Your Guide to Everything with a Motor
Trucks & Sport Utility Vehicles
Canadian Vehicle Prices Still Higher Than In The United States
Aug 7th
Canadian Vehicle Prices Still Higher Than In The United States
It has been generally well known that Canadians, for the most part, pay more for their cars than Americans. Of course, right? After all, USA is home to some of the largest car companies in the world. The cost of importing all those cars into Canada from the USA must account for the price differences between American and Canadian cars, right?
Not exactly. The North American free trade agreement states that any car manufactured within North America can be imported or exported between North American countries free of duty.
In recent years Canadians have been importing record numbers of vehicles from the U.S.A. into Canada. While the exchange rate between the Canadian and American dollar has not had Canadians at such a great advantage in years, there are yet many other reasons why Canadians are flocking south of the border to make their next car purchase.
In a recent comparison between American and Canadian vehicle prices, it was found that Canadians are paying almost 20% more than Americans are for their new vehicles. That means most Canadians are currently paying about $5000-$6000 more, on average, than their neighbors to the south.
Car manufacturers justify their pricing with the argument that they are making up for lost dollars in the Canadian market, or that their pricing is simply set to what consumers have grown to accept. Seems pretty fair, companies should be allowed to set their pricing at a competitive rate, regardless of what is considered competitive. So are Canadians fated to pay high prices for new vehicles?
Canadian consumers have to pay whatever the car manufacturers tell them to pay says Kyle Jackson, author of ImportCarToCanada!, an information website for Canadians who are looking to import a vehicle from the U.S.A. Their perception is that they dont have the choice a lot of Canadians are being ripped off and pushed around by rich car companies, and the worst part is, most Canadians dont even know it!.
ImportCartoCanada! helps Canadians with just about every aspect of importing cars into Canada from the U.S.A. Everything from step by step instructions, to money saving tips, and even hosts a community of other Canadians who talk about their own experiences importing vehicles.
Why should a Canadian pay $52,000 for a brand new BMW 331i, when he could drive across the border and pick up the exact same car brand new for almost $12,000 less? says Jackson. I wanted to make a site where Canadians could quickly realize that they dont have to pay all the high prices they see on cars, they just need to do a little research.
Mr. Jacksons site may give Canadians all the answers they need about importing cars from the United States to save money, but what about car prices in Canada, will they be like this forever? Like any market, the Canadian car market will take time to adjust. These changes happen, just not overnight.
Until the market does change, Canadians will be paying higher car prices than Americans, or like many others, getting informed, and taking a trip to an American dealership to save themselves some money.
Chicago Residents: Your Used Car Auction Options Reviewed
Aug 7th
Are you a Chicago resident who is looking to buy a used car? If you are, you may want to think about buying a used car from a Chicago auction. When it comes to choosing a Chicago auction to attend, you will find that you have a number of different choices.
A common type of auction that many people attend, even when looking for a used car, is an auction where a large number of items are for sale, including used cars. These types of auctions are not always done on a scheduled basis though. Many times, the items being auctioned off are part of an estate or a business closing. Yes, you may be able to find an auction like this in the Chicago area where a used car or two is present, but you may want to look at auctions that are referred to as used car auctions.
Used car auctions are auctions that specialize solely in the auctioning of used vehicles. What is nice about used car auctions is that well-known auction houses or even auto repair companies often host them. Also, you are often able to get access to a large number of vehicles. Depending on the used car auction that you choose to attend, there may be as many as fifty used cars present. Used car auctions, unlike many traditional estate auctions, are often held on a scheduled, predetermined basis.
If you are interested in attending a used car auction, you will find that you have number of different used car auctions to attend, just in or around the Chicago area. For that reason, you may want to take the time to choose which used car auction or auctions that you want to attend. To save yourself time and possible even money, you will want to look at used car auctions that give you the opportunity to inspect all vehicles before placing a bid. It is also advised that you try to attend public used car auctions, as you do not need to have a dealers license or other documentation to bid on a vehicle. There are also used car auctions where you are required to pay an admission free, but many allow free entrance.
