Sunday, June 30, 2013
Ford Market Share Sharpest Rise Since 1977


Saturday, June 29, 2013
New Car Review 2012 Mazda 5 Sport
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| The 2012 Mazda 5. The last "mini" minivan? |
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| The 2012 Mazda 5 has smoothly flowing lines that look even better in person. |
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| The 2012 Mazda 5 minivan interior with 6-speed manual transmission. |
Friday, June 28, 2013
Toyota Yaris Hbyrid 2012
The latest generation of machines 1.500cc with VVT-i technology (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligent) capable of reaching 109 PS maximum power when engine speed reaches 6,000 rpm and maximum torque 14.5 kgm at 4,200 rpm engine speed, the young riders will meet the desires of the vehicle with excellent performance, great power and torque but efficient in fuel consumption.
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| Toyota Yaris Hbyrid 2012 Front |
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| Toyota Yaris Hbyrid 2012 Cokpit |
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| Toyota Yaris Hbyrid 2012 |
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| Toyota Yaris Hbyrid 2012 Left Views |
Super ECT (Electronic Controlled Transmission)
With technology Super ECT (Electronic Controlled Transmission) is not going to happen the beat - the beat of a surprise at the turn of the automatic transmission in the Yaris. This technology will make the changes smoother transmission and reduce the frequency of transmission changes as it passes through the road climbing or descending.
Honda City Sport 2013
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In terms of the exterior, the All New Honda City comes with a front lamp design futuristic multireflektor. Design front grille, front bumper and fog lights as well as the contours of the body firmly reflects the sporty character of the sedan car manufacturer made these country Sakura. Meanwhile, at the stern, the rear lamp design confirms that the All New Honda City is a classy sedan.
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The cabin All New Honda City offers a high level of driving comfort thanks to high-quality packing materials and an ergonomic chair. In addition, the steering wheel crossbar 3 with integrated control buttons and a futuristic center console design makes this car more stylish than practical and comfortable ride.
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All New Honda City 1500 cc engine relies 16V SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder inline engine with a combined perfectly with a 5 speed transmission, manual and automatic. Relying on this machine, the All New Honda City could offer a maximum power of 120 PS at 6500 rpm while the maximum torque of 14.8 kgm through the numbers at 4800 rpm.
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For the safety of driving, provided BA, EBD, ABS, ventilated disc brakes (front tire), brake discs (rear tire), dual SRS air bags, and seat belts 3 angles.
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| Honda City |
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| Honda City |
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| Honda City |
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| Honda City |
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| Honda City |
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| Honda City |
machine
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capacity Machine
1497 cc
Type of Machines
In line 4 Cylinder, 1.5 L SOHC, 16 valve i-VTEC + + DBW Torque Boost Resonator
Compression ratio
10.4
Diameter X Step
(73.0 x 89.4) mm
power
120 bhp
torque
145 Nm
performance Cars
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acceleration
-
speed limit
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Fuel konsumi
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Other Technical Data
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transmission
5-Speed (A)
Fueling systems
FWD
size
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Type of Vehicle
sedan
Dimensions (L x W x H)
(4410 x 1715 x 1470) mm
Distance axis
2550 mm
Min Turning Radius
5000 mm
Weight Empty
1155 kg
Tank Capacity
42 L
brake
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Brakes (Front)
ventilated discs
Brakes (Rear)
disc
suspension
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Suspension (Front)
MacPherson Struts
Suspension (Rear)
H-Shaped Torsion Beam
Thursday, June 27, 2013
New Car Review 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3 8 R Spec
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| The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec. |
So lets assess the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec for what it is. A smartly styled, aggressive Asian sport coupe. The Toyota Supra of our time perhaps....for our times equivalent of Celica GT money.
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| The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec rear view. |
Thats the first big suprise about the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec...what you get for your money. The manual transmission version, like our tester, starts at $26,750. For that you get the body you see above and a 300 horsepower 3.8 liter V6 under the hood. It handles well, too, applying that power to the pavement through the rear wheels and benefitting from a 5-link independent rear suspension, a track suspension and strut brace, 19-inch wheels with summer tires and Brembo brakes, plus a Torsen limited-slip differential...and it comes with electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution with brake assist and a full complement of airbags and active front head restraints. Standard.
The six-speed manual? The slickest this side of Honda (nice lesson learned on Hyundais part).
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| The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec interior. |
Slide inside and youll find black leather bolster/red cloth seats (in ours) and lumbar support for the driver, air conditioning with outside temperature display, keyless entry and alarm, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a multi-information display, power windows, locks and mirrors, an AM/FM/XM/CD/mp3 audio system with an iPod/USB/Auxiliary connection and steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth and fog lights.
Oh, yeah. And a full tank of gas. And you havent added a single option. The tab is still at $26,750. All they could find to add to ours was carpeted floor mats ($105), a cargo net ($50) and an iPod cable ($35). From the looks of the window sticker, freight and handling was thrown in free, so the total price rings up at $26,940. A remarkable bargain. Especially when you remember this is a Hyundai, which means you get a 5 year/60,000 mile new vehicle warranty, a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, a 7 year/unlimited mile anti-perforation warranty, and 5 years/unlimited mile roadside assistance.
Its a ball to drive, a definite attention getter and an absolute screaming bargain.
Maybe Mustang ought to sweat just a bit.
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
Base price: $26,750.
As tested: $26,940.
Likes: Styling, handling, manual shifter.
Dislikes: Not seeing more in traffic.
EPA estimate: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
GM EN V Unlikely To Produce Envy Among Enthusiasts

