Saturday, October 31, 2015

Car Features - Largest Vehicle Recalls in the Philippines and Around the World

Vehicle recalls are meant to call back your vehicle (duh) to fix something that may put your car and you in harm. Recalls can put the brand in either two ways: they are concerned of you or just hiding something without informing. The Philippines, although a small market, had its share of vehicle recalls initiated by the manufacturers themselves. However, in a worldwide point of view (mostly in the United States), there are millions of vehicles that are usually involved. So lets list down the top five vehicle recalls in the Philippines and around the world.

5 LARGEST VEHICLE RECALLS IN THE PHILIPPINES

5. Honda
Cause: Metal bands holding the fuel tank has the tendency to snap and the tank to detach when it vibrates.
Units affected: 12,480
Models involved: 2001-2004 Honda Civic
Date: June 2005
4. Mitsubishi
Cause: Front suspension arm's weld condition can be lacking that it would tend to break when vehicle is overused.
Units affected: 15,453
Models involved: 2015-2012 Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Strada
Date: August 2013

3. Honda
Cause: Lighting switch tends to wear out especially if it is turned on that stresses the low beam wire.
Units affected: 20,587
Models involved: 2002-2004 Honda CR-V
Date: March 2012



2. Honda
Cause: Silicone component that enters into the power window master switch that accelerates wear in the contact area whose resin material of the unit switch may cause smoke or partial burning of the window switch cover.
Units affected: 20,674
Models involved: 2006-2008 Honda City, 2005-2007 Jazz, and 2005-2006 CR-V
Date: September 2011

1. Toyota
Cause: Spiral cable retainer whose location and figure may have a loss of connectivity towards the driver's airbag which will not deploy in case of crash.
Units affected: 50,000 approximate
Models involved: November 2004-June 2010 Toyota Fortuner, Hilux, and Innova
Date: April 2014





5 LARGEST VEHICLE RECALLS WORLDWIDE

5. Toyota
Cause: Unintended acceleration either caused by sticky pedal mechanism or floor mats that dealers love to give away. Two recalls were done to the above mentioned issues to stop the wild behavior.
Units affected: 6.67 million
Models involved: 2004-2010 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Tacoma, and Tundra; Lexus ES and IS; Pontiac Vibe 

4. General Motors
Cause: Engine mounts, when separated, can result to a devastating phenomenon of the engine falling back on the throttle cable which produces full throttle or unintended (before Toyota went under fire with this issue) acceleration.
Units affected: 6.7 million
Models involved: 1965-1970 Chevrolet Bel Air, Brookwood, Camaro, Caprice, Chevy II, G Series, Impala, Kingswood, Nova, P Series, C Series, and Townsman; GMC C Series, G Series, and P Series
Date: December 1971

3. Toyota
Cause: Switch assembly in the power windows had insufficient amount of grease placed which may result to friction, smoke, or fire. It was a worldwide affair, prompting Toyota Philippines to recall five models in October 2012.
Units affected: 7.43 million worldwide
Models involved: 2005-2010 Toyota Auris, Belta, Camry, Corolla (various models worldwide), Highlander, Ist, Matrix, RAV4, Ractis, Sequoia, Tundra, and Yaris/Vios/Vitz/Belta; Scion xB and xD
Date: October 2012

2. Ford
Cause: Ignition switch is faulty especially that some of them self-ignite by themselves (we are not kidding here) causing electrical shorts and steering column meltdown.
Units affected: 7.9 million
Models involved: 1988-1993 Ford Aerostar, Bronco, Crown Victoria, Escort, F Series trucks, Mustang, Tempo, and Thunderbird; Lincoln Town Car; Mercury Cougar, Grand Marquis, and Topaz
Date: April 1996

1. Ford
Cause: Cruise control posed as a fire hazard, especially that the switch has the tendency to overheat, smoke, or burn hours after when the vehicle parked. For older models, it would tend to spread to the ABS system.
Units affected: More than 14 million, although 4.5 million units were originally recalled.
Models involved: 1992-2003 Ford Explorer, Excursion, Ranger, Windstar, E150-E450, and F150-F450; Mercury Mountaineer
Date: 2008 for the original 4.5 million units, October 2009 for the expansion

Friday, October 30, 2015

Car Profiles - Ssangyong Rodius (2004-2012)

2004-2012 Ssangyong Rodius

The Good: More space

The Bad: Very ugly

The Say: Save yourself by avoiding this stuff.

