Discover The Best Crossover SUV For The Money

Finding the best crossover SUV for the money can be very time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you don't know what to look for. Before we go any further, let me first explain what a "crossover" SUV is.

The term "crossover" started out as a marketing term. A crossover vehicle is built on a car base platform with uni-body construction. This gives you the handling, comfort, ride and performance similar to a car. They look like a SUV, even though they are not built for off-road use, or they can have a wagon look to them.

In general a crossover SUV will get better gas mileage than a typical SUV. The crossover also sets lower to the ground and has a lower roof line than a regular SUV. They offer SUV-like-traits, but give you car-like handling and comfort.

The crossover SUV set generations free from the old stigma minivans back in the mid-90's. Back then if you wanted a SUV you had to go to a Land Rover, Chevy or Jeep store. Today most manufactures offer at least one model of a SUV. There are over 80 different models available bearing names like sport utility, sport and crossover.

Here are three of the best crossover SUVs for the money, based on sales, reviews, over-all cargo space, fuel efficiency and safety ratings. I also based these choices on what my clients and I have experienced in the real world with these best crossover SUVs.

Making Your Car's Paint Job and Maintenance Budget Go Farther

As a car gets older and accumulates more miles, the maintenance that it needs to keep running often tends to increase, too. While regular oil changes, filter replacements, brake repair, and other small services can keep the mechanical aspect of your vehicle in tip top shape, keeping up with the exterior of the car can become more and more of an issue as the paint is faded and chipped away by the elements that it faces during every drive. Small rocks, bright sunlight, and harsh weather all wear away the gleam of your paint's top coat; eventually resulting in a dull, old-looking car, despite its mechanical capabilities.

The problem with this is that paint jobs are expensive. Getting a good paint job can run up a four-figure bill and put a huge strain on your budget. Fortunately, the need for a new paint job can be put off by taking great care of your vehicle's exterior; you can keep it looking like new despite the mileage's steady climb. First, you should park your car out of direct sunlight and under some kind of shelter, be it a garage, carport, or even large tent. This will protect your vehicle from the natural elements that gradually dull the paint and will also keep it out of reach of falling twigs, acorns, and other rogue projectiles that can cause damage.

An MOT Every Two Years?

Plans have just been announced that the government is set to make a new proposal in the near future that will possibly make car owners MOT their cars every two years instead of the current annual ruling that is in effect.

Depending on whether or not the plans go ahead many people could both benefit or lose out to the new system ranging from car owners to mechanics. One of the most important factors that will no doubt be debated and looked into thoroughly before the proposal gets a final vote will be the subject of safety.

The transport secretary has already shown his support to the proposal by saying that newer cars are now much safer then cars that were manufactured over fifty years ago when the Ministry of Transport test was first introduced. Many people will have a lot to say about this with many already asking the question 'Is a small yearly save on motoring costs worth more than our day to day safety'.

Cool Lamborghini

The German tuning company, the well known Edo Competition, transformed the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 right into a artwork by using the international designer, Christian Augier. The result of their entire jobs are the Lamborghini LP710, a fantastic and fast supercar.

Edo Karabegovic is a mechanic who worked for Ferrari and lives in a small village, northeast of Dortmund. Now he is retired and willing to take on massive projects that suppose transforming already exceptional cars in even more impressive and high-speed sports cars. To be able to create the Lamborghini LP710, Edo used the Murcielago LP640 and removed only its standard hardware that powered the leading wheels and also the entire dynamic safety net. As a result the load of the car was lowered with 88 pounds. Instead, he increased with 69 horsepower the power produced by the 6.5 liters V12 engine of the Murcielago by using the engine control unit. He also designed a new air intake, new exhaust headers, high-performance camshafts, high-flow catalytic converters, blueprinted cylinder heads and a stainless-steel exhaust system.

Toyota Motor

The Toyota of today is running scared. Until about two years ago, Toyota Motor was a company full of pride that reigned as an uncontested heavyweight champion of the 20th century auto-industry battles. But more recently, any number of problems have erupted and the company has pleaded "guilty" to making many missteps in its attempt to rectify those issues. Today's the company has shown the world an angstridden face that can hardly be said to be that of a champ.

Toyota Motor's greatest strength has become its greatest weakness. The company's status has taken a nosedive after runaway car accidents have implicated even Lexus, a brand name that became synonymous with high quality, globally viable products. At its zenith, it was able to earn more than 2 trillion yen (US$22 billion) - most of that from the expansion of its operations in the U.S. - but after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 it was tripped up by its inability to maintain sales of an extensive line-up of luxury cars and full-size trucks. And because the automaker directed so many of its resources toward its business-chasing growth in the U.S., it has been unable to fully exploit opportunities with longer term growth potential in emerging economies like China and India. As a result, Toyota Motor has trailed Germany's Volkswagen and Korea's Hyundai Motor in making inroads in these markets.

