March 2010


Automotive31 Mar 2010 09:08 am

It’s Sunday morning. The sun is shining, warm and bright. You’ve packed your wicker basket with gingham napkins, home made cakes and pastries, crustless finger sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer, slipped into your 1950s dress and petticoat, slid your ballet pumps on your feet and retrieved your straw hat from the top of the wardrobe – all you’ve left to do is throw the hamper in the boot and hit those country roads…

But doesn’t the perfect vintage picnic deserve the perfect vintage transport? Wouldn’t you feel far more in character stepping daintily from a classic car than from a battered Vauxhall Corsa?

The problems here are twofold. For one thing, no-one wants to hit quiet country roads in an unreliable car – you could end up stranded, and those pumps weren’t made for walking! Unfortunately, older cars are a little less reliable, as a rule than their modern counterparts. At the same time, modern cars just don’t cut the mustard in the stye department – sure they’re pretty enough in a modern way, but they certainly don’t match your shoes, handbag and picnic basket.

A used Mini is the only answer to your prayers.

The new generation Minis have maintained the classic styling that made them popular in the first place, with their cute, bubbly vintage look exterior changing only slightly to place the indicators within the headlamps on the wings, and to tidy up the grille for a shinier look. Meanwhile, their retro theme continues on the interior with toggle switches to control the heat and stereo, and a near-original reproduction dash complete with over-sized speedo taking up position centre stage. This car simply squeals visual vintage!

Yet this is coupled with some decent engines – the Used Mini 1.4 litre being the smallest and a bit rumbly (though therefore pretty accurate from a retro perspective), but the 118 bhp 1.6 litre being so far superior it’s worth the price increase, providing a smooth ride that will allow you to reapply your lipstick (in the passenger seat of course) without jolting it all over your face! The 1.6 litre achieves 0-62 in 7.1 seconds and hits top speeds of 140mph – which, with that speedo so prominent you can’t fail to miss!

Add to this the option for Cooper and Cooper S models, featuring power steering (and a power steering boost button should you invest in the Sports kit), aluminium mechanics, improved suspension, a new rear axle, harder springs, dampers and anti-roll bars and you’ve the full mechanical package. And while you’re choosing extra features why not consider the TLC package - £185 pays all your routine service costs for 5 years (or 50,000 miles).

When is comes to safety, you’ll struggle to find a supermini to match the Used Mini. It has a five star Euro NCAP crash-test rating for peace of mind, alongside stability control and front, side and full cabin-length airbags. From the security perspective, it offers all the features you’d expect from a BMW, and the new generation cars are 60mm longer and 18mm taller to meet modern safety standards. And with an extra 10 litres storage in the boot thanks to the size increase, not to mention more spacious rear seats thanks to cleverly sculpted front seats, you can really pack a punch with your picnic! You might even get a couple of chairs in, should a blanket not be good enough!

All this from a car which holds its residual value better than any other in its class? This really does make it the ultimate investment – perhaps even more so than those vintage cars.

Automotive29 Mar 2010 04:09 am

It seems as though Mr Merc has gone a little cosmopolitan on us. Glam enough to be spawn of Hollywood and none the less desirable, the new E-Class Cabriolet is beauty incarnate. For once in your life you can choose a ‘sensible’ car without shedding a stash of macho tears.

The sparkling new E-Class steers away from that exclusive Benz look and edges into the lines of something, dare we say, trendy. Classy as always, this convertible makes no losses when it comes to supreme presentation. Mercedes get fresher with a younger looking car that utilises all the same gadgets and tech as the luxury saloons, but the difference is you’ll feel sexy without also feeling like you should be retired. The E-Class diverts from the ritzy look of other Mercs - more notably the CL or S Class - and raises the bar for a new Benz genre altogether.

Ready and robust, this car challenges the myth that convertible can’t do constructive. Tackling the practical head on, Merc have given us four roomy seats and a boot Clarkson himself couldn’t sniff at. One of the rarer cars that will fit a baby seat and not look like Noddy’s van, you won’t mind taking a spin with the family, as its safety features gain some of the highest ratings around. It’s even savvy enough to shield its passengers from a blustery day with an intelligent windscreen spoiler.