Go For: 9 seater
Avoid: 11 seater, its cramped

Price Range: P410,000-P620,000
Our Rating: **

Related Review: None as of the Moment

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2004-2012

2004 BMW X5 and the sat nav is showing an error


Question:

I have a 2004 BMW X5 and the sat nav is showing an error. Have cleaned the laser, cleaned the disc, tried the DVD unit in another BMW and it works fine! But I still have an error message pop up when I try and access the sat nav.


Answer:

Try performing a battery disconnect. You have to remove the spare tire and the cover over the battery. Wait at least 5 minutes after the key is shut off before disconnecting battery negative. Once you have disconnected the battery leave it disconnected for about ten minutes. This will re-set all of the modules. Once you have re-connected and started the vehicle turn the steering wheel lock to lock and the abs lights will go out. Now check the function of your Nav system.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Online Car Repair & Maintenance





Just how important is car repair and Maintenance? Do we really need to spend money on our cars? Can't we just put gas in it and drive it forever? The answer to these questions can best be answered with another question. How long do you want to be able to drive your car?



Without proper maintenance your cars life may be short lived. Sure, if you are just going to trade it back in at the end of your 36,000 mile warranty you can just put gas in it and drive it. But with today's economy there isn't to many people buying new cars. So I guess we are going to need to be able to rely on that car for a good while yet and that's where proper car repairs and maintenance can help insure reliability for a long time.



The basics are simple: change the oil regularly, rotate your tires, check your fluids and filters. How often should you do this? Mary says her dad told her that he heard from a friend that you only need to change your oil every 7,000 miles. Well, Lets refer to the above question, How long do you want to be able to drive your car? You can change the oil every 7,000 miles but the engine probably won't last much longer than 120,000 miles before the sludge costs you an engine ($5000.00). You should change your oil every 3,000 miles to insure proper engine lubrication and not worry about the engine for up to 500,000 miles. But, Mary said he owners manual said she could wait longer....  That may be true, but lets think for a minute. The owners manual comes from the manufacturer who is only going to warranty the engine for a short period of time. After that your on your own and the manufacturer only makes money if you have to buy another car..... I think you get the idea. When you have your oil change is perfect time to rotate the tires and check your fluids. Car Maintenance can and will save you money in the long run and help your car deliver many years of reliable driving.

Car Profiles - Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2004-2013)

2004-2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The Good: Can hold the candle on and off the path

The Bad: Isn't fast or sporty as the badge suggests

The Say: The image comes at a cost.

Go For: V8 Supercharged
Avoid:

Price Range: Data Not Available
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: None as of the Moment

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Car Profiles - Chevrolet Sonic Sedan

CHEVROLET SONIC SEDAN

An update gave the Sonic a lower end variant at a lower price entry (without any differentiation to the LT) but it does not have the hatchback's MyLink system. Still a good alternative from the class leaders.

