Friday, November 28, 2008

Buying A New Car

Your car may be the second largest purchase you make in your lifetime. You must take your time and not let it become an impulse decision. Before you go out browsing dealer lots consider the following:

How will I use my new car, truck or sport utility vehicle? A mini-van will fit fine in a large family but might be out of place in a singles life. Do you go off-road a lot but still like to carry more than 2 passengers, go for the SUV.

Trucks have come along way with most comforts available in today's truck rivaling luxury cars. But do you really need that to carry construction equipment to the job site? If you do not go off-road, do not buy a 4 wheel drive truck. The extra weight will only decrease gas mileage and increase maintenance costs.

Afraid of the snow? Look to the variety of AWD vehicles on the market which provide excellent traction in the snow and also more economical operation. Take a serious look at your life and find the vehicle that most compliments your lifestyle.

Color choices. This is a personal preference but rational can come into play. In warmer climates, a lighter colored car will stay cooler. Certain cars are easier to keep clean. White and black are the worst while tan, silver, and brown hide dirt quite well.

Interior options. Do you need the heated seats? Well that depends on where you live and how much winter driving you do. Leather seats can be unbearable in the summer months and generally harder to maintain. Do you listen to music often? The premium sound system might be a great idea if you do, however if you only listen to talk radio then the standard system will be more than enough.

Insurance rates. Take into consideration the insurance rates before you start you car buying quest. A Honda may be significantly cheaper to insure than the Ferrari that caught your eye last week. Talk with your insurance agent to find out about how cars are classified. Sports cars generally raise premiums while family cars tend to lower them.

Who will service the vehicle? Having a dealership close by can be a blessing. If there are no dealerships nearby, buy a domestic car which most mechanics can work on. It is also important to examine the warranty offered before making a decision.

I hope the few comments and suggestions above have given you some things to think about. Never rush into a new or used car purchase. Always take some time to think it over. If it helps, get out a piece of paper and write down the pros and cons of all the vehicle you are considering. Writing down this information is often all you need to get you thinking practically and on your way to making a good selection.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

More About Honda Accord 2009

Accord 2009






There are 2 versions Coupe and Sedan available in USA, but here we shall discuss only sedans.

The Honda Accord and the Hybrid

The Honda Accord is a fuel efficient, low emission Japanese car import. The car is available in de facto DX, EX, LX, LX-V6, and EX-V6 line up. It is also available in high performance "enthusiast" versions which boast of better performance.

One of the most well known Japanese car import is the popular Honda Accord Hybrid which features the "green" hybrid car that is making waves in the eco-car community.

Accord Design

The Honda Accord sedan has many design features which make the car a popular choice among car buyers. A few features worth mentioning are the bright LED taillights, attractive 17" wheel design, a GPS navigator and a valuable maintenance minder system which reminds the owner about scheduled maintenance for the car.

Accord Performance

The V6 engine of the Honda Accord generates 244 hp. The 4 cylinder engine, on the other hand, gives 177 hp of power. These improvements to the car's performance were gained by the extensive refinements that the car went through in its intake and exhaust airflow systems. V6 features (VCM) Variable cylinder management technology, which provides even better fuel efficiency.

The car also drives through a Drive By Wire (DBW) system instead of the common throttle cable. This makes the car more responsive and smoother to drive.

The Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, features a 253 hp, 3.0 L, V6 engine and a larger battery back. The Honda Accord Hybrid is easily differentiated from the regular Honda Accord by the difference in their rear light clusters, the antenna, the wheel design, the mirror turn signals and the folding rear which is absent in the Honda Accord. The Hybrid version of the Accord also does not have a 4-way passenger seat.

Safety in Accord

Accord has (VSA) Vehicle Stability Assist which assists in cruising and keeps you away from danger. In emergency situation it reduces gas & adjusts brake pressure at each wheel to help the driver escape from dangerous situations. Also, the (TPMS) Tire Pressure Monitoring System alerts the driver if tire pressure is significantly down. Every accord is fitted with front, front side and side curtain airbags for extra protection. It's infact a top pick for safe driving on the road.

Honda Accord Market

While readily available in the car market, the Honda Accord is also easily accessible in many Japanese used car dealers. In Online Japanese auction sites, the Honda Accord is readily available, Reputable used car dealers offer many good-as-new Japanese used car models and, with proper maintenance, a used Honda Accord can last for years to come. Used car warranty offerings will differ from one dealer to another.

credit:goarticles