Unarguably a sensible car, you’ll get brownie points at home for making the rational choice without feeling like you’ve given up the dream to a boring run-around. Having said that, you’ll need some serious savings if you want to make a purchase, as this beauty will set you back around £33,270. Your insurance might well be a little pricey, but no more than other shiny competition out there. On the bright side, it’ll be some time before this gem is in small demand, so expect only a minor loss when you say goodbye. One look at this car and your perspective buyer will ditch the used Audi in seconds.

Like all other beautiful cars, there are bound to be some implications on the greenery. A hefty donation towards the cure for global warming should ease your guilt, but we’ll leave that moral dilemma in your hands. Aside from some eager emissions, the Cabriolet doesn’t seem to have many red crosses at all. As a variety of the models come in diesel, it’s surprisingly reasonable to run for such a chunk of metal. Blissful silence for such a racy engine, and a drive smoother than Belgian chocolate - we’re lusting like crazy.

Wondrous in every way, it’s a shame this motor doesn’t come in human form. The only problem is, it won’t hit your dealers until May. A thousand times better than that glossy used Audi, now’s the time to start hoarding your pennies for a superbly splendid ride. Money more than well spent, the E-class is tip top class.

See the E-Class and other vehicles at Car Dealers such as Motorparks.

Automotive28 Mar 2010 11:08 am

If you are interested in purchasing a new or used Ferrari, there are many different models for you to consider. Since the company started in 1929, it has made many different models that have changed a fair amount over the years, while still holding fast to the racing car roots that Enzo Ferrari was so inspired by. Here are a few different models for your consideration.

The F430 is a cheaper model that you can get your hands on. It has settings for sport, racing and winter, so truly a car that can handle well in all situations. The performance capabilities of the car are complimented by its exterior lines. Space, as with all Ferraris, is limited, but still the cabin is comfortably with nice seats and easy access.

The Mondial Quattrovalvole Coupe is a bit slower than other models, but still a fast car. The low ride position can be a problem for some passengers, but on the whole you will find it comfortable, with a reasonable amount of cabin space. Most of the gauges and controls are clearly visible and practical to use. Handling is excellent, with the Mondial performing well particularly on corners.

The FXX is a very fast car, not quite as aesthetically beautiful as other models, but a good performer. Brakes are fast an efficient, which is good to know when the top speed is so impressive.

The Testarossa is a slightly older model, but still a forerunner in the competition for you affections. It is a car with character, a heavier gearbox and clutch than in more modern cars, but with a bit of practice it isn’t that hard to get used to the old-school style. As they are a bit outdated, the Testarossa will be more affordable for those on a budget.

The 550 Maranello is a model worth every penny. The V12 engine makes performance effortless in any gear. Fuel consumption comes in at about 15mpg, and although servicing costs are high, initial payouts can be quite cheap.

A fantastic model to look at is the Used Ferrari 360 Modena Spider. It is reliable with its excellent levels of performance. Lots of new technologies have been implemented in this car, such as traction control and stability control. At the push of a button, you can have the open air driving experience. Roomier than other models and with a decent trunk too, this is a model that performs on all fronts, making for comfortable journeys no matter how long the ride.

All Ferrari models are different, with attributes and characteristics that will make the difference between which one will best suit you. If you want a car to get practical daily use out of, you will be looking at getting a model suitable to your needs, rather than one that is more of a showcase car. Also factoring are whether you need a car than can accommodate a family or children, and therefore need a lot of extra space in the cabin and trunk. With so many varieties of Used Ferrari, you are bound to find one perfect for you.

Automotive27 Mar 2010 04:08 am

Everyday people are buying new cars. They buy them all of the country from a variety of dealerships. Most of these care are to expensive for most people, except for a small group of people, to buy on their own. They need help. They need a loan. Auto Loans are the answer to these problems. Without them some people would never be able to get a new or used care. A lot of people would be stuck walking or taking the bus. There is more than one type of loan. There are also Bad Credit Car Loans. 

