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.
Monday, March 7, 2011
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.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Electrical Clothing Is Not Dangerous
The first electric motorcycle vests made an appearance in 1971. But they are yet to become a rage because most riders suffer from electrocution fears. They would rather brave the cold than put on electrical clothing. This is a most unfortunate psychology. The riders must realize that the electrical clothing is wired by 12-volt charge. It is not strong enough to give them a shock, far less a fatal one.
There are some riders who fear that the electrical apparel will drain away too much amperage. This too is a misconception because electrical apparel uses too little power to affect any of the normal motorcycle functions.
These two are the main reasons why most riders avoid using electrical apparel. But there are some who take pride in their physical well being. To them it is an anathema to wear artificially heated clothes. They love to ride out in the cold in normal winter wear.
There is nothing wrong in such an attitude. You can surely avoid electrical clothing if you feel that your body is strong enough to resist even the bitterest cold weather. However, you must remember that electrical clothing can surely improve your riding experience by keeping your torso warm.
Today, manufacturers not only sell electrical vests but also jackets that have an electrical lining on the sleeves and the inside. The heat generated by such clothing increases the body temperature not only in the torso region where the vital organs are located but also keeps the fingers and toes warm.
Almost every rider knows how difficult it is to control a bike once the fingers go numb. Even the best of winter gloves can’t stop the chill creeping into the fingers, and slowing down a rider’s responses. This is where electrical clothing can prove very useful.
A good practice when wearing electrical vests is to wear it on top of a full-sleeved cotton shirt. This will ensure that the electrical vest does not touch the body. Also, the heat that is generated is retained by the cotton liner, and does not get dissipated.
The only danger of electrical clothing is that you may get too used to it. Even in moderate conditions you would like to put on your electrical vest. This is not a good practice. Like warm clothes, electrical clothing should be used to ward off cold. The body should not be made dependent on artificial heat sources.
There are some riders who fear that the electrical apparel will drain away too much amperage. This too is a misconception because electrical apparel uses too little power to affect any of the normal motorcycle functions.
These two are the main reasons why most riders avoid using electrical apparel. But there are some who take pride in their physical well being. To them it is an anathema to wear artificially heated clothes. They love to ride out in the cold in normal winter wear.
There is nothing wrong in such an attitude. You can surely avoid electrical clothing if you feel that your body is strong enough to resist even the bitterest cold weather. However, you must remember that electrical clothing can surely improve your riding experience by keeping your torso warm.
Today, manufacturers not only sell electrical vests but also jackets that have an electrical lining on the sleeves and the inside. The heat generated by such clothing increases the body temperature not only in the torso region where the vital organs are located but also keeps the fingers and toes warm.
Almost every rider knows how difficult it is to control a bike once the fingers go numb. Even the best of winter gloves can’t stop the chill creeping into the fingers, and slowing down a rider’s responses. This is where electrical clothing can prove very useful.
A good practice when wearing electrical vests is to wear it on top of a full-sleeved cotton shirt. This will ensure that the electrical vest does not touch the body. Also, the heat that is generated is retained by the cotton liner, and does not get dissipated.
The only danger of electrical clothing is that you may get too used to it. Even in moderate conditions you would like to put on your electrical vest. This is not a good practice. Like warm clothes, electrical clothing should be used to ward off cold. The body should not be made dependent on artificial heat sources.
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