What You Need to Know about SUV's
It is no surprise that SUVs are among the most popular cars in the United States. SUVs provide amble room, and can handle adverse driving conditions and surfaces. They are the perfect vehicle for the busy family on the go. There are a number of problems with SUVs, however, that need to be kept in mind while purchasing any new vehicle in order to ensure that you can purchase the very best SUV for you and your family.
Potential problems with SUVs
Fuel economy is always a concern when buying a new SUV. The average SUV is 33 per cent less fuel efficient that the average passenger car; with rising fuel prices, that can translate into an expensive drive. For instance, if you drive 15,000 miles a year with gas prices at $1.15 a gallon, you will end up spending an extra $420 a year on gas.
SUVs also have an unfortunate tendency to roll over during accidents. SUVs are more likely to roll over because they are far heavier than normal care and ride higher, on average, 8 inches higher than passenger cars. This has likely led to higher levels of fatal accidents in SUV crashes than passenger car crashes. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that rollovers accounted for 37 per cent of all fatal SUV crashes, as compared to only 15 per cent for passenger cars.
SUVs also usually result in higher insurance bills, thanks to the increased safety risk, higher maintenance costs, and the overall popularity of SUVs. On survey showed that SUV owners would pay between 5 and 19 per cent more for their car insurance because they own a SUV.
Which is the Best SUV for Yor Family?
How do you pick the best SUV from the over 80 different SUV models available for sale in the United States? The first step is to identify whether you want a small or full-sized SUV, and whether you will he content with a basic model, or if you want to go all out for a luxury model. Finding the perfect SUV is as much about finding a vehicle your pocket book is comfortable with as it is finding a vehicle that you are comfortable driving.
As with buying any type of car, the most important step in buying a SUV is research. You need to arrive at the car lot prepared, or the salespersons will be able to sell you something you do not really need or want. When you get your research done before you start looking at cars, you will be able to figure out what extras and options you actually need. So, read consumer magazines, look through message boards by current drivers, ask friends and family. It is only once you have done your research and have a general idea what you are looking for, you can start looking at cars.
You have to be sure you are absolutely comfortable with the SUV. There are a lot of models available for you as a consumer, so you do not have to content yourself car you are not truly excited about owning. Take your time, and ask a lot of questions about its safety features and fuel economy. If the salesperson does not have the answers you like or need, go somewhere else.
Of course, before signing any deal to pay for the SUV, be sure to take it for a spin. If you plan to take the SUV off-road, get the salesperson to take you somewhere where you can test this functionality. If you are buying the SUV to make the bumpy trip down your cottage laneway, you are not going to fully experience what that drive will be like by taking a smooth and straight drive down the freeway.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
Steve Dolan loves vehicles of all typess. Click SUVs and Trucks to find out more. If you have an accident click Accidents and Injuries to see what you should do.
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The Benefits Of Owning And Driving A Truck Or SUV And Get Good Fuel Efficiency With The New Hybrids
Depending on how old you are, you may remember the good old days, when you pulled into a gas station and someone came outside to help you. There you sat, comfortably behind the wheel, while the gas attendant filled your car with gas, (requested by gallons and not dollars), checked your oil, cleaned your windshield and thanked you for your patronage. You never worried about what type of weather it was, because you didn't have to get out of the car to pump your gas. The attendant did it for you, so your clothes would stay as fresh as they were when you left the house. You could fill up your tank, hand over a ten dollar bill and actually get change back.
Unfortunately for everyone, those days are over. Now you sit in line behind other harried customers at the gas station and have to get out of the car, go inside to pay for the gas if you don't want to use your credit card, then come back out and pump the gas yourself. Now people no longer say they want ten gallons of gas. That's been changed to ten dollars worth of gas, if you please, and you clean your own windshields and check your own oil. Hopefully you won't drip gas on your clothes or stain your hands when checking the oil level in your car.
When SUVs came on the market, it seemed like everyone just had to have one. Thanks to the cool commercials showing drivers zipping through Arctic weather or driving over treacherous terrain, they seemed just too cool to pass up. It became a status symbol to drive one, even though many of those who bought them lived in the suburbs where there was no danger of rough terrains and unpaved roads.