The first kind of loan is just the normal loan. Each company that offers auto loans has different financing options. These options usually depend on a persons financial stability and their credit. They help people pay for a car after the person has made a down payment on the care. The person who got the loan then has to pay the money back over a certain period of time. Most of the time this takes just a couple of years. This lets people enjoy their car while paying the monthly payments to pay it off. Without these loans, some people would never dream of one day owning their own car. One of the most important things in getting one of these loans is making sure you have good credit. Without good credit, it is a lot more difficult to try and convince a financing company to give you a loan.

Bad Credit Car Loans are still available to those people who have bad credit. The companies that give out these loans helps make sure that no one is left out, and that everyone is able to get the financing they need to order to buy a car that meets their transportation needs. 

People use Auto Loans everyday. They use them to buy both used and old cars. A lot of people depend on loans like these in order to buy a car. Without them it would make it nearly impossible for some people to get a car. Auto Loans are important and help make sure people are able to get to where they need to be. 

Automotive25 Mar 2010 04:09 am

It seems these days there is advertising and personalization on just about every surface imaginable.  Even the air has long been a place to advertise with blimps, banners, and laser lights.  Cars have turned into mobile billboards with logos, lettering and even wraps.  Cell phones and computers have skins to personalize them.  One can’t even go to the restroom in the mall without seeing some sort of advertising.  People themselves are walking advertisements splashed with names like Abercrombie, Aeropostale, Coach and North Face.  So, driving down the interstate, one has to wonder, why hasn’t anyone really taken advantage of advertising or personalizing the truck tarp.

 

A truck tarp is definitely utilitarian; it serves its purpose well by protecting its cargo, as well as other drivers from its cargo.  But it’s also essentially a blank canvass screaming to be taken advantage of.  It’s a surprise that corporations that splash their logos and messages on trucks themselves haven’t thought to add their logo or message to the truck tarp covering their wares.  Or, even the trucking companies themselves haven’t really taken to putting their name on the truck tarp.

 

Or, why not get really creative, it’s no secret that some truckers really love their rig.  They have set up elaborate cabs and spent lots of money painting and stylizing their ride.  So, why not have a truck tarp to match their design.  They could show their creative side with a patterned tarp, maybe one that shows their favorite team, or for the female drivers, why not a feminine flowered tarp? 

 

Even better yet, what about for the drivers that haul manure or pungent loads, wouldn’t it be great if there was a scented truck tarp which the odors could pass through, like a filter? 

 

Perhaps, it won’t be long before we see football, baseball, and basketball team truck tarps rolling down the interstates.  Or, perhaps flatbeds that haul for the military will have Go Army camouflaged tarps.  The patriotic trucker can sport a stars and stripes truck tarp.  And lady truckers can decorate their beds with paisley tarps, or scented tarps. 

 

Perhaps some enterprising tarp company will get this message and be able to offer free tarps to truckers all paid for by advertising dollars. 

Automotive24 Mar 2010 06:08 pm

Saab have had a bit of a nightmare year. They were hit hard by the credit crunch, along with most other car manufacturers, and for a while it looked like the brand may actually slip and slide slowly out of existence, leaving behind only a legacy of reliable and sporty cars that were never loved as much as they should have been. However, where other brands simply folded or accepted huge government loans, Saab actually managed to find themselves a buyer, someone who wanted to take on the brand and keep the factories banging out great and critically acclaimed cars. And so it came to be that in the first months of the new decade, Saab was purchased by Spyker. And began ushering in a whole new era.

So, what are Saab doing to celebrate this news? Well, they obviously attended the Geneva Motor Show, a prestigious event that it is fair to assume most people though Saab wouldn’t ever attend again. Not only did they attend, but there was an air of excitement in the air, perhaps generated by the belief that this purchase meant the brand would be alright. On top of the events they made us even more excited about the fact that Saab would be sticking around my introducing their new Turbo X range, a souped up version that can be applied to the 9-3 Saloon or Sportswagon.

