Cars Car Australia

A blog dedicated to autos reviewing and latest happenings in automotive.

Top 10 Tips to Maintain Vehicles in Winter

Posted February 22nd, 2012 at 06:02 pm by admin
Filed under: Car Shows
Winters are here and so is the problem of maintaining your vehicles. Vehicles don’t love cold weather as they fail to start, their batteries get ...
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2012 Renault Scenic Facelift

Posted February 22nd, 2012 at 06:02 pm by admin
Filed under: Car Shows
Renault Scenic and its big brother, seven seats Grand scenic, have a face lift for the model ...
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Archive for September, 2009

Top 5 Pickup Trucks of 2011

Are you thinking of starting a business?? If yes, then pickup truck is a must-have to haul your goods. They are not only good for towing your products but they are also good family haulers if you have a big family. They are multipurpose vehicles manufactured with muscular chassis and powerful engine. If you live in a hilly area, then they are the right choice as they can drive through rough and rocky places very easily.

We have compiled some of the best that according to us made our list of top 5 pickup trucks of 2011.

  1. 2011 Ford F-150
  2. 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  3. 2011 Honda Rigidline
  4. 2011 Ford Ranger
  5. 2011 Nissan Frontier

1. 2011 Ford F-150

2011 Ford F-150 is the No.1 on our list of top 5 pickup trucks. Available in three models i-e regular cab, SuperCab and Super Crew, this vehicle is most hailed among the customers and the best selling hauler in the world. With muscular built and strong body, this vehicle can tow heavy cargo with maximum towing capacity of 11,300 pounds. There are three engine choices available. The 3.7-liter V6engine is capable of generating 306 hp of power with Ecoboost technology. A 5.0-liter V8 can deliver 360 hp and the most powerful the 6.2-liter V8 can give 411 hp of output power. The handling is improved with FX2 (2WD) and FX4 (4WD) drive option. The interior is comfy and 4 passengers can easily sit in it. The safety is best and this vehicle has performed well in crash test ratings. The 8-inch screen navigation system helps the driver to find unknown routes.

2. 2011 Toyota Tacoma

2011 Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup with four-cylinder powerful engine and remarkable drivetrain. Available in Regular Cab, Access Cab and Double Cab, the front grill of this vehicle has been designed to enhance the outlook. The interior is now more comfortable with bucket seats. The standard safety features are added to enhance the protection against accidents. Hill assist control allows easy cruising on hilly roads. The hauling capacity of this vehicle is good and it can carry your heavy cargo easily. The 2012 model is now also available with some up gradations.

3. 2011 Honda Rigidline

2011 Honda Rigidline is a single four-door crew-cab that features a rigid chassis and robust engine. A 3.5-liter V6 can generate 250 hp of output power. It gives an impressive mileage of 17mpg combined and can haul trailers upto 5,000 pounds. The interior is spacious and well equipped. There is a capacity to accommodate five people easily. The power-sliding rear window, air-conditioning, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat with under-seat storage, full power accessories and navigation system are some specialties if this vehicle. Anti-lock braking system and stability control ensures passengers safety by providing control and balance to the vehicle.

4. 2011 Ford Ranger

2011 Ford Ranger is a full-size pick up with a 2.3-liter inline-4 that produces an output power of 143 hp. The towing capacity is enough to tow a trailer or even a boat. It is available in three trims including XL, XLT and Sport trim levels. The price is also affordable and the fuel economy is great. The interior is spacious and passengers can comfortably sit in. A full-size spare tire and heavy-duty gas shocks makes the vehicle more sturdy. Safety is made sure with traction control and stability system.

5. 2011 Nissan Frontier

2011 Nissan Frontier is a truck that will enhance the productivity of your business as it is a great hauler and can tow your cargo. Two engine choices are offered that include a 2.5-liter four-engine that can produce 152 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V6 engine that generates 261 hp of output power. The interior is well designed and rear seats can fold to create more space. Hill descent control and hill start assist can give better handling and provides safety to passengers.

So, select the pickup truck that is best for you and enjoy cruising.

