April 14th, 2006
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by: Peter Johnson
Taking a car out for a test drive is essential before buying any new or used car. Don’t let that new car smell fool you, not every new car is the right one for you. Use this test drive checklist before your next test drive.
Before the test drive ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the vehicle look attractive to you?
- Is it available in a colour you like?
- Is the vehicle easy to get into?
- Does the interior come in a colour you like?
- Is their enough headroom, legroom, etc. when the seat and steering wheel are properly adjusted? Sit in the front and the back.
- Are the gauges easy to read?
Once you are ready to hit the road, answer these questions as you are driving.
- Is the engine as quiet and smooth as you expected?
- Does the steering have a nice feel to it?
- Does the vehicle have adequate power for acceleration? How about with the A/C on?
- Does the vehicle handle well?
- How are the brakes? Does the vehicle stop safely? Try the vehicle on a variety of roads, including the highway.
- Does the suspension absorb road irregularities well? Is it too soft or too hard?
- Are the interior noise levels okay on the highway? Listen for the engine, wind and road noise.
- Try all of the accessories including the radio, heater, A/C, and power features to ensure that they operate to your liking.
Once back to the dealership, try to do the following
- Try parking the vehicle. Does it have any blind spots?
- Walk around the vehicle with the engine running. How does it sound? Also, take a look at the engine while it’s running. Does everything seem in good order?
- Check the trunk. Is it large enough? Is the trunk opening large enough for balky items? - Do the rear seats fold down?
A great way to test drive a new car is to check if you could rent one from a rental company. This has two benefits. First, you can drive the vehicle for a longer period of time. Second, you can see how it has held up with a few thousand miles already on it.
Write down what you would like to look for before you test drive a new car. With all the excitement you may forget to look for something that is of interest to you. Test drive the competition as well. This will help you determine how well the vehicle you are interested in compares with its closest competitors.
Come prepared and you’ll enjoy the experience and learn from it.
About The Author
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for all-about-car-selection.com.
pjohnson@all-about-car-selection.com
Written by admin on April 14th, 2006 with no comments.
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by: Kenneth McKinleyFrom the Ford Motor Company????????s Volvo division, the Volvo V40 is a sedan that has been making heads turn. It has been crafted and manufactured since 1999 up until the present. When it was introduced, it actually filled in the spot and niche that the Volvo 450 had left. It is a compact car, holds four doors, and is a sedan. It has been said that its competition in the market include the Acura TSX, the Audi A3, the BMW 2-series, and the Infiniti G20. By looking at the history of the Volvo V40, one could say that indeed there have been two different models, or generations, under the same name. The first generation was launched in 1995, while the other one was just launched recently, in the year 2004.
If you are interested in acquiring a Volvo V40 as your own and you do have $25,700, you most possibly can own one. For sure, this vehicle is guaranteed to be a safe wagon, after all, it is a Volvo, and Volvos are known for providing more than enough safety to its passengers. It has the Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS), the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), and the Inflatable Curtains (IC) all made standard for the Volvo V40.
Aside from providing safety, the vehicle also provides a good performance, delivery, as well as functionality. It offers a twin scroll turbo charger with intercooler, and also an adaptive five speed microprocessor controlled automatic transmission. All these are made standard. The rear seats of the vehicle are split 70/30. They can even fold flat on the floor so as to provide extra space and extra storage for cargo. That way, the Volvo V40 gives its owners and its users the chance to stack in cargo in the 68.1 cubic feet of cargo space that it holds. The power of this vehicle comes from a dynamic turbocharged engine that holds four cylinders. This power machine could produce some 170 units of horsepower at 5500 rpm. And yes, for entertainment, it has a full concert hall sound with special thanks to the seven speaker stereo system found inside the Volvo V40.
For all technological wonders, safety features, and mechanical prowess that the Volvo vehicles have, http://www.voparts.com offers the most impressive line up of Volvo performance parts, replacement parts, OEM parts, and Volvo accessories. Their online collection of quality and durable Volvo parts like V40 parts, include air intake system parts, brakes, cooling system parts, electrical parts, electrical engine parts, mechanical engine parts, fuel injection parts, fuel system parts, service tools and transmission parts among many others. These are guaranteed to be the best in the industry. These heavy duty and highly reliable Volvo parts are available at Volvo Parts and Used Volvo Parts???????? online collection and inventory.
