My Perfect Automobile » Experts

Summer Driving Safety: Hot Topic

Larry Bell — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:05:15 +0000

Summer Safety: Tesla Roadster Sport

Safety experts are making their seasonal pitch for smart summer driving. Summer months carry as many risks as winter when it comes to auto travel, with decreased visibility and inattentive driving topping the list of risks. And because more pedestrians are out and about, safety gurus advise keeping an especially keen eye out for foot traffic. The number one safe driving tip for summer: Wear sunglasses to reduce glare. Statistics show that a significant number of summer collisions result from temporary “sun blindness,” which is easily remedied with a proper pair of sunglasses.

Summer Safety: Video

Safe driving is actually a smart way to save money on fuel costs, according to the short video clip above. The narrator explains how aggressive driving and speeding reduce fuel efficiency and end up costing a typical car owner between $100 and $900 per year, on average. Fast stops and starts not only use excessive fuel but also put undue stress on a vehicle’s brakes and other components. It all adds up, as the clip shows. One other, obvious advantage of safe driving is the reduced risk of accidents.

Driving Safety for Summer

In addition to eyewear, safety experts say it is imperative to keep windshields clean, washer-fluid bins full, and wipers in working order. When heat and sun become a part of the daily drive, the name of the game is visibility. Pedestrian traffic ticks up in summer, and not just because kids are out of school. Everyone wants to enjoy the warm weather, so be aware of joggers, bicyclists, and all pedestrians. Always give pedestrians the right of way at a crosswalk, whether it is marked or not. To be ready for quick stops, make sure your car’s brakes are in top shape before the warm weather arrives.

For a month-by-month listing of auto safety tips, see the website of USAA, a global leader in financial and auto insurance services:
https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/advice_auto_month_by_month_maintenance_guide

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Experts’ Used Car Buying Tips

Larry Bell — Fri, 10 May 2013 23:37:20 +0000

Used cars: The Lola-Drayson EV race car is used, but not for sale.

New market surveys reveal that sellers and buyers of used cars should pay close attention to odometer miles, specifically noting whether a car has passed the crucial 35,000 mark. At that point, many auto companies suggest extensive engine service. In addition, some buyers are finicky about warranties that are ready to expire. In any case, experts say, buyers and sellers should be aware of the all-important milestone when an odometer turns to 35,000.

Used Car Buying: Video

For some very solid, universal tips about inspecting a used car, have a look at the video clip above. The author rattles off so many useful bits of information, you might want to take notes! The best part is that the dozens of his suggestions apply to almost all modern cars. If you are a seller rather than a buyer, the video is a useful resource of what you need to fix before offering your used vehicle to a buyer. Notice that many of the inspection tips require going beneath the car or at least under the hood. The bottom line is, wear a sturdy pair of gloves and be prepared to jot down anything that needs repair on the used car in question. Tally up the estimated cost of fixing all the faults and then use that amount in your negotiation with a seller. As often as not, a seller will be willing to reduce the asking price based on what you discover during an initial inspection. After that, it is wise to take the car to a professional mechanic for a final, thorough review before buying.

Anyone in the market to sell or buy a used car can find thousands of choices in the MyPerfectAutomobile classifieds section, where online selection tools allow users to choose by year, make, model, and dozens of other parameters. The direct link to the classifieds section is:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Used Cars: Regular Maintenance Means Good MPG, Experts Say

Larry Bell — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:12:36 +0000

Used Cars: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Auto insurance giant USAA has some expert advice for sellers and buyers of used cars. The San Antonio, Texas-based company points out that routine car service not only prevents major problems but also adds significantly to a car’s gas mileage. Well-maintained used cars stay on the road longer, many reaching beyond the 100,000-mile threshold. USAA says the most important tasks to put on your to-do list are oil changes and tire pressure checks every 3,000 miles. It is a good idea to test all lights on the car at the same interval as oil and tire inspections.