Keeping Your Car Running for Less

Like going to the doctor for a checkup or running a virus scan on your computer, preventative maintenance for your car is an important part of its upkeep. Unfortunately, car maintenance is much more expensive than other forms of care; however, there are ways to save a bit of money on your maintenance bill.

* Pay attention to promotions. When you purchase a new or used car from a dealership, the vehicle will often come with a maintenance plan that is either free or discounted. Though these plans almost never cover everything, they can save you money and provide you with the peace of mind that your car is being taken care of by expert mechanics.

* Be a loyal client. Oftentimes local mechanics will build up a rapport with their clients and discount their services. If you can find a local mechanic that you trust, why not send your business that way instead of going to the nationwide chain shops? The supposition that smaller shops are more expensive is a myth and, after shopping around, you may find that you prefer the atmosphere of small business.

Ferrari 458 Italia Sound

To optimize efficiency, the Ferrari 458 Italia has been designed to satisfy the dual objective of providing the driver with the most complete feedback typical from a Ferrari V8 engine whilst also guaranteeing high levels of acoustic comfort. The silencers are equipped with by-pass valves that are activated at maximum performance. At lower revs, or on a partial throttle, the exhaust gases exit from a second pair of smaller diameter tubes. The result is a Ferrari 458 Italia's engine sound not invasive at low revs but fuller and richer at increasing performance. Under low performance, the by-pass valves close, trapping the exhaust gases in the two silencers. At high performance and in particular under hard acceleration, the ECU responds by opening the valves and feeding all of the exhaust gases directly to the two outer tailpipes.

Maintaining Your Clunker

Cars tend to be the most convenient while at the same time the most aggravating of inventions. Cars are just fine and dandy if you have one that runs smooth and includes all the latest car technology. But what if you can't afford the outrageous prices they charge for a brand new running car and you have to settle for a fifteen-year-old clunker. In that case, cars are not in the least bit fun. Most of us have had at least some experience with vehicles such as these. Guaranteed some of us have experienced the extremely traumatizing ordeal of driving down the street when all of a sudden the car starts making this loud rumbling sound like a helicopter takeoff and you turn away from the wheel for a moment to find your muffler rolling down the street. Does this sound familiar? There are countless problems that can crop up when driving an old car.

So what can be done to prevent our having to experience these episodes with our wonderful yet ancient cars? If you can only afford an inexpensive car you can still do something about maintaining its condition. Firstly, there are some basic tips to remember to delay the inevitable decay of the car. If you see your brake light on, don't panic. Before even taking it to the mechanic you can try to pour brake fluid into the brake fluid container under the hood.

BMW Donates Over 14 Million Dollars to Japanese Disaster Victims

Car giant BMW Group has donated 1 million Euros to Japanese disaster victims in the wake of the devastating earthquake which ravaged the country in March. The approximate converted value of the donation is over 1.4 million U.S. dollars.

BMW Group has an established presence in Japan with over 800 Japanese employees. A number of German employees also worked for BMW in Japan, and those workers were almost immediately offered the opportunity to return home after the earthquake hit to be with their families.

The 1 million Euros will be split between the Japanese Red Cross and "Save The Children," a non-profit organization which is working in the region. BMW Group has insisted that the funds be used to treat injured, sick, and traumatized children in Japan, as well as in aiding reconstruction and emergency relief efforts. BMW also encouraged its employees and customers to contribute to the Red Cross and other organizations which are providing services in Japan.

The Benefits of Electronic Fleet Management

No matter what company or business you are in, there are several benefits to using electronic fleet management software. This is because just about every type of business uses some sort of transportation to move goods from one place to another or for employees to get goods to move products from company to company. Purchasing and then trying to keep up and maintaining trucks or other vehicles can be complex and tricky, and for those who have larger fleets, this system can be beneficial.

Tracks Your Vehicles

One of the more basic features of management systems is that it can help to track all of your vehicles any time of day. This is because a GPS-tracking system is used, and some use a system known as cellular triangulation. Because you are now going to be able to track your vehicles, you are always going to know where they are and whether they are going to be on time or not. There is often a real-time tracking system that will be transmitted to a database, too.

The Different Types of Satellite Tracking Devices

GPS, otherwise known as Global Positioning Systems, has advanced in several ways over the years and has revolutionized how many businesses do business, such as tracking their shipments, doing different types of research, and even how some people go on vacation. There are several types of satellite tracking devices that are on the market now. You can find personal electronics as well as different types for vehicles, and there are now even ones on the collars that are used on animals. The world of technology is always advancing, and even those who are not geniuses in this industry can benefit from how these devices can be used in everyday life. Here is a brief overview of the different types that are available.