About The Author
Kenneth McKinley is a 35-year old marketing specialist of voparts.com, a leading Volvo parts dealer in the country today. Working in the car parts industry for a long time now and being a car enthusiast himself gives him a wealth of knowledge on anything automotive.
Volvo Parts and Used Volvo Parts http://www.voparts.com/volvo-accessories.html
kenneth@voparts.com
Written by admin on April 14th, 2006 with no comments.
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First offered in 2006 as a limited edition production run of 500 units, the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B returns as a regular production model for 2007 and features a host of performance and interior enhancements.
In addition to the new SI-Drive system, the 2007 spec.B also gains a modified version of the 6- speed manual transmission from the Impreza(R) WRX(R) STI(R), plus the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Also new for 2007, a Torsen(R) limited-slip rear differential helps to optimize traction at the rear wheels.Like all Subaru models, the 2007 Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B features Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive as standard equipment. The 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine in the spec.B produces 243 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 241 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm. The new Subaru SI-Drive system will also be standard on all Legacy 2.5 GT Limited and Outback(R) 2.5 XT Limited models for 2007 (all are powered by the same engine).
SI-Drive: Three Engines in One
The new SI-Drive system allows the driver to maximize engine performance, control and efficiency by choosing from among three selectable modes - “Intelligent”, “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” - using a rotary dial on the center console.
The SI-Drive controls the electronic throttle system’s response and fuel and ignition curves to modify engine torque characteristics, changing the performance character of the car in each mode. With “Intelligent” mode selected, the system reduces engine torque and maximum power and switches to a more relaxed throttle response curve. Intelligent mode is an ideal choice for commuting in traffic, for example, where it can also help boost fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent.
In “Sport” mode, the performance of the 2.5 GT spec.B (and other 2007 turbo Legacy and Outback models) is similar to the 2006 model, with quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration.
In “Sport Sharp” mode, SI-Drive modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver lightning-quick throttle response and more power sooner. Delivering maximum driving enjoyment, this mode is ideal for tackling twisty roads and for merging or overtaking other vehicles on the highway with confidence.
On 2007 Legacy and Outback models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission (not available on Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B), SI-Drive also changes the transmission’s shift patterns. It will hold each gear longer through the rpm range and downshift more quickly under hard acceleration, depending on the mode selected.
The SI-Drive system includes instrument panel displays that allow the driver to monitor performance. The multi-information display located in the tachometer face - in addition to providing trip computer functions - denotes the selected SI-Drive mode and provides an active torque curve display.
Exclusive Bilstein Sport Suspension
The 2007 model carries forward the Bilstein(R) Sport Suspension with inverted front struts similar to that in the rally-bred Impreza WRX STI, including aluminum-alloy lower control arms, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and high-performance tires. The multi-link rear suspension features aluminum- alloy rear arms and upper links in place of cast-iron pieces to reduce unsprung weight.
Luxury, Power and Performance
Once again, the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B features an exclusive interior design, for 2007
featuring Charcoal Gray leather-trimmed upholstery with Dusk Blue Alcantar(R) inserts. A new standard SRS(R) WOW audio system brings a new sonic performance and quality to the Legacy line, plus MP3 and Windows(R) Media Audio (WMA) playback and an input jack for iPods and other portable audio devices. All Legacy and Outback audio systems for 2007 offer XM(R) Satellite Radio capability.
The standard 8-way power driver’s seat gains a memory function for 2007, and the interior is further differentiated from the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited model by aluminum-alloy pedal covers, a 3-spoke MOMO(R) leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and “spec.B” floor mats. The Subaru Navigation System remains standard on the spec.B model and available for all automatic transmission-equipped Legacy 2.5 GT Limited models.
Standard features shared with the 2.5 GT Limited Sedan include dual-zone automatic climate control, performance-design front seats, power moonroof, 4- stage heated front seats, a 4-way power passenger seat and heated exterior mirrors. In addition, all Legacy sedan models for 2007 gain a new standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with trunk pass-through to enhance cargo- carrying versatility.
All Legacy models for 2007 feature, as standard equipment, the Subaru Advanced Frontal Air Bag System, front seat side impact air bags, active front seat head restraints and side curtain air bags.
Written by admin on April 14th, 2006 with no comments.
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