Aznom 500 Motore Centrale
The Italian tuners over at Aznom have revealed their mid-engined Fiat 500 at the Top Marques Monaco this week. Dubbed “Motore Centrale”, the car is based on the Abarth version, featuring a mid-mounted power unit that cranks out 227 hp (230 PS / 169 kW) and 243 lb.-ft (330 Nm) of torque.
Aznom 500 Motore Centrale
They’ve also put the car on a diet as it now weights 2314 lbs (1050 kg), which is enough for a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). The car’s 1.4-liter engine has been fitted with a Garret turbo, new injectors and a 200-cel catalyst. In addition, the car features a Bilstein suspension kit for improved handling.
Aznom 500 Motore Centrale
Aznom is also working on a track version of this model, called “R280 Pista”. They said that the power unit will develop 276 hp (280 PS / 206 kW) and the entire car will weigh only 2094 lbs (950 kg). The 0-60 mph sprint should be done in a mere 3.9 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 162 mph (260 km/h).
Source: Aznom via WCF
Post tags: Tags: aznom, fiat-500-abarth, motore centrale, top marques monaco, Tuning
Maserati GranTurismo MC, Heading To The U.S.
The U.S.-spec version of Maserati’s gorgeous GranTurismo MC Stradale model has been announced by the Italian manufacturer. Wearing the “GranTurismo MC” designation, probably the most important change over the European version is the addition of two full-sized rear seats, along with a fully automatic gearbox.
The car is powered by the same engine as the Stradale, which is a V8 4.7-liter that produces 444 hp (450 PS / 330 kW) and a peak torque of 376 lb.-ft (510 Nm). However, the car’s performances are not the same due to the added weight. In other words, the North American version has a sprint time to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds slower than its European sibling. Top speed is also down, from 300 km/h to 298 km/h.
Source: Maserati via WCF
Post tags: Tags: maserati granturismo mc
New York Auto Show – 2012 Jaguar XF
This week at the New York Auto Show, the British car manufacturer Jaguar has revealed the 2012 XF, probably one of the most attractive cars that we’ve seen this year. This updated model borrowed some design cues from the XJ, featuring a brand new front fascia that incorporates a redesigned grille and bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. They’ve also modified the bonnet a little bit, along with the front fenders and the LED taillights.
The XF’s cabin now features better seats, a digital instrument cluster, and new switchgear, along with a new infotainment system that sports a 7-inch touchscreen display.
The 2012 model will be available with the same engines as before, plus a new addition; a 4-cylinder 2.2-liter diesel power unit that produces 187 hp (190 PS / 140 kW) and 332 lb.-ft (450 Nm) of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, enabling the XF to do the 0-60 mph sprint in 8.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h). With this new power unit, the XF can do 43.5 mpg and has CO2 emissions of 149 g/km.
Source: Jaguar via WCF
Post tags: Tags: jaguar-xf, new-york-auto-show
New York Auto Show – 2012 Mazda3
The Mazda3 got its official debut yesterday during the New York Auto Show, featuring a couple of mild exterior and interior updates, along with the company’s SKYACTIV fuel-saving and performance-oriented technologies, a first for the North American market. Under that bonnet is a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter SKYACTIV gasoline power unit that can be mated to either an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox or a 6-speed manual transmission, both of them belonging to the SKYACTIV series.
This new engine is about 4.4 pounds lighter than the current MZR 2.0-liter unit (which is still going to be available), and it benefits from multi-hole injectors in order to enhance fuel spray characteristics, achieving a high compression ratio of 12.0:1. The engine produces 155 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 148 lb.-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm, in comparison to the MZR engine that cranks out 148 hp and 135 lb.-ft.
Matted to the aforementioned 6-speed SKYACTIV manual transmission, the 2012 Mazda3 does 27 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Fitted in the hatchback model, the car can do 27 mpg city / 38 mpg highwaywith the manual transmission and 28 mpg city / 38 mpg highway with the automatic.
