CARBLog

Shopping for a Mercedes?

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:02:18 +0000

I am sure that owning a Mercedes is a dream that has once crossed your mind. Somehow, you are amazed by the shape, the luxury, the speed or even the class that is associated with Mercedes. However, not all types of Mercedes are suitable for you. The difficult part of purchasing a Mercedes is finding the one that will completely blow your mind. Just because it is a Mercedes, it does not mean that it should be expensive. I know there are some that are priced at 200,000 dollars but there are also some that are below the price of 50,000 dollars. Before choosing the Mercedes that suits your style, you need to look at four major factors which are; price, horsepower, body style, and the ability to go from zero to sixty within a particular time.

When it comes to price, the C230 Sport Sedan is the least expensive. Its price starts at 29,975 dollars. The most expensive is the SL65 AMG whose price starts at 185,775 dollars. Apart from the price, the C230 Sport Sedan has everything that you would dream a luxury car to have. The features of this car include blue-tinted glass, chrome trim, dual zone climate co control for audio system, Electronic Stability Program and 10-way adjustable front seats.

Let us now look at the SL65 AMG. It is among the most powerful Mercedes models on the market as it has a horsepower of 604. furthermore, it has a V-12 engine that is twin turbocharged. All the basic luxury features that you would want in a Mercedes are here. Apart from that, it comes with several specifications, F1 inspired front air dam, zero to sixty in not more than 4.5 seconds, and dewpoint sensors that create an ambiance for comfortable driving. The exciting features do not stop here as it is also fitted with Sirrius Satellite Radio, Bose Cabin Surround, GPS in-dash navigation, and Bose AudioPilot.

Mercedes vehicles come in 10 different classes and so if you are very particular about a certain shape, you will without doubt be satisfied. The shapes range from coupes, cabriolets, sedans, roadsters, sport tourers, SUVs and wagons. Depending on the shape, the price will also vary. The sedans start from 29,975 dollars and can reach highs of 169,000. Coupes start at a higher price of 54,475 dollars with the CLK 350 Cabriolet up to the price of the CL600 AMG which is 180,375 dollars. Roadsters begin at around 43,000 dollars which is the price of the SLK280 and reach 185,775 which is the price of the SL65 AMG.

The E-class is the one that contains both the wagon models. The price of the wagons range from 53,000 dollars to 62,000 dollars. The Sports Tourer models are found within the R class and their price range is between 48,000 and 56,000 dollars. SUVs range between 40,000 dollars and 105,000 dollars.

Sometimes power is a more important aspect to you than price and body style. If this is the case then you should know that the horsepower of the various Mercedes models range between 201HP and 604HP. The E230 CDI sedan and the C230 Sport Sedan both have a horsepower of 201. Three models of the Mercedes have the capability of reaching 604 horsepower. Some of such models are the CL65 AMG, the S65 AMG, and the SL65 AMG. There are times that you may not want to be too high or too low and you just want to hit middle ground. If this applies to you, there are some Mercedes models that will appeal to you as they have horsepowers that reach the 290 and the 490 mark.

Last but not least, when you go out to buy a Mercedes, take into perspective the ones that go from zero to sixty in not more than five seconds. All the models, except the some wagons are capable of doing this.

I am sure that there are times that you will come across a Mercedes that you are completely in love with but you may lack the resources. When faced with this instance, consider purchasing a certified pre-owned Mercedes. Just because they are pre-owned does not mean that they are less valuable. In many cases, they are more cared for than “used vehicles” and you might not even notice that you are driving a pre-owned car. This is particularly the case with older and classic vehicles like the 1955 Mercedes 300SL Coupe. Owning an antique Mercedes can be challenging especially when things do go wrong. When in need of specific parts it is always worth trawling some specialist Mercedes car breakers and frequenting owners clubs forums and websites before paying top dollar at your local dealership or getting a specialist to build the part for you from scratch.Similar Posts:

Worst Cities in the World to Drive

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:58:09 +0000

Taking a family trip can be a memorable experience. However, depending on where you go, it could be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Driving in any of the following cities around the world can lead to unexpected car repairs and numerous other problems.

Rome, Italy: Italy is the birthplace of auto racing, so it’s no surprise that the streets often resemble a demolition derby. Visitors to the city should be prepared for people not looking before they turn, not wearing their seatbelts, and simply not giving a flying “you know what” about anyone else is on the road. Collisions occur by the dozens each day and the fatality rate is among the highest on the planet. Do you want to avoid a headache and possible head injury? Take advantage of the public transportation available in Rome.

Tokyo, Japan: The problem in Tokyo isn’t necessarily the individual drivers or how they act; it’s the sheer traffic volume. There are so many vehicles hitting the Tokyo roadways every day that the city had to set up a 24/7 monitoring center called the Tokyo Traffic Control Center. If you are headed anywhere in Tokyo, make sure you plan for at least twice as much time as you think you need.