Now that the cost of gas has skyrocketed, many of those same people that drove their SUVs home from the dealership with a huge grin on their face, are now sobbing when its time to go to the gas station. These gas guzzlers now put a huge dent in their paychecks and no longer seem as attractive as they once did.
SUV and truck manufacturers recognized the need to produce vehicles that did not consume so much of the owner's salary just to fuel it. They have come out with a line of Hybrid SUVs and trucks that are just as attractive as the other models but much more fuel efficient. Ford has presented the Escape Hybrid, Lexus is competing with its RX400 and Toyota has come out with its Highlander Models.
If you still want to drive an SUV, but not worry about the potential of filing for bankruptcy due to expensive fueling, then consider one of the Hybrid SUVs and trucks on the market. Your wallet will thank you.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as truck accessories at www.truckaccessoriesetc.com
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Buying One Owner Prestige Four Wheel Drives
Four wheel drives used to be rugged, no-thrills vehicles with few creature comforts. Not anymore.
There was a time when the four wheel drive market was restricted to rugged, no-thrills vehicles with little or no creature comforts aimed almost exclusively at outdoor adventurers, hunters and farmers. Not anymore. The Range Rover, Toyota Landcruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero and Nissan Patrol have all brought the four wheel drive market into the realms of luxury motoring. And over the past few years, even more luxurious models have hit the Australian market, with Porsche, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen all introducing their own line of prestige four wheel drive vehicles. Here we look at some of these blueblood four wheel drives.
The BMW X3 and X5
BMW was one of the first of the luxury marques to introduce its version of the off-road vehicle into the Australian market with the X5. The BMW X5 is a stylish four wheel drive vehicle, which is exactly what you'd expect from the German carmaker. While it's a four wheel drive, BMW doesn't pretend that this is for the serious off-roader. Instead, they point out its very impressive on-road capabilities including its quick acceleration and smooth ride. The BMW X5 is available in 3 litre petrol and diesel versions, a 4.4 litre, and the top of the line 4.9 litre model. There's also the smaller and less expensive X3 with a 2.5 litre or 3 litre 5 door wagon. New car prices for the BMW X3 start from around $65,000 while the BMW X5 starts from around $81,000.
If looking for a used car, check for any signs of damage from off-roading. As most are strictly city cars, you'll be best buying one that has never left the tar. Also, look for a car that still has a warranty, as BMWs can prove expensive to fix.
The M-Class Mercedes Benz
The Mercedes Benz M-Class has been a success story in Australia thanks to its ability both on and off the road. Of course, the prestige of owning a Mercedes Benz also helps with this vehicle's popularity. The M-Class comes in both petrol and diesel engines. The ML270 CDI Classic turbo diesel has plenty of torque at low revs making it a good proposition for going off road. However, at around $75,000 brand new, you'll want to make sure that you don't get too many scratches from overhanging branches. At the other end of the spectrum is the ML55 AMG 5.4 litre five door wagon, which will cost you a little more than $140,000. At this price, you'll probably want to keep this one firmly on the tar.
If looking for a used car, buy one from 2000 onwards as earlier models had some problems. Also, go for a newer model that is still covered by warranty
Porsche Cayenne
For Porsche to jump onto the four wheel drive bandwagon, you know that it must be a market that cannot be ignored. Long regarded as a purebred German sports carmaker, Porsche has produced what is arguably the fastest four wheel drive on Australian roads with the Cayenne. It will comfortably cruise at more than 200 km/h thanks to the 4.5 litre V8 engine. There are two models available: the Cayenne S, priced new at around $137,000 and the Cayenne Turbo which will set you back around $204,000. If you can't afford this price tag, perhaps look at the VW Touareg.
Volkswagen Touareg
If the Porsche Cayenne is just a little out of your price range, then perhaps you should consider this VW off-roader. In fact, the Touareg was designed in conjunction with the Cayenne, so there will be more than a few similarities between these two prestige vehicles. The Touareg can also reach the 200 km/h mark on the highway, and it's off road capabilities are assisted by its electronic traction aids. With plenty of room inside, it can fit three adults across the back seat, the Touareg may just be the right car to impress your friends with in the bush. Prices for new cars range from around $67,000 to $138,000 for the V10 5 litre model. If looking for a good used car, go for a one owner that is still covered by warranty, and check for any off-road damage, although like most of these prestige four wheel drives, most have probably never seen the dirt.