Used Cars: Video

For those who are looking to buy or sell a used car, it is smart to learn about the basics of auto maintenance. Whether you want to spruce up your own car prior to selling it or are aiming to fix up a used car you have just acquired, car maintenance skills are worth their weight in gold. The video clip above walks through some of the most common types of routine car care, explaining each step in easy to understand terms. People who buy, sell and drive used cars tend to do at least of bit of their own maintenance, especially low-tech chores like oil changes and the occasional belt or hose replacement. The video is one of a series, so be sure to check out the other installments for a good grasp of proper car maintenance skills.

Used Cars and Mileage

Tires, brakes, hoses and belts need checking every six months, or about every 6,000 miles. It is also wise to check the battery and all fluids about every six months as well. Each year, USAA says, make sure to have major interval servicing done on your car and take a look at wiper blades for signs of wear.

For more about USAA and for a wealth of information about seasonal car maintenance, visit the company’s official website:
http://www.usaa.com

Larry Bell

I’m Buying Fisker Kharma Corp!

Bob T — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:30:43 +0000

Rumor has it that Fisker Kharma is in financial trouble and can be bought. Now if I were a big car manufacturer I would seriously be looking at this opportunity. The CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards are getting closer and closer. I don’t see that some of the big car manufacturers are on target to meet these standards soon. Yet here is an opportunity to make significant gains towards meeting the standards.

The Fisker Kharma is a fully functional Electric Plug in automobile with the advantage that it has a range extender. Just like the Volt. All R&D has been done and already a few thousand have been sold. I can think of a number of companies that should be studying this opportunity. Even if they won’t continue to produce the car the way it is now, at least all the technical research has been done and proven in a fully working functional automobile. Skip the eco friendly interior, go straight for the power plant. Fiat has proven that it can take over companies and make them succeed. Since it already controls a number of exotic cars, this would be right along its specialty. Tata Motors took control of Jaguar. Although Jaguar is showing attempts at hybrids it may still be a long way from a production model. Again this would be a chance to get into this technology which had been painstakingly developed over many many years.

Or what about a Chinese company? Tell Uncle Sam thanks for the loans or supposed loans but we don’t need you any longer. We got cash and are very interested in seeing China go green. Can a Fisker Kharma be produced at half the cost?

Its time that an Arabian company starts producing something else besides oil. Think of the huge PR opportunity if a Saudi Arabian Oil Sheik started producing clean electric vehicles.

So maybe I can’t afford to buy Fisker Kharma corp. I already own a Volt, its cheaper sister, and I would seriously consider trading it in for a Cadillac ELR. But a person can always dream big! That is one thing I like about America, no lack of opportunity to dream big!

Bob Twaalfhoven

Bob Twaalfhoven + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Owner and Visionary Creator, but people just call him “Bob T”.. Here is his full Bio: Bob Twaalfhoven. Bob lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Founder of BobCAD-CAM software. BobCAD-CAM was created by Bob, who was an engineer graduate of MIT in 1978. He created the software as a means to bring the technology of CAD/CAM to the personal computer. But overall – Bob is a lover of cars, engines and anything that is fast…

Luxury Cars for Sale: How to Sell Your High-End Ride

Larry Bell — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:03:10 +0000

Cadillac ELR hybrid-electric luxury car

When selling a luxury car online, experts recommend using several photos along with detailed descriptions. As with any higher-priced item, potential buyers want to know exactly what they are getting for their money. That’s why it is an absolute necessity to post high quality pictures in the listing. When you place an ad under the “Luxury Cars for Sale” section, take a bit more time with the description than you would with a lower-priced model. In this case, details are very important.

How to Prep Luxury Cars for Sale: Video

For one of the better instructional videos about how to prep a car for private sale, see the clip above. Though most of the advice could apply to any car, the film tends toward luxury vehicles specifically. In fact, you might recognize the sample car if you are a luxury vehicle enthusiast.
Note: Because the video was made for a UK audience, ignore the end section about legal paperwork. There is much less red tape involved when selling a used car in the U.S.

