Car 01 (May 08 - Dec 12)

Car 01 (May 08 - Dec 12)

Postby winston » Thu May 15, 2008 8:53 am

Eight Strategies to Save on a New Car by Lauren Tara:-

As auto sales have taken a nosedive, dealers are offering incentives and rebates to lure in customers. Those deals -- combined with lower interest rates -- create a great environment if you're in the market for a new car.

Still, there are always pitfalls to be wary of and strategies to save more. Here are some tips to buy the right car at the right price:

1. Decide what type of vehicle fits your needs, lifestyle and budget.

If you're single and don't cart around a lot of stuff, an SUV such as a Cadillac(GM - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) Escalade might be impractical. If you've got a family of five, a Jaguar(F - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) SK sports coupe doesn't make much sense. If you're on a tight budget, a luxury car like a Maybach(DAI - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) is probably over the top.

2. Don't rationalize an expense that is far beyond your budget.

Before looking at the latest models, figure out how much you can afford each month and stick to the plan. Make sure to factor in monthly payments, insurance, maintenance and gasoline.

Online calculators can help. BankingMyWay.com gathers the best local interest rates and its auto-loan calculator figures out how much monthly payments would be. Metrotransit.org's calculator estimates expenses for other items like fuel and parking.

3. Shop around on the Web.

Dealers and insurers offer rebates, incentives and specials online that you might not find elsewhere. You can use that information to negotiate better terms in person or over the phone.

Keep in mind there is always fine print -- advertised prices are often lower than what you'll actually pay.

For instance, Toyota(TM - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) advertises its 2009 Camry starting at $18,720. But if you can't drive a stick shift, the price actually starts at $19,770. That figure doesn't include fees, taxes or accessories that can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars.

4. Buy at the right time.

The end of the summer and end of the year often have big specials because showrooms have to clear inventory at those points.

5. Try to avoid a down payment for a lease unless it lowers your monthly payments.

Otherwise, "you never get that money back -- you're just sort of throwing it away," says Vincent Barbera, director of financial planning at TGS Financial Advisors.

6. If you're offered either cash back or a lower interest rate, choose the latter.

It might not offer a quick payout, but it saves you more over the life of the loan. "Cash back is more enticing," says Barbera, "but a lower interest rate has longer-term benefits."

7. Be aggressive.

When heading for the dealership, arm yourself with information and be prepared to negotiate. If you want to avoid showroom confrontation, you can often discuss terms via email or phone.

Most of the time, sales reps will ease up as long as the deal is still profitable, says Kyra Morris, a financial advisor at Morris Financial Concepts.

"If you give them 10% profit to low 20% profit, they're probably willing to work with you," she says.

If not, don't be afraid to walk away from the car of your dreams -- there are other vehicles and dealerships.

8. Don't get snookered into snazzy, but superfluous, extras.

They might look nice, but probably aren't worth the cost. If you must have the spoiler, weatherproof mats or GPS system, you can often get aftermarket items at a much lower price.
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Re: Car Thread

Postby winston » Sun May 18, 2008 6:31 am

Ways to get more gas mileage...

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - As U.S. gasoline prices hit records on almost a daily basis, an increasing number of motorists are following a radical driving technique designed to eke out every last mile from a tank of fuel.

Known as 'hypermiling,' the method can double gas mileage, even in gas-guzzling vehicles that would normally get less than 20 mpg.

Promoted on a growing number of Web sites, hypermiling includes pumping up tires to the maximum rating on their sidewalls, which may be higher than levels recommended in car manuals; using engine oil of a low viscosity, and the controversial practice of drafting behind other vehicles on the highway to reduce aerodynamic drag -- a practice begun a few years ago by truck drivers.

The price of gasoline -- which hit a record of nearly $3.61 per gallon on Tuesday, according to travel club AAA -- has rapidly emerged as the public's biggest economic concern.

Gas prices are a "serious problem," ahead of jobs, and healthcare, according to a poll released on Tuesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The "advanced" techniques of hypermiling are in addition to well-known approaches including keeping speed down, accelerating gently, avoiding excessive idling and removing cargo racks to also cut down on aerodynamic drag.

Adherence to hypermiling and other disciplines are designed to boost mileage well in excess of the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration's official ratings, which apply to each car model.