Ferrari: New Cars 2012

The Prancing Horse brand steps into bold new territory in Australia in 2012 with the arrival of the four-wheel drive Ferrari FF shooting brake in January. The next highlight comes at March’s Geneva motor show, where the production version of … Continue reading

Chrysler: New Cars 2012

Chrysler 300 – Luxury sedan – Around June The all-new Chrysler 300 is a hugely important car for Chrysler and should gain solid penetration in all markets, including Australia. It’s an all new design, inside and out, along with a … Continue reading

Dodge: New Cars 2012

Dodge Journey – Medium SUV – January The 2012 Dodge Journey will receive a facelift with a new interior, modifications to the grille, lower front fascia and the new Dodge logo. Under the bonnet will be the award-winning 3.6L Pentastar … Continue reading

Jeep: New Cars 2012

Jeep Compass – Compact SUV – January Jeep has redesigned the new compass to closely resemble the Grand Cherokee, and that alone should mean better sales potential for the model. The new Compass also receives a revised suspension for better … Continue reading

Volvo: New Cars 2012

  2012 will be a consolidation year for Volvo after a very busy 2011 for the Chinese-owned Swedish car manufacturer, but there’s still some key activity. V40 Vehicle type: Small car. Timing: 2013 for Australia An all-new five-door hatch called … Continue reading

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the new and upcoming super car ready to give you a true sports car experience. It made its first appearance in open public recently at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The yellow Super Bee has a stunning exterior with luxurious interior. The safety features are added to protect the driver and passengers. The powerful engine can give steady and speedy performance.

President and CEO of SRT and Motorsports Ralph Gilles said, “The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is a salute to the fun-loving past of Dodge muscle cars powered by the legendary 392 HEMI V-8 in a back-to-basics performance machine,”

Stylish Exterior

Stylish exterior of Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is sure to catch everybody’s eyes with it Stinger Yellow color. It is also available in Pitch Black exterior paint with superb Super Bee graphics. The exterior is fashioned with SRT badge and 3D helmeted bee lucky charm. The glossy black grille adds to the stylish exterior. The 20 x 9-inch, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets are integrated elegantly.

Goodyear F1 Supercar three-season and Goodyear Eagle RS-A 2 all-season tires are standard on 2012 badge Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee.The matte black rear decklid spoilers enhances the beauty of both Stinger Yellow model and Pitch Black model. Satin black hood graphics mirror are incorporated on the sides of the chassis.

Spacious Interior

The interior is spacious with exclusive Z-stripe cloth seats that are comfortable. The seats are covered with yellow and silver cloth striping. The headrests are badged with embroidered Super Bee logos and silver accent stitching adorns the headrests.

Robust Engine

The robust engine of 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee can give powerful performance with 6.4-liter 392-cubic inch HEMIV-8 engine. An output power of 470 hp is achieved. The fastest acceleration from 0-60 mph is achieved in almost 4 seconds.

Standard Safety

At high speeds 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee provides standard safety. SRT engineered Brembo brakes with four-piston Brembo calipers gives the vehicle a great stopping power in emergency situations thus avoiding any dangerous collision.

Availability of 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is expected to be available in US in first quarter 2012. The orders will be placed in the start of December this year.

2012 Honda Crosstour-A Review

2012 Honda Crosstour is unique combination of affordability, fuel efficiency and unique design and it will be available for sale deals in January 2012. Car lovers will be excited to know that these wonderful models have been competitively priced and ready to deliver superior performance because EPA ratings are improved by 3% in the city and 2% on the highway in these two upcoming models.

Available Trims

  • EX
  • EX-L

Powertrain

Crosstour is powered by 2.4L i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine which produces Horsepower of 192. Two available models have been designed especially to provide breathtaking performance to users; EX-L is available with satellite linked navigation system of Honda. Efficiency of engine is improved by improved 5-speed automatic transmission in which Grade Logic Control is standard.

EPA Ratings

EPA value for 4-cylinder model is 21mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway.

Standard Feature

  • Automatic dimming rearview mirror
  • Back view mirror back-up camera display
  • Headlights with automatic on/off function
  • USB audio interface
  • Bluetooth Handsfree Link

Exterior

Exterior of Crosstour is quite bold, aerodynamic looks compliment rear cargo area. Body color door handles, alloy wheel (17 inch) are among most prominent exterior features. Tango red pearl and Twilight blue metallic are two new exterior colors available in this spectacular car.

