Archive for the ‘Auto & Trucks’ Category

Wednesday
May 7,2008

The second layer in Suzuki’s Tokyo awesomeness involves a small SUV concept for those who commute with a large quantity of sporting equipment. It’s the Suzuki X-Head concept, a smallish truck prototype that looks like the product of misguided congress between a big rig and a Suzuki Mighty Boy. We’ll take one in every color except metallic beige.

Suzuki X-Head Concept at the Tokyo Auto Show

taken from jalopnik.com

Wednesday
May 7,2008

Suzuki X-HEAD
Click images for high-res gallery

 The Tonkalicious Suzuki X-HEAD is already one of our favorite Tokyo ‘07 concepts, and not one of us has laid eyes on it in the metal. We hear the 4×4’s a dash over 12 feet long and is powered by a 1372cc engine, but that’s about it. For the rest, it seems we’ll have to wait. The new batch of photos we’ve obtained shows us that the plucky pickup can carry at least one dirt bike in back and that its bedsides flip down to reveal additional storage compartments. The matte charcoal tailgate matches the grillework, which receives the same finish. Inside, the “X” theme is carried through in the yellow portions of the seats (which do not look comfortaSuzuki X-HEADble) and the shape of the harnesses. The letter “X” is so prevalent, we half expect to see this thing in the motor pool at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. We’ll bring you full coverage from Tokyo later in the month.

[Source: Suzuki]

Gallery: Suzuki X-HEAD Concept

Stylish Chevrolet S10

Tuesday
Mar 4,2008

by: Kathy Austin

With the Style that only Chevrolet can offer, its compact truck the S10 has turn in one of the most common compact pick up truck in the market. It is like Goliath in the body of David, it have the power of a big truck and the style and convenience of a pickup. It is made for people that work hard but takes things easy. It is made for people that are sure of what they want and work to achieve their goals. That’s why if you want to state your style you need a Chevrolet S10 keychain.

We all want to live, we want adventure, we want to see new things, and we all want to fulfill our dreams. Well, we have to work hard to achieve our goals; we need to be strong, we need power and we have all that in ourselves. Just think in the first time you see that Chevrolet S10 and you think “that’s my baby”, you want it and you do all you need to do to have it. After sit behind the wheel, you probably think “I can do whatever I want, I have the power”.

Sometimes, we just need a little reminder and there it is for us, we just need to see our keys and we feel free. Then, what will you feel if our keys are attached to a symbol of power as the Chevrolet S10 keychain, black leather with silver keychain with the Chevrolet S10 logo.

It is all matter of attitude towards life. What we expect, what we wish, what we desire, but most important, what will we do to get it. Do we feel that we have what it takes? If we want some thing, then we just have to believe we can reach it and with some effort we can get it. If we have the right attitude we are able to do anything, and in those times we don’t have the attitude we need a reinforcement, something that tells us that we have what it takes, as the Chevrolet S10 is synonym of potential, then our round chromed Chevrolet S10 keychain will give us that reinforcement.

Your car represents you and your expectations, that why it is so important for you. It has to show the world what do you want and, most important what you are capable to do. No matter if you are an adventurer or more conservative person, if you know what do you want from life, there is a car with a set of keys and there is a keychain for you. The Chevrolet S10 keychain comes in a wide range of colors and shapes to suit your style.

You love power, you love style, you love freedom, you know that your Chevrolet S10 fulfill all your expectation, it gives us flexibility, convenience and the force that only a Chevrolet can, then keep all that with you all the time, no matter where you are, or what your doing your keys will always be with you and also your Chevrolet S10 keychain.

Tuesday
Mar 4,2008

by: Melissa Kellett

You have decided you want a new car, but your last experience buying a car was not so good because of the huge burden financing the purchase was. Now you need a loan but do not want to be caught in a bad deal again. You do not need to worry, buying a new car and getting a good deal on a car loan is possible if you follow these easy steps and you pay attention to the tips we provide in this article.

Few cars are bought fully on cash, most people have to use some sort of finance in order to get all the money needed to buy a car. The most common financial products used for this purpose are personal car loans and financial schemes offered by car dealerships. The first thing you need to understand if you want to save money on your purchase is that car dealers are not loan specialist and they can not provide you with a competitive loan. Moreover they work in association with certain financial institutions and they receive a share of the profits. The financial institution will most certainly charge you for that cost and you will end up paying a lot more.

Personal Car Loans

When requesting a loan, what you need to be aware of is that the lending industry is a buyer’s market which means that lenders will be competing to get clients and thus, you need to shop around to get the best loan offer available. Do not be afraid to bargain with lenders, if you get a better offer let the others know so they can improve theirs and so on. You might end up paying far less than you thought.

The easiest way to compare loan offers is to take note of the APRs and compare them in order to see which one is the lower. However, the APR is not the only thing you need to compare. There are some fees and costs not included in the APR, beware of these as they can greatly increase the overall cost of the loan. Watch for prepaying penalty fees, closing costs, and any other loan term that may affect you.

The best place to look around for car loan lenders is the internet. You will find many lenders dealing with car loans. There are lenders willing to approve car loans for people with bad credit, no credit or even bankruptcy. You need to request loan quotes from them and make sure they will not pull your credit report till you are certain to get approved. If you are unsure whether you will meet their requirements or not, do not authorize them to check your credit history because too many credit checks or declines can affect your credit score negatively.

