As the number of Baby Boomers entering their sixties increases, the need for continuing driver education for senior drivers will increase as well. A 2007 USA Today report indicated that drivers 65 and older were involved in 72% more automobile s than just eight years previously. That figure does not necessarily mean that older drivers are more reckless than they were in 1999; it could simply mean that there are more drivers over 65, a statistic which will continue to grow.
While many senior drivers are extremely safety conscious, they may not be able to compensate for the slower reflexes which normally accompany the aging process. The driver’s licensing exams in all stated require that drivers pass a vision test, but they do nothing to test for reaction speed. But millions of seniors lead active, productive lives; many of them still work for a living; and to arbitrarily deprive them of the ability to drive would be disastrous for everyone.
The AARP Solution
AARP, the American Association of Retired Person, offers a solution in the form of AARP defensive driving classes. The AARP Driver Safety Class, which would be more appropriately named the AARP Defensive Driving Class, is designed to protect the rights of senior citizens to drive by teaching them how to avoid s which could cost them their licenses.
AARP defensive driving techniques, because it helps seniors avoid s, will even qualify those who have completed the AARP defensive driving courses for discounted automobile insurance with some insurance companies. The increasing rate among those 65 and older is a great reason for automobile insurance carriers to raise their older clients’ rates to almost unaffordable levels. Those senior drivers who participate in the AARP defensive driving program will show their automobile insurance companies that they are determined to continue to drive safely.
Finding An AARP Defensive Driving Class
AARP defensive driving classes are available all over the US, and you can find one in your area simply by visiting the AARP website at http://www.aarp.org. Search for an AARP defensive driving class by entering your ZIP code in the search box.
You can also place a toll-free call to AARP at 1-888-227-7669, and ask them to find the location of the nearest AARP defensive driving class. You will have to leave a message containing your SIP code, and in three to five business day someone from AARP will contact you by telephone with the class information.
An AARP defensive driving class will require two four-hour sessions over two days, and costs only ten dollars. The instructors will also teach you how to assess your own physical conditions so that you can determine if you will be able to continue to drive safely. And even with AARP defensive driver training, you will still have to pass your driver’s license exam.
Knowing when and where to do defensive driving is crucial if you want to use your defensive driving skills to avoid s or the kinds of situations which can easily lead to s. You put good money and a lot of time and effort into your defensive driving course, and knowing where to use your defensive driving skills will pay you back in no time!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Driving On Our Roads – What Does The Future Hold?
Environmental issues have never been higher on the agenda than today and with this has come concerted pressure on the motorist. Deemed as one of the most highly polluting sources of pollution, the question has now fallen on how to shift people away from their cars. Initiated by the Stern Review, a number of additional schemes have either been introduced or are currently being planned, leading to the question of what does the future hold for the motorist?
The Stern Review stated one overriding conclusion, that the world must act now on climate change or face devastating consequences. Unfortunately it also appears that this action is going to lead to devastating consequences for motorists. Various proposals in the Stern Review were suggested, including introducing a fuel-price stabilizer, meaning when fuel prices they will never be able to fall again, and per mile road charging.
Taking a deeper look into each proposal uncovers fundamental flaws. Artificially setting prices has never made economic sense and furthermore, the fuel price stabilizer would simply have the effect of desensitizing people from changes in the fuel price. Consider a huge rise in fuel prices which subsequently fall but this fall is not reflected in the price. People become used to this new higher price and when they see that it stays at this level for many months they become used to it, never lowering their consumption, even if fuel prices then begin to gradually rise.
Then there’s per mile road charging. As it stands people are charged on a per mile basis – the further one drives the more fuel they use and the more they pay. Is this not a ploy to generate even more revenue and prepare for a time when cars no longer run on fuel? If everyone was to suddenly switch to electric cars the government would lose a vital source of revenue. Per mile road charging could fill in the shortfall, brought in under the umbrella of concern for the environment.
A couple of new road charges have been brought in. The first, to be introduced in Richmond-upon-Thames, is that homeowners will be charged a fee to park their vehicle outside their homes, the value of the charge depending on the type of car they own. Residents’ parking restrictions, initially introduced to help homeowners park outside their homes, are suddenly being turned against the very people they were meant to help.
The London Congestion charge has already risen to £8 a day from its original £5 a day, and proposals were unveiled recently to charge so-called “gas-guzzlers” £25 a day to drive into Central London. An extortionate amount by anyone’s standards.
However, something has to be done to protect the environment so what’s wrong with making a start and pricing polluting motorists and vehicles off the road? It’s certainly hard to argue against the fact that some cars do pollute large amounts of greenhouse gases and they should be discouraged. But isn’t the real fact to emerge from all this that the car driver is simply an easy target? Infrastructure is already in place whereby large additional taxes can be introduced whilst many people have little choice but to use their car, meaning that the revenue generated from these taxation schemes will be significant. Even the Stern Review undermines its argument against the motorist by producing figures showing that transport is responsible for 14% of all the emissions of greenhouse gases in the UK. Transport that includes car travel, lorries, buses, trains, ships and aircrafts. In addition, the argument is that economic growth will suffer if we fail to act now. This simply neglects the effect of imposing huge taxes on motorists, seriously inhibiting people’s ability to travel to work and help the economy, and this is all without even mentioning a certain rapidly growing country – China.
The Stern Review stated one overriding conclusion, that the world must act now on climate change or face devastating consequences. Unfortunately it also appears that this action is going to lead to devastating consequences for motorists. Various proposals in the Stern Review were suggested, including introducing a fuel-price stabilizer, meaning when fuel prices they will never be able to fall again, and per mile road charging.
Taking a deeper look into each proposal uncovers fundamental flaws. Artificially setting prices has never made economic sense and furthermore, the fuel price stabilizer would simply have the effect of desensitizing people from changes in the fuel price. Consider a huge rise in fuel prices which subsequently fall but this fall is not reflected in the price. People become used to this new higher price and when they see that it stays at this level for many months they become used to it, never lowering their consumption, even if fuel prices then begin to gradually rise.