COSTS SAVED

Wayne Gerdes, a former nuclear plant operator from Wadsworth, Illinois, and the originator of hypermiling, said he gets 40-70 mpg out of his Ford Ranger pickup truck, about doubling its official fuel consumption of 25 mpg.

Gerdes, 47, estimates that hypermiling has saved him $15,000 in fuel since he began the technique after the attacks of September 11, events that convinced him that U.S. national security was being undermined by its dependence on oil from the Middle East, and motivated him to reduce his own fuel consumption.

"If every vehicle in the U.S. got 45 miles per gallon, we would not import any oil," he said.

Deron Lovaas, vehicles campaign director at environmental group the Natural Resources Defense Council, said most hypermiling techniques are "sensible recommendations" that could drive down demand and even prices if widely adopted.

"We should be looking under every rock for potential energy savings," he said.

He said he could not recommend drafting behind fast-moving trucks because it could potentially lead to highway accidents.

Hypermiling can even make fuel-sipping gas-electric hybrid cars more efficient. Chuck Thomas, 50, a computer programmer from Lewisville, Texas, said he has been getting 71 mpg from his Honda Insight, a hybrid whose EPA rating is 58 mpg, in the two years since he has been hypermiling.

Among Thomas' techniques is "pulse and glide" in which he accelerates and then coasts with the engine off until around 15 mph when he kicks the engine back on and accelerates again. "It's the automotive equivalent of skateboarding," he said.
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Re: Car Thread

Postby winston » Thu May 22, 2008 8:52 am

Six Ways to Save Money on Gasoline
Katie McCaskey

Gas prices are likely to continue going up, not down, at least in the short term.

Are we entering the much-debated state of "peak oil," where the world's reserves are officially leaning toward the "E" side of the dial?

Maybe, maybe not...

Either way, consumers are feeling the pinch.

The average Geezeo user spent an average of $72.38 on purchases labeled "gas" last month.

How does that impact your wallet now? Here are six tips to help you whittle down your gas bill:

1. Combine trips.
Plan your errands so you do them all at once vs. making multiple trips and driving multiple miles.

2. Eliminate trips or carpool.
Reconsider the expense of public transportation vs. what it will cost you to drive. Or, try walking or bicycling. Even in less pedestrian-friendly areas, you can find ways to walk.

Even walking between parking lots can save some cash and give you some exercise.

3. Fill your tires.
Properly-filled tires allow you to get the best gas mileage.

4. Change your oil and replace your air filters.
Again, keep your car in the best working order. These tips cost a little up front, but will save you money in the long run.

5. Empty your trunk.
Many people use their trunk as extra storage. You're paying more for gas for every additional, unnecessary pound of weight in your trunk. Clean it out!

6. Find the best price online.

Sites like GasBuddy.com allow you to find the best price for gas in your area. Just don't drive a considerable distance out of your way to save a few cents a gallon.

What gasoline usage tips would you add? For example, if you have a yard and use a gas-powered mower you might consider switching to an old-fashioned human-powered machine.
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Re: Car Thread

Postby winston » Thu May 22, 2008 8:29 pm

Green Autos May Not Save You Money
05/21/08 Lauren Tara LaCapra

Rushing to trade in your current car for a smaller, more fuel-efficient model will likely cost more money -- not save it -- according to an analysis by Consumer Reports.

What you'll spend on less-tangible costs like depreciation and interest will outweigh savings at the pump in most cases, even with gas prices approaching $4 a gallon, the publication, which is owned by the nonprofit Consumer Union, said.

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If you've owned your current car for three years or less and haven't paid off the loan, it isn't worth downsizing, according to Consumer Reports' calculations. That's because the greatest depreciation occurs during the first three years, making the car less expensive to own after that point. Depreciation -- or the declining value of the car -- makes up about 48% of vehicle costs during the first five years of ownership, on average, compared with 21% for fuel.

"It's less expensive to tough out another year or two with a gas guzzler than trade in too early," says Rik Paul, automotive editor of the publication.

As an example, Consumer Reports compared the costs of holding onto a 2005 FordF Five Hundred SEL v6 sedan with buying a 2008 ToyotaTM Prius.

Even though the Prius can drive 23 more miles per gallon than the SEL, it still cost $3,000 more to own during the first year. (That assumes 12,000 miles of driving with an average gas price of $3.75 per gallon.)

