Your Next Car? Or Maybe the One After That

Your Next Car? Or Maybe the One After That
By David Cox

In the technological lifecycle of new products there are distinct stages, first a concept must be proven feasible. Then it must be shown that the idea can be sold and mass-produced in the market place. After these first two steps are achieved and production is accomplished then as the product becomes accepted the price begins to fall. Cell phones, microwave ovens, CD players all entered the marketplace with exorbitant prices but as they proved their worth the prices fell.

Enter the 2006 Tesla Roadster 0 to 60 in four seconds at a cost of one penny per mile. At 0 to 60 in four seconds you could pass most anything on the highway, but what you will always pass is the gas station. The Tesla roadster is all electric with a 250-mile range and a full charge time of three hours. That is equivalent to 135 mpg. Its secret is the battery a lithium ion lightweight battery the same as in your cell phone. As miles per gallons in gasoline vehicles have stalled at around 50-mpg battery technology keeps on improving.

General Motors proved with their EV1 electric car program the concept was viable in fact when the leased cars were call back in many of leasers begged GM to sell them the cars. So step one has been achieved and the concept proved and step two if only anecdotally is proven people enjoy electric cars. Now if you can give them performance with a two hundred and fifty mile range the only factor left is the cost. My first microwave cost almost $500.00 in 1985 dollars my last one $150.00 in 2000 dollars like wise cell phones and VCRs it all part of the process. This is America and you cant sell a car that runs forever for a nickel if it doesnt look cool!

This car looks cool; if you saw it coming it would turn your head guessing Ferrari? Lamborghini or Porsche? The car is futuristic, fully integrating the computer and the automobile turn the key and nothing happens until you add your pin. Drop your Tesla off for valet parking you switch to valet mode top speed 30 mph. This is a car for the 21st century every bell and whistle is included. Everything you would expect 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS with airbags with super car performance.

The car comes from the factory with a battery charger included and is outfitted both the car and the charging unit with computers that talk to each other. No power will begin transferring unless both computers are in agreement. If the charging cable isnt correctly attached or there is tension on the cord (from pets, kids, bicycles, and other items that may pass through your garage), the charger disengages. Even the battery box is self-regulating and protecting. Its programmed to prevent overcharging, and will shut itself down should you ever play U boat commander like Tom Cruise in Risky Business or if it senses that the cars airbags have deployed.

Why electric? Why not a Hybrid? the answer is oil dependence the Hybrid is like an alcoholic that says Im not going to drink as much today as I did yesterday. 63% of every drop of oil we import is used as a motor fuel, 3% is used to generate electricity. The Tesla is zero emission, zero nada zilch. Hybrids are cleaner but they dont solve the problem, Hybrids are a boat when what we need is a bridge.

Dont get me wrong Hybrids are great improvement but Hybrids integrate a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery pack. The gasoline engine is small to save weight and fuel and like wise the electric motor and battery pack. Its snowshoes and skis if youve have an electric motor system with gasoline performance whats the gasoline engine for? Training wheels perhaps? Hybrids remind me of the old saying a camel is a horse designed by a committee. Lets not forget the main purpose why we are doing this, to save the planet to lesson the need for foreign oil is good but to eliminate it would be great!

Scientists and environmentalist forecast we must cut back on our emissions of green house gases by 20% in the next 25 years or the future is bleak. How about 60%, President Kennedy gave us a goal of ten years to reach the moon when the technology to do so didnt exist, this technology does exist. Everything you ever wanted in a car and less for $1.80 a fill up not a gallon but a fill up! No standing in the cold or rain and snow filling up the old gas burner for you, you pull into the garage put in the plug and your done.Embrace the future my Grandmother didnt like gasoline automobiles.

Simplicity is the answer everyone knows about electric motors and batteries, how often do you have trouble with a fan or your refrigerator or a can opener all electric motors. When you build a car thats electric, you start with one built-in advantage: Electric cars just dont have to be as complex mechanically as the car youre probably driving now. Sophisticated electronics and software take the place of the pounds and pounds of machinery required to introduce a spark and ignite the fuel that powers an internal combustion engine.

