Sell Your Car

Selling your call your self is becoming easier every day.  With the internet booming as a market place, trading in your old vehicles to a dealer just isn’t the best option anymore.

Sell Your Car Online
If you need to sell your car, there are plenty of good places to do so online.  In the united states we suggest Craigslist or something similar.

If you are in the UK there is a very nifty service called sell your car available by following the link.

Remember don’t trade your old car into the dealership! Sell it yourself. Or use a quality service.  You’ll end up with more money in your pocket at the end of the day.

 

 

 

How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need?

Each state has different rules and regulations. Also if you don’t own your auto, meaning it is not paid off, you have to abide the terms of the bank that has financed you.

Can I Bare Bones My Auto Insurance Coverage?

That is a tricky question, you can get the bare minimum coverage, but you should check with the bank if you are financed and your insurance agent. You don’t want to cut your coverage short, and not be legal.

I Need Insurance Coverage Advice

Sounds like you need some much needed insurance information. You need to find the best insurance quotes site for help. All of these sites that will give you a quote will be more than willing to help and give you the best case scenario.

No matter stay covered with insurance, it is better to have too much rather than too little.

When Buying A Used Car Always Get The History

As part of our How To Buy A Car series, I wanted to take a minute and talk about vehicle history reports.  If you are buying a used car from a dealer or a private party always check the Carfax vehicle history report.  This will  tell you how many owners the car has had, and if the car has ever been wrecked.

Here’s a  hint:  If you are buying from a used car dealer, make them pay for the history report!

Maintain Your Car And Be Prepared For Anything

Taking care of your auto is a must. If you don’t do regular maintenance on your vehicle, you could end up with a very serious problem.

Automotive Maintenance

Making sure you keep accurate records, regular oil changes, and treating your auto will keep your vehicle in good working conditions. However, sometimes there are those rare occurrences when your auto breaks down. What happens if you are stuck out in the middle of no where?

Being Smart When You Have A Breakdown

First off, never leave your car. Second is to have a cell phone that has great reception. Verizon has great service, and has excellent auto apps. Use a  Verizon promo code to get a great deal on a phone at an affordable price.

Maintain your auto so you don’t have break downs, but if you do, be ready. Stay with your auto and use your Verizon cell phone to get help.

 

What To Do With A Totalled Or Wrecked Car

So you’ve totally wrecked your car, and you’ve cashed out with your insurance company.  (you did have insurance didn’t you?)  Now you have a hunk of metal with a motor sitting in your driveway and you need options.

Here are few things you can do:

Sell Your Car For Scrap
Sometimes cars are just wrecked and unfix-able. If your car is no longer running and you Companies are out there that will help you scrap cars for cash.

Give Your Car To Charity
There are many charities out there that will accept vehicle donations and give you a nice tax write off in return.  If you need a tax break and you’re feeling generous

Fix It And Sell It As A Salvage Title
If the car is fixable, many mechanics will buy your car and resell it once they have it running properly. Approach you your mechanic or  sell your salvage title car on Craigslist.org.

Don’t let that old hunk of junk sit there and get rusty.  Turn it into cash today.

Hybrid Benefits

Hybrids are really cool cars with awesome benefits. There are many things that a hybrid car can do, but the most popular is the fact the car is not going to harm the air. That alone is a wonderful thing.

Shopping for the perfect hybrid for my family

You should always factor in a few things when it is time to start shopping for a new hybrid car. One is just how big this car is going to have to be to fit my family. You want everyone in the car to be comfortable. So be sure you stick the whole family in the car, and be sure everyone has leg room.

Financially, can I afford this car?

You should get car insurance quotes before you go test drive the car. These quotes will help you determine if you can make the monthly payments, but also afford your insurance premiums during the time frame you choose to pay. Take a few minutes to study all of the numbers when it comes to buying a new car.

Enjoy your new hybrid once you get it. You will really enjoy this cool new car, and love the features that come with it.