In addition to attending a used car auction that is hosted by an auction house or an auto repair company, you may also be able to find auctions in and around the Chicago area that are sometimes referred to as police auctions. Police auctions vary from auction to auction, but they do typically have a number of used cars available for bidding; however, the number usually is not as high as it is with the used car auctions outlined above. Often times, a police auction involves the auctioning of old police cars, as well as cars and other vehicles that may have been impounded or confiscated during a criminal investigation.
In addition to used car auctions that you can attend, you may also be able to find a number of used car auctions online. Online used car auctions are starting to increase in popularity. When it comes to online used car auctions, it is common for a number of individual auctions to be hosted on an online bidding website. While these bidding sites may be a great way to get a used car, you need to keep the current location of the cars in mind. For instance, if you live in or around the Chicago area, it may be costly for you to buy a car and transport it from New York.
The other type of online used car auctions that you may be able to find are ones that are hosted by auction houses or even auto repair companies. Instead of having a live auction, there are some individuals and companies who are now choosing to do online used car auctions instead and some are even deciding to do both. The only downside is that you may not get to inspect the used cars before hand.
As you can see, from outlined above, it is possible to buy a used car from a number of different auctions. While you may not necessarily see the same success, many used car auction buyers have had success with live used car auctions. If you are interested in attending a live used car auction, you may want to examine the auctions hosted by North Shore Auto Auction.
Getting Affordable Auto Insurance-How To Insure Your Car Without Breaking
Aug 6th
Getting Affordable Auto Insurance-How To Insure Your Car Without Breaking The Bank
In todays day and age, getting affordable car insurance really isnt that difficult. In fact, you can often times find many affordable auto insurance quotes on the Internet. Of course, just because the Insurance is cheaper doesnt is make the right one for you.
In fact, often times the most affordable auto insurance isnt the best ones for you, because the customer service is poor and the company many times has only been in business for several years. One of the most important aspects of any insurance companies is experience; unfortunately, most times cheaper insurance companies havent had much experience in the industry, and therefore arent all that reliable.
Of course, just because auto insurance is affordable doesnt necessarily make it bad either. If you are set on finding affordable and cheap car insurance here are some important tips to consider.
First of all, do your shopping over the Internet. There are a couple big advantages to doing this on the Internet, and here they are.
First of all, it is much quicker. Instead of having to sort through the Yellow Pages and wait literally hours on end to talk to several agents, you can easily and quickly get a quote online to find out the best car insurance for you. You can do this for many different companies, much faster than you could over the phone.
Now, once youve narrowed down your search to several companies, you may want to give them a call and find out more from directly speaking to an agent. This is a great way to test out their customer service; if you find you to wait hours to talk to one person, that company is probably out of the picture.
However, if they have good customer service and you can talk an agent rather quickly, then they are probably worth considering. However, always start your search on the Internet and narrow it down to several different companies.
This makes it much easier to find cheap auto insurance at a much quicker rate. Follow these tips and you will find getting affordable auto insurance easier than ever.
Cheap Auto Insurance – 10 Crucial Tips For Traveling Teens
Aug 6th
Cheap Auto Insurance – 10 Crucial Tips For Traveling Teens And Petrified Parents
Cheap auto insurance can cost you a bundle if you don’t keep a few crucial tips in mind. You have to do your homework to ensure that you understand the fine print – especially if you have a teenager on the verge of discovering the joys and freedom of driving. You don’t want to discover too late that your cheap auto insurance policy doesn’t provide coverage for a young driver…
It is an unfortunate fact that teenagers cause a spike in claim rates. Research has shown their accident rate to be up to ten times as high as that of older, more experienced drivers. This high risk group has a direct effect on quotes. The premium can almost double in some instances. Fortunately there are ways to soften the blow as far as your cheap auto insurance package is concerned.
1. Type Of Vehicle: While choosing a low risk vehicle for your teen may have you out of the running as far as the popularity contest is concerned, it will affect your insurance quote significantly. Companies frown on an expensive, fast sports car with a teenager behind the wheel. Don’t dangle temptation in front of your teen. Choose that older, heavier car and you will qualify for a much lower premium, as well as a measure of peace of mind. Get a list of the no-go wheels from your insurer.