The Good: Spacious
The Bad: Low rent interior

Price Range: P698,888-P718,888
Our Rating: ***

Last Update: October 29, 2014


OWNERSHIP DETAILS1.4 LT1.4 LS
PriceP698,888 (MT), P738,888 (AT)P678,888 (MT), P718,888 (AT)
Warranty5 Years or 100,000kms5 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
EngineLDD 1.4 DOHC 16V I4LDD 1.4 DOHC 16V I4
Horsepower99hp @ 6,000rpm99hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque130Nm @ 4,000rpm130Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel TypeGasoline/93 OctaneGasoline/93 Octane
Fuel SystemSequential Multi Port InjectionSequential Multi Port Injection
Transmission5-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic5-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity46 Liters46 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length4,399mm4,399mm
Width1,735mm1,735mm
Height1,517mm1,517mm
Wheelbase2,525mm2,525mm
Curb Weight
Body Style4-Door Sedan4-Door Sedan
Engine/Drive TypeFront Engine/Front Wheel DriveFront Engine/Front Wheel Drive
Seating55
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front SuspensionMcPherson Strut and StabilizerMcPherson Strut and Stabilizer
Rear SuspensionCompound Crank (Torsion Beam) with Double Walled V-Beam DesignCompound Crank (Torsion Beam) with Double Walled V-Beam Design
Front BrakesVentilated DiscsVentilated Discs
Rear BrakesDrum BrakesDrum Brakes
Tires205/55 R16205/55 R16
Wheels16 Inch Alloy16 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags22
Anti-Lock BrakesYesYes
Traction/Stability ControlNoneNone
Other Safety FeaturesAdds: NoneCentral Lock, ISO-FIX Seats, Rear Parking Assist, High Mount Stop Lamp, Tire Pressure Monitor
EXTERIOR
Fog LampsFront and RearFront and Rear
Other Exterior FeaturesAdds: NoneChrome Door Handles, Chrome Accents
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel AdjustmentTiltTilt
Steering Wheel MaterialUrethaneUrethane
Seating AdjustmentManualManual
Seating MaterialFabricFabric
Other Interior FeaturesAdds: None60/40 Fold Rear Seat, Assist Grip, Chrome Inside Door Handles and Gearknob, Graphite Silver Metallic Panel Center, Front Power Outlet
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power AmenitiesSteering, Windows, Door Locks, MirrorsSteering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors
Climate ControlManualManual
Audio SystemAM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/AUX/USBAM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/AUX/USB
Speakers66
Steering Wheel ControlsYes, AudioYes, Audio
AlarmYesYes
Keyless EntryYes, with Immobilizer and Foldable KeyYes, with Immobilizer
RIVALSFord Fiesta, Honda City, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Nissan Almera, Toyota Vios

See previous generation models of the Sonic Sedan:

controls on the steering wheel are not working


QUESTION:

2003 Honda pilot the controls on the steering wheel are not working. the horn the cruise control buttons and the volume buttons for the radio. they all stopped working at the same time. all the fuses are good. is there are any common problems with these SUV or what could it be?


ANSWER:

If all the fuse are good in all the fuse panels, under dash & under hood. Do you have brake lights? The only thing that shares in common it the cable reel. This helps make electrical contact for the items on the steering wheel to the steering column. Look for part#1 in the above diagram.

Car Profiles - Land Rover Discovery (2004-2009)

2004-2009 Land Rover Discovery

The Good: A great drive on and off road

The Bad: Fuel and maintenance costs aren't terrific

The Say: A fine machine that is only for the selected few.

Go For: TDV6
Avoid: V8 models

Price Range: P2,500,000-P2,800,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: None as of the Moment

Pre Winter Inspection

All summer and fall you get in your car, turn the key and it starts, gets you to your destination without any problems.  So why have it inspected?  Good question.  A good pre-winter inspection looks at over 7 areas that can cause cold weather, winter related problems.  The first I’m going to write about is your battery.

 For your car to start you need a battery with sufficient power to ‘crank’ your engine.  Just because your headlights, radio, wiper blades work does not mean you have a good battery.  These components take very little power to work (less than 10 amps).  Your battery needs to give your starter 250 amps or more for it to crank. Therefore, just because your headlights work, and your radio work does NOT mean you have a good battery.

Auto batteries use lead and acid.  Thru some magic of chemistry the lead and acid produce electricity to start your car and keep it running.  Once it is running the alternator recharges your battery.  The production of electricity is dependent on the outside temperature.  At approximately 70 degrees the battery has 100% of its available power.  At 32 degrees the battery only has 25% of its full power.