Raise Your Credit Score

It is important to have a good credit score since a good credit score equals to lower interest rates. If you are about to finish paying an outstanding loan and you have paid the installments on time, it is better if you just wait to cancel it completely before applying for your car loan. This will increase your credit score substantially.

Do not pay late and never miss payments. Prepay any small loan you may have as this will increase your credit score. Too much outstanding credit, even if not used, affects your credit score. So, you should close store cards accounts and credit card accounts you do not use. Bear in mind though, that you should not do so with all the accounts at the same time as this might be misinterpreted.

Make A Down Payment

Finally, another great way for saving money by getting a better deal on a car loan is to put aside as much cash as possible and make a down payment. This will greatly reduce the interest rate you will have to pay for financing and thus, you will save thousands of dollars over the whole life of the loan. Down payments show the lender you have the capacity to save money and that you will be able to repay the loan. Thus, the risk for the lender is greatly reduced and the interest offered will be substantially lower.

Tuesday
Mar 4,2008

by: Timothy Rudon

Defensive driving teaches safe driving techniques to drivers. At defensive driving classes students learn to overcome mistakes in driving techniques, learn to improve their driving skills; learn to make informed decisions and to anticipate situations while driving.

Defensive driving classes have been set up in every state by the government and police departments to make the world a safer place to live in. The need for speed can kill, it is important to teach driver discipline and safety rules. Defensive driving aims to reduce the risk of driving. Drivers must instinctively anticipate dangerous situations and avoid risks while driving vehicles in normal as well as adverse conditions. Defensive driving courses cover aspects like: emergency care, principles of safety, control of fear and emotions, on the spot decision making, quick reactions, fear, and so on.

More than 50,000 people in the US loose their lives due to road accidents. Accidents can be prevented by following simple rules. There are websites online that teach the rules that can help save lives. See http://www.roadtripamerica.com/DefensiveDriving/Drive-Safe-With-Uncle-Bob.htm .

The benefits of defensive driving classes are many and vary with each state.

1. Most states offer as incentive a reduction of points on your driver’s license following a driving violation ticket and offer the additional incentive of not increasing insurance rates.

2. In some states a defensive driving course would get at least 10% reduction is insurance rates for a period of 3-5 years. This being a considerable saving.

3. A defensive driving course will teach safe and accident free driving techniques.

4. The course will teach protection techniques and how to handle road rage and speeding.

5. The defensive driving course will teach safe driving techniques in bad weather and adverse conditions. The course will hone skills in highway driving, night driving, and extreme weather driving.

6. The course will inculcate critical safety issues and teach emergency action too.

7. By taking a defensive driving course you will not have to appear in court.

8. The driving violation charges will be dismissed and a fine will not be assessed.

9. Defensive driving classes create responsible citizens which mean children and families will remain protected.

10. Most important the defensive driving classes will improve driving skills, reiterate driving laws and rules and make better drivers of people.

A defensive driving class can even be taken virtually. States have set up defensive driving classes both online and offline to create a safe environment for citizens. Defensive driving teaches people to be responsible drivers and take all necessary precautions when seated behind the wheel of a car. It protects not just the driver but pedestrians, animals, and fellow commuters. It makes the roads safer.

Defensive driving saves lives.

Tuesday
Mar 4,2008

by: Timothy Rudon

Buying a new or used motorcycle is serious business. It needs thought and careful selection. A motorbike is sacred to many and just a vehicle to some. However no motorcycle buyer should be without a check list that will help him or her make a great selection.

10 musts before paying for a motorcycle:

1. Check it out and do so with a motorcyclist friend in tow. Check if the motorcycle is clean and straight down centerline and forks.

2. Take along a list of models and their pros and cons. Discuss the nuances with the friendly sales person.

3. Find out about gears, brakes, clutch, and all other mechanics.

4. Determine engine specifics and details of gas tank and wheels.

5. Ask about service and warranties.

6. Get details of accessories and other musts like helmets, rear view mirrors and so on.

7. Sit on a lot of bikes to get a feel of height and riding position.

8. Read up on bikes in discover Today’s Motorcycling. Get all the information on types of bikes, financing, bike care and more.

9. If you are new to motorcycles choose a light-weight bike rather than the coolest, sexiest bike that only pros can ride. New riders should aim for a four-cylinder of less than 600 cc or 75- cc for sports machines and 150cc for everyday use.

10. Ask about safety gear and budget for this too in the cost of the motorcycle. Use pants, helmet, gloves, and jacket meant for motorcycling.

All motorcyclists must consider safety and reliability. Get a valid motorcycling license and insurance too. Be wise and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course see: http://www.msf-usa.org/ .

Refer to magazines like beginner Bikes magazine for recommendations on good starter bikes. According to dedicated bikers, a good choice of a motorcycle for a beginner would be Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Buell Blast.

Choose a bike that suits you and not one that looks good on the cover of a magazine. The rule of thumb is the motorcycle and its rider must fit like hand in glove. Test ride the motorcycle and get a feel. A large part of selecting a motorcycle is comfort and instinct. So choose a motorcycle with care so that you get long hours of riding as well as comfort and safety.

Never buy a bike on first sight or visit. Take your time in making a selection. Visit the many motorcycle websites on the internet and comparison shop. Find out what offline prices of motorcycles are and compare features as well as prices, service contracts, and warranties. Many people find that the best deals are available on the internet. Others feel a motorcycle must not be bought without viewing and test riding. So get all your thoughts and options in order before you make a choice.