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oneowner is an online classified specialist in new and one owner used cars . Enjoy the benefits that come with buying a one owner used car
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No, You Don't have to Sell Your SUV
(ARA) - If high gas prices coupled with a big monthly car payment have you thinking that it might be time to trade in your truck or SUV, you'll be happy to know there is an alternative. Consider refinancing your auto loan at a lower interest rate, and using the money you save to offset today's high gas prices.
By refinancing, you could get a lower interest rate, and therefore, a lower monthly payment, putting more cash in your pocket each month. Web sites like rateGenius.com make this process quick and simple. "Many people don't realize that you can refinance your auto loan just like you can refinance your mortgage," says company CEO Chris Brown.
Auto loan refinancing works very much like home refinancing, with one big difference. With the exception of a title transfer fee required by law, there are no costs for the consumer. "With a mortgage refinance, you pay a lot of fees," notes Brown. "There's a loan origination fee, closing costs, points, inspection costs. Those fees can really add up and eat into the financial benefits of refinancing."
When you refinance, you will get a new lender for an existing loan, often for a better rate. You can also extend the payment term, skip a few payments, add or remove a co-applicant and add products (such as GAP insurance and extended warranties) to a loan.
In some cases, the company is able to arrange loans that allow up to 90 days with no payments. The savings consumers will see vary, but can be substantial. For example, if you have a $30,000 loan payable over 60 months at 12.5 percent interest, your monthly payment will be $674.95. By refinancing with rateGenius at a new interest rate of 7.5 percent, your monthly payment will drop to $601.14.
Take a few minutes to apply for auto refinancing by visiting www.rateGenius.com , or over the phone via the company's toll free number. A loan adviser then compares offers from the company's network of lenders to find the best deal for your individual situation. rateGenius has partnered with numerous lending institutions that provide customers with one of the most financially stable and diverse lending networks in the industry. The entire process can be completed in 24 to 48 hours.
The company has been in business since 1999 and has brokered over 29,000 loans. To find out how much you can save, visit www.rategenius.com or call (866) 439-5533.
Copyright © 2006, ARA Content
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Hyundai's Affordable Four Wheel Drives
Hyundai has become an increasingly popular carmaker in the Australian market, thanks largely to the ubiquitous Hyundai Excel. But it's in the off-road market where Hyundai is now really making in-roads. Here we look at the off-road offerings from this emerging Korean carmaker.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson offers a good off-roader at a great price. A new Tucson will set you back around $30,000 for the standard 2.7 litre V6 five door wagon. For the top of the range Tucson Elite S, you'll pay around $33,000.
The Tucson has air conditioning, automatic transmission, driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes all as standard equipment. One thing to consider though with the Tucson is its lack of real ground clearance which inhibits its off-road abilities. But despite this, the Tucson represents good value for money.
A good one owner Tucson in good condition should be relatively easy to come by. If you are looking at buying a used car, check for off-road damage in the body and try to go for one that has done little or no off-roading. Also, get an inspection from a qualified Hyundai mechanic.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been a great success story for Hyundai in Australia. The Santa Fe should be considered more as a soft-roader rather than a serious four wheel drive. However, if you're just looking to have a little fun on the weekends, then this may be a viable option for you. The Santa Fe looks great and has the same standard features as the Tucson. The Santa Fe is reasonably priced at around $34,000 brand new.
If you're in the market for a used car, go for a one owner late model, as earlier vehicles weren't built as well as later models. And remember to check underneath and in the body for signs of off-road damage, and get a professional inspection.
Hyundai Terracan
The Hyundai Terracan is much boxier in appearance compared with the Santa Fe and Tucson, but this vehicle is built for more serious off-roading and the boxier shape actually makes it look like it means business in the bush. The Terracan, as opposed to the Santa Fe and Tucson, has good ground clearance offering good entry and exit angles. The Terracan is in permanent four wheel drive and has a two speed transfer box for torque low down when the going gets tough. The Terracan has some little luxuries too, with front fog lights, an MP3 CD player and ABS brakes standard from 2004 models onwards. New car prices start from around $35,500 for the standard model and $37,500 for the Highlander.