For example, the typical four-cylinder engine of a conventional car comprises over a hundred moving parts. By comparison, the motor of the Tesla Roadster has just one: the rotor. So theres less weight to drive around and fewer parts that could break or wear down over time.

But the comparison doesnt end with the counting of moving parts. The engine and transmission of a conventional car also need lubricating oils, filters, coolant, clutches, spark plugs and wires, a PCV valve, oxygen sensors, a timing belt, a fan belt, a water pump and hoses, a catalytic converter, and a muffler all items requiring service, and all items that arent needed in an electric car.

The car has only one drawback the cost around $200,000 but then again this is a high performance sports car whose competitors can cost twice that. It is the technology of zero emissions with good performance and good range along with a fast recharge that evokes images of the Wright Brothers. I have seen the future and if I had Bill Gates money I would be plowing it into this technology. For it is better to teach a man to fish than merely supply one.

The worlds demands for oil keep rising no matter what your political outlook no one can deny we wouldnt have been in such a hurry to set up a democracy in Iraq if they didnt have oil resources. The worldwide struggle for these resources grows greater by the day. No petroleum expert will argue that production will always exceed demand, do we wait for the well to run dry? Do we use our children fight wars to protect our share? Do we continue to off load tankers full of oil only to fill them back up with our dollars? To export our wealth to dictators tyrants and Sultans that we claim are our friends only because they have something we need.

We have the answer; we are Americans that is what we are good at, answers. We invent what we dont have we always have. Why we would continue to send billions to countrys that dont like us and we dont really like them is insane. When you add to that our pollution problems, and the importing of foreign cars. You see this is an American car built in California and it sure would be fun to export millions of cars instead of importing them. I think if I were their marketing manager every Tesla would include a letter to OPEC that said you can Kiss my American Backside

http://www.teslamotors.com/

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#1 Problem for New Car Buyers

#1 Problem for New Car Buyers
By Al Hearn

Recent reports by automotive industry legal insiders say the top problem that gets car dealers into legal trouble is rolling negative equity into a new car loan or lease without telling customers.

Rolling negative equity from an old auto loan into a new loan or lease is not illegal. But it is if the customer doesn't know it's happening and isn't told. Unfortunately, many new and inexperienced car buyers don't understand negative equity and don't ask about it.

Negative equity is the difference between a vehicle's current market value, or trade-in value, and the outstanding balance on the customer's loan. In these days of long-term loans with little or no down payment, it's common for car buyers to be upside down for nearly the entire time they're paying off the loan.

Car dealers advertise that they will pay off your old loan, no matter what you still owe. That's true. But what they don't say is that the negative equity from the old loan will simply get rolled into the new loan, effectively creating two loans in one. New car buyers often miss the details of this maneuver, and aren't properly disclosed about it.

Sometimes, dealers mask this problem, and avoid the disclosure, by increasing a vehicle's cash price by the amount of the negative equity. Customers often find out about the problem after the deal is done.

This single problem accounts for the majority of all pending lawsuits against car dealers in the U.S., say the experts.

The problem doesn't always happen intentionally. Because most dealers have no guidlelines or procedures that require the disclosure, it often gets overlooked in the heat of deal negotiations.

Smart consumers will already know if they are upside down on their old loan before they enter a dealer showroom to purchase or lease a new car. They will also know that their negative equity will be combined with any new loan or lease, increasing monthly payments and loan costs. Even when the customer knows what is going on, it is not usually a good thing to do because it creates an even more serious upside down situation with the new loan.

---

Al Hearn is founder, owner, and operator of The Insider Network for automotive consumers. The web site uses a blog format to report news, advice, and essential information from insiders in the automotive consumer industry.

