Car Buying Essentials

Car Buying Essentials Search around the Net and you'll find page after page of car-buying tips; many are good - some you may already know. Here are a few that you might not have found yet:

* Be sure you're getting what you bought - Don't assume the car you're picking up is in fact the car you ordered - or that it is in perfect condition just because it's brand-new.

Before accepting delivery of the vehicle, examine it thoroughly to be certain it has all the features and equipment specified in the sales contract. If you paid for the optional 17-inch wheels, be sure that the vehicle has them - and not the standard 16-inch wheels.

It is also important to check the car out for any physical damage that may have occurred during shipping, such as door dings and stains on the upholstery. If you fail to call attention to such damage before you accept the car and take it home, it will be hard to prove it occurred prior to delivery - and to get the dealer to repair it at no cost to you.

Finally, it's smart policy to check the operation of all the vehicle's features, such as the audio system, air conditioning, power systems such as seat heaters, all button and controls, etc. - to be sure everything's working properly before you drive away. If they're not - don't. Insist the car be fixed before you accept delivery.

* Don't end up upside down - Owing more on the car than it's worth is a fairly common problem, not so much because of rapid depreciation but because of signing up for a sorry deal up front.

One of the most common ways people end up upside down on a car loan is by allowing themselves to be talked into folding the balance of their old car loan into the new loan. This is almost guaranteed to leave you holding the bag, because by adding a large additional principle (the amount you still owe on the old car) to the total loan amount for the new car, it's all-but-certain you will soon owe more than the new car's worth as a result of depreciation losses - the definition of being "upside down."

You're better off waiting until your old car's paid for completely before you even begin to think about shopping for a new one.

* Shop money before you shop for the car - Many buyers make the mistake of going car shopping before they've locked in a favorable loan deal. Keep in mind that the interest rate you end up with can significantly affect the bottom line monthly car payment you end up with. Find the lowest possible interest rate by checking with your bank, credit union and compare what they can offer vs. the factory financing (GMAC, Ford Credit, etc.) available at the dealership. Lock in a deal before you commit to buying the actual car. This will let you focus on one thing - negotiating the best possible price on the car - instead of trying to keep track of two things at the same (high stress) time.

Also be sure the total amount of the monthly payment is something you can comfortably handle, ideally with a cushion of 10-15 percent to allow for unexpected expenses.

* Reliable yesterday may not mean reliable tomorrow - Right now, it's Toyota; three years ago, it was GM. Who knows what it'll be tomorrow?

One thing not often mentioned when the subject of quality/reliability comes up is that, at best, past trends are only generally predictive of future trends. The recent toyota debacle is a case in point. Many people bought Toyotas based on the prior good reputation of Toyota vehicles. But it turns out the recent Toyotas are (apparently) not nearly as well-built as earlier models.

The biggest danger is an all-new model - irrespective of the brand. Who knows what gremlins may crop up? No matter how solid the rep of the company that built it, there is no objective way to know how well a new design or new technology will hold up in the real world until that model has been in circulation for a number of years.

You can hedge your bets somewhat by steering clear of "all new" models and sticking with those that haven't been updated significantly in a few years and which have a solid track record for reliability behind them. It's easy enough to research this by reading new car reviews, which will almost always mention whether the car being discussed is "all new" or merely a slightly updated version of last year's model.

If you must have the latest "all new" model, try to choose one that at least comes with a good factory warranty - and give thought to purchasing an extended warranty for just-in-case.

2011 Acura ZDX Review And Price

2011 Acura ZDX , Cars aren't always or even mostly an entirely rational purchase. If they were, probably not many people would buy a machine like the 2011 Acura ZDX. It's pretty big outside - but fairly small inside, with hard to access back seats. It's powerful - but not-so-quick - because its 300 hp engine has to lug around more than 4,400 pounds of steel and glass and plastic. It has a sophisticated AWD system, but isn't really built for snow (let alone off-road) driving.

On the other hand, the thing does look the Batmobile come to life - menacing and techno and slick as a custom-fitted leather body suit. And that's probably enough to tug at the heartstrings of just enough people to make it all worth doing.