Protect Your Hybrid – Get A DWI Lawyer

Getting a DUI can be a very costly experience. It can be one that can create major financial havoc on your life. It is very important that you get the right lawyer to help you with your DUI.

Where do I find a DUI lawyer?

Most of this is going to depend on where you live. If you live in a small town, you might not have access to many options for lawyers. You might have to stick with the local guy, unless you have access to other option perhaps in a nearby city. In major cities you will have pages to chose from, so chose wisely.

Things to ask my DUI lawyer?

The most important question to ask is how much is this going to cost. You should get an idea of how much your DUI will cost just for the representation. The court could fine you additional fees, so you need to be prepared for that. Your lawyer will fight to get you the best deal possible.

A DUI can be a bad mistake, but it is not the end of the world. You need to be sure you handle your business, and get everything taken care of. The first step is securing a reputable DWI lawyer. You also have to understand that it will take a lot of time and resources to work your way through this situation but thankfully our justice system does allow for second chances.

4 Reasons Why Buying a Used Car Makes Sense

When you need a new car, you want a NEW car; but sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to spend so much on a late model car when a used car makes sense. Here we’re going to go over the benefits of a used car; how you can get the used car you want at the price you can afford, and most importantly why you don’t have to spend a bundle to get a great car that suits your needs and your personality!

4. Cars Depreciate Faster than Paris Hilton

Seriously, the moment you drive a brand new car off the lot you’ll end up losing a good chunk of the car’s value. Even if you take it back the same day, they won’t give you the same price for it; imagine what you’ll come up against when you want to sell it in a year.

3. Spend Money on What You Want!

When you buy used, you get real value; why spend an extra grand for a name when you can get the same functionality and then add great options to your car?

2. Have Your Choice of Cars

Private sellers and franchise dealerships will all have their own selections of cars, all you have to do is get out there and find them. Before you buy any car, have it looked over by a mechanic you trust to know what kind of deal you’re getting.

1. Save on Insurance and Registration Fees

It’s a heck of a lot easier to insure a used car than it is a brand new car, even if you have a less than perfect driving record and credit. Registering an older car can go a lot quicker down at the DMV; who doesn’t want to avoid those long lines?

Why buy new when you can get all of this at an affordable price? Cars can depreciate quickly, so it doesn’t make sense to buy new. Have your pick of cars right off the lot, and get great deals with private sellers who can have rare options.  There are always options for other ways to borrow money like taking out a payday loan for example, but when you find the right used car, you should be able to pay in one lump sum to avoid making monthly payments. Finally, you can save on your insurance and registration fees when you buy used, and you can spend the extra cash on something that you really want, not what you need. Buying a used car makes sense!

 

Merchant Accounts and Credit Card Processing for the Auto Dealer

Being able to accept credit card payments at an auto dealership is very important, because most people do not have cash. In today’s economy, most people are paying with everything using their credit cards. And this even includes their down payments on vehicles are. Merchant accounts are designed to handle credit card payments.

Brand-new Automotive Dealerships

A great piece of advice for a brand-new automotive dealership to be sure you are set up correctly from the beginning. When you first start out, it is very important that you have a great game plan. You need this in order to be successful with your automotive dealership. There is stiff competition when it comes to automotive dealerships and their competitors. So be sure from the beginning you are able to accept credit cards. One piece of information is that when you are applying for an application to accept credit cards, that you mention you are an automotive dealership. This might get you a better rate, and you will end up saving money.

My Dealership Needs More Sales

You might be struggling in the first few months of being your automotive dealership. This is normal unfortunately, however it is time to make some money. One great way of doing this, is having a huge blowout sale. People that are looking for cars, will often be attracted to huge sales. If the dealership appears to be highly motivated to sell a car, people will come out and go to dealerships knowing that more than likely they will buy the car they are looking for. It is a good idea to take a week to figure out ideal dates to have your huge blowout sale. Then start advertising and on the days you have selected be sure you have plenty of salespeople.

Good luck in selling lots of cars.