Top 10 Luxury Cars for Sale in U.S.

The car you are trying to buy or sell need not be in the top-10 listing of 2012 luxury cars for sale, but it is good to know what shoppers are looking for. Six through ten on the list, in order, are the Infiniti G, Acura MDX, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, and the Hyundai Genesis. Number five is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while BMW vehicles hold third and fourth places. Fourth is the BMW 5-Series. Third place is BMW’s 3-Series. The number two best-selling luxury car is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Taking the top spot on the list is the elegant Lexus RS. For those keeping track, that makes four Asian brands, four German brands, and two U.S. cars (both Cadillacs!) in the top ten.

If you are preparing to sell or buy a luxury vehicle, use the following information site to acquaint yourself with the history of the segment, learn about the different types of luxury cars (compact, entry-level, mid-level, and high-end, for example), and become conversant with common jargon that goes with the territory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxury_vehicle

To shop for or sell a car of any kind, begin at one of the highest-volume vehicle transaction sites on the Internet (link below). In less than five minutes you can have your vehicle listed, or locate the ideal car to suit your needs.
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Sell Cars the Smart Way: Book Tells How

Larry Bell — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:52:41 +0000

Sell cars the smart way (pictured: Honda Civic Natural Gas)

A book by Michael Sparks, entitled “Learn the Car Business for Fun and Profit,” is a useful tool for those who want to buy or sell cars privately. Though he includes many tips for negotiating with dealers, Sparks also delivers a wealth of information that can be easily applied to online transactions. Having sold, and purchased, just about every type of car online, the author reveals valuable tips for preparing a car for sale, buying at the best price, negotiating wisely, and sniffing out the best deals. The book is available at Amazon under the author’s name and book title.

Sell Cars: Video

Prepping cars for private sale is a challenging task, but it can be done rather quickly if you receive the proper instruction. The three-minute video above shows how to go about cleaning an engine. Especially for newer cars that contain all sorts of computer components under the hood, it is necessary to be careful when doing this tricky chore. As the demonstrator points out, it is OK to use a specialized water hose as long as you set the pressure to its lowest level.

Sell Cars

Those who wish to sell cars privately, rather than through a dealership, need to know local laws regarding legal transactions. Paperwork aside, physically preparing the car for sale is of utmost importance. A poorly maintained vehicle can turn even the most eager shoppers away. So besides making sure that all the legal forms are in order, do much as you would before selling your home. Make sure the vehicle looks its best, has minor repairs taken care of, and runs acceptably well.

Leaning to buy and sell cars online is a relatively new area of expertise. The private car sales portion of the U.S. economy is currently in transition, with online business increasing almost exponentially.

To buy or sell a car quickly, see the following link:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

ConsumerReports: Hybrid/EV Buying Guide

Larry — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 02:19:25 +0000

Chevy Volt Plug-in Hybrid

Getting started

The era of the electrified car has arrived. Elevated and uncertain gasoline prices have consumers prioritizing operating costs, while federal regulations require progressively increased fuel economy for new vehicles, encouraging the development of thrifty cars and alternative powertrains. As a result, hybrid, plug-in, and pure-electric cars are proliferating in all vehicle categories, cutting energy costs and reducing petroleum consumption.

These electrified vehicles employ numerous technologies, making it a challenge for car shoppers to understand the benefits of one model over another. Through this buying guide, we’ll explain how these technologies work and provide the insights necessary to choose the right model for your needs, goals, and environmental objectives.

Why buy a hybrid or electric car?

By combining a gasoline engine, electric motor, and battery pack, hybrids can get as much as 30-percent better gas mileage than equivalent conventional cars. While they cost a little more, some hybrids can make up the difference in fuel savings in just a few years, depending on gasoline prices and the price differential to the conventional version. Some hybrids, especially versions of smaller, four-cylinder models, also provide smoother, quieter operation than their conventional counterparts.