2011 Acura ZDX , WHAT IT IS

The ZDX is one of those very rare show or concept cars that actually got put into production - like the old Isuzu VehiCross. (Remember that one?) Though it's somewhat similar in size and layout and looks to BMW's X6 and also the Infiniti FX, it doesn't really fit into any existing category of vehicle.

The ZDX's underpinnings are based on the seven passenger MDX crossover SUV and it's roughly the same length overall - but it only has two rows of seats and seats just four (just barely). It comes standard with the MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) as well as 19 inch rims and about 8 inches of ground clearance - but it's not really built for off-roading or poor-weather driving. So the ZDX is really all about style and curb appeal; about having something different for a change - even if it's not especially useful or practical.

Prices run from $45,495 for the base SH-AWD equipped model without the Technology package to $49,995 with the Technology package ($56,045 with the even more "techie" Advance package, which includes gadgets to appeal to the Batman in you such as electronically adjustable shocks, collision-avoidance braking system, a blind spot warning system, active cruise control, voice-command audio with 15 Gig music storage hard drive and more stuff like that).



WHAT'S NEW FOR 2011

The ZDX was introduced last as an all-new model for Acura.

2011 Acura ZDX , WHAT'S GOOD? Sinister-looking Batmobile styling, especially in black. Superb craftsmanship, trim and detail touches. Gadgets galore; a technophiles' dream. Prices start about $11k below the BMX X6 ($56,500).

2011 Acura ZDX , WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD?A Corolla can carry more people; back seats are is Batcave-like and can be awkward to get into and out of. Heavy; could use more power to live up to Batmobile image. Lots of buttons. Maybe too many buttons. An Infiniti FX35 starts out around $2,600 less ($42,850).

2011 Acura ZDX, UNDER THE HOOD The ZDX comes standard with a 3.7 liter, 300 hp V-6 and six-speed automatic with normal and sport shift modes, as well as available manual control of gear changes via steering wheel-mounted pushbuttons. This is about the same, power-wise, as the BMX X6 with 3.0 liter turbocharged in-line six (300 hp) and the Infiniti FX35 with 3.5 liter V-6 (303 hp).

However, both the X6 and the FX can be ordered with considerably more potent V-8 engines, while the ZDX doesn't offer an optional engine. Still, it manages to reach 60 mph in the mid-six-second range, which is redible performance, especially given a curb weight of more than 4,400 pounds. Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is standard in the ZDX.

This AWD system is more sophisticated - and performance-minded - than most AWD systems in that it can modulate power delivery to individual wheels, rather than just front to back. It's set up to make the front-wheel-drive-based ZDX feel more like a rear-wheel-drive car when driven aggressively, while still providing the traction advantages of a conventional front-to-rear AWD system.

ZDX Fuel economy is not terrible; 17 city and 23 highway. These figures are actually better than the six cylinder-equipped BMW X6 (15 city, 21 highway) which at 4,896 lbs. is even heavier than the ZDX - and about the same as the V-6 powered (and several hundred pounds lighter) Infiniti FX35's 16 city, 23 highway.

The ZDX's maximum tow rating is just 1,500 pounds. (This is odd because the MDX - upon which the ZDX is based and with which it shares an underlying chassis as well as the same engine - is rated at a much more manly 5,000 pounds.)

2011 Acura ZDX ON THE ROAD Given those tall tires, nearly eight inches of ground clearance and more than two tons of curb weight, the ZDX manages to feel reasonably sporty, both handling-wise and acceleration-wise. It's by no means a corner burner or a tire-fryer (not even possible with the AWD system) but it feels peppy enough in a straight line, with enough guts to execute a respectable fast pass - and it will corner faster than most people dare to drive.

The optional adjustable shocks (included with the Advance package) let you dial in more firmness and the SH-AWD system does an impressive job of making this FWD-based vehicle behave very much like the RWD-based BMX X6 and Infiniti FX if you're really pushing it hard.

Subjectively speaking, I think the ZDX would be a lot more interesting if it had a bit more juice than the MDX on which it's based. Maybe even an available manual transmission. But it ought to have more gumption than the MDX - and it'd be nice if Acura offered an optional engine that could hang with the V-8s available in the X6 and FX.