6 Tips for Safer Winter Driving

Most people don’t realize the dangers they face while driving on icy roads in the winter time. Driving in the winter presents adverse conditions to the average-uneducated joe, and being well prepared is the only logical defense to combat the challenging weather, and being less distracted and more aware is a good starting point. Temperatures make roads slippery, and one slip up could become costly and even deadly. The driver needs to know the road and how follow certain steps to avoid becoming a victim of inclement weather. Around the Holiday season people expect to keep their loved ones safe. By doing the following 6 tips, one can expect more safety assurance while traveling.

1. The driver must first be more aware of the road he/she is driving on and check the weather reports prior to leaving onto a journey and specially a long-distance drive.
The Departmental Transportation offers a road-condition hotline, where drivers can look up there specific areas and determine the conditions standing in their paths.

2. It’s important to pack a travel safety kit while commuting in wintery times.
Items of importance: A cell phone, extra food, water, an ice scraper, cat litter (providing traction), radio, flashlights, blankets, hand warmers, extra jackets, and some chains. Having the right necessities will come in handy in case of an emergency and should never be ignored.

3. Slow down! This is one of the most important steps, because drivers in the rain all seem to think it’s the same as regular summer day.
It’s not! To avoid hydroplaning you can’t be too careful, and staying off your lead food is the only surefire way to make this happen. Be smart and slow down while driving in the rain, snow, or icy conditions.

4. Keep your hands free.
Emergencies happen and it’s up to you to not be texting your friend, especially while a loved one is in your car. A good rule is to not use your phone or have anything in your hand while driving in wintery conditions, and this includes coffee

5. Keep your tires properly inflated.
Tires do not work for maneuvering in the snow without air, so keep them properly inflated.

6. Do not drink and drive.
Reaction time and alcohol do not blend together, so be sure to minimize your chances of an accident by not drinking and keeping your awareness level high.

Emily is a blogger and contributing insurance writer for Policy Expert contents insurance topics and safety tips for keeping your health and assets safe.

6 Affordable Cars for 2012

If you are looking for a brand new card in the New Year, but don’t’ want to break the bank, don’t worry, because there are many different vehicles available to you at an affordable price in 2012. These cars range in size and manufacturer, but they have on important thing in common, they are easy on your wallet. As an added bonus they are easy on the pump too, so you can continue on with the savings all year long and beyond!

1. The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco 

This compact sedan provides some of the new GM touches that have come to light in the past several years. Not to mention, the car is able to obtain 42 miles per gallon on the highway, and 28 milieus per gallon in the city (with a manual transmission). The overall cost is just over $18,000, but with the added fuel savings, the price of the Chevrolet Cruze is even better than it sounds.

2. 2012 Hyundai Elantra
If you are looking for a little style in your affordable car, you need to check out the Hyundai Elantra. This vehicle has a nice, stylish design that is sure to make anyone looking for a new car smile. The smart edges and grill make the vehicle look far more expensive than it really is, always a nice touch. At $18,5000 the vehicle as affordable, and able to to give you a new set of wheels, without maxing out your account. The vehicle also has an impressive MPG, with the average between both city and highway coming out at 33 MPG.

3. 2012 Ford Fiesta SFE
This Ford model started over in Europe, before coming to the United States and it has since flourished in the American market. The eye catching design helps make it desirable, plus the amazing price tag of $15,000 makes is all more the wild. The Super Fuel Economy vehicle (what the SFE stands for) obtains 40 miles per gallon on the highway, and 29 in the city, so you are going to continue on with your savings well after you purchase the vehicle.

4. 2012 Honda Fit
This car isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it still comes in at a nice $16,000 . Plus, the 33 MPG is suitable, compared to the other cars on the list, although the design is rather flat.

5. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon TDI
This vehicle is the most expensive on the list, at $27,000, but it adds up in savings with an average of 36 miles per gallon. Plus, if you need the extra storage space, the wagon design is helpful.

6. 2012 Fiat 500
With Fiat’s takeover of Chrysler, the Fiat is making its way back to the American market, and the Fiat 500 is a two-door sports car, coming in at $15,500, with a MPG of 38 on the highway and 30 in the city.

