Important Steps To Become a Smarter Car Buyer

Buying a car for most people is a responsibility that they don't take too seriously. It is just so much easier to fall in love with a car that is completely wrong for you. It might look great, and it might give you that feeling of something you "want", but it may leave a lot to be desired if you go with just the body look approach. At least dealerships don't accept credit cards, or many of us would be trying to buy a car every 6 months.

Here are some tips to buying a car that will help you slow it down a little and make a smarter decision. After all, you probably want to put at least as much thought into it as you would when you decided to buy your first HDTV, and had no idea what 1080p and 1080i was don't you?

Volkswagen Golf Crowned '2009 Carsguide Car of the Year'

The new Golf was awarded ‘World Car of the Year 2009’ earlier this year and now after being released in Australia continues to win awards. It went on sale in Australia in early 2009 and has received rave reviews since. This time winning the 2009 Carsguide Car of the year award. Volkswagon has certainly had reason to visit a cigar store for victory cigars.

The judging panel on the ‘2009 Carsguide Car of the Year’ Awards consists of Motoring editors and senior writers from Sydney's The Daily Telegraph, Melbourne's Herald Sun, Brisbane's The Courier-Mail, Adelaide's The Advertiser, Hobart's Mercury, Perth's Sunday Times and carsguide.com.au. Nine judges evaluated the best new car releases of 2009 resulting in one overall winner.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 For the Energy Conscious with $90K to Throw Around

As the title suggests the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 pricing and specs have been released. The one-of-a-kind Sports Active Coupe featuring two-model hybrid technology will be available beginning December 5, 2009 with a base MSRP of $89,725, including destination and handling.

For those that are more likely to take a pic of one with their digital cameras, we can look at the specs.

BMW’s first-ever hybrid represents another important element of the company’s ongoing EfficientDynamics strategy.



2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 additional US standard over US X6 xDrive50i
* 7-speed automatic transmission
* Extended Nappa leather seats including dashboard and center console
* 20-inch Aero wheels with mixed-sized performance tires
* Rear view camera with Top View
* Head-up Display
* BMW Assist with Bluetooth phone connectivity
* Power tailgate
* Premium sound system
* 6-disc DVD Changer
* iPod and USB adapter
* Universal garage-door opener
* Comfort Access
* Soft-close doors
* 4-zone climate control
* Heated front seats
* Auto-dimmer rearview mirrors
* Digital compass mirror
* Anthracite headliner
* Ambiance lighting
* Privacy glass
* Running boards
* Storage package



2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 optional equipment:
* Active ventilating seat package $1,100
* Cold Weather Package $900
* Rear side window shades $300
* Sport seats N/C
* Automatic high-beams $250
* Satellite radio $350
* Rear seat entertainment system $1,700
* Smartphone integration $150
* Enhanced premium sound system $700
* 19-inch wheels with all-season tires N/C

2010 Ford EcoBoost Details, and 2010 Ford Flew w/ EcoBoost Review

Ford has introduced EcoBoost Technology in 2010 for a line of vehicles. The new technology combines turbocharging and direct gasoline injection to improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions; the first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engines are debuting on 2010 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex this summer.

For a more in depth look at the EcoBoost Technolgy, take a look at this page with some nifty diagrams to give you a better idea about all that in involves. Watch out for the actual link on that age if you are using Firefox. I got some freezes by opening the Adobe Reader file. Guess I should look for some new laptop deals because this computer is the culprit more than Firefox is I have noticed.

With the EcoBoost system in full force it makes sense to look at a vehicle that has adapted the new technology. The 2010 Ford Flex is a line that was introduced in 2009, but this year it is getting a major makeover, and becoming not just a car, but an athlete.

What makes this particular Flex stand out in this category is the 350-hp engine any soccer mom would be thrilled with, if not overwhelmed by. The twin turbos and direct injection along with variable valve timing and a plethora of other engine technologies make the EcoBoost Flex something special. With 355 lb-ft of torque it gets up to speed expeditiously and does so in a sophisticated style, with no thrash or bother. Rated by the EPA at 16-mpg in the city and 22 on the highway the EcoBoost fuel mileage is within an mpg or two of the standard V6. In our week of driving we managed 20.7 mpg with about a third open highway, a third rural two lanes and a third city. Full review.

50th Anniversary Concept Car: Corvette Stingray

That thing looks like the Batmobile doesn't it? Let's just say that the car is pretty bad ass no matter how you slice it. Definitely worth of appearing on your christmas photo cards with you if you had a chance to be seen with it that's for sure.

Chevrolet delivers a futuristic vision of technology and design with the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. A version of the model was first shown at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and stars as “Sideswipe” in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The Corvette Stingray Concept represents both the iconic legacy and an exciting future for Corvette.

The Corvette Stingray Concept was developed as an internal design challenge to combine classic Corvette cues with surprisingly high-tech features, modern materials, and a striking new appearance. The car is well-appointed with a clamshell hood, scissor-style doors, ergonomic seats, rear-view camera with night vision enhancement, and a high performance hybrid drive. Interactive touch controls allow the driver to customize the power and efficiency of his or her ride and share it with friends via the in-car camera system and advanced telemetrics.