To make matters worse, the colder an engine gets, the harder it is to crank.  At 32 degrees, your engine is four times harder to start than a warm engine. 

As you can tell, all summer and fall a weak battery can crank your engine, and lead you to believe you have a good battery.  Once the temperature drops, this bad battery can no longer crank your engine.  If you notice that you car seems harder to crank, you may need a battery.

Batteries are easy to test.  We connect our battery tester to your battery and drain your battery at a rate of 250 amps.  After 15 seconds a good battery will indicate over 10 volts.  A weak battery will indicate over 9.6 volts.  Any reading under 9.6 volts is a bad battey and it must be replaced. 

Next week I'll discuss your alternator and how it is related to your battery.

Safe motoring
Eliot Silverman  B.S. Mechanical Engineering University of Michigan 1979
Owner of Eliot's Complete Auto Repair Shop
3658 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60613

Why get a Pre-Winter Safety Inspection

All summer and fall you get in your car, turn the key and it starts, gets you to your destination without any problems.  So why have it inspected?  Good question.  A good pre-winter inspection looks at over 7 areas that can cause cold weather, winter related problems.  The first I’m going to write about is your battery.

 For your car to start you need a battery with sufficient power to ‘crank’ your engine.  Just because your headlights, radio, wiper blades work does not mean you have a good battery.  These components take very little power to work (less than 10 amps).  Your battery needs to give your starter 250 amps or more for it to crank. Therefore, just because your headlights work, and your radio work does NOT mean you have a good battery.

Auto batteries use lead and acid.  Thru some magic of chemistry the lead and acid produce electricity to start your car and keep it running.  Once it is running the alternator recharges your battery.  The production of electricity is dependent on the outside temperature.  At approximately 70 degrees the battery has 100% of its available power.  At 32 degrees the battery only has 25% of its full power.

To make matters worse, the colder an engine gets, the harder it is to crank.  At 32 degrees, your engine is four times harder to start than a warm engine. 

As you can tell, all summer and fall a weak battery can crank your engine, and lead you to believe you have a good battery.  Once the temperature drops, this bad battery can no longer crank your engine.  If you notice that you car seems harder to crank, you may need a battery.

Batteries are easy to test.  We connect our battery tester to your battery and drain your battery at a rate of 250 amps.  After 15 seconds a good battery will indicate over 10 volts.  A weak battery will indicate over 9.6 volts.  Any reading under 9.6 volts is a bad battey and it must be replaced. 

Next week I'll discuss your alternator and how it is related to your battery.

Safe motoring
Eliot Silverman  B.S. Mechanical Engineering University of Michigan 1979
Owner of Eliot's Complete Auto Repair Shop
3658 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60613

Car Profiles - Ford Escape

FORD ESCAPE

Now based on the Focus, the Escape is not anymore the rugged one that we know previously. Now boasting EcoBoost engines, this one offers performance that rivals naturally aspirated contemporaries. While deliveries start January next year, you may now drool on the features being crammed for the price.

The Good:
The Bad:

Price Range: P1,490,000-P1,790,000
Our Rating:

Last Update: October 28, 2014

OWNERSHIP DETAILSTitaniumSE
PriceP1,790,000P1,490,000
Warranty3 Years or 100,000kms3 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
EngineEcoBoost 2.0 DOHC 16V I4 TurbochargedEcoBoost 1.6 DOHC 16V I4 Turbocharged
Horsepower237hp @ 5,500rpm176hp @ 5,700rpm
Torque366Nm @ 3,000rpm249Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel TypeGasoline/93 OctaneGasoline/93 Octane
Fuel SystemDirect InjectionDirect Injection
Transmission6-Speed Powershift6-Speed Powershift
Fuel Tank Capacity59 Liters59 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length4,505mm4,524mm
Width1,810mm2,078mm
Height1,480mm1,684mm
Wheelbase2,650mm2,690mm
Curb Weight
Body Style5 Door SUV5 Door SUV
Engine/Drive TypeFront Engine/All Wheel DriveFront Engine/Front Wheel Drive
Seating55
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front SuspensionMcPherson StrutMcPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionMulti LinkMulti Link
Front BrakesDiscDisc
Rear BrakesDiscDisc
Tires235/45 R19235/55 R17
Wheels19 Inch Alloy17 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags77
Anti-Lock BrakesYes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake AssistYes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist
Traction/Stability ControlYes, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control, and Traction ControlYes, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control, and Traction Control
Other Safety FeaturesAdds: Side Mirror Security Approach Lamps, Reverse Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert. Deletes: Integrated Blind Spot Information System on Side MirrorsActive Park Assist, Integrated Blind Spot Information System on Side Mirrors, Driver's Seat Position Sensor, Crash Severity Sensor, Front Passenger Sensing System, Rollover Sensor, Front Occupant Beltminder, LATCH Seats, SOS Post Crash Alert System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System
EXTERIOR
Fog LampsFrontFront
Other Exterior FeaturesBi-Xenon Headlamps, Roof Rails, Side Mirror Signal Repeaters, Chrome Liftgate Garnish, Body Color Grille with Chrome Insert, Front and Rear Rain Sensing Wipers, Trailer Tow Class III (1,591kg)Spoiler, Dual Exhaust Tip with Chrome Finish, Rear Window Defroster with Timer, Black Grille with Chrome Insert, Battery Saver with Headlamps Off Delay, Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler with Lock, Rear Wiper with Intermittent Wash/Wipe
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel AdjustmentTilt/TelescopicTilt/Telescopic
Steering Wheel MaterialLeatherUrethane
Seating AdjustmentPower, Driver and Front Passenger with Memory and HeatPower, Driver
Seating MaterialLeatherFabric
Other Interior FeaturesAdds: Ambient Lighting, Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror, Leather Shift Knob, Colored Keyed Steering Wheel, 110V Power Converter Outlet, All Weather Floor Mats, Hands Free Liftgate, Sun RoofLoad Floor Tie Down Hooks, Chrome Door Handles, Front Passenger and Second Row Grab Handles, Front and Rear Dome Lights, Front Map Light, Rear Cargo Light, Privacy Glass, Rear Center Armrest and Recline, 60/40 Fold Rear Seat, Illuminated Vanity Mirrors, Power Points, Illuminated Entry System
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power AmenitiesSteering (Electric), Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with HeatSteering (Electric), Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors
Climate ControlAutomatic, DualManual
Audio SystemAM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/RCA Video Jack/2 USB/Bluetooth and SD Card with MyFord TouchFord SYNC, and Premium Sony Audio SystemAM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/USB with MyFord Touch and Ford SYNC
Speakers106
Steering Wheel ControlsYes, Audio and Cruise ControlYes, Audio and Cruise Control
AlarmYes, PerimeterYes, Perimeter
Keyless EntryYes, Remote Keyless with Intelligent Access Push Button Start, Smart Key, and Ford MyKeyYes, Remote Keyless with Intelligent Access Push Button Start, Smart Key, and Ford MyKey
RIVALSHonda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4

See previous generation models of the Escape

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Car Profiles - Mercedes Benz G Class

MERCEDES BENZ G CLASS

The Good: Its tough
The Bad: But has poor on-road manners

Price Range: P10,800,000-P13,800,000
Our Rating: *

TABLE TO BE ADDED SOON

Monday, October 26, 2015

Used Car Review - Volkswagen Touareg (2004-2006)

Before leaving October, Myk Belmonte investigates this SUV if its worth the buy.

2004-2006 Volkswagen Touareg

History
Volkswagens are used to be popular in the game of sedans (Jetta, Passat), hatchbacks (Beetle, Golf), and somewhat MPVs and vans (Sharan, Caravelle). With the popularity of sport utility vehicles during the early 2000s, Volkswagen has no choice but to enter since all the profits are in that category.