Emily is a car enthusiast; financial blogger and a contributing writer for Payday Loans, a company which helps people receive funds when they need it.

 

A Hybrid Deserves an eCigarette

Electronic cigarettes are no longer a joke anymore as people from all walks of life including celebrities have been photographed using them on movie sets to movie premieres. What makes eCigs so special?

  1. No lighting up is required with eCigs. This means that a smoker will not be inhaling combustive materials or chemicals that can cause cancer. You can find out more about how safe they are at SmokelessCigarettes.net.
  2. Electronic cigarettes are more affordable than cigarettes and will save an average smoker $100 or more per month.
  3. eCigs can be used anywhere from inside a home, office, night club, bar to an outdoor sporting event. Since this type of cigarette doesn’t involve releasing second hand smoke into the air, any person can use an eCig with confidence anytime they want.

The Perfect Solution for People Who Can’t Give Up Smoking

Want to give up smoking but don’t think you have the will power to go “cold turkey” yet? No problem. With electronic cigarettes you can choose the nicotine level that you need so you can start out with a strong nicotine level then eventually wean yourself down to a lower level until you don’t need them anymore.

Electronic cigarettes are the “smart solution” because, they will help any smoker who doesn’t want to quit slowly without giving up on the social aspects of smoking that they need like holding a cigarette or hanging out with friends during a smoke break as they smoke.

A Dark Future Ahead For Smokers

With smoking being regulated hard across the country, many cigarette smokers have to practically evade the law if they want to smoke in public. More anti-smoking laws are expected for the coming years and this means more hassle and turmoil for the average smoker. The solution to all of these problems is electronic cigarettes. When the average smoker uses a greensmoke eCig they can smoke with confidence in any place without having to look over their shoulder and worry about breaking the law or worse.

Purchasing Cars Online

At some point or another, that old faithful car you have been driving for years no longer cuts it. While car shopping can be exciting, it can also be really stressful. Fortunately now there are many ways to go about purchasing one, however buying one online is becoming the most popular. Although it can be very easy, there are some risks involved. Here are some of the steps that you should take when purchasing a vehicle, and how to make sure that you don’t get scammed.

Step 1: Ask as many questions as possible.
Make sure you know everything possible about the car. This is important to do before you even go see it (that is, if you will be able to see it beforehand). Be sure to get maintenance reports and check the Carfax.

Step 2: Check out the seller.
Make sure that the seller is reliable, whether you found them on a website or through a dealership. You can check any reviews that person has had. After that, call the seller and ask if you can see the car. If they seem a resistant then it is most likely a fraud, so don’t waste your time. You can also ask them more questions. You can usually tell when someone is a “off.” It can be easy to find a seller of your car online, however a lot of them will try to scam you of your money. When you buy a car at a dealership in your town, you know that the seller won’t run away with your money. But on the internet, it is a pretty common thing to happen.

Step 3: Research your choice.
Get a full check on the vehicles history so that you can determine its overall condition. You can start with its Vehicle Identification Number(VIN.) You can order reports from companies like CARFAX. This will show you everything from previous accidents to previous odometer readings. Next, you should hire an inspector to take a look at the car. Whether in person or just looking at the photographs.

Step 4: Making a deposit.
The safest way to pay for your car is by paying with a credit card or PayPal. Never send money orders or wire transfers. With those you can never get your money back.

Step 5: Paperwork.
When you purchase your new car. Make sure that you sign the Certificate of Title and the Bill of Sale. These documents are extremely important when it will come time to register your car.

In conclusion, be safe on your next car purchase. And follow the above steps. If you take the necessary precautions you will be amazed at how easy buying a vehicle online can be! Additionally, if all goes well with your purchase, you may want to think about turning around and selling your old car online! You can get money for old cars in many ways including selling them for parts or selling them online as a fixer-up project. You can research your options with a simple search query. For example, if you live in San Diego, simply search “cash for cars SD” and you should be on your way to finding a new buyer. Good Luck!

