what you can afford is the first and most important step. A common issue with unprepared shopper, is that they tend to be unrealistic, having champagne taste and Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsDriving in snow, ice and rain
When you’ve decided to hit the road, mother nature may provide some twists during your journey. Some of those twists will include either heavy precipitation, or six-packed snow. Don’t be alarmed however if a storm strikes you. I know it can be even more frightening if you were driving alone under the scarry weather! Bringing a partner in crime with you will certainly alleviate your heart rate. Also attuning to a four-eye vision can be plus as you can acutely focus on the odometer while watching out for bumps and other boobie traps on the road that may skid your car in twirl-motion.
Slow down! Slow down! Slow down! Your drivers ed instructor will always implement this before you get behind Read the rest of this entry »
No CommentsCar reviews: 2009 Mercedes Benz e
This would have been my car of choice up until this year and it still may be, but now that BMW has brought back their Diesel in the 335D this year, I am going to have to do some driving and comparing before I can say for sure. I had a 1984 BMW 524 TD that I loved but the Mercedes has always been a great car and they have always had a good, long lasting Diesel. When I sold Mercedes and BMW down in Florida back in the late 80s, Mercedes had a program where you got a placard to put on your grill for every hundred thousand miles your Mercedes had on it. There was an old gentleman Read the rest of this entry »
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