Still, Paul warns, "if gas prices rise past $5 a gallon, large vehicles may see their depreciation accelerate and owners could face new challenges in selling their old model."

If you've got an old clunker or use a great deal of fuel, it might make sense to trade it in for a hybrid or more fuel-efficient model. However, timing is key if you've got a middle-of-the-road sedan and don't drive great distances.

You can check fuel efficiency and other metrics for your vehicle and other models at Consumer Reports' Web site.
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Re: Car Thread

Postby helios » Thu May 22, 2008 8:32 pm

Latest figures released, 22 May 2008

SINGAPORE: COE prices for cars were higher in the latest bidding exercise, but those for commercial vehicles and motorcycles fell.

COE premiums for cars 1,600cc and below rose $4,692 to $15,701.

For big cars of more than 1,600cc, COEs went up $1,224 to $17,113.

The COE price for the Open Category, where the certificates are usually used to buy cars, rose $200 to $16,700.

The COE premiums for goods vehicles and buses went down $1,133 to $14,756 while those for motorcycles fell $180 to $1,109
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Re: Car Thread

Postby kennynah » Thu May 22, 2008 8:39 pm

on topic of COE

why do taxis need COEs and public buses do NOT ?

buses dont use roads? they float above or submarine below ground?

taxis are not public transport? COEs will add to increased fares to consumers. taxis population not controlled by ROV already? need an added COE to control the taxis population?

hahaha...joke
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Re: Car Thread

Postby winston » Fri May 23, 2008 9:27 am

Australian speed freak clocks 263kph in a homemade car

Friday, May 23, 2008

An Australian driver has been caught speeding at 263 kilometers per hour in a car held together with plastic cable ties.

Officers conducting speed checks stopped him near the New South Wales town of Mittagong after clocking him allegedly driving at almost 2 times the 110kph limit.

They said the 21-year-old's turbo-charged 1995 car had a body kit secured with cable ties, an unsecured dashboard and a battery held in place with a rag and bracket.

The interior also smelled strongly of petrol fumes. The driver, who allegedly told police he had spent the day at the races, was charged with driving at a speed dangerous to the public.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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Re: Car Thread

Postby winston » Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:36 am

LTA to cut road tax by 15% for most vehicles from July 1
By Hiroshi Limmell, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will reduce road tax for most vehicles from 1 July. In a statement, the LTA said road tax for cars, motorcycles, taxis and commercial vehicles will fall by 15 per cent.

Electric and hybrid cars will also see a 15 per cent decline in road tax rates.

And it's also good news for Euro-IV diesel car owners. In February this year, LTA said the special tax for Euro-IV cars will be revised downwards. From July onwards, LTA will be reducing the special tax for Euro-IV engines, which is paid on top of the normal road tax for these vehicles.

Currently, the special tax is priced at four times the normal tax of a similar capacity petrol car.

The new rates will be lower. For example, the 6-months special tax for a 1.6 litre Euro-IV diesel car will be cut from the current S$1,488 to S$1,000. Owners will also have a reduced normal tax rate to pay for these vehicles, from the existing S$437 to S$372.

LTA said the revision is due to a reduction in carbon emissions by the diesel cars.
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Re: Car Thread

Postby mojo_ » Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:37 am

An email that I received...
----------------------------------------------------------
Subject: How to force Oil companies to reduce their petrol price !!!!

THIS IS NOT THE 'DON'T BUY' PETROL FOR ONE DAY, BUT IT WILL SHOW YOU HOW CAR OWNERS CAN GET GASOLINE PRICE DOWN TO US$2.00 PER GALLON BY JUST FORWARDING THIS EMAIL TO 10 PEOPLE !!!

This idea was written out by a retired Coca Cola Executive. It came from one of his engineer buddies who retired from Halliburton, an oil exploration company in U.S. If you are tired of the gasoline price is going up and up, AND it will continue to rise, take time to read this please.

Mr Phillip Hollsworth offered his good idea. This makes MUCH MORE SENSE than the 'don't buy gasoline on a certain day' campaign that was going around last year April or May! It's worth your effort to join the campaign !!!!

I heard that price of petrol going to hit close to US$ 4.00 a gallon by next summer, and it might go up higher !

YOU want gasoline prices to come down ?

All we need to do is we must take some intelligent, UNITED ACTION NOW.