Nissan Terrano Change the traction tension compression
To kill a banner front suspension Nissan Terrano, should be very even try - it's one of the safest parts of the car. But, although she and reliable, unfortunately not forever, and sometimes have to change the banner. If you often drive off-road, urban road with many bumps, or jumping on the curbs, suspension subjected to high load. And in many cases it is enough to hit a little hole and not on high speed, that would finish off the banner. In this case, you will hear a distinctive metallic punch. To start, you should carefully examine itself and stretching rubber bushings. Swing the front end of your car and look at the attachment point to pull the frame, if at a given site there is backlash, hence, will have to change. Node tension-compression consists of stretching itself (metal rod), on which there is threaded at one end and a hole at the other about 30 inches long. On which side of the car, it is not absolutely nothing of any significance, since it is symmetric. The diameter of the rubber bushings of 2 pieces, is 7 inches. Just part of the site are two metal washers and remote metal sleeve, which is not very strong and unfortunately. Now let's see, what to and what we have here attached. Thrust is attached to the frame with the side on which is threaded. Fastens it through rubber bushing nut on the "24", and the other end is attached to the back of the lower arm with two bolts on the "19" and two nuts on the "21". The conclusion: the replacement shall be subject to details such as: rubber bushings - 2 pcs, remote metal bushing and rubber gaskets. Rarely subject to change herself stretching. To replace the rod tension - compression is not required, any special skills, and will not take much time. For replacement, we need the following tools: ratchet with nimble and cap nut 21, WD40, open-end wrench 24, wrench cap at 19, and a strong flat-head screwdriver. We put a car on the pit and start to repair. The first step is to "dampen" threaded WD40, tear away the nut 21, nut 24 that attaches a banner to the frame, turns away completely. With this nut would have a bit tricky, as it is in a sort of half a box on the frame. To her podlezt not in any other instrument, except for open end wrench. Yes, and he should be decently stesan. After the victory over this nut you can remove the wheel, poddomkrativ lower lever, since we first need to remove the load from the thrust. Now proceed to the loosening of prepared bolts that hold the stretch for the lever, and remove it. Now proceed to the assembly. Stretching from the thread put on a washer, a metal spacer sleeves and rubber bushing. Be careful when assembling, the side frame bracket rubber bushing must be located by the recess, a metal remote bush should enter into gum at its full thickness. From under the lower arm we start all this construction in the opening frame, the outside is inserted a rubber washer and nut. Next, do not fully tighten the nut and checks whether fixing banners to the bottom of the lever. If the mount does not match, then take a screwdriver and adjust the hole, then tighten the nut until it stops, do not be afraid to make this their efforts, remote bush will not allow you to pull the nut.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
5 Reliable Car Mercedes Benz