If you're looking for a used car, check for steering stability on the open road and check the body for damage from off-road use. Try and go for a one owner car made after 2004 as these will have the extra equipment as standard.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
oneowner is an online classified specialist in new and one owner used cars . Enjoy the benefits that come with buying a one owner used car .
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Considering a Used SUV? How to Significantly Reduce Fuel Costs
If you're contemplating buying a used SUV but are concerned about gas mileage, consider this; with proper care and maintenance you can reduce the amount you spend on gas significantly while still enjoying the benefits of an SUV. With their roomy interiors, extra seating, and advanced entertainment options, SUV's fit the lifestyle of American families. If you ask most SUV owners, the pleasure and convenience of owning an SUV is well worth a few extra dollars at the gas tank. However, by following a few simple tips, you can achieve fuel efficiency that rivals that of many car and minivan owners.
Choose an SUV wisely:
The single most important measure you can take toward lowering the price you'll pay for gas is to do your research ahead of time. Buying a preowned SUV is not only more economical in terms of sticker price, but buying used also gives you the opportunity to really dig into research and consumer reviews about how a particular model performs in terms of gas mileage.
Not all SUV's are created equal in terms of gas mileage. The used Lexus SUV has consistently ranked top among SUV's for best gas mileage. But Lexus didn't stop there. In 2005, Lexus released the gas and electric hybrid SUV and pre-sold 9,000 of the vehicles before it was even released. Soon, these preowned Lexus SUV's will become available for second owners who can enjoy low vehicle cost and low gas prices.
Keep tires at the right pressure:
For such a simple task, keeping the tires on your used SUV inflated properly has an incredible impact on gas mileage. Tires with low air pressure can reduce the fuel efficiency of your SUV by 6%, or $0.18 per gallon at $3 per gallon. When the tires of a used SUV are low, the engine has to exert more pressure to move the weight of the vehicle.
For a buck or two you can purchase a tire gauge that will turn your used SUV into a savings piggy bank. Get in the habit of checking the tires at least once per month before you leave your driveway while the tires are still cold and you'll be amazed at how much you'll be saving compared to other SUV owners.
Set the cruise control:
Driving fast and carefree is fun, but if you don't feel it's worth an extra $0.25 per gallon, keeping speed under control can save you a great deal of cash. At speeds above 55 miles per hour, fuel efficiency drops drastically according to published statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency.
While most speed limits in the US are set at 65 miles per hour, many drivers push the limits to 80 or 85 miles per hour which is not only hazardous, but a gas mileage killer. Get in the habit of setting your cruise control, then sit back, relax, and enjoy your used SUV and the fact that you're saving money.
Remain conscious of your driving habits
Fast acceleration can increase the gas consumption of your preowned SUV by up to 40% - that's $1.20 per gallon with today's $3 gas prices! Nearly half of the energy to fuel your used SUV is used during acceleration and aggressive starts drive this percentage up even further.
What's more, all of those impatient drivers who feel the need to put the pedal to the metal reach their destination only about 4% faster than patient drivers who arrive with more gas in the tank and more money their pocket. Today's SUV's are built to be enjoyed with surround sound televisions, televisions for the kids, and navigational systems. Instead of being in a rush to get to your destination, enjoy the creature comforts of your used SUV and keep your $1.20 per gallon in your pocket.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
Author is a writer for A&G Select Imports which specializes in used luxury SUV's . For more information you can visit www.AGSelectImports.com .
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SUV Pros and Cons
Your car is bursting at the seams with children, sports equipment, groceries and pets. You think it may be time to trade up to a larger car. But is an SUV the right choice to make for your family?
First and foremost, as anyone who watches the evening news knows, the price of gas has skyrocketed and SUVs are notorious for poor gas mileage. Or are they? Depending on what make and model of SUV you choose, some get as good or better gas mileage than some large cars. For example, the 2004 Honda Element gets 22 miles to the gallon in the city, just 2 miles per gallon less than the 2004 Honda Accord. At highway speeds, the Element gets 8 miles per gallon less than the Accord, a larger, but not huge, difference Also, more and more auto manufacturers are designing hybrid gas-electric SUVs that provide better gas mileage along with the traditional extra space and power of SUVs.