Bet you didn't know that the Touareg is developed together with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7, which shares the same platform but differs in equipment, styling, and technical items. Since the three vehicles are designed with off-roading and sports car handling in mind, they were technically the first SUV offerings of the three German brands. The 7L Touareg was first offered in 2002 and produced until 2010.

Auto Prominence, Volkswagen's local distributor before, shipped in this SUV in April 2004 with the V6 guise arriving first and the V8 being available in October. In terms of price, it competed against its European stalwarts, as well with some high end Japanese and American SUVs. The higher engine was dropped in July 2005 and the vehicle sometime in 2006, with the Touareg nameplate resurfacing seven years later as a second generation model.

Value and Costs
In other countries, this vehicle is marketed as a high end vehicle as opposed to other Volkswagens being mass market ones and this approach is also done here before. Price started at P4.2M for the V6 (an additional P200,000 for units with an air suspension) and the V8 costing P5M, which was rather expensive for something that is viewed as a people's car. Because of this, only a few Touaregs of this generation were sold which meant less supply in the used car market. Another source to look out are second hand imports but they aren't that popular, too.

Since this is a vehicle which didn't sell well, expect limited availability of parts (although the new distributor of Volkswagen may accept servicing of old units) against BMW and Mercedes Benz. Do not expect levels of diesel SUV maintenance, especially when going with the monstrous V8.

Exterior and Interior
Unlike the Cayenne which has a love it or hate it design, the Touareg sports a more simpler design which is controversial free than the more luxurious cousin. Although at some angles it may look bulky, it manages to hold itself.

Its large dimension outside translates to a roomy cabin for five in comfort (no third row option available, that's relegated to the Q7 whose extended wheelbase is meant for that) despite sporting a less roomy cabin than other rivals. Inside, a high quality interior with wood panels treats the occupants with the 4WD knob located below the transmission knob.

Engine
A 3.2 V6 (which came standard among 2002-2004 Touaregs) having 217hp and a 306hp 4.2 V8 were the engine options back in the day. The V6 is refined and decent enough for everyone while the V8 gains more power. We recommend going with the lesser one unless you prefer more expenses (which we assume so).

Driving Impressions
Even though it may look large outside, this SUV has driving manners which are civilized on the cemented road and does amazingly well when the rough gets going. Driving this one on-road will reward you a smooth and comfortable drive especially it was tuned that way, as opposed to the Cayenne's sporty handling.

Verdict
With Volkswagen producing an SUV is like a popular celebrity vying for a position in the elections and winning, but the German brand was successful in placing itself in the SUV race. The Touareg may be rare but it is one bargain if you are willing to compromise yourself with several issues.




The Good:

  • Smooth on the road
  • Great off-road
  • Comfortable to be in
The Bad:
  • Heavy
  • Somewhat less space at the back
  • Expensive maintenance costs
The Pick: 3.2 V6

THE SPECS
Engines: 3.2 V6 and 4.2 V8
Power: 217hp (V6), 306hp (V8)
Torque: Data Not Avaulable
Fuel Consumption: 4-7km/L (city), 7-10km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link (with air suspension for V6)

MORE INFO
Price (New): P4,200,000-P5,000,000
Price (Now): P850,000-P1,000,000
Rivals: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery, Mercedes Benz M Class, Volvo XC90
On Sale: April 2004-2006
Resources:

Contacts:
Lainie Jesuitas (accepts Volkswagens and other European cars for repair) - (02) 775-1744

Get the best deal buying a car in a fallin market!


Since automotive sales are tanking, now's the time to put off that new car purchase, right? Wrong. While it may seem silly to part with your hard-earned money right now, economic doldrums mean that now is one of the best times in years to get an incredible deal on a new car. The deals won't just happen by themselves, though.

1) Show the dealer you're a strong, serious buyer who can either afford to pay cash for the car or will qualify for financing.

2) While sales are down overall, some individual models, and even some brands, are still going strong. To get the best deal, you have to target your shopping. Look for good cars that aren't selling well.

