OF all the vehicles that made the EPA and Energy Departments' list of the most fuel efficient vehicles, the 2 Volkswagons that made the list are the only clean diesel fuel vehicles. The rest are hybrids, which makes the Jetta an interesting find. A slim10 look, and great fuel efficiency make a car you can't go wrong with.
"Many of the vehicles on this list are hybrids, and we're proud to have the only clean diesel cars to receive top honors in such an import list, particularly," said Mark Barnes, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "At a time when fuel economy is top of mind for consumers we are proud of our Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen TDI for offering a true no compromise deal for consumers -- comfort, economy and performance."
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway. Testing done in real world conditions showed a bit better estimates as well. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, has tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Alt Car Expo 2008: Prometheus Solar Motorcycle
A SOLAR motorcycle? This can't be a good thing can it? Well...I mean this solely on a performance issue. Not as in it is bad to try it.
Jim Corning decided to "modify" his wife's seldom used Ninja 250. The result is the still unnamed electric motorcycle. Can't think of much in recent memory where anyone has tried to play around with motorcycles in the attempt to increase gas mileage, or make them electric. We are seeing it here though and it is tough to describe what it is all about.
Fortunately, there is video available about the bike. Take a look at their presentation and discussion from the ALT Car Expo below:
Jim Corning decided to "modify" his wife's seldom used Ninja 250. The result is the still unnamed electric motorcycle. Can't think of much in recent memory where anyone has tried to play around with motorcycles in the attempt to increase gas mileage, or make them electric. We are seeing it here though and it is tough to describe what it is all about.
Fortunately, there is video available about the bike. Take a look at their presentation and discussion from the ALT Car Expo below:
Alt Car Expo 2008: Chevy Volt
Everyone is looking for better fuel efficiency. Everyone. We are all askign our American automakers to jump into the ring and get some made so that we can start competing on the global scale with more fuel efficient cars.
At the 2008 Alt Car Expo, Chevy showed up with the Chevy VOLT. According to articles I've read the electrice plug-in turned a few heads not only for the kind of vehicle it is, but also because it has a Beautifeel look.
Below is a video from the Expo about the vehicle. If you want to read more about the Chevy Volt take a look at the Chevy Electric website to have a look at their line and this car specifically.
At the 2008 Alt Car Expo, Chevy showed up with the Chevy VOLT. According to articles I've read the electrice plug-in turned a few heads not only for the kind of vehicle it is, but also because it has a Beautifeel look.
Below is a video from the Expo about the vehicle. If you want to read more about the Chevy Volt take a look at the Chevy Electric website to have a look at their line and this car specifically.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Top 5 Vans for 2009
I wouldn't be surprised if some of you were like i used to be and actually use a van to haul stuff rather than a truck. Heck even a mini-van isn't a bad option considering that you can usually get one for dirt cheap compared to a nice pick up. Of course I'm not going to list these vans here suggesting that you go out and buy one for the purpose of hauling heavy stuff. Just putting the idea in your mind that vans are a good way to lug stuff around as an option :).
These vans are brand new of course so we don't really want to be getting them all dirty right away now do we? About the only thing we will be hauling in these are our families and all the baby clothes, toys, and baby supplies we need for EVERYWHERE we go.
So NADAguide.com put out their ratings for the Top 5 vans for 2009 this week. Take a look.
These vans are brand new of course so we don't really want to be getting them all dirty right away now do we? About the only thing we will be hauling in these are our families and all the baby clothes, toys, and baby supplies we need for EVERYWHERE we go.
So NADAguide.com put out their ratings for the Top 5 vans for 2009 this week. Take a look.
10 Biggest Auto Sales Losers
Now...most of these vehicles are SUVs with poor gas mileage. That right there is a big clue as to why they are losing out in the market right now. Although this is the case the costs of them are getting so low as they are blinking brightly on the digital signage outside dealerships, that many are trying to justify the purchase as that they are so cheap the cost of gasoline is offset.
Certainly this is "logical" to deduce, but in reality are you really getting that good a deal in the long run? First of all the sticker price being dropped down means that the blue book of the vehicle is worth a lot less now anyways so it isn't like you are getting a good investment out of it. Used cars don't typically go up in value like say a house does when you buy it in this market. Besides...I am not going to try and call you dumb, but do you honestly believe that gas prices are going to go down over the life of your vehicle, or that MPG standards are going to stay the same? I didn't think you did. So...these "deals" aren't technically deals at all, and frankly you are just adding to the problem by buying them.
Anyways,,,there might be a couple "good" deals in this list, but you'll have to judge for yourself. Take a look at the 10 Biggest Auto Sales Losers out there right now.
Certainly this is "logical" to deduce, but in reality are you really getting that good a deal in the long run? First of all the sticker price being dropped down means that the blue book of the vehicle is worth a lot less now anyways so it isn't like you are getting a good investment out of it. Used cars don't typically go up in value like say a house does when you buy it in this market. Besides...I am not going to try and call you dumb, but do you honestly believe that gas prices are going to go down over the life of your vehicle, or that MPG standards are going to stay the same? I didn't think you did. So...these "deals" aren't technically deals at all, and frankly you are just adding to the problem by buying them.
Anyways,,,there might be a couple "good" deals in this list, but you'll have to judge for yourself. Take a look at the 10 Biggest Auto Sales Losers out there right now.
Monday, October 13, 2008
84.09 MPG for a van? Citroen Nemo Pulls off record
Looking for a way to save some extra money for your nextBarbados villa rentals? Would be nice to have this van that logs in at 84 MPG wouldn't it?