Interior

Interior offers superb cargo space and it is quite versatile and stylish, passenger compartment has all the features which provide comfort and style to front and rear passengers.

Salient Features of Crosstour EX

  • Projector beam headlights
  • Moon roof
  • Power side mirrors
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Steering wheel mounted cruise

Salient Features of Crosstour EX-L

  • Leather trimmed seats
  • Leather wrapped steering wheel
  • Dual zone automatic climate control
  • Automatic dimming rearview mirror

Safety Features

  • ACE body structure
  • Vehicle Stability Assist
  • Antilock brakes
  • Electronic Brake Distribution
  • Brake Assist
  • Side Curtain Airbags
  • Passenger side Occupant Position Detection System
  • Dual stage Multi-threshold front airbags
  • Active Front Seat Head Restraints

Car Shopping- Which is better?? Buying or Leasing

Car Shopping have always been tougher and with the world economy going to the downside, having a car is just the brightest thing no matter whether you buy it or lease it. Some shortcomings like mileage restrictions and calculated residual values makes leasing a less charming choice for car shopping but with the today’s changeable economic conditions one thinks its better to lease than to buy.

Art Spinella has rightly said,

“If it’s two or three years, you’re better off leasing, … If it’s longer than three years you’re better off buying.”

So, if you are still in confusion which option to choose check do out our views also.

Get to know the Nuts and Bolts

First you should know the essentials of car leasing; it is more like renting a car but with some terms and conditions.

Capitalized cost

Price of the car is the first thing you need to work out. You have to bargain it even when you choose to lease.

Money factor

Money factor or Interest rate is often kept hidden from the consumer, so do check all the issues before signing the deal.

Residual value

It is the value your vehicle will have at the end of the leasing period. This value is calculated in advance of the leasing term.

Turn-in fee

Do check the turn- in fees and penalties which will cost you if you don’t take proper care of the vehicle or drive it for a longer period.

Check Out the Benefits and Drawbacks

Everything in the world has its benefits and draw backs, positives and negatives and so does the leasing.

No doubt you enjoy some benefits like you get a chance of driving a new vehicle. You have to pay tax only on the leasing price. You can give the vehicle back to the dealer how much the price of the vehicle has been depreciated during the years. Also sometimes you get a free maintenance of the vehicle

But on the other hand, there are some disadvantages also. You were paying only for driving the car and after the lease period ends you won’t have the car in your hand. Also, sometimes it becomes difficult to pay the money when you are drenched in financial crises.

Watch out for the Economy

Increasing unemployment and changeable economic conditions have left the car shoppers in wonder whether it is better to lease or not. But in these days of unpredictable economy the conditions are in favor of leasing

According to Brian Taylor

“What we might see happen is an increase in leasing, which was not an option for private use in the early 1990s recession, where people can get out of a car and into another one for the same, if not less, monthly payment,”

Almost zero Sales tax

The sales tax you are giving on the lease amount is almost negligible as it is much less than the tax you will pay when you will buy the car. Imagine if you buy a $ 58,000 car with the 8% interest and you have to pay the tax on whole amount your bank account will get empty.

Less Interest Rate

You have to give monthly installments in leasing so interest rate will be automatically lower.

Free Maintenance

Though the car is new whether you buy it or lease it and maintenance is as such not required however, Most of the lease terms include free maintenance and oil change so, you can save some money.

Deal in your hand

In the end, deal is in your favor as you don’t know what will be the value of car after 2 or 3 years so, you don’t have to worry if the economic conditions are good or bad. At the end of the lease period you will hand back the vehicle to the dealer. However, if you have bought the vehicle you might be in trouble if the economy goes down.

Get the Best!!

Some cars like 2007 BMW 328i and 2008 Mercedes SLK are available with the best lease deals. Also some auto companies like GM are leasing luxury vehicles. People prefer these deals instead of buying the cars. So, whether you are the victim of the bad economic conditions or not, choose what’s the best for you.

Kia Optima Si $30,490 new variant

Kia Australia has today released details of a new Optima variant, named Si. Priced at $30,490, $6,500 less than the Optima Platinum (pictured), the Si comes with the same engine and transmission, but cuts out a few of the luxury … Continue reading

  
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