What is on display at the Mecedes-Benz in the automotive performance:
1. Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS

In the super sports car segment, Mercedes-Benz presents his latest collection, Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS. This is the first appearance of this Gullwing into the public eye makes quite enthusiastic visitors came to the booth Mercedes-Benz. Amazingly in the first day immediately sold 40 units even though quota units to Indonesia this year only 25 only. That means the rest will get his unit next year.
Pinned Beneath the hood M159 engine capacity of 6.3 liter AMG V8, made from aluminum with the system microprocessor-controlled fuel injection petrol (HFM), which can give off energy to reach 571 hp and 650 Nm of torque.
Moreover, with support for dual clutch technology AMG Speedshift 7-speed DCT
sport, then do not be surprised if the 0-100 km per hour can be reached in just 3.8 seconds, with maximum speed reached 317 km per hour.
No wonder SLS dibantrol expensive AMG, AMG SLS is crowned as the Most Attractivr Car worldwide, this car also offers a variety of excess current. AMG 6.3-liter engine (6208 cc) AMG embedded in the SLS is a winner Engine of the Year Awards 2010.
2. E 250 CGI Cabriolet

Mercedes Benz E Class Cabriolet has two variants namely E 350 Cabriolet is equipped with a capacity of 3500 cc engine that can shoot energy samapai 268 HP. The second type is the E 550 with a bigger engine with 5500 cc V8 konvigurasi that can shoot up to 382 HP power.
3. Viano MPV V350

V350 MPV class has advantages such as carrying the engine capacity 3500 cc DOHC engine which can give off power 258 hp at 5900 rpm, while torque is 340 Nm sticking at 2500-5000 rpm. In addition, the V350 MPV length 4.755 m, while the width is 1640 meters and 1910 meters high.
Viano V350 believed Indonesia would have dreamed of a family. For the V350 in terms of a more spacious passenger cabin than the previous version of the Viano and exterior design is more captivating than the previous Viano.
V350 MPV apply captain seats so that passengers can move freely from the back to the middle bench seat, which certainly will meet the needs of Indonesian families. The specialty of this car comes from the use of local components in several parts, including body panels, rear seat and rear seat entertainment. This variant was the only sold in Indonesia
4. SUV GL 350 CDI.

GL 350 CDI uses a diesel engine with diesel type petradex. Mercedes diesel engine output is not noisy as diesel engines generally. This car offers luxury-style Mervedes-Benz.
5. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Race Prototype

Cars that have been in use as taxis premium class is designed with the view of racing is scheduled to be contested in Indonesia.
Monday, June 24, 2013
TireKicker Time Machine 1962 Chrysler 300