Then there’s per mile road charging. As it stands people are charged on a per mile basis – the further one drives the more fuel they use and the more they pay. Is this not a ploy to generate even more revenue and prepare for a time when cars no longer run on fuel? If everyone was to suddenly switch to electric cars the government would lose a vital source of revenue. Per mile road charging could fill in the shortfall, brought in under the umbrella of concern for the environment.
A couple of new road charges have been brought in. The first, to be introduced in Richmond-upon-Thames, is that homeowners will be charged a fee to park their vehicle outside their homes, the value of the charge depending on the type of car they own. Residents’ parking restrictions, initially introduced to help homeowners park outside their homes, are suddenly being turned against the very people they were meant to help.
The London Congestion charge has already risen to £8 a day from its original £5 a day, and proposals were unveiled recently to charge so-called “gas-guzzlers” £25 a day to drive into Central London. An extortionate amount by anyone’s standards.
However, something has to be done to protect the environment so what’s wrong with making a start and pricing polluting motorists and vehicles off the road? It’s certainly hard to argue against the fact that some cars do pollute large amounts of greenhouse gases and they should be discouraged. But isn’t the real fact to emerge from all this that the car driver is simply an easy target? Infrastructure is already in place whereby large additional taxes can be introduced whilst many people have little choice but to use their car, meaning that the revenue generated from these taxation schemes will be significant. Even the Stern Review undermines its argument against the motorist by producing figures showing that transport is responsible for 14% of all the emissions of greenhouse gases in the UK. Transport that includes car travel, lorries, buses, trains, ships and aircrafts. In addition, the argument is that economic growth will suffer if we fail to act now. This simply neglects the effect of imposing huge taxes on motorists, seriously inhibiting people’s ability to travel to work and help the economy, and this is all without even mentioning a certain rapidly growing country – China.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Driving Test Nerves
Driving tests can be things that cause problems for many people. Even folks who happen to be good drivers can get nervous over a driving test. Because one little mistake can cost a person the chance to get a driver’s license, there is significant pressure to perform well on driving tests. The fear of driving tests, like many other phobias, is strictly driven by mental stimulants. People fear driving tests because they have doubts about their ability to perform successfully. In addition, lots of people have a healthy fear of driving tests because they don’t know what to expect.
Much of the fear of driving tests can be linked to not having enough confidence in one’s ability to succeed. Even though a person might be the best driver in the world, they can still have fear of a driving test if they lack self confidence. This problem is likely just a side effect of other psychological problems that the person may face in their life. Lack of confidence doesn’t limit itself to just one are. When a person lacks confidence, it creates doubt for them in just about every situation.
Other folks fear driving tests because of uncertainty. Even though they know how to drive, they have no idea how a driving test works. They don’t know what is going to asked of them and they don’t know how the examiner will judge their performance. In short, they are in the dark to some extent. Both of these things are mental blocks that must be removed if a person is going to have any success on a driving test.
If you go into a driving test and you are nervous about the test, you won’t perform well. That is a fact of life. Nervousness and stress have a terrible effect on success levels on driving tests. How do you get rid of these things? You have to attack the subconscious thoughts that drive your doubts and your fears. Once that self conscious villain is laid to rest, you can get on with passing the driving test.
Hypnosis is a good way to help the mental aspects of the driving test. Though it won’t help you learn to make a turn, it will help your mind rest easy over your ability to make the turn. I have seen many clients that have had success with their driving tests. Get some information today and find out if hypnosis can help you.
Much of the fear of driving tests can be linked to not having enough confidence in one’s ability to succeed. Even though a person might be the best driver in the world, they can still have fear of a driving test if they lack self confidence. This problem is likely just a side effect of other psychological problems that the person may face in their life. Lack of confidence doesn’t limit itself to just one are. When a person lacks confidence, it creates doubt for them in just about every situation.
Other folks fear driving tests because of uncertainty. Even though they know how to drive, they have no idea how a driving test works. They don’t know what is going to asked of them and they don’t know how the examiner will judge their performance. In short, they are in the dark to some extent. Both of these things are mental blocks that must be removed if a person is going to have any success on a driving test.
If you go into a driving test and you are nervous about the test, you won’t perform well. That is a fact of life. Nervousness and stress have a terrible effect on success levels on driving tests. How do you get rid of these things? You have to attack the subconscious thoughts that drive your doubts and your fears. Once that self conscious villain is laid to rest, you can get on with passing the driving test.
Hypnosis is a good way to help the mental aspects of the driving test. Though it won’t help you learn to make a turn, it will help your mind rest easy over your ability to make the turn. I have seen many clients that have had success with their driving tests. Get some information today and find out if hypnosis can help you.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Dvla’s Personalised Number Plates Auction A Success
The DVLA enjoyed continued success with their latest auction of previously un-issued personalized number plates.The last auction was held at Dormy House Hotel,Broadway,Worcestershire on the 5th,6th and 7th of September 2007. Bids were taken by letter,telephone,on line and of course in person in the room.
Top price paid was £31000 + vat + auctioneers commission + transfer fee ( approx £38750 total ) for the number 111 S,not sure why that went for so much, seems a lot if it was bought to go on a Lotus Elise. Other notable high prices were £17800 for 67 A and £17100 for 551 KHS ( presumably because it resembles SIKHS ). 1 numbers continue to demand high prices with 1 LHR achieving £13700and 1 PLA £13000.
Lowest prices were £250 with the best value one of these being L92 UKE at £300 .Other genuine bargains in the lower price range were E10 MAX at £600 and DOU 99Y at £800 .Prices in general seemed to be higher than those achieved in auctions held earlier in the year.There were fewer good numbers where no-one had attended to bid which are traditionally mopped up by the dealers.
Surprisingly unsold numbers were 4 HPS , 13 LEO ,786 RAV.
Total income for the DVLA ( or treasury if you like ) was in excess of £4 million and as the DVLA have no purchase costs ,as they are un-issued numbers that have not been used previously this is a very healthy figure to achieve.
