Monthly Archives: October 2009

4 Ways To Increase Automotive Performance

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In these days of high gasoline prices, it may seem ridiculous to consider ways to increase your car’s performance as they are almost always associated with increased fuel consumption. However, there are four ways to increase performance that do not have to negatively impact your gas mileage. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Reusable Air Filters. Landfills are stuffed with items we use once and then throw out. Auto air filters are one such item and through the life of a car you can go through 6-12 of them with no problem. For approximately three times the price, washable and reusable air filters are a great alternative. When you purchase one it likely will be the last air filter your car will ever need. Reusable air filters enable you to gain slight increases in horsepower and acceleration as well as to impact the environment in a positive way.

2. Performance Chips. All new cars are operated by a computer chip that tells how much torque and horsepower can be displaced. Performance chips or recalibrations of your current chip can produce significant increases in horsepower and torque for your vehicle.

3. Performance Exhaust Systems. Cat-back or “catalyst-back exhaust systems” are a great way to free up trapped torque and to unleash horsepower. Keeping all the important emissions parts in place, a cat-back system incorporates large width exhaust pipes and low restriction performance mufflers into your car thereby lowering exhaust back pressure. A side benefit is the really awesome sound emitting from the exhaust system.

4. Cold Air Intake. A cold air intake is an under the hood mod that helps to reduce the temperature of the air entering the car for the sole purpose of increasing the power of the engine. Side benefits include enhancements to the appearance of the engine bay as this part can be attractive and colorful; the sound the unit makes is also appealing.

Costs for each of these performance enhancements can vary greatly. Shopping online with a trusted wholesaler is one of the best ways to find top quality parts at the lowest possible prices. By doing the work yourself, you can save a bundle and enjoy the fruits of your labor in no time.

Gain Automotive Online Savings

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Many people are not aware about how to gain automotive online savings using AAA. People know that they can depend on AAA to provide them with personalized maps of their trips, and while this is a major convenience, they might not realize that using a direct route to their destination will save them huge amounts of money in buying gas for their trips.

By keeping in contact with AAA online, they will know in advan e about other ways that they can save money too. Travelers can gain automotive online savings using AAA when they need emergency road service by simply mentioning that they are members of AAA.

Many travelers use personal digital assistants when they travel and store handy files that have AAA discount benefits listed for lodging, car rentals and how to gain automotive online savings using AAA to buy a new automobile. They can even use their cellular telephones to text message friends about how to gain automotive online savings using AAA and let everyone on their friends list know about the discounts that are available on new and used automobile loans and how they can save on their current insurance policy.

Friends and business contacts welcome any opportunity to save money and will thank the sender in many ways. People gain automotive online savings using AAA new car buying tips, and by taking advantage of the credit card offers that are bundled together to save AAA members money throughout the year. Many people gain automotive online savings using AAA by renegotiating their car loans to the reduced and very attractive loan rates that are only offered to AAA members.

People are able to gain automotive online savings using AAA overseas too. There are access portals that international affiliate’s members of AAA can use to gain their automotive online savings using AAA websites and these people can be located anywhere in Europe or the United Kingdom or anywhere else in the world that has an affiliate office.

People are able to gain automotive online savings using AAA and apply the discounts they receive to foreign car rentals, rail passes and airline tickets. AAA members gain automotive online savings using AAA when they need foreign currency exchanged, or they want to carry traveler’s checks on their trips to any foreign country.

The financial services offered by AAA affords the traveler access to many discounts that might be unpublicized but the traveler will be sure to learn about them when they access AAA online during their travels.

Preview of Select 2007 Automobiles

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Many model year 2007 vehicles have already hit new car showrooms starting with several new SUVs built by General Motors. The upcoming model year is shaping up as one likely to be filled with many changes as automakers reshape their line ups and prepare for the coming invasion of cheap imports from China. The choices for consumers have never been better and prices are actually lower for many models, therefore competition is good and you are the winner. Let’s take a look at five vehicles certain to grab much attention as they are released during this year.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac ? Based on the Explorer body, the Sport Trac has a wheelbase that is nearly 17 inches longer than the Explorer and a bed made out of composite material. With four doors and a truck bed, the SUV/pick up truck “hybrid” does double duty with plenty of style. Powered by a 4.0L V6, the 4.6L V8 found in the Expedition is also available. You can get the Sport Trac in either 2 of 4 wheel drive.

Mazda CX-7 ? Mazda jumps in to the crossover craze with its attractive looking CX-7. As a five door hatch/SUV “hybrid” the five passenger CX-7 will be powered by a turbo charged 2.3L I4 engine producing a remarkable 244 h.p. Available in front or all wheel drive, the CX-7 combines the athletic look of a sports car with the look of a curvy SUV. Ford and Lincoln will also get versions of the vehicle.

Suzuki SX-4 ? One of the lesser known Japanese brands, Suzuki is attempting to get a bigger piece of the pie by introducing new and revised versions of its models to the North American market. The SX-4, a compact crossover vehicle, is Suzuki’s latest attempt to reach their goals. Available as either a front wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle, the five door SX-4 is powered by a 2.0L I4 and is aimed squarely at Subaru lovers. It is the opinion of this writer that Suzuki must work on styling first before success can be expected; mostly everything the automaker produces is quite bland.

Chevrolet Suburban ? As part of the general’s overhaul of its midsize and large SUVS and trucks, the brawny Suburban debuts with many changes in place. All new sheet metal, displacement on demand engineering, and a remote power rear lift gate, are some of the chief changes with this big SUV. Naturally, in the face of $2 or $3 per gallon gasoline the Suburban presents a thirsty offering for owners. However, if it is a big SUV you need, then the all new Suburban may fill the bill for you.

Hyundai Entourage ? Sharing a platform with the Kia Sedona, the Entourage is Hyundai’s first minivan. Unlike the Sedona, only the long wheelbase version will be available. Powered by a 3.8L V6, the engine is mated to a five speed automatic transmission. An important feature with the Entourage is the third row seat which folds flat into the floor.

Yes, the 2007 model year is already here for some models. Prices are very competitive and the latest technology has been included with many vehicles. Shop and save today on a model that is certain to please you!

Buy Or Lease Your Next Automobile?

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Leasing a luxury car imposes lower costs, generally comparable to the interest rate of financing a loan. However, if you terminate a lease early or default on a monthly lease payment, you can face major financial penalties and ruin your credit rating. The decision of whether to buy or lease a vehicle also depends on your unique lifestyle. If you drive many miles each year and don’t mind paying repair bills, you probably should purchase your car. If, on the other hand, you exceed the mileage limitation or if the car shows considerable wear and tear at the end of the lease, you may find yourself paying large end-of-lease costs.

When you are thinking about getting a new car, one question always comes up: is it better to buy or lease? There is, of course, no one single answer. Each choice has benefits and disadvantages, so the choice depends on your own particular personal and financial circumstances.

A key issue is affordability. Is your job situation stable? Are you in overall good financial shape? The short-term monthly expense associated with leasing a car is much lower than the monthly payments required when purchasing a vehicle. With leasing, you pay only for the part of the vehicle’s cost used during the period of time you drive it. If you have the cash on hand, and you can pay the down payment and sales taxes ? either in cash or via a loan ? as well as the interest rate buying a car gives you that feeling of ownership and may be the best financial option.

If you want to get your hands on a luxury car, but you can’t afford the initial costs associated with buying one, leasing is your best option. Leasing a luxury car imposes lower costs, generally comparable to the interest rate of financing a loan. However, if you terminate a lease early or default on a monthly lease payment, you could face major financial penalties and this could ruin your credit rating. Before you decide to lease, make sure you adjust your budget for the monthly lease payment for the duration of the contract.

The decision of whether to buy or lease a vehicle also depends on your unique lifestyle. What does it mean to you to own a car? Do you bond with your car, or do you like having something new? If you plan to drive a vehicle for more than five years, buying it ? through careful negotiations ? is probably your best bet. On the other hand, if you would rather drive a new car every two or three years, leasing is for you.

You should also consider your actual transportation needs. Think about how many miles per year you drive and how you handle car maintenance. If you drive many miles each year and don’t mind paying repair bills, you probably should purchase your car. With leasing, contracts are made with assumptions of limited mileage, typically between 12,000 to 15,000 miles driven per year, as well as considerations of wear-and-tear on the vehicle. If you can stay within the stated mileage limits and keep the automobile in good condition throughout the duration of your lease, leasing is a reasonable option. However, if you exceed the mileage limitation or if the car shows considerable wear and tear at the end of the lease, you may find yourself paying large end-of-lease costs.

How To Find The Best Rates On Automobile Insurance In Tennessee

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You can find the best rates on automobile insurance in Tennessee by purchasing a vehicle that car insurance companies view as safe. Tennessee auto insurers are more likely to offer low rate car insurance to drivers who own safe vehicles because they view those drivers as less risky. So, in order to get a cheap quote on car insurance in Tennessee, you need to make yourself ? and your vehicle ? safer!

If you haven’t yet purchased a new car (even if it will technically be a used vehicle but new to you), keep in mind that auto insurance companies look at:

?Theft likelihood

?Car price

?Repairs cost

?Car safety record

You’re more likely to get a cheap quote on car insurance in Tennessee if you purchase an inexpensive, modest vehicle with a great safety rating than a flashy, pricey foreign number that’ll cost an entire paycheck to repair. And think about it: would a car thief be more likely to steal a family sedan or a two-seater convertible?

However, even if you already own a vehicle (and aren’t willing to purchase a new one just to save on coverage!), you can still get some of the best rates on automobile insurance in Tennessee. You’ll just need to take a few extra steps:

?Install safety features (anti-theft devices, car alarms)

?Store your car in a safe place (well-lit or gated parking lot, garage)

?Install child safety features (LATCH, rear lap belts with shoulder straps)

And the changes don’t stop with your automobile. There are also steps you can take aside from modifying the safety of your vehicle to get a cheap quote on car insurance in Tennessee:

?Improve your credit score

?Repair your driving record

?Take a driver education course

?Sign up for a mature driver course (if you’re a senior)

Contact your Tennessee auto insurer once you’ve made these changes.