2011 Acura ZDX , AT THE CURB Just looking at the ZDX - with its ski-slope roofline and sharply tapering squinty side glass - you'd expect visibility to be terrible. But it's actually not. The rearview is pretty decent, actually - thanks in part to a flat section of glass built into the lower tailgate. You don't notice this from outside, because of the dark tinting, which maintains the visual effect of a solid rear section - but it nonetheless greatly improves your sight-lines to the rear.

The side view is acceptable, too - notwithstanding the broad-shouldered rear quarters and side glass that's rakishly tapered backward as well as canted inward. The driver sits in front of an uber-modern dash layout finished in taut, hand-fitted leather stretched tightly over each major trim panel. Brushed nickel trim plates and plush velour finish it all off. A neat touch is the "monolith" center stack, which goes dark when not in use. Again, very Batmobile-like.

Critics have screeched about the ZDX's lack of space, but this is only partially true. It's true the back seats are difficult to access. The doors cuts down into a very narrow "v" at the bottom, leaving not much room to swing legs in and out. But once you're in, it's actually not so bad. The seats are canted backward in a semi-reclined set-up, so even a six-footer like me has some daylight between the top of his head and the car's headliner - as well as between his knees and the back of the front seat. The real issue here is age - and agility. For younger people with plenty of flexibility, getting into and out of the ZDX is not a big deal; but for older people who aren't that flexible, accessing the ZDX's back seats may be a serious problem.

Older folks may also find the ZDX's array of little buttons and mouse-type controller intimidating.

Raise the liftgate and you'll find about 56 cubes of cargo capacity - plus three very nicely finished hidden cubbies (one in the floor, underneath a cover supported by gas-charged struts; the other two on the side panels). It's not as much room as in the MDX (83.5 cubic feet) but it's very close to the X6 (60 cubic feet) and Infiniti FX (62 cubic feet). This is not small by any means, either. Keep in mind that a current full-size car such as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan only has a a 16 cubic foot trunk. So while the ZDX may not have as much cargo space as a large crossover SUV like the MDX, it nonetheless has almost four times as much cargo capacity as an S-Class Benz!


THE REST

The hand-stitched leather (comprised of multiple individual sections form-fitted to the underlying part, such as the side panels on the center console) is magnificent. The ZDX's thickly carpeted, velour and brush nickel-trimmed cargo area is richer-looking than the main cabin in most other cars. This is a swank ride; a show car come to life that you can drive home in.

A major ZDX safety gizmo is the optional Collision Management Braking System (CMBS), which uses proximity sensors built into the front of the vehicle to detect an impending crash, warn the driver - and if the driver fails to respond by braking, will begin to apply the brakes automatically.

Also available: a blind spot warning system that alerts the driver (via dash icon and audible warning) to the presence of another vehicle or object in the ZDX's orbit, so that you're away of its presence before you initiate a lane change/merge. All ZDXs come standard with front seat side-impact air bags, curtain air bags, anti-whiplash headrests, traction/stability control and ABS - as well as the SH-AWD system, which is as much as safety feature as any of the foregoing.


THE BOTTOM LINE 2011 Acura ZDX , Acura probably won't sell many of these things, but it's admirable they went ahead and produced it anyhow.

Classic Car "Accessories"

Classic Car "Accessories", I recently took my old Pontiac - a 1976 Trans-Am - to a car show. It's a pretty reliable car even though it is approaching 40 years old. But it is pushing 40 years old and stuff does go wrong with decades-old machinery.

In this case, it was just a minor - but messy - thing. The air conditioning pressure-side hose developed an ominous-looking bulge where the hose casing was starting to fail; refrigerant and oil under pressure had begun to seep out, making an oily, goopy mess of my detailed engine bay.

Luckily I had what I needed in the trunk to deal with it - some rags and Honda spray detailer (excellent stuff for cars as well as bikes) to wipe up the mess and then clean my hands so I didn't get the goop all over my car's steering wheel and interior. Plus a roll of electrical tape, which I used to wrap the weak point in the hose and keep more goop from leaking out.