Sunday, June 23, 2013
Pre sale preparation of the car with his hands
Preparing the car before selling is usually trusted by professionals from the dealers or the part of specialists who have extensive experience in this field and is always ready to work equipment and supplies. Another plus of this option - a short period in which to prepare your car. But all of the above, there is one, but a big disadvantage - quite a large sum of money required to carry out all necessary operations to prepare the car. But if you are a motorist with experience, you do not have a lot of free money and you're not limited in time - then you are quite capable to handle this task alone, minimally engaging with the work of professionals. Engine - the heart of any car. With him, and should begin to prepare the car for sale. Remove and clean the soot from the spark plug, reducing the gap to the desired limit. As a result of this simple procedure can achieve a more smooth, without jerks, engine operation. If the candle quite old, it is better to change them. Be sure to change the engine oil. Adjustment should be done the fuel and oil, and ensure that the motor was run from the half-turn. Add fuel additives, resulting in the car is expected to increase traction and decrease smoke exhaust. Remove the engine with oil stains and dirt. After all, the future owner will want to examine hood space. And if, because of the dirt he can not see the engine, it is unlikely to be interested in your car. Just do not be lazy and work with a cloth under the hood - the result will surprise even you. A little secret - that the engine starts quickly and operate smoothly, it is necessary to process the cover timer waterproof tool - good is good now, you can easily find at any automotive market. Remove and carefully Wash expansion tank, or rusty liquid in it will point to the presence of corrosion in the cooling system of your car. Now grab the belts. Tighten them - in order to eliminate squeaks. Eliminate gaps in the wiring - Check the insulation of the wires and contacts. It is time for the cabin. Armed with a vacuum cleaner and a rag, bring to the ideal of every inch of interior space. If possible, remove the seat - so it's easier to get to remote places. After this, take any means to polish the plastic coating interior and finish dashboard inserts, plastic doors and other similar places in the cabin. After all, the buyer, sitting behind the wheel and fell in love with your car's interior can simply not pay attention to the technical aspect of their future purchases. Tackle boot. Pull out all the tools and other glands, leaving only the necessary items installed by the manufacturer, while not forgetting to vacuum the trunk. If, on the body of your car are free from corrosion, dents or deep scratches that do not remove polish, you'll have to fork out for the painting of the car in whole or its individual parts. That is, if you want to sell your car, for which then would not be ashamed to spend a presale as if you're doing it for themselves.
Harrison NY Police To Announce Runaway Prius Findings This Afternoon

Saturday, June 22, 2013
TagAZ reduced production several times
Taganrog Automobile Plant has reduced the production of passenger cars from January to September this year, compared with the same period last year, five times. This was reported by a representative of the Ministry of Energy, engineering infrastructure and industry of the Rostov region. The volume of production "cars are" for the period decreased by 80.2%. Absolute numbers are not called because of commercial confidentiality. While refusing to comment on this information and presented TagAZ in Rostov-on-Don and Moscow office. It is known that the current year's production plant is already twice stopped their production.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Lexus LS600h Hybrid Review


Thursday, June 20, 2013
Street Sign Fails To Yield To Heather Locklear Police Say

Connecting an amplifier with their own hands
After buying new equipment or machinery there is one question, and how it connected correctly? Even with minimal knowledge, we can make a connection technology itself. Connecting an amplifier means by a summing up of his power, and connect speakers. It is first necessary to decide on the place the amplifier. It is sufficient heat capacity and therefore must be set in place, out of direct sunlight and well ventilated. It is advisable to install an additional fan. Still necessary to provide the convenience of wiring and wiring. To carry out all activities need such tools and materials: tape, circular and carob terminals, wire cutters, acoustic spetsprovoda, soldering iron, power supply wires with cross section not greater than 10 mm, pliers, screwdriver Phillips, screws and fuse. On sale you can find kits and ready to connect. First you need to remove the car battery plus terminal. Extend the power cable to the amplifier from the battery. You can do it with a protective corrugated to prevent damage to the cable. In this case, leave the wire with a small margin. Near the battery to the fuse wire is connected, the other end connected to the "+" terminal of the battery. Fuse should be closest to the battery. Then it is necessary to extend the wires from the acoustics to the amplifier, subwoofer or line of output from the radio, and even managing the power cord of the active antenna radio. It is necessary to control the power amplifier. Usually in the cassette it is blue. At a time when the tape recorder is not working, not working and power, and vice versa. If the amplifier does not control power connector, this cable does not need to throw. Then this cable is better to connect through the switch and bring it somewhere on the panel, or to make a connection through the ignition switch. Indeed, until the ignition is turned off the amplifier does not work either. To reduce current consumption and battery power, you need to buy a high capacity condenser. By the power system to connect it in parallel. This means that the wires are minus and plus initially bring to the capacitor, and then with his correct polarity to the amplifier. This will help reduce the drawdown in voltage electrical equipment at a huge load of acoustics. Negative wire to take any seats in the back of a car, which has a screw and cleaned in a fixed circular terminal. Capacitor should be placed closer to the amplifier. Then you need to connect the acoustics with carob terminals. If there is a 4-channel amplifier that has no subwoofer channel, and the need to connect only to the subwoofer, then connect it to an arbitrary channel, if enough power. If not enough, the channels connect, consistently using the bridge of the wires. When the amplifier has a subwoofer output and acoustics, it is best to install the sound system passive filter for the separation of medium and high frequencies. This will improve the sound quality multiband acoustics. Acoustic wires must have a minimum length to reduce interference and crosstalk.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Toyota Timeline Widens Documents Show Knowledge Of Floor Mat Gas Pedal Problems Four Years Ago

Tuesday, June 18, 2013
TireKicker Time Machine 1986 1992 Volvo 240 GL
| The 1986-1992 Volvo 240 GL. |
Still, I (almost) kick myself for not having bought one new and Id love to find a solid one for the right price today...but the Volvo 240 is finally approaching an age where the true survivors are becoming few in number.
Volvos sold (at premium prices) largely on their safety reputation. They were not just brick-shaped, they had the structural integrity of solid gold bars. That offset a large-ish, heavy-ish sedan being powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine.
Those "premium prices" mentioned in the last paragraph? Base price for an 86 240 GL was $16,425. Thats within walking distance of an 86 Buick Electra Park Avenue. A bit more of a walk (less than 2 grand) and you could have had an Audi 5000.
Now, about that (almost) kicking myself for not buying one new: As much as I loved the one and only 240 I ever drove (a 1992 rental from Hertz), Im glad I didnt rush home to my local Volvo dealer and plop down what was then an MSRP of $22,170. For while Volvo 240s held up well over the years, their resale value never did...falling off a cliff into the bargain basement at an alarming rate. Today, its a $2,500 car, with the best one in the world worth maybe $3,675, according to the NADA guidebook (the Buick and Audi would fetch closer to $5,000 in top condition).
Still, theres something so straightforward, authentic and honest about the 240. If youve owned one, or have a 240 story, click the comment button.
If youve got a vintage gem sat gathering dust in your garage, see how easy it is to sell used cars online go to www.exchangeandmart.co.uk today.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Live Video Streaming Toyota Senate Hearings

Friday, June 14, 2013
Honda Settles Class Action Suit Over Accord Acura TSX Brake Wear

Thursday, June 13, 2013
The collapse of the toe in his own hands UAZ
Each and every car owner, many times in my life heard of a breakup - camber angle of the car. Though these terms are used more often together, but represent completely different things. And they are adjusting accordingly, totally differently. The need to repair such kind can occur at any time travel on your favorite car, even if the owner of such all-terrain vehicle, as UAZ. Of course, in this case, a small pit on the road will not be enough, but the car operation in harsh Russian off-road, the regulation of the collapse of the toe may be necessary for the UAZ. A lot to do actually do not have enough to disperse a kiss on either, whether the obstacle rim, and you can safely go to the car wash. Or did not? Is it possible to carry out this procedure yourself, if car service available? These are the questions we will try to answer. To start to define, why bother to regulate the collapse - of convergence. It's pretty easy, after the repairs associated with the undercarriage of the car, suspension, the first thing you should make sure that such a figure as the alignment is normal. If during the operation of a car on a flat smooth road leads to the side, and the steering wheel hard to return to the place, you probably time to make the regulation of the collapse - of convergence. Late-regulation, can lead to higher prices. Service your car will wear out quickly tires, running gear of the machine. Consider options that will benefit in the diagnosis of disorders collapse - convergence and to repair the car UAZ. From - for violations of this indicator wheels of the car spread out in opposite directions. Immediately define some terminology alignment, it is one thing for two wheels, this option gives the characteristics and relative position with respect to each other. In this regard, in violation of the convergence is premature wear of both wheels on the edge, or inside, depending on whether excessive or insufficient convergence. We turn, finally, to adjust the convergence of Oise, with notice, absolutely alone, without using the services of service stations. It is very important to properly prepare the site to be calibrated collapse - and the toe of the car. Before you start adjusting, make sure that no gaps in the joints of steering tie rods, bearings and hubs. Index toe with UAZ measured by the difference of the distances between the surfaces inside the tire, rear A and B in the front, it runs at about the level corresponding to the center of the wheel. Used for this process, sliding ruler with graduations. If the figures correct size A will be larger than the size of B, the difference in the digital ratio will be about 1,5-3 mm. Regulation of magnitude toe occurs by changing the length of the rod from the steering cylinders. In order to implement this manipulation of UAZ cars of mark 451M, weaken tightening bolts on the clamp bands, producing rotation of thrust (which at the ends has the right and the left-hand thread) until such time until a desired length. After completion of adjustment produce tightening nuts on bolts clamp bands thrust to failure and produce their zashplintovku.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
2011 Nissan Armada Review
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| The 2011 Nissan Armada. A huge SUV in a changing automotive world. |
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| The 2011 Nissan Armada. Room for 8 people and 28 gallons of gas. |
All things considered, the engine does a good job moving the weight at a reasonable pace and the handling isnt bad, either. Not sporting, but not bad. Thats most likely thanks to rack and pinion steering, 4-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are an important part of the package...helping stop the kind of momentum that an Armada at speed has.
With a 5-speed automatic transmission and 634 pounds shy of three tons to move, however, gas mileage is not part of the good news. The EPA says 12 city/18 highway, and what we saw in our week at the wheel tells us thats probably about right. Youll get decent range out of a tank because its a big tank...28 gallons. But at $3.50 a gallon, re-filling an empty tank will set you back $98.
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| 2011 Nissan Armada: The view from the deck. |
That strikes us as a fair deal. And if you want to go full-boat (sorry), the Platinum 4X4 will take $7,250 more of your money than the SL and add navigation, DVD, sonar, a moonroof and a bunch more goodies. But thats $53,790.
The Nissan Armada SL we had strikes me as the best choice at an MSRP of $45,640 and an as-tested sticker of $46,810 ($950 delivery charges and only one option...floor and cargo mats for $220).
But should you choose the Armada? Well, if you need a full-size four-wheel-drive SUV (and many folks truly do), yes. The fact is that the entire segment is made up of fully mature vehicles, closing in on either a major re-freshening, re-design or re-think. At this stage, the Nissan Armada isnt really any less advanced than the others. Choosing between them is really a matter of personal taste.
New Car Review 2013 Buick LaCrosse
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| The 2013 Buick LaCrosse. |
Almost three years ago, we reviewed the then-new Buick LaCrosse and came up with the conclusion that while their advertising was targeting Lexus, the car itself was close in a lot of ways but only won when price got factored in. That Lacrosse was the CXL model and it ended up costing $31,000 and change...which put it nearly 10 grand below a comparably equipped Lexus ES350.
Well, Buick has dumped the direct hit on Lexus from their advertising, and now has five trim levels...LaCrosse (base, which starts at $31,660), Leather ($33,870), Premium I ($35,285), Premium II (also $35,285) and Touring ($39,240). As youd expect, Touring is loaded...to the point that the only two options on our test car were rear-seat mounted thorax air bags ($350) and the Crystal Red paint ($325). With $875 destination charge, the bottom line shows $40,790.
Since our last drive in a LaCrosse, the V6s power has been increased from 255 horses to 303...a noticeable improvement. And gas mileage has even ticked up a bit...still 17 city, but 26 highway has now become 27.
The extra 9 grand on the price sticker from 2 years ago brings not only the power and fuel economy increases, but 19 inch wheels, all-season tires, a continuously variable chassis with real-time damping and sport mode selectivity and a ton of tech to keep you out of trouble (side blind zone alert and a head-up display).
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| The 2013 Buick LaCrosse interior. |
The interior is stunning...a wonderful mix of colors and shapes....and while the soft bits like the leather and the hard bits like the real wood feel great, the surfaces youll touch most...the buttons controlling windows, locks, HVAC and audio functions...feel like GM parts bin stuff. Thats not the stinging condemnation it was just a few years ago, but its not going to compare well with Lexus, either. And thats last years ES350 were talking about. Theres a new one for 2013 that well be in shortly.
At $40,000, far more so than at $31,000, Buick has to get every last detail right to be a no-brainer for people who might otherwise buy Lexus. Theyre not there yet. But if there were no Lexus, this would be a car in a class of one. Thats how far Buick has moved the ball. Lets hope they keep moving it.
Monday, June 10, 2013
New Car Review 2012 Honda CR V
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| The 2012 Honda CR-V. |
Expectations.
Thats the problem Honda has at the moment. Ive read a few mediocre to bad reviews of the 2012 Honda CR-V, and after a week and 500 miles at the wheel, I can tell you, theyre wrong. And it stems from expectations.
Those of us of a certain age watched as Honda went from building underpowered motorbikes to two-door rollerskates like the Honda 600 to world-beating sedans like the 1980s Accords and Civics in what seemed like the blink of an eye...and maintained the edge in quality, reliability and even innovation.
For the past decade or so, Hondas been operating with different priorities, and it shows. Their cars are no longer cutting edge. The simplicity and flawless ergonomics have given way to a fascination with electronics and buttons in the cabin. Ive even said it...in a lot of ways, Kia is now building what we (of a certain age) expected from Honda.
But that doesnt mean that their cars are bad...or even less competitive in their categories.
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| The 2012 Honda CR-V. |
The CR-V was a pioneer of what used to be called the cute-ute segment. For 2012, its a bigger, more refined machine...enough so that it could be all the SUV most families really need.
Our test vehicle was the loaded all-wheel drive EX-L with navigation. Beginning price $29,795. Zero options. With $810 destination and handling, it sits at $30,605.
No, a 185 horsepower four mated to a 5-speed automatic wont set your hair on fire. Neither will anything else in this class. Its smoother than youd expect, quicker than youd expect and quiet. Exactly what youd want from a small SUV.
It comes with four-wheel drive, a full complement of airbags and curtains, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, vehicle stability assist, and tire-pressure monitoring.
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| The 2012 Honda CR-V interior. |
Inside? A nice place to do your driving, with what seems like a significant reduction in the number of buttons on the dashboard, a generous sized (wide and deep) center console, power outlets, USB and auxilary jacks, Bluetooth, leather trimmed seats, steering wheel and shift knob, a good-sounding audio system with Pandora interface and XM Satellite Radio, and a power moonroof.
Complaints? The audio and nav graphics are dated and the multiple audio sources cant be scrolled through quickly. To get to the one you want requires some patience. First-time pairing of a phone via Bluetooth isnt as quick and intuitive as with a lot of systems. And, the CR-Vs tall stance makes it susceptible to cross-winds...not dangerously so, but you can feel it more than in most vehicles in this class.
Apart from those things, though, this is a fully-equipped, well-built, go-anywhere small bordering on midsize SUV for roughly $30,000 that the EPA says will get 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. In 500 miles worth of a 60/40 city streets/urban freeway mix, we saw 25.3.
Id love to see Honda return to the days of amazement and wonder with every new product. But theres a lot to be said for simply building good cars with good value. And right now, Hondas delivering.
If youre looking for a larger vehicle with wheelchair access, Allied Mobility stock mobility cars.
