2. Driving History: Try to get your teen to understand that their driving history is just as important as their credit history. Avoiding a black mark in any shape or form is vital. Don’t claim for small mishaps. Tickets for speeding are a no-no.
Passing a course at a reputable driving school will also enable your carrier to see the teen as less of a risk. Why not join your child in a Defensive Driver Program, in order to qualify for a cheap auto insurance discount? This will equip both of you to cut the risk of rear-end crashes, while teaching you and your teen to use emergency brake procedures correctly, to use safe following distances, and to drive safely in foul weather.
Expecting your teen carry his or her share of the coverage is a great way to create a careful driver and teach responsibility.
3. Avoid Distractions: Teach your teen to concentrate on driving and driving alone when in the car. No distractions are allowed. No cell phone calls. No fooling around with passengers. In fact, putting restrictions on carrying passengers during the first year or so of driving is probably sensible and can help to get you cheap auto insurance. In some states teens are now barred from carrying more than one passenger. It has been proven that having three or more passengers makes the driver up to three times as likely to be involved in an accident. The new laws also prohibit driving during the dangerous late night and early morning period. This already seems to have a beneficial effect on premiums.
4. Seat Belt Safety: Seat belt use is without question one of the most vital aspects of driving. Your teen must know that his wheels will be confiscated if he ever drives without wearing a seat belt. This also applies to passengers. By signing a seat belt wearing undertaking, you may increase your chances of landing cheap auto insurance.
5. You Are The Role Model: Remember that you are your teen’s role model when it comes to driving. If you don’t stick to the rules, you can’t expect your kids to do so. Your example over the years will play an important role in the way they approach their own driving later on.
6. Change Driver Status: Your teen may qualify to be an occasional driver, which will draw a lower premium. At first it will also be less expensive to have teens covered under your personal protection plan. They can change to their own plan later on, once they have established some sort of record.
7. Liability Coverage: Never, ever try to save on liability coverage when taking out cheap auto insurance. This is absolutely vital. If at all possible get a comprehensive umbrella policy. This will give you a huge cushion in case of a serious accident. It is astonishing how costs can add up if such an unfortunate incident occurs.
8. Get Good Grades: A number of companies allow generous discounts of up to 25% for good grades! Make a B average or higher a provision for allowing your teen on the road.
9. Company Car: If you have your own business, your teen may be able to use the company car without you
being slapped with a higher premium. Investigate this possibility.
10. Carry-Over From Your Teen: An important fact that is often overlooked is that your teen’s carelessness or risky behavior may bump you into the high risk category with sky-high premiums! Your kid has to understand that his or her driving record is serious business, likely to affect the whole family. If not handled with responsibility, it may void your chances of ever getting cheap auto insurance.
Can I Rely On The Rental Car Insurance Supplied By
Aug 6th
Can I Rely On The Rental Car Insurance Supplied By Golden/Platinum Cards?
Thousands of individuals obtain cars from car rental agencies each year, but when it comes to protecting themselves financially while in possession of the car, many individuals have questions about the best way to protect themselves. One of the biggest questions that may be on their mind is whether the rental car insurance supplied by their golden or platinum credit cards is adequate protection against damage or theft of the rental car. Many individuals decline the rental car insurance offered by the rental car company because they believe that the insurance offered by their credit card is enough to handle any issue that may arise. So are they correct?
The short answer is that it depends on the specifics of the insurance offered by the credit card company. There are many credit card companies that claim that if you rent a car using their credit card, they will provide insurance coverage for you for as long as you have the car. For many individuals, this seems like adequate protection for any instances where they need to rent a car. The problem occurs when the individuals fail to read the fine print of their credit card disclosures. Although many credit card companies offer rental car insurance, the actual items covered may vary from company to company.
