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The IIHS Releases Convertible Crash Ratings for 2007

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its results from testing it did on America’s 10 top selling convertibles. While a history of safety may make the top picks on the list appear obvious it was the poor crash test performance of a couple of the intrants that is alarming.

2007 volvo c70 iihs crash test results

The Volvo C70 and the Saab 9-3 Convertibles tied for the highest ratings in the IIHS crash results. They both received the Good ratings in front and side crash results, but really stood out from the rest of the field in rear crash protection. Out of the 10 car line-up the Volvo and Saab convertibles were the only cars whose seats were properly designed to lessen the effects of whiplash in an accident. The other 8 cars received marginal test results in rear crash largely because of potential neck injuries.

The biggest losers in the pack were the BMW 3-series and the Pontiac G6 convertibles. The G6 was the only car in the field to receive a marginal score in both side and rear impact testing. In both frontal and side crash testing the driver-dummy suffered serious head injuries that could prove fatal in an actual crash.

Pontiac g6 iihs worst in crash test results

Both the G6 and the BMW 3-series convertibles were disappointments to the IIHS because both cars are new models. Of all the cars on the list the BMW comes in with the highest sticker price. To cost so much while providing such marginal protection seems to steal away the old adage, “you get what you pay for.”

Click hereto view the IIHS summary for their Convertible Crash Testing. While you are there you can go on to search for your car to see how it fairs in IIHS Crash Tests.



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Should I Sell My Car Or Keep It?

When our car is starting to get old the question, “Should I keep my car or sell it?” often comes up.  There are some things to think about, and two possibilities here.  We want to make sure we get a good amount of money back, and that we’re not putting too much money into the car.  It can be a tough decision, but if you consider a few of these answers, you may be able to make up your mind.

Sell only if…

  • You only want to sell your vehicle if you have a good offer on your car (you can get quite a bit back.)
  • If it’s becoming too much work for too much money.
  • If you can buy a better car in better condition for an affordable price.
  • If it’s not running well (not as reliable as you’d like.)

Keep only if…

  • Your car is running well.  Some people want a new car just for having a new one, newer features, etc.  Although, you could save a lot of money by not buying a new one.
  • You can’t get a lot of money back. 
  • If it’s costing you nothing but the gas money to fill it up, you’re in a good situation.  At this point, you want to run it till it dies.
  • If you can’t really afford a car now, and yours is running good enough.

Deciding whether or not you should keep a car is a tough decision.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but you just have to find out which one out ways the other more.   The most important thing here is not spending too much money, saving money, and finding a car that is reliable and one that runs well.  For now, consider a few of these tips to help you make your decision, and to find out where you stand!

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Why Buy a Car Through an Auto Auction?

1039726_the_bid_When we’re looking to buy a car, we’re agreeing to purchase probably the second most expensive thing we’ll ever buy.  There are several different cars out there to choose from, but if you’re looking to find the best prices on them, you may want to consider purchasing from an auto auction.  Auto auctions are a great thing, can help you find the car you’ve been looking for, and they may have the car for less!  Why should you consider a auto auction?  Continue reading below to find out!

Deals – There are several great deals at an auto auction.  You may find some of the most expensive cars for cheap, and you may find some cars that are in great shape for the price.  There are plenty of deals when it comes to an auction!  Who knows, you may come home with a steal, it’s always worth a shot!

Different kinds – Not only will you find some excellent deals, but most likely you’ll be able to choose through many different cars.  That day they may have SUVs, trucks, cars, vans, and a few different kinds of each.  So, you’re choices are endless!

What you’re looking for – Most of us have an idea of what car we want.  We feel like there is no better car out there, but the price is just a little too high for us to purchase it.  Who knows, maybe at the auto auction they have that car for a cheaper price.  Sometimes you’ll be surprised, auto auctions may have just what you’re looking for.

Before the dealer – You should always just consider going to an auto auction, especially if you’ve never been to one.  It is a good idea to take a trip to one before you go to the dealer.  You will see what they have to offer, what kind of price ranges they have, and then you can compare them to your ordinary dealer.