Another major consideration when choosing between a car and an SUV is safety. Most people assume that, because of their larger size, that SUVs are safer than cars. However, crash tests conducted in 2003 proved that large SUVs were only slightly safer than mid-sized cars and were actually slightly more dangerous than large cars. SUVs also can roll over when taking turns at high speed, something that cars are far less likely to do. Drivers who are switching to SUVs after many years of driving cars may need some practice to learn to drive their SUV safely.
Many people think that SUVs, due to their larger size are more comfortable and have more cargo capacity than cars. To a certain extent this is true, but it depends heavily on what make and model of SUV you choose. Some SUVs actually have limited cargo space, though almost all have the power to haul a trailer. As far as comfort, many drivers prefer being higher up from the road, but older drivers and those with disabilities may have a hard time getting into the raised seats. Additionally, buckling a child into a car seat installed in the recommended back seat center position may be difficult for shorter moms and dads.
Finally, if you do a lot of city driving and, more importantly, parking, SUVs are less maneuverable and harder to parallel park than traditional cars. Even in the suburbs where most people park in lots, the spaces may not be wide enough for certain SUVs.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Automotive , Real Estate , and Business
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Land Rover Discovery. The Tame Side of Defender
The Land Rover Discovery has been available in Australia since the early nineties and has proven a popular choice judging by their numbers on Australian roads. Since its introduction, the Land Rover Discovery mostly retained its original stylin, until of course the recently released 2005 model.
If you are looking for a four wheel drive with a pedigree name then the Discovery, with its Land Rover badge certainly fits the bill. It is a good performer off road although not quite as good as the more rugged Land Rover Defender. But with its two range transfer case and low torque, it will perform more than adequately for the average off road enthusiast. The Land Rover Discovery also has good wheel travel and ground clearance and the underneath of the car is fairly well protected from anything that the off road track can fling up at it. For driving through those creek and river crossings, the Discovery also has very good approach and departure angles
On the highway, the Land Rover Discovery offers a smooth ride, but don't expect sporty acceleration. Even the V8 petrol engine is fairly unremarkable in its acceleration, thanks to the enormous weight of the vehicle. For this reason, the turbo diesel is generally a much better bet because it offers similar performance, but will cost you a lot less in fuel than the thirsty V8 petrol engine.
Inside the cabin, some will find the feel a little disappointing, especially taller drivers. Some of the controls are in hard to reach places and the height of the seat base means that some taller drivers may find it a little awkward and uncomfortable with their heads almost touching the roof.
Another problem that seems to afflict the Land Rover Discovery is that of reliability. The turbo diesel for example has somewhat of a reputation for snapping timing belts and cracking crankshafts. Turbochargers and starter engines have also provided problems for some Discovery owners. Other mechanical problems have included electrical faults and all manner of gearbox problems.
Tips for buying a one owner Land Rover Discovery
If you're in the market for a good one owner Land Rover Discovery, then make sure that you check for the following:
· Rust and ill fitting doors in the earlier models.
· Check the lower body for signs of water entry.
· Check that the engine starts quickly and doesn't blow too much smoke.
· Check underneath for any damage from serious off road action.
· Check that the suspension has not been damaged and is in good working condition.
· Go for a late model Discovery (1999 or later) if your budget allows.
· Get a professional inspection from a Land Rover expert as the Discovery has a reputation for mechanical problems.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
oneowner is an online classified specialist in new and one owner used cars . Enjoy the benefits that come with buying a one owner used car .
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How to Properly Check Tire Pressure and Condition for Safety
Tire pressure and condition is one of the most overlooked safety aspects on our cars. Most people just assume their tires are fine and that they will be safe because they look okay - the tires are not flat. Rarely do we ever see someone get out a tire pressure gauge and check their tire pressure or place their hands on the tire and feel for roundness and irregularities. What most people don't know is that proper tire pressure will improve your gas mileage, make your brakes and suspension system last longer, and it will improve your gas mileage. According to AAA, it is ideal to have your tires pressure and condition checked for safety every time you fill up your gas tank and prior to any long drives or vacations.