Having a few such items on hand for just-in-case can make all the difference between a minor annoyance and a big pain in the rear; possibly even a much worse problem - such as a grease spot on your once-pristine interior because you didn't have what you needed to clean yourself up after a roadside repair. Here are few things I'd never leave home (in an old car) without:

* Fire extinguisher - Old (all old cars) cars leak. They have carbs (instead of fuel injection) that sometimes backfire, which can easily lead to an engine fire. Old electrical systems short out or overheat. All sorts of potential ways to have a roadside barbeque. Most antique/classic car shows require that each vehicle on display be equipped with a fire extinguisher on hand. Common sense should motivate you to get one for your older car regardless. They make small ones specifically designed for cars. Get one rated to handle gasoline/chemical fires. And keep it in an easily accessible place where you can get to it quickly, such as behind the driver's seat.

* Duct tape/electrical tape - Duct tape can temporarily fix a leaking radiator hose and get you home instead of stuck by the side of the road. Electric tape works well, too - because it stretches and applies/holds pressure as you wind it around whatever you're trying to knit back together. And it's a godsend for temporarily fixing frayed wires - including repairing cracked/broken insulation that would otherwise create a short.

* A pair of thin/surgigical style thin latex rubber gloves and some rags and some Go Jo - Get the gloves at a drugstore or auto parts store. They're very thin, so you can work on the car without losing feel - and they'll keep your hands clean, so you won' ruin the car's upholstery after you're done. A tube/tub of a waterless hand cleaner such as Go-Jo is great to have with you, too. Use the rags to clean yourself up - or wipe stuff up.

* A few basic hand tools - Get one of those combo screwdriver deals that has multiple bits, ideally, stored in the handle. An adjustable crescent wrench, pliers and (if you have the space) a "custom" socket set containing the size sockets most commonly used in your car, such as 7/16, 1/2 and 9/16 (and so on). Don't forget a powerful flashlight - and be sure the batteries are good.

* Key spare parts - This varies from car to car, but to get you thinking: An extra fan belt; a fuse set; a foot of fuel line hose in the correct diameter for your car - along with an extra set of clamps. A quart of oil; a quart of transmission fluid (if you have an automatic). Maybe an extra gallon jug of pre-mixed coolant, if your older car has any leaks at all. A can of Fix-a-Flat tire inflator.


* An old blanket or large towel - You'll be happy you have this if you need to crawl underneath the car; gravel hurts - and lying in mud just sucks. Or, use the towel to cover the driver's seat/upholstery after you're done fixing whatever broke. This will avoid you ruining your just-recovered seats with the oil/grime you got all over your backside.

You can put most of the stuff above into a duffel bag or gym bag and just toss it in the trunk. Since most people don't use their classic/antique cars for getting groceries or carting stuff around, you probably won't miss the lost trunk space.

But you will be very happy to have your "kit" when something does go wrong. Which it will, inevitably.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera R

In 2010 Koenigsegg presented a pre-production version of the Koenigsegg Agera. Since then the pre-production car and several test mules have continued the Agera development program. Similar to all previous Koenigsegg hypercars, the new Agera is the brainchild of Christian von Koenigsegg. The Agera has come to life in order to set new benchmarks for Hypercars when it comes to control, handling, speed, comfort, practicality and sheer driving enjoyment, while combining these features with clean, efficient and beautiful design.

Chevrolet Offers Sneak Peek at New Colorado Show Truck

Chevrolet offered a sneak peek at its Colorado show truck that will officially be unveiled prior to the 32nd Bangkok International Motor Show, which begins March 25, The show truck previews the next-generation Colorado midsize pickup truck, which will build on Chevrolet’s strong truck DNA and award-winning heritage.

Thailand was chosen as the site of the global debut because of the popularity of pickup trucks and the growing importance of the Thai market to Chevrolet. In 2010, the pickup truck segment accounted for 43 percent of vehicles sold in Thailand. The new Colorado will go on sale there later this year.

“Trucks play a key role in most Southeast Asian markets,” said Susan Docherty, vice president, GMIO Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. “Nowhere is this more evident than in Thailand, where trucks like the Colorado are ingrained in the local lifestyle. Thailand was a natural place to give the public a first glimpse of our all-new Colorado.”

More information on the truck will be revealed at the global premiere. The public can get its first look at the Chevrolet Colorado show truck at the Bangkok International Motor Show from March 25 to April 5.

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New Infiniti FX Concept Performance engine

New Infiniti FX Concept Performance engine, At the awards ceremony contest «Car of the Year 2009» flagship Infiniti FX model line has been recognized as the best SUVs-SUV in 2009.