So, what does this upgrade mean to Saab owners and fans? Well, it probably won’t mean much at all if you own a Saab already, or if you are planning to buy a used Saab at any time soon. However, if you are hoping to buy a brand new Saab then it will mean that you can choose the Turbo X model alongside the existing Saab 9-3 standards, which is especially worth consideration if you want a bit of extra power or spunk for the Saab’s engine. The real upgrade, however, isn’t to the Turbo X engine, but to the brand new TX Design pack. This is a pack of extras and upgrades designed to make your Used Saab look even better than it already does, and it packs quite a visual punch.

Starting form the inside, with grey piped floor mats, a sexy and tactile leather steering wheel, and a carbon fibre interior trim that looks like something you may well find in a spaceship rather than in a car. The touches aren’t ostentatious, but they are smooth and sophisticated and kind of gorgeous. Then, of course, you get the exterior upgrades. The spoke alloy wheels that instantly add a sporty appeal. The optional metallic and coloured paintjobs that you wouldn’t get as standard, which work brilliantly in combination with the aerodynamic bumpers and other such sport additions.

All in all, you can see that this isn’t just another “pack” produced by a company to make them a bit of extra mullah. Instead this is more of a welcome back to the fold, reminding people of the exciting things to come with the Used Saab brand.

 

Automotive24 Mar 2010 04:09 am

Car dealers usually have various departments to assist their customers. These different departments can help you from the initial car purchase through the automotive service process. The departments that you will find in most dealerships are sales, financing, automotive service and repair.

These departments offer different services to its customers; therefore, it is important to find out what service is rendered by your auto dealer. Sales department is the department that handles car purchases whether new or used. This department provides you with info about the car you are interested in purchasing. This information includes the price, and the car features. Not only do they provide you with info on the automobile, they can arrange a test drive of the vehicle as well as comparison-shopping info. If you are purchasing a new vehicle, your car dealer should have different models of your favourite car brand available.  

If your favourite colour is not in the car dealers lot, you can ask the sales department to locate it for you. In most cases, they will order it from another location.  On-site financing is a great advantage for the dealership as well as the consumer. Thus, purchasing a car from a car dealer that offers you the potential to establish on-site financing will save you a lot of time. The interest rate should be competitive, and the approval should be completed quickly. If you have credit blemishes, a company that has credit programs that help the credit challenge individual is another consideration when you are selecting car dealers.

The automotive or service area functions are to perform routine service as well as repair to your car. If you need an oil change, they can change it for you. If you need services that are more labour intensive such as transmission repair, this is where you will go to get the work done as well. When selecting a dealer to perform routine or problem service, it is a good idea to select companies that offer convenient hours. By sitting down and thinking about what you expect from an auto dealer, you are half way there on your way to finding a great dealership.

Automotive23 Mar 2010 04:08 am

If you are in the process of buying a new car you should listen to some tips that I have for you.  Everyone wants a great car, but most people don’t have a lot of money to spend on a car.  When you buy a vehicle you usually get what you pay for, but that is not always the case.  Even though all Kia vehicles are Cheap Kia vehicles, they do not lack in performance and dependability.  These vehicles come with a great warranty as well, and you won’t be disappointed.  If you are looking for an SUV then a Kia Sportage may be the vehicle you are looking for, and let me tell you how to get one at a great price.If you are interested in a Cheap Kia Sportage then you should go to the following web site, http://www.newkiadirect.co.uk/

This web site will help you order a Kia Sportage.  There are certain steps that you must take first.  Once you reach the site you should scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on the Kia Sportage vehicle.  After you click on the vehicle you will be shown many different Kia Sportage vehicles available, and you should look through them all to see which one appeals to you.While looking through the Cheap Kia Sportage vehicles you should keep in mind each of the features. 