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Your Tires Are The Foundation Of Your Motorcycle Here's How To Care For Them

Your Tires Are The Foundation Of Your Motorcycle, Here's How To Care For Them
By Gregg Hall

The tires of your motorcycle are just as important as the engine. The tires are the only connection to the road. Well maintained tires grip the road and make riding much more pleasurable, they allow the rider to go faster and maneuver better. Tires are often bought because of how they make the bike look. But beauty is only skin deep or in this case tread deep. Having the proper tread for the terrain you are riding can be the difference between a great day and a trip to the hospital.

The backbone of the tire is a carcass. Then there is a layer of cords, the angle of these cords determine the overall strength and flexibility of the tires. If you could look inside the plies of the tire you would notice they form an x shape. On the outside of this is the tread. The amount of tread determines the use of the tire. High tread or knobby tread is used for off road riding. The smoother tread is used for regular roads or highways. This tread has grooves to channel water and prevent hydroplaning.

Since there are only two tires on it is important to maintenance them and change them at the same time so they wear the same. It usually takes about 100 miles to break in new tires. You should check the air pressure in your tires regularly. It is the air in the tires that cushions the bike from the roughness of the road. Proper inflation can add life to the tire. The valve stem should be capped with a nice tight fit so they can't come off when driving at high speeds.

Tires should have proper balance and alignment. These two things have the most effect on the handling of your motorcycle. If they are not done properly steering can become difficult or dangerous in some situations.

Keep your tires clean. There are many products on the market to clean tires, even good old soap and water works. Clear the debris from the treads looking for nails or screws, anything that could cause the air to leak.

Before you ride it is a good idea to do a quick visual inspection of your tires to make sure they have the proper air pressure and there aren't any cords showing from too much tread wear. You should never mix the treads on the front and rear tire. They should be the same style and tread type.

Taking the time to care for your motorcycle tires is as important as changing the oil. It doesn't take long to make sure they are functioning properly and it will add to the riders' enjoyment.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Motorcycle Accessories Plus at www.motorcycleaccessoriesplus.com

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Lease VS Buy A Car Always Lease It First And Save Money

Lease VS Buy A Car, Always Lease It First And Save Money
By Ralph Hoffmann

Lease a Car First and Buy it Later
Save lots of money. Analysis about buying or leasing a new car isn't necessary as long as cars are a glut on the market.

To own any car for the least possible price and dread doing a lease vs. buy analyses, don't buy the car; lease it then buy it later and save a lot of money.

Exploit the Glut of Cars for Sale
As long as car production is greater than consumption, and big discounts are available for several years to come, just read the market trends and lease it first and ignore all those lease vs. buy programs.

In the past, car manufacturers moved cars by subsidizing leases. The monthly lease cost was lowered by increasing the residual value, which lowered the monthly lease payment, thereby selling (leasing) more cars.

Lease Residual Values are Inflated in your Favor
But the value of the vehicle at the end of the lease was almost always less than the contracted residual and each of the off-lease cars then had to be sold in the wholesale market at a loss of several thousand dollars.

Some of the big backers of lease financing, Chrysler, some New York banks, and others, each lost several hundred million dollars in each of the past two or three years because they had to sell the off-lease cars on the open market for less than the residual value.

Take Advantage of Too Many Cars for Sale
Therefore the buy or lease a new car decision is moot as long as manufacturers are subsidizing leases because they have too many cars to sell; a one-time opportunity is present, namely:, lease it now and buy it at a discount the end of the lease and save thousands of dollars.

Having to make a lease vs. buy decision is no longer necessary as long as supply exceeds demand and the old rules are now dictated by a surplus of cars< on the market, this is the time of opportunity for an car buyer.

Compounding the problem for the heavily unionized manufacturers is that their labor contracts are so juicy that those car manufacturers are better off continuing to give away cars rather than to close a plant and pay unaffordable health and welfare and pension benefits to laid off employees.