Now...I don't know how this qualifies as a "van" really. It looks like a tiny little girly car, but they call it a "van" in Europe so it must be true.
Pretty amazing feat considering that the van was even loaded to the gills with cargo. 1/2 the total amount allowed was carried and it still pulled it off? Nothing to scoff at I guess. Even more amazing? The price. At 8,295 Euros it converts to a little over $11,000.
Now...I don't know how this qualifies as a "van" really. It looks like a tiny little girly car, but they call it a "van" in Europe so it must be true.
October 13, 2008: 84.09mpg is the amazing fuel consumption returned by a Citroën Nemo 1.4HDi van in the independent ALD Automotive/Total Excellium MPG Marathon 2008 organised by Fleet World magazine. With this outstanding figure the Citroën Nemo takes over the mantle as the UK’s most fuel-efficient van from the Citroën C2 Enterprise, which has held the title since 2006. The 84.09mpg figure was achieved despite the van carrying half its gross payload, to simulate real-world usage scenarios.
Pretty amazing feat considering that the van was even loaded to the gills with cargo. 1/2 the total amount allowed was carried and it still pulled it off? Nothing to scoff at I guess. Even more amazing? The price. At 8,295 Euros it converts to a little over $11,000.
Late Payments on Auto Loans Rising, Gas Prices Dropping
It's not just the home mortgages that are taking a toll in this economy. Auto loans are having their share of troubles as well. Borrowers have pushed the total of late payments up to over $25 Billion recently according to figures released by Experian Automotive, a part of Experian, at the Automotive Finance Summit by the hotels in las vegas this week.
Experian Automotive presented a comprehensive overview of automotive lending trends based on a quarterly analysis of the market from the second quarter of 2006 through the second quarter of 2008. The analysis found that loans 30 days past due were up 9 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2008, while loans 60 days past due were up 11 percent. Currently, 2.48 percent of all automotive loans are 30 days past due, compared with 2.28 percent in the second quarter of 2007. Automotive loans 60 days past due rose to 0.75 percent from 0.67 percent. Although it may not seem like a ton to the average person this is a significant increase over this term. Just shows that the economy is taking its toll on even more industries.
On a happier note, gas prices have dropped significantly over the last week. While we were probably paying $3.50-4.00 a gallon a week ago, many of us are seeing prices at the pump around $3 now, and I have even gotten gas for as little as $2.90 a gallon in the last few days.
Theory suggests that the decline comes as hurricane season winds down and oil prices drop because demand is likely to weaken as the economy slows. Hey...at least getting to work and back isn't going to be so costly this month. Great time to build up your cash reserve, or pay off some debt because this isn't going to be this friendly for a long time. I guess if you don't like to think a head, then you have more money to blow on stuff you want instead of using a credit card for it.
Experian Automotive presented a comprehensive overview of automotive lending trends based on a quarterly analysis of the market from the second quarter of 2006 through the second quarter of 2008. The analysis found that loans 30 days past due were up 9 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2008, while loans 60 days past due were up 11 percent. Currently, 2.48 percent of all automotive loans are 30 days past due, compared with 2.28 percent in the second quarter of 2007. Automotive loans 60 days past due rose to 0.75 percent from 0.67 percent. Although it may not seem like a ton to the average person this is a significant increase over this term. Just shows that the economy is taking its toll on even more industries.
On a happier note, gas prices have dropped significantly over the last week. While we were probably paying $3.50-4.00 a gallon a week ago, many of us are seeing prices at the pump around $3 now, and I have even gotten gas for as little as $2.90 a gallon in the last few days.
Theory suggests that the decline comes as hurricane season winds down and oil prices drop because demand is likely to weaken as the economy slows. Hey...at least getting to work and back isn't going to be so costly this month. Great time to build up your cash reserve, or pay off some debt because this isn't going to be this friendly for a long time. I guess if you don't like to think a head, then you have more money to blow on stuff you want instead of using a credit card for it.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Auto Repair Help and Locators Online
For those of us that aren't exactly great mechanic finding an auto repair shop just got a bit easier. Besides looking at a directory to find a repair shop, you can even compare car repair prices online now. A very helpful tool so that you know you are getting a fair deal.
The listings are helpful for virtually anywhere as well. Take for example you can find
San Francisco car repair with that example and see shops that will work on your car. You can even search all the way down to the make and model to find repair information. Take a look at this example for
Ford Taurus repair.
Not only is there information for repair shops online, but these sites actually allow you to discuss repair issues with other owners of your specific make and model. So if you actually are a decent mechanic, but need a tip on something you are trying to repair, you can get into a discussion about parts, the best procedure for making the repair, , or just figure out if you have what it takes to do it yourself. A very good site for automobile owners of any site is RepairPal.com. definitely going ot help you with car repair, and maintenance problems.
The listings are helpful for virtually anywhere as well. Take for example you can find
San Francisco car repair with that example and see shops that will work on your car. You can even search all the way down to the make and model to find repair information. Take a look at this example for
Ford Taurus repair.
Not only is there information for repair shops online, but these sites actually allow you to discuss repair issues with other owners of your specific make and model. So if you actually are a decent mechanic, but need a tip on something you are trying to repair, you can get into a discussion about parts, the best procedure for making the repair, , or just figure out if you have what it takes to do it yourself. A very good site for automobile owners of any site is RepairPal.com. definitely going ot help you with car repair, and maintenance problems.
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