Other goodies that these SKYACTIVE models have been fitted are the bigger underbody covers, along with an increased rigidity of the front tire deflectors.
In addition, the cars equipped with this new engine also benefit from some exclusive features, like the brand new engine cover that sports a deep blue metallic paint finish, new headlamps that have a transparent blue ring around the center lens, along with the appropriate SKYACTIVE badges.
Source: Mazda via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: mazda3, new-york-auto-show
Improved Ride Quality with Electromagnetic Automobile Suspension
A few months ago, The Netherlands’ Eindhoven University of Technology has announced its research on a new kind of electromagnetic vehicle suspension. So far, the technology was used on a car to be presented soon, on the AutoRAI exhibition in Amsterdam. Which is why the university has decided to release a few more details about the tested and researched system.
Accordingly to the researchers, the electromagnetic automobile suspension was proved to help improve the ride quality by up to 60%. The Eindhoven suspension is electromagnetic and active too, being controlled by an onboard computer. How it works? The sensors from the vehicle send information to the computer to be processed, and the computer then adjusts the suspension accordingly, within a fraction of a second. In addition, the system consists of a passive spring, an electromagnetic actuator, a control unit and batteries. So, if the batteries fail, the system will still work as a normal mechanical suspension.
Due to all those features, the electromagnetic vehicle suspension saves power to: to a peak consumption of 500 watts it ships around 25% of the power of hydraulic systems.
What do you think: is the electromagnetic vehicle suspension enough to improve the quality of a ride? Are any other improvements necessary?
[Source: Gizmag]
Post tags: Tags: electromagnetic automobile suspension, ride quality
2012 Nissan Versa Goes Official
The Japanese automaker Nissan has released this week its new 2012 Versa model, which will have a very affordable base price of just $10,990. The looks of this small sedan are a little bit odd, which is probably due to the fact that it’s based on the Micra’s V-platform architecture.
Moving on to the inside, nothing special going on there as we find a dashboard that looks just about the same as the one in the supermini Micra, except for some mild updates to the switchgear and the layout of the instrument panel.
It has the same wheelbase (102.4 inches) and width (66.7 inches) as the outgoing model, but it is now 1.2 inches lower (at 59.6 inches) in height and 0.6 inches shorter (at 175.4 inches). Nissan says that the car now offers more legroom, similar to the one that you would normally find in a mid/large size sedan, like the BMW 5-Series, Lexus LS460 and the Mercedes E-Class. The guys over at Nissan sure are ambitious if they can compare their budget-minded Versa with premium cars like the 5-Series or the Merc.
Under that rather unattractive hood we find the 2nd gen 4-cylinder 1.6-liter engine that pumps out 109 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb.-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm. This power unit can be mated to either a next-gen Xtronic CVT gearbox or for a 5-speed manual, which is available only for the 1.6 S model.
According to Nissan, the 2012 Versa can do about 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, with a combined cycle of 33 mpg, when using the CVT transmission, and 27/36/30 with the manual gearbox.
The 2012 Nissan Versa will hit the dealerships later on this summer at a base price of $10,990 (or about 7,700 Euros at the current exchange rates).
Source: Nissan via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: nissan versa
The Lamborghini Reventon was launched more than three years ago, yet to this very day it continues to amaze us all. The simple passing by of a Reventon sends anyone that gets to take a glimpse at it in a frenzy discussing shapes and sizes, speed and performance looks and price and so on.
When you look at it you’re simply blocked, it holds all the characteristics of a Lamborghini but there’s nothing out there even remotely similar to it. The Reventon is truly without equal. It’s a production road vehicle with performance values off the charts. This limited edition masterpiece has been integrated with every upgrade in car AND aeronautics technology.
Only 20 cars have been produced, each one nothing less than 1 million Euro, by this the Reventon gives exclusivity a new meaning. With performance specs unrivaled by any exotic car, the Reventon seems to be the opponent of … jet fighters.