This Opportunity will only last for Two or Three more Years.
This situation will not change for several years until consolidation, plant closings, or bankruptcies have cured the problem. until the. Plant closings will be a last resort.

Therefore the glut of new cars will likely continue for a few years. Now is the prime time to consider taking advantage of a declining resale value of most cars. The subsidized lease will continue to be offered

Should I Buy or Lease a New Car
By initially leasing a car, the maker is essentially offering a price that cant be beaten. It may actually approach or be lower than the employee cost widely advertised. Then buy the car at the end of the lease.

At the end of the car lease the company financially backing the lease most likely will sell the car on the open market at a loss. Why not intervene at that point and buy the car for less than the residual value and put that loss into your pocket as money saved?

Check out your Car's Used Car Value Prior to Lease End
About three months before the end of the lease, cruise the used car lots and notice what your car is being offered at. Note tha the used carprice is always higher than the resiudal value to allow for dealr costs and profit. A ten percent cushion is not unreasonable.

Then compare the asking price on the used car lot with the residual value in your lease contract. The residual value may be larger than the asking price for a similar model on the used car lot. That means that the company owning your leased car will have to sell it at a loss when you turn it in.

Now you put in the knife and buy the car (no commissions paid to anyone on this transaction) at the end of the Lease and keep several thousand dollars in your pocket.

Bypass the Dealer to make your Buyout Offer
From your dealer, get the phone number of the company that owns the car you leased. Call them and offer to buy your leased car for the asking price on the used car lot less about 10% at least.

If they object, point out that they will have to sell the car at a loss because the residual value is more than what the car is worth on the used car lot. They know that, but hate to admit it.

So lease the car of your dreams today and forget about excess mileage charges.

A true-life example
A business friend of mine had a three-year-old leased car with a contract residual value of $28,000. Looking at the used car lot he found he could buy one just like it for $24,000. He assumed the company that financed the lease would loose at least $2,000 in selling it for less than the contracted residual value.

Through the dealer he offered $22,000 to buy the car as is and his offer was promptly accepted, including 3%, 3 year financing. His dealings, all by phone (no face to face negotiations needed) were with the company financing the lease. To buy any car, or Van or SUV or Light truck, by all means consider the idea of lease vs. buy as your answer.

Ralph writes automotive articles for people wanting to save money when leasing or buying a new car. Visit his web site on this subject at Lease vs Buy a Car or get Tips on Leasing or Buying Car or on Do-it-Yourself projects at DIY Repair Guide

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10 Tips On Buying A Car Online

10 Tips On Buying A Car Online
By Barry Allen

The most happening marketplace in the world today is the internet. E-commerce is here to stay on you can buy and sell just about anything on the World Wide Web from homes, to insurance, to cars to perfumes and medicines.

The internet is replete with websites that offer the world of automobiles at your fingertips. There are car directories, websites hosted by dealers, and websites owned by car manufacturers themselves.

In order to buy a car online you need first and foremost do your home work and learn all about online pricing, dealers tricks, sales strategies and more. Know how to get the best price and ensure that you are not cheated and get what you pay for. Remember knowledge is the greatest tool.

1.First and foremost determine what make of car you would like and whether or not it will fulfill your needs. Ask yourself: what am I going to use the car for; how many people will be traveling in the car; how much can I afford in terms of buying costs and running costs. Remember apart form the on road price you will need to spend for insurance, accessories, licenses, and more.

2.Once you know which model you want log on to the manufacturers site and determine all the details of the model as well as specifications and pricing. Read as many reviews on the car you like as possible and note down what the pros and cons of the car are. Reliable reviews on the web can be found at sites like www.caranddriver.com .

3.Get quotes for the same model from more than one dealer and make a comparison of what is on offer. Websites like www.edmunds.com give MSRPs, invoice prices, true market values and more.

4.Work out in detail what the car is going to cost in totality. That is on road price, dealers charges, insurance, taxes and so on. Find out whether you can buy the car by availing a loan and how much the loan will cover. To get the best rate you must provide the lender with your credit score and history and establish your credentials. There are tools on the internet that enable quick computation of loan options and comparisons.