Mumbai, India: If you have searched for lists of the world’s worst driving cities, you have undoubtedly seen dozens of different cities named. However, one thing they will all have in common in the mention of Mumbai. The city has narrow roads, heavy precipitation, extreme traffic volume, and drivers who all act as if they just got their license the day before. Passing around blind turns, entering main roads from side streets without stopping, and ignoring marked lanes are all every day occurrences. Combine that with horrendous road conditions and you have a disaster waiting to happen. Oh yea, and let’s not forget that when the locals get tired from walking they just lie at the roadside and take naps.

Los Angeles, California: LA is continually #1 among American traffic disasters. You have three choices when traveling in and around Los Angeles; leave plenty of extra time, bring a local map, or own a GPS that will guide you around the craziness. The traffic is insane, especially near the morning or afternoon commute. If you choose to visit the city, it’s best to do so on the weekend, or plan to take public transportation.

Athens, Greece: The Greeks laid the foundation for everything that Western civilization is today. It’s too bad civility goes out the window when the people of Athens get behind the wheel of a car. Drivers are apathetic about traffic regulations and will triple park right in the middle of the street without a care for anyone else. Scooter and motorcycle riders swerve in and out of traffic like they are on rollerblades, and pedestrians seem to have a running contest to see who can perform the most dangerous jaywalking stunt. If you are exiting a side street during a time of heavy traffic, you had better hope you packed a lunch because no one will let you in.

Bangkok, Thailand: All those things you see in the movies about Bangkok; it’s all true, including how hard it is to navigate the streets. Hundreds of cars and motorbikes take to the streets each day in an aggressive attempt to navigate the chaos. It is especially hectic for out-of-towners who are unfamiliar with the streets that change direction at a certain time each day.

Orlando, Florida: The city is home to Disney, known as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” That may be true at the theme parks, but it’s an entirely different story on the roads. With so many tourists, it’s easy to be caught in the daily logjam headed to the parks and attractions. Even a quick trip for an Egg McMuffin can take hours, as Orlando is home to the world’s largest McDonalds. Thousands of exhausted parents and sugar-filled kids can make a simple pedestrian crossing into an all-day affair. You might want to make sure you hit the Audi car service center for an oil change and tune-up before hitting Orlando, because you can never tell how long it will take to get into and out of the city.Similar Posts:

New BMW 114i and M135i as Five-Door Hatchback

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:45:05 +0000

Today BMW introduced two new models, the 114i and M135i. Both of these models will be available on the five-door version of the 1-Series. The 114i features a de-tuned version of the 116i’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a twin scroll turbocharger rated at a low 101hp and 180Nm.

BMW quotes a 0-100km/h time of 11.2 seconds, a top speed of 195km/h and an average fuel consumption of 5.5lt/100km. All 114is come fitted with Auto Start Stop function, Shift Point Indicator in conjunction with a six-speed manual transmission and brake energy regeneration system as standard. The M135i makes use of the latest version of BMW’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six delivering 315hp at 5,800rpm and 450Nm.

The 6-speed manual gearbox model goes from zero to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, with the 8-speed automatic version completing the sprint in 4.9 seconds. Both models reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Select versions of the five-door 1-Series will also be available with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The first models to be offered with xDrive will be the 120d and the M135i with European sales to start later in the year.

Similar Posts:

Incredible Choice When Considering Vauxhall Leasing

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:29:34 +0000

A lot of people are working to a tight budget these days – by and large due to matters beyond their control. The global economic crisis, for instance, has made a lot of people re-evaluate where their financial priorities lie, with them making sacrifices in all areas of their lives. A number of people have had to sell their car, downsize, trade it in and more.

The car though really shouldn’t be classed as a luxury that is first to go when finances get hit. A car, to a lot of people, is more of a necessity, with families from all backgrounds needing access to one to go about their daily routine. A lot of families rely on Vauxhall as their manufacturer of choice, because of their reputation for providing quality for a low price over the decades. There are a lot of places online that people can go to for affordable Vauxhall leasing prices that won’t break the budget.

Vauxhall is one of the UK’s largest car brands, and is incredibly popular thanks to the build and reliability of their cars. The enormous range of choice available to consumers also makes them a winner in the marketplace, whether people are looking for a saloon, a hatchback or something else. People often head online to find some of the best Vauxhall leasing prices available for their needs, and often come away with a fantastic bargain.

Vauxhall’s fleet vehicles are also a popular choice amongst businesses of all shapes and sizes. Getting the right kind of van or fleet vehicle for the needs of the business at an affordable price is a real money-saver, with people all across the UK taking advantage of such fantastic offers. Whether it’s for the home or for business purposes, a Vauxhall is an incredible vehicle that offers excellent value for money is reliable and won’t let people down.

Going online is the best way to find fantastic discounts on a Vauxhall, and a number of sites can put people in touch with their local dealership for ease of access when they want to make a purchase.

Similar Posts:

2013 Chevrolet Trax Crossover will Debut in Paris

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:48:21 +0000

The new 2013 Chevrolet Trax is a third variant of GM’s small crossover (see also 2013 Buick Encore and Opel Mokka) which will make its world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September. The new Chevrolet Trax will be offered in more than 140 countries around the world. The small SUV will arrive at North-American dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year and European dealerships in spring of 2013.

Officially, GM says it has no plans to offer the Trax in the U.S.A “because of the strong position of the Chevrolet Equinox”.