Lamborghini prides itself as the manufacturer of these extreme and exclusive vehicles that bare no compromise. Sensual, dynamic and challenging, this is the mark of the “Bull God”. The Reventon lives up to its title, bringing an extreme design and superlative specs. The Lamborghini Style Center took the basis from the Murcielago LP640 and morphed them into something completely new. If you’ve got a Lamborghini Reventon in your garage than you’re 1 in 700.000.000. The fabled name of Reventon comes from a famous bull owned by the Rodriguez family. It gained its fame from killing the beloved bullfighter Felix Guzman back in ’43.
The present Lamborghini can be easily recognized from their distinctive design which set them apart from other cars. Each car element is manufactured exactly for a purpose and to complete its function, you will not be seeing ornaments or decorations in a Lamborghini car (not that it would need any).
The Reventon has been developed according to the speed and dynamism philosophy, and has been inspired from a field where speed and dynamics are absolute leaders: aeronautic technology, which is currently responsible for the most radical and fastest of jet fighters. The new design idea that uses interrupted lines and surfaces filled with angles and contortions, create an extreme effect and unbeatable performance at high speeds.
Despite the fact that it’s based on the respected Murcielago LP 640, the bodywork of the Reventon is completely redesigned. The exterior is manufactured with a special carbon fiber material that molds perfectly over the chassis of the car. All the exterior components have been glued together and fixed to the body made of steel and CFC (carbon fiber composite).
The front has been redesigned so that big frontal air intakes could be integrated. Despite the fact that air does not go directly to the turbine like in a plane, considering that the car is powered up by a 650 hp engine, there is a lot of cool air needed to cool down the carbon fiber brakes.
Talking numbers, the Lamborghini Reventon is worthy of racing jet fighters. With a 6.5 liter V12 turbine of an engine, it develops a staggering 650 hp reaching 8000 rpm. The power to liters distribution is amazing the Reventon receiving 100 hp for every liter. Weighing little over 1500 kg and with that much power under the hood, the Reventon takes off and reaches from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and continuing to increase more and more in acceleration until it finally reaches it’s top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph). And even at that speed the Reventon will have a firm grip of the ground.
Post tags: Tags: 2008 lamborghini, 2008 reventon, lamborghini-reventon
Considering the stupendous depreciation new cars suffer over a very small period, you’ve decided that a new one just isn’t worth it, so the hunt is on for a used one. Used cars are usually cheaper and just about as good as new ones (even better in some cases), think about it, spend $10.000 on a Prius when, you can get an older but A LOT better model of BMW or Audi which would the Prius into pancake in a collision. The only downside to getting a used car is dealing with those annoying salesman so that you can get out of the dealership without being sucked dry. Here are some ways to prepare yourself for the big negotiation.
First of all be prepared. Search for the car you want before going. Look up every pertinent data you can find about it, how old you’d want it to be, what’s the price, performance reviews and other important factors. Shop around, and specifically look for pricing differences between the closest dealer and one located farther. It might be worth the 4 hours drive if you can drop $2000 from the price. Also look for manufacturing errors or recalls and of course, what are the most common of problems shown on forums regarding the car you’ve picked.
How To Negotiate Buying A Used Car
Next step is confidence. You’ve probably heard about car salesmen. They are experienced judges of character so if you’re unsure of what you’re doing, they will smell that uncertainty and use it against you. When you walk in a dealership, walk strong and firm. Show them that you know exactly what you’re talking about and don’t let absolutely anything they say. And of course carry a trick up your sleeve.
The trick is to never let the dealer know how much money you’re willing to spend. You see the car price advertised by them, you’ve done your homework on the car and you know the real market value. Therefore if you got $30.000 tell them that there’s no way you’re going over $22.000. You definitely know that you’re going to cross over $22.000 and guess what, they know as well. Therefore they will always “forget” to mention things like financing, warranties, monthly fees and other charges.