Auto Sales on the Rise

Prices of everything continue to rise while the jobless rate rises right along with them. The housing market is still a shambles. And the economy of this country is absolutely being flushed right down the… sewer. So how is it that auto sales are actually on an upturn?

Manufacturers Weigh In

A 23% increase was enjoyed by Hyundai while USA’s division of Mercedes Benz report a 28% sales gain. Honda and Toyota seem to have stalled a bit in comparison to their rival Nissan whose Japanese made cars are selling at a rate that is 18% increased. After four years a 27% rise in sales is being savored by the Chrysler group; and though Ford’s shares have dropped their sales have risen 6%. Shares fell for General Motors is well and they reported a mere 2% sales gain. But all in all things do seem to be on the rise where car sales are concerned. Maybe people have been driving around their old clunkers for so long that they are finally falling apart. Maybe it’s undeniably time to invest in a new car… It could just be that simple. Couldn’t it?

What Do the ‘Experts’ Say?

The auto news experts tell us that an average of 7.5% increase was seen in auto sales as of late, when it comes to light vehicles. When compared to pickup trucks, SUV’s and minivans the average rises only slightly to 7.6%. All major manufacturers of automobiles reported a gain of some kind (even if their shares did the opposite); so apparently auto sales truly are on the rise. I mean the experts set it so it must be true. 2009’s government sponsored Cash For Clunkers was the last time that there was this kind of rise in auto sales numbers and percentages.

The upturn in auto sales is clearly defined by not just percentages but by a price as well. Individual transaction prices have increased over $1300 per car since last year at the same time. There you have it.

Safety Tips for New Motorcycle Riders

Motorcycle riding can be an amazingly enjoyable and liberating experience. Safety, of course, is an essential part of the knowledge of riding and all that it entails, especially for new riders.

Before you jump right in and purchase your own motorcycle, you must examine all your choices carefully. If a motorcycle is too bulky or heavy, it can become a problem if dropped, and can make a new rider feel like they are not in control of the bike. Being in traffic and not controlling the motorcycle can become extremely dangerous for the rider and other vehicles on the roadways. Taking this under consideration will make the new rider feel comfortable and ensure the safety of all those around.

Wearing the correct protective clothing is essential as the motorcyclist is unprotected. Wearing street clothes can make even the smallest accident seem large, especially to the new rider. Long pants, leather jackets, boots, and motorcycle helmets are necessary to help protect the body. The helmet is the most crucial piece of protective clothing any motorcyclist can use. Keeping the brain safe in case of a fall is critical to the overall health of a rider. Wearing brightly colored clothing will make the motorcyclist more visible to other traffic.

For new motorcyclists, a terribly critical safety rule is to understand how to handle the bike in a safe manner. Riding a motorcycle is a vastly different experience than operating a car, and to feeling comfortable, will go a long way towards riding safely. Always practice riding and controlling the bike in areas that are quiet, without having to contend with traffic. Once the new biker feels comfortable, gradually increasing the trips to more highly trafficked areas is a good idea. A new rider should never go where the amount of traffic is overwhelming or confusing.

Know the rules of the road. All rules that pertain to motor vehicles pertain to motorcycles, as well. Motorcycles fit into smaller spaces than do other vehicles, and should not mislead motorcyclists to think they can squeeze in to get ahead. Motorcycles are harder to see on the roadways, and these types of actions should be avoided. A rider must always observe the road and assume other vehicles do not see them. Caution is always the best policy.

Knowing the safety rules and practicing them will ensure many years of riding enjoyment.

 

Easy Ways to Promote your Car Dealership

With the stagnant economy, car dealers are finding ways to maintain their sales levels by marketing and promoting campaigns such as discounts, free gas for a year programs and loan opportunities for those with less then good credit. Any business, no matter how big or small, should have its own website and also should be actively promoting it using search engines and social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook. Convincing people to purchase an automobile when they are unsure about the stability of their jobs is difficult so discovering easy ways to promote your car dealership is vital to cultivating your company’s success.

