Aug 8

Your Mechanic Can Be a Valuable Asset When Purchasing A Used Car
Car dealers are not particularly well liked, and knowing as many of them as I do, I can understand why that might be the case. I run an import shop in Florida that specializes in late model luxury imports. I’ve been in business for quite some time, and I have heard plenty of horror stories from customers regarding other dealerships. In my opinion, I think the majority of car dealerships one will encounter are reputable, by and large. I say “by and large” because some dealers I know use nickel and dime methods to maximize their profits, which I disagree with. Personally, I would rather give the customer a quality auto at a fair price and consequently gain a lifetime customer, but that’s a topic for another article. One of the more recent horror stories I heard involved someone who had purchased a vehicle that was leaking oil. For those of you that know anything about cars, you know that this is nothing to be taken lightly. The customer was assured by the dealership that this older, yet low mileage used car was in pristine condition. Here’s where it gets interesting… Before the sale, the customer asked if she could have the car inspected by her mechanic. The dealership did everything they possibly could to keep that from happening, and succeeded. They told her that they would have their own mechanics do a “twenty point inspection” which would save her the time and expense of having her mechanic take a look. Unbelievable! Since the customer parked her car on a busy street where there were already several oil spots, she never noticed the leaking until after her ridiculously short thirty day warranty was up. Her mechanic would have spotted an oil leak the minute he had the car up on the rack. As disheartening as this story is, there is a valuable lesson to be learned here. Car buyers, unless they are dealing with a dealer they are familiar with and whom they trust, should seriously consider having a mechanic check out any used car they are interested in (preferrably the local certified manufacturer dealer of the automobile make they are considering). I have had several first time customers ask me if they can have the car independently inspected and I am always happy to oblige. Take my word for it, the only dealers who would frown upon independent inspections are those who have something to hide. To learn more visit Spanos Imports of Daytona Florida visit http://www.spanosimports.com/
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

Why your next pickup should be a GM
Oddly enough, out of all of the research done into hybrid technology GM has been forward thinking enough to make theirs are not only affordable, but ingenious as well. They now offer both the Sierra and the Silverado pickups as hybrids country wide. Using a technology not formerly seen in hybrids, GM attempted to not only lower emissions in their pickups, but to make them handier as well. Affordable technologyGM wanted to make a hybrid truck that was too well priced to turn down, the major complaint of the hybrid models is high price tag which counteracts the gas mileage benefits. In response to this GM produced their pick up hybrids to cost only $1500.00-$2500.00 more than its gas guzzling brothers, saved with tax cuts at the pump within the first few years of ownership. Especially if you consider that the hybrids produce a 10% improvement in fuel economy, all without sacrificing any power. Both the Sierra and Silverado offer the same 245 horsepower V8 engine, and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. If you consider that pickup truck drivers are not sacrificing any power and when sitting stopped in traffic it emits very limited pollution for their size. Hybrid systemGM employs what they call a “flywheel alternator starter hybrid system” which uses a compact electric motor incorporated between the engine and the transmission. This electric engine runs the truck when it is slowing or idling at a standstill. They calibrate the flywheel alternator system to turn off the engine more frequently than even those systems used in most smaller hybrid models. Eliminating much of the pollution caused by slow moving traffic in high volume. Now your work truck can double as a generatorBoth the Sierra and the Silverado boost four 120-volt, 20 amp three-prong outlets which can be used to provide power for electrical tools and electronics. This eliminates any need for a gassy generator spewing fumes into the air at a work site. The truck must be running, but utilizing it’s electric engine allows it to run virtually emission free. GM reports that their hybrid trucks can continue to pump out power for up to 32 hours non-stop before needing to refuel. Aimed specifically at contractors, whose need to access abundant sources of energy and drive long miles to job sites fuel this intelligent new take on a work truck. Testers reportThe power source for tools was not quite as juicy as GM would have you think, however the idea is a brilliant one. No doubt in a few generations they will have nailed down this imperfection in an already forward thinking vehicle. Although the gas mileage is a tad better overall, it borders on insignificant. Which again is certain to be addressed and updated in generations to come. Reviewers say that the feel of the engine cutting out as you hit ten miles an hour is a bit disconcerting, and takes some getting used to, but its pollution saving benefits far outweigh that small detail. Every accessory on the truck is electrical, so the gas engine only runs when it is needed to for its sole purpose, to accelerate the vehicle. Overall appealThe brilliance behind the ideas developed for these pickup truck models is really what drives them at this point. Fine tuning is necessary of any piece of equipment and GM has been making pick up trucks for a long time. They will continue to address the issues and refine the existing good points, driving the hybrid market to continue to bring us new and innovative ideas. <b>About the Author:</b> My name is Paige Filler and I'm a creative writer with a love of all things that go vroom. I do my homework to bring thought and innovation into everything I write about the auto industry. You can find more of my stuff at <a href="http://www.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank">Cash 4 Used Cars</a>, and <a href="http://blog.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank"> this blog.</a>
Source: www.ArticlePros.com