5.Make a list of questions you need answers for from the dealer such as warranties, delivery costs, insurance coverage, cost of filing up the tank, available discounts, and any offers that give discounts on the price or free accessories like music systems or baby seats. Ask about whether they will furnish an onsite inspection report.

6.You can opt to buy insurance either from the dealer or from insurance sites. Even while purchasing insurance you will need to do a comparison shopping. Get quotes from different auto insurance providers and make the effort to compare insurance coverage packages.

7.There are wonderful sites on the internet that provide in depth information for newbies on how to buy a car and what to look for on the World Wide Web. Be sure to read and be an informed buyer.

8.Before you make any payments you must do a background check on the seller. Find out how long they have been in operation; ask for references that you can check on personally; check online whether there are any complaints registered against them for unethical practices; and check with the local better business bureau. Always check the credentials to protect your interests.

9.Ensure that the website from where you intend to buy a car has state-of art security systems in place and that the payment gateways are secure. You must be assured of your safety before providing personal or financial details.

10.Before finalizing the car purchase, read through the agreement carefully and when in any doubt ask for clarifications. Most online auto sales websites have 24/7 customer service or answer e-mails promptly.

The World Wide Web can bring several conveniences to your desk top provided you know how to protect your interests.

Barry Allen is a freelance writer for http://www.1866cars.com/ , the premier website to find help on Cars including topics on car rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo van rental and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Auto Loans site http://www.1888autoloans.com/

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~Car Accident Insurance Claim~ Regarding Impacts And Injuries

~Car Accident Insurance Claim~ Regarding Impacts And Injuries
By Dan Baldyga

As of January 2003 it was determined that in the good ole US of A, there were approximately 12.3 million motor vehicle accidents involving over 21 million vehicles last year. This amounts to a little over one crash per second. Lets take a look at four of the most common of these gazillion impacts and the typical injuries they cause.

#1. LOW SPEED IMPACTS - - ESPECIALLY REAR-ENDERS: These are crashes that are considered to be any collision that takes place at speeds under 10 MPH. While there is absolutely no justification to call it a Low Speed impact thats what the insurance industry loves to identify them as. Why ? Because a moniker like that is supposed to indicate that the, so-called impact, you were subjected to could not possibly have caused an injury.

Its true that when such a crash does take place theres often not a lot of damage done to the motor vehicle and yet, in most cases, people involved in these types of accidents more often than not suffer injuries - - neck injuries especially!

Although the insurance industry would like to have those making a claim think differently an injury can and absolutely does occur when a low impact collision takes place. The most common is identified as the Whiplash. This takes place when the occupants dont have the slightest idea about the impending collision so they cant brace themselves by forcing their back and/or neck against the seat or headrest. Because of this their body gets whipped and snapped about something fierce.

Automobile bumpers are built to withstand up to a 5 MPH crash without damage. This is not done to insure the safety of the occupant but rather to protect and limit the damage to the bumpers, keeping the cost of repair to a minimum. Many times vehicle to vehicle impacts can sustain an impact of 8 to 9 MPH before theres recognizable damage to the motor vehicle. However, when the bumper doesnt crumble and absorb the force of the impact, more of that crash is felt by the occupants. IMMEDIATE INJURIES: The individual thats been crashed into by another (even at only 5 MPH) is thrown forward with a severe jerking motion - - causing necks to snap and backs to twist. Because of this many Soft Tissue styled injuries take place, including multiple body bruises, plus chest and rib injuries. In most cases adjusters attempt to deny the possibility of injuries in a low speed impact but research substantiates just the opposite! Sure, the motor vehicle will show little damage but the velocity and accompanying force have to be transferred somewhere, and thats to those sitting in that vehicle. Cars are built to withstand such minor impacts - - the human body is not!

#2. FRONTAL COLLISIONS: In most frontal impacts the occupants can generally brace themselves because theyre usually aware of the collision theyre about to be subjected to. In Frontal Collisions the speed and weight of the vehicle play a role in the injuries of the occupant. (The more the vehicle crumbles at impact the less severe the injuries to the occupants. Many times airbags will deploy). In frontal impact collisions the speed and size of the vehicle determines the injuries that can take place. (And - - getting back to rear-end collisions for just a moment - - the striking vehicle not only undergoes a collapse, but transfers momentum to the car thats been struck by pushing it forward. The airbag may or may not explode. This depends upon the rigidity of the vehicle thats been struck).IMMEDIATE INJURIES: Head and neck, back, spine, rib and clavicle, arms and legs, concussions, soft tissue, internal, dislocations, abrasions, cuts and bruises.48 to 72 hours later: Headache, blurred vision, dizziness and loss of taste, smell or hearing. Also, difficulty breathing, blood in urine or stool, swelling, loss of motion and visualized bruising take place.

#3. SIDE IMPACT: Many times the occupants head will hit the side window and bounce off of it. There are no air bags nor bumpers, engines, etc., to help protect ones body or absorb the force of the impact. IMMEDIATE INJURIES: Head and neck, arms & legs, soft tissue, dislocations, scrapes and bruises. 48 to 72 hours later: Pain, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of taste, smell or hearing, numbness or tingling (and basically the same as those listed above) so, at the risk of being repetitious but because its so important, I must say once again: Its of major importance that the individual exposed to impact - - no matter how slight it may seem to have been - - should immediately be examined by a medical professional.

#4. ROLL-OVER ACCIDENTS: The typical roll-over accident is very serious. The most common factors in single vehicle accidents are approaching a curve at too high a speed, leaving the pavement or highway, or over-correcting the steering wheel - - particularly in vehicles with a short wheel base. The severity of injuries to the occupants generally depends on the beginning velocity of speed, the number of rolls, condition of the vehicle, and what your motor vehicle rolled through, over and into! Damage to the vehicle is generally extensive. It has been determined that 60% of the economic costs from roll-overs resulted from occupant ejection, and that the initial roll-over speed was between 40 to 60 MPH. (A recent study reported that restrained occupants showed a higher proportion of neck injuries than the unrestrained).

IMMEDIATE INJURIES: The whole nine yards - all of those as detailed above.

*******************

The bottom line (to all 4 of the above) is that in all motor vehicle accidents - - no matter how minor the damage its of the greatest importance that each and every individual immediately visit a medical professional for a physical examination and/or consultation. So, should you find yourself at the scene of an accident and somebody asks if you think they should see a doctor, your answer should always be, ABSOLUTELY ! Stare straight into their eyeballs and tell them, Its your body. Theres only one to a customer. You should do whatever you can to take care of it and protect it.

DISCLAIMER: This article ~ CAR ACCIDENT INSURANCE CLAIM ~ REGARDING IMPACTS AND INJURIES is intended for background information only. Its purpose is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Thomas Brown nor ARTICLE CITY make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever NOR purports to engage in rendering any professional or legal service, substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. where such professional help is desired IT IS THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN IT.

Dan Baldygas third and latest book, AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at: http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals How To successfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim, so you wont be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding the revolutionary BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). BASE explains how to determine the value of the Pain and Suffering you endured - - because of your personal injury.

Copyright (c) 2003 by Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

Dan Baldyga - Author

19 Winona Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089
Phone: (413) 733 0127 FAX: (413) 731 8358
Mail to: mailto:dbpaw@attbi.com
AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss)
Found on the internet at: http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com

About The Author

For over 30 years Dan Baldyga was a claims adjuster, supervisor, manager and also a trial assistant. He is now retried and spends his time attempting to assist those involved in motor vehicle accident claims so they will not be taken advantage of.

dbpaw@attbi.com

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auto car

Welcome to my blog.
This blog will talk about the auto news.