The oil companies laughed at us on last year 'Don't Buy Petrol For One day Campaign' because they knew we wouldn't continue to 'hurt' ourselves by refusing to buy gasoline. It was more of an inconvenience to us than it was a problem to the oil companies. This time is different, consumers have the power to bring down the price of goods !!!
This is a plan that can really work. Please read on and join us!

You're probably thinking that gasoline priced at about $2.00/gallon is normal due to oil price has hit all time high of US$120/barrel !!!

The oil companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that the only way for the gasoline price is up, medias reporting brisk car sales in China and India, power hungry nations building more power plants to grow their economy, the growth of dragon(China) and elephant(India) will gobble up most of the world resources; oil reserve going down and depleting in 50 years time, this is how we are being conditioned(brain washed)

NOW we need to act together to show them(oil companies and OPEC) that BUYERS can control the marketplace... not sellers.

The only way we are going to see the price of gas coming down to a reasonable level is if we hit oil companies' revenue by not buying their products!

And, we can do it WITHOUT hurting ourselves.

How? Since many of us owned and rely on our cars, we can't just stop buying gasoline!!!!

But we CAN have an impact on gas price if we all act together to force a price war among the oil companies!!!

Here's the idea: For the rest of this year, DON'T buy gasoline from the two biggest companies, EXXON-MOBIL and SHELL, some car owners being brain washed to use a particular brand of petrol in order to keep their car engines in tip top condition which is not true, any brand ! will work well for your cars, you can reconfirm this if you have a friend who is a petroleum engineer, If not, just fill up your tank with another brand which you never used before to confirm it.

When the oil companies that we are boycotting are not selling any gas for a week, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit; oil companies work like a cartel !!!!

To have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of Exxon-Mobil and SHELL gas buyers.. In the past, it was an uphill task but now, it's really simple to reach millions even billions of people. Keep reading and I will show you how to do it through the power of internet.

I am sending this note to 30 people. If each of us send it to at least ten more (30 x 10 = 300) ...
and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x10 =3,000)... and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth group of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers. If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted!

If it goes one level further, you guessed it.....

THREE HUNDRED MILLIONs PEOPLE!!! This 300 millions people just email this to 5 of his/her contacts, we reached 1.5 billions people !!!

Are you excited as I am ? all you have to do is send this to 10 people or more if you can, its so simple, isn't it? Just Do it ! OK ???

(If you don't understand how we can reach 1500 MILLIONS people and all you have to do is send this to 10 people.

How long would all this take? If each of us sends!
this e- mail out to ten or more people within one day of receipt, all 1500 MILLIONs people could be contacted within the next 9 days !!!

I'll bet you didn't think you and I had so much power, did you! Acting together we can make a difference.

If this makes sense to you, please pass this message on. I suggest that we don't buy from EXXON-MOBIL and SHELL UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES AND KEEP THEM DOWN. THIS CAN REALLY WORK.

Thank you

Phillip Hollsworth

----------------------------------------------------------
Not what but when.
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Re: Car

Postby winston » Sat Jul 12, 2008 8:24 am

It's Good to Know: 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas

From The Denver Post:

1. Lighten up. Leadfooting at 75 miles per hour instead of 65 will cut your fuel economy by 10%.

2. Avoid the rush hour. Plan trips or stagger your work hours to minimize stop-and-go traffic, which burns more gas than going at a steady speed.

3. Take a load off. Carrying an extra 100 pounds in the trunk cuts fuel economy by 1%.

4. Use your overdrive. If you have a manual transmission, shift up as soon as possible.

5. Keep an eye on your tire pressure. For every 3 pounds below the recommended tire pressure, fuel economy drops about 1%.

6. Keep your car tuned up. A clogged air filter can cut mileage by as much as 20%; a faulty oxygen sensor can cut it by up to 40%.

7. Use the most efficient grade of oil for your car. Using 10W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-30 can cut mileage by 1% to 2%.

8. Use regular gasoline unless your owner's manual says otherwise. High-octane fuel won't improve performance in cars that don't require it.

9. Park in the shade. Fuel evaporates more quickly in direct sun, and air conditioners need more fuel to cool hot interiors.

10. Choose efficiency. A car that gets 30 mpg saves $600 a year in gas costs over one that gets 20 mpg. (We're assuming $3.00 per gallon and 15,000 miles driven.)

(Sources: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy at greenercars.com; U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency at fueleconomy.gov)
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