As you can see, the styling differences between the Buick Encore and the Chevrolet Trax are limited to the latter’s Chevy grille, redesigned headlamps and the more pronounced front and rear wheel arches.

“The Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers around the world require,” said Mary Barra, GM senior vice president of Product Development.

More details will be published later.

Similar Posts:

2013 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:07:07 +0000

BMW has unveiled the new 3 Series Sports Wagon. The new long-roof 3 Series goes on sale in Europe later this year as the 328i, 330d, and 320d Touring. North-American buyers need to wait until Spring 2013.

The new 3 Series Sports Wagon is larger than the current one, and boasts 10 percent more cargo volume. The new wagon will be available in Sport, Luxury, and Modern lines, as well as an M Sport Line, each with a unique approach to their interior and exterior trim.

Inside, the back seats have a 40:20:40 split and the cargo space offers plenty of room. There’s also hidden storage, a standard partition net, and if the cargo cover isn’t in use, it can be stowed under the cargo floor for added convenience.

Amenities include an available power tailgate that, with the optional Comfort Access package, becomes a hands-free power tailgate. Naturally, BMW will offer its full complement of tech and driver aids, like BMW Apps, a color HUD, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, BMW Parking Assistant, Rear-view Camera with Top View, and the BMW Assist telematics service.

Similar Posts:

Ford recalling F-150, Mustang, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator models

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:56:23 +0000

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford recalls F-150, Mustang, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator models due to a defective transmission sensor. Some 10,000 vehicles are affected, including 2011 and 2012 F-150 pickups, 2012 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, and 2012-2013 Ford Mustang.

These models have several issues with their automatic transmissions, including the transmission not shifting into reverse when the gearshift lever is moved to the “R” position, the “R” lamp on the dashboard not illuminating, and the backup lamps not working. A faulty transmission range sensor is the culprit.

The recall will start on June 25, with owners being notified by the automaker. Ford can also be reached at 1-866-436-7332.

Similar Posts:

Ferrari is recalling 200 458 Italia and California models

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:37:15 +0000

The unfavorable day for Ferrari: Italian carmaker is recalling 458 Italia and California models around the world due to a problem with the crankshaft.

The problem, which affects 206 sportcars in total of 13,000 built, is caused by an incorrect finish to the crankshafts in question. The problem causes unwanted vibrations which can damage the engine if it is not changed.

“We are writing to all clients affected now, asking them to return the car to a dealer for the work to be done,” said a Ferrari spokesman.

In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to issue a formal recall notice about the affected vehicles. In the UK just 16 cars are affected, ten Californias and six 458s.

Similar Posts:

2013 Hyundai Sonata Gets More Equipment Features

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:56:06 +0000

Korean Hyundai redesigned its popular sedan Sonata for north-american market with some minor equipment upgrades throughout the range.
For 2013, par example, the base Sonata GLS with the ‘Popular Equipment Package’ gains standard fog lights and heated front seats. Praces start at $21,720. The Sonata’s SE model will comes with standard heated front seats, the Limited package gets a standard traditional sunroof, while a panoramic sunroof is now part of the Limited Premium Package for 2013.

There are no other changes or upgrades claimed to the Sonata. The korean sedan will be available with two old gasoline engines, a 198hp 2.4-liter Theta II GDI and a 274-horsepower 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI engine, plus a 206hp Hybrid variant.

Similar Posts:

Kia K9 went on sale in South Korea

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:42:40 +0000

Kia’s new flagship sedan, called K9,n that look lile the BMW 7-Series, went on sale in South Korea on Wednesday. The full-size rear-wheel drive ambitious sedan is offered with two V6 engines, while pricing in Korea starts at US$46,900 and rises to $76,500.

Kia said that K9 will be launched in a number of key overseas markets starting in the fourth quarter of 2012. The new K9 has an overall length of 5,090mm and rides on a 3,045mm wheelbase, while overall width and height are 1,900mm and 1,490mm, respectively.

“K9 is our first rear-wheel drive large sedan for more than a decade and sets new standards for advanced design, new technologies and driving performance, representing the ‘best of the best’ of Kia,” commented Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s Director of Overseas Marketing Group.

At launch, the K9 is offered in Korea with two petrol engines, a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 296HP and a 3.8-liter V6 producing 329HP, both linked to Kia’s all-new eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Kia said that in overseas markets, the K9 will be available by an upgraded 286hp Lambda V6 3.8-litre MPI engine, with a 329HP 3.8-liter GDI engine joining the global engine line-up next year. The K9 features an electronically controlled air suspension with five-link suspension geometry.

Available comfort features include a 12.3-inch full size Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD cluster, a HUD (head-up display), twin 9.2-inch monitors to entertain rear seat occupants and a 17-channel, 17-speaker Lexicon (by Harman) sound system and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) which adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain the distance from the vehicle ahead.

In addition, Kia offers a special VIP Package that adds twin heated and ventilated rear seats with a reclining backrest, sliding cushion and lower leg support for the ‘nearside’ seat, together with a front passenger seat that slides forwards when unoccupied.

Similar Posts: