This rich luxury sedan comes delivered from the factory so nicely appointed that any driver will be lavishly outfitted for any excursion imaginable. The Acura RL comes with a slew of stuff: 300 hp 3.7 liter VTEC V 6 motor stock, Super Handling All Wheel Drive, aka SH AWD, and the nonmandatory Acura Navigation System with AcuraLink realtime weather and traffic. With all this said, power and precision is expected. The RL comes with one of the strongest engines in the mid-size four door sedan market: the 3.7 liter VTEC V6 that makes 271 lb ft of torque and 300 horsepower while still getting 22 miles per gallon on the highway and 16 mpg in lousy slow stop-and-go traffic in the city. Honda’s race proven variable valve timing and electronic lift control VTEC system is included in this already technologically advanced motor.

VTEC
The VTEC system uses engine speed to determine the optimal timing and lift of the motor’s 24 valves. VTEC is the nickname for Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control system. It does not compromise any low end torque and still provides the high end boost of power when VTEC kicks in. Instead of having a normal static set of cams, the VTEC system varies the duration of the intake and exhaust valves at different RPMs to extract the most power out of the motor in the most efficient manor. The intake manifold system is also two staged which is just another example of how Acura is staying ahead of the competition by incorporating leading edge auto technology into their cars. VTEC effectively provides low end power for city driving and high end power for those times when it’s needed.

Programmed Fuel Injection
This system delivers gasoline to the motor with precision to maximize efficiency.

Drive by Wire
This modern throttle takes advantage of technology to provide a smoother drive. The RL’s drive by wire throttle was derived from Acura Racing so it delivers the power in a smooth manner in all types of driving situations. Employing sensors to collect data, the computer takes in all the variables into consideration before transforming the driver’s input into actual throttle plate movement. There is no need for throttle cables or linkages in the 2011 Acura RL.

Aluminum Engine
The lightweight motor contributes to fuel efficiency and aids in cornering because of the weight savings.

Automatic Transmission
To make the driver’s life easier, Acura included paddle shifters on the steering wheel for effortless sequential shifting. The RL comes with a smart transmission equipped with grade logic control so it knows what gear to select since it knows when the car is on a steep incline or decline. A truly nice feature of the paddle shifters is that they are always active, even while in D. The driver can hit the paddle to downshift for instant power and the automatic transmission will still kick in after the computer has detected that conditions are normal again. One can select the S mode to extract the full potential out of the Acura RL. The engine is allowed to rev higher in this mode and more importantly the driver is in full control of the vehicle and is responsible for all upshifts and downshifts. The S mode gives the driver the option of being active and D allows the person to be passive.

SH-AWD
The Super Handling All Wheel Drive system on the Acura RL provides total control in severe weather conditions. The ability to control all four wheels is far superior to any front wheel drive or rear wheel drive system when traction is necessary. The only way to deliver this type of performance and traction is to constantly monitor a bunch of on board sensors and then to make changes as they are needed. One factor that is determined by the Acura SHAWD system is power distribution. The motor’s power can be distributed to the front, rear, or all wheels as necessary for ever changing road and weather conditions. This All Wheel Drive system can even spin individual wheels at different rates to compensate for over steer or under steer situations. By integrating yaw sensors, the RL’s AWD system is a drastic improvement over traction control alone. The result of this Acura’s engineering efforts are apparent when driving the RL.

Power distribution between the left and right rear wheels of the drivetrain is determined by special electromagnetic clutches that can control the power to each wheel independently within milliseconds. The maximum amount of engine power that can be put to the front wheels is 70%, and this typically only happens when the car is going straight. Extreme acceleration is dealt with by transferring up to 45% of the RL’s power to the rear wheels. While this holds true for straight line performance, the SH AWD system can even put up to 70% of the power to the rear, after which the electromagnetic clutches can distribute that power to one or both wheels as deemed necessary.

The Direct Yaw Control system is an integral component in the SH-AWD RL that enables the car to destroy the corners. It does so by making the rear outside wheel turn a little bit quicker, up to 6% quicker, than the average of the two front wheels. This helps keep the vehicle on the intended trajectory by lightening the lateral load on the two front tires as the RL rotates into the curve with ease.

Suspension
Most of the suspension starts with lightweight forged aluminum components which lower shock from road bumps because of the overall unsprung weight savings. The RL utilizes a multi link rear suspension mated with a double wishbone front suspension which is all mounted up to an already light weight aluminum sub-frame. Acura engineers aimed to make the RL feel linear with the front suspension design. The rear suspension features geometry that fights dipping during braking. 4 piston aluminum brake caliper 12.6 inch disc brakes are up front and 12.2 inch single piston discs are in the back.

Geico has added an additional application to in addition to the GloveBox insurance app that is already available for the iPhone. The new car insurance quote application for the Apple (AAPL) iPhone is simply an additional dedicated mobile portal to Geico’s internet service offerings.

An app need not be downloaded to be effective. Geico’s website servers simply detect that the user is on an iPhone and they serve up the best mobile experience possible for the device. This means that the user interface was built specifically for the touch screen on the iPhone 4. It is a slick website that makes it super easy to get insurance quotes.

A useful tool for getting auto insurance quotes on the go! Also great if you don’t remember what the gecko looks like.

The GloveBox app is a iPhone app that is essential for Geico policy holders with iPhones. With it, the insured can:

• Pay insurance bills and order auto insurance ID cards
• Report an Accident or start an car insurance claim
• Call for roadside assistance in the event of an emergency
• Call for a rental car or taxi if needed
• Watch how to videos on tire changing and other light auto maintenance
• Even watch some TV about cavemen and geckos if so inclined

In addition to bringing their insurance technology up to speed, Geico has also been spending some money on education in America. There’s no better place to invest than in the future of our country.

83 College and university students will receive a One thousand dollar Geico Achievement Award in 2010. These recipients are the best among their schools in math, computer science, business or a related field and they have also played an active role in leading their community or school.

Know someone that might qualify for the Geico Achievement Award and needs an extra thousand bucks in their pocket? Geico Achievement Award Application Instructions

The 2011 Ford Fiesta rips out of all corners because of the skilled precision of this Ford tuned suspension. Destroying the pavement in a straight line is a also an easy affair when electric power assisted steering is paired with the branded Ford invention: active nibble control. Stealth aerodynamics and and indispensable technology such as the PowerShift six automatic transmission and 1.6L Ti VCT Duratec I4 engine with bring together independent multivariate cam timing turns the Fiesta into an economically viable fun machine.

Super fast shifting is bettered by a powertrain control module that is always making adjustments to increase overall efficiency while producing expeditious mobility. Fiesta also comes with a galore of aerodynamic design characteristics that ameliorate air resistance and increase fuel efficiency. One such example is the aero shaped body mounted side mirrors and the mark slashed into the rear tail lamps. The elective Super Fuel Economy Package provides more aerodynamic goodies like blockers connected the lower grille and underbody shields to make the Fiesta glide through the air with relative ease.

Awesome safety features include: EPAS – electric power assisted steering, and optional Hill Start Assist. These controls help the driver by providing confidence and control. EPAS uses active nibble control technology and speed sensitive steering to work deliver feedback to the driver and inspire confidence at blazing highway speeds. AdvanceTrac ESC auto-magically slows the Fiesta down by braking for the driver when wheelslip is detected. This system is also responsible for reducing the possibility of fish-tailing and skidding by controlling understeer and oversteer. This system maintains proper braking even through adverse weather conditions like rain, loose gravel, and even ice.

The world will never comprehend anything similar to this. A specific combination of class major horsepower, gasoline efficacy, and a plethora of nice features included at no additional cost. The Kia Forte is the firstborn of its generation. Kia did not create the engine and while those Proterozoic examples may not have performed particularly well, they did encourage an entire industry of Korean auto manufacturers. Over the years the engine has had extensive renovations. They are disdainful to contribute to this extraordinary move by acquainting an engine that brings both fat ass stock horsepower and it is furnished nicely, an important looking combination for a close packed sedan. The Kia Fortissimo Koup supplies enhanced fuel efficiency along with high performance. Reduce fuel consumption costs with the Koup’s increased fuel mileage without giving up any performance or power.

Impressive Fuel Efficiency 6-Speed manual SX model offers 22 city/32 hwy mpg.
Gasoline Efficiency Monitor Promotes you to fancify a more economical driver.
Comprehensive Aerodynamic Testing creates to glorious stimulate efficiency and unostentatious cabin.
Class-Leading Standard Horsepower: 2.0-L 156 HP or an available 2.4-L 173 HP engine.

Short term auto insurance is necessary for some people. For example someone could own a car here in the United States and live outside of the country. This person may need to acquire a short term auto insurance policy if they do not maintain auto insurance constantly.

The state of California DMV requires that vehicles must maintain at least liability insurance to be eligible for vehicle registration. Thus the idea of “short term auto insurance” in the state of California is not really a feasible option.

Major insurance companies standard policy lengths
Geico: no temporary insurance offered. 6 month policy standard.
AIS (insurance broker): shortest policy is 6 months
The General (car insurance broker): shortest policy is 6 months, typical auto policy is 12 months
Farmers: no short term auto insurance available
State Farm: no temporary car insurance

It seems like most major carriers, including insurance brokers that shop many different insurance providers for their customers, do not offer any auto insurance policies for less than 6 months in California. If short term auto insurance such as 1 month auto insurance is really required then it makes sense to check with each potential insurance provider individually to see what fees would be charged for early cancellation. The fee for early car insurance cancellation varies and it the car insurance cancellation rate itself can be variable depending on the length of time left on the policy at the time of cancellation.

Here is an example of how a 6 month auto policy with a cancellation might work:

The 6 month premium is 600 dollars. The policy is canceled after 1 month so the insurance provider charges a cancellation fee of 100 dollars. The remainder of the policy is refunded to the customer at a prorated rate. $600/6 = $100 per month, and 1 month of the policy has been consumed already. Therefore the insured would be entitled to a refund of $400 in this scenario.

New car insurance is really no different from used car insurance. As long as the vehicle is driven upon any public road in the United States, there will always be a minimum amount of liability insurance that is required. This standard liability minimum varies from state to state. Auto insurance carriers can only sell insurance in the states that they are licensed to do so in, so they should be knowledgeable and familiar with the latest state insurance regulations. A good resource to check is the local DMV website. For example, here is the California DMV’s posted minimum liability insurance for vehicles.

GAP insurance is a program is offered by some insurance companies. This optional insurance coverage is limited to new cars. Essentially it protects the vehicle owner from losing money in the event of a total loss or vehicle theft. This GAP insurance will cover the difference between what is owed on the car and what the car is worth in the event of a total or theft. This insurance can be a good option for those with bad luck!

Shopping around for auto insurance is always a smart move. Car insurances discounts abound, and insurance companies are free to determine what discounts they would like to offer at any given time. This gives them the ability to balance out their customer base with the proper mix of customers. These customers can rage from those that may need DUI insurance and may have received a suspended license to “perfect drivers” that have never had a car accident or auto insurance claim. Comparing car insurance rates can also be addictive. Once one knows that they can save HUNDREDS of dollars per year then they are sometimes more inclined to gather some free quotes online when it comes time for the next renewal.

6 Month Policy or 12 Month Insurance Policy?
Some insurance companies offer 6 month policies while others may only offer 1 year policies.
Advantages of 6 month insurance policy:

• Since the policy is technically half the life of a one year policy, the cost should be much less than a 12 month policy. This can enable the purchaser to pay off the entire amount up front, thus eliminating any potential monthly installment fees.
• Additional opportunities to shop around again. Since the policy only lasts 6 months, the insured will have the opportunity to shop for lower car insurance rate more frequently.

Advantages of a 1 year auto insurance policy:

• Car insurance premium is locked in for an entire year. If the policy holder or any other drivers on the policy receives a traffic ticket or traffic violation of any sort then the insurance rates should not go up mid term. Drivers that receive tickets often can benefit from 1 year policies.
• No need to shop around as often. This can actually be detrimental since it allows policy holder to become complacent and it may result in paying more for insurance if the person does not shop around when it comes time for the insurance renewal.

Driving without insurance in California
In short, don’t even think about it.

1. The vehicle can be towed. Towing fees and storage fees are extremely expensive. Expect to spend a minimum of 300 bucks to get the car or truck out. Some tow yards even charge for “storage” by the hour.
2. Traffic Ticket cost can range between $100 and $500 dollars. Repeat offenders can rack up higher costs. Good for them!
3. The DMV can cancel your vehicle registration. Here is the info straight from the CA DMV website:
   

   Vehicle registrations are subject to suspension (CVC §4000.38) when:
   * DMV is notified that a policy has been cancelled and a replacement policy has not been submitted within 45 days.
   * Insurance information is not submitted to DMV within 30 days of the issuance of a registration card upon initial registration or transfer of ownership.
   * The registration is obtained by providing false evidence of insurance.

4. Driver’s license can be suspended. Insurance rates go up for drivers that receive suspended licenses.

Insurance quotes are always free, and they are typically instant. The car does not need to be in the quoter’s possession at the time of the quote so some research can be done to see what the difference in insurance premium cost will be with different cars. The car trim level is usually taken in to consideration, so the top of the line model could cost slightly more to insure than a base model vehicle.

Tesla, future manufacturer of the 109 thousand dollar electric powered Tesla roadster that bears a striking resemblance to the new Lotus Evora, went public today with their IPO priced at around 17 bucks a share. Many investors took advantage of this opportunity and drove the price of this electric car manufacturer’s stock up to a final resting place of $23.89, which is a gain of $6.89 per share or 40.53% for TSLA.

Tesla raised over 200 million dollars today. They have already made plans to produce their cars at Toyota’s old NUMMI car manufacturing facility in Fremont, CA. As of today, this plant has shut down because of all the negative press that Toyota has received. Toyota is still getting complaints about their cars going crazy and putting their owner’s as well as other people on the road including pedestrians lives at risk today. In the San Francisco Bay Area, one woman reported that her Toyota Highlander went out of control even though it was not on the recall list.

The massive Toyota recall of 2010 affected over two million automobiles. The resale value of Toyota cars will likely be reduced for a bit of time while consumers get over the fact that these cars were considerably unsafe to drive for many years: starting as early as 2005 for the Toyota Avalon.

A brand spankin new 2011 Toyota Avalon Limited is listed at about 38,485 on the Toyota website. Used Avalon Limiteds average around only 18 to 20 grand on craigslist so substantial savings can be had on second hand Toyota Avalons.

Another big impact this recall will have is on car advertising and marketing. Other car manufacturers, especially the American companies, will now have an opportunity to pick up some new customers that have lost faith in Toyota. And why not? Domestic cars such in the GM family such as Chevrolet now come with a fantastic 10 year powertrain warranty. That covers all the major components, but it does not cover everything such as sensors like the TPS, or throttle position sensor. It is still a great warranty and it should give U.S. consumers some additional peace of mind.

I like purchasing my vehicles used. As a matter of fact, I have never purchased a new car (yet). One of the benefits that new car buyers typically receive is a low interest rate on their auto loan. Some car manufacturers such as GM will have promotional specials as low as 0.0% APR! Other car companies that don’t need to give their customers as much incentive to purchase may only offer “low” rates, such as 1.9% or 2.9%. These rates are spectacular! But how can used car buyers save money?

Many Americans buy cars that they cannot afford immediately and therefore they will need a loan. The source of the loan is typically a bank. GM for example has their own bank: GMAC, the General Motors Acceptance Corporation. GMAC can be used to provide new car loans as well as used car loans. Honda, Toyota, and other manufacturers have their respective credit lines to offer to their customers.

One way to save money on car loans is to finance the vehicle purchase through a traditional bank. Your current banking provider may have some rate specials going on so it definitely doesn’t hurt to check. Here’s a recent auto loan promotion from Capital One Bank:

Capital One(SM) Auto Finance

Get approved for your auto loan before you shop for your car
with fixed rates as low as 3.01% APR

As a valued Capital One® cardholder, you deserve to know about incredible opportunities when we have them. Right now, you can apply online for low, fixed rate auto financing with our Blank Check® product.

With just three simple steps, you could drive away in your new car!

Step 1: Apply online. It’s fast, free, and there’s no cost or obligation.
Step 2: Once approved, you’ll receive your Blank Check package by mail as soon as the next day.
Step 3: Make the Blank Check payable to the dealer and drive away!

Apply now while rates are still low. In minutes you could be on your way to hassle-free car buying. It’s that simple!

It’s that easy to save money with a lower rate on a used car purchase. Some dealers offer some insane rates. Doing a little homework up front can save loads of money in the long run.

This is a great coupon for people that need to get their tires rotated but don’t have a garage or the proper equipment to do the job. At a minimum to rotate tires you would need jack stands, a floor jack, and tire iron. An air compressor and tire pressure gauge are needed to adjust air pressure. Here is a link to other Midas Coupons. Midas has locations all across California including San Francisco and San Diego. Make sure to make an appointment to expedite your auto service.

The 2008 Chevy TrailBlazer SS is essentially a TrailBlazer with a vette motor in it. To support the 390 hp and 400 lb/ft of torque on hand the brakes are beefier, the suspension is stiffer, and the rubber and rims are bigger (20s come standard). This fast little SUV is a beaast that is capable of sub 13 second quarter mile times.
There are two drivetrain options available: rear wheel drive and all wheel drive. Both Blazer SS models come standard with stabilitrak to keep the sideways action to a minimum.

* allstate quick estimate

Insurance Coverage Quote Details:

• $500 Deductible
• Bodily Injury and Property Damage $100,000 / person
  300,000 / accident
  100,000 / property $100,000 / person
  300,000 / accident
  50,000 / property
• Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist $100,000 / person
  300,000 / accident $100,000 / person
  300,000 / accident
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage $3,500 property
  (with $0 deductible) $3,500 property
  (with $0 deductible)
• Medical Payments: No coverage
• Comprehensive: $500 deductible
• Collision: $500 deductible
• Rental: No coverage
• Roadside Assistance: No coverage

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG Coupe has a big 5.4 liter V8 shoved in to the small 2 door CLK chassis. The AMG line of autos features hand built motors outputting 362 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque. There are only 1500 2003 CLK55AMG cars in the United States. The 5 speed speedshift AMG automatic transmission is standard.

Car insurance rates are computed based on many variables. These quotes are based on:

• male, 35 years old
• no accidents or tickets for the past 5 years:auto insurance quotes used to be based on the past 3 years of accident history however to date most car insurance providers are basing their premiums on the last 5 years of each driver’s history
• basic coverage chosen was 250/500/100
• 15/30 uninsured motorist
• 1000 deductible on collision and comprehensive
• no medical payments, towing, or rental
• 8000 miles of annual usage (pleasure, not business or commute)

The best insurance website was allstate since they showed the change in premium in the drop down boxes when making changes:

Too bad their insurance premiums were too high by comparison. Their website made it easy to see how changes in your policy affect the insurance premium cost.

CLK55 Warranty
There is a variety of companies that offer used car warranties. Authorized warranty sellers (such as used car dealers) are typically able to offer a warranty that covers either the power train or full bumper to bumper protection. The CLK55 AMG was not eligible for a third party pre owned car warranty at this time. Mercedes Benz does offer an extended warranty for their certified pre owned vehicles.

The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is one fast SUV. The 6.1 liter V8 Hemi makes 420 horsepower and 420 torque so the SRT-8 Grand Cherokee has plenty of raw power. Standard features include 4×4 drivetrain mated to a 5 speed automatic transmission. No manual transmission is available for this quick sport utility vehicle.

If fuel economy is of any concern to you then forget about this GC. Many people have reported as low as 11mpg city and a measly 15 miles per gallon on the highway. You gotta pay to play-this is Dodge Viper city MPG territory but at least the Viper still gets up to 22mpg on the freeway. Expect repeated trips to the gas station if you have a lead foot.

A fully loaded 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes all the features you would expect when paying about 44k for a new vehicle including DVD Navigation and HID headlights (with the proper package selected). Current purchase incentives include the cash for clunkers used car trade in program, the sales tax credit for new cars purchased in 2009, $500 cash bonus allowance, and an amazing 0.0 % financing for up to 72 months!

Car insurance rates were based on a 33 year old male in SF California with no accidents, tickets, or auto insurance claims for 3 years and no DUI or DWI in the past 10 years. No driver license suspensions or revocations within the last 3 years. The jeep will be used for commuting about 30 miles per day.

No auto insurance discounts were included in these quotes. Collision and Comprehensive insurance coverage deductibles were raised to $1,000 to reduce insurance premium costs. Rental car reimbursement was also declined along with loan lease payoff coverage. The liability coverage requested was $500,000 combined single limit.

2010 mustang gt

these car insurance quotes were based on the following:

• 27 year old unmarried male born in 1982, licensed in california at 16
• car is financed for 60 months (5 years)
• clean motor vehicle record (no at fault accidents, tickets, or suspensions within the past 10 yrs)
• ford mustang is located in la, california, 90005 and parked in the street
• 1 yr with current car insurance co
• car used for driving to work 5 days a week, 40 miles round trip
• est miles driven anually: 12,000
• 100/300/50 coverage: 100,000/300,000 bodily injury insurance limit and 50,000 property damage insurance limit
• 500 dollar deductible for collision and comprehensive coverages
• 100,000/300,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance
• coverages waived: medical payments, rental car, roadside assistance unless included
• no auto insurance discount included

the e39 m5 is bmw’s 4 door ultimate sleeper. there are subtle exterior differences between the regular bmw 5 series and the m5. the e46 m3 by comparison is flashier than the standard 3 series with the addition of front fender grilles.

both of these cars easily run mid to low 13 second quarter miles so bring a helmet if you plan to take it to the drag strip.

bmw e39 m5 specs

bmw e46 m3 specs

these two supercars also carried super price tags when sold brand new however the used car market allows many people to enjoy these german musclecars at a fraction of their new price. there are several factors to weigh when considering the purchase of either the m3 or m5.

• car maintenance: german car maintenance is more expensive than japanese car maintenance. this is generally true and these two bimmers are no exception. replacement parts for the bwm m5 will be more expensive than the bmw m3. for example brake rotors: powerslot front brake rotors for a 2003 m3 are only about $112 bucks each from tirerack.com ($103 for rear rotors) and the same powerslot front rotors for a 2002 bmw m5 cost about $130 dollars each (only $65 each for rear rotors) from brakeperformance.com.
• used car warranty: a used car warranty can be sold by dealers and independent car brokers. a good warranty can be invaluable in the event of a major breakdown. an aftermarket warranty can cost anywhere from 1000 to over 4000 dollars depending on the type of coverage (power train: engine, transmission and drive train only) or bumper to bumper (full coverage) and the length of coverage (from months to years).
• premium gas: these luxury sport high performance vehicles need premium gasoline. constant use of low quality gas can lead to pinging (potential engine damage) and lost performance.
• resale value: most german cars don’t hold value as well as japanese cars. the bmw m series is a great value as a used car right now and it will probably hold it’s value better than non m bmws.
• car insurance: last but certainly not least check how much it will cost to insure one of these monsters. liberty mutual auto insurance rates for a 2003 m3 was $497 per year. the liberty mutual car insurance quote for a 2001 bmw m5 was $478 per year.*

*car insurance rates based on a 33 year old driver with a clean driving history and the vehicle garaged in san jose, california. annual reported miles driven was 7500 (pleasure). liability insurance coverage was low: $50000/$100000 bodily injury, $50000 property damage, $15000/$30000 uninsured motorist insurance. comprehensive insurance carried a deductible of $1000. collision insurance was not included. 20% multi car discount was also included in this car insurance quote.

I’m not a car dealer but I am an automotive enthusiast. I’ve had my share of cars:

1. 1989 Honda CRX Si
2. 1990 Honda CRX HF
3. 1987 Honda CRX Si
4. 1992 Honda Civic Hatchback Dx
5. 1995 Toyota MR2 Turbo
6. 1989 Nissan 240sx
7. 1993 Lexus SC300
8. 1989 Honda Civic Wagon EX
9. 2003 Nissan 350z Track
10. 1990 Honda CRX
11. 1999 Honda CRV EX
12. 2003 Volkswagen 20th Anniversary GTI

all bought used. Second hand cars are much cheaper than brand new cars but buyers must beware since some states (such as California) don’t offer any protection for buyers of “lemons.” Most people have a list of things to go over before buying a used car. Here’s mine:

• Take the car in to every gear. Even though this may require a trip on the freeway this must be done to ensure that the transmission is good. If the seller is not willing to let you drive the car then WALK AWAY. You have to drive a car before you buy it!
• Listen for strange sounds. Leave the radio off during the test drive since having a fewer distractions helps.
• Check remaining tread on tires. Tires have wear bars
  

  wear bars

  that show when they should be replaced. (If the tire tread is down to the wear bars then the tires need to be replaced.) Tires are expensive to replace.
• Look for signs of smoking. Sometimes the old smoke smell will creep in after the windows have been rolled up for a little while. Many cars that have been smoked in have little signs of smoking-brown spots and little burns are giveaways.
• Check the gaps between all the body panels. They should be pretty even. Uneven gaps indicate possible panel repair or replacement-a sign of body work from a previous accident. Some really good body shops leave less evidence but a majority of bodyshops can’t get all the gaps as perfect as the factory gaps.
• Check for the spare tire and look for all the known accessories. All Honda CRVs come with a picnic table in the trunk. I’d be upset if I bought a used CRV and didn’t get my picnic table because I didn’t check for it. Some cars come with a first aid kit that the seller may or may not have.
• Make sure it passes smog if required by state law.
• Check the car title for salvage. Salvaged cars are worthless-they don’t have any stated value to Kelly Blue Book (KBB). The condition of a salvaged car can vary too much and can be downright unsafe in some instances. A vehicle gets a permanent salvaged title when the insurance company decides that the cost to completely repair a damaged vehicle to it’s “original state” from an accident or theft exceeds the value of the vehicle. The existence of a nice shiny new paint job doesn’t mean that the car has been repaired properly. Some people cut corners and go with inferior parts. In fact some cars are wrecked so badly that nothing can be done to make it drive straight anymore. Salvaged vehicles do have a value-it’s whatever it’s worth to the buyer considering the fact that the car could be unsafe for its occupants. Car dealers don’t EVER sell salvaged cars for a reason.
• Make sure EVERYTHING works: window wipers (front and rear if equipped), window washer squirters, head lights (low and high beam), interior lights, brake lights, reverse lights (helps if you have a friend with you-if you don’t have someone else available then back up toward a wall or glass where you can see the reflection of the brake and reverse lights), radio, CD player, Navigation, sunroof, rear window defroster, heat and air conditioning, and other buttons or knobs.

Car registration both (new and renewal) is going up by double or maybe even triple on May 19, 2009. This is one of the measures taken to end the California budget crisis. Saving money on car insurance is needed now more than ever to offset these costs.

The used car market is hot right now with many people looking for good deals on a used car. Check out the used car buying guide for helpful tips when purchasing a used vehicle.

wrx insurance

these online auto insurance quotes were based on the following:

• thirty two y.o. unmarried male, licensed in california at 18
• employee of a public high tech corporation (programming), with a 4 yr degree
• clean motor vehicle record (no at fault accidents, tickets, or suspensions within the past 10 yrs)
• subaru wrx is located in sf, california, 94118
• 1 yr with current car insurance co
• car used for driving to work 5 days a week, 30 miles round trip
• est miles driven anually: 12,000
• 100/300/50 coverage: 100,000/300,000 bodily injury insurance limit and 50,000 property damage insurance limit
• 500 dollar deductible for collision and comprehensive coverages
• coverages waived: uninsured/underinsured motorist, medi payments, rental car, roadside assistance unless included
• no auto insurance discount included except programmer if applicable

rsx type s insurance

the hartford insurance didn’t want me again

these online auto insurance quotes were based on the following inputs:

• thirty-two year old single male, licensed at 18 years of age
• employed full time at a corporation (technology, programming), with a college degree
• clean driving record (zero accidents, moving violations/traffic tickets, or driver license suspensions within the past 10 yrs)
• 2006 acura located in sf, california, 94118
• one year with current car insurance company
• vehicle used for commuting 30 miles round trip
• estimated annual miles driven: 12,000
• 100/300/50 coverage: 100,000/300,000 bi limit and 50,000 property damage limit
• five hundred dollar deductible for comprehensive and collision coverages
• coverages declined: uninsured/underinsured motorist, med payments, rental car, roadside assistance unless included
• no auto insurance discount included except computer programmer if offered