Promotional Items and Giveaways

One way to attract customers is to offer free promotional items just for visiting your car dealership and looking around at cars for sale. People love to receive free items, especially when it is something that they often need but don’t have handy. Examples of popular promotional items include:

  • accessories for cars (ice scrapers, travel mugs)
  • mini-flashlight keychains
  • pocket planners
  • digital pedometer
  • tote bags
  • mini-coolers

In addition, you can have the name of your company imprinted on each promotional item. By giving away things that people use around others, you can allow your business to reach more potential customers who want to know more about the generous business giving away such nifty items.

Commercials and Videos

The cost of producing a thirty-second local commercial advertising your car dealership can be done for less than $1,000, but that is not including the air time you must purchase from television stations to have it aired. Commercials that are inventive and feature a catchy jingle,however, are powerful ways to promote a business. Making a video and promoting it on YouTube or Facebook is another method that reaches hundreds to thousands of people, depending on how it is marketed and if it is recommended to others. The trick in creating an effective commercial is using those thirty seconds to advertise your car dealership as offering the best sales, customer service and merchandise available in that area. It takes a little ingenuity and creativity but if it is done right, it is worth the time, expense and effort.

Promoting a car dealership can be accomplished using all kinds of media outlets in addition to promotional giveaways and advertising sales events. Most are fairly easy to implement and require minimal expenditures.

Best Cars for a New Family

Now that there is a new addition to your family, owning a sports car or vehicle which can only accommodate two people will be impractical and unsafe in which to drive your infant. Those fast, lightweight cars are fun to drive when you are single and only have yourself to worry about. But with children comes the additional responsibility of owning an automobile that provides the ultimate in dependability and safety features, along with enough room additional family members if the need arises in the future.

2010 Honda Odyssey

This minivan has gotten high crash ratings from researchers and excellent reviews from new parents. Car seats are easily placed in the Honda Odyssey because of its roominess and sliding power doors. It also contains child-proof rear-door locks and an optional DVD entertainment center. In addition, this minivan has standard side airbags in all three rows to ensure proper protection in the event of an accident.

2010 Dodge Caliber

This compact wagon is considered one of the cheaper cars appropriate for new families. Other family-friendly features for the Dodge Caliber include:

  • 5-star crash ratings
  • sufficient amount of trunk space for growing families
  • multistage airbags in front
  • electronic stability control
  • cloth seats

Car seats are also easy to install in these models.

2010 Chevrolet Malibu

While possessing most features that other vehicles have which pertain to a new family’s comfort and safety, the Chevrolet Malibu also has something called the OnStar crash alert system which automatically alerts a call center in the event of an accident. Generally priced at $22,000, it is an excellent vehicle for a new family to think about purchasing.

2010 Chevrolet Traverse

As a smaller SUV that rides like a car, the Chevrolet Traverse offers sufficient safety features and the ability to adjust to the new or growing family. Given 5-star NHTSA crash rating, the Traverse contains six airbags, seats eight people and allows the user to lay the rear seats down which provides ample extra space for groceries, toys, etc. In fact, this vehicle was given the award as the Best Family Car of 2009 by Parents Magazine.
When shopping for a family car, look for certain safety features, along with those mentioned above, which will provide enough security for you and your new family. Don’t forget other features you will need in the future. Room enough for soccer equipment or bring home a Jolly Kidz playpen hexagonal.

Dog Seat Covers Keep Your Car Looking New

If you have any kind of car riding pet, then you may already know the kind of damage that they can do to your vehicle. It isn’t malicious, but when you take your dog along with you on trips—whether it’s a short one to the store or a nice long camping trip—they leave their mark on the vehicle. From shed hair to scratches and even urine, an animal can do real damage to the interior of your car. That may not be a problem for you if the car is old, but it is absolutely an issue with a newer car. Fortunately, you don’t need to take extraordinary measures to protect your vehicle. You simply need a dog seat cover.