Passive vs. Active

There are two different forms of GPS devices and they come in a wide variety of subcategories as well. The two major ones include passive and active. Passive devices are also known as GPS devices for logging and these types function by cataloging a subject's location during a segment of a trip and it then downloads the data. Active types can also be called GPS-tracking types, and these ones are the ones that will transmit data in real time, including location, all from a satellite network. It then transmits it to a computer or even a database.

The Offerings With Automotive Equipment Distributors

Automotive equipments are tools, lifts, service equipments, and other pieces of machinery that are used to reduce downtime and make lifting handling heavy objects easier during the handling and repair work on automobiles. These are also used for other purposes as well. There are many automotive equipment distributors around the country. The business is highly competitive and the equipments have now begun to make their appearance online as well.

Types of Automotive Equipment

There are different kinds of automotive tools and equipments available for customers. The purchase of these depends of the need and the location where it is used.

* Auto Lift Equipment - As the name suggests, these are used to lift automobiles and other material. They allow the mechanics to gain entry into the belly of the automobile easily. The mechanics are able to stand underneath the automobile and make the necessary repairs. They are also used to clean the belly of the vehicle easily. Auto lift equipment comes in the form of two posts, four posts, parking, mid-rise, and turf. The most popular of these is the two posts lift.

The Benefits of Network Accepted Fleet Gasoline Cards

Network accepted fleet gasoline cards can be a beneficial tool for any type of business that operates a fleet of cars. Although there are some credit card companies and other providers that offer specific gas cards, there are limitations on these products that can hurt your business's ability to benefit from them. Instead of focusing on those cards, consider a card that is connected to a network. A network is simply a group of businesses that come together to support each other. When it comes to fleet cards like this, the network is well worth investing in because it can help you to save money, save time and ensure your business flourishes.

One of the key benefits to using a card from a network like this is that you can count on getting more for your money. Choose a fleet card that is from a network and you will see fuel costs savings. You may even see maintenance savings from this transaction. This occurs because the costs associated with fuel and with maintenance services are minimized in this transaction. Because you are a member of the network, you pay a lower price for the service you are going to need to buy anyway. Take a look at how easy this process works.

A Few Of The Reasons Why Car Leasing Can Be A Good Choice To Make

The attractions of a car lease are far greater than buying a new one, for a lot of people a at least! In the past one could pick and choose from a lot of attractive car leasing deals most automotive retailers had to offer. However, because of the low finance rates automotive manufacturers are offering in partnership with finance firms, those very attractive car lease deals have begun to dry up and disappear.

A greater number of car buyers still like to to lease a vehicles as opposed to buying one outright from the dealer. Sales of luxury vehicles show that over half the number sold are leased and as far as general vehicles is concerned, more than 20 percent of them are leased and not sold.

There are a couple of outstanding benefits from leasing a car as opposed to buying one. Firstly the lessor possesses a vehicle that is constantly under warranty. There is almost no need to take the vehicle in for repairs except for the general maintenance now and then. Secondly the lease owner drives a luxury, better equipped vehicle by opting out of the lease and getting a new one.

How You Can Live Greener

When it comes to being as eco-friendly as you possibly can, individuals generally bail out simply because they believe it changes their entire life. The truth is, it will only impact your life and way of living on a small scale. I've assembled a couple of ideas to help you in the transition to living earth-friendly.

Probably one of the biggest contributors to our planets atmosphere is your car. When it comes to this, larger is never better. If you'd like to decrease the harmful impact you've on the natural environment, obtain a smaller car, such as the Tata Indica Vista Ego. More than half of the carbon wastes you add to the natural environment come from the automobile you drive. Despite the growing popularity of the SUV, gas mileage has become one of the greatest factors in car purchases.

Smaller cars such as the Indica Vista Ego, when compared to 4x4's and SUV's, receive twice as much kilometres from one tank of petrol than larger cars. And, with the continuous rise in the fuel price, driving a smaller car will even mean more cash in your pocket!

Petroleum Or Diesel Engine - What Sort Of Car Would You Choose?

Most passenger car models available on the market today emerge in two versions: petrol and diesel. Thus, when confronted with both versions of a vehicle like the Indica Vista, which would you prefer? Think carefully now as they both have their benefits and drawbacks. You might have operated one variant your entire life and see no point in changing, which is completely fine, but if there's any doubt in your mind regarding which one to pick then read on.

In the past, petrol-driven cars had been the preferred choice of most drivers because diesel vehicles tended to be slower and were definitely more noisy than their petrol cousins. Improvements in diesel car engineering have shrunk the distance between the two however, many people still find diesels to be too noisy for their preference. So if you like your car to 'purr' then the petrol variation of a vehicle much like the Indica Vista will most likely continue to be your preferred option.

On the flip side, if you're somebody that travels lengthy distances on a daily basis then diesel-powered may be the better option despite the more noisy engine because diesel fuel is generally cheaper than petrol. Hence the diesel version of a car like the Indica Vista could be the better option where repeated travelling of lengthy distances is involved as the small fuel savings will add up in the long run. Nonetheless, new petroleum vehicles have a less costly retail price, so it all boils down to a case of 'six of one and half-a-dozen of the other'. Do you wish to save upfront or in the long run? The option is totally yours.

How to Make Sure You Aren't Buying a Lemon of a Used Car

The last thing that anyone needs is a car that needs to be in and out of the shop regularly for mechanical problems that could cost a lot of money to fix. Regardless of the cost, car problems add up quickly. The best thing to do is make sure that you can depend on the vehicle that you are buying before you buy it. Here are a few tips to follow in order to ensure that you are not buying a lemon.

1. Always do your research!

Know what you are buying, look at your options, and choose the car that is right for you. You should know every detail about your prospective purchase before you buy. Less can go wrong if you know what you are buying. Check out the particular brand that you are interested in, check consumer reports and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for complaints and comments on particular brands.

What Makes A Hatchback So Great?

There appears to be a craze inside the car buying population to purchase a hatchback rather than a sedan or bakkie or four by four. I frequently feel like everywhere I glance I see hatchbacks. There must be a reason for this sudden love of the hatchback sort of vehicle, but what is it?

After doing some thinking and a little test driving of a number of cars, I came to the following conclusions:

a) The hatchback has lower fuel consumption. Most hatchbacks are much smaller and lighter than other kinds of car. This implies that the engine has to work much less to get the exact same type of power and speed out of the car. Simply because the engine has to work less, it requires less petrol, which means you may get further with a lesser quantity of petrol.

b) The hatchback features a tiny turning circle. The way a hatchback is produced is to be little and quick. They have a much shorter length and usually a shorter wheel base as well. They're not merely sedans with the end hacked off, they're really extremely different. This shorter wheel base and shorter length makes the car much simpler to turn. This can be good for those badly built parking lots and mini circles that seem to proliferate our country.

Scouting For Your First Car? Choose A Hatch Back!

When it comes to choosing one's first car, there are so many decisions to be made. Firstly it is an existing period in one's life when you get your first car. It is usually your first big purchase you make or someone else makes for you! Your car offers you independence, and freedom from public transport and having to rely on others. But with so many cars on the market, which car should you choose? Well I am going to give you the scoop on what has been found to be the best type of car for a first time car owner. The Hatch back! This car has been found to be the best car for first time car owners and in this article I am going to tell you all the reasons why.

When you first start driving, you need to put in many hours of practice before you become comfortable on the roads. This is why choosing a car which is small is better than choosing a bigger car. It is smaller than other cars, and because it does not have a tail, you will find it much easier to park, as well easier to reverse. Parking and reversing are two of the most challenging disciplines for drivers, as you need to be very precise and in control. Many accidents happen in parking lots when people are trying to fit into a parking bay. Hatch backs allow people to park with ease, as a smaller car is easier to fit into smaller spaces!

Get a Portable Scooter for Superior and Easier Flexibility

Transportation vehicles nowadays are more convenient than before. They have evolved to offer people more methods of moving from one location to another; making things for them less difficult and speedier. The most frequent modes of transportation are cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, airplanes, ships, and scooters. Many people, especially students, prefer using a portable scooter as their means of transport. From the description "portable," we all know this vehicle is made for anyone who prefers ease of transporting and utilizing. It is stated that a many students opt for scooters instead of cars when going to school. One benefit of scooters is that they offer two choices for the user. These vehicles are powered by battery or by gas; usually they consume less gas in comparison with ordinary cars.

Scooters are widely known for being practical modes of transportation, particularly with students and the older people. Usually, when you have forgotten or have left something essential at home or anywhere far, you will be able to get to it right away using the scooter. This vehicle also offers other benefits and advantages. It involves lesser purchase and operation charges.

How To Know When Your Vehicle Needs Service

There are certain points in a car's life, when it will need to have service done. If you know when these points are, then it will help your car or truck run better and longer. Ensuring that the tires are rotated regularly and the brakes inspected can help to keep the vehicle safe. Oil changes and tune ups may also help to keep things working as they should.

Some brands such as Volkswagen's recommend that the tires get rotated every 12,000 miles. This helps to rotate the pressure points on the tires and helps to prolong the use of the rubber. During rotation time, vehicles will have their breaks inspected.

Breaks may get changed at different times for various cars and drivers. There may not be a set amount of time that drivers can use as a guideline. Breaks will need to be changed over a course of time that will depend on how the driver drives, what kind of car it is and the weather and road conditions that take place on a regular basis.

Oil changes should be done around six thousand miles for the average car. Each driver should inspect their driver's manual to find out exactly when their specific make and model advises it. While there may be a general guideline for the changing of oil, every brand and model will have its own guidelines and rules.