Before checking your tire pressure you should check your tires condition. Your tires are what holds you to the road and if there are any irregular wear patterns, bubbles and cracks, etc your safety can be greatly compromised. Look over all your tires. Place the palm of your hand on the tire and feel it is it round? This may sound obvious, but you can quickly find early signs of cupping (which can indicate bad struts), irregular wear (could be improperly balanced wheels), cracks, and deep wear that would make your tires unsafe.
Take out a penny and make sure Lincolns head is buried in the tread. If it isn't that means you need to replace your tires. Every time I go to the local grocery store half of the cars I see have bald or nearly bald tires and tires in bad condition. This can cause hydroplaning and very unsafe conditions if the roads were wet from a recent rain. If you notice anything irregular take your car to a service station. Have your tire condition checked and have your tires replaced as necessary as your safety may be compromised by worn tires or another tire condition (Walmart's service stations will check your tires for free).
To properly check your tires pressure you must use a tire pressure gauge. Going by look or feel isn't good enough. Just because the tire doesn't look flat doesn't mean you didn't over or under inflate it. Your car or trucks owners manual will tell you the recommended tire pressure for your tires. Check all four tires and your spare. You wouldn't believe the number of people that assume their spare is fine and haven't checked it in 3 or more years. Some don't even know if they have a spare or tire changing tools. Some people don't even know where to look for their spare tire or how to change a tire.
Most tire pressure gauges have an indicator that will be pushed out by the amount of pressure in your tire. More expensive ones are digital. Both are rudimentary and easy to use. If you find you are under inflated most gas stations have an air pump. Fill and check again to ensure proper pressure. Always replace the caps when you are done. This keeps the elements out and corrosion can and does cause leaks. If you have too much pressure then let some out by pressing a key or screwdriver into the release valve and then check it again. If your tires have too much pressure it can cause them to prematurely wear in the middle and reduce the actual area of the tire that meets the road and can reduce your safety.
There you have it, how to properly check your tires condition and pressure for safety. By having safe tires you are increasing both your safety and the safety of those around you.
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David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in automotive safety products and information. He holds numerous patents and awards for his patented headlight cleaner and restorer. For more information please visit: MDWholesale.com
Land Rover Freelander. Worthy Of The Land Rover Badge?
If you are searching for a fun, compact four wheel drive vehicle that will keep you out of trouble on the occasional foray off the road, then the Land Rover Freelander may be worth a close inspection.
While the Freelander has the famous Land Rover name, it is not in the same league as the Discovery, Defender or Range Rover when it comes to its off road abilities. For starters, it does not have a low-high range transfer case. However, on the plus side for off road driving, it does include Hill Descent Control which will definitely benefit more novice off roaders. Hill Descent Control basically does the hard work for you when you are trying to crawl your way down a steep, rocky or slippery slope. It also has permanent four wheel drive and electronic traction aids. Unfortunately though, the ground clearance is not enough to stop you getting hooked up on really rough tracks and the travel in the suspension is not what you would expect from a serious off road vehicle.
If you are after a compact four wheel drive with a petrol engine, then you can probably forget the Freelander as from 2001, only a 2.0 litre turbo diesel version was available. While the turbocharged diesel is a bit sluggish off the mark (it takes just over 14 seconds to get from zero to 100 km/h) it does have good mid range pulling power so you can overtake on the highway with confidence. And as it's a diesel, the fuel economy is great with figures of 10 litres per 100 kms fairly easy to achieve and you'll get even better fuel economy out on the open highway.
The Freelander comes in two different body types: the three door and five door station wagon. The three door is available in both Softback and Hardtop versions. The Softback is really a semi convertible with a soft top that actually folds forward. This allows greater access to the rear luggage area. If you're after a vehicle for cruising down to the beach, then the Softback is probably the Freelander you'll want to check out.
While the Freelander offers a smooth ride, the handling is not up to scratch when compared with other four wheel drives in the same class. Another problem with the Freelander, particularly for taller drivers, is the high driving position. Unfortunately, there is no real height adjustability. For the back passengers, the seats are hard and for longer trips, would prove rather uncomfortable. There is not much leg room to speak of either.
Overall, the Freelander is probably not the best choice if most of your driving is done on suburban and inner city streets. This is mainly because of the sluggish start of the Freelander's diesel engine and auto transmission. It can actually make city driving a bit of a chore. Where the Freelander performs best is out on the open highway or on not too difficult off road tracks.
The Land Rover Freelander probably doesn't represent the best value when you consider the other options from the Asian manufacturers. Initially, they were fairly expensive, with the price dropping on later models.
What to watch out for when buying a one owner Freelander
If you like the looks of the Land Rover Freelander, and you are not too concerned about the sluggish response of the engine around town, then here are some points to watch out for when you're inspecting:
· Check for leaking roofs and flapping tops on the Softback version.
· Check that all the electrical equipment is working properly as this can be a problem in the Freelander.
· Check for rattles in the doors and dash.
· Mechanical problems were common, especially in earlier Freelanders with many customers unhappy with the response from Land Rover. Get a professional inspection to make sure you are not buying a lemon.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
oneowner is an online classified specialist in new and one owner used cars . Enjoy the benefits that come with buying a one owner used car .
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Now is the Time to Stake a Claim on the Used Saab SUV
Saab was a latecomer to the SUV game with its first ever SUV, the 9-7X in 2005. If you're a Saab lover and prefer to buy pre-owned cars for the sake of better value, now is the time when you'll finally begin to see the used Saab SUV on the used car lots. Aside from price, one of the major benefits of buying a used vehicle, especially one in its first year of introduction, is that enough time has passed to accrue real-world road test data, consumer opinions have been cast, and recalls have been issued to alert any big potential problems.
Recalls for the 2005:
So far it seems that instead of rushing into the SUV space, Designers spent the past several years perfecting the first ever Saab SUV. Now midway through 2006, there are no recalls for the 2005 Saab SUV. The fact that the first SUV from Saab is recall-free isn't merely a stroke of luck. As auto trivia buffs may know, the platform of the 2005 Saab SUV is actually the same as the tried and true Chevy Trailblazer.
Future year changes:
Another way to identify any possible imperfections in a year's design or performance is to scrutinize the changes made to the following year model. Many times the changes are simply enhancements, but other times they represent fixes to previous problems.
Surprisingly for a newly released model, there weren't too many changes to the 2006 model; another mark in favor of the 2005 used Saab SUV. Among the changes were a 15 horsepower increase to the 6 cylinder engine and a new fuel saving technology for the 8 cylinder, yielding a more favorable gas mileage than the 2005 used Saab SUV.
Professional Reviews:
The most noted point of caution among professional auto reviewers was the assumption that loyal Saab drivers wouldn't be able to accept the fact that the SUV was manufactured by GM in the United States. Saab realized that when it was time for their almost fanatically loyal car ownership base to trade-up, around 30% of them bought an SUV. Wanting to get into the space quickly, Saab contracted the manufacturing and some of the design of the Saab SUV to GM.
GM has had a long time to perfect the SUV, starting with the Suburban back in the 1930s. No doubt this is one of the reasons for the model's performance success. Though the majority commented on the SUV's classic Sweedish stylistic elements, many professional auto reviewers wondered if that fact that it was assembled in the US using the platform of a GM would be a turn-off for die hard Saab fans.
Customers Reviewers:
As wound up as the reviewers might be over the connection between this Saab SUV and GM, Saab owners don't seem to mind a bit. While professionals gave this used Saab SUV a rating of 8.0 for overall reliability, drivers of this used Saab SUV rated it an exceptional 9.4 out of 10. When it comes to Saab, it seems the mainstream has never understood what makes the tight-knit Saab community tick.
Reliable, confident, and luxurious, the 2005 Saab SUV has the qualities of an ideal used vehicle purchase. Having been on the market for just over a year, this used Saab SUV might be difficult to track down, though not impossible. Choosing a dealership with a vehicle locator service will help to increase your odds of finding a 2005 used Saab SUV just off of lease contract. With a little determination and ingenuity - inherent qualities of Saab owners - you can easily be one of the first to own the 2005 used Saab SUV.
Article Source : http://www.article-emporium.ca
Author is a writer for A&G Select Imports who specialize in used SUV's and luxury imports . For more information you can visit www.AGSelectImports.com
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