If the salesman starts doing monkey business, telling you that there is no way he can lower the price under a certain value, than you can use your ultimate weapon: the “walk out”. No salesman will remain still while you attempt to walk away, leaving him with a lost sale. This is the salesman law, that no potential customer is to walk out without buying. Therefore if you’re standing firm with your fixed price, he will have no other option than to lower the price till you’re satisfied.
Like I said earlier, never ever tell them how much money you can spend because every salesman believes that he will get more than you’ve settled for because of the “hidden” fees which usually the customer doesn’t find out unless he reads carefully the whole contract. You will be tempted to ask as many questions as possible to cover all the possible fees, so their job is to keep you from asking “unpleasant” questions until you sign. Yet if you tell them that you plan to pay for the complete package with that amount, this will shut them down completely since you’ve closed the loop they were bargaining for.
And finally your most secret of tricks, a preliminary inspection. If you have a trusted mechanic which you can take with you to the dealership, the salesman is done for.
Post tags: Tags: buy a used car, How To Negotiate Buying A Used Car, negotiate buying a car
Once you decide to rent a car, you are also required to buy insurance for that car in order to be protected against accidents or other unexpected events. But buying the insurance from the same company that provides you the rental car might result in a daily fee comparable with the amount you pay for the rental car daily. Another solution can be provided by the credit car company whose services you use, because some companies, such American Express offer you protection for your rental car without any extra charge.
You should know that not all the cards provided by this credit car company, come with American Express car rental insurance. So, if you have one of those special cards and if the primary name used for the rental application is the one of the cardholder then, if you pay for the rental services with the American Express card, but decline the coverage, automatically the American Express car rental insurance will become valid. In order to find out if your car qualifies for this type of insurance, you can consult the American Express site, the section “Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance Plan Benefits”.
American Express Car Rental Insurance
In order to be eligible for the American Express car rental insurance you must have an account billed in US dollars and related to a billing center located in the USA. The cardholder must also be a resident of the USA, Puerto Rico or of the US Virgin Island. The period of time, this insurance is valid includes 30 consecutive days. You should also know that the coverage provided by American Express is secondary in comparison with any primary insurance policy. So, if your car insurance covers rental cars as well, you must first make a claim to that primary insurer. After the primary insurer pays the amount it is supposed to, the American Express car rental insurance will cover any reminder related to the damage suffered by the car or related to the loss of the car, the maximum amount being of $50,000.
There are some limitations you should be aware of before counting only on this type of insurance for your rental car. One of these limitations is that the rental insurance is not available for pick-ups, SUVs, cargo vans and it doesn’t cover luxury cars with a price tag going over $50,000 either. The American Express car rental insurance is available in most of the countries on the globe, but not in Israel, Australia, Italy, New Zealand and Jamaica. Also, this type of car rental insurance will not pay for personal injuries or damages suffered as a result of an accident that happens driving a car other than the rental one.
Premium protection is available as well as long as you are willing to pay a certain fee. Before deciding, you should take into consideration that if you choose this premium car rental insurance, it will become the primary insurance, so no matter what you won’t have to file a claim to another insurance company. In addition, the coverage amount will go up to $100,000 in case of car loss or damage and some additional coverage will be provided in case of expensive medical bills or an accidental death. The validity of the policy is also extended from 30 to 42 consecutive days.
If you frequently need to rent cars, because you travel often worldwide you should consider the American Express car rental insurance, because it will save you a lot of trouble and also some money. You won’t have to worry about additional paperwork either, because the process is automatic.
Post tags: Tags: American Express Car Rental Insurance, car rental, car rental insurance
The Lamborghini Concept S was designed by Lamborghini’s Head of Design, Luc Donckerwolke that was inspired by a super cool sports car, the Lamborghini Gallardo. Actually the designer used its floor plan as base for its new project. The Lamborghini Concept S is considered an embodiment of the open car concept. This amazing supercar was well received by the audience and its designer received a few awards because of his revolutionary vision when his concept car was revealed. It is thought to be the fierce competitor of the Ferrari F430 Spider and most people consider that the Lamborghini Concept S will be the winner when it comes to the overall assessment.
