Car Reviews and Updates
Auto reviews and updates of the hottest cars of today! Brings you the latest auto news, road test, car sales, car buyers guide, tips and more!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
2010 Dodge Challenger SE: Good Looks Are All That Matters
In the Dodge Challenger lineup, SE is the base model, however you can add several options to make it more luxurious as long as you can afford. It starts with 22,945 US dollars while the test vehicle was equipped with approximately 7,900 US dollars with optional features.
The Challenger SE offers a 250 horsepower V6 engine. The engine considered to be in a competition with Ford Mustang V6 and Chevrolet Camaro when it comes to retro styling, however, these cars are a bit smaller and offer more performance. Hyundai Genesis Coupe is another car to compare because of its sharp looking appearance, though it doesn’t have the same domestic pony car appeal compare to the Challenger.
When it comes to performance, the 2010 Dodge Challenger SE is equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 engine making 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. In a slightly smaller vehicle, this power is relatively fine, however, in the Challenger that weighs 3,819 pounds, the 250 horsepower is essentially overburdened.
The Challenger SE can accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in just 8.1 seconds. In an everyday city driving, we can say that its power is adequate however, its engine starts to show its sluggishness when you quickly pass another vehicle most especially on the highways. From a four speed in 2009, now it offers five speed automatic transmission which is the only transmission available in the SE model.
When it comes to fuel efficiency the 2010 Dodge Challenger SE can offer 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway with 20 miles per gallon when combine.
The 2010 Dodge Challenger SE is for those who loves muscle cars that don’t apologize for being unrefined and angry... and loud. If you want a considerably spacious coupe with great looks and performance, this is the right muscle car for you.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
How to Protect Your Car’s Interior
Now that you have plunked down some cash for your new car, it is but important to learn how protect your precious investment. Here are some easy and affordable ways on how you can protect your car’s interior and preserve its top condition.
Window shades, or solar shades, are one of the most inexpensive accessories you can buy to protect your car’s interior. Window shades provide shade for your dashboard and steering wheel thus preventing them from cracking due to extreme exposure to the sun. Also, window shades help keep your car’s interior a bit cooler when you leave it parked in an open lot.
These collapsing and folding window shades come in different sizes, forms and colors. You will definitely not have a hard time finding one that matches your interior. Also window shades are portable and needs no installation that you can use them anytime you want. These also do not require special keeping as you can only leave them at the back of your car and take them anytime you want to use them.
Floor mats are another inexpensive accessories you can get to protect your car’s interior. Floor mats help keep the carpeting of your car clean and free from all the mud, stains, oil stains, dirt tracked in on the shoes of your passengers.
Just like window shades, floor mats come in different designs and colors. They are also made of various materials like carpet, rubber or vinyl. Finding the right floor mats that will fit your car’s theme will not be hard. If you wish to be a little more creative, you can also find in the market floor mats with logos or cartoon characters printed on them.
Lastly, it is important to invest on affordable seat covers to protect your new car’s seats. Using seat covers keeps your new car seats’ upholstery from stains, rips or scratches. Nice seat covers also add to the beauty of your car. If your car is a bit older, seat covers will also help cover the car seats’ defects.
If you taxi around kids or pets a set of seat covers will give you peace of mind. If anyone has an accident or spills food or drinks on your seats you can either wash them or quickly and easily get a new pair.
Car seat covers come in different colors, designs and prints. You can find seat covers from zebra and leopard patterns to solids and Hawaiian prints. So no matter what the model or color of your car, you will surely not have a hard time finding the right seat cover for your car.
These are just some of the basic and affordable ways to consider in protecting your car’s interior. Still, there are many available accessories out there that you can buy for your car. Depending on your budget, you will surely have a collection of accessories that will not only add to the beauty of your car, but also will add longevity of its interior. The bottom line is, you must be wise in protecting your investment.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Buying a New Car and Getting the Best Price
Before you finally decide on what car to buy, or if you have already picked that car that best suits your needs and your lifestyle, here still are some of the useful tips you may want to keep in mind to help you save car money:
Do not buy large cars. Unless it is necessary, it is better still to have a smaller car that is not costly to maintain. Even if a large sports utility vehicle is your dream car, it’s probably a lot more than you really need. The size of the car you decide to purchase will have a direct effect on its operating costs. Purchasing the smallest car possible for your driving needs will save you a tremendous amount in gasoline charges. Small cars weigh about half as much as larger cars which results in about half as much fuel being used.
Do not gas up in the heat of the day. According to some chemistry, it is best to buy your gasoline in the early morning or at night when it is cold outside. Gas becomes denser in cooler temperatures. Since gas pumps only measure the volume of fuel - not the density - you’ll get better overall gas mileage for your money by purchasing fuel when it’s cool outside rather than in the heat of the day.
Do not use your car, unless necessary. By far, the best way to reduce your car expenses is to use your car only when necessary. Cars are extremely convenient and this causes people to use them much more often than they really need to. Just ask your self, "Is this trip really necessary?" If you become wise and smart enough in deciding on your trips, you will surely save a great deal of cash.
Do not take your car tires for granted. Always take some time to check your car’s tire pressure each month or everytime you do long trips. Under inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency by 2% for every pound they are under inflated. Under inflation also causes premature tire wear giving your tires a shorter use life.
Do not drive fast in low gears. Driving at high speeds in the improper gear can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 40%.
Don’t open windows when traveling at high speeds. Driving on the highway with windows open can reduce fuel efficiency by 10%. It is a lot better if you just use the ventilation system of your car. Also remember to remove car racks and other items which make your car less aerodynamic when they’re not being used. Use cruise control to maintain a steady pace on the highway to increase fuel economy.
Don’t let your car idle for long periods. The rule is, never leave your car idle for more than 30 seconds. If you think you will stay longer, better turn your engine off. Letting your car idle longer is a waste of gas. It is actually more efficient to turn off your car and turn it on again than to let it idle for more than 45 seconds while waiting.