How it Helps

Seat covers for dogs come in many sizes, shapes, and colors, but they are all designed to do just one thing. They protect your vehicle from the kind of wear and tear that canine passengers create. Dogs shed in the car, but they also leave dirt that gets ground into your carpets. They can scratch up plastic surfaces as they climb over the seats and the dash. Sometimes, they will even chew on your car and if you leave them too long then an accident is inevitable. A dog seat cover is a removable, washable surface that you simply place between your car and your dog.

Extending Your Interior Life

The biggest benefit that this kind of cover offers is flexibility. Cover as much or as little of the car as you like. Take the cover off and store it in the trunk if you’ve got human passengers. You’ll still have it around when you need to put a barrier between your car and your pets. Over time, having that barrier can dramatically affect the level of wear and tear that the average vehicle receives. It can truly improve the life of your cars interior. All from a little dog seat cover accessory.

Looking for roof racks for SUVs?

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10 Best Eco Friendly Hybrid Cars For 2010

Some of these cars have yet to be released; however, if they stand up and perform the way they have been touted, they will well and truly have earned their spot on this list.

Chevy Volt

2010-Chevy-Volt

The upcoming Chevrolet Volt 230 will be the chart topper as it is said to give you 230 miles per gallon in the city. This number can be played with due to the interaction of the electric and gas portion of the car. For the first 40 miles of the charge, the car will run completely on electricity, after that, the gas power kicks in more and more as the mileage ticks off. If you drive less than forty miles a day, this car could definitely be your new best friend, though the price tag for this car will exceed $40,000.00. You’ll have to save a lot of gas in order to make up the difference in cost.

3rd Generation Prius

3rd-generation-prius

The next car on the chart is the 3rd generation Toyota Prius, coming in at $22,000.00, this car will be much more attainable than the Volt. It retains its familiar shape though it has been sleeked up a bit and is essentially the same size. The gasoline engine is a little stronger than the predecessor and there have been other upgrades also that gives this car a 51/48 mpg respectively. Toyota has addressed the faults of the previous year, giving the vehicle a more rigid chassis and upgraded electric assist steering. The new Prius also has an optional self parking system. Solar powered ventilation systems are also available on some models, an affordable car that continues to work hard towards eco-friendliness.

Honda Insight

2010_honda_insight

Eco friendly car number three is the Honda Insight re-enters the race with a base price tag of $23,550 and the fully loaded Insight EX that includes all sorts of goodies such as a navigation system, costs only slightly more than the bare bones Prius. This little car sports an Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system that starts with a 1.3 liter four cylinder gasoline engine with 88 horsepower and 88 pound feet of torque. The electric motor generates another 13hp and 58 pound feet of torque, this will move the Insight up to 30 mph without the help of the gas engine. When the gas engine does kick in, it’s a seamless transition that doesn’t cough and rumble. The braking system also acts as a recharging system, sending charge to the battery whenever the brakes are applied. This car gets approximately 40/43 respectively

Ford Escape Hybrid

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid

Coming up next in line is the Ford Escape Hybrid which is the first SUV style eco friendly vehicle on the list. The Escape Hybrid has been on the market for five years now and those five years have filled Ford with experience and knowledge that is in turn rolled back into the next version of the vehicle. This is another vehicle that will have a ‘park assist’ system which automatically steers the vehicle into a suitably sized parking space. The fuel economy for this vehicle is 34 in the city and higher on the highways, this makes it the most fuel efficient SUV on the market. The Hybrid model of the Escape starts at $31,500. What this vehicle is fighting is the Honda CR-V fully gas powered and the Toyota RAV4 fully gas powered which are all around better vehicles and turn in a respectable 20mpg combined fuel economy at a much lower ticket price.