This supercar was displayed for the first time at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is considered that the Lamborghini Concept S was envisioned as a modern interpretation of the single-seat roadster of the past. The designers used a “change wind” instead of the conventional windscreen and divided the interior into two different compartments. The “change wind” is strategically placed to give an awesome look to the car and in the same time serves as an air inlet for the engine placed behind the seats. As a result, the car has a futuristic look improving in the same time the car’s aerodynamics. Paying attention to details you will notice that the rear view mirror is electronically retractable helping the driver to determine the car’s position, but when it’s not necessary it can be easily hidden.
The design team who worked at the 2005 Lamborghini Concept S focused on providing the car with an amazing unique look and hence just a few aesthetically appealing changes transformed the exotic Gallardo into an incredible supercar. The few changes made applied to the front and the rear spoilers which were slightly redesigned while the twin offset grilles were placed in an angular honeycomb pattern giving the car an incredible look. In addition, the rear was loaded with black mesh vents while the tail pipes and the rear diffuse were reshaped.
If you will start looking at the Lamborghini Concept S inch by inch you will start wondering how many hours of work were necessary in order to obtain such a stylish look. Respecting the principle of continuity, under the hood the engineering components are all about high performance (a great match for a perfect exterior look). The Lamborghini Concept S is equipped with a 5.0 liters V10 engine, the same engine used on the Gallardo Coupe. This engine produces 500 horsepower and offers you an amazing driving experience. The body of the supercar weighs less than other Lamborghini cars, being actually 70kg lighter than the Gallardo because of the aerodynamically designed body.
The car is equipped with a six speed manual gearbox while the engine offers an output of 4500 rpm. If you consider taking this car for a test drive you should be prepared to feel the car flying on the road at incredible speeds. In fact, you will have the opportunity to experience a car that can go from 60 mph to 200 mph in only 4 seconds while the top speed reaches 325 km/h. What can be better than this? High performance combined with the appearance of a supercar: any driver’s dream.
If you are interested in buying the Lamborghini Concept S supercar you will have to pay a little fortune to fulfill your dream. The price tag is around $230,000. In conclusion, the Lamborghini Concept S is the perfect sports car for any driver who loves to race and enjoys feeling the adrenaline flowing through his veins
Post tags: Tags: future lamborghini, Lamborghini, lamborghini concept, Lamborghini Concept S, lamborghini s
If you are considering a trip in Italy or even somewhere else in Europe you should take into consideration a car lease instead of a car rental. That’s because of the buy back lease program offered by Citroen. So, if you plan in driving across Italy for more than 17 days you should consider this lease program, because you will benefit from some significant advantages.
Some of these advantages would be the excellent insurance coverage, the fact there aren’t any hidden or extra charges, you are able to pick up and drop off the car at different locations, for your money you will get a brand new car and the cost involved is lower than the one supposed by an average car rental. There are only a few disadvantages that I would like to mention: the load of paperwork necessary is bigger, you can pick-up or drop the car only at the Milan or Rome airport and that will involve an extra charge.
Car Lease Italy
Citroen’s offer (the buy back car lease program) helps you lease a car in Italy and is available only for people that are tourists in Italy for a longer period of time than 3 weeks. The price paid also includes complete insurance, so you don’t have to worry about accidents or other unpredictable events. The only extra charge you will have to pay is related to the pick-up place that if it is outside France will include an extra fee. If you decide to take advantage of this opportunity you will be able to choose the exact model you want. Moreover, the prices are in Canadian Dollars and once you paid for a car lease in Italy through this program you will benefit from the possibility to call 24 hours a day to a toll-free assistance number, no matter your location in Europe.
What you should know about this program is that if you choose to lease a car in Italy like this you should arrange the lease and pay for it 30 days before the date when you are supposed to pick up the car. After you take care of all the paperwork and all the bills you will get a voucher stamped paid, some directions that will help you find the location where you are suppose to pick up the car from, a toll-free number available for assistance 24 hours a day and a storage case for your papers. Considering that the prices are given in Canadian dollars, you might be charged with a foreign exchange fee.
There are also other car manufacturers like Peugeot that offer the buy back car lease program as well. In this case you get a brand new Peugeot, the model you desire, excellent insurance coverage, no restriction when it comes to mileage, to multiple drivers and no hidden charges. In addition, the drop off is free of charge as long as it takes place in France, a fee being charged for a drop-off location situated somewhere else in Europe.
You can also use some online solutions in order to get more information about prices paid for car leases in Italy such as carrentals.com or easycar.com, that offer information about worldwide opportunities. AutoEurope.com is another website that can prove useful, because it provides information about short and long-term car leasing. After you chose the company and the car you are going to lease you should find the time to visit the local AAA in order to get your international driver’s permit, because you are going to need one. Also look into fuel cost in Italy. Enjoy your journey!
Post tags: Tags: Car Lease Italy, car leasing, lease a car in italy
Nowadays cars, pick up trucks, trucks, and other vehicles are highly equipped with just about any comfort bringing driving more closer than ever to chilling in your armchair at home. All these features along side with the engine require a load of power to work. So where does all the power come from? This continuous power flow is provided by a simple contraption called an alternator. This is the short version for “alternating current generator”. Because of the alternator, which basically is a dynamo, your car is able to generate its own power and conserve it by charging the car battery. Therefore the pressurized energy coming from combusted fuel is transformed into electrical energy. The average efficiency of the alternator is around 60%.
It is imperative that you check the functionality of your alternator or you might end up in the middle of nowhere with not a drop of energy in your battery.
It functions, creating electricity, on the basic law of electromagnetism that by changing a magnetic field an electric field can be created. For the alternator to achieve this, it is composed of two important parts: the rotor and the stator. The rotor is basically a device formed out of three sets of electromagnets that are placed facing each other and their poles are opposite. They are fixed on a circular disk. The stator is the stationary part located on the center of the disk.
The rotor is connected to the rest of the engine with a transmission belt. So while the engine is alive and running, the crankshaft rotates and with it, because of the transmission belt, the alternator rotor. When the rotor is rotating, it creates a magnetic field that induces a charge in the fixed stator. Therefore a current is generated by each of the magnets. The output terminals attached to the stator are the ones separating windings at every phase.
Ok now let’s talk about some of the problems that might appear related to the alternator.
Just like any peace if mechanical and electrical equipment, it is going to break down after much use, especially if it’s not maintained properly. Constant friction forces will make sure that happens, especially if the components are not lubricated to run as smooth as possible. Keeping an eye on the alternator and do a little maintenance is quite simple. Let’s see some of the usual techniques used.
First of all take a look at the frontal panel. There is a light that always glows (or should glow) when the car is started. That is the indicator that shows when the voltage needed by the alternator is being applied. If that LED is not glowing, either the LED is busted or the connection from the battery to the alternator is messed up. If so, you need to check the battery terminals and the alternator rotor.
The alternator is designed to run in three operating stages and each of them gives a separate voltage output. So even if one or two stages fail, it may slip you since some amount of voltage is going into the battery, so the effects are not that noticeable. Or in case you’re not using the car’s appliances therefore not using the battery much, the car still can work with the charge from the battery, despite the alternator has failed.
Checking this problem is very simple, set the engine on idle and check if you’re getting at least 14V of output. If it drops below that than you’re dealing with a stage fail. If you get 14V constant than maybe the battery needs checking.
Post tags: Tags: car parts problem, car problem, Car Ulternator Problem
The Chevrolet Company is famous for manufacturing all types of cars over the time. Therefore, the classic car collectors appreciate the classic hot rods and street rods that this car manufacturer used to produce some time ago. In fact, even nowadays Chevrolet manufacturers the new streamline Camaro that has the same classic look of the Camaro that was part of the 1967 and 1969 series. I can not forget about the popular Corvette introduced in 1953 either, because it impressed the buyers back then and even now has the same effect on classic car collectors and enthusiasts.
All these amazing classic cars are displayed several times a year at different Chevrolet muscle car shows and cruises or are available for the public at car clubs. Many take advantage of these opportunities and sometimes are interested in a purchase as well. In fact, I believe that a best Chevrolet muscle cars list would be a great idea. The criteria taken into consideration: level of popularity, look and charm.
2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro
It’s quite difficult to find the best Chevrolet, because this company manufactured and still builds amazing and incredible cars. First on my list is a more contemporary Chevrolet, the 2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro. In my opinion this is the best Chevrolet car which debuted in 2007 in the “Transformers” movie being the most sought after car in the world. This amazing car has the same classic Camaro look, but the differences reflect in its style. This new Camaro is equipped with a V6 engine producing 304 horsepower. The return of the Camaro was expected by all the fans and classic car owners and everyone agrees that this incredible Chevrolet meets the standards required.
Another best Chevrolet list member is the 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a popular model manufactured in 1969. This classic car is a two-door coupe which was the best sold Chevrolet car surpassing all the convertibles available on the market in that year. The Corvette Stingray is equipped with a 350 V8 engine being also available in the T-Top version similar to a convertible.
The best Chevrolet list continues with the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle which was redesigned for the 1966 edition having curvier fenders. In addition, the front end is slightly lower than the back of the car with fenders turned upward. Many muscle car enthusiasts consider that this classic car has a classic “Coke-bottle” look. The Chevelle was available in the two-door hard top, the convertible model, the four doors and the four door wagon version. The engine hosted under the hood was a 396 V8 engine and the car had special mag wheels. Nowadays, car collectors are willing to pay thousands of dollars to own one of these models manufactured back then.
The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is another classic car included on my list. This amazing Chevrolet is considered the most versatile Chevrolet muscle car. The 1969 Chevelle SS was equipped with a V8 engine producing 396 horsepower and the customers had the opportunity to choose from a variety of styles and colors. This car was available on the market as a sport coupe, a classic hard top or a convertible. Nowadays, the Chevelle remains the best Chevrolet muscle car that you can still see on the road or admire at car shows.
The last, but not least classic car on my list is the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro that has a longer and lower exterior design. This Chevrolet is equipped with a small block V8 engine that impressed many buyers. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro was available as a Super Sport version and it is still highly appreciated.
Post tags: Tags: 2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro, best chevrolet, Chevrolet Chevelle, chevrolet stingray
A damaged credit score and a bad credit history will always create problems when attempting to lease a car. Many people have frequently frustrating experiences when trying to get a loan or a lease for a car. Especially when the financial crisis is decimating company after company. Many banks and other credit and financing companies have tightened the policies of loans or lease acquisitions, and way more careful when dealing with “substandard” borrowers that have bad credit scores. In case you’re having trouble with the payments on your car, try as much as possible to hold on to it, because if you loose it, it will be nearly impossible to get another lease since your credit score will be irrevocably damaged.
On the other hand, car manufacturers and car dealers are highly competitive and some of them quite desperate to get some business going, so they might be willing to take some extra risks in dealing with bad credit.
Usually people that are classified as “substandard” credit holders will pay a higher interest rate, they are expected to make a higher down payment, or even a security deposit for those that are aiming for car leasing. Even car insurance could be a problem at some point, therefore is always advised to check your credit reports for possible mistakes and make sure that it contains only accurate data.
You need to make a thorough analysis of your credit situation. In case you have bad credit, you must know why that happened or how bad is it. Because not all bad credit situations spell failure. For example 2-3 late payments on an account may not be so bad compared to a recent foreclosure. Some problems may need a little tweaking. If you have a good history in car payments, that can be a big advantage despite having payment issues on other debts.
When you head for a car lease or a car loan, the car dealer or financing company will acquire a credit history report along with the score which can be received from each of the three major credit agencies: TransUnion, Experian or Equifax. That history report contains all your current credit accounts, possible loans and leases, other loans and mortgages including ones that you’ve had in the past. It will show eventual missed payments, or the ones that were late, the company you were paying, how much it was or, how frequent were the delays.
Know that car dealers don’t have time to take each customer in check and scan his entire credit history, therefore they simply ask for your FICO score. That score is a single number that represents your credit history. This score measures how “solid” is your credit history and it can find itself between 300 and 850. Each customer that comes with a score of over 680 is considered a “prime” customer and will receive the best possible rates on any lease or loan. The customer’s score is below 640, he is downgraded as a “substandard” and he may have complications, from getting the worst rates to not getting a lease at all. For example if you have a credit score below 500 you can kiss the idea of a loan goodbye.
The best idea for a bad credit case is to seek out companies that specialize in “sub-prime”. Since the car dealer and its associated credit company are not the only possible source, you can always head on to more conventional lenders like CapitalOne, Chase or Wells Fargo which can help you despite your bad credit history.
Post tags: Tags: car credit problems, car loans, Credit Problem Car Loans, credit problems
If you think that the only you can get the car you need is by buying a brand new one or a used one, then you will be happy to know that there is a third possibility available that might help you save some money. I’m talking about the opportunity to buy a repossessed car. The money saved can go up to thousands of dollars, especially if you purchase the car at a public or government car auction. You will get a great deal, because usually the car is sold at a price that’s significantly below the Blue Book value of the vehicle.
The offer is varied as well, because at these auctions you are usually able to find anything from family cars, SUVs or trucks to motorcycles and RVs. Usually these vehicles were repossessed by the government or by other financial institutions, because their previous owners were criminals were unable to cover their loans.
The prices are lower, because the costs implied by storage for long periods of time along with the depreciation rates, determines those institutions and the owners in trouble to offer discounts in order to facilitate a quick sale. Their need for a quick solution can prove to be a your great deal, a deal that can provide you with a car for personal use or with a car that you can later on sell to a used car dealership for a better price.
The depreciation issue should not be on your mind if you decide to buy a repossessed car. That’s because this cars aren’t affected as much by depreciation in comparison with a new car that is affected by depreciation the minute it leaves the showroom. And that depreciation value can be significant, going up to $5,000 or even more. The decisive factor is the retail value of the car you purchased. Take into consideration that a reposed car is usually sold at a price representing 80% of its retail value. But the repossessed car auctions are very similar to a secret, because not many know the advantages of buying a repossessed car. As a result, used car dealers are usually the ones participating and taking advantage of incredible deals. But now you know that a repossessed car can work miracles on your budget. So, don’t miss another opportunity!
It is very likely that you have already bought one of these cars from a used car dealership, but for a higher price. To prevent that from happening again you should keep in mind that there are nowadays online car portals that are trying to keep you posted about the location of these seized auto auctions. The portals are also trying to provide you with some vital information about the makes and models of vehicles you will be able to find there and their prices. As a result, you are able to use their search engine in order to find out if the car that you are looking for is available and affordable in the same time. Those results and the where and the when details, definitely qualify you for buying a repossessed car at and advantageous price.
Before you buy the car you should examine it and also check the history report if it is available, in order to be sure you are getting a car worth your money. Feel free to check the interior for any defects, the under the hood components and actually take it for a drive before signing the papers. You will be able to check the handling and the car’s components. Better safe than sorry!
Post tags: Tags: buy car, Buy Repossessed Car, repossesse car