Hybrid SUVs and pickups offer very good towing and hauling capacity, and they can be particularly good choices for saving fuel. Since larger vehicles naturally burn more gas, the 30-percent reduction in fuel consumption we’ve seen from some of these truck-based hybrids amounts to saving many more gallons than the benefits of choosing a small hybrid car over a small conventional car.

If you want to avoid using gasoline at all, electric cars can dramatically reduce running costs. We’ve found the Nissan Leaf, the first mass-produced all-electric car on the market, costs as little as 3.5 cents a mile to run at national average electric rates. And that electricity is produced from domestic sources, reducing our national dependence on foreign oil. Most electric cars today are sold in California, a state that gives automakers incentives to sell them. There, most electricity comes from relatively clean natural gas. California and some other states also offer additional incentives to electric car buyers, such as direct rebates or tax credits.

What you need to know

Hybrids: Hybrid technology comes in many forms, and not all hybrids are ultra efficient. Our data show that full-hybrids (those capable of driving on electric power alone at least for short distances) yield the biggest improvements in fuel economy.

All that technology comes at a price, though. Hybrids usually cost more than comparable conventional cars. But the cost difference is often not prohibitive and in many cases the expenditure is offset by energy savings. TheToyota Prius, for example, starts at about $24,000. For the space and features it offers, it doesn’t cost much more than a comparable midsized family sedan. (It is about $3,000 more than an average compact sedan.) With a very efficient car like the Prius, and one in high demand on the resale market, you can come out ahead financially over a short ownership period.

But many other hybrids come with lots of extra luxury features and sometimes a fancy nameplate that don’t contribute to fuel economy, but do add significantly to the price. If you pay more than about $5,000 above the cost of an equivalent conventional vehicle, it will be hard to save enough fuel to recoup the extra costs. If the price of gas rises, many more hybrids will make financial sense.

Hybrids’ main competition comes from diesel, which gets similar mileage improvements at a similar cost, albeit often with higher emissions and dirtier fuel.

Electric cars: Electric cars are very efficient, but can travel only short distances before their battery has to be recharged, a process that takes several hours at best. Currently, electric vehicles (EVs) cost thousands more than conventional cars, but that expense is partially offset by federal tax rebates. And the selection is limited. Many are sold only in certain regions of the country, so where you live may well determine what type of electric car you buy. Further, different regions of the country are also better suited to using electric cars. Some have more services available within electric cars’ short range and more favorable electric rates. And some areas have cleaner electric power generation than others. (If environmental factors are a motivator, consider that trading a gasoline-hybrid for an electric car may negate some green benefits if local electricity is generated by coal.)

What you’ll spend

The cheapest hybrid today is the Toyota Prius C. Starting at about $19,000, the Prius C feels like a very basic entry-level car and has several notable compromises. Other choices exist in the $20k-$30k range, from the ultra-efficient Prius to hybrid versions of popular family sedans, such as the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry.

The most expensive hybrid SUVs run from $45,000 to $55,000, and they include numerous luxuries along with powerful hybrid powertrains. Ultra-luxury sedans, such as the Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid and the Lexus LS 600h, range from about $80,000 to more than $110,000. New hybrid and electric luxury cars are arriving from startup automakers, including Tesla, with its all-electric Model S starting at $60,000, and the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, which starts at $96,000.

In the near future, more hybrid choices are expected, in a wide range of body styles and prices.

Larry Judkin

Larry Judkin + is My Perfect Automobile’s General Manager, but people call him Lar’. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Co-owner of My Perfect Automobile. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Cars for Sale: Using Car Classifieds to Your Advantage

Larry Bell — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:33:02 +0000

Cars for sale (pictured: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid)

When perusing the ‘cars for sale’ ads online, experts advise that prospective buyers should do plenty of research. The first thing to do is narrow your choice down to a specific make and model, because cars for sale on Internet sites often number in the hundreds of thousands. Besides having make and model in mind, Internet car-buying gurus say you should spend at least three hours reading up on the particular vehicle you seek. That way, you will get well acquainted with blue book value, trim levels, and options that were offered with the original model.