3) Remember that no matter what incentives are available, you still may be able to negotiate for more. Play your cards right and you may turn a $2,000 incentive into $4,000.

4) While paying 0 percent financing on a car loan may not be as exciting as getting $3,000 cash back, over the long term, the lower financing rate may save you more money.

5) Remember that you can always negotiate the price of your trade. It's always a good idea to bring in an online estimate of your car's value. Full Article

Sunday, October 25, 2015

What does McCain and Sarah Palin Drive?


They may not agree on how to handle Pakistan or what the "Bush Doctrine" means, but Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin both think Volkswagen's are cool. The senior senator from Arizona counts a 2005 VW convertible among his 13 cars, and his running mate from the great state of Alaska drives a fire-engine-red Jetta diesel when she isn't chasing down moose on a snowmobile or carrying hockey teams or tanning beds in her state-issued Suburban.


Word that McCain drives a furrin car brought a quick response from the Obama campaign, which wanted to know just what country McCain is putting first. But the Obamaniacs missed the point. The only convertible VW imported to the states in 2005 was the Beetle. That's right -- tough-as-nails John McCain drives the biggest chick car on the planet. Full Story

2001 Chrysler Intrepid battery light on





I went to a mechanic a month ago and replace the alternator because my battery light came on.  After about one month, the battery light came on again.  I went to the same mechanic and he said that the oxygen senor is faulty.  If I unplugged one oxygen sensor and I did not fix that one oxygen sensor. Will the car still run and won’t shut down?  What are the problems that the car might cause?



Response:



the battery light coming on has nothing to do with an oxygen sensor. I would suggest going to a different shop and having it retested.

An Oxygen sensor has nothing to do with the battery light. If you unplug an oxygen sensor it will still run but have bad gas mileage and the check engine light will come on.



Saturday, October 24, 2015

how do I remove drivers side window on 1999 Saturn SC2?

Question:
I have removed both the interior and exterior door panels on the driver's side. I can't seem to figure out how to remove the two clips that hold the bottom of the drivers window in place on the roll-up mechanism. My windows are the manual roll-up type, not powered.

Answer:
You are almost there. all you have to do now is push the window glass back towards the car( also with the window about half way up so the 2 white tabs that hold the window to regulator is visible) then the tab that is closer to the back of the car push down on the tab. you will see there is a tab with a lock on it just push down on the tab and push the window glass back this will make the front tab butt up against the window glass. do the same thing to the front tab now. push down on the tab and then push the glass back and up now. the glass comes out in between the inner and outer door panels.

Car Features - 12 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles

With the new car market expected to boom in the coming years, there's no escaping of other people who will default on their monthly payments on buying their car. So here is the top 10 vehicles that are commonly repossessed by major banks who primarily offer auto loans.

Do take note the list is accurate as of October 2014. Sources include PS Bank, Banco De Oro, UCPB, RCBC Savings Bank, EastWest Bank, Union Bank, Sterling Bank of Asia, Maybank, and BPI


1. Kia Rio


2. Ford Fiesta

3. Hyundai Accent

4. Mitsubishi Adventure

5. Ford Escape

6. Nissan Urvan

7. Nissan Sentra

8. Toyota Vios

9. Hyundai Eon

10. Ford Everest

11. Toyota Innova

12. Mazda 3

Based from the vehicles above, Ford dominated with three vehicles but do take note that the Escapes we found are mostly 2012 and 2013 models, Everests which are mostly the 2009-2013 models but some post facelift ones are being sold, and Fiestas that are the pre-facelift especially good deals are to be found here. Hyundai had two cars each, same with Nissan and Toyota and one for Mitsubishi and Kia. Most of the vehicles are cheap to buy due to low down promotions thrown by dealers, which is the main cause of these vehicles being commonplace on the repo lot.

Here are the other runner ups which can be seen in this PDF file.

If you want to buy one, go to this used car buying tip.