If you are looking for a four-wheel drive vehicle then you want to make sure you aren’t looking at any two-wheel drive vehicles.  Also, color may be of importance to you, and obviously then make sure that the color is also what you are looking for.Once you have your Cheap Kia Sportage all picked out, you should call the number that was provided on the previous page.  This will be how you put in your order for your Kia Sportage.  A down payment will be required of you, and once you make the down payment your vehicle will be on its way.  The time that it takes for your vehicle to arrive may vary.  You have now ordered a great Kia vehicle, and all that you have to do now is wait.

Automotive23 Mar 2010 12:08 am

We’ve heard it many times that a compact track loader is such a versatile machine much so since it works for landscaping industry. Yet for someone who would just give a first glance to it, they might be skeptical regarding the machine’s capacity. Seldom could name after all those industries that have been using this for quite sometime. However we shall clear your doubts about this well equipped machine and why the choice of such is wise.The compact loader incorporates low pressure usage as well as high flotation. It simply means that it can be easily maneuvered with the landscape that one may currently be working without any damage produced. If we compare that to other heavy weight machines, this is unlikely better. Imagine the advantage that there won’t be anymore the need for sprinkler systems damage or turf in so that machine will continue still to operate. This in fact is one of the many reasons why the compact tractor loader is now taking over the landscaping industry that revolutionized in the same way.Now what is really that main point of choosing this machine? The first reason is that if we are just to base that to its steel carriage found under the machine, compact track loader provides smooth ride and good material retention quality. Also there is that 2-speed technology wherein it will allow movement in the landscape in efficient way.As of the seating area and legroom, the space is in no doubt comfortable in the part of the one who operates such. There would be no extra work for him if in case problem occurs with the compact’s performance. Aside from the fact that it’s comfortable, the seating area gives also the kind of environment pleasurable to work with.Despite the fact that it is relatively sized small, it is manufactured with many designs or in wide range because some of the attachments are just quite useful and handy. Regarding its help for the buyers to save, the machine is powered high. Both the time and money will be saved so that there can be more work to cover in just lesser period than in other machine’s performance.Lastly, compact track loader machines are not prone to weather conditions. It can work even if it is in wet condition, wet and dry. So the straightforward note to this is that all around the year can be an available season for the construction site to work. Why should not consider for this onetime investment. For sure, it will give you the kind of services that are best.  Visit http://www.compact-track-loader.com for additional information about compact track loader.

Automotive22 Mar 2010 11:08 am

If you are looking for a vehicle then you may have become frustrated during your search.  The many choices that you have to make may seem a little overwhelming, and this shouldn’t be the case.  Buying a vehicle should be an exciting time.  It should also be easy, and if it isn’t easy then you should know that there are ways to make it easier.  If you are looking for a good vehicle with four doors and good gas mileage then you may want to look at a vehicle such as the Chevrolet Aveo.  Let me tell you how to start your search through many Car Dealers for one.The first thing you should do is go to the following  web site provided here, http://www.motorparks.co.uk/index.jsp

This web site will be able to help you in your search for a Chevrolet Aveo.  Through this site you will be able to look through many different Car Dealers.  This is a great benefit to you since a lot of dealers have different prices for practically the same car.  Searching through the various dealers will help you get your vehicle for the best price possible.Once you have reached the site you should look to the far left of the page.  There will be a search there.  Change the make to ‘Chevrolet’, the model to ‘Aveo’, and enter your zip code.  If you have a minimum or maximum price that you would like to set then you may do that also.  After you have changed the settings click the ’search button’.  This will bring up a list of many different Chevrolet Aveos from many different Car Dealers. 

Look through all of the vehicles thoroughly.When looking through the many Chevrolet Aveos you should make sure that the vehicle you are looking at possibly buying has all the features that you are looking for in a vehicle.  Look at as many different cars as you can to make sure you aren’t missing out on a great deal that one of the many Car Dealers may be offering.  If you are interested in a particular vehicle then you should contact the dealer.

Next Page »