For the first time submitted to the world public at the Geneva Motor 2008 he won the hearts of connoisseurs of the brand Infiniti through stylish sports design, unrestrained dynamics and impeccable technical characteristics.

Under the elegant appearance of aggressive FX hides no less than a perfect technical toppings: along with the new 5-liter engine (400 hp) and 7-speed Automatic in the new Infiniti FX presents the revolutionary development of the company in the area of comfort and security.


The top layer of paint «Protection from scratches»

The body of the new model is covered with special FX «self-recovering» transparent layer of paint to protect the glossy shine. This paint «restore» paintwork scratches the surface after the light to almost original condition.

Around the monitor (Around View Monitor)
In the monitor around the Infiniti FX uses ultra low-carbon cell, set by the front, rear and sides to create FX around the potential sites on all sides of the vehicle, which eliminates the dead zone in the parking lot. The system applies advanced image processing technology to produce a unique type of vehicle with a bird's-eye view.

Crossover Infiniti FX represents a unique driving of aggressive design

Crossover Infiniti FX represents a unique driving of aggressive design, Grass-snake 2DAY, thanks to high technologies, engineers of the company managed to create one of the most dynamical and indicative a distributing frame-overov of the premium-class, existing on the up-to-date automobile market. Crossover Infiniti FX represents a unique driving of aggressive design, dazzling performances and comfort of the passenger car.

"From the moment of the emergence in American market FX has occupied a leading position on such indexes as style, power, a multifunction and technical innovations", - Mark Ajgo (Mark Igo), the Vice-president and general manager Infiniti Division SPK. - "In 2006 And it is real, versions FX of 2007 are an example perfection of design, technics and constructing.

The sample piece is offered in two alternatives: FX45 and FX35.
All-wheel drive FX45 it is riged with standard 4,5-litre propeller DOHC V8 W ultimate output of 328 h.p., new 20-inch wheels and tyres, leather interior, and also the updated "sports" independent suspender of all four wheels W new absorbers.
FX35 It is equipped with propeller V6 W a displacement 3,5 l. The propeller develops ultimate output of 280 h.p. and the max twisting moment of 363 Nanometers.


All FX45 and FX35 are riged with up-to-date electronic system of reconstituting of a twisting moment (ATTESA E-TS?). This system grounded on an innovative guidance system, automatically pitchs 2 wheels an optimum twisting moment depending on a status of road and driving conditions. ATTESA E-TS? Ensures to the car outstanding performances at driving in turning movement thanks to an optimum ratio of the twisting moment passed to the front and rear bridge (from 50:50 B4 0:100).

The design of the car does not yield to its technical characteristics.
Outside FX looks wide and aggressive: such appearance is created by the long low drag cowl, a plain roof and a transparent top hatch.

Five-seater interior FX is a synthesis of fabricability, comfortability and elegance. The hide covering, heating up of front seats, function of storage of resettings, lumbar support, and a steering wheel electrically driven resettings on altitude and a slope - are normal equipment FX. All sample pieces differ an unusual multifunction thanks to a large baggage compartment W friend access 4 loading/discharge; to harmonious pillion seats W friend crandles of clampers.

As, the rear-view camera which one pitchs the plotting of room behind the car to the display goes into the standard complete equipment of all versions Infiniti FX. Infiniti FX not only is bright outbreak in the field of design, it is practicality SUV W character of a sports car, and this car is capable to meet the requirements the most exacting user.

Premium-brand Infiniti-19 years already sells products in different countries

Premium-brand Infiniti-19 years already sells products in different countries, Premium-brand Infiniti, a member of the Japanese auto group Nissan, 19 years already sells its products in the markets of different countries, among which appear even China, Ukraine and Mexico. However, so far mark is not made in Europe. The first country where cars appear Infiniti, will be Spain. Sales start here in October this year, so the company has already identified with prices for some models. For example, the G37 sedan in base instrument will cost Spaniards in the 42 500 euros.

Premium-brand Infiniti-19 years already sells products in different countries, Note that the entire European model lineup, except for the FX50, equipped with a 3.7 - liter V6 engine with a system of adjusting the height of recovery valves VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). And for Europe FX50 crossover completed 5 - liter V8.