The next auction of personalised number plates is on the 24th,25th and 26th October and will be held at Down Hall,Bishop Stortford in Hartfordshire.A catalogue can be ordered by calling 0800 089 2222. You can bid in person,by phone , by letter or on-line but you must register in advance.If you are bidding for a high value registration number it may be best for you to attend in person so you can absorb the whole experience which will make your number all the more enjoyable but make sure you set yourself a limit as most bidders get carried away and pay far more than they intended.
Top price paid was £31000 + vat + auctioneers commission + transfer fee ( approx £38750 total ) for the number 111 S,not sure why that went for so much, seems a lot if it was bought to go on a Lotus Elise. Other notable high prices were £17800 for 67 A and £17100 for 551 KHS ( presumably because it resembles SIKHS ). 1 numbers continue to demand high prices with 1 LHR achieving £13700and 1 PLA £13000.
Lowest prices were £250 with the best value one of these being L92 UKE at £300 .Other genuine bargains in the lower price range were E10 MAX at £600 and DOU 99Y at £800 .Prices in general seemed to be higher than those achieved in auctions held earlier in the year.There were fewer good numbers where no-one had attended to bid which are traditionally mopped up by the dealers.
Surprisingly unsold numbers were 4 HPS , 13 LEO ,786 RAV.
Total income for the DVLA ( or treasury if you like ) was in excess of £4 million and as the DVLA have no purchase costs ,as they are un-issued numbers that have not been used previously this is a very healthy figure to achieve.
The next auction of personalised number plates is on the 24th,25th and 26th October and will be held at Down Hall,Bishop Stortford in Hartfordshire.A catalogue can be ordered by calling 0800 089 2222. You can bid in person,by phone , by letter or on-line but you must register in advance.If you are bidding for a high value registration number it may be best for you to attend in person so you can absorb the whole experience which will make your number all the more enjoyable but make sure you set yourself a limit as most bidders get carried away and pay far more than they intended.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Ebay Car Auction Site – Our Guide To Car Auctions On Ebay
An Introduction on eBay - eBay car auction site
EBay has become one of the most popular ways to sell goods currently available in the world. Thanks to eBay, virtually anyone with a computer, an internet connection, and a simple to make eBay account can trade online.
People are free to sell goods, buy goods, sell unwanted goods, buy goods in bulk and sell for profits, whatever the cause, eBay can suit your n needs. The auction site has become so popular over the last few years that the company is now expanding to heights never before imagined by the founders.
EBay is well known around the world and it has users based in many countries. The good thing about eBay is that can sit in the comfort of your own home selling away until your hearts content.
eBay car auction site
Now, on to the car auction side of eBay..
Although eBay is more than just a car auction site as we have discussed above, it is indeed also a very popular car auction site. Many people who trade in cars are turning to eBay to sell their cars.
You can sell cars fast on the eBay car auction site, write out full detail on the car you are selling, offer specific viewing times, and to be honest, probably get a price on your car than you would offline. This is simply because you are advertising your car to much people. You can reach thousands of people via eBay, so the marketing power of the auction site is tremendous.
How long to list the car for on the eBay car auction site
We generally don’t give a guideline to this because it depends on how fast you want to sell the car, however, if you want to advertise to more people for longer, you could put the car on for 10 days, set a reserve price, and see what happens.
A reserve price is simply a price that you wont take any less than, viewers wont get to see this, but lets say your car is worth $2000, and the auction finishes with $1500, you wouldn’t have to sell the car, this means eBay offers some form of protection for sellers who want the money they feel the item is worth.
However, if you don’t set a reserve, you have to sell the car at whatever the auction price is, so if the car sold for $1500, you would have to sell the car for this price.
EBay has become one of the most popular ways to sell goods currently available in the world. Thanks to eBay, virtually anyone with a computer, an internet connection, and a simple to make eBay account can trade online.
People are free to sell goods, buy goods, sell unwanted goods, buy goods in bulk and sell for profits, whatever the cause, eBay can suit your n needs. The auction site has become so popular over the last few years that the company is now expanding to heights never before imagined by the founders.
EBay is well known around the world and it has users based in many countries. The good thing about eBay is that can sit in the comfort of your own home selling away until your hearts content.
eBay car auction site
Now, on to the car auction side of eBay..
Although eBay is more than just a car auction site as we have discussed above, it is indeed also a very popular car auction site. Many people who trade in cars are turning to eBay to sell their cars.
You can sell cars fast on the eBay car auction site, write out full detail on the car you are selling, offer specific viewing times, and to be honest, probably get a price on your car than you would offline. This is simply because you are advertising your car to much people. You can reach thousands of people via eBay, so the marketing power of the auction site is tremendous.
How long to list the car for on the eBay car auction site
We generally don’t give a guideline to this because it depends on how fast you want to sell the car, however, if you want to advertise to more people for longer, you could put the car on for 10 days, set a reserve price, and see what happens.
A reserve price is simply a price that you wont take any less than, viewers wont get to see this, but lets say your car is worth $2000, and the auction finishes with $1500, you wouldn’t have to sell the car, this means eBay offers some form of protection for sellers who want the money they feel the item is worth.
However, if you don’t set a reserve, you have to sell the car at whatever the auction price is, so if the car sold for $1500, you would have to sell the car for this price.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Ebay Motor Car Auction, The Best Place To Search For Cars
If you ever wanted to buy or sell a car or any other type of vehicle, you should know that a great place where you can do all these things is the eBay motor car auction.
From here, from this place, if you want to buy a car you can choose from all sort of models and prices. And the best thing about it is that you will have all the details, all the things you may want or need to know, right there in front of your eyes. No dealer eager to get more money will lie to you. All the facts will be placed on the Internet page, for everyone to see. The decision to whether buy the car or not will depend only on the buyer. You will not be influenced in any way by anyone.
Also, if you are trying to sell a car, the eBay motor car auction is the perfect place for you too. Don’t waste any more time looking for the best dealer that will help you sell that car of yours. The best place for a car that you want to sell fast and for a reasonable price is the eBay motor car auction.