Cars for Sale: Video

Test-driving a car before buying it is a wise idea, but do you know the basics of inspecting a vehicle? The video clip above runs through a complete yet simple auto inspection routine. You should attempt to hit each of the checkpoints listed, and then perform a test drive, before making the purchase. Notice that most of the key areas of inspection involve looking for signs of wear. The odometer definitely does not tell the whole story of a car’s history. Being observant during the inspection phase will pay huge dividends for a car buyer. Checking the driver’s seat for saggy support might point to heavy, almost constant, usage. Learning how to inspect cars for sale is a valuable skill.

Cars for Sale

For an exhaustive list of automobile companies and the cars they make, see the informational website below. Car buyers often begin with a make and model in mind. Having a master list helps a shopper find out who makes what. For example, if you are searching for a German car, scroll down and click ‘Germany’ on the listing of European car manufacturers. Once there, you will see all the German carmakers and the models they sell. If you are interested in a Volkswagen, for example, click on the VW tab and read through the list of the 30 or so models that VW offers. At that point, you might want to research prices and reviews of the various models that interest you in order to narrow down your options.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_automobile_marques

Larry Bell

Car Sales: Expert Advice for Simple Selling and Buying

Larry Bell — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 15:41:15 +0000

Car Sales: The not–yet-for-sale Honda Accord 2014 plug-in

Experts say car sales nowadays are 100 percent different than they were just a decade ago. For private sellers, effective car sales are the result of two key factors: finding the best online listing service, and taking a top-notch photograph. Online ads allow for much more information, even besides one or several photographs. In addition, even if sellers make a typo in their ads, they can easily edit them later on, unlike in the old days of newspaper listings.

Car Sales: Video

In the informative video clip below, sellers can learn how to price a car for sale. Experts say that one of the biggest mistakes private sellers make is in the area of pricing. Without the benefit of at least a small amount of research, most people do not price their cars to sell. In fact, many cars are priced too low for the market, causing interested sellers to be scared away. When prices are set too low, buyers assume there must be something wrong with the vehicle. Equally problematic is setting too high a price for a used car. Buyers tend to do more research than sellers, and often know, to the penny, what a particular used vehicle should cost. So, if you intend to become involved in car sales, even just to sell your own vehicle, by all means watch the following video and learn how to put the right price on the window.

Car Sales

If you are considering putting your privately owned vehicle up for sale, spend some time perusing the link below. Because the laws of each state are different, it is a good idea to acquaint yourself with your state’s rules about transferring title to a buyer. Depending where your live, the titling process for car sales can take anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour, but in most cases is rather straightforward. The main thing is to make certain that you comply with the letter of the law; otherwise, the sale might not be valid. Most states have simple checklists for sellers and buyers to follow, which makes the whole process go smoothly.
http://www.dmvlist.com/

Larry Bell

Experts Say: 4 Secrets to Finding Best Cars for Sale

Larry Bell — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:59:06 +0000

Cars for sale (pictured: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid)

Experts say the four most vital factors when evaluating cars for sale include a test drive, extensive research, knowing how much you can afford, and learning where to shop. Widespread Internet access has drastically changed the car buying game, according to specialists, who recommend that prospective buyers set aside at least four hours to do background research on the car they want to purchase.

Cars for Sale: Video

Take it from a specialist, featured in the video link above, and learn the proper way to test drive a vehicle before making a purchase. There are specific things to do and look for when conducting a proper test, and ignoring them will only give you an incomplete picture of the vehicle you intend to buy. For safety’s sake, don’t begin until you have spent a few minutes getting familiar with all the controls. It is not a good idea to learn about the car’s various dashboard nuances and features while driving the vehicle for the first time. Do a thorough examination of the car before even getting in. There is no sense in taking a spin in a used car that lacks a license plate, good turn signals, or brake lights. Yes, it sounds a bit trite, but the rule is: safety first. When it comes to cars for sale, you should do a city and a highway test drive, making certain to travel about 5 to 10 miles on each route.