Honda Civic Hybrid

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid is the next one to step up as one of the first members of the Honda Hybrid lineup. This is a small family sedan and serves well for a couple with young children. This little sedan is powered by a 1.3 liter i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine with integrated motor assist and a permanent magnet electric motor, producing 110 horsepower and 45 mpg on the highway, controlled by a continuously variable transmission. It is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system to ensure your tires are always at the correct inflation to give the best gas mileage. The base price of this hybrid is $23,800.00 making it an affordable green solution.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

ford-fusion-hybrid

The 2010 Ford Fusion is the first US hybrid that sports a fully functional gasoline-electric powertrain, the Fusion can even run in full electric mode with the air conditioner on. This little family sedan delivers 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway driving. This spunky little sedan starts at $27,270.00 so it won’t drain the pocketbook as much as many competitors. The Fusion Hybrid is equipped with a 2.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine producing 156 horsepower and is paired with an electric motor that raises the horsepower to 191. Power is transferred to the wheels by a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Lexus HS 250h

2010-lexus-hs250h

In the luxury field you could have guaranteed that Lexus would have their bid in and they do with the HS 250h which is base priced at $34,200. This little luxury sedan delivers 35 mpg combined driving through a powertrain that is from the Camry Hybrid though it’s platform is unique to it alone. When you drive this vehicle you will have no doubt you are driving a luxury car, it’s ride, lack of cabin noise and nimble handling combined with just about every luxury feature possible as either standard or optional, will leave you with no doubts.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

porsche_cayenne_hybrid

If you have a need for even more luxury and you have the pocketbook healthy enough to support it, you may want to take a look at the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. This sporty little hybrid is due to be released some time in 2010. The price tag is expected to range between $44,000 and 123,000 making this a very expensive green machine. Full specs on this vehicle are only speculation at this point and full knowledge of it’s capabilities won’t be realized until those specs become available.

Mercury Milan Hybrid

2010-mercury-milan-hybrid

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid is available sporting two gas/electric engine options, one being a 2.5 liter in-line four and the peppier 3.0-liter V6 version. On electrical power alone this vehicle can hit 47 mph which is the fastest electric only speed for any hybrid currently on the market. It is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission and delivers 41/36 mpg city, highway respectively. This vehicle base prices out at $31,235 making it one of the more expensive eco friendly cars but is well worth the look.

Nissan Altima Hybird

2009-nissan-altima-hybrid

The last car on the list and quite possibly the least is the Nissan Altima Hybrid. This vehicle is Nissan’s first bid to run in the hybrid race. Equipped with a NiMH batter pack designed by Panasonic, the Altima is currently a bit of a mix and match concoction of parts and pieces from Ford and Toyota. This hybrid has limited availability which will make getting parts harder than the rest as well as making service in general a bit harder to come by. The overall design of this vehicle is basically the same as the non hybrid Altima. There is a rumor that the 2012 Altima will have a completely new design so you may want to wait for the 2012 model before considering this vehicle.

Lexus HS 250h

Specs

  • Engine: Inline 4 Atkinson cycle aluminum block and heads, 2.4 liters, Dual cam 4 valves per cylinder with continuously variable valve timing with intelligence.
  • Electric motor: front high output, permanent magnet electric drive.
  • 187 combined hp.
  • 0-60 in 8.4 seconds.
  • Top speed (electronically limited) 112 mph.
  • Fuel economy 35/34.
  • Transmission is electronically controlled continuously variable.
  • 0-60 at 8.7 seconds.

Lexus HS-250h Overview:

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h comes in two trim levels, the base and the premium. The base model comes with 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a sunroof. The side view mirrors are heated and there is a keyless ignition / entry system. This vehicle is equipped with full power accessories, leather upholstery and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. The front seats are power, ten way for the driver and eight way for the passenger. The steering wheel is both tilt and telescoping and contains audio controls. The climate control is dual zone and the speaker system is equipped with ten speakers and a six disk CD changer. Satellite radio and USB/iPod connections as well as Bluetooth are also all standard.
The Premium edition comes with even more creature comforts and the plus of being able to set all your personal settings with the touch of a button. The Audio system and hard drive navigation system are both top notch and there is even a technology package and camera package.
Lexus aficionados are already touting this little dream car. People are very excited about not only the comforts and technology of the car, but they are also excited about the environmentally conscious aspects of the car that will also go a long ways towards saving them on gas money.
Click here for the official Lexus HS 250h homepage.