Things that Buyers may Want to Know about eBay Motor Car Auction
The eBay motor car auction has some great features that you may want to know about. For example, there is a free buyer protection. Almost all vehicle purchases on eBay motors are protected up to $20,000. This kind of protection also occurs when you use PayPal to buy parts and accessories, and for these items you are protected up to $1,000.
There are all sort of tools that will help you decide what car to buy, and whether to buy it or not. You will also be able to check the seller’s reputation. If you find it unsatisfactory you can always decide not to bid. The recommendations on vehicle shipping, financing and insurance that eBay motor car auction provides will definitely help you make the best decision.
Things that Sellers may Want to Know about eBay Motor Car Auction
The eBay motor car auction has a worldwide audience. Over 10 million persons visit the eBay motor car auction site every month. This is indeed an appealing thought for someone that want’s to sell his car.
One more thing that you should know when deciding where to sell your vehicle is that on the eBay motor car auction a vehicle is sold every minute. This is indeed a great piece of information.
From here, from this place, if you want to buy a car you can choose from all sort of models and prices. And the best thing about it is that you will have all the details, all the things you may want or need to know, right there in front of your eyes. No dealer eager to get more money will lie to you. All the facts will be placed on the Internet page, for everyone to see. The decision to whether buy the car or not will depend only on the buyer. You will not be influenced in any way by anyone.
Also, if you are trying to sell a car, the eBay motor car auction is the perfect place for you too. Don’t waste any more time looking for the best dealer that will help you sell that car of yours. The best place for a car that you want to sell fast and for a reasonable price is the eBay motor car auction.
Things that Buyers may Want to Know about eBay Motor Car Auction
The eBay motor car auction has some great features that you may want to know about. For example, there is a free buyer protection. Almost all vehicle purchases on eBay motors are protected up to $20,000. This kind of protection also occurs when you use PayPal to buy parts and accessories, and for these items you are protected up to $1,000.
There are all sort of tools that will help you decide what car to buy, and whether to buy it or not. You will also be able to check the seller’s reputation. If you find it unsatisfactory you can always decide not to bid. The recommendations on vehicle shipping, financing and insurance that eBay motor car auction provides will definitely help you make the best decision.
Things that Sellers may Want to Know about eBay Motor Car Auction
The eBay motor car auction has a worldwide audience. Over 10 million persons visit the eBay motor car auction site every month. This is indeed an appealing thought for someone that want’s to sell his car.
One more thing that you should know when deciding where to sell your vehicle is that on the eBay motor car auction a vehicle is sold every minute. This is indeed a great piece of information.
Economical And Affordable Green Automotive Technology
Although hybrid cars are the rage, and there are all kinds of alternative energy sources on the horizon, hybrids are cost prohibitive, usually ranging $3000 to $7000 more than the gas only version of that model. However, instead of changing fuel sources, some automotive companies have been using a new type of transmission to improve fuel economy, lower emissions, and actually make vehicles faster without adding to the sticker price.
These companies are using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and instead of having set gear ratios (or gears), it constantly varies the gear ratios, as well as engine performance, so that they both operate at their most efficient level in any driving scenario.
Because these key components of the power train are at their peak performance at all times, fuel economy is improved by 6-8% and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 10%.
Although these figures may not sound impressive, the gas savings increase the highway mileage of most vehicles by 4 to 6 mpg, which adds up pretty quickly at $3/gallon.
The CVT’s potential for reducing emissions is also significant. As Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Company, said, achieving his goal of selling one million CVT equipped vehicles by the end of 2007 will have “the same effect in terms of reducing CO2 emissions as selling 200,000 hybrid electric vehicles.”
Since there is no shifting between fixed gears, there is no ‘shift shock’ or jerking sensation, which makes them exceptionally smooth to drive. CVTs also do well in hilly terrain since there is no ‘gear hunting’ or bogging down on a hill, followed by a loud, violent downshift, which also contributes to its superior acceleration.
You may be wondering why this isn’t in every car if it is so great. Well, every year, more vehicles in the American market add CVTs as an option, though it has happened quietly, as many people are leery of new technology, especially in cars.
The CVT is actually quite old although it is new to American automobiles. The concept was developed by Leonardo DaVinci and was first patented in the late 1800’s for industrial applications. The CVT has been used in Asian and European vehicles since the 1950’s, but until recently CVTs could not handle the power that American drivers demand from their cars. However, CVTs have seen widespread use in snowmobiles and Formula 500 racing where they have a reputation for extending engine life and being much easier to rebuild than either a manual or automatic step transmission.
So where can you test drive a CVT-equipped vehicle? Well you can go to dealerships selling Ford, Dodge, Audi, or Mini-Cooper, to name a few, although a Nissan dealership may be the best place to go. In order to hit their goal of one million CVT sales in 2007, they have installed CVTs in nearly every sedan in their lineup, including the best selling Altima, Maxima, and economical Versa (as a side note, Nissan has also made side curtain airbags standard in these models, improving safety and reducing insurance costs).
Although you may not have the budget for a hybrid vehicle or cannot wait for that miracle fuel to hit the market, you can take it easy on the environment, as well as your checkbook, by checking out a few cars with a CVT.
These companies are using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and instead of having set gear ratios (or gears), it constantly varies the gear ratios, as well as engine performance, so that they both operate at their most efficient level in any driving scenario.
Because these key components of the power train are at their peak performance at all times, fuel economy is improved by 6-8% and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 10%.
Although these figures may not sound impressive, the gas savings increase the highway mileage of most vehicles by 4 to 6 mpg, which adds up pretty quickly at $3/gallon.
The CVT’s potential for reducing emissions is also significant. As Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor Company, said, achieving his goal of selling one million CVT equipped vehicles by the end of 2007 will have “the same effect in terms of reducing CO2 emissions as selling 200,000 hybrid electric vehicles.”
Since there is no shifting between fixed gears, there is no ‘shift shock’ or jerking sensation, which makes them exceptionally smooth to drive. CVTs also do well in hilly terrain since there is no ‘gear hunting’ or bogging down on a hill, followed by a loud, violent downshift, which also contributes to its superior acceleration.
You may be wondering why this isn’t in every car if it is so great. Well, every year, more vehicles in the American market add CVTs as an option, though it has happened quietly, as many people are leery of new technology, especially in cars.
The CVT is actually quite old although it is new to American automobiles. The concept was developed by Leonardo DaVinci and was first patented in the late 1800’s for industrial applications. The CVT has been used in Asian and European vehicles since the 1950’s, but until recently CVTs could not handle the power that American drivers demand from their cars. However, CVTs have seen widespread use in snowmobiles and Formula 500 racing where they have a reputation for extending engine life and being much easier to rebuild than either a manual or automatic step transmission.
So where can you test drive a CVT-equipped vehicle? Well you can go to dealerships selling Ford, Dodge, Audi, or Mini-Cooper, to name a few, although a Nissan dealership may be the best place to go. In order to hit their goal of one million CVT sales in 2007, they have installed CVTs in nearly every sedan in their lineup, including the best selling Altima, Maxima, and economical Versa (as a side note, Nissan has also made side curtain airbags standard in these models, improving safety and reducing insurance costs).
Although you may not have the budget for a hybrid vehicle or cannot wait for that miracle fuel to hit the market, you can take it easy on the environment, as well as your checkbook, by checking out a few cars with a CVT.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Edsels: A Great Introductory Collector Car
Edsels Demonstrate the Irony of Bad is Sometimes Good
The word Edsel has become synonymous with failure in the American culture. However, sometimes bad is good. This is the case regarding the newly popular practice of collecting Edsel cars. Many people consider Edsel cars the most ridiculous model ever made, having plenty of style but absolutely no quality other than that. However, these days Edsels have become quite the attraction by prized show cars, at least in some circles.
The History of the Edsel
Edsels were debuted by Ford Motor Company in 1956 in an attempt to fix the dearth of medium-sized cars the company was experiencing. Named after Henry Ford’s son, the line became famous as one of Ford’s infamous flops. In fact, the line almost sunk the company. Edsel as a line failed when it first came out because of bad marketing, and the incident has in fact become known as exemplary of a marketing disaster and specifically as an example of America’s difficulty with marketing in the 1950s. The Edsel has actually become the butt of many jokes, undeservedly, some think. Featured in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and Airplane II, in which the car’s engine was used to get a spaceship up and running, some may recognize the Edsel from these movies.
The Edsel as a Collector Car
There were never that many Edsels made, so they are pretty rare to begin with. This may be one reason that they have become popular collector cars, which their owners collect with loyalty. 5,000 Edsels are believed to be in existence these days.
One outstanding and characterizing feature of the Edself is its front grille, termed a horsecollar grille. At the time of manufacture, this vertical grille was considered a bold change and even a possible forerunner of upcoming popular style features.
Some specific models within the Edsel category are worth even more and are hot items in the collector car market. For instance, Mahwah Edsels are especially prized because of their rarity; they were sold on the eastern side of the country, and not many survived the climate’s harsh winters.
One thing that might be difficult in owning an Edsel is finding parts to restore it. Since the cars were not produced to the extent of many others, they are rare in the first place. Obtaining high-end OEM speedparts is reported as being particularly challenging.
Why Now Could be the Best Time to Buy an Edsel
Now seems like quite the opportune time to buy an Edsel for those who are interested. They are considered to be well-priced at the moment for those who are interested in collectible cars. Some people consider the Edsel to be a poor man’s collectible car because even with their relatively few numbers, there still seem to be more out there than people who have to have them.
The car’s fiftieth birthday is near, with many attendant anniversary gatherings of proud Edsel owners. Some owners today were original owners back in the 1950s. Today, many consider Edsels to be nice and well-assembled cars. Young people who have never seen one are consistently enthralled by this remnant of the past.
The word Edsel has become synonymous with failure in the American culture. However, sometimes bad is good. This is the case regarding the newly popular practice of collecting Edsel cars. Many people consider Edsel cars the most ridiculous model ever made, having plenty of style but absolutely no quality other than that. However, these days Edsels have become quite the attraction by prized show cars, at least in some circles.
The History of the Edsel
Edsels were debuted by Ford Motor Company in 1956 in an attempt to fix the dearth of medium-sized cars the company was experiencing. Named after Henry Ford’s son, the line became famous as one of Ford’s infamous flops. In fact, the line almost sunk the company. Edsel as a line failed when it first came out because of bad marketing, and the incident has in fact become known as exemplary of a marketing disaster and specifically as an example of America’s difficulty with marketing in the 1950s. The Edsel has actually become the butt of many jokes, undeservedly, some think. Featured in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and Airplane II, in which the car’s engine was used to get a spaceship up and running, some may recognize the Edsel from these movies.
The Edsel as a Collector Car
There were never that many Edsels made, so they are pretty rare to begin with. This may be one reason that they have become popular collector cars, which their owners collect with loyalty. 5,000 Edsels are believed to be in existence these days.
One outstanding and characterizing feature of the Edself is its front grille, termed a horsecollar grille. At the time of manufacture, this vertical grille was considered a bold change and even a possible forerunner of upcoming popular style features.
Some specific models within the Edsel category are worth even more and are hot items in the collector car market. For instance, Mahwah Edsels are especially prized because of their rarity; they were sold on the eastern side of the country, and not many survived the climate’s harsh winters.
One thing that might be difficult in owning an Edsel is finding parts to restore it. Since the cars were not produced to the extent of many others, they are rare in the first place. Obtaining high-end OEM speedparts is reported as being particularly challenging.
Why Now Could be the Best Time to Buy an Edsel
Now seems like quite the opportune time to buy an Edsel for those who are interested. They are considered to be well-priced at the moment for those who are interested in collectible cars. Some people consider the Edsel to be a poor man’s collectible car because even with their relatively few numbers, there still seem to be more out there than people who have to have them.
The car’s fiftieth birthday is near, with many attendant anniversary gatherings of proud Edsel owners. Some owners today were original owners back in the 1950s. Today, many consider Edsels to be nice and well-assembled cars. Young people who have never seen one are consistently enthralled by this remnant of the past.
Effective Ways To Deal With Car Dealerships
When it is time for you to buy a new vehicle you would be wise to enter the dealership with the mindset that you are about to engage in a game of chess, where the salesman wants to get as much money from you as he can, while you try to get the best deal for the least amount of money. Somewhere in the middle of all the haggling that will ensue, you have to try and reach a deal where, if you are not fully satisfied, at least the price is fair. No one has ever driven off a car lot in a car they got for under invoice, and nobody ever will.
One thing you must keep in mind as you enter into negotiations is that the salesman has to make money; he’s got to eat and clothe his kids, pay his mortgage, etc. If you don’t want him to rip you off, then don’t attempt to try and rip him off either.
Now before you even reach the point where you are at the dealership, (you’ve taken your test drive and you are at the negotiating table), you need to do your homework. The best way to do this is to use the Internet. Websites such as http://Cars.com and http://Edmunds.com are great resources. Both give reviews of cars and allow you to make side by side comparisons to help you decide which car is right for you. Once you decide on the car you want (which could take you as long as a year to decide) its time to research some dealerships, which can also be done on the Internet.
Most dealerships to day have Internet sales departments, which allow you to look at their inventory online and request price quotes. All dealerships are very competitive and should get back to you within a day of you requesting one. However, if they take longer or refuse to give you a quote over the Internet; instead, trying to get you to come to the dealership, then don’t use them. More than likely the salesman intends to try and pressure you into making a purchase.
Hopefully you will be able to get at least three quotes. Once you do, visit all three dealerships and take the car for a test drive, as well as do a little negotiating over the price to see if you can get them to come down some. Once this is done, you have to make a decision about who you want to buy from. You should base this on who provided the best shopping experience, as well as the best deal.
Buying the right car can be hard, which is why you want to be patient and take your time when making a decision. For example, I just had to have a Nissan Titan when they first came on the market. I never had driven one, didn’t really know much about them except that I liked the body style and I liked that they went fast. So I bought one and six months later was tired of driving it. I didn’t like having a big vehicle, and I hated the gas mileage it got. I got so tired of driving it that I traded it in, took a loss on the loan and bought a new car. However, I only bought my new car after two years of research. By the time I showed up at the dealership I knew every specification on the car I wanted and new exactly what I was willing to pay. I’ve never been happier with any other vehicle than the one I drive now.
One thing you must keep in mind as you enter into negotiations is that the salesman has to make money; he’s got to eat and clothe his kids, pay his mortgage, etc. If you don’t want him to rip you off, then don’t attempt to try and rip him off either.
Now before you even reach the point where you are at the dealership, (you’ve taken your test drive and you are at the negotiating table), you need to do your homework. The best way to do this is to use the Internet. Websites such as http://Cars.com and http://Edmunds.com are great resources. Both give reviews of cars and allow you to make side by side comparisons to help you decide which car is right for you. Once you decide on the car you want (which could take you as long as a year to decide) its time to research some dealerships, which can also be done on the Internet.
Most dealerships to day have Internet sales departments, which allow you to look at their inventory online and request price quotes. All dealerships are very competitive and should get back to you within a day of you requesting one. However, if they take longer or refuse to give you a quote over the Internet; instead, trying to get you to come to the dealership, then don’t use them. More than likely the salesman intends to try and pressure you into making a purchase.
Hopefully you will be able to get at least three quotes. Once you do, visit all three dealerships and take the car for a test drive, as well as do a little negotiating over the price to see if you can get them to come down some. Once this is done, you have to make a decision about who you want to buy from. You should base this on who provided the best shopping experience, as well as the best deal.
Buying the right car can be hard, which is why you want to be patient and take your time when making a decision. For example, I just had to have a Nissan Titan when they first came on the market. I never had driven one, didn’t really know much about them except that I liked the body style and I liked that they went fast. So I bought one and six months later was tired of driving it. I didn’t like having a big vehicle, and I hated the gas mileage it got. I got so tired of driving it that I traded it in, took a loss on the loan and bought a new car. However, I only bought my new car after two years of research. By the time I showed up at the dealership I knew every specification on the car I wanted and new exactly what I was willing to pay. I’ve never been happier with any other vehicle than the one I drive now.
Electric And Hybrid Cars
We all know that something needs to be done about the state of our environment. After all, if we continue the trend that we have started of polluting and damaging the world around us, it may not be able to continue to provide us with the healthy elements we require for a healthy life. But solutions to the environmental issues are few and far between. Take our transportation situation, for example. We have become a society that is increasingly dependent on the use of cars to get around, as our world and neighborhoods have become bigger and more spread out. But cars are known polluters, and the cost of gas is beginning to limit the distances that we want to drive. We need a solution to this dilemma, and two of the possibilities that scientists are studying are electric and hybrid cars.
Electric cars run on an electric motor that is powered by a battery or series of batteries. These batteries need to be recharged periodically, usually after 50-100 miles of use. While this type of vehicle is very environmentally friendly because it produces almost no pollution, the fact that is must be recharged so frequently makes it a very inconvenient choice for many car owners. The other problem is that the recharging process has traditionally been a long and inconvenient one for the average car user. This is why you haven’t seen too many electric cars on the road at this point. However, by combining the electric and hybrid cars, you can create an automobile that is non-polluting and fuel efficient.
When it comes to electric and hybrid cars, the latter may be the more desirable choice for the large majority of car owners. While both the electric and hybrid cars use less fuel and emit less pollution, the hybrid cars are designed to go longer distances with less maintenance in between. This means that you can reap the benefits of using less fuel, which is a huge savings today when you consider the high cost of gasoline, with a vehicle that is much more convenient to use. Hybrid cars combine the ease of a small gas engine with an electric motor that is capable of recharging itself. You end up with a cleaner vehicle that can go longer distances on less fuel. The electric motor aids in the acceleration process, and also enables the car to turn itself automatically off and back on at stops, saving plenty of fuel for maximum efficiency.
While both electric and hybrid cars fit the bill when it comes to environmental friendliness, the hybrid car may be the vehicle of choice when it comes to convenience and ease of use. Consider a hybrid car for your next family vehicle and count the many benefits that you will receive.
For information on buying and selling new and second hand cars and bikes visit http://www.bharathautomobiles.com/index.php
Electric cars run on an electric motor that is powered by a battery or series of batteries. These batteries need to be recharged periodically, usually after 50-100 miles of use. While this type of vehicle is very environmentally friendly because it produces almost no pollution, the fact that is must be recharged so frequently makes it a very inconvenient choice for many car owners. The other problem is that the recharging process has traditionally been a long and inconvenient one for the average car user. This is why you haven’t seen too many electric cars on the road at this point. However, by combining the electric and hybrid cars, you can create an automobile that is non-polluting and fuel efficient.
When it comes to electric and hybrid cars, the latter may be the more desirable choice for the large majority of car owners. While both the electric and hybrid cars use less fuel and emit less pollution, the hybrid cars are designed to go longer distances with less maintenance in between. This means that you can reap the benefits of using less fuel, which is a huge savings today when you consider the high cost of gasoline, with a vehicle that is much more convenient to use. Hybrid cars combine the ease of a small gas engine with an electric motor that is capable of recharging itself. You end up with a cleaner vehicle that can go longer distances on less fuel. The electric motor aids in the acceleration process, and also enables the car to turn itself automatically off and back on at stops, saving plenty of fuel for maximum efficiency.
While both electric and hybrid cars fit the bill when it comes to environmental friendliness, the hybrid car may be the vehicle of choice when it comes to convenience and ease of use. Consider a hybrid car for your next family vehicle and count the many benefits that you will receive.
For information on buying and selling new and second hand cars and bikes visit http://www.bharathautomobiles.com/index.php
Friday, March 4, 2011
Electric Mopeds, Scooters, Bikes And Mobility Scooters Review
In these days of high fuel costs and environmental issues people are looking at ways to save money and help the planet. One way they are doing this is by turning to electric vehicles such as bikes, scooters, mopeds and mobility scooters. They are finding there are many advantages over fueled powered vehicles, mainly cost, environmental factors and parking just to name a few. Another plus is the pure fun of riding these things as you zip through the traffic, taking short cuts, all with the due care, of course.
As I was writing these articles the one thing that struck me is the difference this type of vehicle can make to people's lives, especially if a car is not viable option. Let's look at the people who have some physical problem that restricts their mobility, with an electric motor scooter they can gain a tremendous amount of independence in their lives by doing those ordinary day to day things we take for granted. It also means that they do not have to rely on other people to do these things for them.
As the popularity of these vehicles grow the options they now have is enormous and they are so cost effective you can have than one type for different usage and also backup if there is a breakdown in one machine. What I mean is you can have a fold-away machine for convenience and storage or a full blown machine that will take you almost anywhere with ease. Also the batteries and chargers are much more sophisticated allowing less monitoring coupled with better power storage. For the bikes there are also after market kits that can be fixed to a normal machine without going to the expense of buying a specialty machine.
It will pay to check your local rules and regulations for your area in regards to licensing and insurance. You find in most areas that you will not need a special license and in some cases children as young as 12 years old will be able to take these machines on the road. Also, in a lot of cases, your current automobile, household and/or health insurance will cover for most mishaps.
I have written a separate article for each group that I have mentioned here and you find the links on the left hand side of this page. Please enjoy them
As I was writing these articles the one thing that struck me is the difference this type of vehicle can make to people's lives, especially if a car is not viable option. Let's look at the people who have some physical problem that restricts their mobility, with an electric motor scooter they can gain a tremendous amount of independence in their lives by doing those ordinary day to day things we take for granted. It also means that they do not have to rely on other people to do these things for them.
As the popularity of these vehicles grow the options they now have is enormous and they are so cost effective you can have than one type for different usage and also backup if there is a breakdown in one machine. What I mean is you can have a fold-away machine for convenience and storage or a full blown machine that will take you almost anywhere with ease. Also the batteries and chargers are much more sophisticated allowing less monitoring coupled with better power storage. For the bikes there are also after market kits that can be fixed to a normal machine without going to the expense of buying a specialty machine.
It will pay to check your local rules and regulations for your area in regards to licensing and insurance. You find in most areas that you will not need a special license and in some cases children as young as 12 years old will be able to take these machines on the road. Also, in a lot of cases, your current automobile, household and/or health insurance will cover for most mishaps.
I have written a separate article for each group that I have mentioned here and you find the links on the left hand side of this page. Please enjoy them
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Electric Scooters: An Efficient Transportation Alternative
You just returned home from work. After spending thirty minutes in traffic to go a measly eight miles, your patience is shot.
You have not been home for even an hour when you notice that you need to go to the store to get some necessities. Instead of jumping in your car, you decide to save some gas money, along with your last nerve and take in the sights. It’s only a mile or so to the store, so instead of dealing with traffic, you opt for an alternative mode of transportation and avoid the hassle.
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular due to their energy efficient, environmentally friendly makeup. Without the need for petroleum to power electric scooters, you are helping the environment with every ride. Instead burning fossil fuels and emitting more carbon into the atmosphere, you can do your part in saving our wonderful planet and have fun while you’re doing it.
Most electric scooters have the ability to fold down for easy storage or transport. With this added convenience, you can virtually take your electric scooter anywhere.
Electric scooters are perfect for that short trip. Instead of hopping into the car, burning the gas and dealing with traffic, hop on your electric scooter, turn the key and before you know it, you have arrived at your destination headache free.
Some electric scooters can reach a distance of twenty to thirty miles without needing a charge. If you take the average trip to the store two to three times a week, you will still have enough charge for more trips in between. When you take your automobile on several short distance runs, you are burning more gas with every acceleration. Every time you accelerate, you emit more pollutants into the environment and burn more gas than at a steady speed.