Cars For Sale

Knowing how much you can afford to spend will help you make the selection from various cars for sale. Sometimes this step is a bit tricky, as you need to really sit down and look at your overall, personal financial picture. Knowing where to find the best cars for sale is perhaps the most important of the four directives that experts set out for car buyers.

Larry Bell

Cars to Become Wi-Fi Hotspots, ‘Rolling Smartphones’

Larry Bell — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:40:31 +0000

GM’s Chevy Spark EV

Beginning in 2015, AT&T will replace Verizon Wireless as GM’s OnStar connection service. From OnStar’s debut, Verizon Wireless has helped the U.S. auto giant maintain connectivity within its OnStar system. After AT&T settles in with the GM contract, the communications firm will utilize its 4G LTE capability to turn OnStar-equipped vehicles into virtual computers-on-wheels. Any car could be made into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Glenn Lurie, AT&T’s division chief for the project, calls such cars, “smartphones on wheels.”

AT&T, GM to Build Network: Video

For a look at what AT&T’s predecessor had in mind for GM cars, before the change of plans, view the video link below. Much of the OnStar 4G LTE systems will remain in the AT&T network. As the narrator explains, OnStar has incorporated nearly every connectivity feature the human mind can conceive, from remote camera access, to residential temperature control and a vast array of online features. (The current legislative debate over whether drivers should have access to cell phones now seems comically moot). Video conferencing, Smartphone car controls, visual engine and interior inspection, and countless other high-tech capabilities await drivers who sign on to the OnStar-AT&T-GM mega-system.

AT&T, GM

GM’s Lurie offered the startling statistic that AT&T’s future LTE network would cover slightly more than 95 percent of the U.S. population. Coincidentally, Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress begins this week. The event is the globe’s biggest trade show in the wireless communications industry. By some estimates, more than 100 million vehicles will feature wireless network connectivity within two years. For owners of electric vehicles, remote access to a car’s functions can be vital, especially as it pertains to the battery’s charge level. In the event of widespread EV charging networks, grid connections and online billing will allow owners to charge up virtually anywhere.

For more about GM vehicles, see the auto giant’s official corporate website:
http://www.gm.com

Larry Bell

Gas Prices Headed Up, Says Dept. of Energy

Larry Bell — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:50:49 +0000

Gas Prices (Pictured: Tesla Model S electric sedan)

The U.S. Dept. of Energy announced this week that gasoline prices would likely rise faster than forecasters had predicted for 2013. Rising crude oil prices and key refinery slowdowns are the suspected culprits, as short-term pump prices are set to make their way to $3.55 per gallon. In 2012, the average annual pump price in the U.S. was $3.63. Diesel prices are expected to follow suit, though will not approach last year’s high, at least for the next several months.

Gas Prices: Video

After reading the latest gasoline price report from the DOE, there could be no more appropriate time to gaze into the future, imagining a life without the need for liquid fuel. Enter Tesla Motors. For a rare look at a Tesla spec commercial, the video clip below shows the Model S in all its glory, as it “introduces the future,” with its sleek looks and super-efficient operating ability. Though just a half-minute in length, the spot does a comprehensive job of highlighting the electric sedan’s key features, conveying a sense of mystery and expectation about what the future might hold. A solid conceptual argument for electric cars in general, the masterfully done ad exudes the Tesla vibe from beginning to end.

Gas Prices Headed Up

DOE forecasters predict that gasoline prices will top out around $3.73 per gallon just before summer. The month of May typically sees the highest gas prices each year. Various market-driven causes are behind the climb, though most are based on buying cycles and annual introduction of summer-grade fuels. For the past several years, U.S. gasoline demand has been relatively steady at approximately 8.7 million barrels per day. The DOE makes regular projections about the long- and short-term prices of various fuels.

For more about U.S. electric automaker Tesla Motors, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.teslamotors.com

Larry Bell