Reading the disclosures for the rental car insurance portion of the credit card terms and conditions can save an individual a great deal of hassle in the long run. For instance, while some credit card companies claim to offer full coverage insurance for the rental car, it is only valid if the car is rented from a certain car rental agency. The coverage may also be limited to a certain type or class of car, meaning that if any other type or class of car is rented, the coverage will not be valid. Other credit card companies limit their liability to the amount of the deductible of your personal car insurance policy and will not pay above this amount to have the car repaired or replaced, leaving the card owner responsible for the rest of the costs.
Even the credit card companies that offer extensive insurance coverage for rental cars will typically only provide collision and comprehensive coverage for the car, leaving the card holder responsible for any property damage or personal injury costs that may be incurred. Credit card companies also do not typically provide reimbursement for any personal belongings that may be lost if the car is stolen while in the card holders possession. Its a good idea to take any valuables you may have in the car with you. Although the credit card rental car insurance may help the card owner a great deal when an issue arises, a card holder that depends on this insurance alone may find themselves in a tight spot if the insurance does not cover what they think it does. Make sure that you read the fine print and are aware of the coverage that it provides before your next car rental.
A Used Car Search Engine Can Help You Find Your
Aug 6th
A Used Car Search Engine Can Help You Find Your Dream Car From The Comfort Of Your Own Home
A specialist website that offers a used car search engine can help you to find the car of your dreams right from the comfort of your own home and in just a short time. Specialist websites make it easy for you search, you can either choose to browse from a huge range of cars or if you have something specific in mind then you can choose to go right to it.
The majority of used car search engines have thousands of cars available and nationwide, much like a catalogue. If you know the make and model of the car you are looking for then typing this into the search box will lead you straight to any that are listed. If you want to narrow your search down by age of car, colour etc then this search option is available too, which drastically cuts down on the time that you spend searching for the right car for you.
If you arent sure of what car you want, then good used car search websites will also have some useful motor car reviews to help you make up your mind.
All specialist sites offering used car search engines will have several images of the cars and although this isnt the same as giving the car the once over yourself it is a good indication of what is on offer. The majority of sites will also allow you to make a search based on the area you want to travel to view the car which of course is essential once you have picked out a car, and will give you contact information so that you can ask further questions before travelling to look at the particular car.
A used car search engine can help you to find the car of your dreams, just by using your home computer and the internet, in a lot less time than it would take by more traditional methods.
Gears Gear-up Your Machines
Aug 6th
Gears are one of the most basic transmission devices. You have heard about gears in cars, bicycles, and many types of machines. If you are not a mechanical engineer, you will be amazed by the extent to which gears affect our daily life. As any student of mechanical engineering will tell you, gears are at the heart of any machinery. This is a basic article to tell you what gears actually do.
There are two basic functions that gears perform.
First, they make power travel from one part of a machine to another. For instance, when you are pedaling a bicycle, it is the arrangement of gears that causes the transmission of power from your leg movement to the rotation of the wheels. Likewise with most other forms of gear based machines.
Second, gears act as reducers. Thereby, they reduce the output speed but increase the torque. To understand this, once again consider the example of a bicycle. If you are climbing up a slope, you move to a smaller gear. This reduces the speed at which the cycle moves, but it increases the power generated by the rotation of the wheels. Hence, on the whole cycling-up the slope becomes easier. A similar example could be considered for a stick-shift car, whereby, you climb up steep slopes in a lower gear.
And to think that in their simplest form, gears are nothing but an interlinked pair of toothed wheels. But, gears can get more complicated. For instance, we could have a chain of gears when gear-one rotates gear-two, which rotates gear-three and so on. Likewise, we could have a situation where one of the toothed elements is a cylinder, while the other is a disc. Also, again going back to the example of the cycle, we could have the two gears separated by some distance, but interlinked by a chain, or other transmitting device.
Celebrating Spring Break Aboard A Cruise Ship
Aug 5th
Are you a hardworking college student? If so, are you looking hardy to attend break? Spring breach is an humongous break that all college students in the United States are granted. Unlike episode breaks, present break is often a time to vacation, let loose, and have fun with your friends.
Selecting a support crack intention is a quite yielding process. There are a high rise number among of college students who flock to the most popular spring break destinations. These destinations include Cancun, South Beach, the Bahamas, or Panama City. Each of these destinations is famous for their sunny weather and amazing nightlife. Despite their popularity, these beaches often become overcrowded during spring break. If you are interested in swaying away from the norm, you may want to consider spending your spring break aboard a cruise ship.
When it comes to cruise ships, crowded tribe mistakenly credit they are secluded for family vacations or earnest getaways. The verisimilitude is that you can take a cruise at just about any point in your life and go just about anywhere you want. That includes spring break. If you are interested in spending your break partying and enjoying life, you do not have to worry. There are a number of cruise lines that have cruise ships that are just for you.
To boast a cruise ship that allows adventure, partying, and resourceful fun, you bequeath appetite to finish a untroublesome bit of research. This research involves familiarizing yourself with popular cruise lines and the ships they offer. If you are looking to examine popular cruise lines, you are encouraged to learn more about Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, or Costa Cruises. In addition to these well-know cruise lines, it is likely that you will come across additional cruise lines offering fun filled cruises, all around the world.
When you are searching for a cruise underside that offers reflex and adventure, you are hopeful to pursue now from ships that duty families. Family cruises are often limited on the amount of gambling or alcohol assumption that goes on. If gambling and alcohol consumption is allowed, excess amounts are often frowned upon. To avoid confrontation, you are encouraged to stay away from these family cruise lines. That is unless you plan on spending your spring break with your family.
In adjunct to native cruises, you may hankering to discount cruise ships that purpose couples. These reverent cruises are repeatedly geared towards couples that are interested in experiencing a romantic and relaxing cruise. If you are traveling with your partner, a romantic cruise may be acceptable for your needs. Gambling and alcohol consumption is allowed aboard most romantic cruises, but excessive amounts are also often frowned upon.
To asset the discharge cruise boat for your summer vacation, you are buoyant to jewel a cruise craft
that targets those exploration adventures. In addition to offering exciting onboard activities, you are likely to find that the land adventures are just as fun. Many party cruises or adventure cruises dock in well-known ports. These ports may have activities that are just what you are looking for.
Spending your evening aboard a cruise bottom is the procure technic to welcome your break. This unique call experience will often eliminate overcrowded beaches and unsafe adventures. Aboard a cruise ship you can safely enjoy your break, while having fun at the same time.
Can Fuelboost Diesel Additive Help You Go Green?
Aug 5th
While many people view going green, as a politically correct thing to do in this day and age, when it comes to fuel be it gasoline or diesel there are limited supplies and seemingly unlimited demand. This means that finding alternatives to traditional forms of fuel is a wise decision for many automobile owners as well as those who decide to supplement their current fuel or diesel, if the case may be, consumption by incorporating the regular use of a fuel additive in order to keep vehicles running smoothly along the way while stretching the gas (or diesel) mileage even further.
Truthfully, there is much more good that can be done for the environment by using alternative fuel sources than one may realize. Even better, the more people who decide to utilize alternative sources of fuel the more the big businesses that are growing fat off our pain will notice a slice into their pieces of profit pie. All in all, taking a bite out of their profits is not a bad idea all around. If you cannot afford or do not have access to alternative fuel sources where you live you can do your part to put these big businesses growing fat on your dependence on fuel on a diet by using FuelBoost Diesel Additive each and every time you fill your tank.
Keep in mind however that saving money and using less fuel isnt the only benefit that FuelBoost brings to the table. Enjoy the bounty of benefits that incorporating FuelBoost into your automotive diet, whether using traditional fuel sources or alternative fuels, such as biodiesel or traditional fuel from the pump while remaining true to your green causes and your efforts to curtail your own impact on the global warming of our planet.
One way FuelBoost helps is by lowering the emissions that are put out by your automobile. Depending on how often you use your vehicle this can have a significant impact. Imagine if everyone in the world did their part to lower the emissions of their own vehicles? Start small and tell everyone you meet about the wonders of FuelBoost. Word of mouth after all, is the best advertising money can buy. By saving money and helping the planet at the same time there is little in this situation that isnt worth sharing.
Another way that FuelBoost helps save the planet or at least prolong the resources of the planet is by reducing, by small fractions true but small fractions just the same, our dependence upon foreign oil, or worse yet, drilling new pipelines that may threaten delicate ecosystems that will allow fuel to be gathered a little closer to home. The impact of massive oil pipelines is no small footprint upon the planet and FuelBoost can increase your gas mileage by as much as 10 per cent. This may not seem like much but when you imagine these large trucks that deliver goods across the country mile after mile 10 per cent can really add up quickly in savings not only monetarily but also consuming a resource that we will some day be unable to replenish. Whether using FuelBoost Diesel Additive with diesel fuel straight from the pump or in combination with other alternative diesel fuels on the market the impact to the planet can be as significant as the impact to your wallet and that is quite an accomplishment.
Cash In On A Qashqai
Aug 5th
No disrespect intended, but is naming a car after a desert dwelling nomadic tribe from South West Iran guaranteed to win sales in Europe?
Nissan obviously think and hope so, because that’s where the name for their quirky looking Qashqai comes from. But when I think Qashqai I now think Citroen. The reason being the seats remind me of a Xantia I had as a company car in the last millennium. A car with big, soft, comfy seats that were a delight to slip into after a hard day pounding a computer keyboard in the office. It had style, it was a brilliant towcar and it leaked vital fluid all over the place. But it was a decent car that did the job asked of it and it was always comfortable. The Qashqai? You get the feeling it too would be a loyal friend. It too is comfortable in a cosseting and relaxing way, and during its time in our hands it did what it had to without fault. The only blip in the relationship was a smell akin to Paula Radcliffe’s Reeboks appearing one night (at least what I imagine one of Paula Radcliffe’s Reeboks might smell like) which disappeared as quickly as it arrived. Air con whiff? I don’t know, but very glad it went.
Qashqai is kind of unique. It looks like a butch muscly off roader but it isn’t. Well, not in 2.0 litre 2WD form as sampled here, although there is a 4WD version which should cut the mustard. It’s dubbed a unique crossover concept which loosely translates to a passenger car top half mated to a strong and solid looking lower portion. So, the car shown on TV as a motorised skateboard with a difference is different. People who buy it are unlikely to conform to the norm, and Nissan predict customers for the car will be individuals with their own agendas, and 80 per cent of them will be buying a Nissan for the first time. They’ll appreciate the fact it’s all very neatly laid out inside, with loads of interior space which gives you a good driving position with plenty head, leg and shoulder room. Well done the chaps at Cranfield for that one. Throw in the optional panoramic glass roof (700) and the interior becomes very light and airy great on a sunny day.
Good on road manners, running predictably in a straight line with no wavering, and with good steering response too. Clutch and gearbox are very light to use, making it easy for anyone to drive. The 2.0 petrol engine offers adequate performance and is very quiet in use. I had the radio turned down quite low and I could still hear Chris Moyles yabbering away. But then can’t you always? Performance wise it develops 140PS at 6000rpm, and 194Nm of torque at 4800rpm, and its combined mpg is quoted at 34.4.
The cabin is very user friendly, with one downside. The window lifter buttons on the drivers door are not to my mind in the optimum position. I have the seat fully back in its range but even so found it awkward to operate the window controls because of their location on the door panel. Just about the only thing in the cabin that doesn’t fall easily to hand and because they don’t it’s all the more noticeable. Trim levels are VISIA, ACENTA and TEKNA. The mid range ACENTA gives you on top of a standard spec that includes Bluetooth connectivity, aircon, glovebox cooler, automatic door locking and a drive computer automatic headlights and wipers, ultransonic reversing beepers (but which need to be a bit louder), dual zone climate control, front foglights and an alarm system.
Prices start on the road at 13,499 for a 1.6 litre VISIA, with the most expensive model being a 2.0 litre dCi TEKNA SAT NAV at 23,299. There’s a total of 45 different models to choose from, with the engines choices being 1.6 petrol, 1.5 dCi, 2.0 petrol and 2.0 dCi. Something for everyone, then.