As you can see, auto auctions have some great perks to them.  Shopping for a car isn’t always the cheapest thing so it is good to do your research, and to try a few different strategies before you purchase your future car!

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Benefits of a Car Alarm

Whether our car is new or it’s old, we want to take care of it.  We look after it, and invest money into it so we can make sure it takes us where we’re looking to go.  We rely so much on our cars, and without them this world would be very different.  It is important to take good care of it, and a way you can do that is by getting a car alarm.  Car alarms should be in every car because they have several benefits!  If you’re looking into getting one, check out how they can help you, and your car.

Worry free – First of all, you want to make sure that you don’t have to worry about your car, especially if it’s a newer or expensive car.  We want to be able to walk away from our car with our belongings in it, and not have to worry about them.  So, when you have a car alarm you will feel much better, and almost worry free.

Safety – We also want to make sure our vehicle is safe.  You don’t want to have worry about it, especially if it’s a lease.  So, if you’re looking for more safety, be sure to consider a car alarm.

Stolen – There are always cases on how vehicles are stolen.  If you want enhanced protection, and you want to make sure this doesn’t happen to you, definitely consider one.  By the time someone tried to break into your vehicle, your alarm would sound and they would most likely run away trying to avoid getting caught.

Scare – Once again, if you leave your car alone, and it’s a nice car your chances of getting your car broken into are raised.  People want expensive things, and they want them for free.  Certain things like GPS’, iPods, etc are getting stolen everyday out of cars.  If you can an alarm, you will be able to scare those people away instantly.

Car alarms are great, and can be more helpful that you’d imagine.  They will help protect your car, the valuables you may have in your car, and your chances of getting your vehicle stolen are much lower!  There are several great car alarms on the market, check them out by clicking here.

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How to Purchase at The End of Your Lease

Sometimes after we lease a new vehicle, we want to purchase it.  Either we got comfortable with it, and don’t want to let it go.  Or it is a good price, and we are happy with how it runs, and the features it has in it.  Regardless of the reason, purchasing after a lease is possible, so if you’re thinking about considering it, see how the process is done!

The first step you’re going to want to take is to call up the phone number that is listed on your monthly payment (bill).  After you call, you will most likely get an automated voice message system giving you certain options to choose from.  If they say anything like “lease ending options” be sure to go with this option.  Once someone picks up the phone you want to tell them your plans.  Let them know you’re interested in purchasing your leased car.

NOTE: It is a good idea to call ahead of time before the lease ends.  (Don’t wait until the last minute.)

Now, they will most likely give you a price on the car, but if you’re unhappy with the number, ask to talk with someone else, or to make arrangements to meet about this.  They will usually negotiate, so try as much as you can.

Although once you give up the car, you have the chances that either the dealer will put it up for sale at the dealership, or it will go to an auction.  You will find this out through the salesman, or the person you’re talking with on the phone.   Regardless, you will know where it’s at, and how to get ah old of it.  So, whatever happens be in the right place, and try to negotiate the price once it’s up for sale.  Although, if it is up for auction, and there are bids on it, be aggressive to get the car!

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2009 Cadillac CTS-V to receive a 600-horsepower transplant

With the looming 2009 model year GM plans to stay ahead of the curve (if not muscle right through it) with their 600-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V. In the 2007 CTS-V resides a very respectable 400-horsepower power-plant based on the current Corvette platform. So since GM has developed their new 7.0 liter LS7 Corvette engine it seems to make perfect sense to continue sharing the benefits with their Cadillac cousins.

cadillac cts-v 600 horsepower

Cadillac may not share the same accouterments attributed to the BMW M3 and the Mercedez-Benz C63 AMG, so GM may have decided to go another route. The CTS-V’s mantra must be, “if you can’t join them, beat them to the finish and steal their cake.” And who knows, maybe in 2009 the new Cadillac’s will finally escape the abundance of plastics that rob the luxurious feel from most GM interior spaces. Thus allowing the CTS-V to sit comfortably amongst their European classmates.

 2009 cadillac CTS-V 600 horsepower
But don’t feel bad for the CTS-V. With 600-horses under the bonnet and upgrades to its suspension and brakes, the CTS-V will not suffer from any playground bullying.



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Lexus IS F: Impeccable Engineering & Luxury


Get ready into a face-flattering acceleration with the 2009 Lexus IS F, run by a quad-cam aluminum 5.0-liter V8 Engine with 416-hp and over 371 lb-ft of torque. Enjoy the excitement of quick-shifting your gear up to the 8th speed with its Sport Direct-Shift transmission. The IS F has a Two-Stage Intake System that allows its five-liter engine to control the air appetite. The brakes are consistent, thus ensures your safety and the VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system supports high-performance driving on every front. $56,610.



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Shanghai Suprise: China’s Glimpse at the Buick Riviera Concept

It would seem that it would take a cold day in Hates for a Buick to grace the digital domain of RideLust. In the past 20 years there has been only one Buick any style whatsoever to invoke some curiosity: the Buick Riviera.  The last Riviera model to be released by Buick was no show stopper or red-light stalker, but it did possess some intriguing design in its shape. However, with Buick’s recent reveal of the new Riviera concept car at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show in China, there is more innovation on display than on all other current model Buick’s combined.

buick riviera concept

The Chinese market has become a real boon for the struggling Buick brand, while the average American buyer opts for brands with more pazazz (yep, I said “pazazz”.). That could change if Buick finds a way to span that design crevasse they have found themselves on the wrong side of with the innovative Riviera.

buick riviera concept

Space Age autos were at one time the norm at auto shows, and have in the past few decades become an often unapplicable description. The Buick Riviera concept seems to redefine if not reassert the term. Even the doors give me an odd Buck Rogers feeling, but in a good way.

buick riviera concept

Even if the Buick Riviera is a long way from production (if it even gets that far), I hope to see a lot more news about this car in the coming months. If for no other reason than to believe that this aged Auto maker truly has a future. The Buick Riviera might certainly be the right platform upon which to focus that future.

buick riviera concept



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The top floor of the main building will have panoramic views of the training ...

Porsche Cars UK, have been given planning permission to develop a piece of land next to the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in Northamptonshire.

porsche

The centre will be open to customers of the sports car company who wish to gain performance driving experience from instructors on how to handle a high performance car and to cover the safety aspects of driving such an expensive car in many varying conditions. Drivers will also be given help and advice on fitness, stamina and reaction, all qualities needed to be able to drive an high performance car to the max, without the fear of accidents etc.

According to Porsche Cars UK, the centre will cover an area of just over 10 hectares and will be situated just outside of the area known as Becket’s Corner on the race circuit. Building work is set to begin sometime in the summer of this year and is expected to be fully operational by the same time in 2008!

porsche

The plans are to build a spectacular complex of buildings, which will include restaurants, fitness centre and of course the training facilities. The top floor of the main building will have panoramic views of the training centres circuit and of course the Grand Prix circuit itself.

The test track will offer the drivers an experience of driving in varying conditions, and can be split into four separate driving areas, depending on what training is taking place at the time or for a longer and more intense driving experience the circuit can be opened up into a 3.1 km track.

porsche

Andy Goss, Managing Director, Porsche Cars Great Britain commented: �The facility at Silverstone is a major investment for Porsche GB and it will allow us to create a unique experience for customers that cannot be bettered in the UK market. It makes perfect sense for us to combine our driving experience activity into one venue and this location is perfect with over 70% of our UK customers being within a two hour drive of the Silverstone area.�

This is not a totally new innovation, because Porsche Cars UK, have been giving expert driving tuition to over 7,500 of its customers over the past seven years, but the concept of having a purpose built centre is totally new and will give the new car owners and experience to remember.

Source [Car Pages]



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