Electric Scooters are your cost effective alternative. Though the price range differs among the different types of electric scoters, it is safe to say that the average 250 watt electric scooter that has a range of about ten to twelve miles per charge will run about $150-$200. For a 350 watt electric scooter that range from twelve to up to twenty miles per charge can set you back a mere $180 to $250. And the bigger 500 watt electric scooters that can average twenty to a whopping 30 miles on a charge will hit you wallet for around $300 to $400. One thing to remember: This is a one time fee, and you don’t have to keep filling up the tank, thereby after a few charges your electric scooter has virtually paid for itself.
Overall, when you look at the cost, efficiency, and overall convenience; you will agree that electrics scooters are one more thing in our lives that are not just a matter of convenience, rather a matter of being practical, which makes us more efficient in the long run. You can’t go wrong. Do your part to save the planet, save some nerves and put that
You have not been home for even an hour when you notice that you need to go to the store to get some necessities. Instead of jumping in your car, you decide to save some gas money, along with your last nerve and take in the sights. It’s only a mile or so to the store, so instead of dealing with traffic, you opt for an alternative mode of transportation and avoid the hassle.
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular due to their energy efficient, environmentally friendly makeup. Without the need for petroleum to power electric scooters, you are helping the environment with every ride. Instead burning fossil fuels and emitting more carbon into the atmosphere, you can do your part in saving our wonderful planet and have fun while you’re doing it.
Most electric scooters have the ability to fold down for easy storage or transport. With this added convenience, you can virtually take your electric scooter anywhere.
Electric scooters are perfect for that short trip. Instead of hopping into the car, burning the gas and dealing with traffic, hop on your electric scooter, turn the key and before you know it, you have arrived at your destination headache free.
Some electric scooters can reach a distance of twenty to thirty miles without needing a charge. If you take the average trip to the store two to three times a week, you will still have enough charge for more trips in between. When you take your automobile on several short distance runs, you are burning more gas with every acceleration. Every time you accelerate, you emit more pollutants into the environment and burn more gas than at a steady speed.
Electric Scooters are your cost effective alternative. Though the price range differs among the different types of electric scoters, it is safe to say that the average 250 watt electric scooter that has a range of about ten to twelve miles per charge will run about $150-$200. For a 350 watt electric scooter that range from twelve to up to twenty miles per charge can set you back a mere $180 to $250. And the bigger 500 watt electric scooters that can average twenty to a whopping 30 miles on a charge will hit you wallet for around $300 to $400. One thing to remember: This is a one time fee, and you don’t have to keep filling up the tank, thereby after a few charges your electric scooter has virtually paid for itself.
Overall, when you look at the cost, efficiency, and overall convenience; you will agree that electrics scooters are one more thing in our lives that are not just a matter of convenience, rather a matter of being practical, which makes us more efficient in the long run. You can’t go wrong. Do your part to save the planet, save some nerves and put that
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Electric Vehicles
I don’t know about everyone else but if you just ask the kids they’ll tell you they’re all for electric vehicles. It doesn’t matter what kind either. Make all the vehicles electric! After all, electric vehicles are fascinating and easy to use not mention easy on the wallet when it comes to buying gas. Maybe it’s the fact that electric vehicles run in an amazing and mysterious silent way. That’s got the roaring, gut throbbing internal combustion noises beaten hands down. Silence, it seems, is associated with thinking – at least conscious thinking occurs in the silence. Issues of reality and form and style and daydreaming are all part of this silent phenomenon.
If every kid wants electric vehicles, maybe that’s the place to start marketing them. The other day my wife and I helped move a Barbie® Jeep. It’s an electric powered kid sized vehicle and is too heavy for one person to lift, let alone a child. Nevertheless, the toy is very popular and we both thought to climb in and take it for a spin. It’s fun, adventurous, and even parents love it. Back in the adult world, one of the major unresolved electric vehicle issues that remain is that of weight vs. safety. Numerous models of Italian, Swiss and Chinese electric vehicles already exist on the market but few models satisfy U.S. requirements for highway safety. The dilemma is that electric vehicles are kept light for efficiency sake. The required battery storage adds a lot of weight but not where it counts.
Chrysler introduced an electric vehicle in California back in 2000 that was in reality a glorified, weather resistant golf cart. There was more marketing hype than real interest but the giant automaker did meet its EPA mileage goals that year. Slower speeds associated with around town driving are more suited for electric vehicles. Perhaps with new, lighter batteries we’ll see heavier electric vehicles that can meet stringent safety requirements, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Still, the attraction for electric vehicles remains. Considering the state of the world we will probably see some sort of renewable energy vehicle successfully enter the marketplace in the near future. Whether it will be an electric car or one powered by a fuel cell, the final vote is still out.
If every kid wants electric vehicles, maybe that’s the place to start marketing them. The other day my wife and I helped move a Barbie® Jeep. It’s an electric powered kid sized vehicle and is too heavy for one person to lift, let alone a child. Nevertheless, the toy is very popular and we both thought to climb in and take it for a spin. It’s fun, adventurous, and even parents love it. Back in the adult world, one of the major unresolved electric vehicle issues that remain is that of weight vs. safety. Numerous models of Italian, Swiss and Chinese electric vehicles already exist on the market but few models satisfy U.S. requirements for highway safety. The dilemma is that electric vehicles are kept light for efficiency sake. The required battery storage adds a lot of weight but not where it counts.
Chrysler introduced an electric vehicle in California back in 2000 that was in reality a glorified, weather resistant golf cart. There was more marketing hype than real interest but the giant automaker did meet its EPA mileage goals that year. Slower speeds associated with around town driving are more suited for electric vehicles. Perhaps with new, lighter batteries we’ll see heavier electric vehicles that can meet stringent safety requirements, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Still, the attraction for electric vehicles remains. Considering the state of the world we will probably see some sort of renewable energy vehicle successfully enter the marketplace in the near future. Whether it will be an electric car or one powered by a fuel cell, the final vote is still out.
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